Zechariah 12:12

KJV

And the land shall mourn, every family apart; the family of the house of David apart, and their wives apart; the family of the house of Nathan apart, and their wives apart;

KJV (with Strong's)

And the land {H776} shall mourn {H5594}, every {H4940} family {H4940} apart {H905}; the family {H4940} of the house {H1004} of David {H1732} apart, and their wives {H802} apart; the family {H4940} of the house {H1004} of Nathan {H5416} apart, and their wives {H802} apart;

Complete Jewish Bible

Then the land will mourn, each family by itself - the family of the house of David by itself, and their wives by themselves; the family of the house of Natan by itself, and their wives by themselves;

Berean Standard Bible

The land will mourn, each clan on its own: the clan of the house of David and their wives, the clan of the house of Nathan and their wives,

American Standard Version

And the land shall mourn, every family apart; the family of the house of David apart, and their wives apart; the family of the house of Nathan apart, and their wives apart;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Zechariah 12:12 prophesies a profound and widespread national mourning in Israel, a deeply personal and individualized lament that will sweep across the land. This sorrow is not merely a public display but an intensely private grief, experienced by every family and even by individuals within those families, signifying a genuine and heartfelt repentance in response to a future spiritual awakening.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Zechariah 12:12 is situated within the second major prophetic oracle of Zechariah (chapters 9-14), often referred to as "The Burden of the Word of the LORD concerning Israel" (or "Jerusalem"). This section focuses on eschatological events, particularly the final conflict involving Jerusalem, the ultimate deliverance of God's people, and their spiritual transformation. Verse 12 directly follows the pivotal [Zechariah 12:10](/zechariah/12-10 "Zechariah 12:10 - The Spirit of Grace and Supplication") which describes the outpouring of "the spirit of grace and of supplications" upon the house of David and the inhabitants of Jerusalem, leading them to "look upon him whom they have pierced, and they shall mourn for him, as one mourns for his only son." Verse 12 then elaborates on the *nature* and *scope* of this mourning, emphasizing its deeply personal and pervasive character, extending to every segment of society. The subsequent [Zechariah 13:1](/zechariah/13-1 "Zechariah 13:1 - A Fountain Opened for Sin") promises a "fountain opened for sin and for uncleanness," indicating the redemptive outcome of this national repentance.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Zechariah prophesied to the Jewish community that had returned from Babylonian exile, encouraging them in the rebuilding of the temple and reminding them of God's covenant faithfulness and future plans for Israel. While the immediate historical context is post-exilic, the prophecy itself points to a future, eschatological event. Culturally, mourning in ancient Israel was a highly ritualized and public affair, often involving tearing clothes, wearing sackcloth, sprinkling ashes, wailing, and professional mourners (e.g., [Jeremiah 9:17-18](/jeremiah/9-17-18 "Jeremiah 9:17-18 - Calling for Mourning Women")). However, the emphasis in Zechariah 12:12 on mourning "apart" (Hebrew: *bad*) signifies a departure from mere public ritual to an intensely private and personal sorrow, indicating a profound internal brokenness and contrition. The mention of the "house of David" (the royal line) and the "house of Nathan" (a prominent family, likely referring to Nathan, a son of David, as in [2 Samuel 5:14](/2_samuel/5-14 "2 Samuel 5:14 - David's Sons")) underscores that this mourning will encompass all levels of society, from the most prominent to the common people.
* **Key Themes:** The overarching theme in Zechariah 12 is God's ultimate vindication and restoration of Jerusalem, both militarily and spiritually. Within this, [Zechariah 12:12](/zechariah/12-12 "Zechariah 12:12 - The Mourning of the Land") contributes to several key themes: **National Repentance** and **Spiritual Awakening**, where a profound, collective turning to God occurs. This is intertwined with **Individualized Grief and Contrition**, as the verse stresses the personal nature of the mourning, signifying a deep, internal sorrow for sin, not just a superficial display. The context of "him whom they have pierced" (from [Zechariah 12:10](/zechariah/12-10 "Zechariah 12:10 - The Pierced One")) introduces the theme of **Messianic Recognition and Atonement**, as this mourning is directly linked to the realization of their past rejection of the Messiah. This leads to the theme of **Divine Forgiveness and Cleansing**, as seen in the subsequent promise of a "fountain opened for sin" in [Zechariah 13:1](/zechariah/13-1 "Zechariah 13:1 - A Fountain for Sin and Uncleanness"), highlighting the transformative power of genuine repentance.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **mourn (Hebrew, _çâphad'_):** H5594, a primitive root meaning to tear the hair and beat the breasts (as Orientals do in grief); generally to lament; by implication, to wail. This word describes a deep, often outward expression of grief and sorrow, typically associated with formal lamentation or ritualistic mourning. In this context, while it denotes intense sorrow, the accompanying phrase "apart" suggests that this wailing moves beyond mere public performance to a deeply personal and internal brokenness.
* **family (Hebrew, _mishpâchâh'_):** H4940, from שָׁפָה (compare שִׁפְחָה); a family, i.e. circle of relatives; figuratively, a class (of persons), a species (of animals) or sort (of things); by extension a tribe or people. The repetition of "family" emphasizes the comprehensive scope of the mourning, reaching every household and lineage within the land, ensuring no segment of society is untouched by this profound grief.
* **apart (Hebrew, _bad'_):** H905, from בָּדַד; properly, separation; by implication, a part of the body, branch of a tree, bar for carrying; figuratively, chief of a city; especially (with prepositional prefix) as an adverb, apart, only, besides. This word is crucial for understanding the nature of the mourning. It signifies a separation, an individual isolation even within the family unit, indicating a grief so personal and intense that it necessitates private lamentation, moving beyond the communal public mourning typical of the time.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the land shall mourn, every family apart;":** This opening clause establishes the widespread and pervasive nature of the mourning. "The land" (Hebrew: *'erets*) refers to the entire nation or territory, indicating that this is a national event. The phrase "every family apart" immediately introduces the unique characteristic of this lament: it is not merely a collective, public display, but a deeply individualized sorrow that penetrates every household, with each family unit experiencing its grief in a distinct, separated manner.
* **"the family of the house of David apart, and their wives apart;":** This specifies the first prominent group to mourn. The "house of David" represents the royal lineage and, by extension, the leadership and most visible segment of society. The repetition of "apart" reinforces the personal nature of the grief. Crucially, "and their wives apart" highlights an even deeper level of individual sorrow, suggesting that even within the family, the grief is so profound that husbands and wives might mourn separately, emphasizing the ultimate personal isolation in this moment of contrition.
* **"the family of the house of Nathan apart, and their wives apart;":** This clause continues the pattern, identifying another significant family, the "house of Nathan." Nathan was a son of David (2 Samuel 5:14) and also a prominent prophet (2 Samuel 7:2). By singling out this specific family, the prophecy underscores that the mourning will extend beyond just the most prominent "royal" house to other significant, perhaps priestly or prophetic, lineages, further demonstrating the comprehensive and deeply personal nature of this national repentance across all societal strata. The phrase "and their wives apart" again emphasizes the intense, individualized sorrow.

#### Literary Devices
Zechariah 12:12 employs several powerful literary devices to convey the depth and scope of the prophesied mourning. **Repetition** is a primary device, seen in the repeated use of "apart" (*bad*) and "family" (*mishpâchâh*), which serves to emphasize the intensely personal and pervasive nature of the grief. This repetition underscores that the mourning is not superficial or merely communal, but penetrates to the individual level within every household. **Synecdoche** is present in "the land shall mourn," where "the land" stands for its inhabitants, signifying that the entire nation will participate in this lament. The specific mention of "the house of David" and "the house of Nathan" functions as **Merism**, representing the whole of Israelite society from the most prominent to other significant families, indicating that no one will be exempt from this profound sorrow. The description of such widespread and individualized mourning, even within marital relationships, can be seen as a form of **Hyperbole**, intensifying the emotional impact and conveying the unprecedented depth of this national repentance. Finally, the act of mourning itself serves as **Symbolism**, representing a deep spiritual brokenness, a recognition of sin, and a turning towards God in genuine contrition.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Zechariah 12:12 describes a future, unprecedented national mourning in Israel, directly linked to the recognition of "him whom they have pierced" (Zechariah 12:10). This is not merely sorrow over national calamity, but a profound, spiritual grief over their historical rejection of God's Messiah. It signifies a genuine, Spirit-wrought repentance that permeates every level of society, from the royal house to the common family, and even to the individual within the family unit. This deep, personal contrition is the necessary precursor to national spiritual restoration and cleansing, as promised in Zechariah 13:1. It highlights God's sovereign plan to bring His people to a saving knowledge of Himself, transforming their hearts from rebellion to remorse and ultimately to reconciliation.

* [Jeremiah 31:9](/jeremiah/31-9 "Jeremiah 31:9 - Weeping and Supplication")
* [Romans 11:25-27](/romans/11-25-27 "Romans 11:25-27 - The Fullness of Israel")
* [Revelation 1:7](/revelation/1-7 "Revelation 1:7 - Every Eye Shall See Him")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While Zechariah 12:12 speaks of a future eschatological event concerning the nation of Israel, its principles offer profound insights into the nature of true repentance for all believers today. Genuine sorrow over sin is not merely a collective or superficial acknowledgment but a deeply personal, heartfelt experience. It requires individual reflection, a willingness to confront one's own transgressions, and a profound sense of contrition for our complicity in humanity's rejection of God's ways and His Son. This verse reminds us that true spiritual awakening, whether personal or corporate, often begins with a profound recognition of our sinfulness and a mournful turning towards the One who was "pierced" for our sake. It challenges us to cultivate a heart that grieves over sin, not just its consequences, and to seek a private, intimate space for confession and lament before God, trusting in His promise of forgiveness and cleansing.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What does "mourning apart" teach us about the depth and sincerity of true repentance in our personal lives?**
* **How does the concept of a national mourning for "him whom they have pierced" inform our understanding of corporate sin and the need for collective repentance?**
* **In what ways might we, as individuals or as a church, need to "mourn apart" for our sins and shortcomings before God?**
* **How does the promise of a "fountain opened for sin and for uncleanness" (Zechariah 13:1) encourage us in our personal journey of repentance and seeking forgiveness?**

### FAQ
**Who are the "house of Nathan" and why are they specifically mentioned alongside the "house of David"?**

Answer: The "house of Nathan" refers to the lineage of Nathan, one of King David's sons (as mentioned in [2 Samuel 5:14](/2_samuel/5-14 "2 Samuel 5:14 - David's Sons")). While the "house of David" represents the royal, most prominent lineage, the specific mention of Nathan's house (and other families in the subsequent verses like Levi and Shimei) serves as a literary device called merism. It signifies that the mourning will encompass all segments of Israeli society, from the most prominent royal and priestly families to other significant, perhaps less visible, but still important, lineages. It emphasizes the comprehensive and pervasive nature of this national repentance, reaching every stratum of the population.

**Is this mourning a literal, physical act of wailing, or is it primarily spiritual repentance?**

Answer: The Hebrew word for "mourn" (*çâphad*) often describes a literal, physical lamentation, involving outward expressions of grief like wailing or tearing clothes. However, the repeated emphasis on "every family apart" and "their wives apart" in [Zechariah 12:12](/zechariah/12-12 "Zechariah 12:12 - The Mourning of the Land") suggests that while the mourning may involve outward expressions, its defining characteristic is its deeply personal and private nature. This indicates a profound internal sorrow and brokenness before God, moving beyond mere public ritual to a genuine, spiritual contrition and repentance. It is both a physical manifestation of grief and, more significantly, a spiritual turning of the heart.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Zechariah 12:12, while describing a future national mourning in Israel, finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The preceding verse, [Zechariah 12:10](/zechariah/12-10 "Zechariah 12:10 - The Pierced One"), prophesies that the inhabitants of Jerusalem will "look upon him whom they have pierced, and they shall mourn for him." This "pierced one" is unequivocally identified in the New Testament as Jesus Christ, whose hands, feet, and side were pierced during His crucifixion (cf. [John 19:37](/john/19-37 "John 19:37 - They Shall Look on Him Whom They Pierced") and [Revelation 1:7](/revelation/1-7 "Revelation 1:7 - Every Eye Shall See Him")). The profound, individualized mourning described in Zechariah 12:12, where every family and even individuals within families mourn "apart," foreshadows the deep, personal repentance that the Holy Spirit brings when individuals recognize their sin and the atoning sacrifice of Christ. Just as the Spirit of grace and supplication is poured out (Zechariah 12:10), leading to this mourning, so too does the Holy Spirit convict the world of sin, righteousness, and judgment ([John 16:8](/john/16-8 "John 16:8 - The Spirit Convicts")). This future national mourning in Israel will be the culmination of their spiritual awakening, as they collectively recognize Jesus as their Messiah, the One they rejected, and turn to Him in saving faith, finding cleansing in the "fountain opened for sin and for uncleanness" ([Zechariah 13:1](/zechariah/13-1 "Zechariah 13:1 - A Fountain for Sin")). Thus, Zechariah 12:12 points to the transformative power of the cross and the Spirit's work in bringing about genuine repentance and salvation through Christ.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

2 Samuel 5:14

And these [be] the names of those that were born unto him in Jerusalem; Shammua, and Shobab, and Nathan, and Solomon,

Zechariah 7:3

[And] to speak unto the priests which [were] in the house of the LORD of hosts, and to the prophets, saying, Should I weep in the fifth month, separating myself, as I have done these so many years?

Revelation 1:7

Behold, he cometh with clouds; and every eye shall see him, and they [also] which pierced him: and all kindreds of the earth shall wail because of him. Even so, Amen.

Matthew 24:30

And then shall appear the sign of the Son of man in heaven: and then shall all the tribes of the earth mourn, and they shall see the Son of man coming in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory.

Luke 3:31

Which was [the son] of Melea, which was [the son] of Menan, which was [the son] of Mattatha, which was [the son] of Nathan, which was [the son] of David,

Exodus 12:30

And Pharaoh rose up in the night, he, and all his servants, and all the Egyptians; and there was a great cry in Egypt; for [there was] not a house where [there was] not one dead.

2 Samuel 7:2

That the king said unto Nathan the prophet, See now, I dwell in an house of cedar, but the ark of God dwelleth within curtains.