Zechariah 12:13

KJV

The family of the house of Levi apart, and their wives apart; the family of Shimei apart, and their wives apart;

KJV (with Strong's)

The family {H4940} of the house {H1004} of Levi {H3878} apart, and their wives {H802} apart; the family {H4940} of Shimei {H8097} apart, and their wives {H802} apart;

Complete Jewish Bible

the family of the house of Levi by itself, and their wives by themselves; the family of the Shim'i by itself, and their wives by themselves;

Berean Standard Bible

the clan of the house of Levi and their wives, the clan of Shimei and their wives,

American Standard Version

the family of the house of Levi apart, and their wives apart; the family of the Shimeites apart, and their wives apart;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Zechariah 12:13 describes a profound and deeply personal national mourning that will sweep through the house of Judah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem. Following the outpouring of the Spirit of grace and supplications, this verse details the comprehensive nature of this lamentation, reaching specific family lines such as Levi and Shimei, emphasizing that the grief will be so intense and individual that men and women will mourn separately, signifying a pervasive and intimate repentance before the Lord.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Zechariah 12:13 is situated within a pivotal prophetic passage (Zechariah 12-14) that foretells a future siege of Jerusalem by all nations, followed by God's miraculous intervention and the spiritual transformation of His people. The immediate context of this verse is the description of a national outpouring of grief and repentance, initiated by God's Spirit. [Zechariah 12:10](/zechariah/12-10 "Zechariah 12:10 - Mourning for the Pierced One") explicitly states that the "spirit of grace and of supplications" will be poured out upon the house of David and the inhabitants of Jerusalem, leading them to look upon "him whom they have pierced" and mourn for him. Verses 11-14 then elaborate on the scale and character of this mourning, comparing it to the great lamentation for Hadadrimmon in the valley of Megiddon, and specifying that it will extend to every family and even within families, with men and women mourning in private. This verse, therefore, underscores the depth and universality of this future national repentance.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The mention of "the house of Levi" and "the family of Shimei" grounds this prophetic vision in the historical and social structures of ancient Israel. The Levites were the priestly tribe, set apart for service in the tabernacle and later the temple, responsible for religious instruction and ceremonies. Their inclusion signifies that this national repentance will encompass even those in spiritual leadership. Shimei refers to a specific family line within the tribe of Levi, descended from Gershon, one of Levi's sons ([Numbers 3:18](/numbers/3-18 "Numbers 3:18 - Sons of Levi") and [Numbers 3:21](/numbers/3-21 "Numbers 3:21 - Clans of the Gershonites")). By naming both the broader tribal group (Levi) and a specific family within it (Shimei), the prophecy emphasizes the comprehensive nature of this mourning, reaching all segments of society, from prominent religious figures to specific, perhaps less prominent, but still significant, family units. The cultural practice of mourning often involved public displays, but the repeated phrase "apart, and their wives apart" highlights an intensely personal and private aspect of this particular lamentation, suggesting a deep, individual conviction of sin.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several key themes within Zechariah and broader biblical prophecy. Firstly, it highlights the theme of **National Repentance and Contrition**, portraying a future, widespread turning of the Jewish people to God, marked by profound sorrow for their past rejection of their Messiah, the "pierced one" of [Zechariah 12:10](/zechariah/12-10 "Zechariah 12:10 - Prophecy of the Pierced One"). Secondly, the repeated phrase "apart, and their wives apart" underscores the theme of **Profound, Personal Grief**, emphasizing that this will not be a mere collective ritual but an intensely individual and private experience of sorrow and conviction, even within family units. This points to a deep, internal transformation rather than an outward display. Lastly, the specific mention of "the family of the house of Levi" and "the family of Shimei" reinforces the theme of **Comprehensive Scope of Repentance**, indicating that this spiritual awakening will permeate all levels and segments of Israelite society, from the religious leadership to every household.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **family (Hebrew, _mishpâchâh'_):** This term (H4940) denotes a circle of relatives, a clan, or by extension, a tribe or people. Its use here emphasizes that the mourning will occur along familial lines, indicating a deep, inherent connection to one's lineage and community, yet experienced individually within that structure. The scope is both collective and personal.
* **Levi (Hebrew, _Lêvîy'_):** The name (H3878) means "attached" and refers to Levi, one of Jacob's sons, whose descendants formed the priestly tribe. The mention of Levi signifies the inclusion of the religious and spiritual leadership in this national mourning. It implies that even those traditionally set apart for sacred service will participate in this profound repentance.
* **wives (Hebrew, _ʼishshâh'_):** This word (H802) is the feminine form of "man" and refers to a woman or wife. The explicit separation of "their wives apart" highlights the intensely personal and gender-specific nature of the mourning. It suggests that the grief is so profound that even within the closest familial bonds, individuals will retreat to mourn privately, emphasizing individual accountability and sorrow before God.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"The family of the house of Levi apart,"**: This clause specifies that the mourning will begin with or include the entire lineage of Levi, the tribe historically responsible for priestly and temple service. The word "apart" (לְבָד, _levad_) signifies a separation, indicating that this family unit will engage in a distinct, isolated form of lamentation, perhaps retreating to private spaces.
* **"and their wives apart;"**: This phrase immediately follows, emphasizing that within the Levitical families, the women will also mourn separately from the men. This reinforces the intensely personal and gender-segregated nature of the grief, highlighting that each individual, male and female, will experience a private, profound sorrow before God.
* **"the family of Shimei apart,"**: This clause extends the scope of mourning to a specific family within the tribe of Levi, the descendants of Shimei (a son of Gershon, Levi's son). By naming a particular branch of the Levites, the prophecy underscores the comprehensive reach of this repentance, affecting not just the general tribe but specific, identifiable family units. The repetition of "apart" reinforces the private and distinct nature of their lament.
* **"and their wives apart;"**: Once again, this concluding phrase reiterates that within the family of Shimei, the wives will mourn separately from their husbands. This final repetition powerfully emphasizes the pervasive, deeply personal, and individual character of the national repentance described in this passage, where even the closest human bonds yield to solitary communion with God in grief.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device at play in Zechariah 12:13 is **Repetition**, specifically of the phrase "apart, and their wives apart." This repetition serves to intensely emphasize the deeply personal, individual, and pervasive nature of the mourning. It is not merely a collective, public lament, but a profound, private sorrow that touches every individual within the family unit, regardless of gender. This highlights the depth of conviction and the intimate relationship each person will have with their grief and repentance. Additionally, the use of **Specificity** in naming "the family of the house of Levi" and "the family of Shimei" grounds the prophecy in concrete, identifiable social structures, making the scope of the mourning tangible and comprehensive. This detailing underscores that no segment of society, from religious leaders to ordinary families, will be untouched by this spiritual awakening.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Zechariah 12:13 vividly portrays a future moment of profound national repentance, a turning point for Israel rooted in a deep, personal recognition of sin and sorrow. This mourning is not merely an emotional outburst but a divinely initiated response to the outpouring of God's Spirit, leading to a genuine turning of the heart. The separation of men and women in their mourning underscores that true repentance is ultimately an individual act before God, even within a corporate context. It speaks to the necessity of personal conviction and a solitary reckoning with one's transgressions, emphasizing that while sin may have communal consequences, its remedy begins with individual brokenness and contrition. This prophetic picture offers a timeless theological truth: genuine spiritual revival is marked by deep humility and a heartfelt sorrow for sin, leading to a transformed relationship with God.

* [Joel 2:12-13](/joel/2-12-13 "Joel 2:12-13 - Return to the Lord with All Your Heart")
* [Psalm 51:17](/psalms/51-17 "Psalm 51:17 - A Broken and Contrite Heart")
* [Jeremiah 31:9](/jeremiah/31-9 "Jeremiah 31:9 - They Shall Come with Weeping")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Zechariah 12:13, while describing a future prophetic event for Israel, offers profound insights into the nature of true repentance and spiritual awakening for believers today. The image of men and women mourning "apart" reminds us that while we are part of a community of faith, our relationship with God, and especially our repentance, must be deeply personal and individual. It calls us to move beyond superficial confessions to a place of genuine, heartfelt sorrow for our sins, a sorrow that leads to true change. This verse challenges us to examine our hearts for areas where we might be holding back from complete surrender and to cultivate a sensitivity to the Holy Spirit's conviction, allowing Him to lead us into a deeper, more intimate walk with Christ. It encourages us to seek moments of quiet reflection and personal prayer, where we can honestly confront our shortcomings and experience the transformative power of God's grace, knowing that genuine sorrow for sin is a pathway to profound spiritual renewal and closer communion with our Savior.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life might I need to engage in a more "apart" or private season of repentance before the Lord?**
* **How does the idea of individual mourning, even within a family, challenge my understanding of corporate worship and personal devotion?**
* **What does "sorrow for sin" truly mean for me, beyond merely regretting consequences, and how can I cultivate a deeper, more genuine contrition?**

### FAQ
**Why are specific families like Levi and Shimei mentioned in this prophecy?**

Answer: The mention of "the family of the house of Levi" and "the family of Shimei" serves to emphasize the comprehensive and pervasive nature of the national mourning and repentance described in [Zechariah 12](/zechariah/12 "Zechariah 12 - Jerusalem's Deliverance and Mourning"). Levi represents the priestly and religious leadership, indicating that even those most dedicated to spiritual service will participate in this profound turning to God. Shimei was a specific family line within the tribe of Levi, descended from Gershon ([Numbers 3:18](/numbers/3-18 "Numbers 3:18 - Sons of Levi")). By naming both the broader tribe and a specific family within it, the prophecy highlights that this spiritual awakening will encompass all levels of society, from the most prominent to the more specific family units, ensuring that no segment of the nation is untouched by this deep, personal contrition.

**What is the significance of men and women mourning "apart"?**

Answer: The repeated phrase "apart, and their wives apart" (Hebrew: _levad v'nasheihem levad_) powerfully underscores the intensely personal and individual nature of the mourning described in [Zechariah 12:10-14](/zechariah/12-10-14 "Zechariah 12:10-14 - The Great Mourning"). In ancient cultures, mourning often involved public displays and communal lamentation. However, this prophecy emphasizes that the grief will be so profound and deeply felt that even within the closest familial bonds, individuals will retreat to mourn in private, separated by gender. This signifies that the repentance is not merely a collective ritual or social custom, but a deeply intimate, individual conviction of sin and sorrow before God, highlighting personal accountability and a solitary reckoning with the Lord.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Zechariah 12:13 finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the future spiritual awakening of Israel, directly tied to their recognition of Jesus Christ as their long-awaited Messiah. The preceding verse, [Zechariah 12:10](/zechariah/12-10 "Zechariah 12:10 - Prophecy of the Pierced One"), prophesies that the house of David and the inhabitants of Jerusalem will "look on me whom they have pierced, and they shall mourn for him." This is a direct prophetic reference to the crucifixion of Jesus, as confirmed in the New Testament ([John 19:37](/john/19-37 "John 19:37 - They will look on the one they have pierced") and [Revelation 1:7](/revelation/1-7 "Revelation 1:7 - Every eye will see Him")). The profound, individual mourning described in Zechariah 12:13, extending to specific families and involving men and women mourning separately, depicts the deep sorrow and repentance that will sweep through Israel when they collectively recognize Jesus as the one they rejected and pierced. This future event, often associated with the end times and the second coming of Christ, signifies a national turning to their Messiah, leading to their spiritual restoration and salvation ([Romans 11:25-27](/romans/11-25-27 "Romans 11:25-27 - The Fullness of the Gentiles and Israel's Salvation")). Thus, Zechariah 12:13 is a powerful prophetic picture of Israel's future repentance and acceptance of Christ, a sorrow that leads to life.

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

1 Chronicles 4:27

And Shimei had sixteen sons and six daughters; but his brethren had not many children, neither did all their family multiply, like to the children of Judah.

1 Chronicles 23:10

And the sons of Shimei [were], Jahath, Zina, and Jeush, and Beriah. These four [were] the sons of Shimei.

Numbers 3:1

¶ These also [are] the generations of Aaron and Moses in the day [that] the LORD spake with Moses in mount Sinai.

Numbers 3:4

And Nadab and Abihu died before the LORD, when they offered strange fire before the LORD, in the wilderness of Sinai, and they had no children: and Eleazar and Ithamar ministered in the priest's office in the sight of Aaron their father.

2 Samuel 16:5

¶ And when king David came to Bahurim, behold, thence came out a man of the family of the house of Saul, whose name [was] Shimei, the son of Gera: he came forth, and cursed still as he came.

1 Chronicles 23:7

Of the Gershonites [were], Laadan, and Shimei.

Exodus 6:16

And these [are] the names of the sons of Levi according to their generations; Gershon, and Kohath, and Merari: and the years of the life of Levi [were] an hundred thirty and seven years.