Zechariah 13:8

KJV

And it shall come to pass, [that] in all the land, saith the LORD, two parts therein shall be cut off [and] die; but the third shall be left therein.

KJV (with Strong's)

And it shall come to pass, that in all the land {H776}, saith {H5002} the LORD {H3068}, two {H8147} parts {H6310} therein shall be cut off {H3772} and die {H1478}; but the third {H7992} shall be left {H3498} therein.

Complete Jewish Bible

In time, throughout that land," says ADONAI, "two-thirds of those in it will be destroyed - they will die, but one-third will remain.

Berean Standard Bible

And in all the land,declares the LORD,two-thirds will be cut off and perish,but a third will be left in it.

American Standard Version

And it shall come to pass, that in all the land, saith Jehovah, two parts therein shall be cut off and die; but the third shall be left therein.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Zechariah 13:8 delivers a powerful prophetic declaration from the LORD, foretelling a severe and widespread judgment upon "all the land" of Israel. This divine pronouncement reveals that two-thirds of the population will be "cut off and die" as a consequence of this intense purification, while a faithful "third" will be preserved, destined to endure the trial and emerge as a refined remnant. The verse underscores God's sovereign hand in both judgment and preservation, setting the stage for the subsequent spiritual cleansing and restoration described in the concluding verses of the chapter.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Zechariah 13:8 stands as a pivotal verse within a broader prophetic section (chapters 12-14) that shifts from the Messiah's first coming and rejection (as hinted in [Zechariah 9:9](/zechariah/9-9 "Zechariah 9:9 - The King Comes to Zion") and [Zechariah 11:12-13](/zechariah/11-12-13 "Zechariah 11:12-13 - The Price of the Shepherd")) to themes of national repentance, purification, and eschatological judgment and salvation. The preceding verses in [Zechariah 13:1-6](/zechariah/13-1-6 "Zechariah 13:1-6 - Cleansing from Sin and Idolatry") detail a future fountain opened for sin and impurity, alongside the removal of false prophets and idolatry from the land. This radical spiritual purging, initiated by God, leads directly into the severe culling described in verse 8, which then flows into the refining fire imagery of [Zechariah 13:9](/zechariah/13-9 "Zechariah 13:9 - The Refining of the Remnant"), where the surviving remnant is tested and purified. The verse thus serves as a grim but necessary transition, illustrating the cost of purification before the promise of restoration.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Zechariah prophesied to the post-exilic community, a people who had returned from Babylonian captivity but were struggling with spiritual apathy, unfaithfulness, and the rebuilding of their temple and national identity. The concept of divine judgment and the preservation of a remnant was deeply ingrained in Israelite history and prophetic tradition, seen in events like the Flood, the Exodus, and the Babylonian Exile itself. The "land" (H776, *ʼerets*) typically refers to the land of Israel, emphasizing that this judgment is specifically directed at God's covenant people. The severity of the judgment—two-thirds cut off—would have resonated with historical periods of national devastation, such as the Assyrian and Babylonian invasions, but here it points to an even more intense, divinely orchestrated purification that transcends mere military defeat.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within Zechariah and the broader prophetic corpus. Foremost is the theme of **Divine Judgment and Purification**, where God actively intervenes to purge sin and unfaithfulness from His people, even if it means severe loss. This is not arbitrary destruction but a purposeful act of cleansing. Closely related is the theme of **The Remnant**, a recurring biblical motif (e.g., [Isaiah 10:20-22](/isaiah/10-20-22 "Isaiah 10:20-22 - The Remnant of Israel"), [Romans 9:27](/romans/9-27 "Romans 9:27 - Paul on the Remnant of Israel")) where God preserves a faithful minority through periods of intense trial, ensuring the continuity of His covenant promises. Finally, the verse speaks to **Suffering as Refinement**, implying that the hardship endured by the surviving third is a crucible designed to purify and strengthen their faith, preparing them for a renewed relationship with God, much like a refiner's fire purifies precious metals, as seen in [Malachi 3:2-3](/malachi/3-2-3 "Malachi 3:2-3 - The Refiner's Fire").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **land (Hebrew, _ʼerets'_):** H776, from an unused root probably meaning to be firm; the earth (at large, or partitively a land); [idiom] common, country, earth, field, ground, land, [idiom] natins, way, [phrase] wilderness, world. Here, "all the land" (כָּל־הָאָרֶץ) specifically refers to the entire territory of Israel, signifying a comprehensive and inescapable judgment that will affect the entire nation, not just a localized region.
* **cut off (Hebrew, _kârath'_):** H3772, a primitive root; to cut (off, down or asunder); by implication, to destroy or consume; specifically, to covenant (i.e., make an alliance or bargain, originally by cutting flesh and passing between the pieces); be chewed, be con-(feder-) ate, covenant, cut (down, off), destroy, fail, feller, be freed, hew (down), make a league (covenant), [idiom] lose, perish, [idiom] utterly, [idiom] want. In this context, "cut off" (נִכְרְתוּ, *nikrethu*) indicates a decisive and severe termination, an excision from the community through death, highlighting the finality of this divine judgment for the unfaithful.
* **die (Hebrew, _gâvaʻ'_):** H1478, a primitive root; to breathe out, i.e., (by implication) expire; die, be dead, give up the ghost, perish. This word emphasizes the literal physical death that will befall the two-thirds, underscoring the severity and corporeal reality of the judgment. It signifies the complete cessation of life for those who are "cut off."
* **left (Hebrew, _yâthar'_):** H3498, a primitive root; to jut over or exceed; by implication, to excel; (intransitively) to remain or be left; causatively, to leave, cause to abound, preserve; excel, leave (a remnant), left behind, too much, make plenteous, preserve, (be, let) remain(-der, -ing, -nant), reserve, residue, rest. The term "left" (וְנִשְׁאֲרָה, *wenish'arah*) is crucial, directly pointing to the concept of a "remnant." It signifies that despite the overwhelming destruction, God sovereignly preserves a portion, ensuring the continuation of His purposes through a purified people.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And it shall come to pass, that in all the land,"**: This opening phrase serves as a prophetic declaration, signaling a future event of significant magnitude. "In all the land" (בְּכָל־הָאָרֶץ) emphasizes the comprehensive scope of this judgment, indicating that no part of the nation of Israel will be untouched by this divine action. It speaks to a national, rather than localized, experience.
* **"saith the LORD,"**: This authoritative interjection (נְאֻם־יְהוָה, *ne'um-YHWH*) authenticates the prophecy as a direct, unalterable word from God Himself. It underscores the divine origin and certainty of the impending events, removing any doubt about the source or the inevitability of the judgment. The LORD (YHWH) is the sovereign initiator and executor of this decree.
* **"two parts therein shall be cut off and die;"**: This is the core of the judgment. The numerical precision ("two parts" or two-thirds) highlights the specific and deliberate nature of God's action. This large proportion of the population will be "cut off" (exterminated or removed) and "die" (physically perish), signifying a severe and devastating culling of the unfaithful or unpurified elements within Israel.
* **"but the third shall be left therein."**: In stark contrast to the preceding clause, this phrase introduces the element of divine preservation and hope. Despite the widespread destruction, a "third" (הַשְּׁלִשִׁית, *hashshelishit*) of the population will be "left" (preserved or remain). This surviving portion represents the faithful remnant whom God sovereignly protects and purifies through the ordeal, ensuring the continuity of His covenant people.

#### Literary Devices
Zechariah 13:8 employs several potent literary devices to convey its message. The most prominent is **Numerical Symbolism**, where the precise fractions "two parts" (two-thirds) and "the third" are not merely statistical but carry symbolic weight, emphasizing the deliberate and divinely ordained nature of the judgment and the preservation of the remnant. This precision contrasts with the general language often used for widespread disaster, highlighting God's sovereign control over the outcome. There is also a strong element of **Contrast** or **Antithesis**, juxtaposing the fate of the majority ("cut off and die") with that of the minority ("shall be left"), which powerfully underscores the distinction between the judged and the preserved. The phrase "saith the LORD" functions as a **Prophetic Oracle Formula**, lending divine authority and certainty to the declaration. Finally, the imagery of being "cut off and die" evokes a sense of **Excision** or **Purging**, akin to pruning a vine or refining metal, which is a recurring metaphor for divine judgment and purification in prophetic literature.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Zechariah 13:8 profoundly illustrates God's unwavering commitment to the purity of His covenant people, even if it necessitates severe judgment. It reveals a God who is both just in His wrath against sin and merciful in His preservation of a faithful remnant. This divine pattern, where a significant portion is removed for unfaithfulness while a smaller, purified group endures, speaks to the ongoing process of sanctification and the ultimate triumph of God's redemptive plan. The verse foreshadows a future time when God will definitively cleanse His people, preparing them for His presence and blessing, a theme that resonates throughout biblical eschatology.

* [Isaiah 6:13](/isaiah/6-13 "The Holy Seed as a Remnant")
* [Jeremiah 30:11](/jeremiah/30-11 "God's Promise to Preserve Israel")
* [Romans 11:5](/romans/11-5 "The Remnant Chosen by Grace")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Zechariah 13:8, while a stark prophecy of judgment, offers profound insights for believers today. It reminds us that God is actively involved in the purification of His people, whether individually or corporately. We are called to recognize that trials and periods of intense suffering, though painful, can be instruments of divine refinement, purging impurities and strengthening our faith. This verse encourages us to examine our own lives for areas of unfaithfulness or compromise, knowing that God desires our holiness. Furthermore, it instills hope: even in the midst of overwhelming challenges or widespread spiritual decline, God always preserves a remnant. Our call is to strive to be part of that faithful minority, enduring through perseverance and trusting in God's ultimate plan of redemption and restoration. This understanding fosters resilience and a deeper reliance on God's sovereign hand, even when His methods are severe.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the concept of God's judgment and purification in Zechariah 13:8 challenge my understanding of God's character?**
* **In what ways might God be seeking to "purify" or "refine" areas of my own life or the church today?**
* **What does it mean to be part of the "remnant" in a contemporary context, and how can I live faithfully in light of this truth?**
* **How can I maintain hope and trust in God's sovereignty even when faced with widespread suffering or spiritual decline?**

### FAQ

**Is the "two parts" and "third" a literal prophecy, or symbolic?**

Answer: While prophetic numbers can sometimes be symbolic, the stark precision of "two parts" (two-thirds) and "the third" in Zechariah 13:8 is generally understood by scholars to indicate a literal and severe culling. This is not merely a vague statement of widespread destruction but a divinely ordained proportion of the population that will perish, while a specific minority will be preserved. The context of Zechariah 13-14 points to a future, intense period of tribulation and purification for Israel, which will involve significant loss of life, preparing the way for the ultimate Messianic kingdom. This literal interpretation underscores the severity and certainty of God's judgment and the miraculous nature of the remnant's preservation.

**Who is "the land" referring to in this prophecy?**

Answer: In the context of Zechariah, "the land" (הָאָרֶץ, *ha'aretz*) almost unequivocally refers to the land of Israel and its inhabitants. Zechariah's prophecies are primarily directed towards the post-exilic Jewish community and their future. Therefore, the judgment described in [Zechariah 13:8](/zechariah/13-8 "Zechariah 13:8 - Judgment and the Remnant") is specifically aimed at the people of Israel, indicating a national purification that will affect the entire nation within their historical homeland. This is consistent with the broader prophetic tradition where God's covenant dealings, both blessings and judgments, are often tied to the physical land of Israel and its people.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Zechariah 13:8, with its stark imagery of judgment and the preservation of a remnant, finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. While the immediate context points to a future purification of Israel, the principle of divine judgment against sin and the preservation of a faithful few is profoundly realized through the cross. Jesus himself became the one "cut off" (cf. [Isaiah 53:8](/isaiah/53-8 "Isaiah 53:8 - He was Cut Off")) for the sins of the world, bearing the judgment that humanity deserved. His death and resurrection establish the new covenant, where purification from sin is offered not through a physical culling, but through faith in His atoning sacrifice (cf. [Hebrews 9:22](/hebrews/9-22 "Hebrews 9:22 - Without Shedding of Blood There is No Forgiveness")). The "third" that is "left" in Zechariah can be seen as foreshadowing the true Israel, the church, composed of both Jews and Gentiles, who are purified by Christ's blood and preserved by God's grace (cf. [Romans 9:6-8](/romans/9-6-8 "Romans 9:6-8 - Not all Israel is Israel"), [Galatians 3:28-29](/galatians/3-28-29 "Galatians 3:28-29 - All One in Christ Jesus")). Through Christ, God's people are refined, not by perishing, but by spiritual transformation, becoming a holy remnant set apart for His glory, awaiting the final consummation of His kingdom (cf. [1 Peter 1:6-7](/1_peter/1-6-7 "1 Peter 1:6-7 - Faith Tested by Fire")).

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

Ezekiel 5:12

A third part of thee shall die with the pestilence, and with famine shall they be consumed in the midst of thee: and a third part shall fall by the sword round about thee; and I will scatter a third part into all the winds, and I will draw out a sword after them.

Revelation 16:19

And the great city was divided into three parts, and the cities of the nations fell: and great Babylon came in remembrance before God, to give unto her the cup of the wine of the fierceness of his wrath.

Ezekiel 5:2

Thou shalt burn with fire a third part in the midst of the city, when the days of the siege are fulfilled: and thou shalt take a third part, [and] smite about it with a knife: and a third part thou shalt scatter in the wind; and I will draw out a sword after them.

Ezekiel 5:4

Then take of them again, and cast them into the midst of the fire, and burn them in the fire; [for] thereof shall a fire come forth into all the house of Israel.

Malachi 4:1

¶ For, behold, the day cometh, that shall burn as an oven; and all the proud, yea, and all that do wickedly, shall be stubble: and the day that cometh shall burn them up, saith the LORD of hosts, that it shall leave them neither root nor branch.

Malachi 4:3

And ye shall tread down the wicked; for they shall be ashes under the soles of your feet in the day that I shall do [this], saith the LORD of hosts.

Revelation 8:7

¶ The first angel sounded, and there followed hail and fire mingled with blood, and they were cast upon the earth: and the third part of trees was burnt up, and all green grass was burnt up.