Zechariah 13:8

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.

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.

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

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

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.

Zechariah 13:8 delivers a stark prophetic declaration from the LORD concerning a severe period of judgment and purification that will affect "all the land." This verse is part of a broader prophecy in Zechariah that speaks to the future of Israel, including times of cleansing, suffering, and ultimate restoration.

Context

Chapter 13 of Zechariah follows prophecies of the Messiah's first coming (Zechariah 9:9) and delves into a time of profound national cleansing and spiritual renewal for the people of Israel. The preceding verses (Zechariah 13:1-6) speak of the removal of idolatry and false prophets from the land, indicating a radical spiritual purging. This verse, Zechariah 13:8, then describes the intense and devastating nature of this purification, setting the stage for the refining process detailed in Zechariah 13:9.

Key Themes

  • Divine Judgment and Purification: The verse vividly portrays God's active hand in a severe culling of the population. This is not arbitrary destruction but a purposeful act of judgment designed to purify the nation from sin and unfaithfulness.
  • The Remnant: A central theme is the concept of a "remnant," a faithful portion that survives the intense trial. While two-thirds are "cut off and die," one-third is preserved. This echoes a recurring biblical pattern where God preserves a faithful minority through periods of severe judgment (e.g., Isaiah 10:21, Romans 9:27).
  • Suffering as Refinement: The suffering described is a crucible designed to refine and strengthen the surviving remnant. It's a painful but necessary process for true spiritual transformation, akin to a refiner's fire (as seen in Malachi 3:3).

Linguistic Insights

The numerical precision—"two parts therein shall be cut off and die; but the third shall be left therein"—underscores the specific and sovereign nature of God's judgment. It's not a random calamity but a divinely ordained proportion, highlighting the deliberate and intentional purification process. The phrase "cut off" (Hebrew: yikkārēt) often denotes a severe termination or excision, emphasizing the finality of this judgment for the unfaithful.

Practical Application

For believers today, Zechariah 13:8 offers several profound insights:

  • God's Sovereignty in Trials: Even in times of severe hardship and seemingly overwhelming loss, God remains in control, working His purposes.
  • The Purpose of Suffering: Difficult periods are often instruments of divine refinement, purging impurities and strengthening faith. We are called to endure, knowing that such trials can lead to spiritual maturity and a deeper relationship with God.
  • Hope for the Faithful: Despite the severity of judgment, there is always hope for those who remain faithful. God preserves a remnant, ensuring His covenant promises endure. This encourages perseverance and trust in God's ultimate plan of salvation and restoration.
Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • 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.

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