Zechariah 13:9

KJV

And I will bring the third part through the fire, and will refine them as silver is refined, and will try them as gold is tried: they shall call on my name, and I will hear them: I will say, It [is] my people: and they shall say, The LORD [is] my God.

KJV (with Strong's)

And I will bring {H935} the third part {H7992} through the fire {H784}, and will refine {H6884} them as silver {H3701} is refined {H6884}, and will try {H974} them as gold {H2091} is tried {H974}: they shall call {H7121} on my name {H8034}, and I will hear {H6030} them: I will say {H559}, It is my people {H5971}: and they shall say {H559}, The LORD {H3068} is my God {H430}.

Complete Jewish Bible

That third part I will bring through the fire; I will refine them as silver is refined, I will test them as gold is tested. They will call on my name, and I will answer them. I will say, 'This is my people' and they will say, 'ADONAI is my God.'"

Berean Standard Bible

This third I will bring through the fire;I will refine them like silverand test them like gold.They will call on My name,and I will answer them.I will say, ‘They are My people,’and they will say, ‘The LORD is our God.’”

American Standard Version

And I will bring the third part into the fire, and will refine them as silver is refined, and will try them as gold is tried. They shall call on my name, and I will hear them: I will say, It is my people; and they shall say, Jehovah is my God.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Zechariah 13:9 powerfully depicts God's sovereign plan for the purification and restoration of a remnant of His people. Following a period of severe judgment where two-thirds are cut off, the remaining "third part" will undergo an intense, divinely orchestrated refining process, likened to the purification of silver and gold by fire. This tribulation is not for destruction but for sanctification, leading to a renewed and intimate covenant relationship where they genuinely call upon God, He hears them, and both parties affirm their profound bond: "It is my people," and "The LORD is my God."

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Zechariah 13:9 is situated within the latter half of the book of Zechariah (chapters 9-14), which shifts from immediate post-exilic concerns to a grander eschatological vision. This section is highly prophetic, addressing future events related to the Messiah's first and second comings, global conflicts, and the ultimate establishment of God's kingdom. Specifically, chapter 13 focuses on the purification of the land from idolatry and false prophecy, leading to a severe but redemptive judgment upon the nation. Verse 8 immediately precedes verse 9, declaring that "two parts therein shall be cut off and die; but the third shall be left therein." This sets the stage for the refining of the surviving remnant in verse 9, emphasizing that the judgment is selective and purposeful, leading to a purified people. The preceding verses also speak of the removal of false prophets and unclean spirits, indicating a comprehensive spiritual cleansing.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Zechariah prophesied to the Jewish community that had returned from Babylonian exile, a people still struggling with spiritual apathy, incomplete temple rebuilding, and internal corruption. The imagery of refining metals was deeply familiar in the ancient Near East, where metallurgy was a common and vital craft. Silver and gold were refined by intense heat to separate precious metal from dross and impurities, a process requiring skill, patience, and precise temperature control. This cultural understanding made the metaphor immediately graspable: God, like a skilled refiner, would subject His people to intense heat (tribulation, suffering, judgment) not to destroy them, but to purge their spiritual impurities, idolatry, and unfaithfulness, making them pure and fit for His purposes. This process was understood as a necessary, though painful, step towards covenant faithfulness and national restoration.
* **Key Themes:** Zechariah 13:9 encapsulates several profound themes central to the book and broader biblical theology. The primary theme is **Divine Purification through Tribulation**, illustrating God's active and intentional role in sanctifying His people through hardship, much like a refiner purifies precious metals. This connects to the idea of **The Remnant**, a consistent biblical concept (e.g., [Isaiah 10:20-22](/isaiah/10-20-22 "Isaiah 10:20-22 - The Remnant of Israel")) where, despite widespread apostasy and judgment, God preserves a faithful portion of His people. The verse also highlights **Covenant Reaffirmation**, culminating in the beautiful reciprocal declaration "It is my people: and they shall say, The LORD is my God," which echoes foundational covenant language found in passages like [Exodus 6:7](/exodus/6-7 "Exodus 6:7 - God's Covenant with Israel") and [Jeremiah 30:22](/jeremiah/30-22 "Jeremiah 30:22 - Covenant Relationship"). Finally, the theme of **Prayer and Divine Response** is prominent, as the purified remnant calls on God's name, and He hears them, signifying a restored, intimate communion.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **refine (Hebrew, _tsâraph'_):** From H6884, this primitive root means "to fuse (metal), i.e. refine (literally or figuratively); cast, (re-) fine(-er), founder, goldsmith, melt, pure, purge away, try." In Zechariah 13:9, it vividly portrays an intense process involving heat, designed to remove impurities and achieve purity. It emphasizes God's active, intentional, and thorough work of cleansing His people.
* **try (Hebrew, _bâchan'_):** From H974, this primitive root means "to test (especially metals); generally and figuratively, to investigate; examine, prove, tempt, try (trial)." This word complements "refine" by adding the nuance of examination and proving. It suggests that God's refining process is not merely a purging but also a testing of the genuineness and strength of faith, revealing what is true and enduring.
* **people (Hebrew, _ʻam'_):** From H5971, this word refers to "a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of Israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock." In this context, it signifies God's chosen community, Israel, and by extension, all who are brought into covenant relationship with Him. The declaration "It is my people" underscores the restoration of a unique, intimate, and possessive bond between God and the purified remnant.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And I will bring the third part through the fire,"**: This clause introduces the divine agent ("I will bring") and the object of the action ("the third part"), which refers to the remnant surviving the preceding judgment (Zechariah 13:8). The "fire" is a metaphor for intense tribulation, suffering, and judgment that God orchestrates. It signifies a severe, painful, but ultimately purposeful experience designed to purify rather than destroy.
* **"and will refine them as silver is refined, and will try them as gold is tried:"**: This segment elaborates on the purpose and nature of the "fire." Using a simile, it compares the divine process to the metallurgical refining of precious metals. Just as silver and gold are subjected to intense heat to burn away dross and impurities, so God will put His people through trials to purge their sin, idolatry, and unfaithfulness. The repetition of "refine" and "try" emphasizes the thoroughness and deliberateness of this purifying work.
* **"they shall call on my name, and I will hear them:"**: This marks a pivotal shift to the outcome of the refining process. The purified remnant, having endured tribulation, will turn to God in genuine prayer and dependence. The promise "I will hear them" signifies God's responsive and attentive presence, indicating a restored and intimate communion between God and His people, a direct result of their purification.
* **"I will say, It is my people:"**: This is God's affirmative declaration, a profound statement of renewed covenant ownership and affection. It signifies that the refining process has successfully produced a people truly consecrated to Him, whom He recognizes and claims as His own. This echoes foundational covenant language, reaffirming His faithfulness despite their past unfaithfulness.
* **"and they shall say, The LORD is my God."**: This final clause completes the reciprocal covenant affirmation. The purified remnant, having experienced God's refining work and responsive presence, will wholeheartedly acknowledge Him as their sovereign God. This mutual declaration signifies a restored, deep, and authentic relationship, marked by allegiance, worship, and trust.

#### Literary Devices
Zechariah 13:9 is rich in literary devices that enhance its prophetic message. The most prominent is the **Simile** of metal refining ("as silver is refined, and will try them as gold is tried"). This imagery vividly conveys the intensity, purpose, and outcome of God's purifying work. The "fire" itself functions as a powerful **Metaphor** for severe tribulation and divine judgment. The verse also employs **Parallelism** in the refining clauses ("refine them as silver is refined, and will try them as gold is tried"), which emphasizes the thoroughness and deliberate nature of the process. Finally, the culminating covenant formula ("I will say, It is my people: and they shall say, The LORD is my God") is a classic example of **Covenant Language**, demonstrating a restored and reciprocal relationship between God and His purified remnant, found throughout the Old Testament.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Zechariah 13:9 profoundly illustrates God's unwavering commitment to the holiness of His people and the restoration of His covenant. It reveals that suffering and tribulation are not always punitive but can be divinely appointed means of sanctification, purging impurities and deepening faith. This refining process leads to a renewed, intimate relationship where genuine prayer is offered and graciously received, culminating in the mutual affirmation of God's ownership and the people's allegiance. This theological truth underscores God's sovereignty over all circumstances, using even the most difficult to achieve His redemptive purposes and draw His people into closer communion with Himself.

* [Deuteronomy 4:20](/deuteronomy/4-20 "Deuteronomy 4:20 - The Iron Furnace of Affliction")
* [Malachi 3:2-3](/malachi/3-2-3 "Malachi 3:2-3 - The Refiner's Fire for the Sons of Levi")
* [1 Peter 1:6-7](/1_peter/1-6-7 "1 Peter 1:6-7 - The Testing of Faith More Precious Than Gold")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Zechariah 13:9 offers a profound spiritual lens through which to view life's challenges. It teaches us that God, in His infinite wisdom and love, often uses difficult circumstances, trials, and even suffering as instruments of spiritual growth and purification, rather than solely as punishment. When we face hardships, this verse encourages us to shift our perspective from despair to divine purpose, trusting that God is actively working to remove our spiritual dross, strengthen our faith, and draw us into a deeper, more authentic relationship with Him. This refining fire, though painful, is ultimately redemptive, leading to a state where our prayers are heard, and we truly acknowledge Him as our God, just as He unequivocally claims us as His own. It calls us to persevere with hope, knowing that the ultimate outcome of God's refining work is a purer, more intimate communion with the Lord.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "fire" or refining process might God be allowing in your life right now, and how can you cooperate with His purifying work?**
* **How does the promise "they shall call on my name, and I will hear them" encourage you in times of distress or spiritual testing?**
* **In what ways can you more fully live out the declaration, "The LORD is my God," in your daily life and worship?**

### FAQ
**What is the "third part" being referred to in Zechariah 13:9?**

Answer: The "third part" refers to a faithful remnant of God's people who survive a severe judgment described in the preceding verse, Zechariah 13:8. This judgment indicates that "two parts therein shall be cut off and die," implying a widespread sifting or testing. The "third part" is the divinely preserved and purified minority that endures the tribulation and is brought into a renewed covenant relationship with God. This concept of a remnant is a recurring theme throughout biblical prophecy, signifying God's faithfulness to His promises even amidst widespread apostasy.

**How does God "refine" and "try" His people today?**

Answer: God continues to "refine" and "try" His people today not through literal fire, but through various forms of trials, difficulties, and spiritual discipline. These can include personal suffering, financial hardship, relational conflicts, persecution for righteousness' sake, or even the internal struggles against sin. Just as a refiner uses heat to remove impurities from metal, God uses these experiences to expose and purge sin, strengthen faith, develop perseverance, and conform believers to the image of Christ. As [Romans 5:3-4](/romans/5-3-4 "Romans 5:3-4 - Suffering Produces Perseverance") states, "suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope." The goal is always purification and a deeper, more genuine relationship with Him, as seen in [Hebrews 12:10-11](/hebrews/12-10-11 "Hebrews 12:10-11 - God Disciplines Us for Our Good").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Zechariah 13:9 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ and His work. He is the ultimate Refiner, the one who came "like a refiner's fire" to purify His people, as prophesied in [Malachi 3:2-3](/malachi/3-2-3 "Malachi 3:2-3 - The Refiner's Fire and Fuller's Soap"). The "fire" of judgment and purification described in Zechariah points forward to the cross, where Christ Himself endured the ultimate refining fire of God's wrath against sin, becoming the spotless [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"). Through His atoning sacrifice, He purifies a "third part"—a remnant, indeed, all who believe—cleansing them by His blood and the power of the Holy Spirit. The covenant promise, "I will say, It is my people: and they shall say, The LORD is my God," is perfectly realized in the New Covenant established through Christ's blood ([Luke 22:20](/luke/22-20 "Luke 22:20 - The New Covenant in Christ's Blood")). Through Him, believers are adopted into God's family, becoming His people, a "chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation" ([1 Peter 2:9-10](/1_peter/2-9-10 "1 Peter 2:9-10 - A Chosen People")). The trials and sufferings believers face are now understood as part of God's loving discipline, intended to refine their faith, making them more like Christ ([Hebrews 12:5-11](/hebrews/12-5-11 "Hebrews 12:5-11 - God's Discipline and Our Holiness")), ultimately leading to the full and eternal communion with God through their Lord and Savior, Jesus 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

Psalms 50:15

And call upon me in the day of trouble: I will deliver thee, and thou shalt glorify me.

Jeremiah 29:11

For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.

Jeremiah 29:12

Then shall ye call upon me, and ye shall go and pray unto me, and I will hearken unto you.

Acts 2:21

And it shall come to pass, [that] whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be saved.

Isaiah 65:23

They shall not labour in vain, nor bring forth for trouble; for they [are] the seed of the blessed of the LORD, and their offspring with them.

Isaiah 65:24

And it shall come to pass, that before they call, I will answer; and while they are yet speaking, I will hear.

Isaiah 48:10

Behold, I have refined thee, but not with silver; I have chosen thee in the furnace of affliction.