13:8 13:8

Zechariah 13:9

14:1 14:1

Bible Versions

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.
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}.
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.'"
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.’”
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.

Zechariah 13:9 is a powerful prophetic verse that speaks to God's ultimate plan for purification and restoration for a remnant of His people. It follows a declaration of widespread judgment (Zechariah 13:8), where two-thirds will be cut off, but the remaining "third part" will undergo an intense refining process.

Context of Zechariah 13:9

This verse is part of Zechariah's final prophetic section (chapters 9-14), which transitions from immediate post-exilic concerns to future eschatological events, including the first and second comings of the Messiah, global conflict, and the ultimate establishment of God's kingdom. Specifically, chapter 13 focuses on the purification of the land from idolatry and false prophecy, culminating in a severe but redemptive judgment upon the nation. The "fire" here represents intense tribulation and suffering that God allows to achieve a profound spiritual cleansing among His chosen people.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Divine Purification through Tribulation: The central theme is God's active role in purifying His people. Just as silver and gold are refined by intense heat to remove impurities, so too will a faithful remnant be purged through hardship. This process is not for destruction but for sanctification, making them fit for God's presence.
  • The Remnant: Despite widespread apostasy and judgment, God preserves a "third part." This concept of a faithful remnant enduring through trials is a recurring theme throughout biblical prophecy, signifying God's unwavering faithfulness to His covenant promises even in times of severe testing.
  • Covenant Reaffirmation: The verse culminates in a beautiful expression of renewed covenant relationship: "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." This echoes the foundational covenant language found in passages like Exodus 6:7 and Jeremiah 30:22, signifying a deep, reciprocal bond restored after purification.
  • Prayer and Divine Response: The promise "they shall call on my name, and I will hear them" highlights the intimate communion that results from this refining process. Suffering drives the purified remnant to seek God genuinely, and He responds with affirmation and presence.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew words for "refine" (tsarap) and "try" (bachan) are significant. Tsarap literally means to smelt or purge, emphasizing the intense heat used to separate precious metal from dross. Bachan means to examine, prove, or test, highlighting the scrutinizing nature of the process. Together, they convey a thorough and deliberate purification, much like a metallurgist carefully removes impurities from silver and gold. This imagery is also used in Malachi 3:3 to describe the Messiah's work of purification.

Practical Application

For believers today, Zechariah 13:9 offers profound comfort and challenge. It teaches that God can use difficult circumstances, trials, and even suffering not as punishment, but as tools for spiritual growth and purification. When we face hardships, we can trust that God is working to remove our impurities, strengthen our faith, and draw us closer to Him. This verse encourages us to persevere through adversity, knowing that our cries are heard and that the ultimate outcome of God's refining fire is a deeper, more authentic relationship where we truly acknowledge Him as our God, and He unequivocally claims us as His people. It reminds us that the testing of our faith is more precious than gold.

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.

  • 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.
 Back

Search Scripture