Zechariah 14:6

And it shall come to pass in that day, [that] the light shall not be clear, [nor] dark:

And it shall come to pass in that day {H3117}, that the light {H216} shall not be clear {H3368}, nor dark {H7087}{H7087}:

On that day, there will be neither bright light nor thick darkness;

On that day there will be no light, no cold or frost.

And it shall come to pass in that day, that there shall not be light; the bright ones shall withdraw themselves:

Commentary

Zechariah 14:6 is a profound prophetic verse describing the supernatural conditions that will characterize "that day," referring to the Day of the Lord.

Context of Zechariah 14:6

Chapter 14 of Zechariah is a highly apocalyptic passage, detailing a future time when God intervenes dramatically in human history. It describes the final siege of Jerusalem, the Lord's return, and the subsequent establishment of His reign. The preceding verses vividly paint a picture of physical and cosmic upheaval, including a great earthquake and the division of the Mount of Olives. Verse 6 specifically focuses on the atmospheric conditions during this unparalleled period, indicating a departure from the normal cycle of day and night.

Key Themes and Messages

  • The Day of the Lord: This phrase, "in that day," consistently points to a future, decisive period of divine judgment and ultimate redemption. It signifies God's direct and powerful intervention in the world.
  • Supernatural Phenomena: The description of light being "not clear, nor dark" suggests a unique, unprecedented atmospheric state. It's not a normal day with brilliant sunshine, nor is it a regular night. This hints at a supernatural alteration of natural laws, underscoring the extraordinary nature of the events unfolding.
  • Transitional State: The ambiguity of the light—neither fully bright nor fully dark—may symbolize a period of transition, confusion, or an intermediate state between the old order and the new. It's a time when normal distinctions blur, reflecting the profound changes occurring.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "clear" is yaqar (יָקָר), which can mean "precious," "heavy," or "distinct." In this context, it implies a brilliant or definitive light. The word for "dark" is qip'a'on (קִפְאוֹן), meaning "congelation" or "thickening," conveying a sense of gloom or a frozen, stagnant darkness. The phrase together paints a picture of a light that lacks clarity and definition, unlike normal daylight, and is not the deep, definitive darkness of night. It’s an anomalous, perhaps supernatural, twilight or gloom.

Related Scriptures

This unusual light can be seen in parallel with other prophetic passages describing cosmic disturbances during the eschatological period. For instance, Isaiah 13:10 speaks of the sun, moon, and stars not giving their light, and Jesus Himself foretold that the sun would be darkened and the moon would not give her light before His return. While Zechariah's description is distinct, it contributes to the broader biblical theme of altered natural phenomena heralding God's ultimate intervention.

Practical Application

For believers today, Zechariah 14:6 serves as a reminder of God's absolute sovereignty over creation and time. It reinforces the certainty of biblical prophecy and the coming return of Christ. The unusual light conditions remind us that God's ways are often beyond human comprehension and that He can supernaturally alter the natural order to accomplish His purposes. It encourages us to live in anticipation of "that day," trusting in God's plan even when circumstances seem unclear or unprecedented.

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Cross-References

  • Psalms 97:10

    Ye that love the LORD, hate evil: he preserveth the souls of his saints; he delivereth them out of the hand of the wicked.

  • Psalms 97:11

    Light is sown for the righteous, and gladness for the upright in heart.

  • Revelation 11:15

    And the seventh angel sounded; and there were great voices in heaven, saying, The kingdoms of this world are become [the kingdoms] of our Lord, and of his Christ; and he shall reign for ever and ever.

  • John 12:46

    I am come a light into the world, that whosoever believeth on me should not abide in darkness.

  • 2 Peter 1:19

    ¶ We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts:

  • Psalms 112:4

    Unto the upright there ariseth light in the darkness: [he is] gracious, and full of compassion, and righteous.

  • Proverbs 4:18

    But the path of the just [is] as the shining light, that shineth more and more unto the perfect day.