Zechariah 14:6

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

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

Complete Jewish Bible

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

Berean Standard Bible

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

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Zechariah 14:6 describes a unique and enigmatic atmospheric condition that will characterize "that day," a prophetic term for the Day of the Lord. This verse portrays a time when natural distinctions blur, as light will be neither fully brilliant nor completely dark, signifying a supernatural alteration of the cosmos that underscores the unprecedented nature of God's final intervention in human history, leading to judgment and ultimate redemption.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Zechariah 14 is the climactic conclusion to the book of Zechariah, specifically the second major prophetic oracle (chapters 9-14). This chapter shifts from earlier prophecies concerning the first coming of the Messiah to a vivid, apocalyptic depiction of His glorious second advent. It details the final siege of Jerusalem by all nations, the Lord's dramatic return to the Mount of Olives, and the subsequent establishment of His universal kingdom. Verses 1-5 describe the physical upheaval, including the splitting of the Mount of Olives and the flight of the remnant. Verse 6, therefore, follows this cataclysmic introduction, setting the stage for the supernatural conditions that will prevail during this unparalleled period of divine judgment and salvation, leading directly into descriptions of living waters flowing from Jerusalem and the Lord's global reign in subsequent verses.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Zechariah prophesied to the Jewish exiles who had returned from Babylon, encouraging them in the rebuilding of the temple and the restoration of Jerusalem. While the immediate historical context was post-exilic Judah, Zechariah's prophecies frequently transcend their immediate setting, pointing to a distant eschatological future. The concept of "the Day of the Lord" was a well-established prophetic theme in Israelite thought, signifying a time of divine intervention, often bringing judgment upon God's enemies and salvation for His people. This "day" was anticipated with both dread and hope. The imagery of cosmic disturbances, such as altered light, was a common prophetic motif to signify profound divine action and the disruption of the established order, often preceding a new era.
* **Key Themes:** Zechariah 14:6 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the book and broader biblical prophecy. The most prominent is **The Day of the Lord**, a recurring motif throughout the prophets (e.g., [Joel 2:31](/joel/2-31 "Joel 2:31 - The Great and Awesome Day of the Lord") or [Isaiah 13:9](/isaiah/13-9 "Isaiah 13:9 - The Day of the Lord's Wrath")). This phrase consistently points to a future, decisive period of divine judgment and ultimate redemption, signifying God's direct and powerful intervention in the world. Another key theme is **Supernatural Phenomena**, where natural laws are altered to underscore the extraordinary nature of God's actions. The description of light being "not clear, nor dark" suggests a unique, unprecedented atmospheric state, hinting at a supernatural alteration of natural laws. This aligns with other prophecies of cosmic signs accompanying the end times, such as those found in [Matthew 24:29](/matthew/24-29 "Matthew 24:29 - Signs of the End of the Age"). Finally, the verse hints at a **Transitional State** or a blurring of normal distinctions, reflecting the profound changes occurring as the old order gives way to the new, culminating in the Lord's universal reign described later in [Zechariah 14:9](/zechariah/14-9 "Zechariah 14:9 - The Lord Will Be King Over All the Earth").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **day (Hebrew, _yôwm'_):** (H3117) This word, meaning "a day" or "a space of time," is crucial in the phrase "in that day." While it can refer to a literal 24-hour period, in prophetic contexts, especially when prefaced by "that," it frequently denotes a specific, decisive, and often extended period of divine intervention. Here, it refers to the eschatological Day of the Lord, a time of God's climactic judgment and establishment of His kingdom.
* **light (Hebrew, _ʼôwr'_):** (H216) This term refers to illumination, a luminary, or brightness. In this verse, it speaks of the natural light of the sun or sky. The prophecy indicates a disruption of this normal illumination, pointing to a supernatural phenomenon that defies typical day-night cycles.
* **clear (Hebrew, _yâqâr'_):** (H3368) This word primarily means "valuable," "precious," or "honorable," but in specific contexts, it can denote "brightness" or "clarity." Here, it describes a distinct, brilliant, or definitive light, indicating that the light will not be the full, bright clarity of a normal day.
* **dark (Hebrew, _qâphâʼ'_):** (H7087) This primitive root means "to shrink," "thicken," "congeal," or "curdle." When applied to light or atmosphere, it conveys a sense of gloom, obscurity, or a frozen, stagnant darkness. The phrase "nor dark" suggests that it will not be the deep, definitive darkness of night, indicating an anomalous, indeterminate state.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And it shall come to pass in that day":** This introductory phrase anchors the prophecy in the eschatological future, specifically referring to the "Day of the Lord." It signifies a definite, appointed time when God will decisively intervene in human history, bringing about the events described in the chapter.
* **"that the light shall not be clear":** This clause indicates a departure from normal daylight conditions. The light will not possess its usual brilliance, distinctness, or full clarity. It suggests a dimming, a haziness, or a lack of definition in the illumination, unlike a typical sunny day.
* **"nor dark":** This clause further defines the anomalous nature of the light. It will not be the complete, opaque darkness of night. This creates a paradox: the light is neither fully bright nor fully absent. It's an ambiguous, intermediate state, a perpetual twilight or gloom that defies normal atmospheric cycles.

#### Literary Devices
Zechariah 14:6 employs several powerful literary devices to convey its profound message. The most prominent is **Paradox**, as the verse describes a light that is "not clear, nor dark." This seemingly contradictory statement highlights the supernatural and unprecedented nature of "that day," where normal distinctions are suspended. It creates a sense of mystery and awe, emphasizing that the conditions will be unlike anything previously experienced. **Symbolism** is also at play, as the altered light likely symbolizes the transitional and tumultuous nature of this period. The blurring of day and night could represent a time of confusion, divine judgment, or the liminal space between the old creation and the new. Furthermore, the verse uses **Foreshadowing**, hinting at the cosmic disturbances that will accompany the Lord's return, a theme echoed in later prophetic and apocalyptic literature. The disruption of natural order underscores the magnitude of God's intervention.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Zechariah 14:6 stands as a powerful testament to God's absolute sovereignty over creation and time, particularly in the context of His eschatological plan. The verse's description of an anomalous light, neither fully bright nor completely dark, points to a period of divine intervention that transcends the natural order. Theologically, it reinforces the concept of the "Day of the Lord" as a unique, decisive, and often terrifying time when God's justice and power are fully revealed. This supernatural alteration of the cosmos serves as a dramatic sign, emphasizing that the coming events are not merely historical occurrences but direct acts of God reshaping the very fabric of existence. It speaks to a divine disruption that prepares the way for a new, divinely established order, where the Lord alone will be King.

* [Isaiah 13:10](/isaiah/13-10 "Isaiah 13:10 - Cosmic Signs of Judgment")
* [Joel 2:30-31](/joel/2-30-31 "Joel 2:30-31 - Wonders in the Heavens and Earth")
* [Revelation 6:12](/revelation/6-12 "Revelation 6:12 - The Sixth Seal: Cosmic Disturbances")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Zechariah 14:6, with its enigmatic description of light, calls believers to a profound reflection on the certainty of biblical prophecy and the ultimate sovereignty of God. The "Day of the Lord" is not merely a theological concept but a future reality when God will decisively intervene in history. The unusual light conditions serve as a powerful reminder that God's ways and His timing are often beyond human comprehension. He can, and will, supernaturally alter the natural order to accomplish His purposes, bringing both judgment upon unrighteousness and salvation for His people. This should inspire a life of anticipation and readiness, encouraging us to live with an eternal perspective, trusting in God's perfect plan even when the present circumstances of the world seem unclear, confusing, or unprecedented. It compels us to seek clarity in God's unchanging Word amidst the world's shifting shadows, and to walk in the light of Christ, who has already overcome the darkness.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the concept of "that day" in Zechariah 14:6 shape your understanding of God's ultimate control over history and the future?**
* **What does the description of light being "neither clear, nor dark" reveal about the nature of God's intervention during the Day of the Lord?**
* **In what ways does this prophecy encourage you to live with a greater sense of urgency and anticipation for Christ's return?**
* **How can we find spiritual clarity and walk in God's light, even when circumstances in the world seem ambiguous or "neither clear nor dark"?**

### FAQ
**What is the significance of the light being "not clear, nor dark" in Zechariah 14:6?**

Answer: The phrase "the light shall not be clear, nor dark" signifies a profound supernatural disruption of the natural order during the "Day of the Lord." It describes an anomalous atmospheric condition where there is neither the full brilliance of daylight nor the complete absence of light characteristic of night. This perpetual twilight or indeterminate state emphasizes the unique and unprecedented nature of God's eschatological intervention. It symbolizes a time of divine judgment and transition, where normal distinctions blur, reflecting the immense cosmic and earthly changes occurring as God establishes His kingdom. It underscores that this "day" is entirely distinct from any ordinary day, marked by divine power that transcends natural laws.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Zechariah 14:6 describes a future cosmic event, its ultimate fulfillment and significance are deeply rooted in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The "Day of the Lord," with its accompanying supernatural phenomena, points ultimately to the glorious return of Christ, who is the [Light of the World](/john/8-12 "John 8:12 - Jesus, the Light of the World"). The ambiguous light in Zechariah 14:6 contrasts sharply with the ultimate clarity and glory that Christ brings. When Jesus returns, He will not merely alter the light; He will *be* the light, ushering in an eternal day where there is no need for sun or moon, for the [glory of God illuminates it, and the Lamb is its lamp](/revelation/21-23 "Revelation 21:23 - The New Jerusalem's Light"). The temporary, unsettling twilight described by Zechariah foreshadows the dramatic transition from the present age of sin and darkness to the eternal reign of Christ, where all shadows are dispelled by His perfect presence. The judgment and salvation of "that day" are executed by Christ, who came first as the [suffering Servant](/isaiah/53 "Isaiah 53 - The Suffering Servant") and will return as the [conquering King](/revelation/19-11-16 "Revelation 19:11-16 - Christ's Triumphant Return"), bringing ultimate clarity, righteousness, and everlasting light to His redeemed people.

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 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.