Zechariah 14:7

But it shall be one day which shall be known to the LORD, not day, nor night: but it shall come to pass, [that] at evening time it shall be light.

But it shall be one {H259} day {H3117} which shall be known {H3045} to the LORD {H3068}, not day {H3117}, nor night {H3915}: but it shall come to pass, that at evening {H6153} time {H6256} it shall be light {H216}.

and one day, known to ADONAI, will be neither day nor night, although by evening there will be light.

It will be a day known only to the LORD, without day or night; but when evening comes, there will be light.

but it shall be one day which is known unto Jehovah; not day, and not night; but it shall come to pass, that at evening time there shall be light.

Zechariah 14:7 presents a profound and somewhat enigmatic prophecy concerning a unique future day, often associated with the "Day of the Lord." It describes a time when natural cycles of day and night are superseded by a divine, continuous light, culminating in an extraordinary paradox: "at evening time it shall be light." This verse offers a glimpse into God's ultimate sovereignty and the radical transformation that will occur in His established kingdom.

Context

Zechariah 14 describes the dramatic culmination of God's redemptive plan, often interpreted as prophecies concerning the final cosmic conflict and the establishment of God's kingdom on earth. The chapter begins with a depiction of Jerusalem under siege, followed by divine intervention and the transformation of the land. Verse 7 specifically focuses on the atmospheric and temporal conditions of this prophesied "Day of the Lord," highlighting its unique, supernatural character that defies normal human experience. It sets the stage for a period of divine presence and blessing, where the very fabric of creation is altered to reflect God's glory.

Key Themes

  • The Unique "Day of the Lord": This verse emphasizes that this day is singular and distinct, "known to the LORD." It signifies a period entirely under God's control and revelation, unlike any other day in history. It speaks to God's ultimate sovereignty over time and creation, particularly in the unfolding of end-times prophecy.
  • Supernatural Light and Divine Presence: The absence of a clear distinction between day and night, coupled with light appearing at evening, signifies a miraculous alteration of the natural order. This continuous illumination is often interpreted as a manifestation of God's own glory and presence, dispelling all forms of darkness, both literal and spiritual.
  • Reversal of Natural Order: The most striking image, "at evening time it shall be light," is a powerful paradox. Evening is typically when darkness descends. This reversal symbolizes God's power to transcend and transform natural laws, bringing light and hope even in what would normally be a time of obscurity or despair. It indicates a complete triumph over darkness.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew phrase for "known to the LORD" (יִדָּעֶהּ, yidda'eh) emphasizes God's exclusive knowledge and unique designation of this day. It's not a day whose characteristics are fully graspable by human understanding, but one divinely appointed and orchestrated. The phrase "not day, nor night" (לֹא־יֹום וְלֹא־לַיְלָה, lo-yom v'lo-laylah) highlights the unprecedented and supernatural nature of this period, transcending normal earthly cycles. The concluding "at evening time it shall be light" (וְהָיָה לְעֵת עֶרֶב יִהְיֶה אֹור, v'hayah l'et erev yihyeh or) creates a vivid image of divine light triumphing over expected darkness, a symbol of ultimate victory and clarity.

Cross-References and Connections

This prophetic vision of perpetual light finds echoes in other biblical passages describing the new heaven and new earth. For instance, Revelation 21:23-25 describes the New Jerusalem as having no need of sun or moon, "for the glory of God did lighten it, and the Lamb is the light thereof," and there "shall be no night there." Similarly, Isaiah 60:19-20 speaks of the Lord being an everlasting light for His people, where their sun shall no more go down. These passages collectively paint a picture of a future reality where God's glorious presence illuminates all things, bringing an end to spiritual and physical darkness, fulfilling the promise of ultimate restoration and divine illumination.

Practical Application

Zechariah 14:7 offers profound hope and assurance to believers. It reminds us that even when life seems to be entering its "evening time"—a period of increasing darkness, difficulty, or uncertainty—God has the power to bring forth light. This verse encourages us to trust in God's ultimate plan and sovereignty, knowing that He is in control of all times and seasons. It points to a future where all shadows are dispelled by His glorious presence, urging us to live with anticipation for that day, embracing the light of His truth even now in the midst of the world's darkness. It assures us that God's plan culminates in an era of perfect clarity and divine presence.

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.

  • Revelation 22:5

    And there shall be no night there; and they need no candle, neither light of the sun; for the Lord God giveth them light: and they shall reign for ever and ever.

  • Revelation 21:23

    And the city had no need of the sun, neither of the moon, to shine in it: for the glory of God did lighten it, and the Lamb [is] the light thereof.

  • Daniel 12:4

    But thou, O Daniel, shut up the words, and seal the book, [even] to the time of the end: many shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall be increased.

  • Isaiah 30:26

    Moreover the light of the moon shall be as the light of the sun, and the light of the sun shall be sevenfold, as the light of seven days, in the day that the LORD bindeth up the breach of his people, and healeth the stroke of their wound.

  • 1 Thessalonians 5:2

    For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night.

  • Mark 13:32

    But of that day and [that] hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels which are in heaven, neither the Son, but the Father.

  • Acts 1:7

    And he said unto them, It is not for you to know the times or the seasons, which the Father hath put in his own power.

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