Zechariah 14:9

KJV

And the LORD shall be king over all the earth: in that day shall there be one LORD, and his name one.

KJV (with Strong's)

And the LORD {H3068} shall be king {H4428} over all the earth {H776}: in that day {H3117} shall there be one {H259} LORD {H3068}, and his name {H8034} one {H259}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Then ADONAI will be king over the whole world. On that day ADONAI will be the only one, and his name will be the only name.

Berean Standard Bible

On that day the LORD will become King over all the earth—the LORD alone, and His name alone.

American Standard Version

And Jehovah shall be King over all the earth: in that day shall Jehovah be one, and his name one.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Zechariah 14:9 stands as a pivotal prophetic declaration, serving as the climactic vision within Zechariah 14's intense eschatological narrative. It vividly portrays the ultimate triumph of God's universal sovereignty, where His reign is fully established and universally acknowledged across the entire earth. This verse offers profound hope and deep insight into the culmination of God's redemptive plan for creation, pointing to a future era of undisputed divine rule and unified worship.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Zechariah 14 is a highly apocalyptic and eschatological chapter, forming the culmination of Zechariah's prophetic book. It describes "the Day of the LORD," a recurring biblical motif signifying a time of divine intervention, judgment, and salvation. The preceding verses (Zechariah 14:1-8) detail a final, cataclysmic battle against Jerusalem, cosmic disturbances, and God's miraculous defense of His people. The Mount of Olives splits, living waters flow from Jerusalem, and light replaces darkness. Against this backdrop of dramatic divine action and global upheaval, Zechariah 14:9 serves as the triumphant and definitive declaration of the ultimate outcome: God's undisputed, universal, and eternal kingship, establishing the new order following these transformative events. It is the theological climax, explaining the purpose and result of the preceding divine judgments and interventions.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Zechariah prophesied during the early post-exilic period, roughly 520-518 BC, when the Jewish people had returned from Babylonian captivity and were rebuilding the Temple in Jerusalem. This was a time of national vulnerability, political uncertainty under Persian rule, and spiritual discouragement. The people longed for the restoration of their national glory and the fulfillment of God's covenant promises, particularly the establishment of a Davidic king and God's sovereign rule. Prophecies like Zechariah 14:9 spoke directly to these aspirations, offering a grand vision of God's ultimate triumph over all earthly powers and the establishment of His kingdom, far exceeding their immediate political realities. It provided hope that despite their present humble circumstances, Yahweh, the God of Israel, would ultimately be recognized as the supreme ruler of all nations, fulfilling ancient promises of a global reign (e.g., [Psalm 2:8](/psalms/2-8 "Psalm 2:8 - God's Universal Dominion") and [Psalm 47:8](/psalms/47-8 "Psalm 47:8 - God Reigns Over the Nations")).

* **Key Themes:** Zechariah 14:9 contributes significantly to several major theological and narrative themes within Zechariah and the broader prophetic tradition. The most prominent is the **Universal Sovereignty of God**, explicitly stating that "the LORD shall be king over all the earth." This theme underscores God's absolute dominion, extending His authority beyond Israel to every nation and corner of the world, signifying a future where all earthly powers submit to His divine rule, as also envisioned in [Daniel 7:14](/daniel/7-14 "Daniel 7:14 - The Son of Man's Everlasting Dominion"). Closely related is the theme of **Divine Unity and Recognition**, conveyed by "in that day shall there be one LORD, and his name one." This emphasizes the singularity and unique identity of God, implying the abolition of all false gods, idolatry, and competing loyalties. It echoes the foundational declaration of God's oneness found in the [Shema (Deuteronomy 6:4)](/deuteronomy/6-4 "Deuteronomy 6:4 - The Shema: Hear, O Israel") and projects its universal acknowledgment. Finally, the verse strongly points to the **Establishment of the Messianic Kingdom**, often interpreted as the future, literal reign of the Messiah on earth. It anticipates a time when God's perfect justice and peace will govern the world directly, fulfilling prophecies of a righteous king ruling over all creation, as seen in [Isaiah 9:6-7](/isaiah/9-6-7 "Isaiah 9:6-7 - The Prophecy of the Messiah's Reign").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **LORD (Hebrew, _Yᵉhôvâh'_):** This is the Tetragrammaton, YHWH (H3068), God's personal, covenantal name. It signifies "the self-Existent or Eternal," emphasizing God's absolute being, unchanging nature, and His unique relationship with His people. In this context, it underscores that the one who will be King over all the earth is the very God who revealed Himself to Israel, the eternal and sovereign Creator.
* **king (Hebrew, _melek'_):** The term (H4428) denotes a sovereign ruler, one who exercises ultimate authority and dominion. The declaration that YHWH "shall be king" is not merely a statement of future reality but a powerful affirmation of His inherent right and ultimate triumph over all other claimants to power, establishing a definitive and absolute reign.
* **one (Hebrew, _ʼechâd'_):** This numeral (H259) means "united" or "one," but its usage here goes beyond mere numerical singularity. When applied to "LORD" and "name," it conveys uniqueness, unity, and universal acknowledgment. It implies that in that day, there will be no other gods, no competing authorities, and no division in the worship or understanding of God's character. His identity and authority will be singular, unified, and universally confessed.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the LORD shall be king over all the earth":** This opening clause is a declarative prophecy of God's ultimate and undisputed universal sovereignty. It envisions a future state where Yahweh, the God of Israel, will exercise direct and absolute rule not just over His chosen people, but over every nation, every land, and every inhabitant of the globe. This is a definitive statement of divine triumph, signifying the end of all human rebellion and the full establishment of God's righteous governance across creation.
* **"in that day shall there be one LORD":** The phrase "in that day" points to the eschatological period described throughout Zechariah 14, the culmination of God's redemptive plan. The declaration "shall there be one LORD" emphasizes the absolute monotheism that will characterize this future era. It signifies the complete eradication of idolatry, polytheism, and any rival claims to deity. All peoples will acknowledge and worship the one true God, Yahweh, without deviation or competition, fulfilling the foundational truth of Israel's faith on a global scale.
* **"and his name one":** This final clause reinforces and expands upon the preceding statement. "His name one" refers not just to a singular appellation, but to God's unified character, reputation, and recognized authority. It means that God's identity, attributes, and worship will be uniformly understood and acknowledged by all humanity. There will be no diverse interpretations, no divided loyalties, and no confusion regarding who God is or how He is to be honored. His singular, unique, and glorious character will be universally confessed and revered.

#### Literary Devices
Zechariah 14:9 employs several powerful literary devices to convey its profound message. The most prominent is **Prophecy**, as the verse declares a future state of affairs, moving from the present reality of fragmented human rule to the ultimate reign of God. **Symbolism** is evident in "the earth," representing the entirety of creation and humanity, over which God's dominion will extend. The phrase "in that day" is a key eschatological **motif**, signaling a specific, climactic period of divine intervention and transformation. **Repetition** is used effectively with the word "one" ("one LORD, and his name one"), which serves as a powerful **emphasis** on the singularity, unity, and universal recognition of God. This repetition creates a sense of definitive closure and absolute truth, underscoring the abolition of all competing deities and the establishment of an undivided worship. The verse functions as a **climax** to the preceding narrative of conflict and divine judgment in Zechariah 14, providing the ultimate resolution and purpose for God's actions.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Zechariah 14:9 is a foundational text for understanding God's ultimate sovereignty and the eschatological hope of His kingdom. It affirms the biblical truth that God is not merely the God of Israel but the Creator and rightful King of all the earth, whose universal dominion will one day be fully manifested and acknowledged by all creation. This declaration stands against all forms of idolatry and humanistic rebellion, asserting the singular identity and authority of the one true God. It speaks to the fulfillment of God's redemptive plan, where the chaos of sin and human governance gives way to the perfect order and justice of His divine rule, leading to a unified worship of His holy name.

* [Psalm 47:7](/psalms/47-7 "Psalm 47:7 - God is King of All the Earth"): "For God is the King of all the earth: sing ye praises with understanding."
* [Isaiah 9:6-7](/isaiah/9-6-7 "Isaiah 9:6-7 - Prophecy of the Messiah's Everlasting Government"): "For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder... Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end..."
* [Revelation 11:15](/revelation/11-15 "Revelation 11:15 - The Kingdoms of the World Become Christ's"): "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."

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Zechariah 14:9 offers immense hope and comfort to believers across all generations. In a world often characterized by political instability, moral decay, and spiritual confusion, this verse provides a steadfast anchor, reminding us that despite present chaos and the apparent triumph of evil, God's ultimate plan is for His absolute sovereignty to be recognized and established over all creation. This grand vision calls us to live with an eternal perspective, fostering resilience in the face of temporal difficulties. It compels us not only to anticipate this future reality but also to acknowledge and submit to God's present kingship in our own lives, recognizing that His authority is already supreme even if not yet universally acknowledged. Furthermore, the declaration of "one LORD, and his name one" serves as a powerful reminder of the unique truth of the one true God, encouraging us to boldly proclaim His singular identity and character in a pluralistic world, inviting others to join in the worship of the only King worthy of all honor.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the promise of God's ultimate universal kingship impact your perspective on current global events and political turmoil?**
* **In what specific areas of your life do you need to more fully acknowledge and submit to the present sovereignty of the LORD?**
* **What practical steps can you take to live more consistently in light of the truth that there is "one LORD, and his name one," both in your personal walk and in your witness to others?**
* **How does the hope of God's future reign motivate you to persevere in faith and service today?**

### FAQ

**Does Zechariah 14:9 refer to a literal future reign of God on earth?**

Answer: Yes, many biblical scholars and theologians interpret Zechariah 14:9 as a prophecy pointing to a literal, future reign of God on earth, often associated with the millennial kingdom described in [Revelation 20](/revelation/20 "Revelation 20 - The Millennial Reign"). The vivid, concrete imagery throughout Zechariah 14, including the splitting of the Mount of Olives and the flow of living waters from Jerusalem, suggests a physical manifestation of God's rule. While God is always sovereign, this verse anticipates a time when His kingship will be universally recognized and directly exercised, bringing perfect justice and peace to the earth in a new, tangible way.

**What is the significance of "one LORD, and his name one"?**

Answer: This phrase emphasizes both the singularity and the unified recognition of God. "One LORD" (Hebrew: _ʼechâd Yᵉhôvâh'_) affirms absolute monotheism, declaring that in that future day, there will be no other gods or competing deities acknowledged by humanity. It signifies the complete eradication of idolatry and false worship. "And his name one" means that God's character, reputation, and authority will be uniformly understood and honored across the entire earth. There will be no confusion or division regarding His identity or how He is to be worshipped. It speaks to a universal, unified worship of the one true God, fulfilling the essence of the [Shema (Deuteronomy 6:4)](/deuteronomy/6-4 "Deuteronomy 6:4 - Hear, O Israel, the LORD is One") on a global scale.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Zechariah 14:9 finds its ultimate and glorious fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. As the Son of God, Jesus is the physical manifestation of the invisible God (Colossians 1:15), and it is through Him that the LORD's universal kingship will be fully established. The New Testament consistently presents Jesus as the promised King, born to reign (Matthew 2:2), to whom all authority in heaven and on earth has been given (Matthew 28:18). His first coming inaugurated His kingdom, but Zechariah 14:9 anticipates His second coming, when He will return in power and glory to fully establish His righteous rule over all the earth (Revelation 19:11-16). In that day, every knee will bow and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father (Philippians 2:9-11), thus fulfilling the prophecy that there shall be "one LORD, and his name one." Through Christ, the one true God is revealed, and His name, which is above every name, becomes the singular focus of universal worship and adoration, bringing all things under His dominion (Ephesians 1:20-22).

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

Ephesians 4:5

One Lord, one faith, one baptism,

Ephesians 4:6

One God and Father of all, who [is] above all, and through all, and in you all.

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.

Daniel 7:27

And the kingdom and dominion, and the greatness of the kingdom under the whole heaven, shall be given to the people of the saints of the most High, whose kingdom [is] an everlasting kingdom, and all dominions shall serve and obey him.

Isaiah 2:2

And it shall come to pass in the last days, [that] the mountain of the LORD'S house shall be established in the top of the mountains, and shall be exalted above the hills; and all nations shall flow unto it.

Isaiah 2:4

And he shall judge among the nations, and shall rebuke many people: and they shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruninghooks: nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more.

Daniel 2:44

And in the days of these kings shall the God of heaven set up a kingdom, which shall never be destroyed: and the kingdom shall not be left to other people, [but] it shall break in pieces and consume all these kingdoms, and it shall stand for ever.