Zechariah 6:9

KJV

¶ And the word of the LORD came unto me, saying,

KJV (with Strong's)

And the word {H1697} of the LORD {H3068} came unto me, saying {H559},

Complete Jewish Bible

This message from ADONAI came to me:

Berean Standard Bible

The word of the LORD also came to me, saying,

American Standard Version

And the word of Jehovah came unto me, saying,

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Zechariah 6:9 serves as a pivotal introductory statement, marking a profound shift in Zechariah's prophetic ministry from a series of symbolic visions to a direct, imperative divine revelation. This concise declaration signals the commencement of a new, crucial message from Yahweh, setting the stage for one of the book's most significant prophecies concerning the symbolic crowning of Joshua the high priest, an act laden with messianic implications for the future King-Priest.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows the climactic conclusion of Zechariah's eight night visions (Zechariah 1:7-6:8), specifically the vision of the four chariots that patrol the earth, signifying God's sovereign control and judgment (Zechariah 6:1-8). The formulaic phrase "And the word of the LORD came unto me, saying," acts as a distinct literary demarcation, signaling a transition from the interpretation of complex, symbolic imagery to a direct, verbal command and prophecy. This shift underscores the heightened importance and directness of the message that follows, which is not an interpretation of a vision but a concrete instruction from God to Zechariah regarding a specific action—the crowning of Joshua.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Zechariah ministered to the Jewish remnant who had returned to Jerusalem from Babylonian exile (c. 520 BC). This community faced immense challenges, including discouragement, opposition, and a lack of resources, which hindered the rebuilding of the Temple. The people were struggling to reconcile their present hardships with God's promises of restoration. Zechariah's prophecies, alongside those of Haggai, were designed to encourage faithfulness, instill hope, and remind the people of God's unwavering covenant commitment and His ultimate plans for their future. The prophecy introduced by Zechariah 6:9, concerning the Branch, would have provided a powerful spiritual anchor in a time of physical and emotional rebuilding.
* **Key Themes:** Zechariah 6:9 introduces and reinforces several foundational themes woven throughout the book. Firstly, it emphasizes **Divine Revelation and Authority**, asserting that the subsequent message is not human insight but a direct, authoritative communication from Yahweh, establishing the infallible truthfulness of the prophecy, much like other prophetic calls found in [Jeremiah 1:9](/jeremiah/1-9 "Jeremiah 1:9 - God's Word in Jeremiah's Mouth"). Secondly, it highlights **Prophetic Commission**, reaffirming Zechariah's role as God's chosen mouthpiece, tasked with receiving and faithfully delivering God's precise instructions to His people. Finally, it signals a significant **Thematic Transition** within the book, moving from the broad, cosmic scope of the visions to a more specific, actionable prophecy that directly foreshadows the coming Messiah, "the Branch," who will build the true spiritual temple and reign as both King and Priest, a theme explicitly developed in [Zechariah 6:12-13](/zechariah/6-12-13 "Zechariah 6:12-13 - The Branch, King and Priest").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **word (Hebrew, _dâbâr'_):** From H1697, this term denotes more than just a spoken utterance; it encompasses a matter, a thing, an affair, or a decree. In the context of "the word of the LORD," it signifies a direct, authoritative communication that carries the weight of divine intention and often necessitates action or reveals a divine plan. It is not merely information but a potent, active force.
* **LORD (Hebrew, _Yᵉhôvâh'_):** From H3068, this is the personal, covenantal name of God, often transliterated as Yahweh or Jehovah. It emphasizes God's self-existence, eternal nature, and His covenant faithfulness to His people. The use of this specific name underscores that the message is from the sovereign, covenant-keeping God of Israel, lending immense authority and reliability to the revelation.
* **saying (Hebrew, _ʼâmar'_):** From H559, this primitive root means "to say" with great latitude, including to appoint, command, declare, or speak. In this formulaic phrase, it functions to introduce direct speech, indicating that what follows are the precise words of Yahweh, not a summary or interpretation by the prophet. It highlights the directness and verbatim nature of the divine communication.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"¶ And the word of the LORD came unto me":** This is a classic prophetic formula, frequently found throughout the Old Testament (e.g., Jeremiah 1:2, Ezekiel 1:3). The phrase "came unto me" (or "came to him") emphasizes the divine initiative and the prophet's receptivity. It signifies that the message is not a product of human thought or a vision to be interpreted, but a direct, verbal, and authoritative communication from Yahweh Himself, supernaturally conveyed to Zechariah. It establishes the divine origin and unimpeachable authority of the subsequent prophecy.
* **"saying,":** This single word acts as a direct introduction to the divine speech that follows. It indicates that the subsequent verses (Zechariah 6:10-15) are the precise words spoken by the LORD to Zechariah, not a summary or an interpretation. This grammatical function reinforces the directness and imperative nature of God's command and revelation.

#### Literary Devices
Zechariah 6:9 primarily employs the **Prophetic Formula**. This standardized phrase, "And the word of the LORD came unto me, saying," is a powerful literary and theological device used throughout prophetic literature. Its consistent repetition serves to immediately establish the divine authority and origin of the message that follows, distinguishing it from human opinion or observation. It functions as a **Framing Device**, signaling the commencement of a new, direct revelation and acting as a clear **Literary Demarcation** from the preceding visionary sequence. By using this formula, the text emphasizes the **Inspiration** of the prophecy, asserting that Zechariah is merely the recipient and conduit of God's infallible truth, thereby lending immense weight and credibility to the subsequent instructions and prophecies.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Zechariah 6:9, though brief, is saturated with theological significance, primarily underscoring the active, personal, and authoritative nature of God's communication with humanity. The consistent use of the prophetic formula "the word of the LORD came" throughout the Old Testament establishes a pattern of divine initiative, revealing God's sustained engagement with His people and His sovereign control over history. This verse affirms that God is not silent but actively speaks, revealing His will, His plans, and His character through chosen vessels. It highlights the reliability and truthfulness of biblical prophecy, as it originates directly from the eternal Yahweh, ensuring that His word is always purposeful and ultimately fulfilled.

* [2 Peter 1:21](/2_peter/1-21 "2 Peter 1:21 - Prophecy Carried by the Holy Spirit"): "For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost."
* [Amos 3:7](/amos/3-7 "Amos 3:7 - God Reveals His Secret to His Servants"): "Surely the Lord GOD will do nothing, but he revealeth his secret unto his servants the prophets."
* [Hebrews 1:1-2](/hebrews/1-1-2 "Hebrews 1:1-2 - God Speaks Through Prophets and His Son"): "God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets, Hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds."

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Zechariah 6:9 serves as a profound reminder of God's active involvement in human history and His ongoing desire to communicate with His people. For believers today, this verse underscores the divine origin and authority of the Scriptures. Just as Zechariah was called to receive and faithfully deliver God's word, we are called to listen attentively to, meditate upon, and obey the revealed will of God found in the Bible. This verse encourages us to approach the Scriptures not as mere human writings, but as the very breath of God—living, active, and powerful to transform lives and guide our steps. It cultivates a posture of humility and trust, knowing that the God who spoke to Zechariah still speaks to us through His inspired Word, providing wisdom, comfort, and direction for every aspect of life.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does recognizing the divine origin of Scripture (the "word of the LORD") impact your approach to reading and obeying the Bible?**
* **In what ways might we, like Zechariah, be called to be recipients and conveyors of God's truth in our contemporary contexts?**
* **What specific areas of your life need to be more fully submitted to the authoritative "word of the LORD"?**

### FAQ
**Why is the phrase "the word of the LORD came" so significant in biblical prophecy?**

Answer: The phrase "the word of the LORD came" (or similar variations like "the word of Yahweh") is profoundly significant because it serves as an unequivocal declaration of divine origin and authority for the message that follows. It distinguishes the prophet's words from personal opinion, human wisdom, or mere speculation, asserting that they are direct, infallible communications from God Himself. This formula underscores several key theological truths: God is actively involved in human history, He chooses to reveal His will to humanity, and His messages are utterly reliable and carry divine imperative. It authenticates the prophet's ministry and ensures that the audience understands the message as a direct utterance from the sovereign Creator, demanding attention and obedience. This phrase is a hallmark of true prophecy, establishing its supernatural source and its binding nature, as seen in countless passages like [Jeremiah 1:2](/jeremiah/1-2 "Jeremiah 1:2 - The Word of the Lord to Jeremiah") and [Ezekiel 1:3](/ezekiel/1-3 "Ezekiel 1:3 - The Word of the Lord to Ezekiel").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Zechariah 6:9, as the introduction to the prophecy of "the Branch" and the symbolic crowning of Joshua, finds its ultimate and glorious fulfillment in Jesus Christ. While Zechariah received the "word of the LORD" as a direct revelation, Jesus Himself is the living "Word" of God incarnate, as profoundly declared in [John 1:1](/john/1-1 "John 1:1 - The Word Was God") and [John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh"). All of God's previous communications through prophets, including Zechariah's message about the Branch, pointed forward to the Son, who is the final and complete revelation of God to humanity. As [Hebrews 1:1-2](/hebrews/1-1-2 "Hebrews 1:1-2 - God Speaks Through Prophets and His Son") articulates, "God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets, Hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son." Jesus is not merely the recipient of God's word, but He *is* God's word, the embodiment of divine truth and purpose. The prophecy introduced by Zechariah 6:9, culminating in the King-Priest figure of the Branch, is fully realized in Christ, who perfectly fulfills both roles, building the true spiritual temple (His Church) and reigning eternally, as depicted in [Revelation 19:13](/revelation/19-13 "Revelation 19:13 - The Word of God"). Thus, this simple introductory verse ultimately directs our gaze to the One who is the very essence of God's self-revelation and the culmination of all His promises.

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

Zechariah 1:1

¶ In the eighth month, in the second year of Darius, came the word of the LORD unto Zechariah, the son of Berechiah, the son of Iddo the prophet, saying,

Zechariah 7:1

¶ And it came to pass in the fourth year of king Darius, [that] the word of the LORD came unto Zechariah in the fourth [day] of the ninth month, [even] in Chisleu;

Zechariah 8:1

¶ Again the word of the LORD of hosts came [to me], saying,