Zechariah 9:11

As for thee also, by the blood of thy covenant I have sent forth thy prisoners out of the pit wherein [is] no water.

As for thee also, by the blood {H1818} of thy covenant {H1285} I have sent forth {H7971} thy prisoners {H615} out of the pit {H953} wherein is no water {H4325}.

"Also you, by the blood of your covenant, I release your prisoners from [the dungeon,] the cistern that has no water in it.

As for you,because of the blood of My covenant,I will release your prisonersfrom the waterless pit.

As for thee also, because of the blood of thy covenant I have set free thy prisoners from the pit wherein is no water.

Zechariah 9:11 is a powerful prophetic declaration within a section of Zechariah's book that promises both judgment on the nations and ultimate restoration and blessing for Israel. This verse specifically highlights God's initiative in delivering His people from deep distress, founded upon the enduring power of His covenant.

Context

Chapter 9 of Zechariah transitions from prophecies concerning surrounding nations to a focus on Zion (Jerusalem) and the coming of its King. The preceding verses (Zechariah 9:9-10) vividly describe the Messiah's humble entry and His peaceful dominion. Verse 11 then speaks to the liberation of God's people, likely referring initially to the return of Jewish exiles from captivity, but also pointing to a much greater, spiritual deliverance. The prophet Zechariah ministered during the post-exilic period, encouraging the returned exiles to rebuild the temple and remember God's faithfulness amidst their struggles.

Key Themes

  • The Blood of the Covenant: The phrase "by the blood of thy covenant" is central. In the Old Testament, covenants were often ratified by blood sacrifices, symbolizing the solemnity and binding nature of the agreement (e.g., the Mosaic covenant in Exodus 24:8). Prophetically, this phrase points forward to the ultimate and perfect covenant established through the sacrificial blood of Jesus Christ, which brings eternal redemption (Hebrews 9:12). This covenant, sealed by Christ's blood, is the foundation for true liberation.
  • Deliverance from the Pit: The imagery of "the pit wherein is no water" is striking. A pit without water was a common type of ancient dungeon or cistern used for imprisonment, often a place of severe suffering, starvation, or even death, as seen with Joseph (Genesis 37:24) or Jeremiah (Jeremiah 38:6). This symbolizes a state of deep distress, spiritual bondage, despair, or even the power of death itself. God's promise is to rescue His "prisoners" from such a hopeless condition.
  • Divine Initiative: The declaration "I have sent forth thy prisoners" emphasizes that this deliverance is God's sovereign act. It is not by human strength or merit, but by God's faithfulness to His covenant that freedom is secured.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew phrase for "pit wherein is no water" is bor lo-mayim (בּוֹר לֹא־מָיִם). The word bor can refer to a cistern, well, or dungeon. The addition of lo-mayim (no water) highlights the extreme desolation and lack of sustenance or hope in such a confinement. This vivid description underscores the severity of the bondage from which God promises liberation.

Practical Application

Zechariah 9:11 offers profound hope and encouragement. For believers today, this verse powerfully points to the new covenant in Christ's blood. Through His sacrifice, we are freed from the "pit" of sin, spiritual death, and the power of the enemy. It reminds us that no matter how desperate or hopeless our circumstances may seem—whether physical, emotional, or spiritual—God's covenant faithfulness is the basis for our deliverance. He is able to bring us out of the deepest pits and into the freedom found in His redemptive plan.

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.

  • Isaiah 51:14

    The captive exile hasteneth that he may be loosed, and that he should not die in the pit, nor that his bread should fail.

  • Exodus 24:8

    And Moses took the blood, and sprinkled [it] on the people, and said, Behold the blood of the covenant, which the LORD hath made with you concerning all these words.

  • Psalms 102:19

    For he hath looked down from the height of his sanctuary; from heaven did the LORD behold the earth;

  • Psalms 102:21

    To declare the name of the LORD in Zion, and his praise in Jerusalem;

  • Isaiah 42:7

    To open the blind eyes, to bring out the prisoners from the prison, [and] them that sit in darkness out of the prison house.

  • 1 Corinthians 11:25

    After the same manner also [he took] the cup, when he had supped, saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood: this do ye, as oft as ye drink [it], in remembrance of me.

  • Matthew 26:28

    For this is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins.

Add TrulyRandomVerse to your Home Screen for quick access!

← Back