Zechariah 9:11

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

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}.

Complete Jewish Bible

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

Berean Standard Bible

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

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Zechariah 9:11 is a profound prophetic declaration affirming God's unwavering commitment to His people, Zion, based on the enduring power of His covenant. It vividly portrays divine intervention, where God, by the efficacy of His established covenant, actively liberates His "prisoners" from a state of utter desolation, symbolized by a "pit wherein is no water." This verse not only anticipates the restoration of physical exiles but also points to a far greater, spiritual deliverance rooted in God's faithful and redemptive character.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Zechariah 9 marks a significant transition within the book, shifting from prophecies concerning surrounding Gentile nations (chapters 7-8) to a direct focus on Jerusalem (Zion) and the coming Messianic King. The verses immediately preceding Zechariah 9:11, specifically [Zechariah 9:9-10](/zechariah/9-9-10 "Zechariah 9:9-10 - The Messiah's Humble Entry and Peaceful Reign"), paint a vivid picture of the Messiah's humble, yet triumphant, entry into Jerusalem, bringing peace and extending His dominion "from sea to sea." Verse 11 then naturally follows as a consequence and manifestation of this King's reign and God's faithfulness, detailing the liberation and restoration of His people. It underscores that the peace and dominion of the Messiah are intrinsically linked to the freedom of those held captive, setting the stage for further promises of divine protection and victory for Judah and Ephraim in the subsequent verses.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Zechariah ministered during the post-exilic period, roughly 520-518 BC, alongside the prophet Haggai. The Jewish people had returned from seventy years of Babylonian captivity, but they faced significant challenges: a desolate homeland, opposition to temple rebuilding, and spiritual apathy. The "pit wherein is no water" (Hebrew: _bôr lō'-mayim_) is a powerful cultural image. In ancient Near Eastern contexts, such pits were commonly used as cisterns for water storage, but when dry, they served as dreadful dungeons or places of abandonment. Examples include Joseph being cast into a pit by his brothers ([Genesis 37:24](/genesis/37-24 "Genesis 37:24 - Joseph in the Pit")) and Jeremiah's imprisonment in a miry cistern ([Jeremiah 38:6](/jeremiah/38-6 "Jeremiah 38:6 - Jeremiah in the Cistern")). This imagery would have resonated deeply with the returned exiles, who had experienced the "pit" of Babylonian captivity and now faced the "dryness" of a struggling post-exilic existence, highlighting their need for divine rescue from a seemingly hopeless situation.
* **Key Themes:** Zechariah 9:11 contributes significantly to several overarching themes in the book of Zechariah and broader biblical theology. Firstly, it emphasizes **Divine Deliverance and Restoration**, portraying God as the active agent who "sends forth" His people from bondage, a recurring motif throughout Israel's history, from the Exodus to the return from exile. Secondly, the verse highlights **God's Covenant Faithfulness**. The phrase "by the blood of thy covenant" points to the enduring and binding nature of God's promises, specifically those made to Abraham, Moses, and David, which were often ratified by blood sacrifices ([Exodus 24:8](/exodus/24-8 "Exodus 24:8 - The Blood of the Covenant at Sinai")). This underscores that God's actions are not arbitrary but are rooted in His unchanging character and His solemn commitments to His people. Finally, the verse subtly reinforces the theme of **Messianic Hope**, as the liberation described is intrinsically linked to the coming of the righteous and humble King introduced in [Zechariah 9:9](/zechariah/9-9 "Zechariah 9:9 - The Messiah's Humble Entry"), whose reign brings about such profound freedom and restoration.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **blood (Hebrew, _dâm'_):** (H1818) This term refers to the vital fluid of life, often associated with life itself, and critically, with death when shed. In the context of covenants, blood was central to ratification, symbolizing the solemnity and binding nature of the agreement, often involving sacrifice and the forfeiture of life. Here, it signifies the established, life-giving foundation upon which God's covenant with His people is built, a foundation that enables liberation.
* **covenant (Hebrew, _bᵉrîyth'_):** (H1285) Derived from a root meaning "to cut," this word denotes a compact or solemn agreement, often ratified by a ritual involving the cutting of animals (as in [Genesis 15](/genesis/15 "Genesis 15 - God's Covenant with Abram")). It signifies a binding, divinely initiated relationship between God and His people, characterized by mutual obligations but primarily by God's unilateral promises and faithfulness. The "blood of thy covenant" thus refers to the established, sacred agreement that serves as the basis for God's redemptive actions.
* **pit (Hebrew, _bôwr'_)::** (H953) This word describes a hole or excavation, specifically one used as a cistern or a dungeon. Its usage here, especially with the qualification "wherein is no water," strongly implies a place of desolation, extreme suffering, confinement, and hopelessness. It is a powerful metaphor for any state of deep distress, spiritual bondage, or even the realm of death itself, from which only divine intervention can rescue.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"As for thee also,"**: This phrase directly addresses Zion, or the people of God, emphasizing that the preceding prophecies of judgment on surrounding nations and the coming of the Messiah will directly impact and benefit them. It signals a shift in focus to God's particular concern and action for His chosen people.
* **"by the blood of thy covenant"**: This is the foundational clause, specifying the means and basis of God's action. It refers to the established covenant relationship between God and Israel, ratified through sacrificial blood (e.g., the Mosaic covenant). This highlights that God's forthcoming act of liberation is not arbitrary, but is rooted in His faithfulness to His solemn, blood-sealed promises made to His people.
* **"I have sent forth thy prisoners"**: This declares God's sovereign and decisive action. The "prisoners" are those held captive, whether literally in exile, or metaphorically in spiritual bondage or despair. The verb "sent forth" (Hebrew: _shâlach_) implies a powerful, deliberate release, an act of divine initiative and authority.
* **"out of the pit wherein is no water."**: This vivid imagery describes the dire state from which the prisoners are released. A "pit without water" is a place of extreme deprivation, desolation, and potential death, symbolizing a condition of utter hopelessness, spiritual barrenness, or severe oppression. God's act of sending forth is a rescue from this most desperate of circumstances.

#### Literary Devices
Zechariah 9:11 is rich in literary devices that amplify its message of divine deliverance. The most prominent is **Imagery**, particularly the stark contrast between the "blood of thy covenant" and "the pit wherein is no water." The "blood" evokes life, sacrifice, and the solemnity of a binding agreement, while the "pit wherein is no water" conjures a powerful image of desolation, despair, and death, typical of ancient dungeons or dry cisterns. This creates a vivid **Metaphor** where the "pit" symbolizes not just physical imprisonment but also spiritual bondage, sin, or overwhelming suffering from which there is no natural escape. The phrase "I have sent forth" exemplifies **Divine Anthropomorphism**, attributing a human-like action (sending) to God, emphasizing His direct and powerful intervention. The verse also employs **Synecdoche** by using "blood" to represent the entire covenant, as blood was the central element in its ratification. The overall effect is a powerful portrayal of God's redemptive power, rooted in His covenant faithfulness, to rescue His people from the most dire circumstances.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Zechariah 9:11 beautifully encapsulates God's unwavering commitment to His covenant people, demonstrating His power to deliver them from seemingly insurmountable despair. The "blood of thy covenant" points to the ancient sacrificial system that established and maintained the relationship between God and Israel, foreshadowing a greater, ultimate sacrifice. This verse underscores a fundamental theological truth: God's deliverance is always rooted in His faithfulness to His promises, which are sealed by the shed blood of a covenant. The imagery of the "pit wherein is no water" resonates throughout biblical narratives as a symbol of utter helplessness and the depths of human suffering or spiritual bondage, from which only divine intervention can rescue. This prophetic declaration thus offers profound hope, revealing God as the ultimate liberator who acts decisively on behalf of His beloved.

* [Exodus 24:8](/exodus/24-8 "Exodus 24:8 - The Blood of the Covenant at Sinai")
* [Hebrews 9:12](/hebrews/9-12 "Hebrews 9:12 - Christ's Eternal Redemption Through His Own Blood")
* [Isaiah 42:7](/isaiah/42-7 "Isaiah 42:7 - Opening Blind Eyes and Freeing Prisoners")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Zechariah 9:11 offers a powerful message of hope and liberation for believers today. We often find ourselves in various "pits"—situations of despair, addiction, chronic sin, emotional distress, or overwhelming circumstances that feel like a dry, inescapable dungeon. This verse reminds us that our deliverance is not dependent on our own strength or ingenuity, but on God's sovereign intervention, rooted in His eternal covenant. Just as God promised to free His ancient people, He promises freedom to us through the new covenant established in Christ's blood. We are called to remember that no pit is too deep for God's redemptive power. Our hope lies in His faithfulness to His promises, secured by the ultimate sacrifice. Therefore, we are encouraged to trust in His active presence, believing that He is able to "send forth" us from whatever spiritual or emotional bondage holds us captive, leading us into the abundant life found in Him.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "pit" (a situation of despair, sin, or hopelessness) do you currently feel trapped in, and how does the imagery of a "pit wherein is no water" resonate with your experience?**
* **How does understanding that God's deliverance is "by the blood of thy covenant" deepen your trust in His faithfulness, particularly in seemingly impossible circumstances?**
* **In what ways can you actively embrace the freedom God offers through His covenant, and how might this freedom empower you to serve others who are in their own "pits"?**

### FAQ
**What does "the pit wherein is no water" symbolize in Zechariah 9:11?**

Answer: The phrase "the pit wherein is no water" (Hebrew: _bôr lō'-mayim_) is a powerful symbol of utter desolation, extreme suffering, and hopeless confinement. Literally, it refers to a dry cistern or dungeon, a place of starvation, thirst, and potential death, as seen in biblical accounts like Joseph's imprisonment ([Genesis 37:24](/genesis/37-24 "Genesis 37:24 - Joseph in the Pit")) or Jeremiah's ordeal ([Jeremiah 38:6](/jeremiah/38-6 "Jeremiah in the Cistern")). Theologically, it symbolizes any state of deep spiritual or physical bondage, despair, sin, or the power of death itself, from which there is no natural escape. It emphasizes the severity of the "prisoners'" plight and highlights that their liberation is solely a result of God's supernatural intervention.

**How does the "blood of thy covenant" in Zechariah 9:11 relate to the New Testament concept of salvation?**

Answer: The "blood of thy covenant" in Zechariah 9:11 refers to the Old Testament covenants, particularly the Mosaic covenant, which were often ratified by the shedding of animal blood ([Exodus 24:8](/exodus/24-8 "Exodus 24:8 - The Blood of the Covenant at Sinai")). This blood symbolized the solemnity and binding nature of God's promises and the life given to secure them. In the New Testament, this concept finds its ultimate fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. His sacrificial death on the cross, where His blood was shed, established the "new covenant" ([Luke 22:20](/luke/22-20 "Luke 22:20 - The New Covenant in Christ's Blood")). This new covenant, sealed by Christ's perfect and eternal blood, provides complete forgiveness of sins and eternal redemption ([Hebrews 9:12](/hebrews/9-12 "Hebrews 9:12 - Christ's Eternal Redemption")). Thus, the liberation promised in Zechariah 9:11, rooted in the blood of the old covenant, prophetically points forward to the ultimate spiritual freedom from sin and death that believers experience through the atoning blood of Jesus Christ.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Zechariah 9:11 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ, the promised Messiah. The "blood of thy covenant" is not merely a reference to the Old Testament sacrifices, but a powerful foreshadowing of the perfect and eternal sacrifice of Christ. His shed blood on the cross inaugurated the [new covenant](/luke/22-20 "Luke 22:20 - The New Covenant in Christ's Blood"), by which believers are truly "sent forth" from the deepest "pit"—the pit of sin, spiritual death, and the dominion of darkness. Just as the ancient prisoners were liberated from a waterless dungeon, so too are those who believe in Christ freed from the barrenness and despair of a life separated from God. Jesus Himself declared, "[If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed](/john/8-36 "John 8:36 - Freedom in the Son")" (John 8:36). He is the one who, by His own blood, has "delivered us from the power of darkness, and has translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son: In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins" ([Colossians 1:13-14](/colossians/1-13-14 "Colossians 1:13-14 - Redemption Through Christ's Blood")). Thus, Zechariah 9:11 is not just a historical promise of physical return, but a glorious prophecy of the spiritual liberation secured for all humanity through the covenant blood of our Lord Jesus Christ, the true King of Zion.

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

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.