Zechariah 9:17

KJV

For how great [is] his goodness, and how great [is] his beauty! corn shall make the young men cheerful, and new wine the maids.

KJV (with Strong's)

For how great is his goodness {H2898}, and how great is his beauty {H3308}! corn {H1715} shall make the young men {H970} cheerful {H5107}, and new wine {H8492} the maids {H1330}.

Complete Jewish Bible

What wealth is theirs, what beauty! Grain will make the young men thrive, and new wine the young women.

Berean Standard Bible

How lovely they will be,and how beautiful!Grain will make the young men flourish,and new wine, the young women.

American Standard Version

For how great is his goodness, and how great is his beauty! grain shall make the young men flourish, and new wine the virgins.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Zechariah 9:17 is a vibrant prophetic declaration of the profound blessings and abundant joy that characterize the reign of the promised King, the Messiah. It exalts the unparalleled goodness and beauty of God, manifested through His Anointed One, resulting in a time of overflowing provision, deep satisfaction, and widespread cheerfulness for His people, symbolizing the comprehensive flourishing found in His redemptive work.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Zechariah 9:17 is situated within the second major prophetic section of the book (chapters 9-14), often referred to as "Burden of the Word of the LORD." This section shifts from earlier visions concerning the rebuilding of the temple to eschatological prophecies about the coming of the Messiah and the ultimate restoration of Israel. Specifically, chapter 9 begins with a prophecy against surrounding nations, followed by a glorious description of Jerusalem's deliverance and the arrival of its King. The preceding verses, particularly [Zechariah 9:9](/zechariah/9-9 "Zechariah 9:9 - The Humble King's Arrival"), vividly portray the humble yet victorious Messiah entering Jerusalem, bringing salvation and peace. Verse 17 then serves as a magnificent climax, describing the glorious outcomes and the abundant blessings that flow from the presence and reign of this King, contrasting sharply with the previous periods of judgment and hardship. It anticipates a new era of divine favor and prosperity.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Zechariah prophesied during the post-exilic period, roughly 520-518 BC, when the Jewish people had returned from Babylonian captivity and were engaged in rebuilding the temple and re-establishing their lives in Judah. This was a time of hardship, discouragement, and lingering foreign domination, yet also one of fervent messianic expectation. In ancient Israel, "corn" (grain) and "new wine" were not merely commodities but fundamental staples of life, deeply intertwined with the nation's agricultural economy and its covenant relationship with God. Their abundance was a direct sign of divine blessing and prosperity, often promised for obedience to the covenant (e.g., [Deuteronomy 7:13](/deuteronomy/7-13 "Deuteronomy 7:13 - Blessings of Obedience")). Conversely, their scarcity indicated divine judgment. The imagery in Zechariah 9:17 thus taps into a deep cultural understanding of well-being, where physical abundance reflects spiritual favor and a flourishing society.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several key themes woven throughout Zechariah and the broader prophetic literature. Firstly, it underscores the **Divine Goodness and Beauty** of God, emphasizing that the blessings bestowed upon His people are a direct emanation of His glorious character. While "his" in the opening phrase can refer to God, in the immediate context of the King's arrival in [Zechariah 9:9](/zechariah/9-9 "The King's Humble Entry"), it strongly implies the Messiah as the embodiment and channel of this divine splendor. Secondly, it highlights **Messianic Abundance and Joy**, portraying the comprehensive prosperity and spiritual refreshment that will characterize the Messiah's reign. The imagery of "corn" making young men cheerful and "new wine" delighting maids signifies not just material wealth but a pervasive sense of contentment and celebration that permeates all segments of society, from the strong youth to the young women. This points to a time when God's people will experience profound **Satisfaction and Flourishing** in every aspect of life, fulfilling the covenant promises of a land overflowing with blessing, as seen in passages like [Joel 2:24](/joel/2-24 "Abundance and Restoration").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **goodness (Hebrew, _ṭûwb'_):** From the root meaning "to be good," this word encompasses a wide semantic range, including moral excellence, pleasantness, prosperity, welfare, happiness, and well-being. In Zechariah 9:17, it speaks to the inherent benevolent nature of God and the beneficial, salutary effects of His presence and the Messiah's reign. It's not just a quality but also the tangible outcome of that quality.
* **beauty (Hebrew, _yŏphîy'_):** Derived from the verb "to be beautiful," this term refers to physical attractiveness, splendor, or glory. Here, it signifies the inherent aesthetic and moral perfection of God or the Messiah. It denotes a captivating excellence that evokes admiration and delight, reflecting the glorious and excellent nature of the King and His kingdom.
* **new wine (Hebrew, _tîyrôwsh'_):** This refers specifically to fresh grape-juice or must, the product of the first pressing, often associated with the early stages of fermentation. It is distinct from aged or fermented wine. In biblical context, _tîyrôwsh_ is a potent symbol of agricultural fertility, divine blessing, and abundant harvest, often linked with grain as a sign of covenant prosperity and a flourishing land. Its ability to make "maids" cheerful signifies the joy and refreshment that comes from God's generous provision.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"For how great [is] his goodness":** This opening phrase is an exclamation of awe and wonder, expressing the boundless nature of God's (or the Messiah's) inherent moral and benevolent character. The rhetorical question "how great" emphasizes the immeasurable quality of this goodness, which is the foundational source of all the blessings that follow.
* **"and how great [is] his beauty!":** Parallel to the preceding clause, this continues the exclamation, highlighting the magnificent splendor and perfection of God or His Anointed One. This "beauty" is not merely superficial but refers to the glorious, excellent, and captivating nature of His being and His righteous reign, which inspires profound admiration and joy.
* **"corn shall make the young men cheerful":** This clause introduces the tangible effects of the divine goodness and beauty. "Corn" (grain) symbolizes abundant provision and sustenance. "Young men" (Hebrew: _bâchûwr_) represent the strength, vitality, and future of the community. The abundance of grain will lead to their "cheerfulness" (Hebrew: _nûwb_, to flourish, bring forth fruit, make cheerful), indicating physical well-being, prosperity, and a joyful spirit that comes from security and ample provision.
* **"and new wine the maids.":** This second part of the parallel statement reinforces the theme of universal prosperity and joy. "New wine" (Hebrew: _tîyrôwsh_) signifies refreshment, celebration, and the richness of the land's produce. "Maids" (Hebrew: _bᵉthûwlâh_, virgins) represent the young women of the community, symbolizing purity and future generations. The abundance of new wine will bring them joy, signifying that the blessings extend to all, fostering a pervasive atmosphere of delight and flourishing throughout society.

#### Literary Devices
Zechariah 9:17 employs several potent literary devices. The verse opens with an **Exclamation** ("For how great...") which immediately sets a tone of awe and wonder, emphasizing the immeasurable nature of God's attributes. This is followed by a clear instance of **Parallelism**, specifically **Synonymous Parallelism**, where "his goodness" is echoed and reinforced by "his beauty," and "corn shall make the young men cheerful" is mirrored by "new wine the maids." This repetition with variation intensifies the message of divine excellence and its pervasive beneficial effects. **Symbolism** is central, with "corn" and "new wine" serving as powerful symbols of abundant provision, prosperity, and the joyous blessings of God's covenant. These are not merely literal foodstuffs but represent comprehensive well-being and spiritual refreshment. The phrase "make cheerful" (from the root _nûwb_, to flourish) also carries a sense of **Metonymy**, where the physical effect (abundance of food) stands for the emotional and spiritual state (joy and flourishing). The overall effect is one of **Hyperbole**, conveying an overwhelming sense of divine blessing and societal flourishing that transcends ordinary experience, pointing to an ideal, messianic age.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Zechariah 9:17 profoundly connects to the biblical narrative of God's character and His redemptive plan. It reveals that true abundance and joy are not merely material, but flow directly from the inherent "goodness" and "beauty" of God Himself, which are perfectly embodied in His Messiah. This verse anticipates a time when God's covenant promises of blessing and prosperity will be fully realized, not just for a select few, but for all generations within His people. It speaks to the holistic nature of God's salvation, encompassing both spiritual and physical flourishing, and points towards the eschatological hope of a kingdom where God's presence brings complete satisfaction and delight. The joy described is a direct result of God's benevolent rule and generous provision, contrasting with the scarcity and sorrow often experienced in a fallen world.

* [Deuteronomy 7:13](/deuteronomy/7-13 "Blessings of Corn and Wine")
* [Joel 2:24](/joel/2-24 "Abundance and Restoration")
* [Psalms 27:4](/psalms/27-4 "Psalm 27:4 - Desiring God's Beauty")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Zechariah 9:17 offers a profound source of hope and encouragement for believers today, reminding us of the ultimate source of all true joy and satisfaction. It calls us to fix our gaze on the immeasurable goodness and captivating beauty of God, recognizing that our deepest spiritual and material needs are met in Him. This verse encourages us to live with an eager anticipation of the full realization of God's kingdom, where abundance, peace, and joy will be complete and pervasive. Even in seasons of scarcity, struggle, or spiritual dryness, we are invited to trust in God's unchanging character and His faithful promise to provide for His people. The "corn" and "new wine" serve as powerful metaphors for the rich, satisfying, and life-giving provision found in relationship with God, urging us to seek our contentment not in worldly pursuits, but in the overflowing grace and presence of the Lord.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does reflecting on God's "goodness" and "beauty" impact your perspective on current challenges or blessings?**
* **In what ways do you experience the "corn" (sustenance) and "new wine" (refreshment) of God's provision in your life today?**
* **How does the promise of future abundance and joy in God's kingdom shape your daily walk and your hope for the future?**
* **What does it mean for you to find your "cheerfulness" and joy ultimately in God, rather than in circumstances or material possessions?**

### FAQ
**Who is "his" referring to in Zechariah 9:17?**
Answer: While grammatically "his" could refer to God, the immediate literary context of Zechariah 9 strongly suggests it refers to the Messiah. The preceding verse, [Zechariah 9:9](/zechariah/9-9 "Zechariah 9:9 - The King's Arrival"), explicitly introduces the coming King who brings salvation. Therefore, the "goodness" and "beauty" described in verse 17 are best understood as the inherent qualities of this Messianic King, whose arrival ushers in an era of unparalleled blessing and joy for His people. He embodies and channels the goodness and beauty of God Himself.

**What is the significance of "corn" and "new wine" in this verse?**
Answer: "Corn" (grain) and "new wine" are powerful biblical symbols of agricultural abundance, prosperity, and divine blessing. In ancient Israel, these were staple crops, and their abundance signified a flourishing land and the favor of God upon His people, often linked to covenant faithfulness (e.g., [Deuteronomy 11:14](/deuteronomy/11-14 "Deuteronomy 11:14 - Rain for Grain and Wine")). In Zechariah 9:17, they represent not just material wealth, but a comprehensive sense of well-being, satisfaction, and spiritual refreshment that permeates all aspects of life under the Messiah's reign. They symbolize the overflowing provision and deep joy that characterize the Messianic age, affecting both "young men" and "maids," signifying a universal and pervasive flourishing.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Zechariah 9:17 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ, the promised Messiah. He is the very embodiment of God's "goodness" and "beauty," perfectly revealing the Father's character to humanity. His life, death, and resurrection are the supreme demonstration of divine goodness, culminating in the greatest act of love and redemption. As the "Bread of Life" and the "True Vine," Jesus provides the spiritual "corn" and "new wine" that truly satisfy the soul, offering sustenance and refreshment far beyond any material provision. He declared, "[I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me shall not hunger, and whoever believes in me shall never thirst](/john/6-35 "John 6:35 - Jesus, the Bread of Life")" and "[I am the true vine](/john/15-1 "John 15:1 - Jesus, the True Vine")". Through Him, believers receive not only eternal life but also abundant life in the present, filled with the joy of the Holy Spirit and the peace that surpasses understanding. The "cheerfulness" and joy promised in Zechariah 9:17 are realized in the spiritual flourishing of those who are united with Christ, experiencing the blessings of the New Covenant. Ultimately, the future, glorious kingdom where all sorrow and lack will cease, as described in [Revelation 21:4](/revelation/21-4 "Revelation 21:4 - No More Tears"), is the full and final culmination of the abundance and joy foreshadowed in this prophetic verse, all centered on the reign of the Lamb of God.

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 33:17

Thine eyes shall see the king in his beauty: they shall behold the land that is very far off.

Titus 3:4

But after that the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared,

Titus 3:7

That being justified by his grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life.

1 John 4:8

He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love.

1 John 4:11

Beloved, if God so loved us, we ought also to love one another.

Isaiah 62:8

The LORD hath sworn by his right hand, and by the arm of his strength, Surely I will no more give thy corn [to be] meat for thine enemies; and the sons of the stranger shall not drink thy wine, for the which thou hast laboured:

Isaiah 62:9

But they that have gathered it shall eat it, and praise the LORD; and they that have brought it together shall drink it in the courts of my holiness.