Zechariah 10 4

Zechariah 10:4 kjv

Out of him came forth the corner, out of him the nail, out of him the battle bow, out of him every oppressor together.

Zechariah 10:4 nkjv

From him comes the cornerstone, From him the tent peg, From him the battle bow, From him every ruler together.

Zechariah 10:4 niv

From Judah will come the cornerstone, from him the tent peg, from him the battle bow, from him every ruler.

Zechariah 10:4 esv

From him shall come the cornerstone, from him the tent peg, from him the battle bow, from him every ruler ? all of them together.

Zechariah 10:4 nlt

From Judah will come the cornerstone,
the tent peg,
the bow for battle,
and all the rulers.

Zechariah 10 verses

Zechariah 10 4 Meaning

From this stone, come forth a chief, a pillar of the tent from whom the pegs will come. He is the archer for battle, all will be drawn together. The Lord is with them.

Zechariah 10 4 Context

Zechariah chapter 10 follows prophecies about God's restoration of Judah and its scattered people. After rebuking the false shepherds (false leaders) and detailing God's rejection of their superficial worship and dependence on idols, the prophet looks forward to a future time of divine intervention. This chapter describes the return of the exiles and the reunification of the tribes of Israel. The people are likened to sheep without a shepherd, highlighting their vulnerability. However, God promises to raise up faithful shepherds from the house of Judah and to make them like a war horse in battle. This specific verse, Zechariah 10:4, pivots to a description of the true source of leadership and strength. It identifies this source as originating from the people of Judah themselves, but in a manner that points to a singular, ultimate leader. Historically, this context would resonate with a post-exilic community looking for renewed hope and divine favor after the Babylonian captivity.

Zechariah 10 4 Word Analysis

• אָבֶן (aven): Stone. This refers to a basic building block, signifying something foundational and essential.
• מִן (min): From. Indicates origin or source.
• נֶגֶב (negev): Cornerstone, foundation stone. This word suggests the chief stone that secures the corner of a building. It’s crucial for stability.
• צֶלַע (tzelah): Side, rib. In this context, it's often translated as "tent peg" or "stake." It implies something that supports, secures, or joins.
• מִן (min): From. Again, signifying origin.
• קֶשֶׁת (keshet): Bow. Refers to a weapon used in warfare, symbolizing military strength and prowess.
• מִן (min): From. Emphasizes the source.
• מִלְחָמָה (milhamah): Battle, war. Pertains to conflict and combat.
• מִן (min): From. Indicating origin.
• כָּל־ (kol): All, every. Encompasses the entirety.
• נָגִיד (nagid): Ruler, chief, prince. Denotes a leader or commander.

• "From this stone" (מִן־ הָאֶבֶן, min ha'even): Connects to the earlier imagery of Israel as a flock or possibly referencing the foundation of the Davidic dynasty. It sets up a familial or positional source of leadership.
• "out of him comes the chief" (מִמֶּנּוּ יֹצֵא הַפַּקִּיד, mimmenu yotse happaqid - though translated as chief): The word "Yotse" (יֹצֵא) meaning "going out" or "coming forth," highlights an active emanation from a source. "Happaqqid" (הַפַּקִּיד) can also mean appointed one or overseer.
• "from him the tent peg" (מִמֶּנּוּ נֵזֶק, mimmenu nezeq - translated as tent peg): The literal meaning relates to "damage" or "injury," but in context, it strongly suggests the functional meaning of a tent peg or pin that holds things together securely. This imagery speaks of the leader providing stability and structure to the community (the tent of Israel).
• "from him the cornerstone" (מִמֶּנּוּ נֶגֶב, mimmenu negev - translated as cornerstone): The "negev" here signifies the primary stone that establishes the stability and alignment of a structure.
• "from him the bow of war" (מִמֶּנּוּ קֶשֶׁת מִלְחָמָה, mimmenu qeshet milhamah): This phrase powerfully conveys the leader’s capability in military engagement and decisive action for defense or conquest.
• "from him every ruler" (מִמֶּנּוּ כָּל־ טָעָמֶיָם, mimmenu kol ta‘amiyyim - translated as ruler): The term "Ta'amiyyim" (טָעָמֶיָם) is obscure, possibly related to authority or judgment. The broad meaning is that all governing authority flows from this one source.

Zechariah 10 4 Bonus Section

The imagery of the "tent peg" (צֶלַע, tzelah) is particularly poignant. In ancient times, tents were crucial for nomadic life, and strong tent pegs were essential for holding the structure firm against winds. This suggests the leader’s role in keeping the community stable and intact. The use of the word "stone" as the source also links to Jesus being the "stone of Israel" (Deut. 32:4) and the "cornerstone" of the church (1 Peter 2:6-7), emphasizing His foundational and essential role in God’s plan. The prophecy effectively moves from a corporate restoration to a singular, divinely appointed leader, highlighting the personal aspect of God's saving work. The gathering of all rulers points to the universal scope of the Messiah's reign.

Zechariah 10 4 Commentary

This verse presents a remarkable picture of divinely appointed leadership emanating from Zion, or the house of Judah. It is a prophecy that is primarily understood as referring to the Messiah. The "cornerstone" and "tent peg" imagery signifies one who is essential for the foundation and structure of God's people and kingdom. This individual provides stability, support, and unity. The "bow of war" shows that this leader will also be a powerful warrior, instrumental in securing victory for God's people. Furthermore, "every ruler" coming from him indicates that all legitimate authority under God’s kingdom will be derived from or centered in this person. It speaks of comprehensive authority and effective governance under divine direction, contrasting sharply with the unreliable leadership rebuked earlier in the prophecy. This promise assures Israel of ultimate security and success through the God-ordained leader.