Zechariah 12 13

Zechariah 12:13 kjv

The family of the house of Levi apart, and their wives apart; the family of Shimei apart, and their wives apart;

Zechariah 12:13 nkjv

the family of the house of Levi by itself, and their wives by themselves; the family of Shimei by itself, and their wives by themselves;

Zechariah 12:13 niv

the clan of the house of Levi and their wives, the clan of Shimei and their wives,

Zechariah 12:13 esv

the family of the house of Levi by itself, and their wives by themselves; the family of the Shimeites by itself, and their wives by themselves;

Zechariah 12:13 nlt

the clan of Levi, and the clan of Shimei.

Zechariah 12 verses

Zechariah 12 13 Meaning

This verse describes a profound internal division within Jerusalem. The focus is on individuals within the city experiencing severe emotional distress. This internal strife is characterized by lamentation, specifically distinct grieving practices among family units and even individual homes. The magnitude of the suffering is significant, suggesting a widespread and deep-seated anguish.

Zechariah 12 13 Context

Zechariah chapter 12 focuses on Jerusalem's future deliverance and the outpouring of God's Spirit upon its inhabitants. It describes a period of intense national mourning and repentance for "the one they have pierced" (referring to Christ, seen as fulfilled in both historical events and eschatological significance). This verse specifically details the internal manifestation of that profound sorrow and repentance within Jerusalem, highlighting the pervasive nature of this grief across families and households. The broader context of Zechariah is prophetic, addressing the remnant of Israel, offering hope amidst ongoing exile and anticipation of future restoration under God's renewed covenant.

Zechariah 12 13 Word Analysis

• "And" (וְ – və) - Conjunction connecting clauses, indicating continuation or consequence.
• "Jerusalem" (יְרוּשָׁלַםִ – Yərūšālaiym) - The holy city, the dwelling place of God's name, representing God's people and presence.
• "shall" (תִּהְיֶה – tihyeh) - Future tense verb "to be," indicating a prophetic certainty.
• "smiting" (נֶגֶף – negef) - Primarily means a blow, stroke, pestilence, or plague. Here, it conveys a "stroke" or a severe blow of grief, a contagion of sorrow. It speaks of a divinely sent affliction or consequence that impacts people deeply.
• "and" (וְ – və) - Conjunction.
• "Beth-lehem" (בֵּית לֶחֶם – Beyṯ-lehem) - Literally "House of Bread." It is identified with mourning. This connects to Jesus' birthplace, adding layers of Messianic significance to the sorrow described, as the Messiah Himself is the reason for the deep lament. The word "Beth-lehem" itself refers to a place of provision, ironically linked here to deep grief.
• "and" (וְ – və) - Conjunction.
• "Lecab" (לְעַב – lə‘aḇ) - This word is debated. Some suggest it's a misspelling of la‘ag (לַעֲג) meaning "to mock," but this seems out of context for mourning. Other interpretations link it to "to grieve" or "to lament." The Septuagint renders it as "to remote places," or in some manuscripts, "to the valley of Abenaim," potentially referring to specific locations or types of lamentation.
• "And" (וְ – və) - Conjunction.
• "all" (כָּל – kōl) - Denotes totality, encompassing everyone.
• "the houses thereof" (בָּתֵּי הַמְּלוּכָה – baṯṯēy hammĕlūḵāh) - Literally "the houses of royalty" or "the kingship." However, the common textual reading supports "the houses thereof" (בָּתֵּי הַמִּדְבָּר – baṯṯēy hammidbar "houses of the desert" or הַבָּתִּים – habbaṯtîm "the houses"), indicating every dwelling place within the city. The inclusion of "royalty" or "kingship" is not widely supported in critical texts for this specific verse in the standard Hebrew Masoretic Text. The intent is clear: encompassing all residences.
• "shall be smitten" (נֶגֶף – negef) - Repetition of the term used earlier, reinforcing the widespread nature of this deep affliction.

Phrase/Group Analysis:

• "smiting of Beth-lehem": This phrase is pivotal. It links the deep, pervasive sorrow not just to a general disaster but to a specific geographical and conceptually loaded location – Bethlehem. Given the future birth of Jesus in Bethlehem, this prefigures a profound national mourning associated with the Messiah.
• "And Lecab": The inclusion of this name or phrase, even with its textual uncertainties, emphasizes that the grief extends beyond the immediate vicinity, perhaps to more remote areas or a specific group associated with "Lecab" (whatever its precise meaning).
• "And all the houses thereof shall be smitten": This powerful statement underlines the totality of the impending lamentation, showing that no segment of Jerusalem's population or dwelling place will be spared this experience of deep internal sorrow and repentance.

Zechariah 12 13 Bonus Section

The concept of "smitten houses" can be understood as a spiritual contagion of grief. This is echoed in the New Testament's description of believers' shared sorrow and support for one another, and ultimately, in the great commission which begins after periods of loss and awaiting divine empowerment. The "smitten" aspect is not merely passive suffering but an active, internalized process of remorse and reorientation towards God, foreshadowing the "pierced One" and the collective mourning that accompanies genuine repentance.

Zechariah 12 13 Commentary

Zechariah 12:13 presents a future outpouring of grief and repentance in Jerusalem, distinct for its detailed internal dimension. The mention of "Beth-lehem" and "Lecab" highlights a sorrow that is geographically specific yet pervasive. This "smitting" is not a physical destruction but an intense, shared emotional and spiritual crisis. The word "negef" points to a divinely administered blow of sorrow, perhaps in response to national sin, especially the rejection and piercing of the Messiah, as indicated in the preceding verses. This widespread lamentation is a precursor to the ultimate salvation and purification of Jerusalem described later in the chapter and in other prophecies. It signifies a deep internal turning towards God.