Zechariah 12 3

Zechariah 12:3 kjv

And in that day will I make Jerusalem a burdensome stone for all people: all that burden themselves with it shall be cut in pieces, though all the people of the earth be gathered together against it.

Zechariah 12:3 nkjv

And it shall happen in that day that I will make Jerusalem a very heavy stone for all peoples; all who would heave it away will surely be cut in pieces, though all nations of the earth are gathered against it.

Zechariah 12:3 niv

On that day, when all the nations of the earth are gathered against her, I will make Jerusalem an immovable rock for all the nations. All who try to move it will injure themselves.

Zechariah 12:3 esv

On that day I will make Jerusalem a heavy stone for all the peoples. All who lift it will surely hurt themselves. And all the nations of the earth will gather against it.

Zechariah 12:3 nlt

On that day I will make Jerusalem an immovable rock. All the nations will gather against it to try to move it, but they will only hurt themselves.

Zechariah 12 verses

Zechariah 12 3 Meaning

Zechariah 12:3 prophesies a future time when Jerusalem will become an immovable burden for all nations that attempt to displace or conquer it. God Himself declares He will make Jerusalem a "burdensome stone," implying that any effort by the nations to lift, remove, or attack it will result in their severe self-inflicted harm and utter destruction. This verse highlights the divine protection of Jerusalem and the futility of human efforts against God's established will, specifically concerning His chosen city and people. It speaks to a coming day of God's direct intervention in world affairs concerning Jerusalem.

Zechariah 12 3 Context

Zechariah chapter 12 inaugurates a new prophetic section (chapters 12-14), distinctively introduced as a "burden" (מַשָּׂא - massa'), signifying a weighty prophetic message concerning Israel. This entire section primarily focuses on the "Day of the Lord" and future events leading to the ultimate establishment of God's kingdom on earth, centered in Jerusalem. Historically, Zechariah was a post-exilic prophet encouraging the reconstruction of the Temple, but his visions extend far beyond his immediate context. Chapter 12 describes a dramatic divine intervention on behalf of Judah and Jerusalem when they are surrounded by hostile nations. The preceding verses (12:1-2) set the stage by stating God will make Jerusalem "a cup of trembling" for the surrounding peoples, causing confusion and weakness among its attackers. Verse 3 deepens this imagery, portraying Jerusalem not merely as a passive victim but as an active, destructive force against its would-be destroyers. It speaks of God's absolute sovereignty and unwavering plan for Jerusalem's ultimate glorification, defying all human or demonic opposition.

Zechariah 12 3 Word analysis

• And it shall come to pass (וְהָיָה בַיּוֹם הַהוּא - ve-hayah bayyom ha-hu): This phrase, meaning "And it will happen in that day," is a key eschatological marker throughout the Old Testament prophets, especially in Zechariah (appears ~17 times). It signals a significant, divinely orchestrated event in the future, often associated with the Day of the Lord, God's ultimate intervention in history, and the culmination of His redemptive plans. It points to a definite, decreed future, not a speculative one.
• in that day (בַיּוֹם הַהוּא - bayyom ha-hu): Reinforces the eschatological focus. It's not referring to Zechariah's immediate historical period but a future prophetic epoch. This day will mark a dramatic shift in divine judgment and redemption, primarily involving Jerusalem and the nations.
• I will make Jerusalem (אֶת יְרוּשָׁלִַם - 'et Yerushalayim): The "I" refers directly to Yahweh, God Himself. This emphasizes divine agency; it is God, not human strategy or might, who orchestrates Jerusalem's future. The phrasing is a direct, deliberate declaration of divine purpose and power.
• a burdensome stone (אֶבֶן מַעֲמָסָה - 'even ma'amasah):
  • אֶבֶן ('even): "stone." In biblical imagery, stones can represent foundations (Isa 28:16), cornerstones (Ps 118:22), objects of stumbling (Isa 8:14), or instruments of crushing judgment (Dan 2:34-35). Here, it's something substantial, solid, and physically imposing.
  • מַעֲמָסָה (ma'amasah): "burdensome," "heavy," "mass," or "something loaded upon." This isn't just a heavy stone, but one that causes difficulty, strain, or injury to those who try to move it. It conveys the idea of an overwhelming weight that no one can lift without great peril. It's a vivid metaphor for an irresistible obstacle that causes harm to anyone who attempts to meddle with it.
• for all peoples (לְכָל הָעַמִּים - le-kol ha-'amim): Signifies the global scope of this prophecy. "Peoples" here is inclusive, encompassing all ethnic and national groups outside of Israel who set themselves against Jerusalem. It’s a universal declaration of judgment.
• All who would heave it away (כָּל־עֹמְסֶיהָ יֵחָתוּ - kol-'omseyeha yehattu): "All who burden themselves with it/lift it." This specific verb root ('amás) is related to ma'amasah, reinforcing the imagery. Those who attempt to move this divinely appointed "burden" from its place will inevitably be broken. This speaks of nations attempting to alter God's decree or dislodge Jerusalem from its ordained place of significance.
• shall surely be cut in pieces (יֵחָתוּ - yehattu): From the root hhth (חָתַת), meaning "to be broken," "to be shattered," "to be dismayed," "to be terrorized." The use of the Hithpael stem often implies an intensification or reflexivity, meaning they will be thoroughly shattered, not just physically but also demoralized and terrorized in their defeat. The consequence is severe and absolute.
• though all nations of the earth (כָּל גּוֹיֵי הָאָרֶץ - kol goyei ha'aretz): Again, the universal scale. Goyei ha'aretz specifically refers to "nations of the earth" or "Gentile nations," emphasizing the global assembly of non-Jewish powers united against Jerusalem. Despite their overwhelming collective power and unity, their efforts are futile.
• are gathered against it (יֵאָסְפוּ עָלֶיהָ - ye'asefu 'aleyha): Describes a deliberate, collective military or political campaign. They assemble with a specific hostile intent—to attack and likely destroy Jerusalem. This underscores the intense, widespread opposition Jerusalem will face in that future day.