King James Version

What Does Zechariah 1:10 Mean?

Zechariah 1:10 in the King James Version says “And the man that stood among the myrtle trees answered and said, These are they whom the LORD hath sent to walk to and f...” — study this verse from Zechariah chapter 1 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And the man that stood among the myrtle trees answered and said, These are they whom the LORD hath sent to walk to and fro through the earth.”

Zechariah 1:10 · KJV

Context

8

I saw by night, and behold a man riding upon a red horse, and he stood among the myrtle trees that were in the bottom; and behind him were there red horses, speckled, and white. speckled: or, bay

9

Then said I, O my lord, what are these? And the angel that talked with me said unto me, I will shew thee what these be.

10

And the man that stood among the myrtle trees answered and said, These are they whom the LORD hath sent to walk to and fro through the earth.

11

And they answered the angel of the LORD that stood among the myrtle trees, and said, We have walked to and fro through the earth, and, behold, all the earth sitteth still, and is at rest.

12

Then the angel of the LORD answered and said, O LORD of hosts, how long wilt thou not have mercy on Jerusalem and on the cities of Judah, against which thou hast had indignation these threescore and ten years?

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The man among the myrtle trees explains: 'These are they whom the LORD hath sent to walk to and fro through the earth.' The horses represent angelic agents sent on divine reconnaissance. 'Walk to and fro' suggests comprehensive surveillance—God monitors all earth through angelic ministry. This demonstrates divine omniscience and providence: nothing escapes God's notice. The world isn't deistic (God absent after creation) but theistic (God actively governing). This assured struggling temple-builders that God knew their situation and world conditions affecting them.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Ancient empires maintained courier systems for intelligence gathering and communication. Persia's famous postal system inspired this imagery. God's heavenly administration parallels but surpasses human governance. The reconnaissance assures that despite appearances (Persia ruling, temple builders struggling), God remains sovereign and informed. His government operates continuously, monitoring conditions relevant to His purposes.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does angelic reconnaissance assure us that God comprehensively knows our circumstances and world events affecting us?
  2. What does this organized heavenly administration teach us about God's ordered governance versus randomness or deism?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 12 words
וַיַּ֗עַן1 of 12

“answered”

H6030

properly, to eye or (generally) to heed, i.e., pay attention; by implication, to respond; by extension to begin to speak; specifically to sing, shout,

הָאִ֛ישׁ2 of 12

“And the man”

H376

a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)

הָעֹמֵ֥ד3 of 12

“that stood”

H5975

to stand, in various relations (literal and figurative, intransitive and transitive)

בֵּין4 of 12
H996

between (repeated before each noun, often with other particles); also as a conjunction, either...or

הַהֲדַסִּ֖ים5 of 12

“among the myrtle trees”

H1918

the myrtle

וַיֹּאמַ֑ר6 of 12

“and said”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

אֵ֚לֶּה7 of 12
H428

these or those

אֲשֶׁ֣ר8 of 12
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

שָׁלַ֣ח9 of 12

“hath sent”

H7971

to send away, for, or out (in a great variety of applications)

יְהוָ֔ה10 of 12

“These are they whom the LORD”

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

לְהִתְהַלֵּ֖ךְ11 of 12

“to walk”

H1980

to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)

בָּאָֽרֶץ׃12 of 12

“to and fro through the earth”

H776

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Zechariah. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Zechariah 1:10 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Zechariah 1:10 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Zechariah 1:11Hebrews 1:14Zechariah 6:5-8Job 2:1-2Psalms 103:20-21Job 1:7

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