King James Version

What Does Zechariah 1:8 Mean?

Zechariah 1:8 in the King James Version says “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; a...” — study this verse from Zechariah chapter 1 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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”

Zechariah 1:8 · KJV

Context

6

But my words and my statutes, which I commanded my servants the prophets, did they not take hold of your fathers? and they returned and said, Like as the LORD of hosts thought to do unto us, according to our ways, and according to our doings, so hath he dealt with us. take: or, overtake

7

Upon the four and twentieth day of the eleventh month, which is the month Sebat, in the second year of Darius, came the word of the LORD unto Zechariah, the son of Berechiah, the son of Iddo the prophet, saying,

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.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The first vision begins: '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.' The night vision suggests divine revelation through dreams. The 'man' on the red horse likely represents the Angel of the LORD (pre-incarnate Christ, v. 11). Red may symbolize war/judgment; speckled (or brown/sorrel) and white suggest variety. Myrtle trees in the 'bottom' (valley) create the scene. This mysterious vision introduces angelic reconnaissance reporting world conditions to God.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Myrtle trees (Hebrew: hadas) grew in Palestine's valleys and produced fragrant leaves. They symbolized peace and divine favor (Isa. 41:19; 55:13). The bottom/valley setting suggests a secluded, protected place. Ancient Near Eastern kings sent reconnaissance scouts to assess conditions; this vision portrays heaven's similar intelligence gathering. The multiple horses suggest angelic agents reporting to the LORD's representative.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does this vision of angelic reconnaissance assure us that God comprehensively knows world conditions?
  2. What does the man on the red horse (likely Christ) standing among myrtle trees teach us about His presence with His people?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 19 words
רָאִ֣יתִי׀1 of 19

“I saw”

H7200

to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)

הַלַּ֗יְלָה2 of 19

“by night”

H3915

properly, a twist (away of the light), i.e., night; figuratively, adversity

וְהִנֵּה3 of 19
H2009

lo!

אִישׁ֙4 of 19

“and behold a 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)

רֹכֵב֙5 of 19

“riding”

H7392

to ride (on an animal or in a vehicle); causatively, to place upon (for riding or generally), to despatch

עַל6 of 19
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

סוּסִ֣ים7 of 19

“horse”

H5483

a horse (as leaping)

אֲדֻמִּ֔ים8 of 19

“him were there red”

H122

rosy

וְה֣וּא9 of 19
H1931

he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo

עֹמֵ֔ד10 of 19

“and he stood”

H5975

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

בֵּ֥ין11 of 19
H996

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

הַהֲדַסִּ֖ים12 of 19

“among the myrtle trees”

H1918

the myrtle

אֲשֶׁ֣ר13 of 19
H834

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

בַּמְּצֻלָ֑ה14 of 19

“that were in the bottom”

H4699

shade

וְאַחֲרָיו֙15 of 19

“and behind”

H310

properly, the hind part; generally used as an adverb or conjunction, after (in various senses)

סוּסִ֣ים16 of 19

“horse”

H5483

a horse (as leaping)

אֲדֻמִּ֔ים17 of 19

“him were there red”

H122

rosy

שְׂרֻקִּ֖ים18 of 19

“speckled”

H8320

bright red (as piercing to the sight), i.e., bay

וּלְבָנִֽים׃19 of 19

“and white”

H3836

white

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 1:8 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 1:8 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Revelation 6:4Isaiah 55:13Zechariah 13:7Revelation 2:1Isaiah 41:19Daniel 2:19

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