King James Version

What Does Zechariah 10:7 Mean?

Zechariah 10:7 in the King James Version says “And they of Ephraim shall be like a mighty man, and their heart shall rejoice as through wine: yea, their children shall...” — study this verse from Zechariah chapter 10 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And they of Ephraim shall be like a mighty man, and their heart shall rejoice as through wine: yea, their children shall see it, and be glad; their heart shall rejoice in the LORD.”

Zechariah 10:7 · KJV

Context

5

And they shall be as mighty men, which tread down their enemies in the mire of the streets in the battle: and they shall fight, because the LORD is with them, and the riders on horses shall be confounded. the riders: or, they shall make the riders on horses ashamed

6

And I will strengthen the house of Judah, and I will save the house of Joseph, and I will bring them again to place them; for I have mercy upon them: and they shall be as though I had not cast them off: for I am the LORD their God, and will hear them.

7

And they of Ephraim shall be like a mighty man, and their heart shall rejoice as through wine: yea, their children shall see it, and be glad; their heart shall rejoice in the LORD.

8

I will hiss for them, and gather them; for I have redeemed them: and they shall increase as they have increased.

9

And I will sow them among the people: and they shall remember me in far countries; and they shall live with their children, and turn again.

Read Zechariah 10 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And they of Ephraim shall be like a mighty man (וְהָיוּ כְגִבּוֹר אֶפְרַיִם)—previously weak, rejected Ephraim becomes gibbor (mighty warrior) through divine empowerment. And their heart shall rejoice as through wine—samach (rejoice) is covenant joy, the gladness of restored relationship. Wine metaphor suggests celebratory exuberance, not drunkenness.

Yea, their children shall see it, and be glad; their heart shall rejoice in the LORD (וְיִרְאוּ בְנֵיהֶם וְשָׂמֵחוּ יָגֵל לִבָּם בַּיהוָה)—multi-generational blessing. Children witness God's faithfulness and join the rejoicing, ensuring covenant continuity. This is the goal of covenant theology: each generation experiencing God's saving power anew. Their joy is specifically in the LORD—not in victory itself but in knowing Yahweh as covenant God. This anticipates New Testament joy 'in the Lord always' (Philippians 4:4).

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Northern tribes carried shame from Assyrian exile (722 BC) and were often despised by Judah. This promise of restored dignity and generational blessing offered hope that God's purposes for all twelve tribes remained intact. Christ's ministry intentionally included Samaritans (John 4), beginning reunification.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does experiencing God's deliverance shift from mere relief to deep joy 'in the LORD' Himself?
  2. What responsibility do you have to ensure your children 'see and be glad'—witnessing God's faithfulness?
  3. In what ways can God restore dignity to those who feel permanently disqualified by past failure?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 13 words
וְהָי֤וּ1 of 13
H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

כְגִבּוֹר֙2 of 13

“shall be like a mighty”

H1368

powerful; by implication, warrior, tyrant

אֶפְרַ֔יִם3 of 13

“And they of Ephraim”

H669

ephrajim, a son of joseph; also the tribe descended from him, and its territory

וְשָׂמַ֥ח4 of 13

“it and be glad”

H8055

probably to brighten up, i.e., (figuratively) be (causatively, make) blithe or gleesome

לִבָּ֖ם5 of 13

“man and their heart”

H3820

the heart; also used (figuratively) very widely for the feelings, the will and even the intellect; likewise for the center of anything

כְּמוֹ6 of 13
H3644

as, thus, so

יָ֑יִן7 of 13

“as through wine”

H3196

wine (as fermented); by implication, intoxication

וּבְנֵיהֶם֙8 of 13

“yea their children”

H1121

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

יִרְא֣וּ9 of 13

“shall see”

H7200

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

וְשָׂמֵ֔חוּ10 of 13
H8056

blithe or gleeful

יָגֵ֥ל11 of 13

“shall rejoice”

H1523

properly, to spin round (under the influence of any violent emotion), i.e., usually rejoice, or (as cringing) fear

לִבָּ֖ם12 of 13

“man and their heart”

H3820

the heart; also used (figuratively) very widely for the feelings, the will and even the intellect; likewise for the center of anything

בַּיהוָֽה׃13 of 13

“in the LORD”

H3068

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

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 10:7 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 10:7 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Zechariah 9:15Luke 1:471 Peter 1:8Philippians 4:4Psalms 102:28John 16:22

Test Your Knowledge

Zechariah 10 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterZechariah Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

Continue Your Study

Read Zechariah 10 with CommentaryAll Zechariah ChaptersComplete Zechariah QuizBible CharactersNave's Topical BibleAll Bible Quizzes