King James Version

What Does Zechariah 10:8 Mean?

Zechariah 10:8 in the King James Version says “I will hiss for them, and gather them; for I have redeemed them: and they shall increase as they have increased.” — study this verse from Zechariah chapter 10 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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

Zechariah 10:8 · KJV

Salvation

Context

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.

10

I will bring them again also out of the land of Egypt, and gather them out of Assyria; and I will bring them into the land of Gilead and Lebanon; and place shall not be found for them.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
I will hiss for them, and gather them; for I have redeemed them (אֶשְׁרְקָה לָהֶם וַאֲקַבְּצֵם כִּי פְדִיתִים)—sharaq (whistle/hiss) is shepherd's call, also used of God summoning Assyria/Egypt as instruments (Isaiah 5:26, 7:18). Here God 'whistles' to regather His scattered flock. Padah (redeem) is covenant language, often used of Exodus redemption. Past redemption from Egypt grounds confidence in future regathering.

And they shall increase as they have increased (וְרָבוּ כְּמוֹ רָבוּ)—restored to former population/glory, reversing decimation of exile. This echoes Abrahamic promises of multiplication (Genesis 12:2, 15:5). God's purposes aren't thwarted by judgment; after discipline comes restoration. I have redeemed them uses perfect tense—accomplished fact, guaranteeing future fulfillment. This is prophetic certainty: what God purposes, He accomplishes.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The Jewish population had drastically declined through exile, warfare, assimilation. This promise assured them that despite present small numbers, God would restore them to covenant fruitfulness. Post-exilic growth was modest, but ultimate fulfillment involves the 'Israel of God'—all believers from every nation (Galatians 6:16).

Reflection Questions

  1. What does God's 'whistling' to gather His people teach about His initiative versus human effort in salvation?
  2. How does understanding redemption as accomplished past tense ('I have redeemed') strengthen faith for future promises?
  3. In what sense does the church experience this 'increase' as spiritual Israel today?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 8 words
אֶשְׁרְקָ֥ה1 of 8

“I will hiss”

H8319

properly, to be shrill, i.e., to whistle or hiss (as a call or in scorn)

לָהֶ֛ם2 of 8
H0
וַאֲקַבְּצֵ֖ם3 of 8

“for them and gather”

H6908

to grasp, i.e., collect

כִּ֣י4 of 8
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

פְדִיתִ֑ים5 of 8

“them for I have redeemed”

H6299

to sever, i.e., ransom; generally to release, preserve

רָבֽוּ׃6 of 8

“as they have increased”

H7235

to increase (in whatever respect)

כְּמ֥וֹ7 of 8
H3644

as, thus, so

רָבֽוּ׃8 of 8

“as they have increased”

H7235

to increase (in whatever respect)

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 10:8 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 10:8 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Isaiah 5:26Isaiah 7:18Jeremiah 33:22Isaiah 55:1-3Jeremiah 31:10-11Revelation 22:17

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