King James Version

What Does Zechariah 12:13 Mean?

Zechariah 12:13 in the King James Version says “The family of the house of Levi apart, and their wives apart; the family of Shimei apart, and their wives apart; of Shim...” — study this verse from Zechariah chapter 12 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“The family of the house of Levi apart, and their wives apart; the family of Shimei apart, and their wives apart; of Shimei: or, of Simeon, as LXX”

Zechariah 12:13 · KJV

Context

11

In that day shall there be a great mourning in Jerusalem, as the mourning of Hadadrimmon in the valley of Megiddon.

12

And the land shall mourn, every family apart; the family of the house of David apart, and their wives apart; the family of the house of Nathan apart, and their wives apart; every: Heb. families, families

13

The family of the house of Levi apart, and their wives apart; the family of Shimei apart, and their wives apart; of Shimei: or, of Simeon, as LXX

14

All the families that remain, every family apart, and their wives apart.

Read Zechariah 12 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The family of the house of Levi apart, and their wives apart—after the royal house (David, Nathan), Zechariah names the priestly tribe. Levi represents spiritual leadership—priests, Levites who served in temple worship. Their separate mourning acknowledges that spiritual leaders bear special guilt for rejecting Messiah. The family of Shimei apart, and their wives apart—Shimei was a Levite clan (Numbers 3:18), reinforcing the priestly emphasis.

The progression (royal, then priestly) mirrors Israel's leadership structure. Both civil and religious authorities share responsibility for crucifying Jesus. The Gospels confirm this: "The chief priests and the scribes sought how they might take him by craft, and put him to death" (Mark 14:1). Acts repeatedly emphasizes that 'rulers' killed Messiah (Acts 3:17, 4:27, 13:27). This mourning fulfills Isaiah 53:3: "He is despised and rejected of men"—now, at last, that rejection is mourned and confessed.

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Historical & Cultural Context

First-century religious leadership—Sanhedrin, chief priests, scribes, Pharisees—orchestrated Jesus's execution (Matthew 26:3-4, 27:20). This prophecy envisions their descendants recognizing and repenting of that crime. Collectively, Israel's spiritual and civil leadership will mourn when the Spirit of grace reveals the pierced One as their own Messiah.

Reflection Questions

  1. What additional responsibility do spiritual leaders bear when leading people away from truth?
  2. How does naming both royal and priestly families show that no sector of society can claim innocence?
  3. In what way does the church today need to mourn complicity in rejecting Christ through disobedience?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 11 words
מִשְׁפַּ֤חַת1 of 11

“The family”

H4940

a family, i.e., circle of relatives; figuratively, a class (of persons), a species (of animals) or sort (of things); by extension a tribe or people

בֵּית2 of 11

“of the house”

H1004

a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)

לֵוִי֙3 of 11

“of Levi”

H3878

levi, a son of jacob

לְבָ֔ד4 of 11
H905

properly, separation; by implication, a part of the body, branch of a tree, bar for carrying; figuratively, chief of a city; especially (with preposit

וּנְשֵׁיהֶ֖ם5 of 11

“apart and their wives”

H802

a woman

לְבָ֑ד6 of 11
H905

properly, separation; by implication, a part of the body, branch of a tree, bar for carrying; figuratively, chief of a city; especially (with preposit

מִשְׁפַּ֤חַת7 of 11

“The family”

H4940

a family, i.e., circle of relatives; figuratively, a class (of persons), a species (of animals) or sort (of things); by extension a tribe or people

הַשִּׁמְעִי֙8 of 11

“of Shimei”

H8097

a shimite (collectively) or descendants of shimi

לְבָ֔ד9 of 11
H905

properly, separation; by implication, a part of the body, branch of a tree, bar for carrying; figuratively, chief of a city; especially (with preposit

וּנְשֵׁיהֶ֖ם10 of 11

“apart and their wives”

H802

a woman

לְבָֽד׃11 of 11
H905

properly, separation; by implication, a part of the body, branch of a tree, bar for carrying; figuratively, chief of a city; especially (with preposit

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 12:13 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 12:13 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Kings 1:81 Chronicles 23:101 Chronicles 3:191 Chronicles 4:27Malachi 2:4-92 Samuel 16:5

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