King James Version

What Does Zechariah 12:14 Mean?

Zechariah 12:14 in the King James Version says “All the families that remain, every family apart, and their wives apart.” — study this verse from Zechariah chapter 12 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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

Zechariah 12:14 · KJV

Context

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.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
All the families that remain, every family apart, and their wives apart (כֹּל הַמִּשְׁפָּחוֹת הַנִּשְׁאָרוֹת מִשְׁפָּחֹת מִשְׁפָּחֹת לְבָד וּנְשֵׁיהֶם לְבָד)—after specifying leadership (David, Nathan, Levi, Shimei), Zechariah adds 'all remaining families,' making clear that every clan, every household participates. No one is excluded from either guilt or repentance. Nish'ar (remain) might emphasize the remnant concept—those who survive tribulation to enter Messiah's kingdom.

The seven-fold repetition of "apart" (levad) in verses 12-14 stresses individuality of repentance. Even in corporate mourning, each person must personally acknowledge sin. This isn't mass hysteria but genuine conviction where every family and individual comes under conviction. It pictures Acts 2:37: "They were pricked in their heart, and said...What shall we do?" This prepares for 13:1's promise: "In that day there shall be a fountain opened to the house of David and to the inhabitants of Jerusalem for sin and for uncleanness"—comprehensive cleansing through Messiah's blood.

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Historical & Cultural Context

This panoramic mourning involves all Israel—not just first-century crucifiers but the nation corporately recognizing their Messiah. Romans 11:26 promises: "And so all Israel shall be saved: as it is written, There shall come out of Sion the Deliverer, and shall turn away ungodliness from Jacob." Zechariah 12:10-14 describes how that salvation comes: through recognition, mourning, and repentance.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does universal participation ('all families') teach about collective responsibility for sin?
  2. How does personal mourning ('every family apart') relate to corporate repentance movements?
  3. When have you experienced this combination of individual and corporate recognition of sin and need for cleansing?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 8 words
כֹּ֗ל1 of 8
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

מִשְׁפָּחֹ֖ת2 of 8

“All the families”

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

הַנִּשְׁאָר֔וֹת3 of 8

“that remain”

H7604

properly, to swell up, i.e., be (causatively, make) redundant

מִשְׁפָּחֹ֖ת4 of 8

“All the families”

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

מִשְׁפָּחֹ֖ת5 of 8

“All the families”

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

לְבָ֑ד6 of 8
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

וּנְשֵׁיהֶ֖ם7 of 8

“apart and their wives”

H802

a woman

לְבָֽד׃8 of 8
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 12:14 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 12:14 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Proverbs 9:12

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