King James Version

What Does Zechariah 12:4 Mean?

Zechariah 12:4 in the King James Version says “In that day, saith the LORD, I will smite every horse with astonishment, and his rider with madness: and I will open min...” — study this verse from Zechariah chapter 12 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“In that day, saith the LORD, I will smite every horse with astonishment, and his rider with madness: and I will open mine eyes upon the house of Judah, and will smite every horse of the people with blindness.”

Zechariah 12:4 · KJV

Context

2

Behold, I will make Jerusalem a cup of trembling unto all the people round about, when they shall be in the siege both against Judah and against Jerusalem. trembling: or, slumber, or, poison when: or, and also against Judah shall he be which shall be in siege against Jerusalem

3

And in that day will I make Jerusalem a burdensome stone for all people: all that burden themselves with it shall be cut in pieces , though all the people of the earth be gathered together against it.

4

In that day, saith the LORD, I will smite every horse with astonishment, and his rider with madness: and I will open mine eyes upon the house of Judah, and will smite every horse of the people with blindness.

5

And the governors of Judah shall say in their heart, The inhabitants of Jerusalem shall be my strength in the LORD of hosts their God. The inhabitants: or, There is strength to me and to the inhabitants, etc

6

In that day will I make the governors of Judah like an hearth of fire among the wood, and like a torch of fire in a sheaf; and they shall devour all the people round about, on the right hand and on the left: and Jerusalem shall be inhabited again in her own place, even in Jerusalem.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
In that day, saith the LORD, I will smite every horse with astonishment, and his rider with madness: and I will open mine eyes upon the house of Judah, and will smite every horse of the people with blindness. God's warfare involves psychological and supernatural weapons against enemy armies. Three judgments fall on attacking forces: First, "every horse with astonishment" (kol-sus etimmahon)—horses panic and become uncontrollable. The term timmahon (תִּמָּהוֹן) means confusion, panic, or stunning bewilderment (Deuteronomy 28:28 lists it among covenant curses). Second, "his rider with madness" (rokvo eshigga'on)—warriors lose their minds, becoming insane. Shiggaon (שִׁגָּעוֹן) indicates raving madness or mental chaos.

These first two judgments recall Deuteronomy 28:28: "The LORD shall smite thee with madness, and blindness, and astonishment of heart." Covenant curses threatened against disobedient Israel now fall on Israel's enemies—a dramatic reversal. Third, "every horse of the people with blindness" (kol-sus ha-amim ivvaron)—enemy cavalry becomes literally blind. Horses and riders rendered useless through divinely inflicted panic, insanity, and blindness.

Contrasted with enemy judgment: "I will open mine eyes upon the house of Judah" (ephqach et-eynay al-beyt Yehudah). While enemies experience blindness, God opens His eyes upon Judah—vigilant, protective watchfulness. The idiom "open eyes upon" means attentive care and favor (2 Chronicles 6:40; Nehemiah 1:6; Daniel 9:18). God's watchful gaze protects Judah while His judgment blinds enemies. This divine discrimination—simultaneous blessing on His people and judgment on their attackers—demonstrates covenant faithfulness.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Ancient warfare depended heavily on cavalry and chariots. Horses panicking, riders going mad, or blindness afflicting animals would render an army completely ineffective. Historical precedents include God's confusion of Sisera's army (Judges 4-5), panic among Philistines (1 Samuel 14:15-20), and Assyria's defeat at Jerusalem when the angel killed 185,000 (2 Kings 19:35). Zechariah prophesies similar supernatural intervention defending eschatological Jerusalem. Theologically, this teaches that spiritual warfare isn't won by human military might but by God's supernatural intervention. Paul writes that "the weapons of our warfare are not carnal" (2 Corinthians 10:4)—God confuses, blinds, and defeats His enemies through means beyond human capability. The prophecy assures that no matter how formidable the opposition, God can render it impotent through supernatural judgment. Eschatologically, when nations gather against Jerusalem, Christ will defeat them supernaturally (Zechariah 14:12-15 describes plague, panic, and infighting).

Reflection Questions

  1. How does God's promise to "open His eyes" upon His people comfort you when facing enemies or overwhelming opposition?
  2. What does the contrast between God blessing His people while judging their enemies teach about covenant faithfulness?
  3. In what ways does this prophecy encourage confidence that spiritual battles are won by God's power, not human strength?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 21 words
בַּיּ֨וֹם1 of 21

“In that day”

H3117

a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso

הַה֜וּא2 of 21
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

נְאֻם3 of 21

“saith”

H5002

an oracle

יְהוָ֗ה4 of 21

“the LORD”

H3068

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

אַכֶּ֖ה5 of 21

“I will smite”

H5221

to strike (lightly or severely, literally or figuratively)

כָל6 of 21
H3605

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

ס֣וּס7 of 21

“every horse”

H5483

a horse (as leaping)

בַּתִּמָּה֔וֹן8 of 21

“with astonishment”

H8541

consternation

וְרֹכְב֖וֹ9 of 21

“and his rider”

H7392

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

בַּשִּׁגָּע֑וֹן10 of 21

“with madness”

H7697

craziness

וְעַל11 of 21
H5921

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

בֵּ֤ית12 of 21

“upon the house”

H1004

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

יְהוּדָה֙13 of 21

“of Judah”

H3063

jehudah (or judah), the name of five israelites; also of the tribe descended from the first, and of its territory

אֶפְקַ֣ח14 of 21

“and I will open”

H6491

to open (the senses, especially the eyes); figuratively, to be observant

אֶת15 of 21
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

עֵינַ֔י16 of 21

“mine eyes”

H5869

an eye (literally or figuratively); by analogy, a fountain (as the eye of the landscape)

וְכֹל֙17 of 21
H3605

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

ס֣וּס18 of 21

“every horse”

H5483

a horse (as leaping)

הָֽעַמִּ֔ים19 of 21

“of the people”

H5971

a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock

אַכֶּ֖ה20 of 21

“I will smite”

H5221

to strike (lightly or severely, literally or figuratively)

בַּֽעִוָּרֽוֹן׃21 of 21

“with blindness”

H5788

blindness

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 12:4 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 12:4 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Deuteronomy 28:28Zechariah 12:3Acts 17:30Zechariah 12:62 Chronicles 6:20Zechariah 12:8-9

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