King James Version

What Does Zechariah 13:1 Mean?

Zechariah 13:1 in the King James Version says “In that day there shall be a fountain opened to the house of David and to the inhabitants of Jerusalem for sin and for u... — study this verse from Zechariah chapter 13 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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. uncleanness: Heb. separation for uncleanness

Zechariah 13:1 · KJV


Context

1

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. uncleanness: Heb. separation for uncleanness

2

And it shall come to pass in that day, saith the LORD of hosts, that I will cut off the names of the idols out of the land, and they shall no more be remembered: and also I will cause the prophets and the unclean spirit to pass out of the land.

3

And it shall come to pass, that when any shall yet prophesy, then his father and his mother that begat him shall say unto him, Thou shalt not live; for thou speakest lies in the name of the LORD: and his father and his mother that begat him shall thrust him through when he prophesieth.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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. Following chapter 12's prophecy of looking on the pierced one, chapter 13 describes cleansing provision. "In that day" links to Messiah's coming. "A fountain opened" (maqor niphthach) describes flowing spring—not a closed cistern but perpetually flowing source of cleansing. "For sin and for uncleanness" (le-chatat u-le-niddah) covers both moral guilt and ceremonial defilement. This fountain is Christ's blood shed at the cross, cleansing all who come (1 John 1:7; Revelation 1:5). The hymn "There Is a Fountain" draws directly from this verse.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Post-exilic Jews performed ritual washings and sacrifices for cleansing, but these were temporary, external, and repetitive. Zechariah prophesies a permanent, effective cleansing source. Fulfilled in Christ whose once-for-all sacrifice cleanses definitively (Hebrews 9:11-14, 10:1-18). The fountain opened at the cross when Christ's side was pierced and blood and water flowed (John 19:34)—the very connection Zechariah makes between being pierced (12:10) and the fountain opening (13:1). This cleansing becomes available to all who believe.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Christ's blood as a fountain differ from Old Testament ceremonial washings?
  2. What does it mean that the fountain is "opened"—accessible to all who come?
  3. How should assurance of complete cleansing affect our approach to sin and confession?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 11 words
בַּיּ֣וֹם1 of 11

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

הַה֗וּא2 of 11
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

יִֽהְיֶה֙3 of 11
H1961

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

מָק֣וֹר4 of 11

there shall be a fountain

H4726

properly, something dug, i.e., a (general) source (of water, even when naturally flowing; also of tears, blood (by euphemism, of the female pudenda);

נִפְתָּ֔ח5 of 11

opened

H6605

to open wide (literally or figuratively); specifically, to loosen, begin, plough, carve

לְבֵ֥ית6 of 11

to the house

H1004

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

דָּוִ֖יד7 of 11

of David

H1732

david, the youngest son of jesse

וּלְיֹשְׁבֵ֣י8 of 11

and to the inhabitants

H3427

properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry

יְרֽוּשָׁלִָ֑ם9 of 11

of Jerusalem

H3389

jerushalaim or jerushalem, the capital city of palestine

לְחַטַּ֖את10 of 11

for sin

H2403

an offence (sometimes habitual sinfulness), and its penalty, occasion, sacrifice, or expiation; also (concretely) an offender

וּלְנִדָּֽה׃11 of 11

and for uncleanness

H5079

properly, rejection; by implication, impurity, especially personal (menstruation) or moral (idolatry, incest)


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 13:1 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 13:1 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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