King James Version

What Does Zechariah 14:15 Mean?

Zechariah 14:15 in the King James Version says “And so shall be the plague of the horse, of the mule, of the camel, and of the ass, and of all the beasts that shall be ...” — study this verse from Zechariah chapter 14 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And so shall be the plague of the horse, of the mule, of the camel, and of the ass, and of all the beasts that shall be in these tents, as this plague.”

Zechariah 14:15 · KJV

Context

13

And it shall come to pass in that day, that a great tumult from the LORD shall be among them; and they shall lay hold every one on the hand of his neighbour, and his hand shall rise up against the hand of his neighbour.

14

And Judah also shall fight at Jerusalem; and the wealth of all the heathen round about shall be gathered together, gold, and silver, and apparel, in great abundance. Judah: or, thou also, O Judah shalt at: or, against

15

And so shall be the plague of the horse, of the mule, of the camel, and of the ass, and of all the beasts that shall be in these tents, as this plague.

16

And it shall come to pass, that every one that is left of all the nations which came against Jerusalem shall even go up from year to year to worship the King, the LORD of hosts, and to keep the feast of tabernacles.

17

And it shall be, that whoso will not come up of all the families of the earth unto Jerusalem to worship the King, the LORD of hosts, even upon them shall be no rain.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And so shall be the plague of the horse, of the mule, of the camel, and of the ass, and of all the beasts that shall be in these tents, as this plague—the supernatural plague (verse 12) affecting enemy soldiers also strikes their animals. Five animals listed—horse (war mount), mule (transport), camel (desert travel), donkey (burden-bearing), plus 'all beasts'—indicates comprehensive judgment affecting entire enemy camp's logistics and mobility.

This recalls Exodus plagues affecting Egyptians' livestock (Exodus 9:3-6) while Israelite animals were protected—demonstrating God's discriminating judgment. Enemy armies are completely incapacitated: soldiers dying, animals rotting, logistics collapsing. This ensures total victory without Israel needing superior military force. The mention of 'tents' (enemy encampment) emphasizes that judgment strikes armies while still besieging Jerusalem, preventing retreat or regrouping. God's protection of Jerusalem is absolute and overwhelming.

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Historical & Cultural Context

In ancient warfare, animals were crucial for cavalry, supply lines, transport. Their destruction paralyzes armies. This plague accomplishes what Israel couldn't—complete enemy defeat without protracted battle. It demonstrates that God's deliverance doesn't require human military strength, validating Zechariah 4:6: "Not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit, saith the LORD of hosts."

Reflection Questions

  1. What does judgment extending to animals teach about the comprehensiveness of God's wrath against His enemies?
  2. How does this demonstrate God's ability to deliver His people without requiring military superiority?
  3. In what ways does modern spiritual warfare involve God striking at 'logistics' (support systems) of evil?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 15 words
וְכֵ֨ן1 of 15
H3651

properly, set upright; hence (figuratively as adjective) just; but usually (as adverb or conjunction) rightly or so (in various applications to manner

תִּֽהְיֶ֜ה2 of 15
H1961

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

כַּמַּגֵּפָ֖ה3 of 15

“And so shall be the plague”

H4046

a pestilence; by analogy, defeat

הַסּ֗וּס4 of 15

“of the horse”

H5483

a horse (as leaping)

הַפֶּ֙רֶד֙5 of 15

“of the mule”

H6505

a mule (perhaps from his lonely habits)

הַגָּמָ֣ל6 of 15

“of the camel”

H1581

a camel

וְהַחֲמ֔וֹר7 of 15

“and of the ass”

H2543

a male ass (from its dun red)

וְכָ֨ל8 of 15
H3605

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

הַבְּהֵמָ֔ה9 of 15

“and of all the beasts”

H929

properly, a dumb beast; especially any large quadruped or animal (often collective)

אֲשֶׁ֥ר10 of 15
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

יִהְיֶ֖ה11 of 15
H1961

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

בַּמַּחֲנ֣וֹת12 of 15

“tents”

H4264

an encampment (of travellers or troops); hence, an army, whether literal (of soldiers) or figurative (of dancers, angels, cattle, locusts, stars; or e

הָהֵ֑מָּה13 of 15

“that shall be in these”

H1992

they (only used when emphatic)

כַּמַּגֵּפָ֖ה14 of 15

“And so shall be the plague”

H4046

a pestilence; by analogy, defeat

הַזֹּֽאת׃15 of 15
H2063

this (often used adverb)

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 14:15 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 14:15 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Zechariah 14:12

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