King James Version

What Does Zechariah 14:6 Mean?

Zechariah 14:6 in the King James Version says “And it shall come to pass in that day, that the light shall not be clear, nor dark : that the: that is, it shall not be ...” — study this verse from Zechariah chapter 14 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And it shall come to pass in that day, that the light shall not be clear, nor dark : that the: that is, it shall not be clear in some places, and dark in other places of the world clear: Heb. precious dark: Heb. thickness”

Zechariah 14:6 · KJV

Context

4

And his feet shall stand in that day upon the mount of Olives, which is before Jerusalem on the east, and the mount of Olives shall cleave in the midst thereof toward the east and toward the west, and there shall be a very great valley; and half of the mountain shall remove toward the north, and half of it toward the south.

5

And ye shall flee to the valley of the mountains; for the valley of the mountains shall reach unto Azal: yea, ye shall flee, like as ye fled from before the earthquake in the days of Uzziah king of Judah: and the LORD my God shall come, and all the saints with thee. the mountains: or, my mountains for the: or, when he shall touch the valley of the mountains to the place he separated

6

And it shall come to pass in that day, that the light shall not be clear, nor dark : that the: that is, it shall not be clear in some places, and dark in other places of the world clear: Heb. precious dark: Heb. thickness

7

But it shall be one day which shall be known to the LORD, not day, nor night: but it shall come to pass, that at evening time it shall be light. it shall be: or, the day shall be one

8

And it shall be in that day, that living waters shall go out from Jerusalem; half of them toward the former sea, and half of them toward the hinder sea: in summer and in winter shall it be. former: or, eastern

Read Zechariah 14 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
This cryptic apocalyptic prophecy declares 'it shall come to pass in that day, that the light shall not be clear, nor dark' (the Hebrew text is difficult, with variant readings: 'precious lights will congeal' or 'lights will withdraw'). The vision depicts cosmic disruption accompanying the Day of the LORD. Verses 6-7 describe abnormal celestial phenomena: neither full light nor complete darkness, but twilight that persists. Verse 7 calls it 'one day... not day, nor night: but... at evening time it shall be light.' This supernatural light source recalls creation when God said 'Let there be light' before creating sun, moon, and stars (Genesis 1:3-5, 14-19). Eschatologically, it points to Revelation 21:23—the New Jerusalem needs no sun because 'the glory of God did lighten it, and the Lamb is the light thereof.'

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Historical & Cultural Context

Zechariah 14 describes the eschatological Day of the LORD: nations gathering against Jerusalem (vv. 1-2), Messiah's appearing and fighting for Israel (vv. 3-5), cosmic upheaval (vv. 6-7), living waters flowing from Jerusalem (v. 8), and YHWH becoming king over all the earth (v. 9). This prophecy transcends immediate post-exilic context, pointing to end-times events. Partial historical fulfillments (Maccabean victories, Roman destruction, etc.) typify the ultimate fulfillment at Christ's return. Jesus referenced similar cosmic signs (Matthew 24:29, Mark 13:24-25), as does Revelation (6:12-14, 8:12). The 'one day known to the LORD' (v. 7) emphasizes its uniqueness and divine sovereignty over timing.

Reflection Questions

  1. How do apocalyptic prophecies of cosmic upheaval shape my eschatological hope and present endurance?
  2. What does it mean that God Himself will be the light source in the new creation, and how should this affect my worship?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 8 words
וְהָיָ֖ה1 of 8
H1961

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

בַּיּ֣וֹם2 of 8

“And it shall come to pass 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

הַה֑וּא3 of 8
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

לֹֽא4 of 8
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

יִהְיֶ֣ה5 of 8
H1961

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

א֔וֹר6 of 8

“that the light”

H216

illumination or (concrete) luminary (in every sense, including lightning, happiness, etc.)

יְקָר֖וֹת7 of 8

“shall not be clear”

H3368

valuable (objectively or subjectively)

יְקִפָּאֽוֹן׃8 of 8

“nor dark”

H7087

to shrink, i.e., thicken (as unracked wine, curdled milk, clouded sky, frozen water)

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 14:6 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 14:6 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Psalms 112:4John 12:46Psalms 97:10-112 Peter 1:19Proverbs 4:18-19Revelation 11:15

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