King James Version

What Does Zechariah 2:10 Mean?

Zechariah 2:10 in the King James Version says “Sing and rejoice, O daughter of Zion: for, lo, I come, and I will dwell in the midst of thee, saith the LORD.” — study this verse from Zechariah chapter 2 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Sing and rejoice, O daughter of Zion: for, lo, I come, and I will dwell in the midst of thee, saith the LORD.”

Zechariah 2:10 · KJV

Context

8

For thus saith the LORD of hosts; After the glory hath he sent me unto the nations which spoiled you: for he that toucheth you toucheth the apple of his eye.

9

For, behold, I will shake mine hand upon them, and they shall be a spoil to their servants: and ye shall know that the LORD of hosts hath sent me.

10

Sing and rejoice, O daughter of Zion: for, lo, I come, and I will dwell in the midst of thee, saith the LORD.

11

And many nations shall be joined to the LORD in that day, and shall be my people: and I will dwell in the midst of thee, and thou shalt know that the LORD of hosts hath sent me unto thee.

12

And the LORD shall inherit Judah his portion in the holy land, and shall choose Jerusalem again.

Read Zechariah 2 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Sing and rejoice, O daughter of Zion: for, lo, I come, and I will dwell in the midst of thee, saith the LORD—From judgment (v. 9) to jubilation. The imperatives ronnī (רָנִּי, 'sing out') and simchī (שִׂמְחִי, 'rejoice') call for exuberant worship in response to Yahweh's promised presence. Bat-Tziyyon (בַּת־צִיּוֹן, 'Daughter of Zion') personifies Jerusalem and the covenant community.

The stunning promise I come, and I will dwell uses the participle bā' (בָּא, 'coming') emphasizing imminent arrival, and shākantī (שָׁכַנְתִּי, 'I will dwell/tabernacle'), the verb related to Shekinah—God's manifest presence that filled the tabernacle (Exodus 40:34-35) and temple (1 Kings 8:10-11). This prophecy leaps beyond the modest Second Temple to the incarnation when 'the Word became flesh and tabernacled among us' (John 1:14, same root idea), and ultimately to the New Jerusalem: 'Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men' (Revelation 21:3).

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Historical & Cultural Context

The returned exiles had laid the temple foundation but the structure would be modest compared to Solomon's glory (Ezra 3:12; Haggai 2:3). Yet Zechariah promises something greater than architectural splendor—God Himself dwelling among His people. The 'already/not yet' tension: God's presence returned to the Second Temple, yet the full dwelling awaits Messiah's coming.

Reflection Questions

  1. Why does God's presence evoke singing and rejoicing rather than fear (compare Exodus 20:18-21)?
  2. How did Jesus 'tabernacle' among us, and how does this fulfill Zechariah's prophecy?
  3. Where do you most tangibly sense God 'dwelling in your midst' today?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 11 words
רָנִּ֥י1 of 11

“Sing”

H7442

properly, to creak (or emit a stridulous sound), i.e., to shout (usually for joy)

וְשִׂמְחִ֖י2 of 11

“and rejoice”

H8055

probably to brighten up, i.e., (figuratively) be (causatively, make) blithe or gleesome

בַּת3 of 11

“O daughter”

H1323

a daughter (used in the same wide sense as other terms of relationship, literally and figuratively)

צִיּ֑וֹן4 of 11

“of Zion”

H6726

tsijon (as a permanent capital), a mountain of jerusalem

כִּ֧י5 of 11
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

הִנְנִי6 of 11
H2005

lo!; also (as expressing surprise) if

בָ֛א7 of 11

“for lo I come”

H935

to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

וְשָׁכַנְתִּ֥י8 of 11

“and I will dwell”

H7931

to reside or permanently stay (literally or figuratively)

בְתוֹכֵ֖ךְ9 of 11

“in the midst”

H8432

a bisection, i.e., (by implication) the center

נְאֻם10 of 11

“of thee saith”

H5002

an oracle

יְהוָֽה׃11 of 11

“the LORD”

H3068

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

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 2:10 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 2:10 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

John 1:14Zechariah 9:9Matthew 28:20Ezekiel 37:27Zephaniah 3:14-15Zechariah 8:3

Places in This Verse

ZionSettlement · Modern: Jerusalem · 31.78°N, 35.23°E148 verses across 19 books
View all places in Zechariah 2 →

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