King James Version

What Does Zechariah 2:12 Mean?

Zechariah 2:12 in the King James Version says “And the LORD shall inherit Judah his portion in the holy land, and shall choose Jerusalem again.” — study this verse from Zechariah chapter 2 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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

Zechariah 2:12 · KJV

Context

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.

13

Be silent, O all flesh, before the LORD: for he is raised up out of his holy habitation. his: Heb. the habitation of his holiness

Read Zechariah 2 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And the LORD shall inherit Judah his portion in the holy land—God possesses His people rather than being possessed by them. The verb nāchal (נָחַל, 'inherit/possess as inheritance') typically describes Israel inheriting Canaan, but here the roles reverse: Yahweh inherits Judah as His cheleq (חֵלֶק, 'portion/allotment'). This recalls Deuteronomy 32:9, 'For the LORD's portion is his people; Jacob is the lot of his inheritance.' We are God's treasured inheritance (Ephesians 1:18).

In the holy land ('admat haqqōdesh, אַדְמַת הַקֹּדֶשׁ)—the only place in Scripture this exact phrase appears. While 'eretz (אֶרֶץ, 'land') is common, 'adamah (אֲדָמָה) emphasizes the soil/ground itself, the very dirt becoming 'holy ground' by God's presence. And shall choose Jerusalem again—bāchar (בָּחַר, 'choose') in the perfect tense: God re-affirms His elective love for Jerusalem despite centuries of judgment. The 'again' ('ōd, עוֹד) assures that exile hasn't nullified divine election (Romans 11:29).

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Historical & Cultural Context

The returned remnant questioned whether God still favored them after seventy years of Babylonian exile. Jerusalem lay in ruins, the modest temple couldn't compare to Solomon's glory, and the Davidic throne remained empty. Zechariah reassures them: God's covenant choice of Jerusalem stands firm. The 'holy land' designation sanctifies the geographic inheritance promised to Abraham.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does it mean that God 'inherits' His people rather than we merely inherit blessings from Him?
  2. How does God's unchanging choice of Jerusalem relate to the New Testament vision of the New Jerusalem?
  3. In what ways can you more fully become God's 'portion' and inheritance today?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 11 words
וְנָחַ֨ל1 of 11

“shall inherit”

H5157

to inherit (as a (figurative) mode of descent), or (generally) to occupy; causatively, to bequeath, or (generally) distribute, instate

יְהוָ֤ה2 of 11

“And the LORD”

H3068

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

אֶת3 of 11
H853

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

יְהוּדָה֙4 of 11

“Judah”

H3063

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

חֶלְק֔וֹ5 of 11

“his portion”

H2506

properly, smoothness (of the tongue)

עַ֖ל6 of 11
H5921

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

אַדְמַ֣ת7 of 11

“land”

H127

soil (from its general redness)

הַקֹּ֑דֶשׁ8 of 11

“in the holy”

H6944

a sacred place or thing; rarely abstract, sanctity

וּבָחַ֥ר9 of 11

“and shall choose”

H977

properly, to try, i.e., (by implication) select

ע֖וֹד10 of 11
H5750

properly, iteration or continuance; used only adverbially (with or without preposition), again, repeatedly, still, more

בִּירוּשָׁלִָֽם׃11 of 11

“Jerusalem”

H3389

jerushalaim or jerushalem, the capital city of palestine

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 2:12 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 2:12 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Zechariah 1:17Deuteronomy 32:9Jeremiah 10:16Psalms 33:12Isaiah 41:9Psalms 135:4

Places in This Verse

JerusalemSettlement · Modern: Jerusalem · 31.78°N, 35.23°E955 verses across 37 books
View all places in Zechariah 2 →

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