King James Version

What Does Zechariah 2:13 Mean?

Zechariah 2:13 in the King James Version says “Be silent, O all flesh, before the LORD: for he is raised up out of his holy habitation. his: Heb. the habitation of his...” — study this verse from Zechariah chapter 2 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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”

Zechariah 2:13 · KJV

Context

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
Be silent, O all flesh, before the LORD: for he is raised up out of his holy habitation—The chapter climaxes with a call to cosmic reverence. Has (הַס, 'hush/be silent') is an interjection demanding immediate silence, found in only seven Old Testament passages, each marking awesome divine intervention (Habakkuk 2:20; Zephaniah 1:7). Kol-bāsār (כָּל־בָּשָׂר, 'all flesh') encompasses all humanity, all created beings—universal awe before divine action.

For he is raised up out of his holy habitation—ne'ōr (נֵעוֹר, 'aroused/awakened') depicts God rousing Himself from apparent inactivity to decisive intervention. This anthropomorphic language doesn't imply God sleeps, but that He moves from patient waiting to active judgment and redemption. Me'ōn qodsho (מְעוֹן קָדְשׁוֹ, 'His holy habitation') locates God's dwelling in heaven, from which He now descends to fulfill His promises. When God arises, all creation holds its breath (Psalm 76:8-9). This verse anticipates both Incarnation and Second Coming—moments when heaven invades earth and silence becomes the only appropriate response.

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Historical & Cultural Context

In an age of competing religious claims and pagan deities worshiped noisily (1 Kings 18:26-28), Zechariah calls for silence—acknowledging Yahweh alone acts in history. The post-exilic community, tempted to doubt God's activity during decades of delay, hears that God is 'arousing Himself' to fulfill every promise. Silence before God remains the proper posture when human words fail before divine majesty (Job 40:4-5).

Reflection Questions

  1. Why does God's activity evoke silence rather than praise (though praise follows)?
  2. How can we cultivate reverent silence before God in a noisy, distracted culture?
  3. What does God 'arousing Himself from His holy habitation' reveal about His sovereignty over timing?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 9 words
הַ֥ס1 of 9

“Be silent”

H2013

to hush

כָּל2 of 9
H3605

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

בָּשָׂ֖ר3 of 9

“O all flesh”

H1320

flesh (from its freshness); by extension, body, person; also (by euphemistically) the pudenda of a man

מִפְּנֵ֣י4 of 9

“before”

H6440

the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi

יְהוָ֑ה5 of 9

“the LORD”

H3068

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

כִּ֥י6 of 9
H3588

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

נֵע֖וֹר7 of 9

“for he is raised up”

H5782

to wake (literally or figuratively)

מִמְּע֥וֹן8 of 9

“habitation”

H4583

an abode, of god (the tabernacle or the temple), men (their home) or animals (their lair); hence, a retreat (asylum)

קָדְשֽׁוֹ׃9 of 9

“out of his holy”

H6944

a sacred place or thing; rarely abstract, sanctity

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 2:13 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 2:13 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Habakkuk 2:20Zephaniah 1:7Psalms 68:5Psalms 78:65Psalms 46:10Zephaniah 3:8

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