King James Version

What Does Zechariah 2:7 Mean?

Zechariah 2:7 in the King James Version says “Deliver thyself, O Zion, that dwellest with the daughter of Babylon.” — study this verse from Zechariah chapter 2 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Deliver thyself, O Zion, that dwellest with the daughter of Babylon.”

Zechariah 2:7 · KJV

Context

5

For I, saith the LORD, will be unto her a wall of fire round about, and will be the glory in the midst of her.

6

Ho, ho, come forth, and flee from the land of the north, saith the LORD: for I have spread you abroad as the four winds of the heaven, saith the LORD.

7

Deliver thyself, O Zion, that dwellest with the daughter of Babylon.

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.

Read Zechariah 2 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Deliver thyself, O Zion, that dwellest with the daughter of Babylon. The urgent imperative himmalet (הִמָּלֵט, deliver yourself/escape/save yourself) intensifies the call to flee. Tziyon (צִיּוֹן, Zion) addresses Jews by their covenant identity—you are Zion's people, not Babylon's residents. The phrase yoshevet bat-Bavel (יוֹשֶׁבֶת בַּת־בָּבֶל, dwelling with the daughter of Babylon) indicates inappropriate intimacy or comfortable settlement among God's enemies.

"Daughter of Babylon" personifies the empire as a woman, consistent with prophetic imagery (Isaiah 47:1, Jeremiah 50:42). Dwelling with her suggests adopting her ways, becoming comfortable in her culture, intermarrying with her values. God calls His people to radical separation—physically returning to Judah and spiritually rejecting Babylonian culture.

The self-deliverance command doesn't suggest salvation by works but urgent response to God's provision. He opened the door (Cyrus's decree), now they must walk through it. Remaining in Babylon when escape is possible constitutes choosing bondage over freedom, judgment over blessing. This parallels Paul's command to "work out your salvation" (Philippians 2:12-13)—actively appropriate what God provides.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The exiles faced a choice: comfort in Babylon or covenant faithfulness in Jerusalem. Many chose Babylon's prosperity over Zion's ruins. Like Lot's wife looking back at Sodom (Genesis 19:26), they couldn't release attachment to the world they knew. Yet God warned that Babylon would fall—don't be there when it happens.

This command finds New Testament application in 2 Corinthians 6:17, "Come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord," and Revelation 18:4, "Come out of her, my people, that ye be not partakers of her sins, and that ye receive not of her plagues." God's people must maintain distinct identity, not assimilating into godless culture. While in the world, we are not of it (John 17:14-16).

Reflection Questions

  1. In what ways might you be 'dwelling with Babylon'—comfortable in worldly systems when God calls you to separate?
  2. How do you balance being 'in the world but not of it' with God's call to flee Babylon?
  3. What does self-deliverance from Babylon look like practically for a believer today?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 6 words
ה֥וֹי1 of 6

“thyself O”

H1945

oh!

צִיּ֖וֹן2 of 6

“Zion”

H6726

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

הִמָּלְטִ֑י3 of 6

“Deliver”

H4422

properly, to be smooth, i.e., (by implication) to escape (as if by slipperiness); causatively, to release or rescue; specifically, to bring forth youn

יוֹשֶׁ֖בֶת4 of 6

“that dwellest”

H3427

properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry

בַּת5 of 6

“with the daughter”

H1323

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

בָּבֶֽל׃6 of 6

“of Babylon”

H894

babel (i.e., babylon), including babylonia and the babylonian empire

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 2:7 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 2:7 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Isaiah 48:20Acts 2:40Jeremiah 51:6Revelation 18:4Genesis 19:17Isaiah 52:11

Places in This Verse

Babylon 1Settlement · Modern: Babylon · 32.54°N, 44.42°E296 verses across 15 books
ZionSettlement · Modern: Jerusalem · 31.78°N, 35.23°E148 verses across 19 books
View all places in Zechariah 2 →

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