King James Version

What Does Zechariah 2:9 Mean?

Zechariah 2:9 in the King James Version says “For, behold, I will shake mine hand upon them, and they shall be a spoil to their servants: and ye shall know that the L...” — study this verse from Zechariah chapter 2 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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.”

Zechariah 2:9 · KJV

Context

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.

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.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
For, behold, I will shake mine hand upon them, and they shall be a spoil to their servants—Divine reversal where Israel's oppressors become plunder to those they enslaved. The Hebrew nōphēph (נוֹפֵף, 'to shake/wave the hand') depicts God's sovereign gesture commanding judgment, like a commander signaling attack. This continues the promise from verses 7-8 where God declared He would punish the nations that plundered His people.

And ye shall know that the LORD of hosts hath sent me—The mysterious prophetic 'me' appears again (also 2:8-11; 4:9; 6:15). Who is this divine messenger sent by Yahweh yet distinct from Him? The Angel of the LORD speaks as God yet refers to being 'sent' by God—a Christophany, pre-incarnate appearance of Christ. The vindication of Israel will prove that Zechariah's message came from the LORD's authorized representative. The Hebrew shālach (שָׁלַח, 'sent') emphasizes divine commission and authority.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Written during temple rebuilding (520 BC), when the tiny Jewish remnant faced hostility from surrounding nations—Samaritans, Ammonites, Arabs, and Ashdodites who had opposed the work (Ezra 4:1-5; Nehemiah 4:7-8). The promise of reversal where servants plunder their former masters would have seemed impossible to this weak community, yet it foreshadows ultimate eschatological vindication.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the concept of divine reversal (oppressors becoming plunder) reflect God's justice throughout Scripture?
  2. What does the mysterious 'sent one' who speaks with divine authority teach us about Christ's pre-existence?
  3. In what ways do you need to trust God's promise of vindication when circumstances seem hopeless?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 14 words
כִּ֠י1 of 14
H3588

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

הִנְנִ֨י2 of 14
H2005

lo!; also (as expressing surprise) if

מֵנִ֤יף3 of 14

“For behold I will shake”

H5130

to quiver (i.e., vibrate up and down, or rock to and fro); used in a great variety of applications (including sprinkling, beckoning, rubbing, bastinad

אֶת4 of 14
H853

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

יָדִי֙5 of 14

“mine hand”

H3027

a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v

עֲלֵיהֶ֔ם6 of 14
H5921

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

וְהָי֥וּ7 of 14
H1961

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

שָׁלָ֖ל8 of 14

“upon them and they shall be a spoil”

H7998

booty

לְעַבְדֵיהֶ֑ם9 of 14
H5650

a servant

וִֽידַעְתֶּ֕ם10 of 14

“and ye shall know”

H3045

to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o

כִּֽי11 of 14
H3588

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

יְהוָ֥ה12 of 14

“that the LORD”

H3068

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

צְבָא֖וֹת13 of 14

“of hosts”

H6635

a mass of persons (or figuratively, things), especially reg. organized for war (an army); by implication, a campaign, literally or figuratively (speci

שְׁלָחָֽנִי׃14 of 14

“hath sent”

H7971

to send away, for, or out (in a great variety of applications)

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 2:9 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 2:9 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Isaiah 19:16Isaiah 14:2Zechariah 4:9Ezekiel 39:10Zechariah 6:15Isaiah 11:15

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