King James Version

What Does Zechariah 6:7 Mean?

Zechariah 6:7 in the King James Version says “And the bay went forth, and sought to go that they might walk to and fro through the earth: and he said, Get you hence, ...” — study this verse from Zechariah chapter 6 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And the bay went forth, and sought to go that they might walk to and fro through the earth: and he said, Get you hence, walk to and fro through the earth. So they walked to and fro through the earth.”

Zechariah 6:7 · KJV

Context

5

And the angel answered and said unto me, These are the four spirits of the heavens, which go forth from standing before the Lord of all the earth. spirits: or, winds

6

The black horses which are therein go forth into the north country; and the white go forth after them; and the grisled go forth toward the south country.

7

And the bay went forth, and sought to go that they might walk to and fro through the earth: and he said, Get you hence, walk to and fro through the earth. So they walked to and fro through the earth.

8

Then cried he upon me, and spake unto me, saying, Behold, these that go toward the north country have quieted my spirit in the north country.

9

And the word of the LORD came unto me, saying,

Read Zechariah 6 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
In Zechariah's vision of four chariots, 'the bay horses went forth and sought to go that they might walk to and fro through the earth.' These horses represent divine agents patrolling the earth (similar to 1:10). When told 'Get you hence, walk to and fro through the earth,' they immediately 'walked to and fro through the earth.' This activity recalls Job 1:7 where Satan goes 'to and fro in the earth'—but here it's God's angelic agents surveying creation under divine authority. The vision demonstrates God's universal sovereignty: His messengers patrol the entire earth, executing His will. Verse 8 identifies the north-bound horses as those that 'quiet my spirit in the north country'—likely Babylon, source of Israel's recent oppression. God's wrath is satisfied through judgment executed; His Spirit is at rest when justice is done.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The 'north country' consistently refers to Mesopotamia (Babylon/Assyria) in prophetic literature, though geographically northeast—invading armies approached Israel from the north due to geography. Zechariah prophesied during Persian period after Babylon's fall (539 BC to Cyrus), when exiles were returning. God's Spirit being 'quieted' in the north signals that Babylon's punishment for destroying Jerusalem was complete—divine wrath satisfied. The vision assured returnees that God had dealt with their oppressor. Typologically, this points to final judgment when God's wrath will be completely satisfied through Christ's atoning sacrifice and the punishment of the impenitent (Romans 3:25, Revelation 15:1).

Reflection Questions

  1. How does knowing that God's sovereign agents survey the entire earth shape my understanding of providence?
  2. What does it mean that God's Spirit is 'quieted' when justice is executed, and how does this relate to divine wrath?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 12 words
וְהָאֲמֻצִּ֣ים1 of 12

“And the bay”

H554

of a strong color, i.e., red (others fleet)

יָצְא֗וּ2 of 12

“went forth”

H3318

to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim

וַיְבַקְשׁוּ֙3 of 12

“and sought”

H1245

to search out (by any method, specifically in worship or prayer); by implication, to strive after

וַתִּתְהַלַּ֖כְנָה4 of 12

“So they walked to and fro”

H1980

to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)

וַתִּתְהַלַּ֖כְנָה5 of 12

“So they walked to and fro”

H1980

to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)

בָּאָֽרֶץ׃6 of 12

“through the earth”

H776

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

וַיֹּ֕אמֶר7 of 12

“and he said”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

וַתִּתְהַלַּ֖כְנָה8 of 12

“So they walked to and fro”

H1980

to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)

וַתִּתְהַלַּ֖כְנָה9 of 12

“So they walked to and fro”

H1980

to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)

בָּאָֽרֶץ׃10 of 12

“through the earth”

H776

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

וַתִּתְהַלַּ֖כְנָה11 of 12

“So they walked to and fro”

H1980

to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)

בָּאָֽרֶץ׃12 of 12

“through the earth”

H776

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

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 6:7 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 6:7 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

2 Chronicles 16:9Zechariah 1:10Job 2:1-2Daniel 7:19Daniel 7:24Job 1:6-7

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