King James Version

What Does Zechariah 9:7 Mean?

Zechariah 9:7 in the King James Version says “And I will take away his blood out of his mouth, and his abominations from between his teeth: but he that remaineth, eve...” — study this verse from Zechariah chapter 9 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And I will take away his blood out of his mouth, and his abominations from between his teeth: but he that remaineth, even he, shall be for our God, and he shall be as a governor in Judah, and Ekron as a Jebusite. blood: Heb. bloods”

Zechariah 9:7 · KJV

Context

5

Ashkelon shall see it, and fear; Gaza also shall see it, and be very sorrowful, and Ekron; for her expectation shall be ashamed; and the king shall perish from Gaza, and Ashkelon shall not be inhabited.

6

And a bastard shall dwell in Ashdod, and I will cut off the pride of the Philistines.

7

And I will take away his blood out of his mouth, and his abominations from between his teeth: but he that remaineth, even he, shall be for our God, and he shall be as a governor in Judah, and Ekron as a Jebusite. blood: Heb. bloods

8

And I will encamp about mine house because of the army, because of him that passeth by, and because of him that returneth: and no oppressor shall pass through them any more: for now have I seen with mine eyes.

9

Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion; shout, O daughter of Jerusalem: behold, thy King cometh unto thee: he is just, and having salvation; lowly, and riding upon an ass, and upon a colt the foal of an ass. having: or, saving himself

Read Zechariah 9 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And I will take away his blood out of his mouth, and his abominations from between his teeth—this vivid imagery addresses pagan religious practices. "His blood out of his mouth" (damo mi-piw, דָּמוֹ מִפִּיו) likely refers to consuming blood in pagan rituals, forbidden to Israel (Leviticus 17:10-14; Acts 15:20). "His abominations from between his teeth" (shiqqutsaw mi-beyn shinnayw, שִׁקֻּצָיו מִבֵּין שִׁנָּיו) suggests eating sacrificial meat from idolatrous offerings. God will remove these ceremonially unclean practices, purifying the Philistines from pagan worship.

The remarkable shift follows: "but he that remaineth, even he, shall be for our God" (ve-nish'ar gam-hu le-Eloheinu, וְנִשְׁאַר גַּם־הוּא לֵאלֹהֵינוּ). After judgment purges idolatry, a remnant will convert to worship Israel's God. The phrase "shall be for our God" indicates covenantal belonging—formerly pagan Philistines joining God's people. This anticipates the gospel's power to save even Israel's fiercest enemies.

"And he shall be as a governor in Judah, and Ekron as a Jebusite" (ve-hayah ke-alluph bi-Yhudah ve-Eqron ki-Yevusi, וְהָיָה כְּאַלּוּף בִּיהוּדָה וְעֶקְרוֹן כִּיבוּסִי). The converted Philistine will have status like a clan leader (alluph, אַלּוּף) in Judah. Ekron will be like the Jebusites—the pre-Israelite inhabitants of Jerusalem whom David conquered but who were then absorbed into Israel (2 Samuel 5:6-9). Just as Jebusites became part of God's people, so will Philistines. This prophecy envisions radical inclusion of former enemies into covenant community.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

This prophecy found partial fulfillment in the Hellenistic and Roman periods when many Gentiles, including those from formerly Philistine territories, converted to Judaism or Christianity. The Ethiopian eunuch's conversion (Acts 8:26-39) occurred on the road to Gaza—a Philistine city. Philip preached in Azotus/Ashdod (Acts 8:40). Peter received the vision overturning dietary laws and Gentile exclusion in Joppa, on Philistia's border (Acts 10), then baptized Cornelius, a Roman centurion—demonstrating that God's covenant now includes all who believe, regardless of ethnic origin.

The comparison to Jebusites is illuminating. When David conquered Jerusalem, he allowed Jebusites to remain, and they were gradually assimilated (Joshua 15:63; Judges 1:21). Araunah the Jebusite sold David the threshing floor that became the temple site (2 Samuel 24:18-25)—a Jebusite facilitating Israel's worship! Similarly, former enemies like Philistines would not merely be tolerated but incorporated as equal members. This anticipates Ephesians 2:11-22, where Paul declares that Gentiles, once "alienated from the commonwealth of Israel," are now "fellow citizens with the saints." The gospel accomplishes what military conquest couldn't—true reconciliation and spiritual unity.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does God's removal of Philistine idolatry before converting them illustrate the gospel pattern of repentance preceding faith?
  2. What does the inclusion of former enemies like Philistines teach about the scope of God's redemptive plan and the church's diversity?
  3. In what ways should the church today actively pursue and welcome those from backgrounds or identities historically opposed to Christianity?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 15 words
וַהֲסִרֹתִ֨י1 of 15

“And I will take away”

H5493

to turn off (literally or figuratively)

דָמָ֜יו2 of 15

“his blood”

H1818

blood (as that which when shed causes death) of man or an animal; by analogy, the juice of the grape; figuratively (especially in the plural) bloodshe

מִפִּ֗יו3 of 15

“out of his mouth”

H6310

the mouth (as the means of blowing), whether literal or figurative (particularly speech); specifically edge, portion or side; adverbially (with prepos

וְשִׁקֻּצָיו֙4 of 15

“and his abominations”

H8251

disgusting, i.e., filthy; especially idolatrous or (concretely) an idol

מִבֵּ֣ין5 of 15
H996

between (repeated before each noun, often with other particles); also as a conjunction, either...or

שִׁנָּ֔יו6 of 15

“from between his teeth”

H8127

a tooth (as sharp); specifically ivory; figuratively, a cliff

וְנִשְׁאַ֥ר7 of 15

“but he that remaineth”

H7604

properly, to swell up, i.e., be (causatively, make) redundant

גַּם8 of 15
H1571

properly, assemblage; used only adverbially also, even, yea, though; often repeated as correl. both...and

ה֖וּא9 of 15
H1931

he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo

לֵֽאלֹהֵ֑ינוּ10 of 15

“even he shall be for our God”

H430

gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of

וְהָיָה֙11 of 15
H1961

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

כְּאַלֻּ֣ף12 of 15

“and he shall be as a governor”

H441

familiar; a friend, also gentle; and so, a chieftain (as notable, like neat cattle)

בִּֽיהוּדָ֔ה13 of 15

“in Judah”

H3063

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

וְעֶקְר֖וֹן14 of 15

“and Ekron”

H6138

ekron, a place in palestine

כִּיבוּסִֽי׃15 of 15

“as a Jebusite”

H2983

a jebusite or inhabitant of jebus

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 9:7 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 9:7 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Galatians 3:28Amos 3:12Jeremiah 49:39Psalms 58:6Psalms 3:7Jeremiah 49:6

Places in This Verse

EkronSettlement · Modern: Tel Miqne · 31.78°N, 34.85°E20 verses across 8 books
View all places in Zechariah 9 →

Test Your Knowledge

Zechariah 9 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterZechariah Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

Continue Your Study

Read Zechariah 9 with CommentaryAll Zechariah ChaptersComplete Zechariah QuizBible CharactersNave's Topical BibleAll Bible Quizzes