Hebrew Word Reference — Zechariah 2:6
This Hebrew word means to say or speak, and it's used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to command, promise, or think, and it's translated in the KJV as 'answer', 'appoint', or 'command'.
Definition: 1) to say, speak, utter 1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend 1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called 1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly 1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)
Usage: Occurs in 4337 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet. See also: Genesis 1:3; Genesis 18:23; Genesis 25:32.
The Hebrew word for 'where' is used to ask about location or direction, like in Genesis 3:9 and Exodus 2:13. It can also mean 'when' or 'how long'.
Definition: 1) where?, whither? (of place) 2) when?, until when?, how long? (of time)
Usage: Occurs in 33 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] any (no) whither, now, where, whither(-soever). See also: Genesis 16:8; 2 Kings 6:6; Psalms 13:2.
You is the translation of a Hebrew word used to address someone directly, like when God says you to someone in the Bible. It can be singular or plural, and is often translated as thee, thou, or ye.
Definition: you (second pers. sing. masc.)
Usage: Occurs in 997 OT verses. KJV: thee, thou, ye, you. See also: Genesis 3:11; Exodus 23:9; Deuteronomy 14:1.
Means to walk or go, used in many different contexts in the Bible. It can describe physical movement, but also spiritual or emotional journeys. Appears in various forms, such as 'to go' or 'to walk'.
Definition: : walk/move 1) to go, walk, come 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to go, walk, come, depart, proceed, move, go away 1a2) to die, live, manner of life (fig.) 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to walk 1b2) to walk (fig.) 1c) (Hithpael) 1c1) to traverse 1c2) to walk about 1d) (Niphal) to lead, bring, lead away, carry, cause to walk
Usage: Occurs in 473 OT verses. KJV: (all) along, apace, behave (self), come, (on) continually, be conversant, depart, [phrase] be eased, enter, exercise (self), [phrase] follow, forth, forward, get, go (about, abroad, along, away, forward, on, out, up and down), [phrase] greater, grow, be wont to haunt, lead, march, [idiom] more and more, move (self), needs, on, pass (away), be at the point, quite, run (along), [phrase] send, speedily, spread, still, surely, [phrase] tale-bearer, [phrase] travel(-ler), walk (abroad, on, to and fro, up and down, to places), wander, wax, (way-) faring man, [idiom] be weak, whirl. See also: Genesis 2:14; Judges 4:9; 1 Kings 13:12.
This Hebrew word means to say or speak, and it's used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to command, promise, or think, and it's translated in the KJV as 'answer', 'appoint', or 'command'.
Definition: 1) to say, speak, utter 1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend 1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called 1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly 1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)
Usage: Occurs in 4337 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet. See also: Genesis 1:3; Genesis 18:23; Genesis 25:32.
This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.
Definition: 1) to, toward, unto (of motion) 2) into (limit is actually entered) 2a) in among 3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion) 4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character) 5) in addition to, to 6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of 7) according to (rule or standard) 8) at, by, against (of one's presence) 9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)
Usage: Occurs in 4205 OT verses. KJV: about, according to, after, against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and, by, concerning, for, from, [idiom] hath, in(-to), near, (out) of, over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether, with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:9; Genesis 21:14; Genesis 31:13.
To measure means to stretch or extend something, like a line or a boundary. In the Bible, it is used to describe God's measurements for the tabernacle and temple. It can also mean to assess or evaluate something.
Definition: 1) to measure, stretch 1a) (Qal) to measure 1b) (Niphal) to be measured 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to extend, continue 1c2) to measure, measure off 1d) (Po) measured 1e) (Hithpolel) to extend oneself, stretch oneself Also means: mid.dad (מָדַד "to extend" H4059)
Usage: Occurs in 49 OT verses. KJV: measure, mete, stretch self. See also: Exodus 16:18; Ezekiel 40:32; Psalms 60:8.
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
Jerusalem is the capital city of Palestine, also known as the city of peace. It was the chief city of the united kingdom and the nation of Judah after the split.
Definition: § Jerusalem = "teaching of peace" the chief city of Palestine and capital of the united kingdom and the nation of Judah after the split
Usage: Occurs in 600 OT verses. KJV: Jerusalem. See also: Joshua 10:1; 2 Kings 22:14; 2 Chronicles 24:6.
The Hebrew word for provider means to see or look after, and is used to describe God's care for his people. It appears in various forms throughout the Bible, including in Genesis and other books.
Definition: (Lord will) Provide, cause to be seen. This name means to see, look at, inspect, look after
Usage: Occurs in 1206 OT verses. KJV: advise self, appear, approve, behold, [idiom] certainly, consider, discern, (make to) enjoy, have experience, gaze, take heed, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] joyfully, lo, look (on, one another, one on another, one upon another, out, up, upon), mark, meet, [idiom] be near, perceive, present, provide, regard, (have) respect, (fore-, cause to, let) see(-r, -m, one another), shew (self), [idiom] sight of others, (e-) spy, stare, [idiom] surely, [idiom] think, view, visions. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 41:41; Exodus 33:13.
This Hebrew word means what or how, often used to ask questions or express surprise, like in Genesis when God asks Adam what he has done. It can also mean why or when, and is used in various ways throughout the Old Testament. It appears in many KJV translations, including how or what.
Definition: interr pron 1) what, how, of what kind 1a) (interrogative) 1a1) what? 1a2) of what kind 1a3) what? (rhetorical) 1a4) whatsoever, whatever, what 1b) (adverb) 1b1) how, how now 1b2) why 1b3) how! (exclamation) 1c) (with prep) 1c1) wherein?, whereby?, wherewith?, by what means? 1c2) because of what? 1c3) the like of what? 1c3a) how much?, how many?, how often? 1c3b) for how long? 1c4) for what reason?, why?, to what purpose? 1c5) until when?, how long?, upon what?, wherefore? indef pron 2) anything, aught, what may
Usage: Occurs in 655 OT verses. KJV: how (long, oft, (-soever)), (no-) thing, what (end, good, purpose, thing), whereby(-fore, -in, -to, -with), (for) why. See also: Genesis 2:19; Numbers 21:5; 1 Samuel 19:5.
This Hebrew word means width or breadth, used to describe physical size or space. It appears in the Bible to describe the width of the earth or a room. In the KJV, it is translated as breadth or broad.
Definition: breadth, width, expanse
Usage: Occurs in 89 OT verses. KJV: breadth, broad, largeness, thickness, wideness. See also: Genesis 6:15; Ezekiel 40:13; Isaiah 8:8.
This Hebrew word means what or how, often used to ask questions or express surprise, like in Genesis when God asks Adam what he has done. It can also mean why or when, and is used in various ways throughout the Old Testament. It appears in many KJV translations, including how or what.
Definition: interr pron 1) what, how, of what kind 1a) (interrogative) 1a1) what? 1a2) of what kind 1a3) what? (rhetorical) 1a4) whatsoever, whatever, what 1b) (adverb) 1b1) how, how now 1b2) why 1b3) how! (exclamation) 1c) (with prep) 1c1) wherein?, whereby?, wherewith?, by what means? 1c2) because of what? 1c3) the like of what? 1c3a) how much?, how many?, how often? 1c3b) for how long? 1c4) for what reason?, why?, to what purpose? 1c5) until when?, how long?, upon what?, wherefore? indef pron 2) anything, aught, what may
Usage: Occurs in 655 OT verses. KJV: how (long, oft, (-soever)), (no-) thing, what (end, good, purpose, thing), whereby(-fore, -in, -to, -with), (for) why. See also: Genesis 2:19; Numbers 21:5; 1 Samuel 19:5.
Length can refer to physical distance or a long period of time, and also to patience and self-restraint, like waiting forever for something to happen.
Definition: 1) length 1a) physical length 1b) of time 2) forbearance, self-restraint (of patience)
Usage: Occurs in 90 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] forever, length, long. See also: Genesis 6:15; Psalms 93:5; Psalms 21:5.
Context — The Redemption of Zion
Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) |
| 1 |
Isaiah 48:20 |
Leave Babylon! Flee from the Chaldeans! Declare it with a shout of joy, proclaim it, let it go out to the ends of the earth, saying, “The LORD has redeemed His servant Jacob!” |
| 2 |
Ezekiel 17:21 |
All his choice troops will fall by the sword, and those who survive will be scattered to every wind. Then you will know that I, the LORD, have spoken.’ |
| 3 |
Isaiah 52:11–12 |
Depart, depart, go out from there! Touch no unclean thing; come out from it, purify yourselves, you who carry the vessels of the LORD. For you will not leave in a hurry nor flee in haste, for the LORD goes before you, and the God of Israel is your rear guard. |
| 4 |
Deuteronomy 28:64 |
Then the LORD will scatter you among all the nations, from one end of the earth to the other, and there you will worship other gods, gods of wood and stone, which neither you nor your fathers have known. |
| 5 |
Revelation 18:4 |
Then I heard another voice from heaven say: “Come out of her, My people, so that you will not share in her sins or contract any of her plagues. |
| 6 |
Ezekiel 11:16 |
Therefore declare that this is what the Lord GOD says: ‘Although I sent them far away among the nations and scattered them among the countries, yet for a little while I have been a sanctuary for them in the countries to which they have gone.’ |
| 7 |
Genesis 19:17 |
As soon as the men had brought them out, one of them said, “Run for your lives! Do not look back, and do not stop anywhere on the plain! Flee to the mountains, or you will be swept away!” |
| 8 |
Jeremiah 50:8 |
Flee from the midst of Babylon; depart from the land of the Chaldeans; be like the he-goats that lead the flock. |
| 9 |
Jeremiah 3:18 |
In those days the house of Judah will walk with the house of Israel, and they will come together from the land of the north to the land that I gave to your fathers as an inheritance. |
| 10 |
Zechariah 2:7 |
“Get up, O Zion! Escape, you who dwell with the Daughter of Babylon!” |
Zechariah 2:6 Summary
[This verse is a call from God to His people to get up and flee from the land of the north, where they have been scattered and dispersed, as in Zechariah 2:6 and Ezekiel 34:11-16. It's a reminder that God is our protector and guide, and that He wants to gather us back to Himself, as seen in Ezekiel 37:21-22. Just as God promised to be a wall of fire around Jerusalem in Zechariah 2:5, He promises to be our refuge and strength in times of trouble, as in Psalm 46:1 and Isaiah 41:10. As we hear God's call to flee from the world and seek Him, we can trust in His promise to bring us back to our true home, and to give us a new heart and a new spirit, as in Ezekiel 36:26-27.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to be scattered like the four winds of heaven?
This phrase, found in Zechariah 2:6, means to be dispersed or spread out in all directions, much like how the winds blow from every direction, as seen in Jeremiah 49:36 and Daniel 7:2, where God scatters nations and peoples.
Who is being addressed in this verse?
The verse is addressing the people of God, specifically those who have been scattered and are now being called to flee from the land of the north, a call that echoes the command to flee from Babylon in Zechariah 2:7 and Isaiah 48:20.
What is the land of the north?
The land of the north refers to the region where the Israelites were taken captive, likely Babylon, as mentioned in Zechariah 2:7, and is also associated with the direction from which evil and darkness come, as seen in Jeremiah 1:14-15 and Ezekiel 38:6, where God judges the nations.
Why is God telling His people to flee?
God is telling His people to flee because He has scattered them and now wants to gather them back, as seen in Zechariah 2:6 and Ezekiel 34:11-16, where God promises to search for and rescue His scattered flock, and to bring them back to their homeland, as in Ezekiel 37:21-22.
Reflection Questions
- How have you been scattered or dispersed in your own life, and how is God calling you to return to Him?
- What are the 'winds of heaven' that are blowing in your life, and how can you surrender to God's will in the midst of them?
- In what ways are you being called to 'flee' from the influences and pressures of the world, and to seek refuge in God, as in Psalm 91:4 and Matthew 11:28?
- How does the promise of God's protection and guidance, as seen in Zechariah 2:5, give you courage and hope as you face challenges and uncertainties?
Gill's Exposition on Zechariah 2:6
Ho, ho,.... This word expresses a call and proclamation; and is doubled, as Kimchi observes, to confirm it; and so the Targum paraphrases it, "proclaim to the dispersed:'' [come forth], and flee from
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Zechariah 2:6
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. Ho, ho!
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Zechariah 2:6
Ho, ho: since Jerusalem shall be safe, rich, and glorious by the presence and blessings of her God, the prophet calls to the sleepy Jews, as men that need be awakened. Come forth; set upon your journey for your own country and city, come out from your captive prisons. And flee; make all the haste you possibly can, and flee as men do who are pursued with danger, as men that are earnestly bent to get out of harm’ s way, as the manslayer to the city of refuge. The Hebrew hath only and flee, but our translators have by that guessed at what might fill up the expression, and read, come forth, &c. From the land of the north; Babylon, which lay north to Canaan. For I have spread you abroad as the four winds of the heaven: as I executed my threats in scattering you, so I will perform my promise, and gather you from all quarters of the world; arise, come away, therefore.
Trapp's Commentary on Zechariah 2:6
Zechariah 2:6 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.Ver. 6. Ho, ho, come forth, and flee from the land of the north] A proclamation to those in Babylon to make haste home, and come away for shame; now they had so fair a way made, and such free liberty given them to return. A man would wonder they should be so backward to a business of this nature. But they that were born in hell know no other heaven, as the proverb is. There they had lived a long season in peace and safety in a rich and fat though a foreign country. There they were at quiet, enjoyed their religion and customs, gotten wealth, had favourites at court; and what should they trouble themselves to remove into a country where they were sure to meet with many bitter enemies, the Samaritans and others? And who can tell whether this proclamation of King Darius be not a design to try their affection to their country, and so to fall upon such as did offer to return thither? Thus by casting perils, distrusting promises, and listening to that Improba Siren Desidia, wicked idolent Siren, they stayed half of them at least behind, whatever Josephus hath falsely storied of 4,628,000 that returned; the contrary whereto, see Ezra 2:64. For I have spread you abroad into the four winds] And do now offer to recollect and reduce you to your own country. See that ye shift not off me that speak from heaven.
See that ye neglect not so great salvation, Hebrews 12:25; Hebrews 2:3. How often is the Lord even fain to smoke us, and so force us out of our clay cottages, toward our heavenly home. And what a shame is it to us that a heathen should say Fugiendum est ad clarissimam patriam; ibi pater, ibi omnia. We should even flee apace to our own country that is above; since there is our Father, there is all that heart can wish or need require.
Ellicott's Commentary on Zechariah 2:6
(6-13) This address to Zion may be taken as the words of the prophet himself, or of the angel who had been speaking before. In any case, it was intended to be communicated to the people by the prophet, whose mind had been prepared by the foregoing vision for the reception of such a revelation.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Zechariah 2:6
Verse 6. Flee from the land of the north] From Chaldee, Persia, and Babylon, where several of the Jews still remained. See Zechariah 2:7.
Cambridge Bible on Zechariah 2:6
6–13. That they may share in the promised favour to Zion, but also (and this is put first and urgently, because the judgment was imminent) that they may escape the coming punishment of Babylon, the Jews still remaining there are called upon to return to their own country.
Barnes' Notes on Zechariah 2:6
Ho! ho! and flee - Such being the safety and glory in store for God’s people in Jerusalem, He who had so provided it, the Angel of the Lord, bids His people everywhere to come to it, saving
Whedon's Commentary on Zechariah 2:6
6. Ho, ho — The Hebrew word is translated also “woe” or “alas”; it is more than a call to attention; it always expresses a feeling of pain on the part of the speaker, arising from compassion with
Sermons on Zechariah 2:6
| Sermon | Description |
|
Mid South Conference 1978-09 Zechariah's Visions
by Bob Clark
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In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the book of Zechariah and its message of encouragement to the people of Jerusalem. The sermon highlights the importance of not getting caught |
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The Jews
by Arno Clemens Gaebelein
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Arno Clemens Gaebelein preaches about the remarkable revival of Palestine, highlighting the significant increase in the Jewish population, the resurgence of the Hebrew language, th |
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Their Reception-Life From the Dead
by Arno Clemens Gaebelein
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Arno Clemens Gaebelein delves into the intricate relationship between Israel's fall, the salvation of the Gentiles, and the future blessings awaiting both Israel and the nations. H |
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Studies in Zechariah 02 Zechariah 2:
by John W. Bramhall
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In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the urgency of salvation and the imminent return of the Lord. He urges the listeners to deliver themselves from the impending judgment by ac |
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It's Not Enough to Get Out of Babylon
by David Wilkerson
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In this sermon, the preacher criticizes the trend of showcase charities that are primarily focused on raising money for airtime and advertisement. He warns that ministers will be h |
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Regeneration & Self-Denial
by Paul Washer
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In this sermon, the speaker addresses the issue of churches abandoning biblical terminology and relying on church growth methodologies. He emphasizes the need for truth that goes b |
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(Secret of Paul's Authority) 2. Paul Kept His Conscience Clean
by Zac Poonen
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In this sermon, the speaker shares a story about a godly cobbler who refused to compromise his work for the sake of making more money. The cobbler's assistant suggests using old le |