A Crown for the Priest and the Coming Branch
Zechariah 6:9-15
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Zec.6.9 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויהי: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
- דבר: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- אלי: PREP+PRON,1,sg
- לאמר: INF,qal,infc
Parallels
- Zechariah 1:7 (verbal): Same prophetic introductory formula in the same book: "ויהי דבר־ יהוה אלי לֵאמֶר" introducing a vision/message to Zechariah.
- Jeremiah 1:4 (verbal): Identical wording "ויהי דבר־ יהוה אלי לאמר" used to introduce the divine commission to Jeremiah—same canonical formula for receiving a word from Yahweh.
- Haggai 1:1 (structural): Haggai opens with the same structural motif—"ויהי דבר־ יהוה אל־חגי"—a prophetic announcement formula signaling a direct word from the LORD to the prophet.
- 1 Kings 17:1 (thematic): Uses the motif of 'the word of the LORD came to' the prophet (Elijah) to convey divine instruction—parallel in function and phrasing to Zech.6:9.
Alternative generated candidates
- And the word of the LORD came to me, saying:
- And the word of the LORD came to me, saying.
Zec.6.10 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- לקוח: VERB,qal,perf,1,m,sg
- מאת: PREP
- הגולה: NOUN,f,sg,def
- מחלדי: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ומאת: NUM,m,sg,abs
- טוביה: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ומאת: NUM,m,sg,abs
- ידעיה: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ובאת: CONJ+VERB,qal,perf,2,m,sg
- אתה: PRON,2,m,sg
- ביום: PREP
- ההוא: DEM,ms,sg
- ובאת: CONJ+VERB,qal,perf,2,m,sg
- בית: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- יאשיה: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- בן: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- צפניה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- אשר: PRON,rel
- באו: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,pl
- מבבל: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- Ezra 2:1-2 (structural): Like Zech 6:10, Ezra 2 gives a roster of those who returned from Babylon to Jerusalem—naming specific families and leaders and situating the restoration in concrete, personal terms.
- Nehemiah 7:6-7 (structural): Nehemiah’s list of returnees (those who came up with Zerubbabel) parallels Zech 6:10’s naming of individuals who came from Babylon, showing the same social reality of identified returnees involved in rebuilding the community/temple.
- Zechariah 8:7-8 (verbal): In the same prophetic book God promises to bring the remnant from the east and the west and to return them to dwell in Jerusalem—a direct thematic and verbal echo of bringing people back from Babylon as in 6:10.
- Ezekiel 36:24 (thematic): Ezekiel’s promise ‘I will take you from the nations and gather you into your own land’ echoes the motif in Zech 6:10 of assembling and bringing back exiles (those who came from Babylon) for restoration.
- Isaiah 43:5-6 (thematic): Isaiah’s depiction of God gathering his people ‘from the east and from the west’ parallels Zech 6:10’s focus on returnees from Babylon and the broader prophetic theme of regathering the dispersed.
Alternative generated candidates
- Take from the exiles—of Heldai, of Tobiah, and of Jedaiah—and go the same day; enter into the house of Josiah son of Zephaniah, who came from Babylon.
- Take from the exiles—Heldai, Tobiah, and Jedaiah—and go that day and enter the house of Josiah son of Zephaniah, who came from Babylon.
Zec.6.11 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ולקחת: VERB,qal,impf,2,m,sg
- כסף: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- וזהב: CONJ+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ועשית: VERB,qal,perf,2,m,sg
- עטרות: NOUN,f,pl,abs
- ושמת: VERB,qal,perf,2,m,sg
- בראש: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,cstr
- יהושע: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- בן: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- יהוצדק: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- הכהן: NOUN,m,sg,def
- הגדול: ADJ,m,sg,def
Parallels
- Zechariah 3:1-5 (structural): Same scene and principal (Joshua the high priest); earlier vision depicts Joshua’s purification and change of garments—this verse continues the priestly restoration motif applied to Joshua.
- Zechariah 6:12-13 (structural): Immediate literary continuation: the crowns placed on Joshua lead into the oracle that the ‘Branch’ will build the temple and that a combined priestly/royal role will occur.
- Exodus 28:36-38 (verbal): Describes a gold plate/inscription placed on the priest’s turban as a head-piece ‘holy to the LORD’—a parallel motif of sanctified head-adornment for the priest.
- Leviticus 8:9 (thematic): In the consecration of Aaron, the priestly turban/headgear is set on his head—ritual precedent for placing distinctive head-ornamentation on the high priest.
- Psalm 110:4 (allusion): Speaks of an enduring priesthood (‘a priest forever after the order of Melchizedek’); echoes the unusual combining of priestly and royal elements reflected in crowning Joshua.
Alternative generated candidates
- And take silver and gold, and make crowns, and set them upon the head of Joshua son of Jehozadak the high priest.
- And take silver and gold, and make crowns; and set them on the head of Joshua son of Jehozadak, the high priest.
Zec.6.12 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ואמרת: CONJ+VERB,qal,impf,2,m,sg
- אליו: PREP+PRON,3,m,sg
- לאמר: INF,qal,infc
- כה: ADV
- אמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- צבאות: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- לאמר: INF,qal,infc
- הנה: PART
- איש: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- צמח: NOUN,m,sg,cs
- שמו: NOUN,m,sg,abs+PRON,3,m,sg
- ומתחתיו: CONJ+PREP+PRON,3,m,sg
- יצמח: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- ובנה: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- את: PRT,acc
- היכל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- Zechariah 3:8 (verbal): Same prophetic context and title 'Branch' (צמח); both verses present the 'Branch' as a divinely appointed figure brought forward by the LORD.
- Isaiah 11:1 (thematic): Speaks of a 'shoot'/'branch' from Jesse's stump—a messianic figure arising from Davidic line, paralleling Zechariah's 'Branch' motif.
- Isaiah 4:2 (verbal): Uses the phrase 'Branch of the LORD' and connects the Branch with future beauty/restoration of Zion, echoing Zech.6:12's restorative builder figure.
- Jeremiah 23:5-6 (verbal): Promises 'a righteous Branch' raised to David who will reign wisely and execute justice—closely parallels Zechariah's depiction of the Branch as a Davidic, messianic builder/king.
- Jeremiah 33:15-16 (thematic): Foretells a 'Branch of righteousness' and the coming salvation/establishment of the city, linking the Branch motif with restoration and the establishment of God's dwelling.
Alternative generated candidates
- And say to him, Thus says the LORD of hosts: Behold, the man whose name is Branch; and from his place he shall branch out, and he shall build the house of the LORD.
- And say to him, 'Thus says the LORD of hosts: Behold, a man whose name is Branch; from his place he shall branch forth and build the house of the LORD.'
Zec.6.13 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- והוא: CONJ+PRON,3,m,sg
- יבנה: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- את: PRT,acc
- היכל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- והוא: CONJ+PRON,3,m,sg
- ישא: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- הוד: NOUN,m,sg,cons
- וישב: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- ומשל: CONJ+PREP+VERB,qal,inf
- על: PREP
- כסאו: NOUN,m,sg,abs+3ms
- והיה: VERB,qal,imperfect,3,m,sg
- כהן: NOUN,m,sg,const
- על: PREP
- כסאו: NOUN,m,sg,abs+3ms
- ועצת: NOUN,f,sg,cons
- שלום: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- תהיה: VERB,qal,imperfect,3,f,sg
- בין: PREP
- שניהם: PRON,3,m,pl
Parallels
- Zech.3.8 (structural): Same prophetic motif of the 'Branch' (צֶמַח) who is identified as God's servant who will act to restore and build; both verses present a messianic figure connected to temple service and leadership.
- Jer.23.5-6 (thematic): Speaks of a 'righteous Branch' from David who will reign and execute justice—parallels the idea of a royal figure who rules on a throne and brings righteous, peaceful governance.
- Isa.11.1-5 (thematic): Describes a shoot from Jesse who exercises wise, just rule under the Spirit of the LORD, producing peace—resonates with Zechariah's image of a ruler-priest whose reign is marked by counsel and peace.
- Ps.110.4 (verbal): The declaration 'You are a priest forever after the order of Melchizedek' parallels Zechariah's unusual fusion of priestly and kingly roles ('a priest upon his throne'), linking kingship and priesthood.
- Heb.7.15-17 (allusion): New Testament reflection on the Melchizedekian priesthood sees the eschatological ruler as both priest and king; Hebrews uses the 'priest forever' motif to interpret OT figures like Zechariah's ruler-priest typologically in Christ.
Alternative generated candidates
- And he shall build the house of the LORD; he shall bear glory, and shall sit and rule upon his throne; and he shall be priest upon his throne; and counsel of peace shall be between the two.
- He shall build the house of the LORD; he shall bear glory, and shall sit and rule on his throne; and he shall be priest upon his throne, and peaceful counsel shall be between the two of them.
Zec.6.14 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- והעטרת: CONJ+NOUN,f,sg,def
- תהיה: VERB,qal,imperfect,3,f,sg
- לחלם: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ולטוביה: CONJ+PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ולידעיה: CONJ+PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ולחן: CONJ+PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- בן: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- צפניה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- לזכרון: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- בהיכל: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,def
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- Zechariah 6:11-13 (structural): Immediate context — explains the crowning action and its meaning (the priestly/civic role), of which v.14 names the recipients and calls the crown a memorial in the LORD's temple.
- Exodus 28:36-38 (verbal): Describes the priestly headplate ('tzitz') inscribed and worn 'for a memorial' before the LORD on the priest's forehead — a close verbal and functional parallel to a crown serving as a memorial in the temple.
- Psalm 110:4 (thematic): Presents the motif of a priest who also holds rule ('You are a priest forever after the order of Melchizedek'), paralleling Zechariah's combining of priestly status and crowned authority/memorial.
- Ezra 2:36-39 (allusion): Lists priests and priestly families who returned from exile (including names like Jedaiah), linking the personal names in Zech.6:14 to post‑exilic priestly households and the restoration of temple memory.
Alternative generated candidates
- And the crown shall be for Helem and for Tobiah and for Jedaiah and for Hen son of Zephaniah, for a remembrance in the house of the LORD.
- And the crowns shall be for Helem and for Tobiah and for Jedaiah and for Chen son of Zephaniah— a memorial in the house of the LORD.
Zec.6.15 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ורחוקים: CONJ+ADJ,m,pl,abs
- יבאו: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,pl
- ובנו: CONJ+VERB,qal,perf,3,pl
- בהיכל: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,def
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- וידעתם: VERB,qal,perf,2,m,pl
- כי: CONJ
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- צבאות: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- שלחני: VERB,qal,imp,2,m,sg
- אליכם: PREP+PRON,2,pl
- והיה: VERB,qal,imperfect,3,m,sg
- אם: CONJ
- שמוע: VERB,qal,infc
- תשמעון: VERB,qal,impf,2,m,pl
- בקול: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- אלהיכם: NOUN,m,pl,abs+PRON,2,m,pl
Parallels
- Isaiah 2:2-3 (thematic): Many nations and distant peoples streaming to the house of the LORD to learn his ways—parallel theme of far ones coming to the temple.
- Isaiah 56:6-7 (thematic): Foreigners/outsiders are brought into God’s house and become a people of worship—echoes the inclusion of 'those who are far off' coming to the temple.
- Haggai 2:4-9 (verbal): God’s promise to be with the builders and to bring future greater glory to the temple; links the commissioning, divine presence, and the temple’s restoration.
- Amos 9:11-12 (allusion): Promise to raise up the fallen booth of David so that the remnant (and nations) possess what remains—parallels restoration language about distant peoples and rebuilding.
- 1 Kings 8:41-43 (structural): Solomon’s prayer for foreigners who come to the temple to pray, asking that the LORD hear them—structural parallel concerning non-Israelites approaching/using the temple and divine response.
Alternative generated candidates
- And those from afar shall come and build in the house of the LORD; and you shall know that the LORD of hosts has sent me to you. And it shall be—if you will listen—that you heed the voice of the LORD your God.
- And those from afar shall come and build in the house of the LORD; and you shall know that the LORD of hosts has sent me to you. And it shall be—if indeed you listen to the voice of the LORD your God.
And the word of the LORD came to me, saying,
“Take from the exiles—Heldai, Tobiah and Jedaiah—and go to the house of Josiah son of Zephaniah, who came from Babylon. And take silver and gold and make crowns, and set them on the head of Joshua son of Jehozadak the high priest. And speak to him, saying, ‘Thus says the LORD of hosts: Behold, a man whose name is the Branch; from where he is he will sprout and he will build the house of the LORD.
He will build the house of the LORD; he will bear glory, sit and rule on his throne, and he will be priest on his throne; and the counsel of peace shall be between the two of them.
The crowns shall be for Helem, Tobiah, Jedaiah and Hen son of Zephaniah, for a memorial in the house of the LORD. And those from far away shall come and build in the house of the LORD, and you will know that the LORD of hosts has sent me to you. It shall be—if you will listen—that you will obey the voice of the LORD your God.”