translation_id: net-engnet

book_id: ZEC

label: NET translator note

text: Heb “fathers” (so KJV, NAB); NIV “forefathers” (also in vv. 4, 5 ).


text: Heb “to them”; the referent (the people) has been specified in the translation for clarity.


text: The Hebrew verb שׁוּב ( shuv ) is common in covenant contexts. To turn from the Lord is to break the covenant and to turn to him (i.e., to repent) is to renew the covenant relationship (cf. 2 Kgs 17:13 ).


label: NET textual note

text: BHS suggests אֶתְכֶם (’ etkhem , “you”) for the MT אֲבֹתֵיכֶם (’ avotekhem , “your fathers”) to harmonize with v. 4 . In v. 4 the ancestors would not turn but in v. 6 they appear to have done so. The subject in v. 6 , however, is to be construed as Zechariah’s own listeners.


text: Heb “they turned” (so ASV). Many English versions have “they repented” here; cf. CEV “they turned back to me.”


text: Heb “riding,” but since this verb in English is usually associated with horses in motion rather than standing still, the translation uses “seated.” Cf. NAB “the driver of a red horse.”


text: The LXX presupposes הֶהָרִים ( heharim , “mountains”) rather than the MT הַהֲדַסִּים ( hahadassim , “myrtles”), probably because of reference to the ravine. The MT reading is preferred and is followed by most English versions.


text: Heb “messenger” or “angel” ( מַלְאָךְ , mal ’ akh ). This being appears to serve as an interpreter to the prophet (cf. vv. 13, 14 ).


text: For location see Map5-B1 ; Map6-F3 ; Map7-E2 ; Map8-F2 ; Map10-B3 ; JP1-F4 ; JP2-F4 ; JP3-F4 ; JP4-F4 .


text: Heb “jealous for” (so KJV, ASV); NIV, NRSV “very jealous for”; CEV “very protective of.” The meaning is that Jerusalem/Zion is the special object of God’s grace and purposes. This results in his unusual protection of his people, a protection not accorded others with whom he does not have such a close relationship.


text: Or “the nations that are at ease” (so ASV, NRSV). The Hebrew word in question is שַׁאֲנָן ( sha ’ anan ) which has the idea of a careless, even arrogant attitude (see BDB 983 s.v. שַׁאֲנָן ); cf. NAB “the complacent nations.” Here it suggests that the nations take for granted that God will never punish them just because he hasn't already done so. Thus they presume on the grace and patience of the Lord. The translation attempts to bring out this nuance rather than the more neutral renderings of TEV “nations that enjoy quiet and peace” or NLT “enjoy peace and security.”


text: Heb “I have turned.” This suggests that the Lord has responded to the “turning” (i.e., repentance) of the people (v. 6 ) and now, with great love and forgiveness, allows construction of the temple to proceed.


text: Heb “house.”


text: See the note on the expression “angelic messenger” in v. 9 .


text: Heb “craftsmen” (so NASB, NIV; KJV “carpenters”), a generic term which can mean “metalworker, smith, armorer” ( HALOT 358 s.v. חָרָשׁ ). “Blacksmiths” was chosen for the present translation because of its relative familiarity among contemporary English readers. sn The horns are perhaps made of iron, the strongest of all metals known to the ancient Near Eastern world, since military activity is implied in the context. Only blacksmiths can cut the horns off. If the horns represent oppressive nations, the blacksmiths must represent deliverers whom the Lord raises up, kings like Cyrus of Persia (cf. Isa 54:16 ).


text: Heb “so that no man lifts up his head.”


text: Heb “terrify them”; the referent (Judah’s enemies) has been specified in the translation for clarity.


text: Heb “to scatter it.” The word “people” has been supplied in the translation for clarity.