What does Zechariah 14:12 mean?
"And this shall be the plague wherewith the LORD will smite all the people that have fought against Jerusalem; Their flesh shall consume away while they stand upon their feet, and their eyes shall consume away in their holes, and their tongue shall consume away in their mouth." - Zechariah 14:12
Zechariah 14:12 in the King James Version (KJV) states, "And this shall be the plague wherewith the LORD will smite all the people that have fought against Jerusalem; Their flesh shall consume away while they stand upon their feet, and their eyes shall consume away in their holes, and their tongue shall consume away in their mouth." This verse is part of the larger prophetic passage in the book of Zechariah that speaks about the end times, the restoration of Jerusalem, and God's ultimate victory over His enemies.
The context of Zechariah 14:12 is the culmination of the events that lead up to the day of the Lord, where God will openly intervene in human affairs to bring judgment and salvation. In the preceding verses, Zechariah describes how all the nations will gather to fight against Jerusalem, and the city will be taken and the houses rifled, and the women ravished (Zechariah 14:2). It is in this context of war and destruction that the plague described in Zechariah 14:12 is introduced.
The plague described in Zechariah 14:12 is a terrifying and graphic depiction of the judgment that will befall those who have fought against Jerusalem. The language used is vivid and portrays a gruesome scene of physical decay and destruction. The image of flesh consuming away while people stand on their feet, eyes consuming away in their sockets, and tongues consuming away in their mouths is a powerful and apocalyptic portrayal of the consequences of opposing God's chosen city and people.
One of the key themes in Zechariah 14:12 is the concept of divine retribution. The verse depicts God's response to those who have opposed His sovereign will and sought to harm His people. It serves as a warning to all who would dare to come against God's purposes, showing the severity of the judgment that will befall them. The imagery is intended to instill fear and awe in the hearts of the readers, emphasizing the holiness and absolute authority of God.
Another important theme is the sovereignty of God and His role as the ultimate judge of all nations. The prophecy in Zechariah 14:12 highlights God's power to execute judgment and bring about justice in the world. It reinforces the idea that God is in control of the affairs of humanity and will ultimately hold every individual and nation accountable for their actions.
The symbolism in Zechariah 14:12 is potent and multifaceted. The plague described can be interpreted as a symbolic representation of the spiritual decay and destruction that results from opposing God. It underscores the idea that those who resist God's will and engage in warfare against His people will ultimately bring ruin upon themselves. Additionally, the imagery of decaying flesh, eyes, and tongues conveys the idea of utter helplessness and defeat in the face of God's overwhelming power.
In conclusion, Zechariah 14:12 is a prophetic warning of the consequences of opposing God and His purposes. It serves as a powerful reminder of God's sovereignty and authority as the ultimate judge of all nations. The vivid language and imagery used in this verse convey a sense of divine retribution and the gravity of opposing God. As such, it calls for a response of humility, repentance, and reverence for the Almighty. Ultimately, Zechariah 14:12 points to the necessity of aligning oneself with God's will and purposes in order to avoid the severe judgment that awaits those who oppose Him.
Have questions about Zechariah 14:12?
Dive deeper into this scripture with Bible Chat — an AI-powered tool for exploring God's Word through conversation. Ask questions, get context, and grow in your understanding of the Bible.
Get Our Apps
Zechariah 14:12 Artwork
"¶ And this shall be the plague wherewith the LORD will smite all the people that have fought against Jerusalem; Their flesh shall consume away while they stand upon their feet, and their eyes shall consume away in their holes, and their tongue shall consume away in their mouth." - Zechariah 14:12
Zechariah 12:14 - "All the families that remain, every family apart, and their wives apart."
"All the families that remain, every family apart, and their wives apart." - Zechariah 12:14
Zechariah 14:9
Nehemiah 12:16 - "Of Iddo, Zechariah; of Ginnethon, Meshullam;"
Zechariah 6:14 - "And the crowns shall be to Helem, and to Tobijah, and to Jedaiah, and to Hen the son of Zephaniah, for a memorial in the temple of the LORD."
Zechariah 4:14 - "Then said he, These are the two anointed ones, that stand by the Lord of the whole earth."
Zechariah 14:6 - "And it shall come to pass in that day, that the light shall not be clear, nor dark:"
Zechariah 14:14 - "And Judah also shall fight at Jerusalem; and the wealth of all the heathen round about shall be gathered together, gold, and silver, and apparel, in great abundance."
Zechariah 12:11 - "In that day shall there be a great mourning in Jerusalem, as the mourning of Hadadrimmon in the valley of Megiddon."
Zechariah 14:1 - "Behold, the day of the LORD cometh, and thy spoil shall be divided in the midst of thee."
"Of Iddo, Zechariah; of Ginnethon, Meshullam;" - Nehemiah 12:16
Nehemiah 12:41 - "And the priests; Eliakim, Maaseiah, Miniamin, Michaiah, Elioenai, Zechariah, and Hananiah, with trumpets;"
Zechariah 14:19 - "This shall be the punishment of Egypt, and the punishment of all nations that come not up to keep the feast of tabernacles."
Zechariah 12:12 - "And the land shall mourn, every family apart; the family of the house of David apart, and their wives apart; the family of the house of Nathan apart, and their wives apart;"
Zechariah 14:11 - "And men shall dwell in it, and there shall be no more utter destruction; but Jerusalem shall be safely inhabited."
Zechariah 14:15 - "And so shall be the plague of the horse, of the mule, of the camel, and of the ass, and of all the beasts that shall be in these tents, as this plague."
Zechariah 12:13 - "The family of the house of Levi apart, and their wives apart; the family of Shimei apart, and their wives apart;"
Zechariah 10:12 - "And I will strengthen them in the LORD; and they shall walk up and down in his name, saith the LORD."
Zechariah 14:3 - "Then shall the LORD go forth, and fight against those nations, as when he fought in the day of battle."
Zechariah 14:9 - "And the LORD shall be king over all the earth: in that day shall there be one LORD, and his name one."
Zechariah 2:12 - "And the LORD shall inherit Judah his portion in the holy land, and shall choose Jerusalem again."
Zechariah 12:9 - "¶ And it shall come to pass in that day, that I will seek to destroy all the nations that come against Jerusalem."
Zechariah 12:5 - "And the governors of Judah shall say in their heart, The inhabitants of Jerusalem shall be my strength in the LORD of hosts their God."
Luke 1:11-12
Zechariah 11:14 - "Then I cut asunder mine other staff, even Bands, that I might break the brotherhood between Judah and Israel."
Zechariah 14:20 - "¶ In that day shall there be upon the bells of the horses, HOLINESS UNTO THE LORD; and the pots in the LORD'S house shall be like the bowls before the altar."
1 Chronicles 26:14 - "And the lot eastward fell to Shelemiah. Then for Zechariah his son, a wise counsellor, they cast lots; and his lot came out northward."
Zechariah 14:7 - "But it shall be one day which shall be known to the LORD, not day, nor night: but it shall come to pass, that at evening time it shall be light."
Zechariah 14:18 - "And if the family of Egypt go not up, and come not, that have no rain; there shall be the plague, wherewith the LORD will smite the heathen that come not up to keep the feast of tabernacles."