The Meaning דֹרָּב of in Zechariah

Journal Didaskalia E-ISSN: 2621-8054 P-ISSN: 2622-1667

of In Zechariah 6:3-5 מֵֽ ִה ְתיַ ֵּ֖צב and בָּרֹד A Lexical Analysis of of In Zechariah 6:3 בָּרֹד The Meaning

Philip Suciadi Chia1), Juanda2)

1) Southern Baptist Theological Seminary - Kentucky USA E-mail: [email protected] 2) Evangelical Theological Seminary of Indonesia - Surabaya E-mail: [email protected]

Abstract In the Zechariah, there are various visions and prophecies that are so difficult to be understood today. And this can be biased if every Bible’s learner interprets it as he pleases. In this research, which uses the Lexical Analysis approach, will discuss about the meaning .of In Zechariah 6:3-5 מֵֽ ִה ְתיַ ֵּ֖צב and בָּרֹד of the words With in-depth observation and also making language comparisons, it can be concluded that: in Zechariah 6:3 should be translated as dappled, a literal or concrete definition. Oldבָּרֹד Testament does not give any specific color with regard to the dappled. However, it seems that the color of horses in Zechariah 6:1-8 has a function to distinguish one chariot from the other chariots. in Zechariah 6:5 should be interpreted in the sense of readiness to serve God, aיצב metaphorical extension of the concrete definition, ‘to stand’. The four spirits are going forth after serving the Lord of all the earth in the heavens. It implies that the four spirits are belonged to God. In the heavens, they are serving God and when going to the earth, they carry God’s mission.

Keywords: Lexical Analysis, Zechariah Prophet, Literal

INTRODUCTION which might aid us in theological .is used in interpretationבָּרֹד The Hebrew word Zechariah 6:3 in the form masculine plural II. Usage in the MT occurs a total of 4 times in the בָּרֹד .and has a function as adjective to the horses Typically, it is translated as ‘dappled’ or MT, including the use in Zechariah 6:3. A ‘spotted’. In this brief lexical study, we will summary of its usage as classified by is meaning is given below. For each בָּרֹד examine if such a translation of correct for this context and determine if definition, the various references are there is any further significance to the word divided into their occurrence. An example

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Journal Didaskalia E-ISSN: 2621-8054 P-ISSN: 2622-1667 of each definition is also provided. at the possible synonyms for our word of These synonyms, while .בָּרֹד ,A. Summary of Usage study 1. Mottled (a male goat) Gn. 31:10; 31:12. sometimes giving previously unseen 2. Dappled (a horse) Zc. 6:3; 6:6 meanings, are most often helpful in confirming the findings based on contextual B. Observations usage. Commenting on the above list, we are A. Septuagint בָּרֹד notice that the most definitions of ‘dappled’ and ‘mottled’. The usage of this In the Septuagint, the portion of word appears in three contexts. First is this Zechariah 6:3 in which we are interested word has an adjective function to the reads, “καὶ ἐν τῷ ἅρματι τῷ τετάρτῳ ἵπποι animal, either goat or horse. Next, this type ποικίλοι ψαροί”. of color only appears in the vision or dream The word used to translate the root is ψαρός (normal nominative masculineבָּרֹד only occurs בָּרֹד context. The last context is in comparison to other colors context. For plural) meaning speckled, dappled or like a instance, in the book of Genesis, it appears starling. together with stripped and spotted. A number of the other MT passages are also translated in the בָּרֹדOn the other hand, in the vision of using Zechariah, it emerges with other colors such Septuagint by ψαρός. These are other Greek as red, black and white. While considering words used, however, such as ποικίλος these contexts, it seems that this color is (diversified or manifold) and σποδοειδής belonged to the animal only in the vision or ῥαντός (ashen sprinkled). Using Hatch and dream context and it has a function to Redpath’s concordance, perhaps we can בָּרֹד describe current reality with immediate arrive at some possible synonyms for in result in the future. Jacob, in the Genesis, this context. was asked to leave Laban and return to his B. List of Synonyms are listed belowבָּרֹד native land immediately. It happens also in Possible synonyms of the book of Zechariah.1 along with their basic definition. BDB and PONS – ָאמֹץ III. Usage in Ancient Translations  By using ancient translations of the translation are strong. On the Hebrew, such as Septuagint, we can arrive other hand, HALOT and

1 Further information see commentary.

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Journal Didaskalia E-ISSN: 2621-8054 P-ISSN: 2622-1667

Holladay see that this word as IV. Cognate Languages skewbald (horses). By examining those languages BDB: sorrel. HALOT: which are related to Hebrew, we might be - שָּרֹק  בָּרֹד sorrel, foxy-red, light red. able to discover the history of the root and shed further light on the meanings C. Observations provided above. The following cognates All of the synonyms connect to the come from the lexical entries of HALOT. Nevertheless, A. List of Cognates .בָָּּרֹד ,definition of our word areבָּרֹד based on this study, it is difficult to find the Cognates to the Hebrew root information from the list of synonyms for listed below with a basic definition. only occurs 4 times  Syriac: baÒrdaÒ – speckled blackבָּרֹד ,two reasons. Firstly in the bible and this list of synonyms could and white. lead someone astray.  Arabic: abrad –spotted could leadָאמֹץ For instance, the word someone to textual problem either it refers B. Observations to the color (skewbald) or strong. It seems There is a basic thread which runs that Septuagint choose the last meaning as through this list of cognates. Both Syriac their translation. In regard to the second and Arabic denote a common denominator ,’as the in the idea of ‘speckled’ or ‘spottedָאמֹץ synonym, Kennicott seems to see Therefore, there is although Syriac gives particular colors such .שָּרֹק synonym of as red. On the as black and white. This is likely theָאמֹץ suggestion to consider solely on a בָּרֹד other hand, some English bible translations, concrete definition of based .as the concordance study שָּרֹק such as KJV and TEV, use to define the meaning in ,בָּרֹד synonyms of Zechariah 1:8 as ‘speckled’ or ‘dappled’. V. Conclusion in Zechariah 6:3 should beבָּרֹד They seem to base their translation on the reading of LXX (ψαροί) that attempts to translated as dappled, a literal or concrete bring the color of this horse into conformity definition. Old Testament does not give any with those described in Zechariah 6:2-3. specific color with regard to the dappled. However, since these are two different and However, it seems that the color of horses unrelated visions, the usage of synonyms in Zechariah 6:1-8 has a function to could lead to fallacy. distinguish one chariot from the other chariots.

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Journal Didaskalia E-ISSN: 2621-8054 P-ISSN: 2622-1667

Ex. 19:17; Num. 22:22; Ju 20:2, Dt 31:14, ,Of In Zechariah 6:5 31:14 מֵֽ ִה ְתיַ ֵּ֖צב The Meaning Denotes location or place preposition: with Ex. 2:4, 2 Sam. 18:13; 21:5 Denotes מִן I. Introduction is used in particular place: “in the middle of” or יצב The Hebrew verb .Sam 1 בְתֹוח Zechariah 6:5 in the form of a hithpael “among”. It is followed by Regarding to 10:23, 2 Sam. 23:12; 2 Ch. 11:14 .( מֵֽ ִה ְתיַ ֵּ֖צב) infinitive construct the English versions, they convey similar Denotes particular place: “beside” or “on”. ,Nu 23:3עַל translation such as presenting themselves It is followed by preposition (ESV and NET Bible) andstanding (NAS). 23:15; Hb. 2:1, Psalm 36:5. Denotes In this brief lexical study, we will scrutinize particular place: “there”. It is followed by Ex 34:5; Nu 11:16. In frontשָּם for this preposition יצב the most suitable translation of context. of a person (God or man): Stand before: .Psalm 5:6; Jos. 1:5; Dtל with preposition II. Usage in the MT 9:2; Jb. 41:2 Stand against: with preposition פָּנֶיָך Ch. 20:6 With preposition 2 אין and ל appears a total 48 times in the יצב MT, including the use in Zechariah 6:5. A Dt. 7:24; 11:25. Stand Against: With Psalm 94:16לִי summary of its usage as classified by preposition meaning is given below. For each definition, the various references are 2. The Other Meaning: To deliver. divided into the forms, although they appear In the context of salvation: It is followed by Ex. 14:13; 1 S 12:7, 12:16, 2ראה only in one stem (hithpael), in which they the verb occur. An example of each definition is also Ch 20:17 supplied. A few notes are presented concerning the common prepositions used 3. The Other Meaning: To present. verb and other important syntactical data. Terrestrial things Jb. 38:14. Present oneself before: It is followed by Ex 8:16, 9:13; Josלִפְנ י A. Summary of Usage preposition 1. The Basic Meaning: Stand. 24:1; 1 S 10:19; Pr 22:29; 22:29 In a place: Without preposition: 1 Sam. 3:10; 2 Sam. 18:30; 2 Ch. 11:13 4. The Other Meaning: To prepare Denotes location or position: with a. In preparation to fight or argue ב preposition

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Journal Didaskalia E-ISSN: 2621-8054 P-ISSN: 2622-1667

These synonyms, while .יצב ,Sam 17:16, Psalm 2:2; Je 46:4; 14; Jb. of study 1 33:5 sometimes yielding previously unseen meanings, are most often helpful in 5. The Other Meaning: To be ready confirming the findings based on contextual Readiness for service. It is followed by God usage. or Lord. Zech. 6:5; Jb. 1:6; 2:1; 2:1 B. Observations A. Septuagint Commenting on the above list, we In the Septuagint, the portion of notice that the most common definition of Zechariah 6:5 in which we are interested is ‘to stand’. However, there are special read, “οἱ τέσσαρες ἄνεμοι τοῦ οὐρανοῦיצב meanings such as to deliver, present, ἐκπορεύονται παραστῆναι τῷ κυρίῳ πάσης prepare and be ready. All uses are in τῆς γῆς”. יצב Hithpael stem and most of the meanings are The word used to translate the root determined by prepositions. is παραστῆναι (infinitive aorist active of the In general, the various definitions can verb παρίστημι) meaning ‘to heal’. all be explained by expanding on one A number of the other MT passages are also translated in the יצב concrete and specific denotation. This using common denominator is the idea of ‘stand’. Septuagint by παρίστημι. There are other the Greek words used, however, such as ,לִפְנ י When considering the preposition meaning could be ‘present’. ἀνθίστημι (set oneself against), διαμένω The metaphorical meanings such as (remain or continue in an activity), ἐπιβαίνω ‘to prepare’, ‘be ready’ and ‘to deliver’. (go up or board), ἐφίσταται (stand over), is used in the context of meeting ἵστημι (stand), καθίστημι (to set, to יצב When with God, it has a meaning readiness for constitute), κατασκοπεύω (spy out), service. Therefore, this meaning should be λειτουργέω (to serve, to minister), placed in Zechariah 6:5. Occurring in the παρίστημι (to present, to stand by), στηρίζω to establish), συμπαρίσταμαι (to stand up) עַל־ and מִן Hithpael stem, with preposition has this particular definition. for somebody against somebody), συνάγω ,אֲדֹון (to gather together). Using Hatch and III. Usage in Ancient Translations Redpath’s concordance, perhaps we can for in יצב By using ancient translations of the arrive at some possible synonyms Hebrew, such as the Septuagint, we can this context. arrive at the possible synonyms for our word

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Journal Didaskalia E-ISSN: 2621-8054 P-ISSN: 2622-1667

B. List of Synonyms. are listed below C. Observationsיצב Possible synonyms of along with their basic definition. Most of the synonyms either Qal: To cook, to boil. Piel: connect to one or another definition of our – בשל  ”such as “to stand” or “to present ,יצב ,to cook, to boil. Pual: to be word boiled. Hiphil: to ripen. also carry denotations of ‘to fight’ and ‘to .’Hithpael: to walk to and serve -הִתְהַלְֶך  fro. Hiphil: to lead, to bring. However, in the list of the synonyms, Qal: to walk, to go. Niphal: to be we cannot find the meaning of deliverance. is toיצב gone. Piel: to walk. It is likely that the literal meaning of Hithpael: to stand. stand or to present. However, the context – יצב  Hiphil: to place, to will determine the special meanings for that– יצג  establish. Hophal: to be left word. In conclusion, this study does confirm Niphal: to stand, Hiphil: to that individual definitions given in part II – נצב  cause to stand, Hophal: to be above are correct and attested to elsewhere. fixed. Qal: to stand, to stop. IV. Cognate Languages - עמד  Hiphil: to set up, to raise. By examining those languages Hophal: to be placed. which are related to Hebrew, we might be יצב Qal : to set in order. Hiphil: able to discover the history of the root – ערך  to value, to tax and shed further light on the meanings provided above. The following cognates ,Qal: to wage war, to fight – צָּבָּא  come from the lexical entries of HALOT. to serve. Hiphil: to muster.

:Qal: to arise, to stand. Piel – קום  A. List of Cognates. to confirm. Polel: to raise up. are listedיצב Cognates to the Hebrew root Hithpolel: to rise up. Hiphil: to below with a basic definition: raise, to build, to set. Hophal: to  Aramaic be raised up. Jewish Aramaic: To establish Qal: to be in tumult – רגש   Arabic: To be firm Qal: to weigh. Niphal: to – שקַל 

be weighed. B. Observations .Piel: to minister – שָּרת  Jewish ,יצב There are only two cognates for

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Journal Didaskalia E-ISSN: 2621-8054 P-ISSN: 2622-1667

Aramaic and Arabic. There is a common denominator in the idea of “establish” or [5] Ewald, Georg Heinrich.Syntax of the “firm”. This definition is different with the Hebrew Language of the Old Testament. based solely on a Eugene, Oregon: Wipf and Stock יצב concrete definition of concordance study. Publishers, 2004.

CONCLUSION [6] Groom, Sue.Linguistic Analysis of in Zechariah 6:5 should be Biblical Hebrew. Cumbria: Paternosterיצב interpreted in the sense of readiness to serve Press, 2003. God, a metaphorical extension of the concrete definition, ‘to stand’. The four [7] Holmstedt, Robert D. The Relative spirits are going forth after serving the Lord Clause in Biblical Hebrew a Linguistic of all the earth in the heavens. It implies that Analysis. Madison: University of the four spirits are belonged to God. In the Wisconsin, 2002. heavens, they are serving God and when going to the earth, they carry God’s mission. [8].Http://www.soniclight.com/constable/n otes/pdf/zechariah.pdf. REFERENCES [1] Beale, G.K.The Book of Revelation. The [9]Jenni, Ernst.Die New International Greek Testament hebraischenPrapositionen Band 1: Die Commentary. Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, Praposition Beth.Stuggart Belin Koln: 1999. Verlag W. Kohlhammer, 1992.

[2] Beale, G.K. The Temple and the [10] Meyers, C.L. and E.M. Meyers (1992), Church’s Mission: A Biblical Theology of ‘Zechariah, Book of (Zechariah 1-8)’, in the Dwelling Place of God, in NSBT 17. ABD 6:317. Leicester: Apollos. [11] Miller-Naude, Cynthia L. the Verbless [3] Carson, Alexander Examination of the Clause in Biblical Hebrew. Winona Lake, Principles of Biblical Interpretation. New IN: Eisenbrauns, 1999. York: Edward Flecther, 1855. and הִנ ה Cynthia L. Miller-Naude, on [4] Mirativity in Biblical Hebrew. [12] Nogalski, James D. The Book of the

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Twelve Micah-Malachi.Macon: Georgia: Smyth &Helwys, 2011.

[13] Petterson, Anthony R. Haggai, Zechariah & Malachi. Downers, Illinois: InterVarsity Press, 2015.

[14] Unger, F. Merrill.Zechariah. Grand Rapids: Zondervan Publishing House, 1963.

[15] Waltke, Bruce K. and M. O’Connor, An Introduction to Biblical Hebrew Syntax. Winona Lake: Eisenbrauns, 1990.

[16] Watson, G. E. Classical Hebrew Poetry: A Guide to its Techniques.London: T & T Clark, 2005.

[17] William, R. J. Hebrew Syntax: An Outline. 2nd. Ed. Toronto. Toronto: University of Toronto Press, 1976.

[18] Wright, N. T. The New Testament and the People of God. Volume one of Christian Origins and the Question of God. Minneapolis: Fortress Press, 1992.

[19] Wolters, Al.Historical Commentary on the Old Testament ‘Zechariah’. Belgium: Leuven, 2014.

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