Definition: Then said I, O my lord, what [are] these? And the angel that talked with me said unto me, I will shew thee what these [be].
Explanation: Okay, let's break down this passage from Zechariah 1:9. It’s a really interesting and slightly mysterious part of the Bible! Here's a simple explanation: The Basic Idea: This verse is about God revealing something to someone – likely a prophet or leader – and then giving them a glimpse into what it is . It’s like opening a door to a secret. Let’s unpack it word by word: “Then said I, O my lord…” - This is the speaker, likely a leader or prophet, expressing their surprise and asking for clarification. “My Lord” suggests a high-ranking figure. “…what [are] these?” – This is a very important question! It’s asking what exactly they are seeing. The word "are" is key - it's not just asking what , but also confirming the truth of what they see. “And the angel that talked with me said unto me…” – This introduces an angel, likely a messenger or guide. “Said unto me” means the angel is speaking to them . “…I will shew thee what these be.” – This is the core of the verse. The angel promises to reveal the nature of what they've seen. So, putting it all together: Zechariah 1:9 tells us that a prophet was receiving a vision (a glimpse) and the angel revealed something significant. The meaning isn’t immediately clear, but here are some possible interpretations – it’s open to interpretation! Here are a few possibilities: A prophecy about future events: It could be a brief preview of an event that will happen in the future. A revelation of God's plan: The angel might be showing them a glimpse of God's purpose and how things are unfolding. A message of hope or warning: It could be a sign of good or bad, hinting at challenges to come. Important Note: The text is written in Hebrew, which has a layered meaning that scholars have debated for centuries. It’s best understood within its historical and cultural context, rather than trying to find a single, definitive "translation." In short, this verse is about God revealing something important to someone, and the angel's promise to show them what it is. --- Do you want me to: Explain any of these interpretations in more detail? Discuss the context of the passage (when was it written, who was it addressing)? Connect this verse to other parts of the Bible?