Zechariah 12:10
And I will pour upon the house of David, and upon the inhabitants of Jerusalem, the spirit of grace and of supplications: and they shall look upon me whom they have pierced, and they shall mourn for him, as one mourneth for his only son, and shall be in bitterness for him, as one that is in bitterness for his firstborn.
Zechariah 12:10 · King James Version
Meaning
The verse "And I will pour upon the house of David, and upon the inhabitants of Jerusalem, the spirit of grace and of supplications: and they shall look upon me whom they have pierced, and they shall mourn for him, as one mourneth for his only son, and shall be in bitterness for him, as one that is in bitterness for his firstborn." from the book of Zechariah in the Old Testament foretells a powerful prophecy about the coming of Jesus Christ. The verse speaks of a time when the people of Jerusalem will recognize Jesus, whom they crucified, as the true Messiah. They will be filled with deep sorrow and remorse, mourning for Him as one mourns for a beloved family member. This revelation of Jesus' true identity will lead to a transformation in their hearts, as they come to understand the gravity of their actions and the significance of His sacrifice. The pouring out of the spirit of grace and supplication signifies a time of repentance and spiritual awakening for the people of Jerusalem, ultimately leading to a deeper understanding and acceptance of Jesus as the Savior.
Theological Overview
One possible theological interpretation of this verse is that it foreshadows the coming of Jesus Christ, who was pierced on the cross for the sins of humanity. The mention of the spirit of grace and supplications being poured out upon the house of David and the inhabitants of Jerusalem can be seen as a reference to the outpouring of the Holy Spirit on believers after Jesus' death and resurrection. The idea of looking upon the one who was pierced and mourning for him as one mourns for an only son can be understood as a call to repentance and sorrow for sin. This verse highlights the depth of God's love and the sacrifice made by Jesus, as well as the need for genuine remorse and a turning toward God. It serves as a reminder of the importance of recognizing the significance of Jesus' sacrifice and responding with contrition and a desire for reconciliation with God.
Zechariah 12:10 in other translations
American Standard Version
And I will pour upon the house of David, and upon the inhabitants of Jerusalem, the spirit of grace and of supplication; and they shall look unto me whom they have pierced; and they shall mourn for him, as one mourneth for his only son, and shall be in bitterness for him, as one that is in bitterness for his first-born.
World English Bible
I will pour on the house of David, and on the inhabitants of Jerusalem, the spirit of grace and of supplication; and they will look to me whom they have pierced; and they shall mourn for him, as one mourns for his only son, and will grieve bitterly for him, as one grieves for his firstborn.
Douay-Rheims
And I will pour out upon the house of David, and upon the inhabitants of Jerusalem, the spirit of grace, and of prayers: and they shall look upon me, whom they have pierced: and they shall mourn for him as one mourneth for an only son, and they shall grieve over him, as the manner is to grieve for the death of the firstborn.
Geneva Bible (1599)
And I will powre vpon the house of Dauid, and vpon the inhabitants of Ierusalem the Spirite of grace and of compassion, and they shall looke vpon me, whom they haue pearced, and they shall lament for him, as one mourneth for his onely sonne, and be sorie for him as one is sorie for his first borne.