Upon the four and twentieth day of the eleventh month, which is the month Sebat, in the second year of Darius, came the word of the LORD unto Zechariah, the son of Berechiah, the son of Iddo the prophet, saying,

ZECHARIAH 1:7KJV
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Zechariah 1:7 (KJV)

What does Zechariah 1:7 mean?

Zechariah 1:7 marks a specific date when God’s message came to the prophet Zechariah, identifying the time as the twenty-fourth day of the eleventh month (called Sebat) in the second year of King Darius’s reign. This verse sets the scene for the visions and messages that follow, making clear when and through whom God spoke.

Zechariah 1:7 introduces Zechariah as the son of Berechiah and grandson of Iddo, emphasizing his prophetic lineage. The verse’s careful dating links the prophecy to a real historical moment during the Persian Empire, under King Darius. This helps readers understand that what follows is not just a general teaching, but a message given at a particular time to a specific person for the people of Israel.

The Hebrew behind Zechariah 1:7

  • שְׁבָט (Shebat, H7627): “Sebat” is the Hebrew name for the eleventh month in the Jewish calendar. Mentioning this month grounds the prophecy in the Jewish way of keeping time, showing attention to detail and historical accuracy.
  • דָּרְיָוֶשׁ (Daryavesh, H1867): “Darius” refers to the Persian king. Naming him places Zechariah’s message in the context of foreign rule, reminding readers that Israel was under Persian authority at this time.
  • דָּבָר (davar, H1697): “Word” here means a message or communication from God. The use of this word highlights that what follows is not Zechariah’s own idea, but a divine revelation.
  • נְבִיא (navi, H5030): “Prophet” identifies Zechariah’s role as someone who speaks on God’s behalf, underlining the authority and importance of his message.

Why Zechariah 1:7 matters

  • Zechariah 1:7 clears up when the prophecy happened, showing that God’s messages came at real points in history, not just in vague or symbolic times.
  • The verse’s careful listing of Zechariah’s family line and the Persian king ties the prophecy to both Jewish tradition and the broader world stage, helping readers see the bigger picture.
  • By marking the start of a new message, Zechariah 1:7 prepares readers for the visions and encouragements that follow, setting the tone for the rest of the book.

Where else these words appear

“Darius” Hebrew H1867 · used in 10 verses

  • Ezra 4:5 And hired counsellors against them, to frustrate their purpose, all the days of Cyrus king of Persia, even until the reign of Darius king of Persia.
  • Daniel 11:1 Also I in the first year of Darius the Mede, even I, stood to confirm and to strengthen him.
  • Haggai 2:10 In the four and twentieth day of the ninth month, in the second year of Darius, came the word of the LORD by Haggai the prophet, saying,

“Iddo” Hebrew H5714 · used in 10 verses

  • 1 Kings 4:14 Ahinadab the son of Iddo had Mahanaim:
  • 2 Chronicles 13:22 And the rest of the acts of Abijah, and his ways, and his sayings, are written in the story of the prophet Iddo.
  • Nehemiah 12:4 Iddo, Ginnetho, Abijah,

“Berechiah” Hebrew H1296 · used in 11 verses

  • 1 Chronicles 3:20 And Hashubah, and Ohel, and Berechiah, and Hasadiah, Jushabhesed, five.
  • 1 Chronicles 15:17 So the Levites appointed Heman the son of Joel; and of his brethren, Asaph the son of Berechiah; and of the sons of Merari their brethren, Ethan the son of Kushaiah;
  • Nehemiah 3:4 And next unto them repaired Meremoth the son of Urijah, the son of Koz. And next unto them repaired Meshullam the son of Berechiah, the son of Meshezabeel. And next unto them repaired Zadok the son of Baana.

“eleventh” Hebrew H6249 · used in 18 verses

  • Exodus 26:7 And thou shalt make curtains of goats' hair to be a covering upon the tabernacle: eleven curtains shalt thou make.
  • Numbers 29:20 And on the third day eleven bullocks, two rams, fourteen lambs of the first year without blemish;
  • 1 Chronicles 27:14 The eleventh captain for the eleventh month was Benaiah the Pirathonite, of the children of Ephraim: and in his course were twenty and four thousand.