For how great is his goodness, and how great is his beauty! corn shall make the young men cheerful, and new wine the maids.

ZECHARIAH 9:17KJV
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Zechariah 9:17 (KJV)

What does Zechariah 9:17 mean?

Zechariah 9:17 describes the greatness of God’s goodness and beauty, showing how God’s blessings bring joy and abundance to His people. The verse uses images of plentiful grain and new wine to picture young men and women rejoicing because of God’s generous care.

Zechariah is speaking to the people of Israel, encouraging them after promises of God’s protection and restoration. The verse follows a prophecy about God saving His people from their enemies, and it highlights the happiness and prosperity that come from God’s favor. The mention of grain and wine points to everyday blessings that symbolize well-being and celebration in ancient Israel.

The Hebrew behind Zechariah 9:17

  • The word for "goodness" is טוּב (tov), but the tag here is טוּב (H2898, tov), which often means "goodness" or "prosperity." This word emphasizes not just moral goodness but also the tangible benefits and generosity God shows.
  • "Beauty" comes from יָפְיָה (yofya, H3308), which means physical attractiveness or splendor. In this context, it highlights how God’s blessings are not only good but also delightful and appealing.
  • "Corn" is דָּגָן (dagan, H1715), which refers to grain in general, a staple food. The abundance of grain represents security and happiness for the people.
  • "Cheerful" is יָנֻבוּ (yanuvu, H5107), meaning to flourish or thrive, often used for joyful or vigorous living. Here, it shows that God’s gifts bring real, lively joy to the community.

Why Zechariah 9:17 matters

  • Zechariah 9:17 clears up that God’s blessings are not just spiritual but also practical, touching daily life with real joy and provision.
  • The verse emphasizes the connection between God’s character (goodness and beauty) and the well-being of His people, showing that God’s care is both generous and attractive.
  • This verse ties the promise of God’s protection in the previous verses to a picture of restored happiness and prosperity, helping the reader see the full scope of God’s restoration plan for Israel.

Where else these words appear

“cheerful” Hebrew H5107 · used in 4 verses

  • Psalms 62:10 Trust not in oppression, and become not vain in robbery: if riches increase, set not your heart upon them.
  • Psalms 92:14 They shall still bring forth fruit in old age; they shall be fat and flourishing;
  • Proverbs 10:31 The mouth of the just bringeth forth wisdom: but the froward tongue shall be cut out.

“beauty” Hebrew H3308 · used in 19 verses

  • Esther 1:11 To bring Vashti the queen before the king with the crown royal, to shew the people and the princes her beauty: for she was fair to look on.
  • Isaiah 33:17 Thine eyes shall see the king in his beauty: they shall behold the land that is very far off.
  • Ezekiel 27:4 Thy borders are in the midst of the seas, thy builders have perfected thy beauty.

“goodness” Hebrew H2898 · used in 31 verses

  • Genesis 24:10 And the servant took ten camels of the camels of his master, and departed; for all the goods of his master were in his hand: and he arose, and went to Mesopotamia, unto the city of Nahor.
  • Nehemiah 9:35 For they have not served thee in their kingdom, and in thy great goodness that thou gavest them, and in the large and fat land which thou gavest before them, neither turned they from their wicked works.
  • Psalms 145:7 They shall abundantly utter the memory of thy great goodness, and shall sing of thy righteousness.

“wine” Hebrew H8492 · used in 38 verses

  • Genesis 27:28 Therefore God give thee of the dew of heaven, and the fatness of the earth, and plenty of corn and wine:
  • 2 Chronicles 31:5 And as soon as the commandment came abroad, the children of Israel brought in abundance the firstfruits of corn, wine, and oil, and honey, and of all the increase of the field; and the tithe of all things brought they in abundantly.
  • Isaiah 65:8 Thus saith the LORD, As the new wine is found in the cluster, and one saith, Destroy it not; for a blessing is in it: so will I do for my servants' sakes, that I may not destroy them all.