Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version On that day I will strike every horse with panic and its rider with madness,” declares the LORD. “I will keep a watchful eye over Judah, but I will blind all the horses of the nations. New Living Translation “On that day,” says the LORD, “I will cause every horse to panic and every rider to lose his nerve. I will watch over the people of Judah, but I will blind all the horses of their enemies. English Standard Version On that day, declares the LORD, I will strike every horse with panic, and its rider with madness. But for the sake of the house of Judah I will keep my eyes open, when I strike every horse of the peoples with blindness. Berean Standard Bible On that day, declares the LORD, I will strike every horse with panic, and every rider with madness. I will keep a watchful eye on the house of Judah, but I will strike with blindness all the horses of the nations. Berean Literal Bible On that day, a declaration of YHWH, I will strike every horse with confusion, and its rider with madness. And upon the house of Judah I will keep open My eyes, and every horse of the peoples I will strike with blindness. King James Bible In that day, saith the LORD, I will smite every horse with astonishment, and his rider with madness: and I will open mine eyes upon the house of Judah, and will smite every horse of the people with blindness. New King James Version In that day,” says the LORD, “I will strike every horse with confusion, and its rider with madness; I will open My eyes on the house of Judah, and will strike every horse of the peoples with blindness. New American Standard Bible On that day,” declares the LORD, “I will strike every horse with confusion and its rider with insanity. But I will watch over the house of Judah, while I strike every horse of the peoples with blindness. NASB 1995 “In that day,” declares the LORD, “I will strike every horse with bewilderment and his rider with madness. But I will watch over the house of Judah, while I strike every horse of the peoples with blindness. NASB 1977 “In that day,” declares the LORD, “I will strike every horse with bewilderment, and his rider with madness. But I will watch over the house of Judah, while I strike every horse of the peoples with blindness. Legacy Standard Bible In that day,” declares Yahweh, “I will strike every horse with bewilderment and his rider with madness. But I will open my eyes to watch over the house of Judah, while I strike every horse of the peoples with blindness. Amplified Bible In that day,” declares the LORD, “I will strike every horse with panic and his rider with madness; but I will open My eyes and watch over the house of Judah, and will strike every horse of the [opposing] nations with blindness. Berean Annotated Bible On that day, declares the LORD {YHWH}, I will strike every horse with panic, and every rider with madness. I will keep a watchful eye on the house of Judah (praised), but I will strike with blindness all the horses of the nations. Christian Standard Bible On that day”—this is the LORD’s declaration—“I will strike every horse with panic and its rider with madness. I will keep a watchful eye on the house of Judah but strike all the horses of the nations with blindness. Holman Christian Standard Bible On that day"—this is the LORD’s declaration—"I will strike every horse with panic and its rider with madness. I will keep a watchful eye on the house of Judah but strike all the horses of the nations with blindness. American Standard Version In that day, saith Jehovah, I will smite every horse with terror, and his rider with madness; and I will open mine eyes upon the house of Judah, and will smite every horse of the peoples with blindness. Contemporary English Version I will blind every horse and make them panic, and every rider will be confused. But at the same time, I will watch over Judah. English Revised Version In that day, saith the LORD, I will smite every horse with astonishment, and his rider with madness: and I will open mine eyes upon the house of Judah, and will smite every horse of the peoples with blindness. GOD'S WORD® Translation The LORD declares, "On that day I will strike every horse with panic and every rider with madness. I will watch over the people of Judah, but I will strike all the horses of the nations blind. Good News Translation At that time I will terrify all their horses and make all their riders go crazy. I will watch over the people of Judah, but I will make the horses of their enemies blind. International Standard Version At that time,' declares the LORD, 'I will strike every horse with panic and every rider with insanity. I will keep my eyes on the house of Judah, but I will blind every horse of the invading armies. NET Bible In that day," says the LORD, "I will strike every horse with confusion and its rider with madness. I will pay close attention to the house of Judah, but will strike all the horses of the nations with blindness. New Heart English Bible In that day," says the LORD, "I will strike every horse with terror, and his rider with madness; and I will open my eyes on the house of Judah, and will strike every horse of the peoples with blindness. Webster's Bible Translation In that day, saith the LORD, I will smite every horse with astonishment, and his rider with madness: and I will open my eyes upon the house of Judah, and will smite every horse of the people with blindness. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleOn that day, declares the LORD, I will strike every horse with panic, and every rider with madness. I will keep a watchful eye on the house of Judah, but I will strike with blindness all the horses of the nations. World English Bible In that day,” says Yahweh, “I will strike every horse with terror and his rider with madness. I will open my eyes on the house of Judah, and will strike every horse of the peoples with blindness. Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionIn that day,” a declaration of YHWH, "" “I strike every horse with astonishment, "" And its rider with madness, "" And on the house of Judah I open My eyes, "" And every horse of the peoples I strike with blindness. Berean Literal Bible On that day, a declaration of YHWH, I will strike every horse with confusion, and its rider with madness. And upon the house of Judah I will keep open My eyes, and every horse of the peoples I will strike with blindness. Young's Literal Translation In that day -- an affirmation of Jehovah, I do smite every horse with astonishment, And its rider with madness, And on the house of Judah I open My eyes, And every horse of the peoples I smite with blindness. Smith's Literal Translation In that day, says Jehovah, I will strike every horse with astonishment, and his rider with madness: and upon the house of Judah I will open mine eyes, and every horse of the peoples I will strike with blindness. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleIn that day, saith the Lord, I will strike every horse with astonishment, and his rider with madness: and I will open my eyes upon the house of Juda, and will strike every horse of the nations with blindness. Catholic Public Domain Version In that day, says the Lord, I will strike every horse with stupor and his rider with madness. And I will open my eyes upon the house of Judah, and I will strike every horse of the people with blindness. New American Bible On that day—oracle of the LORD—I will strike every horse with fright, and its rider with madness. But over the house of Judah I will keep watch, while I strike blind all the horses of the peoples. New Revised Standard Version On that day, says the LORD, I will strike every horse with panic, and its rider with madness. But on the house of Judah I will keep a watchful eye, when I strike every horse of the peoples with blindness. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleOn that day, says the LORD, I will smite all horses with stupor, and their riders with confusion; and I will open my eyes upon the house of Judah, and will smite every horse of the Gentiles with blindness. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated In that day, says LORD JEHOVAH, I shall strike all the horses with shock and their riders with bewilderment, and upon those of the house of Yehuda I shall open my eyes, and all the horses of the Gentiles I shall assault with blindness OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917In that day, saith the LORD, I will smite every horse with bewilderment, And his rider with madness; And I will open Mine eyes upon the house of Judah, And will smite every horse of the peoples with blindness. Brenton Septuagint Translation In that day, saith the Lord Almighty, I will smite every horse with amazement, and his rider with madness: but I will open mine eyes upon the house of Juda, and I will smite all the horses of the nations with blindness. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context Jerusalem will be Attacked…3On that day, when all the nations of the earth gather against her, I will make Jerusalem a heavy stone for all the peoples; all who would heave it away will be severely injured. 4On that day, declares the LORD, I will strike every horse with panic, and every rider with madness. I will keep a watchful eye on the house of Judah, but I will strike with blindness all the horses of the nations. 5Then the leaders of Judah will say in their hearts: ‘The people of Jerusalem are my strength, for the LORD of Hosts is their God.’… Cross References On that day, declares the LORD, Zechariah 14:9 On that day the LORD will become King over all the earth—the LORD alone, and His name alone. Zephaniah 1:14 The great Day of the LORD is near—near and coming quickly. Listen, the Day of the LORD! Then the cry of the mighty will be bitter. Joel 3:14 Multitudes, multitudes in the valley of decision! For the Day of the LORD is near in the valley of decision. I will strike every horse with panic, Haggai 2:22 I will overturn royal thrones and destroy the power of the kingdoms of the nations. I will overturn chariots and their riders; horses and their riders will fall, each by the sword of his brother. Jeremiah 51:21 With you I shatter the horse and rider; with you I shatter the chariot and driver. Exodus 15:1 Then Moses and the Israelites sang this song to the LORD: “I will sing to the LORD, for He is highly exalted. The horse and rider He has thrown into the sea. and every rider with madness. Deuteronomy 28:28 The LORD will afflict you with madness, blindness, and confusion of mind, 2 Kings 9:20 Again the watchman reported, “He reached them, but he is not coming back. And the charioteer is driving like Jehu son of Nimshi—he is driving like a madman!” Isaiah 19:14 The LORD has poured into her a spirit of confusion. Egypt has been led astray in all she does, as a drunkard staggers through his own vomit. I will keep a watchful eye on the house of Judah, Ezra 5:5 But the eye of their God was on the elders of the Jews, so that they were not stopped until a report was sent to Darius and written instructions about this matter were returned. Jeremiah 24:6 I will keep My eyes on them for good and will return them to this land. I will build them up and not tear them down; I will plant them and not uproot them. Psalm 33:18 Surely the eyes of the LORD are on those who fear Him, on those whose hope is in His loving devotion but I will strike with blindness all the horses of the nations. 2 Kings 6:18 As the Arameans came down against him, Elisha prayed to the LORD, “Please strike these people with blindness.” So He struck them with blindness, according to the word of Elisha. Acts 13:11 Now look, the hand of the Lord is against you, and for a time you will be blind and unable to see the light of the sun.” Immediately mist and darkness came over him, and he groped about, seeking someone to lead him by the hand. Zechariah 10:5 They will be like mighty men in battle, trampling the enemy in the mire of the streets. They will fight because the LORD is with them, and they will put the horsemen to shame. Isaiah 29:10 For the LORD has poured out on you a spirit of deep sleep. He has shut your eyes, O prophets; He has covered your heads, O seers. Treasury of Scripture In that day, said the LORD, I will smite every horse with astonishment, and his rider with madness: and I will open my eyes on the house of Judah, and will smite every horse of the people with blindness. that day. Zechariah 12:3,6,8,9,11 And in that day will I make Jerusalem a burdensome stone for all people: all that burden themselves with it shall be cut in pieces, though all the people of the earth be gathered together against it… Isaiah 24:21 And it shall come to pass in that day, that the LORD shall punish the host of the high ones that are on high, and the kings of the earth upon the earth. I will smite. Zechariah 10:5 And they shall be as mighty men, which tread down their enemies in the mire of the streets in the battle: and they shall fight, because the LORD is with them, and the riders on horses shall be confounded. Zechariah 14:15 And so shall be the plague of the horse, of the mule, of the camel, and of the ass, and of all the beasts that shall be in these tents, as this plague. Deuteronomy 28:28 The LORD shall smite thee with madness, and blindness, and astonishment of heart: I will open. Zechariah 9:8 And I will encamp about mine house because of the army, because of him that passeth by, and because of him that returneth: and no oppressor shall pass through them any more: for now have I seen with mine eyes. 1 Kings 8:29 That thine eyes may be open toward this house night and day, even toward the place of which thou hast said, My name shall be there: that thou mayest hearken unto the prayer which thy servant shall make toward this place. 2 Chronicles 6:20,40 That thine eyes may be open upon this house day and night, upon the place whereof thou hast said that thou wouldest put thy name there; to hearken unto the prayer which thy servant prayeth toward this place… Jump to Previous Astonishment Bewilderment Blind Blindness Declares Eye Eyes Fear Head Horse Horseman Horses House Judah Madness Nations Open Panic Peoples Rider Smite Strike Terror Watch WatchfulJump to Next Astonishment Bewilderment Blind Blindness Declares Eye Eyes Fear Head Horse Horseman Horses House Judah Madness Nations Open Panic Peoples Rider Smite Strike Terror Watch WatchfulZechariah 12 1. Jerusalem a cup of trembling to herself,3. and a burdensome stone to her adversaries. 6. The victorious restoring of Judah. 10. The repentance of Jerusalem. On that day, declares the LORD This phrase indicates a specific time of divine intervention, often associated with the "Day of the Lord" in prophetic literature. It signifies a future event when God will act decisively in history. The phrase is common in prophetic books, emphasizing God's sovereignty and the certainty of His plans. I will strike every horse with panic and every rider with madness I will keep a watchful eye on the house of Judah but I will strike with blindness all the horses of the nations Persons / Places / Events 1. The LORDThe sovereign God of Israel, who declares His intentions and actions regarding the nations and Judah. 2. House of Judah Represents the southern kingdom of Israel, which God promises to protect and watch over. 3. Horses and Riders Symbolic of military power and strength, which God will confound and render ineffective. 4. Nations Refers to the Gentile nations surrounding Israel, often seen as adversaries in prophetic literature. 5. In that day A prophetic phrase indicating a future time of divine intervention and judgment. Teaching Points Divine SovereigntyGod is in control of nations and their military powers. Believers should trust in His ultimate authority rather than human strength. Protection of God's People Just as God promises to watch over Judah, He is attentive to the needs and protection of His people today. Futility of Human Strength Earthly power and military might are ultimately futile against God's plans. Believers should place their confidence in God rather than worldly systems. Spiritual Warfare The imagery of horses and riders can remind believers of the spiritual battles they face, encouraging reliance on God's strength and wisdom. Hope in Prophecy The phrase "in that day" points to a future hope and fulfillment of God's promises, encouraging believers to live with an eternal perspective. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of Zechariah 12:4?2. How does God's intervention in Zechariah 12:4 demonstrate His sovereignty over nations? 3. What is the significance of God striking horses with "panic" and "madness"? 4. How can we trust God's protection like in Zechariah 12:4 today? 5. What other scriptures illustrate God's power over creation and nations? 6. How should believers respond to God's promise of protection in Zechariah 12:4? 7. How does Zechariah 12:4 relate to God's sovereignty over nations and their leaders? 8. What historical events might Zechariah 12:4 be referencing or predicting? 9. How does Zechariah 12:4 challenge our understanding of divine intervention in human affairs? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Zechariah 12? 11. What role does Satan play in the Bible? 12. How can modern readers confirm the authenticity of prophetic claims in Zechariah 4 when similar apocalyptic visions in other texts are often disputed? 13. In 2 Corinthians 4:4, how can a 'god of this age' blind people if there is only one true God? 14. What is Satan's identity? What Does Zechariah 12:4 Mean On that dayThe phrase signals a definite moment in God’s prophetic calendar. Zechariah has used it repeatedly (12:3; 13:1; 14:4) to point to the climactic “day of the LORD.” It is a real time when God intervenes publicly in earth’s affairs. Joel 3:14 calls it “the valley of decision,” and Matthew 24:30 speaks of “the sign of the Son of Man” appearing. The assurance is that what follows is anchored in a literal future event, not vague symbolism. declares the LORD This isn’t a human prediction; it is the solemn proclamation of Yahweh Himself. Isaiah 46:9-10 reminds us that He alone “declares the end from the beginning,” and Jeremiah 1:12 says He is “watching over His word to perform it.” Because the LORD declares it, every detail that follows is guaranteed. I will strike every horse with panic In the ancient world, horses were the tanks of warfare. By targeting them, God cripples the invading armies at their most strategic point. Exodus 15:1 records that He once “hurled the horse and rider into the sea,” and Haggai 2:22 promises He will “overthrow the chariots and their riders.” The literal panic described here echoes how God confused Egypt’s chariots at the Red Sea (Exodus 14:24-25). and every rider with madness The soldiers themselves are thrown into irrational frenzy. Deuteronomy 28:28 speaks of the LORD striking with “madness, blindness, and confusion of mind” as judgment. Judges 7:22 and 1 Samuel 14:15-20 show God turning enemy ranks against one another. In 2 Chronicles 20:22-24, Judah watched while rival armies self-destructed. Zechariah pictures the same divine tactic on a larger, end-time scale. I will keep a watchful eye on the house of Judah While the nations unravel, God’s protective gaze rests on His covenant people. Psalm 33:18 says, “The eye of the LORD is on those who fear Him,” and 2 Chronicles 16:9 affirms that “the eyes of the LORD roam to and fro throughout the earth to show Himself strong for those whose hearts are fully His.” Earlier, Zechariah 2:8 declared Israel to be “the apple of His eye.” In the coming conflict, Judah will be preserved, not by its own strength, but by God’s vigilant care. but I will strike with blindness all the horses of the nations The enemies’ military advantage is not merely neutralized; it is rendered useless. 2 Kings 6:18 describes Elisha praying and the LORD striking the Arameans with blindness, illustrating literal loss of coordinated vision. Likewise, Zechariah 14:13 foretells “great panic” among the besieging armies, leading to catastrophic confusion. God’s judgment is surgical: blindness for the nations’ horsepower, clarity for Judah. summary Zechariah 12:4 foretells a literal day when God personally intervenes in world conflict surrounding Jerusalem. He will: • cripple the invading forces at their strategic core (panic among horses), • plunge their riders into irrational chaos, • safeguard Judah under His vigilant eye, and • render enemy power useless by blinding their war machines. The verse highlights God’s absolute sovereignty—protecting His people while decisively judging the nations that oppose them. Verse 4. - I will smite every horse with astonishment (consternation). Cavalry represents the forces of the enemy. Astonishment, madness, and blindness are threatened against Israel in Deuteronomy 28:28; here they arc inflicted on the enemy. Madness. The riders should be so panic stricken that they knew not what they did, and shall turn their arms against each other (Haggai 2:22). Open mine eyes upon the house of Judah; i.e. will regard with favour and protect (Deuteronomy 11:12; 1 Kings 8:29; Isaiah 32:8). With blindness. They shall be blinded with terror. The previous threat is repeated with this emphatic addition.Parallel Commentaries ... Hebrew On thatהַה֜וּא (ha·hū) Article | Pronoun - third person masculine singular Strong's 1931: He, self, the same, this, that, as, are day,” בַּיּ֨וֹם (bay·yō·wm) Preposition-b, Article | Noun - masculine singular Strong's 3117: A day declares נְאֻם־ (nə·’um-) Noun - masculine singular construct Strong's 5002: An oracle the LORD, יְהוָ֗ה (Yah·weh) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 3068: LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel “I will strike אַכֶּ֤ה (’ak·keh) Verb - Hifil - Imperfect - first person common singular Strong's 5221: To strike every כָל־ (ḵāl) Noun - masculine singular construct Strong's 3605: The whole, all, any, every horse סוּס֙ (sūs) Noun - masculine singular Strong's 5483: A swallow, swift (type of bird) with panic, בַּתִּמָּה֔וֹן (bat·tim·mā·hō·wn) Preposition-b, Article | Noun - masculine singular Strong's 8541: Consternation and [every] rider וְרֹכְב֖וֹ (wə·rō·ḵə·ḇōw) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular Strong's 7392: To ride, to place upon, to despatch with madness. בַּשִּׁגָּע֑וֹן (baš·šig·gā·‘ō·wn) Preposition-b, Article | Noun - masculine singular Strong's 7697: Craziness I will keep a watchful אֶפְקַ֣ח (’ep̄·qaḥ) Verb - Qal - Imperfect - first person common singular Strong's 6491: To open, to be observant eye עֵינַ֔י (‘ê·nay) Noun - cdc | first person common singular Strong's 5869: An eye, a fountain on וְעַל־ (wə·‘al-) Conjunctive waw | Preposition Strong's 5921: Above, over, upon, against the house בֵּ֤ית (bêṯ) Noun - masculine singular construct Strong's 1004: A house of Judah, יְהוּדָה֙ (yə·hū·ḏāh) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 3063: Judah -- 'praised', a son of Jacob, also the southern kingdom, also four Israelites but I will strike אַכֶּ֖ה (’ak·keh) Verb - Hifil - Imperfect - first person common singular Strong's 5221: To strike all וְכֹל֙ (wə·ḵōl) Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular construct Strong's 3605: The whole, all, any, every the horses ס֣וּס (sūs) Noun - masculine singular construct Strong's 5483: A swallow, swift (type of bird) of the nations הָֽעַמִּ֔ים (hā·‘am·mîm) Article | Noun - masculine plural Strong's 5971: A people, a tribe, troops, attendants, a flock with blindness. בַּֽעִוָּרֽוֹן׃ (ba·‘iw·wā·rō·wn) Preposition-b, Article | Noun - masculine singular Strong's 5788: Blindness Links Zechariah 12:4 NIVZechariah 12:4 NLT Zechariah 12:4 ESV Zechariah 12:4 NASB Zechariah 12:4 KJV Zechariah 12:4 BibleApps.com Zechariah 12:4 Biblia Paralela Zechariah 12:4 Chinese Bible Zechariah 12:4 French Bible Zechariah 12:4 Catholic Bible OT Prophets: Zechariah 12:4 In that day says Yahweh I will (Zech. 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