Zechariah 12 10 and Mourning

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Zechariah 12:10 and mourning (“they will look… and mourn”)

Sources note: This page aims to represent both Jewish and Christian views fairly. Where a claim describes a Jewish position, it should be supported by Jewish sources (Tanakh, rabbinic texts, or mainstream Jewish explanations). Where a claim describes a Christian position, it should be supported by Christian sources (New Testament, early church, or scholarly references).

The text (summary)

Zechariah 12 describes a future deliverance for Jerusalem and speaks of a moment of intense mourning associated with “looking” toward a figure/point of reference described with difficult Hebrew wording.

Why it’s a debate text

• Christians often connect it to suffering/piercing language and to New Testament usage.
• Jewish interpretations vary, and many do not read it as a prediction of Jesus.

What to do on this page

1. Present the Hebrew/translation options plainly.
2. Provide at least one classic Jewish interpretation (e.g., rabbinic discussion or medieval commentator).
3. Provide the Christian use (e.g., NT citation).
4. Identify the real crux: translation + referent + context.