Promises of Restoration and a Joyful Jerusalem
Zechariah 8:1-23
Zec.8.1 - Details
Translation
Original Text
Morphology
- ויהי: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
- דבר: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- צבאות: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- לאמר: INF,qal,infc
Parallels
- Zech.1.1 (structural): Same book and similar opening prophetic formula introducing Zechariah's oracles — a divine word that frames the prophetic commission.
- Hag.2.1 (verbal): Haggai uses the identical introductory formula (“the word of the LORD came…”), reflecting the same prophetic mode and postexilic context of divine speech.
- Jer.1.4 (verbal): Jeremiah’s call begins with “the word of the LORD came unto me, saying,” a common prophetic commission formula parallel to Zechariah’s opening.
- Ezek.1.3 (verbal): Ezekiel 1:3 likewise records “the word of the LORD came” to the prophet, another instance of the standard prophetic introduction of oracle material.
Alternative generated candidates
- And the word of the LORD of hosts came, saying:
- And the word of the LORD of hosts came, saying,
Zec.8.2 - Details
Translation
Original Text
Morphology
- כה: ADV
- אמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- צבאות: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- קנאתי: VERB,qal,perf,1,m,sg
- לציון: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- קנאה: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- גדולה: ADJ,f,sg,abs
- וחמה: CONJ+NOUN,f,sg,abs
- גדולה: ADJ,f,sg,abs
- קנאתי: VERB,qal,perf,1,m,sg
- לה: PREP+PRON,3,f,sg
Parallels
- Joel 2:18 (thematic): Both speak of Yahweh's zeal for his land/people—'the LORD became jealous for his land' resonates with Zechariah's depiction of divine jealousy for Zion.
- Nahum 1:2 (verbal): Uses the language of divine jealousy and wrath—'The LORD is jealous and avenging' parallels Zechariah's 'I was jealous... and I was angry.'
- Exodus 34:14 (verbal): Declares Yahweh as a 'jealous God' (cf. 'I was jealous'), providing background to prophetic expressions of divine zeal for exclusive worship and for Israel/Zion.
- Deuteronomy 4:24 (verbal): Describes the LORD as 'a consuming fire, a jealous God,' echoing the covenantal-judicial force behind Zechariah's jealousy for Zion.
- Zephaniah 3:17 (thematic): Portrays God's active, tender care for Jerusalem—'the LORD your God is in your midst... he will rejoice over you' complements Zechariah's language of divine zeal for Zion.
Alternative generated candidates
- Thus says the LORD of hosts: I have been jealous for Zion with great jealousy, and I have been jealous for her with great wrath.
- Thus says the LORD of hosts: I am jealous for Zion with great jealousy; I am very zealous for her.
Zec.8.3 - Details
Translation
Original Text
Morphology
- כה: ADV
- אמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- שבתי: VERB,qal,inf
- אל: NEG
- ציון: NOUN,prop,f,sg,abs
- ושכנתי: VERB,qal,perf,1,_,sg
- בתוך: PREP
- ירושלם: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- ונקראה: VERB,nip,perf,3,f,sg
- ירושלם: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- עיר: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- האמת: NOUN,f,sg,def
- והר: CONJ+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- צבאות: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- הר: NOUN,m,sg,cons
- הקדש: NOUN,m,sg,def
Parallels
- Ezekiel 37:26-28 (verbal): Both texts promise God's permanent presence among his people in Jerusalem: 'I will set my sanctuary among them... I will be their God and they shall be my people,' echoing 'I will dwell in Jerusalem.'
- Isaiah 2:2-3 (thematic): Vision of the mountain of the LORD established as the center of worship for the nations parallels 'the mountain of the LORD of hosts, the holy mountain' as Zion's exalted role.
- Isaiah 62:1-4 (thematic): Isaiah's language of renaming and restoring Jerusalem (e.g., new honorifics like 'Hephzibah'/'Beulah') parallels Zechariah's declaration that Jerusalem will be called a new, positive title—'city of truth.'
- Revelation 21:2-3 (verbal): The vision of the New Jerusalem as the 'holy city' where God dwells with his people ('God himself will be with them') echoes Zechariah's promise of God's dwelling in Jerusalem and its holy status.
Alternative generated candidates
- Thus says the LORD of hosts: I will return to Zion and will dwell in Jerusalem; and Jerusalem shall be called the faithful city, and the hill of the LORD of hosts shall be called the holy mountain.
- Thus says the LORD: I will return to Zion and will dwell in Jerusalem; and Jerusalem shall be called the City of Truth, and the mountain of the LORD of hosts, the holy mountain.
Zec.8.4 - Details
Translation
Original Text
Morphology
- כה: ADV
- אמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- צבאות: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- עד: PREP
- ישבו: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,pl
- זקנים: ADJ,m,pl,abs
- וזקנות: CONJ+NOUN,f,pl,abs
- ברחבות: PREP+NOUN,f,pl,cs
- ירושלם: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- ואיש: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- משענתו: NOUN,m,sg,abs+PRON,3,m,sg
- בידו: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs+3,m,sg
- מרב: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ימים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
Parallels
- Isaiah 65:20-22 (thematic): Both passages promise longevity and a transformed society after restoration—no premature death and prolonged life for the people of Zion.
- Micah 4:4 (thematic): Image of people sitting in safety (each under his vine and fig tree) parallels Zechariah's picture of old men and women sitting unafraid in Jerusalem's streets—peace and security in the land.
- Psalm 92:14 (thematic): Speaks of bearing fruit in old age and remaining fresh—echoes Zechariah's theme of blessed longevity for the restored community.
- Ezekiel 36:10-11 (structural): God's promise to rebuild and repopulate ruined towns parallels the restoration context that allows elders to sit openly in Jerusalem's streets.
- 1 Kings 4:25 (structural): Describes a period of national peace where each lived under his vine and fig tree—historical precedent for the peaceful, secure life Zechariah envisions.
Alternative generated candidates
- Thus says the LORD of hosts: Old men and old women shall again sit in the streets of Jerusalem, each with a staff in his hand because of many days.
- Thus says the LORD of hosts: Old men and old women shall yet sit in the broad places of Jerusalem, each with his staff in his hand because of long days.
Zec.8.5 - Details
Translation
Original Text
Morphology
- ורחבות: CONJ+NOUN,f,pl,abs
- העיר: NOUN,f,sg,def
- ימלאו: VERB,qal,imperf,3,m,pl
- ילדים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- וילדות: CONJ+NOUN,f,pl,abs
- משחקים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- ברחבתיה: NOUN,f,pl,abs
Parallels
- Zechariah 8:4 (structural): Immediate context and parallel image within the same oracle — elders sitting in the streets (v.4) paired with children playing (v.5), together portraying restored life, safety, and normal social order in Jerusalem.
- Isaiah 65:21-23 (thematic): Eschatological restoration language: people building houses, planting vineyards, and enjoying the fruit across generations. Both passages emphasize secure, flourishing domestic life and generational continuity.
- Amos 9:14-15 (thematic): Promise to restore Israel—‘I will bring back my exiles... they shall build and inhabit houses, plant vineyards’—similar rhetoric of return, settlement, and social stability that makes images like children playing possible.
- Micah 4:4 (thematic): Image of each person sitting under their vine and fig tree conveys peace, security, and domestic prosperity in the land—conceptually akin to the freedom and safety implied by children playing in the city streets.
Alternative generated candidates
- And the squares of the city shall be full of boys and girls playing in its courts.
- And the streets of the city shall be full of boys and girls playing in its streets.
Zec.8.6 - Details
Translation
Original Text
Morphology
- כה: ADV
- אמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- צבאות: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- כי: CONJ
- יפלא: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- בעיני: PREP+NOUN,f,pl,abs
- שארית: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- העם: NOUN,m,sg,def
- הזה: DEM,m,sg
- בימים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- ההם: PRON,dem,m,pl
- גם: ADV
- בעיני: PREP+NOUN,f,pl,abs
- יפלא: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- נאם: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- צבאות: NOUN,m,pl,abs
Parallels
- Isaiah 29:14 (verbal): Both texts use the root פלא (to be marvelous/wonderful) about a work God will do among His people—Isaiah declares God will 'do a marvellous work,' echoing Zechariah's 'it shall be marvelous in my eyes.'
- Zechariah 8:8 (structural): Immediate chapter-parallel: both verses promise restoration of a remnant and God's surprising, gracious action toward the people in the same prophetic program.
- Jeremiah 31:7-10 (thematic): Shares the theme of a restored remnant and God’s surprising gathering and blessing of Israel—Jeremiah proclaims return, joy, and God’s intervention on behalf of the few survivors.
- Isaiah 11:11 (thematic): Both passages focus on a future act of God to recover a remnant of His people; Isaiah foretells the Lord 'raising a signal for the nations' and recovering the remnant, echoing Zechariah’s promise of an astonishing restoration.
Alternative generated candidates
- Thus says the LORD of hosts: It shall be marvelous in the sight of the remnant of this people in those days; yes, it shall be marvelous in my sight, declares the LORD of hosts.
- Thus says the LORD of hosts: It shall be that the remnant of this people shall be wondrous in my sight in those days; truly it shall be wonderful in my sight, says the LORD of hosts.
Zec.8.7 - Details
Translation
Original Text
Morphology
- כה: ADV
- אמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- צבאות: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- הנני: PRT+PRON,1,sg
- מושיע: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- את: PRT,acc
- עמי: NOUN,m,sg,abs+1s
- מארץ: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,abs
- מזרח: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ומארץ: CONJ+PREP+NOUN,f,sg,abs
- מבוא: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- השמש: NOUN,f,sg,def
Parallels
- Isaiah 43:5-6 (verbal): Uses the same promise-language of God bringing/saving his people ‘from the east’ and ‘from the west’—a close verbal and thematic parallel about gathering the exiles.
- Isaiah 49:12 (thematic): Speaks of people coming from distant directions (east and west, north and south), echoing the universal restoration motif of return from all lands.
- Jeremiah 31:8-9 (verbal): ‘Behold, I will bring them…’ formula and the promise to gather Israel from foreign lands parallels Zech. 8:7’s pledge to save and bring the people back.
- Deuteronomy 30:4-5 (thematic): God’s promise to gather the dispersed from the ends of the earth reflects the same covenantal theme of restoration and return from remote regions.
- Zechariah 10:10 (structural): Within the same prophetic book, this verse likewise promises God will bring the people back from foreign lands (Egypt/Assyria), reinforcing Zech. 8:7’s theme of deliverance and regathering.
Alternative generated candidates
- Thus says the LORD of hosts: Behold, I will save my people from the land of the east and from the land of the setting sun.
- Thus says the LORD of hosts: Behold, I will save my people from the land of the east and from the land of the setting sun.
Zec.8.8 - Details
Translation
Original Text
Morphology
- והבאתי: VERB,hif,perf,1,m,sg
- אתם: PRON,2,m,pl
- ושכנו: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,pl
- בתוך: PREP
- ירושלם: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- והיו: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,pl
- לי: PREP+PRON,1,sg
- לעם: PREP
- ואני: PRON,1,sg
- אהיה: VERB,qal,impf,1,_,sg
- להם: PREP+PRON,3,m,pl
- לאלהים: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- באמת: ADV
- ובצדקה: CONJ+PREP+NOUN,f,sg,abs
Parallels
- Leviticus 26:12 (verbal): Uses the same covenantal formula — God promises to dwell among Israel and be their God, 'I will walk among you and be your God, and you shall be my people,' echoing Zech 8:8's language of God dwelling with and being God to his people.
- Ezekiel 37:27-28 (verbal): Speaks of God's dwelling among Israel and the definitive relationship 'my dwelling place shall be with them... and they shall be my people, and I will be their God,' closely paralleling Zechariah's promise of return, dwelling in Jerusalem, and covenantal identity.
- Jeremiah 24:7 (thematic): Promises a transformed relationship — God will give them a heart to know him so that 'they shall be my people, and I will be their God,' a theme of restoration and internal covenantal faithfulness found in Zech 8:8.
- Hebrews 8:10 (quotation): New Testament citation of Jeremiah's covenant promise ('I will be their God, and they will be my people') used to describe the new covenant; echoes Zech 8:8's assurance of God's presence and covenantal status for his people.
- 2 Corinthians 6:16 (allusion): Paul echoes the OT motif of God's presence among his people ('I will live with them and walk among them; I will be their God, and they will be my people'), reflecting the same covenantal promise as Zec 8:8 in a New Testament context.
Alternative generated candidates
- And I will bring them, and they shall dwell in Jerusalem; and they shall be my people, and I will be their God, in truth and in righteousness.
- And I will bring them, and they shall dwell in Jerusalem; and they shall be my people, and I will be their God in truth and in righteousness.
Zec.8.9 - Details
Translation
Original Text
Morphology
- כה: ADV
- אמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- צבאות: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- תחזקנה: VERB,qal,impf,3,f,pl
- ידיכם: NOUN,f,pl,abs
- השמעים: PART,qal,ptc,m,pl,def
- בימים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- האלה: DEM,pl
- את: PRT,acc
- הדברים: NOUN,m,pl,def
- האלה: DEM,pl
- מפי: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- הנביאים: NOUN,m,pl,def
- אשר: PRON,rel
- ביום: PREP
- יסד: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- בית: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- צבאות: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- ההיכל: NOUN,m,sg,def
- להבנות: VERB,nip,inf
Parallels
- Haggai 2:4-5 (verbal): Directly parallels the exhortation to 'be strong' addressed to Zerubbabel, Joshua, and the people during the temple rebuilding; both passages encourage strength and promise the LORD's presence as they work to build the house.
- Zechariah 4:6-10 (verbal): Same prophetic context of the temple's foundation and rebuilding; speaks of the hands of Zerubbabel laying the foundation and urges reliance on God's Spirit rather than human might, echoing the call to strengthen hands.
- Ezra 3:10-11 (structural): Describes the laying of the temple's foundation and the prophetic/minstrel response at that moment—provides the historical setting to which Zech 8:9 refers (the days when the house's foundation was laid).
- Nehemiah 2:18 (thematic): Contains the communal exhortation to 'rise up and build' and the statement that people 'strengthened their hands for the good work,' mirroring Zech 8:9's theme of encouragement to those engaged in rebuilding.
Alternative generated candidates
- Thus says the LORD of hosts: Strengthen now your hands who hear in these days these words from the mouths of the prophets, who were present when the house of the LORD of hosts was founded to be built.
- Thus says the LORD of hosts: Be strong, you who hear these words from the mouths of the prophets in these days, when in the day the house of the LORD of hosts was being founded—the temple to be built.
Zec.8.10 - Details
Translation
Original Text
Morphology
- כי: CONJ
- לפני: PREP
- הימים: NOUN,m,pl,def
- ההם: PRON,dem,m,pl
- שכר: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- האדם: NOUN,m,sg,def
- לא: PART_NEG
- נהיה: VERB,niphal,impf,1,pl
- ושכר: CONJ+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- הבהמה: NOUN,f,sg,def
- איננה: PART,exist,neg,3,f,sg
- וליוצא: CONJ+PREP+VERB,qal,ptc,m,sg
- ולבא: CONJ+PREP+VERB,qal,inf
- אין: PART,neg
- שלום: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- מן: PREP
- הצר: NOUN,m,sg,def
- ואשלח: VERB,qal,impf,1,_,sg
- את: PRT,acc
- כל: DET
- האדם: NOUN,m,sg,def
- איש: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ברעהו: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs+3ms
Parallels
- Zechariah 8:12 (structural): Immediate context: continues the restoration theme—promises renewed wages/prosperity and peaceful life, linking the absence of wages in v.10 to abundant seed and fruit in v.12.
- Leviticus 26:6 (thematic): Promise of peace and security in the land ('I will give peace in the land') after divine favor—parallels Zech.8:10's assurance that God will bring peace to people's comings and goings.
- Isaiah 11:6-9 (thematic): Vision of universal peace and harmony (among humans and animals) in the messianic future—echoes Zech.8:10's shift from disorder and insecurity to peaceful restoration.
- Ezekiel 34:25-27 (thematic): God's covenant of peace with the people, ending violence and bringing flourishing land and safety—closely parallels Zech.8:10's promise to end insecurity and restore communal well‑being.
- Jeremiah 33:9 (thematic): Promise of rebuilding, return of the people and fruitful land—relates to Zech.8:10's theme of reversing hardship (no wages, lack of peace) into prosperity and neighborly peace.
Alternative generated candidates
- For before those days a man's wage was not established, nor was the wage of beasts; and as for the one who went out and the one who came in, there was no peace because of the enemy—I drove every man against his neighbor.
- For before those days a man's wages were not secured, nor the wages of cattle; going out and coming in there was no peace because of the enemy, and I set every one against his neighbor.
Zec.8.11 - Details
Translation
Original Text
Morphology
- ועתה: CONJ
- לא: PART_NEG
- כימים: PREP+NOUN,m,pl,abs
- הראשנים: ADJ,m,pl,def
- אני: PRON,1,sg
- לשארית: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,abs
- העם: NOUN,m,sg,def
- הזה: DEM,m,sg
- נאם: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- צבאות: NOUN,m,pl,abs
Parallels
- Zechariah 8:8 (structural): Immediate context: promises to bring back the remnant and dwell with them—continues the same theme of God’s changed relation toward the remnant in this prophecy.
- Isaiah 43:18-19 (thematic): God announces a decisive break with the past—'forget the former things... I will do a new thing' echoes Zech.8.11’s contrast with 'the former days' and the onset of restorative action.
- Isaiah 65:17 (thematic): The creation of 'new heavens and a new earth' similarly frames God's restorative work as inaugurating a new epoch, paralleling the promise that God will not deal 'as in the former days.'
- Romans 11:5 (allusion): Paul’s reference to a faithful remnant ('at this present time also there is a remnant') echoes the prophetic concern for a preserved people whom God treats according to his saving purposes rather than former judgment.
- Joel 2:25-27 (thematic): God’s pledge to restore 'the years that the swarming locust hath eaten' and to dwell with his people reflects the reversal of former calamity and the renewed favorable relation promised in Zech.8.11.
Alternative generated candidates
- But now I will not be as in the former days with the remnant of this people, declares the LORD of hosts.
- But now I will not be like the former days with the remnant of this people, says the LORD of hosts.
Zec.8.12 - Details
Translation
Original Text
Morphology
- כי: CONJ
- זרע: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- השלום: NOUN,m,sg,def
- הגפן: NOUN,f,sg,def
- תתן: VERB,qal,imprf,2,_,sg
- פריה: NOUN,m,sg+PRON,3,f,sg
- והארץ: CONJ+NOUN,f,sg,abs
- תתן: VERB,qal,imprf,2,_,sg
- את: PRT,acc
- יבולה: NOUN,m,sg,abs,3,f,sg
- והשמים: NOUN,m,pl,def
- יתנו: VERB,qal,impf,3,pl
- טלם: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- והנחלתי: CONJ+VERB,hiph,perf,1,_,sg
- את: PRT,acc
- שארית: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- העם: NOUN,m,sg,def
- הזה: DEM,m,sg
- את: PRT,acc
- כל: DET
- אלה: DEM,pl,abs
Parallels
- Leviticus 26:4–5 (thematic): Covenantal blessing language promising that the land will yield its increase and heavens will provide—parallel to Zechariah’s promise of fruitful seed, vine, ground, and heavens.
- Deuteronomy 11:13–15 (verbal): God’s promise to send the rain of your land in its season so the land will yield—explicitly links heavenly blessing (rain) to the earth’s produce as in Zechariah 8:12.
- Joel 2:23–26 (verbal): Speaks of God giving the former rain and latter rain, the vine yielding fruit, the ground yielding increase, and restoration of what was taken—close verbal and thematic resonance with Zech. 8:12.
- Amos 9:13–15 (allusion): Prophecy of a future restoration when the land yields abundantly and God restores his people to possess their land—parallels Zechariah’s theme of a remnant inheriting abundant produce and possession.
Alternative generated candidates
- For the seed shall be prosperous; the vine shall yield its fruit, the land shall give its increase, and the heavens shall give their dew—and I will cause the remnant of this people to inherit all these things.
- For the seed shall prosper, the vine shall give its fruit, the land shall give its increase, and the heavens shall give their dew; and I will make the remnant of this people inherit all these things.
Zec.8.13 - Details
Translation
Original Text
Morphology
- והיה: VERB,qal,imperfect,3,m,sg
- כאשר: CONJ
- הייתם: VERB,qal,perf,2,m,pl
- קללה: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- בגוים: PREP+NOUN,m,pl,abs
- בית: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- יהודה: NOUN,m,sg,prop
- ובית: CONJ+NOUN,m,sg,cs
- ישראל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- כן: ADV
- אושיע: VERB,qal,impf,1,m,sg
- אתכם: PRT+PRON,2,m,pl
- והייתם: VERB,qal,perf,2,m,pl
- ברכה: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- אל: NEG
- תיראו: VERB,qal,impf,2,m,pl
- תחזקנה: VERB,qal,imperfect,3,f,pl
- ידיכם: NOUN,f,pl,abs
Parallels
- Genesis 12:3 (thematic): Promise that nations will be blessed through the people of Israel—parallels Zech.8:13's reversal from being a curse among nations to becoming a blessing.
- Deuteronomy 28:37 (verbal): Describes Israel becoming a byword and object of horror among the nations (a 'curse among the nations'), which Zechariah reverses into divine restoration.
- Isaiah 41:10 (verbal): Divine command 'Fear not... I will strengthen you' echoes Zech.8:13's exhortation 'Fear not; strengthen your hands,' linking comfort and empowerment from God.
- Ezekiel 36:22-24 (thematic): God promises to restore and gather Israel for the sake of his name—like Zech.8:13's assurance that God will save Israel and transform their status among the nations.
- Amos 9:14-15 (thematic): Promise of restoration and permanent blessing on the land and people of Israel, resonating with Zechariah's theme of reversing curse to blessing and secure renewal.
Alternative generated candidates
- And it shall be that as you were a curse among the nations, O house of Judah and house of Israel, so I will save you, and you shall be a blessing; fear not, but strengthen your hands.
- And it shall come to pass that as you were a curse among the nations, O house of Judah and house of Israel, so I will save you, and you shall be a blessing. Fear not; let your hands be strong.
Zec.8.14 - Details
Translation
Original Text
Morphology
- כי: CONJ
- כה: ADV
- אמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- צבאות: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- כאשר: CONJ
- זממתי: VERB,qal,perf,1,_,sg
- להרע: VERB,qal,inf
- לכם: PREP,2,m,pl
- בהקציף: PREP+VERB,hif,perf,3,m,sg
- אבתיכם: NOUN,m,pl,cons+PRON,2,pl
- אתי: PRON,1,sg
- אמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- צבאות: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- ולא: CONJ
- נחמתי: VERB,qal,perf,1,c,sg
Parallels
- Exodus 32:9-14 (thematic): God declares an intention to bring severe judgment on the people for their sin (as in Zech. 8:14); Moses’ intercession and God’s relenting in Exod. 32 provides a close thematic foil to the divine purpose to punish.
- Deuteronomy 9:7-8 (verbal): Uses the same idea and similar language that the fathers provoked the LORD, giving a background motif for God’s declared purpose to bring disaster because of ancestral rebellion.
- 2 Chronicles 36:15-17 (thematic): Describes repeated prophetic warning, mockery of messengers, and the resulting divine judgment on Judah—paralleling Zechariah’s link between the fathers’ provocation and punishment.
- Ezekiel 14:12-16 (allusion): God’s pronouncement that he will bring disaster on a land because of its elders’/idolatrous sins echoes Zech. 8:14’s motif of punishment intended for the people on account of their predecessors.
Alternative generated candidates
- For thus says the LORD of hosts: As I purposed to hurt you when your fathers provoked me to wrath, says the LORD of hosts, and I did not relent,
- For thus says the LORD of hosts: As I purposed to do evil to you when your fathers provoked me to wrath, says the LORD of hosts, and I did not relent,
Zec.8.15 - Details
Translation
Original Text
Morphology
- כן: ADV
- שבתי: VERB,qal,inf
- זממתי: VERB,qal,perf,1,NA,sg
- בימים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- האלה: DEM,pl
- להיטיב: VERB,qal,inf
- את: PRT,acc
- ירושלם: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- ואת: CONJ
- בית: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- יהודה: NOUN,m,sg,prop
- אל: NEG
- תיראו: VERB,qal,impf,2,m,pl
Parallels
- Jeremiah 33:7 (thematic): Jeremiah promises restoration and return of Judah and Jerusalem — a direct thematic parallel to God’s intent to do good to Jerusalem and the house of Judah.
- Isaiah 44:26 (verbal): Isaiah declares God’s word to establish and rebuild Jerusalem and the cities of Judah, echoing the promise to ‘do good’ and restore the city.
- Zechariah 1:17 (verbal): Earlier Zechariah passage: God announces return to Jerusalem with mercy and rebuilding of the house — closely related language and theme within the same prophetic book.
- Psalm 147:2 (thematic): The psalm celebrates the LORD building up Jerusalem and gathering Israel’s exiles, resonating with the promise to benefit and restore Jerusalem and Judah.
Alternative generated candidates
- so now I have turned my purpose and I will deal well with Jerusalem and with the house of Judah; do not fear.
- so now I have purposed again in these days to do good to Jerusalem and to the house of Judah; do not fear.
Zec.8.16 - Details
Translation
Original Text
Morphology
- אלה: DEM,pl,abs
- הדברים: NOUN,m,pl,def
- אשר: PRON,rel
- תעשו: VERB,qal,impv,2,pl
- דברו: INF,qal,inf+3ms
- אמת: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- איש: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- את: PRT,acc
- רעהו: NOUN,m,sg,abs+3ms
- אמת: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- ומשפט: CONJ+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- שלום: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- שפטו: VERB,qal,imp,2,m,pl
- בשעריכם: PREP+NOUN,m,pl,abs+2mp
Parallels
- Leviticus 19:11 (verbal): Prohibits stealing and falsehood and explicitly says 'do not lie to one another,' directly echoing Zech 8:16's command to 'speak the truth to one another.'
- Deuteronomy 16:18-20 (structural): Commands the appointment of judges at the city gates to administer righteous judgment and to 'pursue justice,' paralleling Zech 8:16's injunction to judge in your gates with true judgments that promote peace.
- Micah 6:8 (thematic): Summarizes what God requires—'to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly'—resonating with Zech 8:16's focus on truth, right judgment, and peace as communal obligations.
- Psalm 15:2 (verbal): Describes the righteous person as one who 'speaks truth in his heart' and avoids deceit—language that mirrors Zech 8:16's call to truthfulness among neighbors.
- Isaiah 1:17 (thematic): Calls Israel to 'learn to do good; seek justice; correct oppression,' aligning with Zech 8:16's combined insistence on truthful speech, just judgments, and the establishment of peace.
Alternative generated candidates
- These are the things that you shall do: Speak the truth each to his neighbor; render true judgment, judgment of peace, in your gates.
- These are the things you shall do: speak the truth to one another; render true and just judgments, and govern your gates with peace.
Zec.8.17 - Details
Translation
Original Text
Morphology
- ואיש: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- את: PRT,acc
- רעת: NOUN,f,sg,construct
- רעהו: NOUN,m,sg,abs+3ms
- אל: NEG
- תחשבו: VERB,qal,impf,2,pl
- בלבבכם: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,poss,2,m,pl
- ושבעת: CONJ+VERB,qal,perf,2,m,sg
- שקר: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אל: NEG
- תאהבו: VERB,qal,impf,2,pl
- כי: CONJ
- את: PRT,acc
- כל: DET
- אלה: DEM,pl,abs
- אשר: PRON,rel
- שנאתי: VERB,qal,perf,1,c,sg
- נאם: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- Leviticus 19:11 (verbal): Explicit prohibition against dealing falsely and lying to one another—parallels Zech. 8:17's ban on imagining evil and loving falsehood.
- Exodus 20:16 (quotation): The command not to bear false witness corresponds to Zechariah's instruction to reject false oaths and deceit.
- Proverbs 6:16-19 (verbal): Lists actions the Lord hates (including a lying tongue and a false witness), echoing Zech. 8:17's language 'all these are things that I hate.'
- Proverbs 12:22 (thematic): Declares that lying lips are an abomination to the Lord—the same moral assessment found in Zech. 8:17.
- Psalm 101:7 (thematic): Affirms that those who practice deceit shall not dwell in the psalmist's house, reflecting the rejection of malign intent and falsehood in Zech. 8:17.
Alternative generated candidates
- And do not devise evil in your hearts against one another, and do not love a false oath; for all these I hate, declares the LORD.
- Do not devise evil in your hearts against one another, and do not love a false oath; for all these things I hate, says the LORD.
Zec.8.18 - Details
Translation
Original Text
Morphology
- ויהי: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
- דבר: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- צבאות: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- אלי: PREP+PRON,1,sg
- לאמר: INF,qal,infc
Parallels
- Zechariah 1:1 (verbal): Uses the same prophetic formula (‘The word of the LORD came to Zechariah…’), a near-identical introduction to prophetic speech in the book.
- Jeremiah 1:4 (verbal): ’And the word of the LORD came to me, saying…’—same wording introducing Jeremiah’s prophetic commission; a standard prophetic opening.
- Joel 1:1 (structural): ’The word of the LORD that came to Joel…’—another book-opening instance of the prophetic ‘word of the LORD’ formula serving the same structural role.
- Hosea 1:1 (verbal): ’The word of the LORD that came to Hosea…’—parallel use of the phrase to introduce prophetic revelation to the prophet.
- Malachi 1:1 (thematic): ’The oracle of the word of the LORD to Israel by Malachi…’ (Heb. משא דבר־יהוה) — a closely related prophetic rubric signaling authoritative divine speech to the prophet and community.
Alternative generated candidates
- And the word of the LORD of hosts came to me, saying:
- And the word of the LORD of hosts came to me, saying,
Zec.8.19 - Details
Translation
Original Text
Morphology
- כה: ADV
- אמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- צבאות: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- צום: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- הרביעי: ADJ,ord,m,sg,def
- וצום: CONJ+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- החמישי: ADJ,m,sg,def
- וצום: CONJ+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- השביעי: ADJ,m,sg,def
- וצום: CONJ+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- העשירי: ADJ,m,sg,def
- יהיה: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- לבית: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,cns
- יהודה: NOUN,m,sg,prop
- לששון: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ולשמחה: CONJ+PREP+NOUN,f,sg,abs
- ולמעדים: CONJ+PREP+NOUN,m,pl,abs
- טובים: ADJ,m,pl,abs
- והאמת: CONJ+NOUN,f,sg,def
- והשלום: CONJ+NOUN,m,sg,def
- אהבו: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg,3ms.obj
Parallels
- Zechariah 7:3-6 (structural): Same prophetic context about communal fasts—questions why the people fasted and God's redefinition of appropriate practice; verse 8:19 completes the book's move from mourning/fasting to renewed stance.
- Isaiah 58:5-12 (thematic): Critiques empty fasting and outlines the true fast that leads to healing, restoration and joy—parallels the shift from fasts to glad feasts and renewed community life.
- Joel 2:12-26 (thematic): Call to repentance followed by divine promise to restore what was lost and turn mourning into rejoicing; echoes reversal of fasts into times of gladness and abundance.
- Jeremiah 31:13 (verbal): Uses similar language of turning mourning into joy and gladness for sorrow in the restoration promises to Israel—close thematic and verbal resonance with Zech 8:19.
- Nehemiah 8:9-12 (allusion): Community weeping at hearing the law is transformed into celebration and the instruction that 'the joy of the LORD is your strength,' paralleling the conversion of fasts into festivals and gladness.
Alternative generated candidates
- Thus says the LORD of hosts: The fast of the fourth, the fast of the fifth, the fast of the seventh and the fast of the tenth shall become times of joy and gladness, of cheerful feasts for the house of Judah; therefore love truth and peace.
- Thus says the LORD of hosts: The fast of the fourth month, the fast of the fifth, the fast of the seventh, and the fast of the tenth shall be to the house of Judah seasons of joy and gladness and cheerful feasts; therefore love truth and peace.
Zec.8.20 - Details
Translation
Original Text
Morphology
- כה: ADV
- אמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- צבאות: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- עד: PREP
- אשר: PRON,rel
- יבאו: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,pl
- עמים: NOUN,pl,m,abs
- וישבי: CONJ+NOUN,m,pl,abs
- ערים: NOUN,f,pl,abs
- רבות: ADJ,f,pl,abs
Parallels
- Zech.8.23 (structural): Immediate parallel in the same chapter: both verses predict foreigners/nations coming to Jews and seeking the LORD, with 8:23 expanding the image (ten men from nations grasping a Jew's garment).
- Zech.2.11 (verbal): Uses similar language about 'many nations' coming and becoming the LORD's people—echoes the promise that peoples will come to Zion and to the LORD.
- Isa.2.2-3 (thematic): Foretells a future time when many peoples will flow to the mountain of the LORD to learn and worship—closely parallels Zech.8.20’s motif of nations coming to the Lord.
- Mic.4.1-2 (thematic): Nearly parallel oracle to Isaiah 2: a later-day scene where many nations come to Zion to seek God's instruction and judgement, matching Zechariah’s universalizing hope.
- Zech.14.16 (thematic): Describes surviving nations coming up to Jerusalem to worship the King, the LORD of hosts—another prophetic vision of nations gathering to the LORD comparable to Zech.8.20.
Alternative generated candidates
- Thus says the LORD of hosts: It shall come to pass that many peoples and the inhabitants of many cities will yet come,
- Thus says the LORD of hosts: Behold, many peoples and the inhabitants of many cities shall yet come.
Zec.8.21 - Details
Translation
Original Text
Morphology
- והלכו: CONJ+VERB,qal,perf,3,m,pl
- ישבי: NOUN,m,pl,cons
- אחת: NUM,f,sg
- אל: NEG
- אחת: NUM,f,sg
- לאמר: INF,qal,infc
- נלכה: VERB,qal,cohort,1,_,pl
- הלוך: VERB,qal,part,3,m,sg
- לחלות: VERB,qal,inf
- את: PRT,acc
- פני: NOUN,m,sg,cons
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- ולבקש: VERB,qal,inf,0,0,0
- את: PRT,acc
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- צבאות: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- אלכה: VERB,qal,impf,1,?,sg
- גם: ADV
- אני: PRON,1,sg
Parallels
- Zechariah 8:22-23 (structural): Immediate context and continuation: describes peoples and individuals coming to seek the LORD and to attach themselves to the inhabitants of Jerusalem—same theme and phrasing of moving from city to city to seek God.
- Isaiah 2:3 (verbal): Close verbal and thematic parallel: 'Come, let us go up to the mountain of the LORD... that he may teach us his ways'—invitation of peoples to go seek the LORD and learn his paths.
- Micah 4:2 (verbal): Nearly identical to Isaiah 2:3 (shared tradition): nations saying 'Come, let us go up to the mountain of the LORD'—echoes the communal movement to seek the LORD in Zechariah.
- Psalm 122:1-4 (verbal): Contains the celebratory formula 'I was glad when they said to me, "Let us go to the house of the LORD"'—similar language of going together to seek/worship the LORD in Jerusalem.
- Exodus 34:23 (thematic): Prescribes periodic pilgrimage: 'three times a year all your men shall appear before the LORD'—shared motif of communal movement to stand before/seek the LORD at his place.
Alternative generated candidates
- and the inhabitants of one shall go to another, saying, "Let us go speedily to entreat the face of the LORD and to seek the LORD of hosts; I will go also."
- And the inhabitants of one city shall go to another, saying, 'Let us go speedily to seek the face of the LORD, to seek the LORD of hosts'; I will go also.
Zec.8.22 - Details
Translation
Original Text
Morphology
- ובאו: VERB,qal,imp,2,mp
- עמים: NOUN,pl,m,abs
- רבים: ADJ,m,pl,abs
- וגוים: CONJ+NOUN,m,pl,abs
- עצומים: ADJ,m,pl,abs
- לבקש: PREP+VERB,qal,infc
- את: PRT,acc
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- צבאות: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- בירושלם: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,abs
- ולחלות: CONJ+PREP+VERB,qal,inf
- את: PRT,acc
- פני: NOUN,m,sg,cons
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- Isaiah 2:2-3 (thematic): Many nations/peoples coming to the mountain/house of the LORD to seek instruction and the presence of God—parallel vision of peoples streaming to Jerusalem to seek the LORD.
- Micah 4:2 (thematic): Closely parallels Isaiah 2:2–3: many nations will come and say, 'Let us go up to the mountain of the LORD'—same theme of nations seeking YHWH in Zion.
- Zechariah 2:11 (verbal): Within the same prophecy: 'many nations shall join themselves to the LORD' echoes 8:22’s motif of peoples coming to the LORD and identifying with him.
- Isaiah 56:6-7 (thematic): Foreigners who join themselves to the LORD are welcomed and their offerings accepted in God’s house—anticipates nations coming to worship in Jerusalem.
- Isaiah 66:18-19 (thematic): God will gather and send survivors to the nations and make his glory known—connects the idea of nations being drawn to and confronted with the LORD’s presence.
Alternative generated candidates
- And many peoples and strong nations shall come to seek the LORD of hosts in Jerusalem and to entreat the favor of the LORD.
- Many peoples and powerful nations shall come to seek the LORD of hosts in Jerusalem, and to entreat the favor of the LORD.
Zec.8.23 - Details
Translation
Original Text
Morphology
- כה: ADV
- אמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- צבאות: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- בימים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- ההמה: DEM,m,pl
- אשר: PRON,rel
- יחזיקו: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,pl
- עשרה: NUM,card,m,pl
- אנשים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- מכל: PREP
- לשנות: PREP+NOUN,f,pl,cons
- הגוים: NOUN,m,pl,def
- והחזיקו: CONJ+VERB,hiph,perf,3,pl
- בכנף: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,abs
- איש: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- יהודי: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- לאמר: INF,qal,infc
- נלכה: VERB,qal,cohort,1,_,pl
- עמכם: PREP+PRON,2,pl
- כי: CONJ
- שמענו: VERB,qal,perf,1,c,pl
- אלהים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- עמכם: PREP+PRON,2,pl
Parallels
- Isaiah 2:2-3 (thematic): Nations stream to the mountain/house of the LORD to learn his ways — parallels Gentiles seeking Israel because God is with them.
- Isaiah 11:10 (allusion): The nations will seek the Root of Jesse as a banner for the peoples — similar imagery of Gentiles seeking a Jewish figure due to God's presence.
- Isaiah 56:6-7 (thematic): Foreigners are admitted to God's house and called to worship there — echoes inclusion of non‑Israelites drawn to Yahweh through Israel.
- Zechariah 2:11 (structural): Within the same prophetic book: 'many nations shall be joined to the LORD... and be my people' — closely related promise of Gentile turning to God via Israel.
- Acts 10:34-35 (thematic): Peter declares God shows no partiality and accepts those from every nation who fear him — New Testament fulfillment motif of Gentiles coming to God through contact with Jews.
Alternative generated candidates
- Thus says the LORD of hosts: In those days ten men from all the nations of every language shall take hold, yes, they shall take hold of the hem of a Jew, saying, "Let us go with you, for we have heard that God is with you."
- Thus says the LORD of hosts: In those days ten men from all the languages of the nations shall take hold of the hem of a Jew, saying, 'We will go with you, for we have heard that God is with you.'
The word of the LORD of hosts came, saying: Thus says the LORD of hosts: I am jealous for Zion with great jealousy; with fierce zeal I am zealous for her. Thus says the LORD of hosts: I will return to Zion and dwell in Jerusalem, and Jerusalem shall be called the faithful city, and the hill of the LORD of hosts the holy mountain. Thus says the LORD of hosts: Old men and old women shall again sit in the streets of Jerusalem; each one will have his staff in his hand because of great age.
The squares of the city will be full of boys and girls playing in its broad places. Thus says the LORD of hosts: It shall be marvellous in the sight of the remnant of this people in those days; and it shall also be marvellous in my sight, says the LORD of hosts. Thus says the LORD of hosts: Behold, I will save my people from the land of the east and from the land of the setting sun.
I will bring them back, and they shall dwell in Jerusalem; they shall be my people, and I will be their God in truth and in righteousness. Thus says the LORD of hosts: Strengthen your hands, you who hear these words from the mouths of the prophets in the day when the foundation was laid for the house of the LORD of hosts to be rebuilt.
For before those days a man's wage was not secure, nor the hire of the beast; and there was no peace for those who went out or came in because of the foe, and I sent every one against his neighbor. But now I will not be as in the former days to the remnant of this people, says the LORD of hosts.
For there shall be a sowing of peace: the vine shall yield its fruit, the land shall give its increase, the heavens shall give their dew; and I will make the remnant of this people inherit all these things. And it shall come to pass that as you were a curse among the nations, O house of Judah and house of Israel, so will I save you, and you shall become a blessing. Do not fear; let your hands be strong.
For thus says the LORD of hosts: As I planned harm for you when your fathers provoked me to anger, says the LORD of hosts, and I did not relent,
so now I have again planned good for these days to restore Jerusalem and the house of Judah. Do not fear.
These are the things you shall do: speak the truth to one another; render judgments of truth and peace in your gates.
Do not devise evil in your hearts against one another, and do not love a false oath; for all these things I hate, says the LORD.
The word of the LORD of hosts came to me, saying: Thus says the LORD of hosts: The fast of the fourth, the fast of the fifth, the fast of the seventh and the fast of the tenth shall be to the house of Judah times of joy and gladness and cheerful festivals; therefore love truth and peace. Thus says the LORD of hosts: Many peoples and the inhabitants of many cities shall yet come,
and the inhabitants of one city shall go to another, saying, "Let us go at once to entreat the face of the LORD, and to seek the LORD of hosts." I will go also.
Many peoples and mighty nations shall come to seek the LORD of hosts in Jerusalem, and to entreat the face of the LORD. Thus says the LORD of hosts: In those days ten men from every language of the nations shall take hold of the hem of a Jew’s garment, saying, "Let us go with you, for we have heard that God is with you."