Zechariah 8:18

King James Version:

(The Lord speaking is red text)

¶ And the word of the LORD of hosts came unto me, saying,

Complete Jewish Bible:

This word of ADONAI-Tzva'ot came to me:

Berean Standard Bible:

Then the word of the LORD of Hosts came to me, saying,

American Standard Version:

And the word of Jehovah of hosts came unto me, saying,

KJV with Strong’s Numbers:

And the word^{H1697} of the LORD^{H3068} of hosts^{H6635} came unto me, saying^{H559},

Cross-References (KJV):

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Commentary for Zechariah 8:18

Zechariah 8:18 is part of a larger prophetic message delivered by the prophet Zechariah to the people of Judah after their return from exile in Babylon. The historical context is crucial to understanding the significance of this verse. The Jews had been allowed to return to Jerusalem by the Persian king Cyrus the Great, and they were in the process of rebuilding their lives, their city, and most importantly, the Temple, which had been destroyed by the Babylonians.

The verse itself is a continuation of God's message through Zechariah, which is why it begins with "And the word of the LORD of hosts came unto me, saying." This phrase indicates that what follows is a divine communication. While the specific themes of verse 18 depend on the translation and the verses that surround it, common themes in this part of Zechariah include the restoration of Jerusalem, the promise of God's presence among His people, and the future blessings that would come with obedience to God's laws.

In the broader context of Zechariah 8, the Lord speaks of the transformation of Jerusalem from a city of despair to one of joy and feasting. The Lord promises to bring back the exiles and to make Jerusalem a place of truth and holiness. The fasts that were a sign of mourning would be turned into joyous celebrations. Verse 18, therefore, is part of a larger narrative of hope and restoration, reassuring the people that despite the challenges they face, God is with them and will bring about a glorious future for those who remain faithful to Him.

In summary, Zechariah 8:18 is situated within a prophecy of hope and promise. It speaks to a people in the process of rebuilding not just their physical city but also their spiritual and national identity. The verse emphasizes God's active involvement in the affairs of His people and His intention to bring about a time of blessed prosperity and spiritual renewal.

*This commentary is produced by Microsoft/WizardLM-2-8x22B AI model

Strong's Numbers and Definitions:

Note: H = Hebrew (OT), G = Greek (NT)

1. Strong's Number: H1697
   There are 1290 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: דָּבָר
   Transliteration: dâbâr
   Pronunciation: daw-baw'
   Description: from דָבַר; a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause; act, advice, affair, answer, [idiom] any such (thing), because of, book, business, care, case, cause, certain rate, [phrase] chronicles, commandment, [idiom] commune(-ication), [phrase] concern(-ing), [phrase] confer, counsel, [phrase] dearth, decree, deed, [idiom] disease, due, duty, effect, [phrase] eloquent, errand, (evil favoured-) ness, [phrase] glory, [phrase] harm, hurt, [phrase] iniquity, [phrase] judgment, language, [phrase] lying, manner, matter, message, (no) thing, oracle, [idiom] ought, [idiom] parts, [phrase] pertaining, [phrase] please, portion, [phrase] power, promise, provision, purpose, question, rate, reason, report, request, [idiom] (as hast) said, sake, saying, sentence, [phrase] sign, [phrase] so, some (uncleanness), somewhat to say, [phrase] song, speech, [idiom] spoken, talk, task, [phrase] that, [idiom] there done, thing (concerning), thought, [phrase] thus, tidings, what(-soever), [phrase] wherewith, which, word, work.
   
2. Strong's Number: H3068
   There are 5521 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: יְהֹוָה
   Transliteration: Yᵉhôvâh
   Pronunciation: yeh-ho-vaw'
   Description: from הָיָה; (the) self-Existent or Eternal; Jehovah, Jewish national name of God; Jehovah, the Lord. Compare יָהּ, יְהֹוִה.
   
3. Strong's Number: H6635
   There are 463 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: צָבָא
   Transliteration: tsâbâʼ
   Pronunciation: tsaw-baw'
   Description: or (feminine) צְבָאָה; from צָבָא; a mass of persons (or figuratively, things), especially reg. organized forwar (an army); by implication, a campaign, literally or figuratively (specifically, hardship, worship); appointed time, ([phrase]) army, ([phrase]) battle, company, host, service, soldiers, waiting upon, war(-fare).
   
4. Strong's Number: H559
   There are 4434 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: אָמַר
   Transliteration: ʼâmar
   Pronunciation: aw-mar'
   Description: a primitive root; to say (used with great latitude); answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet.