Zechariah 1:3

KJV

Therefore say thou unto them, Thus saith the LORD of hosts; Turn ye unto me, saith the LORD of hosts, and I will turn unto you, saith the LORD of hosts.

KJV (with Strong's)

Therefore say {H559} thou unto them, Thus saith {H559} the LORD {H3068} of hosts {H6635}; Turn {H7725} ye unto me, saith {H5002} the LORD {H3068} of hosts {H6635}, and I will turn {H7725} unto you, saith {H559} the LORD {H3068} of hosts {H6635}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Therefore, tell them that ADONAI-Tzva'ot says this: '"Return to me," says ADONAI-Tzva'ot, "and I will return to you," says ADONAI-Tzva'ot.

Berean Standard Bible

So tell the people that this is what the LORD of Hosts says: ‘Return to Me, declares the LORD of Hosts, and I will return to you, says the LORD of Hosts.’

American Standard Version

Therefore say thou unto them, Thus saith Jehovah of hosts: Return unto me, saith Jehovah of hosts, and I will return unto you, saith Jehovah of hosts.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Zechariah 1:3 presents the foundational message of the prophet Zechariah's ministry to the post-exilic community in Judah: a direct and urgent call from the sovereign God for His people to repent and return to Him. This divine summons is met with an immediate and reciprocal promise that if they turn, God Himself will turn to them, signifying restoration, renewed favor, and active presence. The verse underscores God's unwavering desire for relationship and His readiness to respond to genuine human repentance.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Zechariah 1:3 serves as the programmatic introduction to the prophet Zechariah's ministry, immediately following a brief historical note about the timing of his prophetic word (Zechariah 1:1-2). It sets the spiritual tone for the entire book, establishing the prerequisite of repentance for the reception of God's blessings and the fulfillment of His promises. This initial call to "turn" precedes the series of eight night visions (Zechariah 1:7-6:8) that form the core of Zechariah's message, demonstrating that the visions, which offer hope and assurance regarding the Temple's rebuilding and Jerusalem's future glory, are predicated upon the people's spiritual responsiveness. It also stands in parallel with the ministry of Haggai, Zechariah's contemporary, both prophets urging the community to prioritize the rebuilding of the Temple and their spiritual lives.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** This prophecy was delivered in 520 BC, approximately 16 years after the first wave of Jewish exiles returned to Judah from Babylonian captivity under the decree of Cyrus the Great (538 BC). The initial fervor for rebuilding the Temple in Jerusalem had waned due to internal discouragement, external opposition from surrounding peoples (Ezra 4), and a focus on personal dwellings rather than God's house. The land was still under Persian rule, and the returned exiles faced economic hardship and a sense of disillusionment. Zechariah's message, therefore, addresses a community that had experienced God's faithfulness in their return but had subsequently grown spiritually apathetic and stalled in their covenant responsibilities. The call to "turn" was a direct challenge to their current spiritual state, reminding them of the consequences of their ancestors' disobedience that led to the exile, as highlighted in [Zechariah 1:2](/zechariah/1-2 "Zechariah 1:2 - God's Anger Against Their Fathers").
* **Key Themes:** Zechariah 1:3 introduces several foundational themes that resonate throughout the book and the broader prophetic tradition. Firstly, the theme of **repentance** is paramount, emphasizing a radical change of heart and direction away from sin and toward God. This is not merely a superficial act but a profound spiritual reorientation. Secondly, the verse highlights **covenantal reciprocity**, illustrating God's faithfulness to His covenant promises. His willingness to "turn unto you" is a direct response to the people's turning to Him, underscoring the dynamic nature of the relationship between God and His people, a principle seen in passages like [Deuteronomy 30:2-3](/deuteronomy/30-2-3 "Deuteronomy 30:2-3 - Return to the Lord"). Thirdly, the repeated use of the divine title "the LORD of hosts" (Hebrew: *Yahweh Sabaoth*) emphasizes God's **supreme sovereignty and authority**. This title assures the disheartened exiles that the command and promise come from the Almighty Commander of all heavenly and earthly armies, capable of fulfilling His word and intervening powerfully on their behalf, thus instilling confidence in His ability to restore and bless.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Turn (Hebrew, _shûwb'_ - H7725):** This primitive root is central to the prophetic message, meaning "to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively." In this context, it carries the profound theological sense of repentance, signifying a deliberate change of direction, a turning away from disobedience and spiritual apathy, and a turning back towards God. It implies a restoration of relationship and alignment with divine will, not merely a superficial action but a deep spiritual reorientation. The reciprocal nature of the verb ("Turn ye unto me... and I will turn unto you") highlights the dynamic of God's responsiveness to human initiative.
* **LORD (Hebrew, _Yᵉhôvâh'_ - H3068):** This is the sacred, covenantal name of God, derived from the root "to be" (הָיָה), signifying "the self-Existent or Eternal." Its repeated use in Zechariah 1:3 emphasizes that the message comes from the personal, covenant-keeping God of Israel, the one who is eternally present and faithful to His promises. This name assures the people that the call to repentance and the promise of return are from the very God who delivered their ancestors and brought them back from exile.
* **hosts (Hebrew, _tsâbâʼ'_ - H6635):** This word refers to "a mass of persons (or figuratively, things), especially regularly organized for war (an army)." When combined with "LORD" to form "LORD of hosts" (Yahweh Sabaoth), it portrays God as the supreme commander of all heavenly and earthly armies, the sovereign ruler over all creation. Its threefold repetition in this single verse underscores the immense authority, power, and might of the God who issues the command and promise, assuring the people that His word is backed by irresistible power and ultimate control over all circumstances, including their current struggles.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Therefore say thou unto them, Thus saith the LORD of hosts;":** This opening phrase establishes the divine origin and authoritative nature of the message. Zechariah is merely the messenger, relaying a direct, verbatim pronouncement from God Himself. The repetition of "saith the LORD of hosts" (which appears three times in this short verse) immediately imbues the command with ultimate authority, signifying that this is not a human opinion or suggestion, but a non-negotiable divine imperative from the sovereign ruler of the universe.
* **"Turn ye unto me, saith the LORD of hosts,":** This is the core command, an urgent and direct imperative for the people to repent. "Turn" (Hebrew: *shûwb*) implies a change of heart, mind, and action—a turning away from their spiritual apathy, their focus on self, and their neglect of God's house, and a turning back to a right relationship with God. The second declaration of "saith the LORD of hosts" reinforces the divine demand, emphasizing its absolute importance and the power behind it.
* **"and I will turn unto you, saith the LORD of hosts.":** This is God's reciprocal promise, contingent upon their obedience to the command to turn. It reveals God's gracious and responsive nature; He is ready and willing to restore His favor, presence, and blessings to a repentant people. The final repetition of "saith the LORD of hosts" serves as a powerful seal on this promise, guaranteeing that the Almighty, who commands all things, will indeed fulfill His word to those who respond in faith and obedience.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device employed in Zechariah 1:3 is **Repetition**, specifically the threefold repetition of the phrase "saith the LORD of hosts" and the double use of the verb "turn." The repetition of "saith the LORD of hosts" (Hebrew: *Yahweh Sabaoth*) serves to emphasize the absolute **Authority** and **Sovereignty** of the speaker, leaving no doubt that this is a direct, undeniable divine oracle rather than a human pronouncement. This insistent reiteration lends immense weight and solemnity to the message, assuring the disheartened exiles that the command and promise come from the Almighty God, who is fully capable of fulfilling His word. Furthermore, the repetition of the verb "turn" (**shûwb**) creates a powerful **Parallelism** and highlights the principle of **Reciprocity** in the covenant relationship: human action (turning to God) elicits divine response (God turning to them). This symmetrical structure underscores the conditional nature of God's promise, making it clear that His favor is contingent upon their repentance. The verse also employs **Imperative Mood** ("Turn ye"), which directly commands action, conveying the urgency and necessity of the people's response.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Zechariah 1:3 articulates a foundational theological truth: God's initiative in calling His people to repentance, and His faithful responsiveness to their genuine return. It underscores that spiritual renewal is a prerequisite for divine blessing and restoration. This principle is deeply embedded in the biblical narrative, demonstrating that while God is sovereign and acts according to His will, He also invites and requires human participation in the covenant relationship. His promise to "turn unto you" is not a passive waiting but an active engagement, signifying His desire to restore fellowship, provide help, and fulfill His purposes among a people who have reoriented their lives towards Him. This verse serves as a timeless reminder of God's unwavering grace and His readiness to draw near to those who draw near to Him.

* [Deuteronomy 30:2-3](/deuteronomy/30-2-3 "Deuteronomy 30:2-3 - Return to the Lord")
* [Malachi 3:7](/malachi/3-7 "Malachi 3:7 - Return to Me")
* [James 4:8](/james/4-8 "James 4:8 - Draw Near to God")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Zechariah 1:3 offers a profound and enduring message for believers today, echoing God's consistent call throughout history for His people to return to Him. In a world filled with distractions, anxieties, and temptations that can pull our hearts away, this verse serves as a timeless invitation to spiritual reorientation. It reminds us that our spiritual vitality and experience of God's presence are often directly linked to our willingness to confess our sins, abandon our idols, and wholeheartedly pursue Him. Whether we have drifted subtly through apathy or strayed significantly through disobedience, the "LORD of hosts" stands ready to receive us. His promise to "turn unto you" assures us that repentance is never in vain; it opens the door to renewed fellowship, fresh grace, and the active intervention of the Almighty in our lives. This isn't a call to earn His favor, but to respond to His loving initiative. For individuals, it means regularly examining our hearts and aligning our priorities with His. For the church, it's a reminder that true revival begins with a collective turning back to the foundational truths and commands of God's Word, trusting that as we seek Him, He will faithfully draw near to us and bless our endeavors for His glory.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life do I sense a need to "turn" back to the Lord, perhaps from apathy, distraction, or disobedience?**
* **How does the title "the LORD of hosts" encourage me to trust in God's power and faithfulness when I feel overwhelmed or discouraged?**
* **What practical steps can I take this week to intentionally "turn" towards God and experience His promise to "turn unto me"?**

### FAQ
**What is the significance of the title "the LORD of hosts" being repeated three times in Zechariah 1:3?**

Answer: The threefold repetition of "the LORD of hosts" (Hebrew: *Yahweh Sabaoth*) serves to emphasize the supreme authority, power, and sovereignty of God. It is a literary device used to underscore the divine origin and absolute certainty of the message. This title portrays God as the commander of all heavenly armies and earthly forces, assuring the post-exilic community that the call to repentance and the promise of His return come from an all-powerful God who controls all circumstances and is fully capable of fulfilling His word and restoring His people. It instills confidence in His ability to intervene and bring about the promised blessings.

**Does Zechariah 1:3 imply that God turns away from His people, and only turns back when they repent?**

Answer: This verse does not imply that God is fickle or that He abandons His people. Rather, it speaks to the dynamic nature of the covenant relationship. When Israel turned away from God through disobedience and idolatry, they experienced the consequences of a broken covenant, which included the withdrawal of His active blessing and presence in certain ways (e.g., the exile). God's "turning away" is often a metaphor for the withdrawal of His favor or the allowing of natural consequences due to sin, not a change in His character or love. His promise to "turn unto you" signifies His readiness to restore the full measure of His favor, active presence, and blessings when His people return to Him in genuine repentance. It highlights His faithfulness and desire for reconciliation, as seen in [Lamentations 3:40-41](/lamentations/3-40-41 "Lamentations 3:40-41 - Let us test and examine our ways").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Zechariah 1:3 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ, who embodies the perfect call to repentance and the complete turning of God toward humanity. The command "Turn ye unto me" is echoed in the New Testament as the very essence of the Gospel message, beginning with John the Baptist's cry to "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand!" ([Matthew 3:2](/matthew/3-2 "Matthew 3:2 - Repent, for the Kingdom of Heaven is at Hand")). Jesus Himself preached, "The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel" ([Mark 1:15](/mark/1-15 "Mark 1:15 - Repent and Believe")). In Christ, God has definitively "turned unto us" not merely in a promise of restoration, but in the ultimate act of self-giving love. Through His incarnation, crucifixion, and resurrection, God fully reconciled humanity to Himself, making a way for true and lasting repentance. The Holy Spirit, given through Christ, enables believers to genuinely "turn" from sin and self to God, empowering them to live new lives in accordance with His will ([Acts 2:38](/acts/2-38 "Acts 2:38 - Repent and Be Baptized")). Thus, Jesus is both the perfect embodiment of God's turning toward us and the means by which we are enabled to turn back to the "LORD of hosts" for eternal reconciliation and abundant life.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Malachi 3:7

¶ Even from the days of your fathers ye are gone away from mine ordinances, and have not kept [them]. Return unto me, and I will return unto you, saith the LORD of hosts. But ye said, Wherein shall we return?

Jeremiah 3:22

Return, ye backsliding children, [and] I will heal your backslidings. Behold, we come unto thee; for thou [art] the LORD our God.

Joel 2:12

¶ Therefore also now, saith the LORD, turn ye [even] to me with all your heart, and with fasting, and with weeping, and with mourning:

Jeremiah 4:1

¶ If thou wilt return, O Israel, saith the LORD, return unto me: and if thou wilt put away thine abominations out of my sight, then shalt thou not remove.

Deuteronomy 30:2

And shalt return unto the LORD thy God, and shalt obey his voice according to all that I command thee this day, thou and thy children, with all thine heart, and with all thy soul;

Deuteronomy 30:10

If thou shalt hearken unto the voice of the LORD thy God, to keep his commandments and his statutes which are written in this book of the law, [and] if thou turn unto the LORD thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul.

Lamentations 3:39

Wherefore doth a living man complain, a man for the punishment of his sins?