Zechariah 14:20

KJV

In that day shall there be upon the bells of the horses, HOLINESS UNTO THE LORD; and the pots in the LORD'S house shall be like the bowls before the altar.

KJV (with Strong's)

In that day {H3117} shall there be upon the bells {H4698} of the horses {H5483}, HOLINESS {H6944} UNTO THE LORD {H3068}; and the pots {H5518} in the LORD'S {H3068} house {H1004} shall be like the bowls {H4219} before {H6440} the altar {H4196}.

Complete Jewish Bible

When that day comes, this will be written on the bells worn by the horses: "Consecrated to ADONAI"; and the cooking pots in the house of ADONAI will be [as holy] as the sprinkling bowls before the altar.

Berean Standard Bible

On that day, HOLY TO THE LORD will be inscribed on the bells of the horses, and the cooking pots in the house of the LORD will be like the sprinkling bowls before the altar.

American Standard Version

In that day shall there be upon the bells of the horses, HOLY UNTO JEHOVAH; and the pots in Jehovah’s house shall be like the bowls before the altar.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
A profound prophetic vision of the eschatological "Day of the Lord," depicting a future era where holiness will pervade every aspect of existence, extending beyond the temple and sacred rituals to encompass even the most mundane objects and activities. It portrays a radical transformation where the distinction between the sacred and the common largely vanishes, as all things are consecrated and dedicated to the Lord, reflecting His universal reign and the complete sanctification of creation.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Zechariah 14 serves as the climactic conclusion to the book, detailing the profound events of the "Day of the Lord." This chapter describes a final, climactic battle against Jerusalem, the Lord's miraculous intervention on behalf of His people, and His subsequent establishment of universal reign from Mount Zion. Following the dramatic depiction of divine judgment and salvation, the chapter transitions to the glorious reality of God's kingdom. Verses 16-19 describe all surviving nations coming to Jerusalem annually to worship the King, the LORD of hosts, and to keep the Feast of Tabernacles, signifying a universal recognition of God's sovereignty. Zechariah 14:20, along with the subsequent verse, then focuses on the profound spiritual transformation that will permeate everyday life and objects, underscoring the pervasive nature of this future holiness.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Zechariah prophesied during the post-exilic period (c. 520-518 BC), a time when the Jewish people had returned from Babylonian captivity and were engaged in the rebuilding of the temple in Jerusalem. In this era, the concept of "holiness" was meticulously defined and primarily confined to the temple, its priests, and specific rituals and vessels, as outlined in the Mosaic Law. The inscription "HOLINESS UNTO THE LORD" (Hebrew: _qôdesh l'Yᵉhôvâh_) was famously inscribed on the gold plate of the High Priest's turban, symbolizing his consecration and the sacredness of his office in mediating between God and Israel (cf. [Exodus 28:36](/exodus/28-36 "Exodus 28:36 - The High Priest's Holy Diadem")). Horses were common animals used for travel, commerce, and warfare, while "pots" were ordinary household cooking or washing vessels. The application of such a sacred phrase to mundane items like horse bells and the elevation of common pots to the status of sacred altar bowls would have been a profoundly radical and counter-cultural concept to Zechariah's original audience, challenging their established understanding of sacred space and objects.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several key themes within Zechariah and broader biblical prophecy. Firstly, it highlights the **universal reign of God** and the **eschatological transformation** of creation, where the Lord's sovereignty is not merely acknowledged but actively permeates every facet of existence. Secondly, it emphasizes **pervasive holiness and sanctification**, illustrating that in "that day," holiness will not be restricted to the temple or specific religious rituals but will extend to every part of life, including the seemingly secular or mundane. This leads to the theme of the **sanctification of the ordinary**, where common items are purified and set apart for divine use, reflecting a pervasive sense of God's presence. Finally, it speaks to the **removal of sacred-profane distinctions**, indicating a time of unblemished worship and true spiritual purity, where the transformation of objects symbolizes a deeper transformation of the heart and intentions of the people, culminating in a state of **true worship** that encompasses all of life, as anticipated in passages like [Malachi 1:11](/malachi/1-11 "Malachi 1:11 - God's Name Honored Among the Nations") and [Isaiah 60:19-20](/isaiah/60-19-20 "Isaiah 60:19-20 - The Lord as Eternal Light").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **HOLINESS (Hebrew, _qôdesh'_):** From H6944, meaning "a sacred place or thing; sanctity." This term denotes that which is set apart for God's exclusive use, pure, and consecrated. Traditionally, its application was highly restricted, primarily to the temple, its furnishings, and the priestly garments. In Zechariah 14:20, its inscription on horse bells signifies a radical expansion of the sphere of the sacred, indicating that in the future, holiness will permeate even the most common and secular aspects of life.
* **Pots (Hebrew, _çîyr'_):** From H5518, referring to a common cooking or washing vessel. These were everyday household items, typically associated with mundane, non-sacred activities. Their mention here highlights the ordinary, unceremonial objects of daily life. The prophecy suggests that these common vessels will attain a status previously reserved for sacred implements.
* **Bowls (Hebrew, _mizrâq'_):** From H4219, meaning "a bowl (as if for sprinkling)." These were specific sacred vessels used in temple worship, particularly for collecting and sprinkling the blood of sacrifices before the altar. They were consecrated items, distinct from ordinary household utensils. The comparison between common "pots" and sacred "bowls" underscores the complete sanctification of all things in the eschatological age.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"In that day shall there be upon the bells of the horses, HOLINESS UNTO THE LORD":** This clause introduces the eschatological "Day of the Lord," a pivotal time of divine intervention and establishment of God's kingdom. It prophesies that even horse bells, which are associated with common activities like travel, commerce, or warfare, will bear the sacred inscription "HOLINESS UNTO THE LORD." This phrase, traditionally reserved for the High Priest's turban, signifies a radical and universal consecration. It implies that in the future, every aspect of life, even the seemingly secular or mundane, will be dedicated and set apart for God's glory and service.
* **"and the pots in the LORD'S house shall be like the bowls before the altar":** This second clause further illustrates the theme of pervasive holiness by drawing a powerful comparison. "Pots in the LORD'S house" refers to ordinary cooking or washing vessels used for daily, domestic purposes, even within the temple precincts (perhaps for preparing priestly meals or cleaning). These common items are declared to be "like the bowls before the altar," which were sacred vessels specifically used in sacrificial rituals for collecting and sprinkling blood. This comparison signifies the complete blurring of the distinction between the sacred and the profane; common objects will attain the same level of ritual purity and dedication as the most hallowed temple implements, indicating a state where all things are purified and consecrated for God's holy use.

#### Literary Devices
Zechariah 14:20 employs several powerful literary devices to convey its transformative message. **Symbolism** is central, with "bells of the horses" and "pots" symbolizing the ordinary, secular, and even potentially profane aspects of human existence, while "HOLINESS UNTO THE LORD" and "bowls before the altar" represent the sacred, consecrated, and ritually pure. The verse utilizes **hyperbole** by extending the High Priest's sacred inscription to horse bells, an extreme and exaggerated image designed to emphasize the absolute and pervasive nature of future holiness. This is further reinforced by **juxtaposition** and **contrast**, placing the common (horse bells, pots) directly alongside the sacred (High Priest's turban, altar bowls) to highlight the radical spiritual transformation. The comparison of "pots" becoming "like bowls" also functions as a **metaphor**, illustrating the sanctification and elevation of the mundane to a state of divine dedication. These devices together paint a vivid picture of a future where God's holiness permeates all of creation, leaving no area untouched by His sanctifying presence.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Zechariah 14:20 presents a breathtaking vision of God's ultimate redemptive purpose: the complete sanctification of all creation. This prophecy culminates the Old Testament's trajectory of a holy God desiring a holy people in a holy land, expanding it to a cosmic scale. It speaks to the final triumph of God's kingdom, where His glory will not merely reside in a temple but will permeate every facet of existence, removing the artificial barriers between the sacred and the secular. This pervasive holiness signifies a restoration of creation to its intended state of purity and dedication to its Creator, a time when all things will truly serve the Lord without blemish. It underscores God's absolute sovereignty and His desire for a world fully consecrated to Him, where even the most common elements reflect His divine presence and purpose.

* [Exodus 28:36](/exodus/28-36 "Exodus 28:36 - The High Priest's Holy Diadem")
* [Isaiah 60:19-20](/isaiah/60-19-20 "Isaiah 60:19-20 - The Lord as Eternal Light")
* [Revelation 21:22-27](/revelation/21-22-27 "Revelation 21:22-27 - No Temple in New Jerusalem")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While Zechariah 14:20 describes an eschatological reality, its profound implications resonate deeply for believers today. This vision challenges our often-compartmentalized view of life, where "spiritual" activities are confined to church or prayer, and "sacred" activities dominate the rest of our week. If God's ultimate plan is for all things to be consecrated to Him, then we are called to live in a way that anticipates and reflects this future reality now. This means striving for holiness not just in our explicitly religious practices, but in every corner of our existence: our work, our finances, our relationships, our entertainment, and even our most mundane daily routines. The verse reminds us that true worship is not limited to a sacred space but extends into every sphere of life, transforming our ordinary actions into acts of devotion and consecration to the Lord. By seeking to live out "HOLINESS UNTO THE LORD" in all we do, we participate in the unfolding of God's kingdom and bear witness to His transforming power in a world still awaiting its full sanctification.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Zechariah 14:20 challenge our modern distinctions between "sacred" and "secular" spaces or activities?**
* **In what practical ways can we apply the principle of "HOLINESS UNTO THE LORD" to the seemingly mundane aspects of our daily lives (e.g., work, finances, hobbies)?**
* **What does this verse teach us about the ultimate scope of God's redemptive work and His desire for all creation to reflect His glory?**

### FAQ
**Is this prophecy literal or symbolic?**

Answer: Zechariah 14:20 employs highly symbolic language and imagery to convey a profound spiritual truth. While it's unlikely that physical horse bells will literally bear an inscription or that common cooking pots will physically transform into sacred altar bowls, the underlying truth is profoundly literal in its spiritual fulfillment. The prophecy points to a future reality where God's presence and holiness will so fully permeate the earth and all of human activity that the distinction between sacred and common, clean and unclean, will largely dissolve. It signifies a complete and pervasive sanctification of all creation, where everything is dedicated to and reflects the glory of the Lord.

**How does this relate to the New Testament concept of holiness?**

Answer: Zechariah 14:20 beautifully foreshadows the New Testament understanding of holiness. In the New Covenant, holiness is primarily understood as the very character of God, which believers are called to embody through the indwelling Holy Spirit. Passages like [1 Peter 1:15-16](/1_peter/1-15-16 "1 Peter 1:15-16 - Be Holy, for I Am Holy") command believers to "be holy in all your conduct, because it is written, 'Be holy, for I am holy.'" Furthermore, the New Testament teaches that believers themselves are "temples of the Holy Spirit" ([1 Corinthians 6:19-20](/1_corinthians/6-19-20 "1 Corinthians 6:19-20 - Your Body is a Temple")), implying that their entire lives—their bodies, minds, and actions—are to be consecrated to God. Zechariah's vision anticipates the full realization of this personal and corporate holiness in a transformed world, where the inner transformation of believers leads to an outward sanctification of all things, culminating in the new heavens and new earth where righteousness dwells ([2 Peter 3:13](/2_peter/3-13 "2 Peter 3:13 - New Heavens and New Earth")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Zechariah 14:20 finds its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ and His redemptive work. Christ is the embodiment of perfect holiness, the very "Holy One of God" ([Mark 1:24](/mark/1-24 "Mark 1:24 - Jesus, the Holy One of God")). As our great High Priest, He not only perfectly fulfilled the requirements of the Law but also offered Himself as the ultimate sacrifice, purifying us from sin and making us holy before God ([Hebrews 9:11-14](/hebrews/9-11-14 "Hebrews 9:11-14 - Christ's Superior Sacrifice")). Through His death and resurrection, Christ initiated the new creation, bringing reconciliation not only to humanity but to all things in heaven and on earth ([Colossians 1:19-20](/colossians/1-19-20 "Colossians 1:19-20 - Reconciliation Through Christ")). The Spirit He poured out at Pentecost indwells believers, making their bodies temples of the Holy Spirit ([1 Corinthians 6:19-20](/1_corinthians/6-19-20 "1 Corinthians 6:19-20 - Your Body is a Temple")), enabling them to live lives of increasing holiness, transforming even their mundane activities into acts of worship. This present reality is a foretaste of the future Zechariah prophesied, where Christ's cosmic reign will fully sanctify all creation, removing all defilement and bringing about a new heavens and new earth where the presence of God makes all things holy, and there is no longer need for a temple because the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are its temple ([Revelation 21:1-4](/revelation/21-1-4 "Revelation 21:1-4 - The New Heaven and New Earth") and [Revelation 21:22](/revelation/21-22 "Revelation 21:22 - God and the Lamb are the Temple")).

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

Exodus 39:30

And they made the plate of the holy crown [of] pure gold, and wrote upon it a writing, [like to] the engravings of a signet, HOLINESS TO THE LORD.

1 Corinthians 3:16

¶ Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and [that] the Spirit of God dwelleth in you?

1 Corinthians 3:17

If any man defile the temple of God, him shall God destroy; for the temple of God is holy, which [temple] ye are.

Leviticus 8:9

And he put the mitre upon his head; also upon the mitre, [even] upon his forefront, did he put the golden plate, the holy crown; as the LORD commanded Moses.

Isaiah 23:18

And her merchandise and her hire shall be holiness to the LORD: it shall not be treasured nor laid up; for her merchandise shall be for them that dwell before the LORD, to eat sufficiently, and for durable clothing.

1 Peter 2:5

Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ.

Numbers 4:7

And upon the table of shewbread they shall spread a cloth of blue, and put thereon the dishes, and the spoons, and the bowls, and covers to cover withal: and the continual bread shall be thereon: