14:19 14:19

Zechariah 14:20

14:21 14:21

Bible Versions

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.
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}.
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.
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.
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.

Zechariah 14:20 is a profound prophetic verse that paints a vivid picture of a future era, often understood as the Messianic kingdom or the eternal state. It describes a time when holiness will permeate every aspect of life, transforming even the most mundane objects into sacred vessels.

Context

This verse concludes a powerful chapter in Zechariah that details the "Day of the Lord" – a period of divine judgment and ultimate triumph for God's people and His kingdom. Zechariah 14 describes a climactic battle against Jerusalem, the Lord's miraculous intervention, and the subsequent establishment of His universal reign from Mount Zion. The chapter envisions a transformed earth, with living waters flowing from Jerusalem, and a radical purification that extends even to the mundane. Verses 16-19 speak of all nations coming to Jerusalem to worship the King, the LORD of hosts, and to keep the Feast of Tabernacles, emphasizing a universal recognition of God's sovereignty. Verse 20, along with verse 21, then focuses on the profound spiritual transformation of everyday life and objects.

Key Themes

  • Universal Holiness and Sanctification: The primary message is that in "that day," holiness will not be confined to the temple or specific rituals but will extend to every part of life. The inscription "HOLINESS UNTO THE LORD," once reserved for the High Priest's turban (Exodus 28:36), will be found even on the bells of horses. This signifies that common, secular items will be dedicated and consecrated to God.
  • Sacredness of the Ordinary: The comparison between "the pots in the LORD'S house" (common cooking or washing vessels) and "the bowls before the altar" (sacred vessels used for sacrificial blood) highlights that the distinction between holy and common will largely disappear. Everything will be purified and set apart for divine use, reflecting a pervasive sense of God's presence and sanctification.
  • Purity of Worship: This future era will be characterized by unblemished worship and true spiritual purity. The transformation of objects symbolizes a deeper transformation of the heart and intentions of the people.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "HOLINESS UNTO THE LORD" is a direct translation of the Hebrew qodesh l'Adonai (קֹדֶשׁ לַיהוָה). As mentioned, this was written on the gold plate of the High Priest's turban, signifying his dedication and consecration to God in his sacred duties. Its application to horse bells, which are associated with travel, commerce, and even warfare, dramatically illustrates the extent of this future holiness. It implies that all activities, even those outside the explicit religious sphere, will be brought under the umbrella of divine consecration.

Practical Application and Reflection

While Zechariah 14:20 speaks of a future, eschatological reality, it holds profound implications for believers today. It challenges us to consider how we can strive for a greater measure of holiness in all aspects of our lives now. If God's ultimate plan is for everything to be consecrated to Him, then we are called to live in a way that reflects His holiness in our daily routines, our work, our relationships, and our possessions. This verse reminds us that true worship extends beyond the church building and into every corner of our existence, anticipating the day when the Lord's glory will truly fill the earth (Habakkuk 2:14).

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.

  • 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:
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