Zechariah 2:4

KJV

And said unto him, Run, speak to this young man, saying, Jerusalem shall be inhabited [as] towns without walls for the multitude of men and cattle therein:

KJV (with Strong's)

And said {H559} unto him, Run {H7323}, speak {H1696} to this {H1975} young man {H5288}, saying {H559}, Jerusalem {H3389} shall be inhabited {H3427} as towns without walls {H6519} for the multitude {H7230} of men {H120} and cattle {H929} therein {H8432}:

Complete Jewish Bible

and said to him, "Run and tell this young man, 'Yerushalayim will be inhabited without walls, because there will be so many people and animals;

Berean Standard Bible

and said to him, “Run and tell that young man: ‘Jerusalem will be a city without walls because of the multitude of men and livestock within it.

American Standard Version

and said unto him, Run, speak to this young man, saying, Jerusalem shall be inhabited as villages without walls, by reason of the multitude of men and cattle therein.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Zechariah 2:4 delivers a powerful prophetic vision of Jerusalem's future, portraying it not as a walled city but as an explosively growing, divinely protected metropolis, overflowing with people and prosperity. This message, given to the returned exiles, served as a profound encouragement that God's plans for their restoration far surpassed their immediate struggles and human limitations, promising an unprecedented era of blessing and security.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is part of a series of eight night visions granted to the prophet Zechariah, designed to encourage the Jewish community that had returned from Babylonian exile to rebuild the Temple and the city of Jerusalem. Specifically, Zechariah 2:4 immediately follows the vision of the man with a measuring line in [Zechariah 2:1-3](/zechariah/2-1-3 "Zechariah's Vision of the Measuring Line"), who seemingly intends to measure and wall off Jerusalem. The divine message in verse 4, delivered by an angel, dramatically supersedes this human intention, revealing a divine plan for Jerusalem's expansion that would render walls obsolete. This vision also builds upon the preceding visions of the four horns and four carpenters in [Zechariah 1:18-21](/zechariah/1-18-21 "Zechariah's Vision of the Four Horns and Carpenters"), which symbolized God's judgment against the nations that had scattered Judah, setting the stage for Jerusalem's restoration.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The prophecy in Zechariah 2:4 is delivered during the post-exilic period, approximately 520 BC, to a community that had returned to a desolate and war-torn Jerusalem. These exiles faced immense challenges: a ruined city, a destroyed Temple, economic hardship, and opposition from surrounding peoples. In the ancient Near East, city walls were paramount for defense, symbolizing security, strength, and identity. A city "without walls" would typically imply vulnerability and ruin. Therefore, the promise of Jerusalem being "without walls" yet inhabited by a "multitude of men and cattle" would have been counter-intuitive and astonishing to the original audience, highlighting God's supernatural intervention and protection over human efforts.
* **Key Themes:** Zechariah 2:4 contributes significantly to several major themes present throughout the book of Zechariah and the broader prophetic literature. Foremost is the theme of **Divine Restoration and Prosperity**, as the vision promises an unprecedented demographic and economic boom for Jerusalem, expanding beyond its traditional boundaries. This leads directly to the theme of **Divine Protection and Security**, where God Himself, rather than physical fortifications, becomes Jerusalem's ultimate defense, a concept explicitly stated in the subsequent verse, [Zechariah 2:5](/zechariah/2-5 "Zechariah 2:5 - God as a Wall of Fire"). The prophecy also underscores **God's Faithfulness to His Covenant Promises**, reassuring the struggling exiles that despite their present difficulties, God would fulfill His promises of a glorious future for His people and their city, a future that would encompass not only physical rebuilding but also spiritual renewal and a global witness, as seen in [Zechariah 8:20-23](/zechariah/8-20-23 "Zechariah 8:20-23 - Many Peoples Seek the Lord").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **inhabited (Hebrew, _yâshab'_):** From H3427, this primitive root means "to sit down," but implies "to dwell," "to remain," or "to settle." In this context, it conveys the idea of a stable, flourishing, and densely populated dwelling, emphasizing not just presence but established residence and growth.
* **without walls (Hebrew, _pᵉrâzâh'_):** From H6519, this term refers to "open country," "unwalled places," or "villages." It vividly describes a city that has expanded so dramatically that it has spilled beyond any conceivable defensive perimeter, becoming too vast to be contained by conventional fortifications. This signifies not vulnerability, but rather an overflowing abundance and a divine security that renders physical walls unnecessary.
* **multitude (Hebrew, _rôb'_):** From H7230, this word denotes "abundance" or a "great number" in any respect. Here, it specifically refers to the immense quantity of "men and cattle," underscoring the extraordinary demographic and economic flourishing of Jerusalem, indicating a level of prosperity and blessing far beyond what the returned exiles could have imagined.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And said unto him, Run, speak to this young man, saying,"**: This opening clause establishes the divine command and the urgency of the message. The "young man" is the angel who had the measuring line in the preceding verses, and the command to "run, speak" emphasizes the immediate and critical nature of the revelation that is about to supersede human plans.
* **"Jerusalem shall be inhabited [as] towns without walls"**: This is the core prophetic declaration. It paints a picture of Jerusalem's future expansion and prosperity. The comparison to "towns without walls" (or "unwalled villages") is paradoxical from a human perspective, as walls were essential for security in ancient cities. However, in this divine vision, it signifies an unprecedented growth that makes traditional containment impossible, and implies a security that transcends human fortifications.
* **"for the multitude of men and cattle therein:"**: This final phrase provides the reason for Jerusalem's unwalled state and its boundless expansion. The sheer "multitude" (abundance) of inhabitants—both human and animal—will necessitate its sprawling growth. This speaks to a future of incredible demographic flourishing and economic prosperity, a stark contrast to the desolate conditions the exiles found upon their return.

#### Literary Devices
Zechariah 2:4 employs several powerful literary devices to convey its message of hope and divine promise. The central image is a **Simile**, comparing the future Jerusalem to "towns without walls." This is a striking and paradoxical comparison, as ancient cities relied heavily on walls for security. The absence of walls here is not a sign of weakness but of overwhelming strength and expansion, signifying a divine protection that transcends human fortifications. This also functions as **Symbolism**, where "walls" represent human efforts at security and limitation, while their absence, coupled with immense growth, symbolizes God's boundless blessing and supernatural safeguarding. The phrase "multitude of men and cattle" employs **Hyperbole**, emphasizing the extraordinary and unprecedented scale of population growth and economic prosperity that Jerusalem will experience, far beyond normal urban development. This exaggerated description serves to underscore the magnitude of God's promised restoration.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Zechariah 2:4 profoundly illustrates God's commitment to the restoration of His people and His city, demonstrating that His plans are far grander and more secure than any human endeavor. The vision challenges the human tendency to rely on visible fortifications and limited perspectives, asserting that true security and flourishing come from divine presence and power. It highlights God's sovereignty over history and His ability to transform desolation into superabundant blessing, not merely rebuilding what was lost, but expanding it beyond measure. This prophecy serves as a powerful reminder that God's covenant promises are ultimately fulfilled, even when circumstances seem dire, and that His protective presence is more potent than any physical barrier.

* [Isaiah 54:2-3](/isaiah/54-2-3 "Isaiah 54:2-3 - Enlarge Your Tent")
* [Psalm 127:1](/psalm/127-1 "Psalm 127:1 - Unless the Lord Builds the House")
* [Revelation 21:24-26](/revelation/21-24-26 "Revelation 21:24-26 - Nations Walk by its Light")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Zechariah 2:4 offers enduring lessons for believers today, inviting us to embrace a divine perspective that transcends human limitations and anxieties. In a world that often seeks security in visible structures, financial stability, or personal control, this verse reminds us that true safety and flourishing are found in God's protective presence. It encourages us to trust in His boundless provision and supernatural ability to expand His work, even when our resources or circumstances seem meager. Just as Jerusalem was promised to burst forth from its confines, we are called to live with an expansive vision for God's kingdom, understanding that His plans for us and through us are often far greater than we can imagine. When we feel vulnerable or constrained, we can rest in the assurance that the Lord Himself is our ultimate "wall of fire," providing security and enabling growth beyond what any human effort could achieve.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **Where in my life am I relying on human "walls" for security, rather than trusting in God's divine protection?**
* **How might God be calling me to embrace an "unwalled" vision for my life or ministry, trusting Him for expansive growth beyond my current limitations?**
* **What "multitude" (of blessings, people, or resources) might God want to bring into my life or community if I step out in faith and trust His provision?**

### FAQ
**What does "towns without walls" mean in an ancient context where walls were crucial for defense?**

Answer: In the ancient Near East, city walls were absolutely essential for defense against invaders and symbolized a city's strength and security. Therefore, "towns without walls" (Hebrew: *prazot*) would typically imply vulnerability or a rural, undefended settlement. However, in Zechariah 2:4, it signifies the exact opposite. It's a prophetic paradox meaning that Jerusalem will grow so incredibly vast and populous that it will burst beyond any conceivable city walls, sprawling into the surrounding countryside. Its security will not come from physical fortifications but from God's direct, supernatural protection, as explicitly stated in [Zechariah 2:5](/zechariah/2-5 "Zechariah 2:5 - God as a Wall of Fire"), where the Lord declares He will be "a wall of fire all around her." This emphasizes divine power and abundant blessing over human limitations.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Zechariah 2:4 finds its ultimate and spiritual fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ and the establishment of His Church. While the immediate prophecy spoke to the physical restoration of Jerusalem, its deeper resonance points to the boundless, ever-expanding nature of God's kingdom, which is not confined by physical walls or earthly boundaries. Christ Himself is the true "wall of fire" for His people, providing perfect security and protection, as He promised that the gates of Hades would not overcome His Church ([Matthew 16:18](/matthew/16-18 "Matthew 16:18 - The Church Built on the Rock")). The "multitude of men and cattle" foreshadows the vast, diverse multitude of believers from every nation, tribe, people, and language who are brought into God's family through Christ ([Revelation 7:9-10](/revelation/7-9-10 "Revelation 7:9-10 - A Great Multitude Before the Throne")). The New Jerusalem, the heavenly city of God, is described as having no need for a temple or walls, for the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are its temple and its light, and its gates are never shut ([Revelation 21:22-27](/revelation/21-22-27 "Revelation 21:22-27 - No Temple in the New Jerusalem")). In Christ, believers become fellow citizens with the saints and members of God's household, built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus Himself as the cornerstone, a spiritual dwelling place for God ([Ephesians 2:19-22](/ephesians/2-19-22 "Ephesians 2:19-22 - Fellow Citizens with the Saints")). Thus, the vision of an unwalled, overflowing Jerusalem ultimately points to the boundless and secure spiritual dwelling that God provides for all who are in Christ.

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

Zechariah 1:17

Cry yet, saying, Thus saith the LORD of hosts; My cities through prosperity shall yet be spread abroad; and the LORD shall yet comfort Zion, and shall yet choose Jerusalem.

Ezekiel 38:11

And thou shalt say, I will go up to the land of unwalled villages; I will go to them that are at rest, that dwell safely, all of them dwelling without walls, and having neither bars nor gates,

Jeremiah 33:22

As the host of heaven cannot be numbered, neither the sand of the sea measured: so will I multiply the seed of David my servant, and the Levites that minister unto me.

Micah 7:11

[In] the day that thy walls are to be built, [in] that day shall the decree be far removed.

Jeremiah 31:27

¶ Behold, the days come, saith the LORD, that I will sow the house of Israel and the house of Judah with the seed of man, and with the seed of beast.

Ezekiel 36:10

And I will multiply men upon you, all the house of Israel, [even] all of it: and the cities shall be inhabited, and the wastes shall be builded:

Ezekiel 36:11

And I will multiply upon you man and beast; and they shall increase and bring fruit: and I will settle you after your old estates, and will do better [unto you] than at your beginnings: and ye shall know that I [am] the LORD.