Zechariah 3:10

In that day, saith the LORD of hosts, shall ye call every man his neighbour under the vine and under the fig tree.

In that day {H3117}, saith {H5002} the LORD {H3068} of hosts {H6635}, shall ye call {H7121} every man {H376} his neighbour {H7453} under the vine {H1612} and under the fig tree {H8384}.

When that time comes,' says ADONAI-Tzva'ot, 'you will all invite each other to join you under your vines and fig trees.'"

On that day, declares the LORD of Hosts, you will each invite your neighbor to sit under your own vine and fig tree.’”

In that day, saith Jehovah of hosts, shall ye invite every man his neighbor under the vine and under the fig-tree.

Commentary

Zechariah 3:10 paints a beautiful picture of future peace, prosperity, and security, concluding a significant vision given to the prophet Zechariah. It speaks of a time when God's people will live in such tranquility that they can freely invite their neighbors to share in their abundance, a hallmark of an ideal, harmonious society established by God.

Context

This verse is found within the third chapter of Zechariah, which describes a pivotal vision concerning Joshua the High Priest. In this vision, Joshua is cleansed of his filthy garments (representing the sins of Israel) and re-clothed in rich apparel, signifying divine forgiveness and restoration. This act symbolizes God's grace towards the post-exilic community, who had returned from Babylon and were engaged in rebuilding the Temple. Zechariah 3:10 serves as a concluding promise after the declaration concerning the coming of "the Branch" (a Messianic title), indicating the ultimate peace and blessings that will accompany His reign.

Key Themes

  • Peace and Security: The phrase "under the vine and under the fig tree" is a powerful and ancient biblical idiom for a time of profound peace, prosperity, and security. It signifies a period when each person lives safely in their own dwelling, free from fear of war or invasion, enjoying the fruits of their labor. This imagery is famously echoed in Micah 4:4 and was also used to describe the peaceful and prosperous reign of King Solomon in 1 Kings 4:25.
  • Messianic Hope: The opening phrase "In that day" (Hebrew: bayyom hahu) is a common prophetic marker in the Old Testament, pointing to a future, definitive era. Often, it refers to the Messianic age or the eschatological kingdom of God, when God's ultimate purposes for salvation and judgment will be realized. It signifies a time when perfect peace and justice will reign, fulfilling promises of a new covenant.
  • Community and Fellowship: The idea of "every man his neighbour" being called implies a harmonious community, marked by hospitality, open fellowship, and friendly interaction. This stands in stark contrast to the strife and fear often associated with times of judgment or war, highlighting a restored social order under God's blessing.
  • Divine Promise: The declaration "saith the LORD of hosts" underscores the certainty, authority, and power behind this promise. The title "LORD of hosts" (Hebrew: YHWH Sabaoth) emphasizes God's sovereign control over all creation and heavenly armies, ensuring that His prophetic words will inevitably come to pass.

Linguistic Insights

  • The phrase "In that day" (Hebrew: bayyom hahu) serves as a critical prophetic indicator throughout the Old Testament, consistently pointing to a future period of divine intervention, often encompassing both judgment and ultimate salvation, culminating in the establishment of God's perfect kingdom.
  • The title "LORD of hosts" (Hebrew: YHWH Sabaoth) is a majestic and powerful name for God, emphasizing His omnipotence and His command over all celestial and earthly forces, thereby guaranteeing the fulfillment of His promises with absolute certainty.

Practical Application

Zechariah 3:10 offers a profound and comforting vision of future peace and security under God's sovereign reign. For believers today, this verse serves as a powerful reminder of the ultimate hope found in Christ, who brings true and lasting peace (John 14:27). It encourages us to live with an expectant hope for the day when God's promises of perfect harmony, justice, and security will be fully realized through His kingdom. Furthermore, it inspires us to cultivate peaceful relationships with our neighbors now, reflecting the future reality of God's reign and extending hospitality in our own communities.

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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • 1 Kings 4:25 (7 votes)

    And Judah and Israel dwelt safely, every man under his vine and under his fig tree, from Dan even to Beersheba, all the days of Solomon.

  • Micah 4:4 (6 votes)

    But they shall sit every man under his vine and under his fig tree; and none shall make [them] afraid: for the mouth of the LORD of hosts hath spoken [it].

  • Hosea 2:18 (2 votes)

    And in that day will I make a covenant for them with the beasts of the field, and with the fowls of heaven, and [with] the creeping things of the ground: and I will break the bow and the sword and the battle out of the earth, and will make them to lie down safely.

  • Isaiah 36:16 (2 votes)

    Hearken not to Hezekiah: for thus saith the king of Assyria, Make [an agreement] with me [by] a present, and come out to me: and eat ye every one of his vine, and every one of his fig tree, and drink ye every one the waters of his own cistern;

  • Zechariah 2:11 (2 votes)

    And many nations shall be joined to the LORD in that day, and shall be my people: and I will dwell in the midst of thee, and thou shalt know that the LORD of hosts hath sent me unto thee.

  • John 1:45 (1 votes)

    Philip findeth Nathanael, and saith unto him, We have found him, of whom Moses in the law, and the prophets, did write, Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph.

  • John 1:48 (1 votes)

    Nathanael saith unto him, Whence knowest thou me? Jesus answered and said unto him, Before that Philip called thee, when thou wast under the fig tree, I saw thee.