7:5 7:5

Zechariah 7:6

7:7 7:7

Bible Versions

And when ye did eat, and when ye did drink, did not ye eat [for yourselves], and drink [for yourselves]?
And when ye did eat {H398}, and when ye did drink {H8354}, did not ye eat {H398} for yourselves, and drink {H8354} for yourselves?
Rather, when you eat and drink, it's just to please yourselves, isn't it?
And when you were eating and drinking, were you not doing so simply for yourselves?
And when ye eat, and when ye drink, do not ye eat for yourselves, and drink for yourselves?

Zechariah 7:6 (KJV) delivers a powerful divine indictment against the self-serving nature of the people's religious practices during the post-exilic period. Through the prophet Zechariah, God challenges the sincerity of their fasts and feasts, revealing that their observances were not truly for Him, but for themselves.

Context of Zechariah 7:6

This verse is part of a larger discourse in Zechariah chapters 7 and 8, which addresses a delegation from Bethel who inquired whether they should continue their traditional fasts commemorating the destruction of Jerusalem and the Temple. These fasts had been observed for seventy years during the Babylonian exile. God's response, delivered through Zechariah, shifts the focus from external ritual to internal righteousness. He questions the sincerity of their religious acts, implying that their mourning and feasting were born out of self-pity or mere tradition rather than genuine repentance or devotion to Him. The Lord's message underscores the importance of justice, mercy, and compassion, which they had previously neglected, leading to their exile.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Self-Centered Piety: The core message is that their religious acts—eating and drinking, which encompassed both feasting and fasting—were performed "for yourselves," meaning they were driven by personal gain, tradition, or outward show, rather than sincere devotion to God or concern for others. This highlights a common human tendency to turn spiritual disciplines into self-serving exercises.
  • True Worship vs. Ritual: God consistently emphasizes that He desires a transformed heart and righteous living over mere ceremonial observance. The question "did not ye eat [for yourselves], and drink [for yourselves]?" exposes a lack of true worship and obedience. This aligns with prophetic messages found elsewhere, such as Isaiah 58's description of a true fast that involves social justice and compassion.
  • Divine Scrutiny of Motives: This verse reveals God's deep interest in the motivations behind human actions, especially religious ones. He is not merely concerned with what we do, but why we do it. The people had meticulously observed their fasts, but their hearts were far from Him, as evidenced by their continued injustice and hardness of heart (as discussed in Zechariah 7:9-10).

Linguistic Insights

The KJV adds "[for yourselves]" in brackets, indicating it is supplied for clarity. However, the Hebrew structure itself strongly implies this self-referential nature. The phrase "did not ye eat... and drink" uses the Hebrew particle הֲלֹא (*halo*), which introduces a rhetorical question expecting an affirmative answer, essentially meaning "Surely you ate... for yourselves, didn't you?" The implied object "yourselves" (לָכֶם - *lakem*) emphasizes that the benefit and focus of their actions were directed inward, not outward towards God or others.

Practical Application

Zechariah 7:6 serves as a timeless challenge for believers today to examine the motives behind our spiritual practices. Are our prayers, fasting, giving, church attendance, and service truly for God's glory and the good of others, or are they driven by a desire for recognition, tradition, personal comfort, or a sense of duty without heart? This verse calls us to:

  • Examine Our Hearts: Regularly assess the "why" behind our religious activities. Are we seeking God's approval or man's?
  • Prioritize Righteous Living: Understand that genuine faith manifests in love, justice, and compassion towards our neighbors, not just in ritual. As Micah 6:8 states, God requires us to do justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with Him.
  • Seek God's Glory: Ensure that all our actions, especially those done in the name of faith, are ultimately directed towards glorifying God and serving His purposes, rather than being self-serving.
This verse reminds us that God desires authentic devotion and transformation of character over mere outward religious performance.

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.

  • 1 Corinthians 11:20

    When ye come together therefore into one place, [this] is not to eat the Lord's supper.

  • 1 Corinthians 11:21

    For in eating every one taketh before [other] his own supper: and one is hungry, and another is drunken.

  • Hosea 8:13

    They sacrifice flesh [for] the sacrifices of mine offerings, and eat [it; but] the LORD accepteth them not; now will he remember their iniquity, and visit their sins: they shall return to Egypt.

  • 1 Corinthians 10:31

    Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.

  • 1 Corinthians 11:26

    For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do shew the Lord's death till he come.

  • 1 Corinthians 11:29

    For he that eateth and drinketh unworthily, eateth and drinketh damnation to himself, not discerning the Lord's body.

  • Deuteronomy 12:7

    And there ye shall eat before the LORD your God, and ye shall rejoice in all that ye put your hand unto, ye and your households, wherein the LORD thy God hath blessed thee.
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