Zechariah 8:15

KJV

So again have I thought in these days to do well unto Jerusalem and to the house of Judah: fear ye not.

KJV (with Strong's)

So again {H7725} have I thought {H2161} in these days {H3117} to do well {H3190} unto Jerusalem {H3389} and to the house {H1004} of Judah {H3063}: fear {H3372} ye not.

Complete Jewish Bible

so now, I resolve to do good to Yerushalayim and to the house of Y'hudah. Don't be afraid!

Berean Standard Bible

“so now I have resolved to do good again to Jerusalem and Judah. Do not be afraid.

American Standard Version

so again have I thought in these days to do good unto Jerusalem and to the house of Judah: fear ye not.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Zechariah 8:15 encapsulates a profound divine reversal and promise of restoration for the post-exilic community of Judah and Jerusalem. After a period of divine discipline and judgment, the Lord declares a deliberate and renewed intention to bestow favor, prosperity, and well-being upon His people. This declaration is coupled with a powerful exhortation for the people to abandon their fear and embrace the benevolent future God is actively bringing about for them, signaling a new era of blessing and security under His faithful hand.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Zechariah 8:15 is situated within a broader prophetic discourse in [Zechariah chapters 7-8](/zechariah/7 "Zechariah 7-8 - Fasting, Disobedience, and Future Blessings") that addresses the people's questions about fasting in the post-exilic period. Chapter 7 recounts the past disobedience of Israel that led to the seventy-year exile and the destruction of Jerusalem, emphasizing how their refusal to listen to the prophets resulted in severe consequences, as highlighted in [Zechariah 7:11-14](/zechariah/7-11-14 "Zechariah 7:11-14 - The Consequences of Disobedience"). Chapter 8 marks a dramatic shift in tone, moving from past judgment to future hope and restoration. It begins with God's declaration of intense [zeal for Zion](/zechariah/1-14 "Zechariah 1:14 - God's Zeal for Jerusalem") and His intention to return to Jerusalem and dwell in its midst. Verses 9-14 detail the hardships faced by the returned exiles—scarcity, fear, and lack of success in their rebuilding efforts—and contrast this with the divine promise to now "do well" where before there was only hardship. Verse 15 serves as a direct, emphatic summary of this new divine disposition, reinforcing the certainty of God's benevolent plan.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The prophecy of Zechariah was delivered to the Jewish community that had returned from Babylonian exile, around 520-518 BC. This was a challenging time for the returnees. They faced opposition from surrounding peoples, economic hardship, and spiritual apathy, which hindered the rebuilding of the Temple and the city walls. The glory of the former Temple was a distant memory, and their present circumstances were far from ideal. Culturally, they were a people grappling with their identity and destiny after a period of profound national humiliation and exile, questioning God's favor and their future. The prophetic messages of Zechariah, along with Haggai, were crucial in encouraging them to persevere in the work of rebuilding and to trust in God's faithfulness despite their present difficulties. The promise of "doing well" would have resonated deeply with a people who had experienced generations of "doing ill" due to their sins.

* **Key Themes:** Zechariah 8:15 contributes significantly to several major themes found throughout the book of Zechariah and the broader prophetic literature. A primary theme is **Divine Reversal and Restoration**, where God actively turns His disposition from judgment to blessing, transforming their fortunes. This is not merely a cessation of punishment but an active intent to bring about good, echoing the promise found in [Jeremiah 29:11](/jeremiah/29-11 "Jeremiah 29:11 - God's Plans for Hope"). Another key theme is **God's Steadfast Purpose and Faithfulness to His Covenant**, demonstrating that despite human failings and the consequences of sin, God remains committed to His promises for His chosen people, ensuring their ultimate well-being and the fulfillment of His redemptive plan. Finally, the verse highlights the theme of **Exhortation to Trust and Overcome Fear**, calling the people to respond to God's benevolent intentions with faith rather than anxiety, a recurring motif throughout Scripture, as seen in [Isaiah 41:10](/isaiah/41-10 "Isaiah 41:10 - Do Not Fear, For I Am With You").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **again (Hebrew, _shûwb'_):** From H7725, meaning "to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point); generally to retreat; often adverbial, again." In this context, "again" signifies a profound and deliberate change in God's disposition and action. It marks a turning point, indicating that God is reversing His previous stance of judgment and now actively returning to a posture of blessing and favor towards His people. This is not a mere repetition but a decisive shift in divine policy.
* **thought (Hebrew, _zâmam'_):** From H2161, a primitive root meaning "to plan, usually in a bad sense; consider, devise, imagine, plot, purpose, think (evil)." While often used in a negative connotation in the Old Testament (e.g., devising evil), here it is applied to God's purpose, demonstrating His sovereign and deliberate intention. The use of this word emphasizes that God's decision to "do well" is not a spontaneous reaction but a carefully considered, purposeful, and firm resolve, underscoring the certainty and intentionality of His benevolent plan.
* **to do well (Hebrew, _yâṭab'_):** From H3190, a primitive root meaning "to be (causative) make well, literally (sound, beautiful) or figuratively (happy, successful, right); be accepted, amend, use aright, benefit, be (make) better, seem best, make cheerful, be comely, [phrase] be content, diligent(-ly), dress, earnestly, find favour, give, be glad, do (be, make) good(-ness), be (make) merry, please ([phrase] well), shew more (kindness), skilfully, [idiom] very small, surely, make sweet, thoroughly, tire, trim, very, be (can, deal, entreat, go, have) well (said, seen)." This word encompasses a comprehensive state of well-being, prosperity, and favor. It implies not just the absence of harm but the active bestowal of good, encompassing material blessings, peace, success, and spiritual flourishing. God's intention is to bring about a holistic state of "goodness" for Jerusalem and Judah.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"So again have I thought in these days":** This opening clause emphasizes the divine initiative and the deliberate nature of God's renewed purpose. The adverb "again" (shûwb) signifies a dramatic shift from God's previous disciplinary actions and thoughts of judgment to a new, benevolent disposition. "In these days" highlights the immediacy and certainty of this divine decision, marking a specific turning point in the post-exilic period where God's active intervention for good is now manifest. The verb "thought" (zâmam), though often negative, here underscores God's sovereign and intentional planning for their welfare.
* **"to do well unto Jerusalem and to the house of Judah":** This phrase specifies the object and nature of God's benevolent intention. "To do well" (yâṭab) implies a comprehensive flourishing, encompassing prosperity, peace, and favor, reversing the previous period of hardship and scarcity. "Jerusalem" represents the city, the spiritual and political center, while "the house of Judah" refers to the people, the remnant of the southern kingdom. Together, they signify the entire community of God's chosen people, indicating that God's blessing will be holistic, affecting both their physical dwelling and their collective identity and well-being.
* **"fear ye not.":** This is a direct imperative from God, serving as both an exhortation and an assurance. Given the past hardships, the people would naturally be prone to fear, doubt, and despair. God's command to "fear not" (yârêʼ) directly addresses their anxieties, urging them to trust in His declared purpose. It is a call to faith, reminding them that His intentions are now entirely for their good, and therefore, there is no longer any reason for apprehension. This command empowers them to move forward in confidence, knowing that the sovereign Lord is actively working on their behalf.

#### Literary Devices
Zechariah 8:15 employs several potent literary devices to convey its message of hope and divine assurance. The most prominent is **Divine Speech/Direct Address**, as the verse presents God speaking directly to His people ("have I thought," "fear ye not"), lending immense authority and certainty to the promise. There is a clear **Contrast** or **Reversal** at play, highlighted by the word "again," which signals a dramatic shift from God's previous posture of judgment to one of active benevolence. This creates a powerful sense of hope, as the past suffering is contrasted with a future of divine favor. The phrase "fear ye not" functions as an **Exhortation** or **Imperative**, a common biblical motif that serves to encourage and reassure the audience, urging them to respond with faith rather than apprehension. The structure of the verse also demonstrates a form of **Parallelism** in its address to "Jerusalem and to the house of Judah," encompassing both the physical city and the collective people, ensuring the comprehensive nature of the promised blessing.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Zechariah 8:15 stands as a powerful testament to God's unwavering faithfulness and His ultimate desire for the well-being of His people, even after periods of discipline. It underscores the theological truth that God's character is fundamentally good and His purposes are ultimately redemptive. The divine decision to "do well" signifies a covenantal commitment that transcends human failure, demonstrating God's initiative in restoring the relationship and fortunes of those who have been chastened. This verse serves as a beacon of hope, reminding believers that divine judgment is not God's final word, but rather a means to bring about repentance and prepare the way for renewed blessing and flourishing in accordance with His sovereign plan.

* [Jeremiah 29:11](/jeremiah/29-11 "Jeremiah 29:11 - God's Plans for Hope and a Future")
* [Romans 8:28](/romans/8-28 "Romans 8:28 - God Works for Good in All Things")
* [Lamentations 3:31-32](/lamentations/3-31-32 "Lamentations 3:31-32 - The Lord's Compassion Endures")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Zechariah 8:15 offers profound encouragement for believers navigating seasons of difficulty, disappointment, or the consequences of past mistakes. It reminds us that God's ultimate disposition towards His children is one of benevolent intent, even when circumstances seem bleak or when we feel the weight of our own shortcomings. The divine declaration, "So again have I thought in these days to do well," invites us to trust in God's active and purposeful work in our lives, transforming situations from hardship to blessing. This verse calls us to lay aside fear and anxiety, which often paralyze us in the face of uncertainty or past failures. Instead, we are invited to embrace a posture of faith, confidently expecting God to bring about His good purposes, not because of our merit, but because of His unchanging character and steadfast love. It encourages us to persevere in faith and obedience, knowing that our labor in the Lord is not in vain, and that His promised goodness will indeed manifest.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life do you need to believe that God "again has thought... to do well" for you?**
* **What fears are you holding onto that God is calling you to release, based on His promise to "do well"?**
* **How does understanding God's deliberate "thought" to bless you impact your perspective on current challenges or past failures?**

### FAQ

**What does "So again have I thought" imply about God's character?**

Answer: The phrase "So again have I thought" (Hebrew: _shûwb_ and _zâmam_) implies a profound and deliberate shift in God's disposition towards His people. It reveals a God who, while righteous in His judgment, is also merciful and faithful to His covenant promises. It indicates that His disciplinary actions are not His final word, but rather a means to bring about repentance and prepare the way for renewed blessing. It underscores His sovereignty and intentionality, demonstrating that His decision to "do well" is a purposeful act of His divine will, rooted in His unchanging love and commitment to His people, as seen in passages like [Lamentations 3:22-23](/lamentations/3-22-23 "Lamentations 3:22-23 - The Lord's Mercies Never Cease").

**Why does God tell them to "fear ye not" in this context?**

Answer: God tells the people to "fear ye not" (Hebrew: _yârêʼ_) because they had endured significant hardship, exile, and ongoing challenges in rebuilding Jerusalem and the Temple. Their past experiences of divine judgment and current difficulties would naturally lead to fear, discouragement, and a lack of trust in God's future intentions. This command serves as a divine antidote to their apprehension, assuring them that His intentions have decisively shifted from judgment to blessing. It is an exhortation to faith, urging them to lay aside their anxieties and embrace the certain promise of His benevolent intervention, much like similar reassurances found in [Isaiah 41:10](/isaiah/41-10 "Isaiah 41:10 - Do Not Fear, For I Am With You") and [Psalm 27:1](/psalm/27-1 "Psalm 27:1 - The Lord is My Light and My Salvation").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Zechariah 8:15, with its promise of divine reversal and comprehensive well-being for Jerusalem and Judah, finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The "doing well" that God purposes for His people is fully realized in the new covenant established through Christ's atoning sacrifice. Where the Old Covenant brought a law that revealed sin and led to judgment, Christ came to bring grace and truth, ushering in an era where God's thoughts are perpetually toward blessing and reconciliation for all who believe. The command "fear ye not" resonates deeply with the New Testament message, as Christ Himself frequently exhorted His disciples not to fear, for He has overcome the world and secured their eternal peace ([John 16:33](/john/16-33 "John 16:33 - Overcoming the World")). Through His death and resurrection, Jesus became the true Temple, the dwelling place of God, and the means by which God's presence returns to His people in a far greater way than any physical rebuilding could achieve ([John 2:19-21](/john/2-19-21 "John 2:19-21 - Jesus Predicts His Resurrection")). The spiritual "Jerusalem and house of Judah" now extends to all who are in Christ, the spiritual Israel, upon whom God's ultimate favor and comprehensive "good" is bestowed, not based on their works, but on His perfect grace ([Galatians 3:28-29](/galatians/3-28-29 "Galatians 3:28-29 - Heirs According to the Promise")). In Christ, the fear of judgment is replaced by the assurance of eternal life and the promise that God works all things for the good of those who love Him ([Romans 8:28](/romans/8-28 "Romans 8:28 - God Works for Good in All Things")), truly fulfilling the ancient promise of God's benevolent thought toward His redeemed.

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 8:13

And it shall come to pass, [that] as ye were a curse among the heathen, O house of Judah, and house of Israel; so will I save you, and ye shall be a blessing: fear not, [but] let your hands be strong.

Micah 7:18

Who [is] a God like unto thee, that pardoneth iniquity, and passeth by the transgression of the remnant of his heritage? he retaineth not his anger for ever, because he delighteth [in] mercy.

Micah 7:20

Thou wilt perform the truth to Jacob, [and] the mercy to Abraham, which thou hast sworn unto our fathers from the days of old.

Luke 12:32

Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom.

Micah 4:10

Be in pain, and labour to bring forth, O daughter of Zion, like a woman in travail: for now shalt thou go forth out of the city, and thou shalt dwell in the field, and thou shalt go [even] to Babylon; there shalt thou be delivered; there the LORD shall redeem thee from the hand of thine enemies.

Micah 4:13

Arise and thresh, O daughter of Zion: for I will make thine horn iron, and I will make thy hoofs brass: and thou shalt beat in pieces many people: and I will consecrate their gain unto the LORD, and their substance unto the Lord of the whole earth.

Jeremiah 32:42

For thus saith the LORD; Like as I have brought all this great evil upon this people, so will I bring upon them all the good that I have promised them.