Zechariah 8:16

KJV

These [are] the things that ye shall do; Speak ye every man the truth to his neighbour; execute the judgment of truth and peace in your gates:

KJV (with Strong's)

These are the things {H1697} that ye shall do {H6213}; Speak {H1696} ye every man {H376} the truth {H571} to his neighbour {H7453}; execute {H8199} the judgment {H4941} of truth {H571} and peace {H7965} in your gates {H8179}:

Complete Jewish Bible

These are the things you are to do: speak the truth to each other; in your courts, administer justice that is true and conducive to peace;

Berean Standard Bible

These are the things you must do: Speak truth to one another, render true and sound judgments in your gates,

American Standard Version

These are the things that ye shall do: Speak ye every man the truth with his neighbor; execute the judgment of truth and peace in your gates;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Zechariah 8:16 presents a foundational ethical directive from the Lord to the returned exiles, outlining the moral conduct essential for their restoration and flourishing. It calls for absolute honesty in interpersonal relationships, urging every individual to speak truth to their neighbor, and simultaneously demands the impartial and peace-oriented administration of justice in public life. This verse underscores that divine blessing and communal well-being are intrinsically linked to a society built upon integrity, truth, and righteous governance.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Zechariah 8 is situated within a series of prophecies (chapters 7-8) that address the people's questions about fasting and mourning, shifting the focus from ritualistic observance to genuine ethical and spiritual transformation. Following earlier chapters that detail visions of judgment and future restoration, chapter 8 offers explicit promises of God's renewed favor and prosperity for Jerusalem, conditional upon the people's obedience. Verses 1-15 paint a picture of a restored, thriving city, where God dwells among His people. Verses 16-17, including our focal verse, then provide the practical, moral requirements for living in light of these promises, serving as a hinge between the prophetic vision and the expected human response. The call to truth and justice directly contrasts the past sins that led to exile, emphasizing a new covenantal ethic.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The prophecy of Zechariah was delivered to the Jewish community that had returned from Babylonian exile, likely around 520-518 BC. They faced significant challenges: a desolate homeland, opposition to rebuilding the Temple and walls, and a general sense of discouragement. The city gates (`/zechariah/8-16` "Zechariah 8:16 - In Your Gates") in ancient Near Eastern cities like Jerusalem were far more than mere entrances; they served as the primary public square, economic hub, and, crucially, the seat of justice where elders and judges convened to hear disputes and administer law. Therefore, the command to "execute the judgment of truth and peace in your gates" directly addresses the integrity of their nascent legal and social system, which was vital for establishing a stable and righteous society in the post-exilic era.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several overarching themes in Zechariah and the broader prophetic literature. First, it highlights the theme of **Divine Requirements for Restoration**, demonstrating that God's promised blessings are not unconditional but require a corresponding ethical response from His people. Second, it emphasizes **Ethical Living as True Worship**, contrasting mere ritual (as discussed in `[Zechariah 7](/zechariah/7 "Zechariah 7 - True Fasting")`) with the practical outworking of faith in daily life and public administration. Third, the verse underscores the **Interconnectedness of Individual and Communal Righteousness**, showing how personal integrity (speaking truth to one's neighbor) directly impacts the health and stability of the entire community (just judgment in the gates). Finally, it speaks to the theme of **Peace and Justice as Foundations for Societal Flourishing**, echoing the prophetic ideal found in passages like `[Isaiah 32:17](/isaiah/32-17 "Isaiah 32:17 - Righteousness and Peace")`, where righteousness leads to peace and security.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **dâbâr (Hebrew, _dâbâr'_):** This word (H1697) is translated "things" in "These are the things that ye shall do." While it can mean "word," here it signifies "matter" or "affair," referring to the specific ethical directives that follow. It implies a concrete set of actions or principles that the people are commanded to perform, emphasizing the actionable nature of God's instruction.
* **ʼemeth (Hebrew, _ʼemeth'_):** Translated "truth" (H571), this word carries a profound weight beyond mere factual accuracy. Derived from the root `אָמַן` (aman), meaning "to be firm, trustworthy, reliable," `ʼemeth` denotes stability, certainty, and faithfulness. To speak `ʼemeth` is to be trustworthy and consistent in word and deed, reflecting integrity and reliability in all relationships. Its repetition in the verse ("truth to his neighbour," "judgment of truth") underscores its paramount importance.
* **mishpâṭ (Hebrew, _mishpâṭ'_):** This term (H4941), translated "judgment," refers to a verdict, sentence, or formal decree, often with a legal or judicial connotation. It encompasses the act of judging, the place of judgment, and the inherent right or privilege. Crucially, `mishpâṭ` implies justice and equity. When paired with `ʼemeth` ("truth") and `shâlôwm` ("peace"), it signifies a judicial process that is not only factually correct but also morally upright, equitable, and designed to foster societal harmony and well-being.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"These [are] the things that ye shall do;":** This opening clause serves as an emphatic introduction, signaling that what follows is not merely advice but a divine command. The Hebrew word for "things" (`dâbâr`, H1697) here refers to concrete actions and responsibilities, making it clear that God's expectations are practical and actionable, demanding obedience from His people.
* **"Speak ye every man the truth to his neighbour;":** This is the first specific ethical mandate. It calls for universal honesty and integrity in interpersonal relationships. "Every man" (`ʼîysh`, H376) emphasizes individual responsibility, while "his neighbour" (`rêaʻ`, H7453) signifies all those with whom one interacts, extending beyond immediate family to the broader community. The command to speak "truth" (`ʼemeth`, H571) implies not just avoiding lies, but living with faithfulness, reliability, and transparency, fostering trust and genuine community.
* **"execute the judgment of truth and peace in your gates:":** This second mandate shifts from individual ethics to communal governance and public life. "Execute the judgment" (`shâphaṭ`, H8199, meaning to judge or pronounce sentence) refers to the administration of justice. "In your gates" (`shaʻar`, H8179) vividly points to the public sphere where legal proceedings and civic affairs were conducted. The judgment must be based on "truth" (`ʼemeth`, H571), ensuring impartiality and factual accuracy, and must aim for "peace" (`shâlôwm`, H7965), meaning holistic well-being, harmony, and reconciliation, rather than mere retribution or division.

#### Literary Devices
Zechariah 8:16 employs several potent literary devices to convey its message. **Parallelism** is evident in the two main commands, "Speak ye every man the truth to his neighbour" and "execute the judgment of truth and peace in your gates." Both clauses emphasize "truth" and relate to ethical conduct within the community, one focusing on personal interaction and the other on public administration. This creates a balanced and comprehensive ethical framework. **Metonymy** is powerfully used with the phrase "in your gates." The "gates" (`shaʻar`) stand in for the entire judicial and civic system of the city. By commanding justice "in your gates," the prophet is not merely referring to a physical location but to the entire process of legal and public decision-making, signifying that all official actions must be characterized by integrity. The repetition of the word "truth" (`ʼemeth`) functions as **Emphasis**, highlighting its foundational importance in both personal and public spheres, underscoring that genuine restoration is built upon absolute fidelity.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Zechariah 8:16 articulates a core biblical principle: true spiritual revival and divine blessing are inextricably linked to ethical conduct and social justice. God's desire for His people is not merely ritualistic adherence, but a transformed life that manifests in integrity, honesty, and righteous governance. This verse underscores that God's character, which is inherently truthful, just, and peace-loving, should be reflected in the lives of His covenant people. It moves beyond individual piety to demand a corporate commitment to building a society where truth prevails in every interaction and justice is administered impartially, leading to genuine peace and flourishing. This holistic vision of righteousness is a consistent theme throughout Scripture, demonstrating that the health of a community is directly proportional to its adherence to God's moral standards.

* `[Ephesians 4:25](/ephesians/4-25 "Ephesians 4:25 - Speak Truth to One Another")`
* `[Micah 6:8](/micah/6-8 "Micah 6:8 - What the Lord Requires")`
* `[Proverbs 12:22](/proverbs/12-22 "Proverbs 12:22 - Lying Lips are an Abomination")`

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Zechariah 8:16 remains profoundly relevant for believers today, calling us to embody God's character in our personal lives and public engagements. In a world often characterized by deceit, polarization, and injustice, this verse challenges us to be beacons of truth and agents of peace. It compels us to cultivate personal integrity, ensuring that our words are reliable and our actions consistent with our faith, building trust within our families, workplaces, and communities. Furthermore, it extends our responsibility beyond individual ethics to societal structures, urging us to advocate for and participate in systems that administer justice impartially and promote reconciliation. Whether in legal, political, or social spheres, we are called to seek the welfare of our communities by upholding truth and striving for `[peace](/romans/14-19 "Romans 14:19 - Pursue Peace and Mutual Edification")`, recognizing that our collective well-being is fostered when righteousness prevails. This verse reminds us that our faith is not merely private but has profound public implications, calling us to contribute to a society that reflects the values of God's kingdom.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what specific areas of your life (e.g., social media, work, family) can you be more intentional about "speaking the truth to your neighbor"?**
* **How does the call to "execute the judgment of truth and peace in your gates" apply to your sphere of influence, whether in a professional capacity, community involvement, or simply as an engaged citizen?**
* **What are the practical steps you can take to foster an environment of truth and peace within your church or local community?**

### FAQ
**What does "in your gates" specifically refer to in this verse?**

Answer: In ancient Israel, the "gates" (`[shaʻar](/zechariah/8-16 "Zechariah 8:16 - In Your Gates")`) of a city were much more than just entrances. They were the central hub of civic life. This was where elders and judges would sit to administer justice, hear legal disputes, conduct business transactions, and make public announcements. Therefore, the phrase "execute the judgment of truth and peace in your gates" is a metonymy for the entire judicial and public administrative system of the community. It means that all official decisions, legal proceedings, and public dealings must be characterized by impartiality, fairness, and a commitment to both factual truth and societal harmony. It's a call for transparent and righteous governance that benefits the entire community.

**Is the command to "speak the truth to his neighbour" merely about avoiding lies, or does it imply something deeper?**

Answer: While avoiding lies is certainly part of it, the Hebrew word for "truth" (`[ʼemeth](/zechariah/8-16 "Zechariah 8:16 - Speak Truth")`, H571) carries a much richer meaning than mere factual accuracy. It implies faithfulness, reliability, and consistency. Derived from the root `אָמָן` (aman), from which we get "Amen," it suggests firmness and trustworthiness. So, "speaking the truth to his neighbour" means more than just not telling falsehoods; it means being a person of integrity whose words are dependable, whose promises are kept, and whose character is reliable. It's about living authentically and transparently, fostering trust and genuine relationships within the community, reflecting God's own trustworthy nature (`[Psalm 33:4](/psalms/33-4 "Psalm 33:4 - The Word of the Lord is Upright and All His Work is Done in Truth")`).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Zechariah 8:16 finds its ultimate fulfillment and deepest meaning in Jesus Christ, who is the embodiment of truth, justice, and peace. He is the `[Truth incarnate](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus, the Way, the Truth, and the Life")`, not merely speaking truth but being the very essence of reality and faithfulness. His life perfectly exemplified speaking truth to His neighbor, engaging with all people with unwavering integrity and transparency, even when it led to His crucifixion. Furthermore, Christ is the ultimate judge, whose `[judgment is true and righteous](/john/5-30 "John 5:30 - Jesus Judges Righteously")` because it is perfectly aligned with the Father's will. He did not merely execute judgment but also brought about the `[judgment of truth and peace](/ephesians/2-14 "Ephesians 2:14 - Christ is Our Peace")` through His atoning work, reconciling humanity to God and breaking down the dividing wall of hostility. As believers, we are called to live out the principles of Zechariah 8:16 as those `[transformed into His likeness](/colossians/3-9-10 "Colossians 3:9-10 - Put Off the Old Self, Put On the New")`. We are to be people of truth, reflecting the character of Christ in all our interactions, and to be `[peacemakers](/matthew/5-9 "Matthew 5:9 - Blessed are the Peacemakers")` who actively pursue justice and reconciliation in a broken world, thereby testifying to the reign of the One who is both our Truth and our Peace.

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

Ephesians 4:25

Wherefore putting away lying, speak every man truth with his neighbour: for we are members one of another.

Zechariah 7:9

Thus speaketh the LORD of hosts, saying, Execute true judgment, and shew mercy and compassions every man to his brother:

Psalms 15:2

He that walketh uprightly, and worketh righteousness, and speaketh the truth in his heart.

Deuteronomy 10:12

¶ And now, Israel, what doth the LORD thy God require of thee, but to fear the LORD thy God, to walk in all his ways, and to love him, and to serve the LORD thy God with all thy heart and with all thy soul,

Deuteronomy 10:13

To keep the commandments of the LORD, and his statutes, which I command thee this day for thy good?

Zechariah 8:19

Thus saith the LORD of hosts; The fast of the fourth [month], and the fast of the fifth, and the fast of the seventh, and the fast of the tenth, shall be to the house of Judah joy and gladness, and cheerful feasts; therefore love the truth and peace.

Luke 3:8

Bring forth therefore fruits worthy of repentance, and begin not to say within yourselves, We have Abraham to [our] father: for I say unto you, That God is able of these stones to raise up children unto Abraham.