Zechariah 8:17

KJV

And let none of you imagine evil in your hearts against his neighbour; and love no false oath: for all these [are things] that I hate, saith the LORD.

KJV (with Strong's)

And let none {H376} of you imagine {H2803} evil {H7451} in your hearts {H3824} against his neighbour {H7453}; and love {H157} no false {H8267} oath {H7621}: for all these are things that I hate {H8130}, saith {H5002} the LORD {H3068}.

Complete Jewish Bible

don't plot harm against each other; and don't love perjury; for all these are things I hate,' says ADONAI."

Berean Standard Bible

do not plot evil in your hearts against your neighbor, and do not love to swear falsely, for I hate all these things,” declares the LORD.

American Standard Version

and let none of you devise evil in your hearts against his neighbor; and love no false oath: for all these are things that I hate, saith Jehovah.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Zechariah 8:17 delivers a divine mandate to the restored community in Jerusalem, urging them to cultivate inner integrity and truthfulness as foundational elements for a blessed society. The LORD explicitly forbids the malicious plotting of evil against one's neighbor and the practice of false swearing, declaring these actions to be utterly detestable to His righteous character. This verse underscores that genuine faithfulness extends beyond outward observance to the purity of one's heart and the veracity of one's words, establishing the moral prerequisites for God's continued favor and the flourishing of His people.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Zechariah 8:17 is situated within a pivotal section of the book (chapters 7-8) that transitions from the people's questions about fasting (chapter 7) to a series of glorious promises for Jerusalem's restoration and future prosperity (chapter 8). Following the exiles' return from Babylon, they were rebuilding the temple and their society amidst challenges and spiritual apathy. Chapter 7 recounts the LORD's rebuke for their past disobedience, emphasizing that their fasting was self-serving, not truly honoring God. Chapter 8 then offers a stark contrast, presenting ten specific promises of blessing and restoration for Zion, contingent upon their obedience. Verse 17 is part of a cluster of ethical commands (Zechariah 8:16-17) that immediately precede the promise that their fasts will be turned into joyful feasts (Zechariah 8:19), indicating that true spiritual revival and divine blessing are inextricably linked to moral uprightness and genuine righteousness in daily life.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The post-exilic community in Jerusalem faced the immense task of re-establishing a society after decades of displacement and the destruction of their homeland. The commands in Zechariah 8:17 directly address issues critical for social cohesion and divine favor in ancient Israel. "Imagining evil in your hearts against his neighbour" speaks to the pervasive danger of internal malice and conspiracy within a vulnerable community, which could lead to strife and injustice. The prohibition against "false oath" was particularly significant in a society where oaths were solemn, legally binding declarations, often invoked in God's name. Perjury undermined the judicial system, destroyed trust, and defiled the divine name, a grave offense under the Mosaic Law (cf. [Leviticus 19:12](/leviticus/19-12 "Leviticus 19:12 - Do Not Swear Falsely")). The LORD's strong declaration of hatred for these actions reflects the high value placed on truth, justice, and community harmony in the covenant relationship.
* **Key Themes:** Zechariah 8:17 contributes significantly to several overarching themes in Zechariah and the broader prophetic tradition. Firstly, it emphasizes the theme of **Inward Purity and Heart Integrity**. God's demand for righteousness extends beyond outward actions to the very intentions of the heart, a recurring motif throughout Scripture, as seen in the call to [guard one's heart above all else](/proverbs/4-23 "Proverbs 4:23 - Guard Your Heart"). Secondly, the verse highlights the critical importance of **Truthfulness and Justice** in communal life. False oaths and malicious intent directly undermine the fabric of a just society, echoing the Mosaic Law's emphasis on honesty and fair dealings (e.g., [Exodus 20:16](/exodus/20-16 "Exodus 20:16 - The Ninth Commandment")). Thirdly, it powerfully reveals **God's Moral Character**. The declaration "for all these [are things] that I hate, saith the LORD" underscores God's active opposition to sin and His unwavering commitment to righteousness, truth, and love. This divine aversion to evil is a consistent theme, as articulated in passages like [Proverbs 6:16-19](/proverbs/6-16-19 "Proverbs 6:16-19 - Things the LORD Hates"). Finally, the verse contributes to the theme of **Covenant Obedience as a Prerequisite for Blessing**. The promised restoration and prosperity are not automatic but are contingent upon the people's adherence to God's moral standards, demonstrating that true national flourishing is rooted in spiritual and ethical faithfulness.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **imagine (Hebrew, _châshab'_):** From H2803, this primitive root means "to plait or interpenetrate," and figuratively, "to plot or contrive (usually in a malicious sense)." It implies a deliberate, premeditated mental activity, not merely a fleeting thought. In this context, it refers to the intentional formulation of harmful schemes or malevolent designs within the heart against another person.
* **false (Hebrew, _sheqer'_):** From H8267, this word denotes "an untruth," "deceit," or "falsehood." When applied to an oath, it signifies perjury – a deliberate lie made under a solemn vow, often invoking God's name. It emphasizes the intentional deception and betrayal of trust inherent in such an act.
* **hate (Hebrew, _sânêʼ'_):** From H8130, this primitive root means "to hate (personally)." It conveys a strong, active aversion or detestation. When attributed to the LORD, it signifies His absolute moral opposition and abhorrence for the specified actions, revealing a fundamental aspect of His righteous nature.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And let none of you imagine evil in your hearts against his neighbour;":** This clause issues a direct, prohibitive command, targeting the very source of sin – the human heart. The emphasis is on the internal disposition, warning against the deliberate plotting or conceiving of malicious intentions, schemes, or harm towards one's fellow community member. It underscores that God's moral demands extend beyond outward actions to the inner thoughts and motives.
* **"and love no false oath:":** This second prohibition addresses the realm of speech and commitment. It forbids not merely the act of swearing falsely, but the very "love" or affinity for such deceitful practices. A false oath, or perjury, was a grave offense that violated truth, undermined justice, and profaned God's name, destroying trust within the community. The command implies a call to uphold absolute truthfulness and integrity in all declarations, especially those made under solemn vow.
* **"for all these [are things] that I hate, saith the LORD.":** This concluding declaration provides the divine rationale and ultimate authority for the preceding commands. The LORD Himself explicitly states His profound detestation for malicious intent and deceitful swearing. This powerful statement reveals God's righteous character as one who is utterly opposed to injustice, falsehood, and malice, serving as a solemn warning and a clear standard for His people. The phrase "saith the LORD" (Hebrew: _nᵉʼum Yᵉhôvâh'_) underscores the divine origin and unchangeable nature of this pronouncement.

#### Literary Devices
Zechariah 8:17 employs several potent literary devices to convey its message. The primary device is **Imperative Mood**, expressed through the prohibitions "let none of you imagine" and "love no," which convey direct, authoritative commands from God to His people. This creates a sense of urgency and non-negotiability regarding the ethical behavior required. **Parallelism** is evident in the two distinct but related prohibitions: imagining evil in the heart and loving false oaths. Both deal with internal disposition and external expression that violate truth and community harmony. The verse also features **Divine Declaration** ("saith the LORD"), which functions as an authoritative pronouncement, lending ultimate weight and solemnity to the commands and the divine hatred expressed. Finally, there is a subtle **Metonymy** or **Synecdoche** in the phrase "in your hearts," where the "heart" represents the totality of one's inner being, including thoughts, intentions, and moral character, emphasizing that true righteousness originates from within.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Zechariah 8:17 profoundly reveals God's unwavering moral character, emphasizing His absolute commitment to truth, justice, and the sanctity of human relationships. It teaches that true righteousness is not merely external conformity but stems from an inner purity of heart. God's declaration that He "hates" malicious thoughts and false oaths underscores His active opposition to all forms of sin that corrode trust and sow discord. This divine standard calls His people to reflect His character, fostering a community built on integrity, honesty, and genuine care for one another, which is essential for experiencing His promised blessings and dwelling in His presence.

* [Proverbs 6:16-19](/proverbs/6-16-19 "Proverbs 6:16-19 - Seven Things the LORD Hates")
* [Psalm 15:1-5](/psalm/15-1-5 "Psalm 15:1-5 - Who May Dwell on Your Holy Hill?")
* [Matthew 5:33-37](/matthew/5-33-37 "Matthew 5:33-37 - Jesus' Teaching on Oaths")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Zechariah 8:17 serves as a timeless mirror for self-examination, challenging us to look beyond outward appearances to the hidden recesses of our hearts. In a world often characterized by superficiality and deceit, this verse reminds us that genuine faith demands integrity from the inside out. It calls us to actively resist the temptation to harbor ill will, resentment, or any form of malicious plotting against our neighbors, recognizing that such thoughts are anathema to God. Furthermore, it compels us to uphold an uncompromising commitment to truthfulness in all our words and commitments, understanding that our integrity reflects God's own character. By shunning falsehood and cultivating sincere intentions, we not only honor the LORD but also contribute to the building of trust, peace, and genuine community, embodying the righteousness that God desires for His people.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What hidden thoughts or intentions might I be harboring in my heart that are contrary to God's command to "imagine no evil against my neighbor"?**
* **In what areas of my life might I be tempted to compromise on truthfulness, and how can I cultivate a deeper love for honesty in all my words and actions?**
* **How does understanding God's hatred for malice and falsehood motivate me to align my character more closely with His?**
* **What practical steps can I take today to foster greater trust and integrity within my family, community, or workplace, in light of this verse?**

### FAQ

**Why does God "hate" these specific actions?**

Answer: God's "hatred" (H8130, _sânêʼ_) is not an emotional outburst akin to human malice, but rather a righteous, moral abhorrence. He hates these actions because they are antithetical to His very nature, which is characterized by truth, justice, and love. Imagining evil in the heart (H2803, _châshab'_) against a neighbor undermines the love and unity He desires for His people, fostering discord and injustice. Loving a false oath (H8267, _sheqer'_) directly violates truth and trust, profanes His holy name when invoked in a lie, and destroys the fabric of a just society. These actions are destructive to both individuals and communities, standing in direct opposition to God's good and perfect will. His hatred is a holy rejection of all that is evil and a fervent commitment to all that is righteous, as seen in other passages detailing the [things the LORD detests](/proverbs/6-16-19 "Proverbs 6:16-19 - The Seven Abominations").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Zechariah 8:17 finds its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ, who perfectly embodied the righteousness and truthfulness that God demands. Unlike humanity, who often struggles with malicious thoughts and deceitful words, Jesus' heart was pure, and His words were always true. He taught that true defilement comes not from what enters a person, but from [what comes out of the heart](/mark/7-20-23 "Mark 7:20-23 - What Defiles a Person"), revealing the evil intentions that originate within. Jesus Himself never imagined evil against His neighbor; instead, He commanded His followers to [love their enemies and pray for those who persecute them](/matthew/5-44 "Matthew 5:44 - Love Your Enemies"), demonstrating the radical purity of heart Zechariah anticipates. Furthermore, as the embodiment of truth, Jesus declared, "[I am the way, the truth, and the life](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus, the Way, the Truth, and the Life")", and His "yes" was always "yes" (cf. [2 Corinthians 1:20](/2_corinthians/1-20 "2 Corinthians 1:20 - God's Promises are 'Yes' in Christ")). He perfectly fulfilled the law's demands for integrity and truth, even to the point of His [death on the cross](/philippians/2-8 "Philippians 2:8 - Christ's Obedience to Death"), where He bore the hatred and falsehood of humanity. Through His atoning sacrifice and the indwelling Holy Spirit, believers are empowered to put off the old self, which is corrupted by deceitful desires, and to be [renewed in the spirit of their minds](/ephesians/4-22-24 "Ephesians 4:22-24 - Put on the New Self"), enabling them to live lives marked by genuine love, truth, and integrity, reflecting the very character of God that Zechariah 8:17 proclaims.

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

Proverbs 6:16

These six [things] doth the LORD hate: yea, seven [are] an abomination unto him:

Proverbs 6:19

A false witness [that] speaketh lies, and he that soweth discord among brethren.

Psalms 5:5

The foolish shall not stand in thy sight: thou hatest all workers of iniquity.

Psalms 5:6

Thou shalt destroy them that speak leasing: the LORD will abhor the bloody and deceitful man.

Habakkuk 1:13

[Thou art] of purer eyes than to behold evil, and canst not look on iniquity: wherefore lookest thou upon them that deal treacherously, [and] holdest thy tongue when the wicked devoureth [the man that is] more righteous than he?

Micah 2:1

¶ Woe to them that devise iniquity, and work evil upon their beds! when the morning is light, they practise it, because it is in the power of their hand.

Micah 2:3

Therefore thus saith the LORD; Behold, against this family do I devise an evil, from which ye shall not remove your necks; neither shall ye go haughtily: for this time [is] evil.