Zechariah 8:2

KJV

Thus saith the LORD of hosts; I was jealous for Zion with great jealousy, and I was jealous for her with great fury.

KJV (with Strong's)

Thus saith {H559} the LORD {H3068} of hosts {H6635}; I was jealous {H7065} for Zion {H6726} with great {H1419} jealousy {H7068}, and I was jealous {H7065} for her with great {H1419} fury {H2534}.

Complete Jewish Bible

"ADONAI-Tzva'ot says, 'I am extremely jealous on Tziyon's behalf, and I am jealous for her with great fury.'

Berean Standard Bible

This is what the LORD of Hosts says: “I am jealous for Zion with great zeal; I am jealous for her with great fervor.”

American Standard Version

Thus saith Jehovah of hosts: I am jealous for Zion with great jealousy, and I am jealous for her with great wrath.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Zechariah 8:2 delivers a powerful and emphatic declaration from Yahweh Sabaoth, the LORD of hosts, expressing His intense, protective, and righteous jealousy for Zion. This divine zeal is coupled with "great fury," signifying God's passionate commitment to His covenant people and His holy city, Jerusalem, and His resolute indignation against any who would oppose His purposes or harm His chosen ones. The verse serves as a profound assurance to the post-exilic community of God's unwavering faithfulness and His active defense on their behalf.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Zechariah 8:2 stands within a series of prophecies (Zechariah 7-8) that address the people's questions about fasting and their future. Following the night visions (Zechariah 1-6) which offered symbolic encouragement, chapters 7-8 pivot to direct prophetic words concerning Jerusalem's restoration and future glory. This particular verse is part of a larger oracle (Zechariah 8:1-8) where the LORD promises to return to Zion, dwell in Jerusalem, and restore His people, transforming their mourning into joy. The preceding verse, Zechariah 8:1, sets the stage by reiterating the divine source of the message, "Again the word of the LORD of hosts came to me." This repetition of the divine title underscores the absolute authority and certainty of the promises that follow, making Zechariah 8:2 a foundational statement of God's passionate commitment to the city and its inhabitants.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The book of Zechariah is a post-exilic prophetic work, delivered to the Jewish remnant who had returned to Judah from Babylonian captivity. After seventy years of exile, they faced the daunting task of rebuilding the temple and restoring Jerusalem. This period was marked by significant challenges: economic hardship, opposition from surrounding peoples (e.g., Sanballat and Tobiah in Nehemiah's time), and spiritual apathy among the people themselves, who had grown discouraged and prioritized their own houses over God's temple (as seen in [Haggai 1:4](/haggai/1-4 "Haggai 1:4 - Prioritizing Personal Comfort Over God's House")). The phrase "Thus saith the LORD of hosts" (Hebrew: *Yahweh Sabaoth*) was a common prophetic formula, but it held particular weight for a people feeling vulnerable. It declared that the message came from the sovereign Commander of all heavenly and earthly armies, assuring them that God's words were backed by omnipotent power and that He was fully capable of fulfilling His promises and overcoming any opposition. This divine title provided immense comfort and authority in a time of national weakness and uncertainty.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in Zechariah and the broader prophetic tradition. First, it highlights **Divine Jealousy and Zeal**, portraying God not as aloof but as passionately invested in His covenant relationship with Israel and His chosen city. This "jealousy" is not human envy but a holy, protective, and exclusive love, demanding fidelity and fiercely guarding His own. This aspect of God's character is echoed throughout Scripture, such as when He declares Himself a "jealous God" in [Exodus 34:14](/exodus/34-14 "Exodus 34:14 - The LORD, a Jealous God"). Second, the verse emphasizes **God's Love and Ownership of Zion**. "Zion" represents Jerusalem, the place where God chose to establish His name and dwell among His people, and by extension, the people of Israel themselves. God's "great jealousy" for Zion underscores His deep affection and proprietary interest in His chosen city and nation, promising its restoration and future glory, as also envisioned in [Isaiah 62:4](/isaiah/62-4 "Isaiah 62:4 - God's Delight in Zion"). Finally, the mention of "great fury" introduces the theme of **Divine Retribution and Protection**. This "fury" is righteous indignation, a determined resolve to act against those who oppressed Zion or hindered God's purposes. It assures the returning exiles that God will decisively deal with their adversaries, demonstrating His unwavering commitment to defend His beloved people and fulfill His redemptive plans.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **saith (Hebrew, _ʼâmar'_):** This primitive root (H559) means "to say" and is used with great latitude, encompassing declarations, commands, promises, and reports. In this context, "Thus saith the LORD of hosts" signifies a direct, authoritative, and unalterable divine utterance. It emphasizes that the following statement is not a human opinion or a mere suggestion, but a definitive word from the sovereign God, carrying the full weight of His authority and power.
* **jealousy (Hebrew, _qinʼâh'_):** Derived from the root H7065 (qânâʼ), this noun (H7068) refers to "jealousy or envy," but when applied to God, it consistently denotes His holy zeal. It describes His passionate, exclusive devotion to His covenant relationship with His people and His fierce intolerance for anything that would compromise that relationship, such as idolatry or unfaithfulness. It is a righteous and protective ardor, akin to a husband's zealous love for his wife, guarding their covenant against any infidelity or harm.
* **fury (Hebrew, _chêmâh'_):** This word (H2534) literally means "heat" but figuratively signifies "anger, poison." In the context of divine attributes, "fury" denotes a burning, intense indignation or wrath. When God expresses "great fury" for Zion, it is not uncontrolled rage, but a righteous and determined anger directed against those who oppose His will or harm His people. It underscores the strength of His protective zeal and His resolute commitment to act on behalf of His beloved.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Thus saith the LORD of hosts;":** This opening phrase functions as a solemn and authoritative pronouncement. It establishes the divine origin of the message, emphasizing that the words which follow are not human speculation but the direct, infallible declaration of God Himself, who is the Commander of all heavenly and earthly armies. This title, "LORD of hosts" (Yahweh Sabaoth), conveys His omnipotence and His absolute sovereignty over all creation and all historical events.
* **"I was jealous for Zion with great jealousy,":** This clause reveals God's profound emotional investment in His chosen city and people. "Zion" represents Jerusalem, the spiritual and political center of Israel, and metaphorically, the people of Israel themselves. God's "jealousy" here is not a negative human emotion of envy, but a holy, passionate, and protective zeal. It signifies His exclusive claim over His people, His covenant fidelity, and His fierce determination to guard His relationship with them against any rivals or threats. The repetition of the root word for "jealousy" ("jealous... with great jealousy") intensifies this divine emotion, highlighting its depth and earnestness.
* **"and I was jealous for her with great fury.":** This second clause reiterates and intensifies the previous statement. The phrase "for her" explicitly refers back to Zion. The addition of "great fury" (Hebrew: *chêmâh*) further amplifies the intensity of God's protective zeal. This "fury" is a righteous indignation, a strong and burning anger directed against those who have harmed Zion or hindered God's purposes for His people. It assures the returning exiles that God's commitment to them is so profound that He will actively and powerfully confront their adversaries, demonstrating the unwavering strength of His protective love.

#### Literary Devices
Zechariah 8:2 employs several powerful **Literary Devices** to convey God's intense commitment. The most prominent is **Anthropomorphism**, where human emotions of "jealousy" and "fury" are attributed to God. This helps human readers grasp the depth and passion of God's protective love, though it's crucial to understand these emotions in their divine, holy context, devoid of human sin or imperfection. **Repetition** is also key, with the phrase "I was jealous for Zion... and I was jealous for her" emphasizing the singular focus and unwavering nature of God's zeal. This repetition creates a rhythmic and emphatic declaration. Furthermore, the use of **Intensification** through the adjectives "great jealousy" and "great fury" amplifies the magnitude and earnestness of God's passion. This is not a mild emotion but a profound, all-encompassing commitment. Finally, **Metonymy** is present in "Zion," which stands not only for the physical city of Jerusalem but also for the covenant people of Israel, underscoring God's personal relationship with them.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Zechariah 8:2 profoundly illustrates God's unwavering covenant faithfulness and His active involvement in the history of His people. His "great jealousy" and "great fury" are not capricious human emotions but expressions of His holy character, demonstrating His passionate commitment to His promises and His righteous indignation against anything that opposes His divine will or harms His beloved. This verse assures believers that God is not a distant deity but one who fiercely loves and defends His own, promising restoration and protection even in the face of overwhelming odds. It reveals a God who is deeply invested in the well-being of His people and the fulfillment of His redemptive plans for His dwelling place.

* [Exodus 20:5](/exodus/20-5 "Exodus 20:5 - God's Jealousy in the Ten Commandments")
* [Joel 2:18](/joel/2-18 "Joel 2:18 - The LORD's Zeal for His Land")
* [Nahum 1:2](/nahum/1-2 "Nahum 1:2 - God's Jealousy and Vengeance")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Zechariah 8:2 offers profound comfort and a challenging call to contemporary believers. In a world often marked by uncertainty and opposition, the declaration of God's "great jealousy" for His people provides immense security. It reminds us that God is not indifferent to our struggles or the challenges faced by the Church globally. His passionate zeal ensures His ultimate triumph over all adversaries and the fulfillment of His purposes. We can rest assured that He actively defends His own, and though we may face trials, God is a powerful protector who will ultimately deal with those who oppose His will. This divine jealousy also serves as a call to holiness and exclusive devotion. Just as God desires an exclusive relationship with ancient Zion, He desires His Church and individual believers to be set apart for Him alone. His passionate zeal compels us to live lives of faithfulness, avoiding anything that would compromise our devotion to Him, knowing that He desires a pure and unadulterated relationship. For those feeling discouraged or overwhelmed by the challenges of life or ministry, this verse is a potent reminder that God is fully invested in His plans and purposes, and His passionate zeal will see them through to completion.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does understanding God's "jealousy" as a holy, protective zeal, rather than human envy, deepen your appreciation for His character and His relationship with you?**
* **In what areas of your life or the Church's life do you need to trust in God's "great fury" to defend His purposes against opposition?**
* **What practical steps can you take to live a life of greater exclusive devotion to God, reflecting His "jealousy" for your heart?**
* **How can the assurance of God's unwavering commitment in Zechariah 8:2 encourage you when you feel discouraged or overwhelmed?**

### FAQ

**What does "jealousy" mean when attributed to God in this verse?**

Answer: When the Bible speaks of God's "jealousy" (Hebrew: *qin'ah*), it is fundamentally different from human envy. It signifies His holy, passionate, and exclusive devotion to His covenant relationship with His people. It's a righteous zeal that demands fidelity and fiercely protects His unique claim over His chosen ones. It means God is intensely committed to His promises and will not tolerate rivals or anything that threatens His covenant love. It's a protective, possessive love, ensuring His people's well-being and His own glory, as seen in [Exodus 34:14](/exodus/34-14 "Exodus 34:14 - The LORD, a Jealous God").

**Why does God express "great fury" in connection with His jealousy for Zion?**

Answer: The "great fury" (Hebrew: *chêmâh*) expressed by God is not uncontrolled rage but a righteous and intense indignation. It is directed against those who have harmed Zion (Jerusalem) or hindered God's redemptive purposes for His people. This "fury" underscores the strength and seriousness of God's protective zeal. It assures the returning exiles that God is not passive in the face of injustice or opposition, but will actively and powerfully confront adversaries on behalf of His beloved, demonstrating His unwavering commitment to defend His own and fulfill His plans, as also seen in [Nahum 1:2](/nahum/1-2 "Nahum 1:2 - God's Jealousy and Vengeance").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Zechariah 8:2, with its declaration of God's "great jealousy" and "great fury" for Zion, finds its ultimate fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The Old Testament "Zion" foreshadows the New Testament Church, the spiritual dwelling place of God, purchased by the blood of Christ. God's zealous love for Zion is perfectly embodied in Jesus, who demonstrated unparalleled zeal for His Father's house (compare [John 2:17](/john/2-17 "John 2:17 - Jesus' Zeal for the Temple") with Psalm 69:9). Christ's entire mission, from His incarnation to His atoning death on the cross, was driven by this divine zeal—to reclaim His people from sin and establish His kingdom. His "fury" against sin and all that opposes God's will was manifested in His condemnation of hypocrisy and His ultimate sacrifice, which satisfied divine wrath against sin, making a way for reconciliation. The promise of God dwelling in Zion is fulfilled in Christ, who is Emmanuel, "God with us" ([Matthew 1:23](/matthew/1-23 "Matthew 1:23 - Emmanuel: God With Us")), and in the Holy Spirit's indwelling of believers, making the Church the new temple ([Ephesians 2:21-22](/ephesians/2-21-22 "Ephesians 2:21-22 - The Church as a Holy Temple")). Ultimately, God's zealous commitment to His people culminates in the New Jerusalem, where He will dwell with them forever, and all things will be made new ([Revelation 21:2-3](/revelation/21-2-3 "Revelation 21:2-3 - The New Jerusalem Descends")).

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

Joel 2:18

¶ Then will the LORD be jealous for his land, and pity his people.

Zechariah 1:14

So the angel that communed with me said unto me, Cry thou, saying, Thus saith the LORD of hosts; I am jealous for Jerusalem and for Zion with a great jealousy.

Zechariah 1:16

Therefore thus saith the LORD; I am returned to Jerusalem with mercies: my house shall be built in it, saith the LORD of hosts, and a line shall be stretched forth upon Jerusalem.

Nahum 1:2

¶ God [is] jealous, and the LORD revengeth; the LORD revengeth, and [is] furious; the LORD will take vengeance on his adversaries, and he reserveth [wrath] for his enemies.

Psalms 78:58

For they provoked him to anger with their high places, and moved him to jealousy with their graven images.

Psalms 78:59

When God heard [this], he was wroth, and greatly abhorred Israel:

Isaiah 59:17

For he put on righteousness as a breastplate, and an helmet of salvation upon his head; and he put on the garments of vengeance [for] clothing, and was clad with zeal as a cloke.