Zechariah 8:20

KJV

Thus saith the LORD of hosts; [It shall] yet [come to pass], that there shall come people, and the inhabitants of many cities:

KJV (with Strong's)

Thus saith {H559} the LORD {H3068} of hosts {H6635}; It shall yet come to pass, that there shall come {H935} people {H5971}, and the inhabitants {H3427} of many {H7227} cities {H5892}:

Complete Jewish Bible

"ADONAI-Tzva'ot says, 'In the future, peoples and inhabitants of many cities will come;

Berean Standard Bible

This is what the LORD of Hosts says: “Peoples will yet come—the residents of many cities—

American Standard Version

Thus saith Jehovah of hosts: It shall yet come to pass, that there shall come peoples, and the inhabitants of many cities;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Zechariah 8:20 is a powerful prophetic declaration from the LORD of hosts, looking forward to a time of glorious spiritual restoration and international pilgrimage to Jerusalem. It foretells a future era when diverse nations and peoples, from various urban centers, will be drawn to Jerusalem, not merely as a rebuilt city, but as a spiritual magnet, seeking God's presence and truth, signifying a universal ingathering that transcends ethnic boundaries.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within a series of encouraging prophecies given to the returned Jewish exiles in Judah, assuring them of God's continued favor and future blessings after the Babylonian captivity. Chapters 7 and 8 form a cohesive unit addressing the people's questions about fasting and their future. Following promises of peace, prosperity, and the rebuilding of Jerusalem and its inhabitants (see [Zechariah 8:3-8](/zechariah/8-3-8 "Zechariah 8:3-8 - God's Return to Zion and Restoration")), Zechariah shifts focus from the internal restoration of Judah to its external impact on the world. The preceding verses in [Zechariah 8:18-19](/zechariah/8-18-19 "Zechariah 8:18-19 - Fasting Turned to Feasting") speak of God turning mourning into joy and fasting into feasts, setting the stage for a time of such abundant blessing that it will attract the nations.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The prophecy is delivered to a post-exilic community, a generation that had returned from seventy years of Babylonian captivity. They were engaged in the arduous task of rebuilding the temple and their shattered society. Life was challenging, marked by economic hardship, opposition from surrounding peoples, and a lingering sense of discouragement. The people were questioning the purpose of their fasting and whether God was truly with them. Zechariah's message, delivered through a series of visions and oracles, aimed to provide divine assurance, motivate them to continue rebuilding, and offer a grand vision of God's ultimate plan for Jerusalem and the nations, placing their present struggles within a larger, hopeful eschatological framework.
* **Key Themes:** Zechariah 8:20 contributes significantly to several major themes in the book of Zechariah and broader biblical prophecy. Firstly, it underscores **Divine Assurance and Sovereignty**, as indicated by the recurring phrase "Thus saith the LORD of hosts," emphasizing God's absolute power and faithfulness to His promises despite human weakness or opposition. Secondly, it highlights the theme of **Restoration and Future Glory of Jerusalem**, portraying the city not just as physically rebuilt but spiritually transformed into a center of global worship and pilgrimage. This vision extends beyond a purely Israelite focus to a **Universal Ingathering of Nations**, where diverse peoples are drawn to God. This aligns with similar messianic prophecies found throughout the Old Testament, such as those detailing the nations streaming to [the mountain of the Lord in the latter days](/isaiah/2-2-4 "Isaiah 2:2-4 - The Nations Come to Zion") or [Micah's parallel vision](/micah/4-1-3 "Micah 4:1-3 - The Mountain of the Lord's House").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **saith (Hebrew, _ʼâmar'_):** From H559, a primitive root meaning "to say," but used with great latitude. In this context, it signifies a direct, authoritative declaration from God. It emphasizes that the following prophecy is not a human speculation but a divine utterance, carrying the weight of God's unchangeable will and power to bring it to pass.
* **LORD of hosts (Hebrew, _Yᵉhôvâh tsâbâʼ'_):** Composed of H3068 (Jehovah, the self-existent or eternal God) and H6635 (a mass of persons, especially organized for war; an army, host). This divine title, frequently used in Zechariah, emphasizes God's supreme authority and omnipotence as the commander of heavenly armies and all creation. It assures the reader that the one making this promise has the power to fulfill it, no matter how grand or seemingly impossible.
* **inhabitants (Hebrew, _yâshab'_):** From H3427, a primitive root meaning "to sit down," "to dwell," or "to remain." Here, it refers to those who permanently reside in the cities. The inclusion of "inhabitants" alongside "people" underscores the settled, established nature of the communities from which these pilgrims will come, signifying a widespread and deeply rooted movement of nations towards God.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Thus saith the LORD of hosts;":** This opening phrase functions as a divine oracle formula, immediately establishing the absolute authority and certainty of the prophecy that follows. It is God Himself, the sovereign commander of all creation, who is speaking, guaranteeing the fulfillment of His word.
* **"[It shall] yet [come to pass], that there shall come people, and the inhabitants of many cities:":** This clause declares the future reality of a global pilgrimage. The phrase "it shall yet come to pass" emphasizes the certainty and future timing of this event. "People" (H5971, referring to a congregated unit or nation) and "the inhabitants of many cities" (H5892, referring to guarded places or towns, modified by H7227, "abundant" or "many") collectively signify a vast, diverse, and widespread movement of humanity. It indicates that not just individuals but entire communities and nations from numerous urban centers will be drawn to God's presence.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several significant literary devices. **Divine Oracle** is immediately established by the opening formula, "Thus saith the LORD of hosts," which authenticates the prophecy as a direct, authoritative message from God. This lends immense weight and certainty to the future event being described. The use of **Hyperbole** or **Generalization** in "people, and the inhabitants of many cities" conveys the immense scale and widespread nature of the future ingathering, suggesting a universal appeal rather than a literal count of every single city. This is further enhanced by **Synecdoche** or **Metonymy**, where "inhabitants" stands for the entire population and their collective desire, and "cities" represents the nations and cultures from which they originate. The entire verse functions as a **Prophecy**, foretelling a future event that is part of God's overarching redemptive plan, offering hope and a grand vision to the struggling post-exilic community.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Zechariah 8:20 speaks profoundly to God's universal redemptive plan, revealing His heart for all humanity, not just a chosen few. It underscores the eschatological hope that one day, the knowledge of the Lord will cover the earth as the waters cover the sea, and all nations will acknowledge His sovereignty. This prophecy highlights God's faithfulness to His promises, demonstrating that His ultimate intention is to draw all peoples to Himself, creating a unified worshiping community centered on His presence. It points to a time when spiritual hunger will overcome cultural and geographical barriers, leading to a spontaneous, widespread movement towards the source of truth and life.

* [Isaiah 2:2-4](/isaiah/2-2-4 "Isaiah 2:2-4 - Nations Stream to Zion")
* [Micah 4:1-3](/micah/4-1-3 "Micah 4:1-3 - The Mountain of the Lord's House")
* [Revelation 21:24-26](/revelation/21-24-26 "Revelation 21:24-26 - The Nations Walk in the Light of New Jerusalem")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Zechariah 8:20 offers a profound and encouraging vision for believers today. It reminds us that God's ultimate plan is expansive, encompassing all peoples and nations. This should inspire a deep sense of hope and confidence in the sovereign work of God, knowing that His purposes for global worship and reconciliation will ultimately be fulfilled. For those engaged in mission and evangelism, it serves as a powerful affirmation that our efforts are aligned with God's grand design, and that the Spirit is at work drawing people from every corner of the earth. It challenges us to broaden our perspective beyond our immediate communities and pray for, and actively participate in, the global ingathering of believers. Furthermore, it fosters a vision of future unity, where diverse cultures and backgrounds will come together in shared worship, reminding us of the importance of hospitality, inclusivity, and breaking down barriers within the church today.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the phrase "Thus saith the LORD of hosts" impact your understanding of the certainty and power behind God's promises?**
* **In what ways does this prophecy of nations coming to Jerusalem challenge or expand your view of God's global mission?**
* **What practical steps can you take to participate in God's vision of drawing people from "many cities" to Himself, both locally and globally?**
* **How does the future unity described in this verse inform your understanding of the Church's role in fostering reconciliation and breaking down divisions today?**

### FAQ
**What is the significance of the phrase "LORD of hosts" in this verse?**

Answer: The title "LORD of hosts" (Hebrew: _Yahweh Sabaoth_) is highly significant. "Yahweh" is the covenant name of God, emphasizing His self-existence and faithfulness. "Sabaoth" means "armies" or "hosts," referring to both the heavenly armies (angels) and the celestial bodies. When combined, it portrays God as the almighty commander of all creation, both visible and invisible. In Zechariah, a book given to a discouraged post-exilic community, this title frequently appears to underscore God's supreme authority, power, and ability to fulfill His promises, no matter how impossible they might seem from a human perspective. It assures the people that the one who speaks this prophecy has the infinite resources and power to bring it to pass.

**Has this prophecy in Zechariah 8:20 been fulfilled?**

Answer: This prophecy has a multi-layered fulfillment. In a partial sense, there were instances in the post-exilic period and during the Second Temple era where Gentiles were drawn to Jerusalem, particularly for festivals or to learn about the God of Israel (e.g., [Acts 2:5-11](/acts/2-5-11 "Acts 2:5-11 - Devout Jews from Every Nation")). However, the scale and universality described in Zechariah 8:20-23 clearly point to an eschatological, ultimate fulfillment. The New Testament sees this prophecy fulfilled spiritually in the church, where people from "every tribe and language and people and nation" are being gathered into the body of Christ (e.g., [Revelation 5:9](/revelation/5-9 "Revelation 5:9 - Worthy is the Lamb")). Ultimately, it will find its complete consummation in the New Heavens and New Earth, where the nations will walk in the light of the New Jerusalem (see [Revelation 21:24-26](/revelation/21-24-26 "Revelation 21:24-26 - Nations in the New Jerusalem")).

**How does this prophecy relate to Christian mission today?**

Answer: Zechariah 8:20 provides a powerful theological foundation and motivation for Christian mission. While the ultimate fulfillment is eschatological, the spirit of this prophecy aligns perfectly with the Great Commission given by Jesus Christ. Just as the Old Testament prophets envisioned nations streaming to Jerusalem, Jesus commanded His followers to "go and make disciples of all nations" ([Matthew 28:19](/matthew/28-19 "Matthew 28:19 - The Great Commission")). This verse reminds us that God's heart is for all peoples, and He is actively drawing them to Himself. It encourages believers to participate in this divine work, inviting people from "many cities" and diverse backgrounds to come to know the Lord, anticipating the day when every knee will bow and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord ([Philippians 2:10-11](/philippians/2-10-11 "Philippians 2:10-11 - Every Knee Shall Bow")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Zechariah 8:20 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ and the establishment of His church. While the Old Testament prophets envisioned a physical pilgrimage to Jerusalem, the New Testament reveals that Jesus Himself is the true temple, the center of God's presence, and the one to whom all nations are now drawn. As Jesus declared, "And I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all people to myself" ([John 12:32](/john/12-32 "John 12:32 - Jesus Draws All People")). The "people and inhabitants of many cities" who come are now gathered into the spiritual Jerusalem, the church, which is built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus Himself as the cornerstone ([Ephesians 2:19-22](/ephesians/2-19-22 "Ephesians 2:19-22 - Gentiles are Fellow Citizens")). Through His atoning work on the cross, Christ broke down the dividing wall of hostility, making it possible for both Jew and Gentile to have access to the Father by one Spirit ([Ephesians 2:14-18](/ephesians/2-14-18 "Ephesians 2:14-18 - Christ Our Peace")). Thus, the prophecy of Zechariah 8:20 is being fulfilled as the gospel is proclaimed to every nation, tribe, people, and language, drawing a vast multitude into the kingdom of God, anticipating the glorious day when the nations will truly walk in the light of the New Jerusalem, whose lamp is the Lamb ([Revelation 21:23-26](/revelation/21-23-26 "Revelation 21:23-26 - The Glory of the New Jerusalem")).

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

Isaiah 2:2

And it shall come to pass in the last days, [that] the mountain of the LORD'S house shall be established in the top of the mountains, and shall be exalted above the hills; and all nations shall flow unto it.

Isaiah 2:3

And many people shall go and say, Come ye, and let us go up to the mountain of the LORD, to the house of the God of Jacob; and he will teach us of his ways, and we will walk in his paths: for out of Zion shall go forth the law, and the word of the LORD from Jerusalem.

Micah 4:1

¶ But in the last days it shall come to pass, [that] the mountain of the house of the LORD shall be established in the top of the mountains, and it shall be exalted above the hills; and people shall flow unto it.

Micah 4:2

And many nations shall come, and say, Come, and let us go up to the mountain of the LORD, and to the house of the God of Jacob; and he will teach us of his ways, and we will walk in his paths: for the law shall go forth of Zion, and the word of the LORD from Jerusalem.

Zechariah 2:11

And many nations shall be joined to the LORD in that day, and shall be my people: and I will dwell in the midst of thee, and thou shalt know that the LORD of hosts hath sent me unto thee.

Jeremiah 16:19

O LORD, my strength, and my fortress, and my refuge in the day of affliction, the Gentiles shall come unto thee from the ends of the earth, and shall say, Surely our fathers have inherited lies, vanity, and [things] wherein [there is] no profit.

Isaiah 60:3

And the Gentiles shall come to thy light, and kings to the brightness of thy rising.