Zechariah 8:23

KJV

Thus saith the LORD of hosts; In those days [it shall come to pass], that ten men shall take hold out of all languages of the nations, even shall take hold of the skirt of him that is a Jew, saying, We will go with you: for we have heard [that] God [is] with you.

KJV (with Strong's)

Thus saith {H559} the LORD {H3068} of hosts {H6635}; In those days {H3117} it shall come to pass, that ten {H6235} men {H582} shall take hold {H2388} out of all languages {H3956} of the nations {H1471}, even shall take hold {H2388} of the skirt {H3671} of him that is a Jew {H376}{H3064}, saying {H559}, We will go {H3212} with you: for we have heard {H8085} that God {H430} is with you.

Complete Jewish Bible

ADONAI-Tzva'ot says, 'When that time comes, ten men will take hold - speaking all the languages of the nations - will grab hold of the cloak of a Jew and say, "We want to go with you, because we have heard that God is with you."'"

Berean Standard Bible

This is what the LORD of Hosts says: “In those days ten men from the nations of every tongue will tightly grasp the robe of a Jew, saying, ‘Let us go with you, for we have heard that God is with you.’”

American Standard Version

Thus saith Jehovah of hosts: In those days it shall come to pass, that ten men shall take hold, out of all the languages of the nations, they shall take hold of the skirt of him that is a Jew, saying, We will go with you, for we have heard that God is with you.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Zechariah 8:23 presents a vivid prophetic vision of a future era when the manifest presence of God among His people will draw individuals from every nation to seek fellowship with them. It depicts a dramatic reversal of fortunes for Jerusalem, moving from desolation to such a state of divine blessing that Gentiles from diverse linguistic backgrounds will earnestly desire to associate with Jews, recognizing that God Himself is uniquely with them. This verse encapsulates a profound hope for global spiritual awakening and the ultimate inclusion of all peoples into God's redemptive plan.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Zechariah 8:23 concludes a section of glorious promises for Jerusalem and Judah, following a series of visions (chapters 1-6) and a discussion on fasting (chapter 7). Chapters 7-8 pivot from the people's past failures and the reasons for the exile to a future of restoration and divine favor. Specifically, chapter 8 outlines God's renewed covenant with His people, promising His return to Zion, the rebuilding of Jerusalem as a "city of truth," and the secure dwelling of its inhabitants, both old and young. Verses like [Zechariah 8:3](/zechariah/8-3 "Zechariah 8:3 - God's Return to Zion") and [Zechariah 8:8](/zechariah/8-8 "Zechariah 8:8 - God Bringing His People Back") emphasize God's active presence and the re-establishment of a righteous relationship. The preceding verses detail agricultural prosperity, peace, and the transformation of former fasts into joyful feasts. Verse 23 serves as a climactic, outward-looking pronouncement, demonstrating the far-reaching impact of God's blessing on His people—it will not only transform Jerusalem internally but also attract the world externally.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Zechariah prophesied to the Jewish remnant who had returned from Babylonian exile, a period marked by discouragement, slow rebuilding efforts, and a sense of vulnerability. The promises in chapter 8 would have offered immense encouragement, contrasting their current struggles with a glorious future. The concept of "nations" (goyim) in the Old Testament often referred to non-Israelite peoples, frequently depicted as hostile or idolatrous. However, there was also a prophetic stream that envisioned Gentiles coming to worship the God of Israel (e.g., [Isaiah 2:2-4](/isaiah/2-2-4 "Isaiah 2:2-4 - Nations Flowing to the Lord's House")). The "skirt" (kânâph) in ancient Near Eastern culture could symbolize authority, protection, or the edge of a garment used in a gesture of supplication or seeking refuge (e.g., [Ruth 3:9](/ruth/3-9 "Ruth 3:9 - Ruth Seeking Protection Under Boaz's Cloak")). The phrase "take hold of the skirt" thus conveys an earnest, almost desperate, desire for association and protection, reflecting a cultural understanding of seeking favor or allegiance.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in Zechariah and the broader prophetic literature. First, it highlights the **Global Attraction to God's Presence**, asserting that God's manifest dwelling among His people will be a magnetic force, drawing individuals from diverse linguistic and national backgrounds. This is not merely about Jewish prominence but about the irresistible appeal of God Himself, revealed through His people. Second, it underscores the theme of **Gentile Inclusion** in God's redemptive plan, a concept found in earlier prophets like [Isaiah 49:6](/isaiah/49-6 "Isaiah 49:6 - Light to the Gentiles") and [Micah 4:1-2](/micah/4-1-2 "Micah 4:1-2 - Nations Coming to Zion"), which finds its ultimate fulfillment in the New Testament church where believers from every tribe and tongue are united in Christ. Third, the imagery of "taking hold of the skirt" conveys an **Earnest Seeking** and humble supplication, emphasizing the proactive and fervent desire of the nations to join with those who bear God's presence. Finally, the verse speaks to a profound **Eschatological Hope**, pointing to a future reality where the knowledge of God will indeed cover the earth, and people will flock to God's dwelling place (whether literal Jerusalem or its spiritual fulfillment) to worship the Lord.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **nations (Hebrew, _gôwy'_):** This term (H1471) refers to a foreign nation or, by extension, a Gentile. It is distinct from Israel and often carries connotations of non-worshippers of Yahweh. In this context, its use emphasizes the universal scope of the prophecy, indicating that people from outside the covenant community of Israel will be drawn to God.
* **take hold (Hebrew, _châzaq'_):** This primitive root (H2388) means "to fasten upon," "to seize," or "to be strong." It implies a firm, determined grasp, conveying earnestness and a strong desire to cling or associate. It's not a casual touch but a resolute action of attachment, often used in contexts of seeking help, support, or protection.
* **Jew (Hebrew, _Yᵉhûwdîy'_):** This term (H3064) is a patronymic from Judah, referring to a "Jehudite" or "Judaite," a descendant of Judah. In the post-exilic period, it became a common designation for members of the Jewish people. Here, it specifically identifies the people through whom God's presence is evident, making them the point of attraction for the nations.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Thus saith the LORD of hosts; In those days [it shall come to pass],"**: This opening phrase is a classic prophetic formula, emphasizing the divine origin and certainty of the message. "The LORD of hosts" (Yahweh Sabaoth) highlights God's sovereignty over all creation, including heavenly armies and earthly powers, underscoring the power behind the promised future. "In those days" points to a specific, yet undefined, future period, often referring to the eschatological era of God's ultimate redemptive work.
* **"that ten men shall take hold out of all languages of the nations,"**: This clause introduces the agents of this future drawing. "Ten men" is likely a symbolic number, representing a significant, perhaps complete, number or a multitude, rather than a literal count. It signifies a diverse representation from the Gentile world. "Out of all languages of the nations" vividly portrays the universal scope—people from every linguistic and ethnic group, emphasizing the global, inclusive nature of the movement towards God's people.
* **"even shall take hold of the skirt of him that is a Jew,"**: This is the central action of the prophecy. "Take hold of the skirt" is a powerful cultural idiom signifying earnest supplication, seeking protection, allegiance, or intimate association. It implies a desperate desire to be connected with the one who possesses divine favor. The object of this earnest seeking is "him that is a Jew," indicating that God's presence will be so undeniably manifest with His chosen people that they become the visible conduit through whom the nations seek God.
* **"saying, We will go with you: for we have heard [that] God [is] with you."**: This final clause reveals the motivation and declaration of the nations. Their plea, "We will go with you," is a request for inclusion, for shared destiny and worship. The reason is explicitly stated: "for we have heard that God is with you." This underscores that the attraction is not merely to the Jewish people themselves, but to the God who is uniquely present among them. It is God's manifest presence and blessing that serves as the irresistible magnet for the nations.

#### Literary Devices
Zechariah 8:23 employs several potent **Literary Devices**. **Symbolism** is prominent, particularly with "ten men" representing a significant, perhaps multitudinous, number from the nations, rather than a literal count. This number often signifies completeness or a representative group. The phrase "take hold of the skirt" is a powerful **Idiom** or **Metonymy**, where a physical action (grasping a garment) symbolizes a deeper spiritual reality: earnest supplication, seeking protection, or desiring intimate association and shared destiny. It's a vivid image of desperate longing for connection. The phrase "all languages of the nations" uses **Hyperbole** or **Synecdoche** to emphasize the universal scope and diversity of the Gentile world that will be drawn, suggesting that no people group will be excluded from this movement. The entire verse functions as a **Prophetic Imagery** or **Visionary Language**, painting a picture of a future reality that is both literal in its implications for Israel and symbolic in its broader spiritual fulfillment.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Zechariah 8:23 is a profound statement about the magnetic power of God's presence and His ultimate plan for global redemption. It reveals that God's blessing upon His people is not insular but outward-focused, designed to draw all humanity to Him. The verse anticipates a time when the visible evidence of God's unique relationship with His people will be so compelling that Gentiles, traditionally outside the covenant, will actively seek to join them. This highlights God's universal sovereignty and His desire for all peoples to know and worship Him, demonstrating that salvation is ultimately for the entire world, not just one ethnic group. The "Jew" here becomes a representative, a visible signpost, of God's dwelling place and His redemptive work.
* [Isaiah 2:2-3](/isaiah/2-2-3 "Isaiah 2:2-3 - Nations Flowing to the Lord's House") : Prophesies that in the latter days, the mountain of the Lord's house will be established, and all nations shall flow to it to learn God's ways.
* [Micah 4:1-2](/micah/4-1-2 "Micah 4:1-2 - Nations Coming to Zion"): Echoes Isaiah's prophecy, stating that many nations will come to Zion, saying, "Come, let us go up to the mountain of the LORD."
* [Psalm 86:9](/psalm/86-9 "Psalm 86:9 - All Nations Worshiping God"): Declares, "All the nations you have made will come and worship before you, Lord; they will bring glory to your name."

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Zechariah 8:23 offers a powerful vision of God's future for humanity, a vision where His manifest presence among His people becomes an irresistible beacon, drawing individuals from "all languages of the nations." This should profoundly shape our understanding of the church's mission and identity today. We are called to be a people so saturated with God's presence, so marked by His character and blessing, that others are compelled to seek Him through us. Our lives, our communities, and our witness should be a living testament to the truth that "God is with you." This is not about ethnic superiority or human achievement, but about reflecting the glory of God so brightly that it attracts those who are spiritually hungry. It reminds us that the most effective evangelism is often the overflow of genuine, vibrant community with God. As believers, we are called to embody the divine presence, living lives of integrity, love, and hope that make others curious about the source of our joy and peace. This prophecy fuels our hope for a future where every tongue will confess Jesus as Lord, and it challenges us to live in a way that actively invites others into that glorious reality now.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways does my life or our church community visibly demonstrate that "God is with us," making others curious about Him?**
* **How can we, as individuals and as a collective, better embody the attractive presence of God in a way that draws people from diverse backgrounds?**
* **What "skirt" are people trying to "take hold of" in our world today, and how can we redirect that earnest seeking towards the true presence of God?**
* **How does this prophecy encourage us in our efforts to share the Gospel with people from different cultures and languages?**

### FAQ
**What is the significance of "ten men" in this verse?**

Answer: The phrase "ten men" (H6235 `ʻeser` and H582 `ʼĕnôwsh`) is generally understood to be symbolic rather than a literal count. In biblical numerology, ten often represents completeness, a significant number, or a representative group. Here, it emphasizes that a substantial and diverse multitude of people from various Gentile nations will earnestly seek to join with the Jewish people, not just a few individuals. It underscores the broad, universal scope of the prophecy, indicating a widespread movement of non-Jews towards the God of Israel.

**What does "take hold of the skirt" mean culturally and prophetically?**

Answer: Culturally, "taking hold of the skirt" (H2388 `châzaq` and H3671 `kânâph`) was a gesture of earnest supplication, seeking protection, allegiance, or intimate association. It conveyed a desperate desire to be connected with someone who possessed authority, favor, or blessing. For example, in [Ruth 3:9](/ruth/3-9 "Ruth 3:9 - Ruth Seeking Protection Under Boaz's Cloak"), Ruth asks Boaz to "spread your cloak over your servant," a request for protection and marriage. Prophetically, in Zechariah 8:23, this idiom signifies the fervent, almost desperate, desire of the nations to align themselves with the Jewish people, not because of their ethnicity, but because they perceive God's unique and powerful presence with them. It illustrates the magnetic pull of God's manifest blessing and the nations' recognition that salvation and true knowledge of God are found through those with whom He dwells.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Zechariah 8:23 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ and the establishment of His church. While the prophecy speaks of Gentiles being drawn to "a Jew," the New Testament reveals that Jesus, the ultimate Jew and Messiah, is the one in whom "God is with us" (Immanuel, as prophesied in [Isaiah 7:14](/isaiah/7-14 "Isaiah 7:14 - Prophecy of Immanuel") and fulfilled in [Matthew 1:23](/matthew/1-23 "Matthew 1:23 - Jesus is Immanuel")). Through His atoning work, Jesus broke down the dividing wall between Jew and Gentile, creating "one new humanity" (as described in [Ephesians 2:14-16](/ephesians/2-14-16 "Ephesians 2:14-16 - Christ Our Peace")). The "skirt" that the nations now "take hold of" is not merely that of an ethnic Jew, but the very garment of salvation and righteousness offered by Christ. The church, comprised of believers from "all languages of the nations" ([Revelation 7:9](/revelation/7-9 "Revelation 7:9 - A Multitude from Every Nation")), becomes the spiritual Israel, the body of Christ, through whom God's presence is made known to the world. The Great Commission in [Matthew 28:19-20](/matthew/28-19-20 "Matthew 28:19-20 - The Great Commission") is the divine mandate for this global drawing, as Christ promises, "I am with you always, to the very end of the age." Thus, the earnest seeking of the nations in Zechariah 8:23 is ultimately a spiritual hunger for the God who is uniquely present in and through His Son, Jesus, and His global church.

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 60:3

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

Isaiah 55:5

Behold, thou shalt call a nation [that] thou knowest not, and nations [that] knew not thee shall run unto thee because of the LORD thy God, and for the Holy One of Israel; for he hath glorified thee.

1 Corinthians 14:25

And thus are the secrets of his heart made manifest; and so falling down on [his] face he will worship God, and report that God is in you of a truth.

Isaiah 45:14

Thus saith the LORD, The labour of Egypt, and merchandise of Ethiopia and of the Sabeans, men of stature, shall come over unto thee, and they shall be thine: they shall come after thee; in chains they shall come over, and they shall fall down unto thee, they shall make supplication unto thee, [saying], Surely God [is] in thee; and [there is] none else, [there is] no God.

Acts 13:47

For so hath the Lord commanded us, [saying], I have set thee to be a light of the Gentiles, that thou shouldest be for salvation unto the ends of the earth.

Acts 13:48

And when the Gentiles heard this, they were glad, and glorified the word of the Lord: and as many as were ordained to eternal life believed.

Isaiah 66:18

For I [know] their works and their thoughts: it shall come, that I will gather all nations and tongues; and they shall come, and see my glory.