Zechariah 8:3

KJV

Thus saith the LORD; I am returned unto Zion, and will dwell in the midst of Jerusalem: and Jerusalem shall be called a city of truth; and the mountain of the LORD of hosts the holy mountain.

KJV (with Strong's)

Thus saith {H559} the LORD {H3068}; I am returned {H7725} unto Zion {H6726}, and will dwell {H7931} in the midst {H8432} of Jerusalem {H3389}: and Jerusalem {H3389} shall be called {H7121} a city {H5892} of truth {H571}; and the mountain {H2022} of the LORD {H3068} of hosts {H6635} the holy {H6944} mountain {H2022}.

Complete Jewish Bible

ADONAI says, 'I am returning to Tziyon, and I will live in Yerushalayim. Then Yerushalayim will be called Truth City, ADONAI-Tzva'ot's Mountain, the Mountain of the Holy One.

Berean Standard Bible

This is what the LORD says: “I will return to Zion and dwell in Jerusalem. Then Jerusalem will be called the City of Truth, and the mountain of the LORD of Hosts will be called the Holy Mountain.”

American Standard Version

Thus saith Jehovah: I am returned unto Zion, and will dwell in the midst of Jerusalem: and Jerusalem shall be called The city of truth; and the mountain of Jehovah of hosts, The holy mountain.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Zechariah 8:3 proclaims a profound promise of divine restoration and renewed presence for Jerusalem and its inhabitants. Following a period of judgment and exile, the LORD declares His return to Zion, signifying a re-establishment of His intimate dwelling among His people in Jerusalem. This divine act of reconciliation will transform Jerusalem's identity, causing it to be renowned as a "city of truth" and its central dwelling place, the "mountain of the LORD of hosts," to be recognized as truly "holy." The verse encapsulates God's unwavering faithfulness to His covenant and His ultimate design for His chosen city to reflect His character of truth and holiness.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Zechariah 8:3 stands as a pivotal declaration within the broader prophetic book of Zechariah, specifically within chapters 7-8, which mark a significant thematic shift. While earlier chapters (1-6) primarily focused on visions of judgment, restoration, and the call to rebuild the temple, chapters 7-8 address the people's questions about fasting and pivot towards extensive promises of future blessing and restoration. This particular verse is part of a series of ten oracles (Zech 8:1-23) that paint a vivid picture of Jerusalem's glorious future, contrasting sharply with its recent desolation. It immediately follows the LORD's declaration of passionate jealousy for Zion (Zech 8:2), setting the stage for His active return and transformation of the city. The promises here are designed to encourage the struggling post-exilic community, assuring them that their efforts to rebuild are not in vain, as God Himself is committed to their flourishing.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The prophecy of Zechariah was delivered to the Jewish community that had returned from Babylonian exile, approximately 520-518 BC. This was a challenging time; the people were few, the land was desolate, and the rebuilding of the Temple faced significant opposition and discouragement (cf. [Ezra 4:1-5](/ezra/4-1-5 "Ezra 4:1-5 - Opposition to Rebuilding the Temple")). Jerusalem itself was still largely in ruins, a stark contrast to its former glory. Culturally, the people were grappling with their national identity and their relationship with God after the exile, which they understood as divine punishment for their unfaithfulness. The promise of God's "return" and "dwelling" in their midst would have resonated deeply, recalling the glory of the Solomonic Temple and the presence of God that had departed prior to the exile (cf. [Ezekiel 10:18-19](/ezekiel/10-18-19 "Ezekiel 10:18-19 - The Glory of the LORD Departs")). The concept of Jerusalem as a "city of truth" and a "holy mountain" would have evoked messianic hopes and the ancient understanding of Zion as God's chosen dwelling place, where justice and righteousness would flow.
* **Key Themes:** Zechariah 8:3 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the book and broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Divine Presence and Restoration**. God's declaration, "I am returned unto Zion, and will dwell in the midst of Jerusalem," signals an end to the period of His perceived absence and a renewal of His intimate fellowship with His people, a promise echoing throughout the Old Testament from the Tabernacle to the Temple. Secondly, the verse highlights **Jerusalem's Transformed Identity**. From a city of shame and desolation, it is promised a new character as a "city of truth" and a "holy mountain," signifying a spiritual and moral renewal that goes beyond mere physical rebuilding. This transformation is not merely external but reflects God's own character. Thirdly, the themes of **Truth and Holiness** are central. "Truth" (`'emeth`) implies reliability, faithfulness, and integrity, while "holiness" (`qôdesh`) speaks to sacredness, purity, and separation unto God. These qualities, promised for Jerusalem, point to a future where the city will perfectly embody God's righteous standards, serving as a beacon to the nations, a vision further developed in passages like [Isaiah 2:2-4](/isaiah/2-2-4 "Isaiah 2:2-4 - The Mountain of the LORD's House") and [Micah 4:1-3](/micah/4-1-3 "Micah 4:1-3 - Zion's Future Glory").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **returned (Hebrew, _shûwb'_):** This primitive root signifies "to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point); generally to retreat; often adverbial, again." In Zechariah 8:3, it conveys God's deliberate and decisive action of turning back to Zion after a period of withdrawal due to Israel's sin. It implies a reversal of judgment and a re-engagement of His favor and presence.
* **truth (Hebrew, _ʼemeth'_):** Contracted from `אָמַן` (aman), this word denotes "stability; (figuratively) certainty, truth, trustworthiness." It encompasses not just factual accuracy, but reliability, faithfulness, integrity, and enduring reality. When Jerusalem is called a "city of truth," it means it will be a place where God's character of faithfulness and integrity is manifested and lived out, a place of stability and reliability.
* **holy (Hebrew, _qôdesh'_):** Derived from `קָדַשׁ` (qadash), meaning "to be set apart," `qôdesh` refers to "a sacred place or thing; rarely abstract, sanctity." It speaks of something consecrated, dedicated, or hallowed, implying purity and separation unto God. For the "mountain of the LORD of hosts" to be called "holy" signifies its sacredness as God's dwelling place, set apart for His divine purposes and characterized by His pure and transcendent nature.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Thus saith the LORD;"**: This opening phrase serves as a divine authentication, signaling that the following words are a direct, authoritative utterance from Yahweh, the covenant God of Israel (H3068, Yᵉhôvâh). It underscores the certainty and solemnity of the prophecy.
* **"I am returned unto Zion, and will dwell in the midst of Jerusalem:"**: This is the core promise of God's renewed presence. "Zion" (H6726, Tsîyôwn) and "Jerusalem" (H3389, Yᵉrûwshâlaim) are used interchangeably, referring to the capital city and its sacred mountain. God's "return" (H7725, shûwb) signifies the end of His punitive withdrawal, and His declaration to "dwell" (H7931, shâkan) in their midst (H8432, tâvek) promises a permanent, intimate, and active presence, restoring the relationship that was broken by sin.
* **"and Jerusalem shall be called a city of truth;"**: This clause details the transformation of Jerusalem's character and reputation. The verb "shall be called" (H7121, qârâʼ) implies a new, divinely bestowed identity. "City of truth" (H5892, ʻîyr; H571, ʼemeth) indicates that Jerusalem will not only be a place where truth is spoken but where faithfulness, integrity, and reliability (the full scope of `ʼemeth`) are embodied and evident in its very fabric and the lives of its inhabitants.
* **"and the mountain of the LORD of hosts the holy mountain."**: This final clause reinforces the sacred character of Jerusalem, specifically its central elevated area, Mount Zion, where the Temple stood. It is identified as "the mountain of the LORD of hosts" (H2022, har; H3068, Yᵉhôvâh; H6635, tsâbâʼ), emphasizing God's sovereign power and His ownership. Calling it "the holy mountain" (H6944, qôdesh) highlights its consecration to God and its purity, signifying that it will be a place where God's sacred presence is fully manifest and revered.

#### Literary Devices
Zechariah 8:3 employs several powerful literary devices to convey its message of divine restoration. The most prominent is **Symbolism**, where "Zion" and "Jerusalem" symbolize not merely geographical locations but the entire people of God and their spiritual destiny as the locus of God's presence. The "mountain of the LORD of hosts" is a powerful symbol of divine authority, stability, and the sacred dwelling place of God. **Personification** is evident in "Jerusalem shall be called a city of truth," as the city itself is given the attribute of embodying truth, suggesting that its very identity will be characterized by integrity and faithfulness. There is also a strong sense of **Parallelism** in the final two clauses, where "city of truth" and "holy mountain" function as complementary descriptions of Jerusalem's transformed nature, reinforcing the dual aspects of moral integrity and sacred consecration. This use of parallelism emphasizes the comprehensive nature of God's restorative work, affecting both the city's ethical character and its spiritual sanctity.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Zechariah 8:3 powerfully articulates the enduring biblical theme of God's covenant faithfulness and His desire to dwell among His people. It speaks to a divine reversal, where God's presence, once withdrawn due to sin, is now passionately and permanently re-established. This promise of God's dwelling transforms Jerusalem from a desolate ruin into a beacon of truth and holiness, reflecting God's own character. It signifies not just physical rebuilding, but a profound spiritual and moral renewal, where the city's very name and nature embody righteousness and fidelity. This vision extends beyond the immediate post-exilic context, pointing to a future eschatological reality where God's presence will fully sanctify His people and their dwelling place, establishing a perfect realm of truth and holiness.

* [Exodus 29:45-46](/exodus/29-45-46 "Exodus 29:45-46 - God's Promise to Dwell Among Israel")
* [Isaiah 60:14](/isaiah/60-14 "Isaiah 60:14 - Zion Called the City of the LORD")
* [Revelation 21:3](/revelation/21-3 "Revelation 21:3 - God Dwells with His People")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Zechariah 8:3 offers profound encouragement and a clear call to action for believers today. It reminds us that God is actively engaged in the world, faithfully pursuing His purposes even when circumstances seem bleak or His presence feels distant. Just as He promised to return and dwell in Jerusalem, He desires to dwell in the hearts of His people and in the midst of His church. This verse challenges us to consider what it means for our lives and communities to be "cities of truth" and "holy mountains." It's a call to embody integrity, faithfulness, and moral purity in all our dealings, reflecting God's character to a watching world. Our churches are called to be spiritual Jerusalems, places where God's truth is proclaimed and lived, and where His holiness is revered. This requires a commitment to biblical truth, ethical living, and a pursuit of genuine holiness, recognizing that our lives are meant to be sanctuaries where God's presence is honored. Ultimately, this verse fosters hope, pointing to God's ultimate plan to fully dwell with humanity in a renewed creation, where perfect truth and holiness will prevail.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways do I, or my community, need to experience God's "return" and renewed "dwelling" in our midst?**
* **How can my life, or my church, more fully embody the characteristics of a "city of truth" in a world often marked by deception and compromise?**
* **What practical steps can I take to cultivate personal holiness and contribute to the holiness of my community, reflecting the "holy mountain" ideal?**

### FAQ

**What does it mean for Jerusalem to be called a "city of truth"?**

Answer: For Jerusalem to be called a "city of truth" signifies much more than merely being a place where factual accuracy is maintained. The Hebrew word for "truth" (`'emeth`) encompasses concepts of reliability, faithfulness, integrity, and stability. Therefore, it means Jerusalem would be a city characterized by God's faithfulness and integrity, where justice prevails, promises are kept, and the lives of its inhabitants reflect moral uprightness and trustworthiness. It implies a place where God's covenant character is lived out and where His reliable word is the foundation of society. This transformation contrasts with the city's past unfaithfulness that led to its destruction and exile, promising a future where it embodies divine righteousness. This vision of a city founded on truth is echoed in the New Testament's description of the [New Jerusalem](/revelation/21 "Revelation 21 - The New Heaven and New Earth"), where only those who practice truth and righteousness can enter.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Zechariah 8:3 finds its ultimate and profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ and the new covenant He inaugurated. The promise of God's "return" and "dwelling in the midst of Jerusalem" is first and foremost realized in the incarnation of Jesus, for He is "Immanuel," God with us (cf. [Matthew 1:23](/matthew/1-23 "Matthew 1:23 - Prophecy of Immanuel")). In Christ, God truly "dwelt among us" (cf. [John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh")), making His presence intimately known. Furthermore, the transformation of Jerusalem into a "city of truth" and a "holy mountain" is spiritually fulfilled in the church, the new spiritual Israel, which is built upon Christ, the cornerstone (cf. [Ephesians 2:20-22](/ephesians/2-20-22 "Ephesians 2:20-22 - Christ as the Cornerstone")). The church, as the body of Christ, is called to be a community characterized by the truth of God's Word and the holiness imparted by the Holy Spirit. Believers are individually temples of the Holy Spirit (cf. [1 Corinthians 6:19](/1_corinthians/6-19 "1 Corinthians 6:19 - Your Body is a Temple")), and collectively, the church is a spiritual house built for God's dwelling (cf. [1 Peter 2:5](/1_peter/2-5 "1 Peter 2:5 - Living Stones")). The eschatological fulfillment culminates in the New Jerusalem, described in [Revelation 21](/revelation/21 "Revelation 21 - The New Heaven and New Earth"), where God's dwelling is permanently with humanity, and the city itself is pure and holy, requiring no temple because "the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are its temple" (cf. [Revelation 21:22](/revelation/21-22 "Revelation 21:22 - No Temple in New Jerusalem")). Thus, Zechariah's prophecy points forward to the person of Christ, the nature of His church, and the glorious eternal state, all centered on God's perfect and eternal dwelling with His redeemed people in truth and holiness.

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

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.

Jeremiah 31:23

Thus saith the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel; As yet they shall use this speech in the land of Judah and in the cities thereof, when I shall bring again their captivity; The LORD bless thee, O habitation of justice, [and] mountain of holiness.

Isaiah 1:26

And I will restore thy judges as at the first, and thy counsellors as at the beginning: afterward thou shalt be called, The city of righteousness, the faithful city.

John 1:14

And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.

Joel 3:17

So shall ye know that I [am] the LORD your God dwelling in Zion, my holy mountain: then shall Jerusalem be holy, and there shall no strangers pass through her any more.

2 Corinthians 6:16

And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in [them]; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people.

Revelation 21:3

And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God [is] with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, [and be] their God.