Zechariah 8:8

KJV

And I will bring them, and they shall dwell in the midst of Jerusalem: and they shall be my people, and I will be their God, in truth and in righteousness.

KJV (with Strong's)

And I will bring {H935} them, and they shall dwell {H7931} in the midst {H8432} of Jerusalem {H3389}: and they shall be my people {H5971}, and I will be their God {H430}, in truth {H571} and in righteousness {H6666}.

Complete Jewish Bible

I will bring them back, and they will live in Yerushalayim. They will be my people; and I will be their God, with faithfulness and justice.'

Berean Standard Bible

I will bring them back to dwell in Jerusalem, where they will be My people, and I will be their faithful and righteous God.”

American Standard Version

and I will bring them, and they shall dwell in the midst of Jerusalem; and they shall be my people, and I will be their God, in truth and in righteousness.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Zechariah 8:8 is a profound prophetic declaration affirming God's unwavering commitment to His people, promising their comprehensive restoration from exile, secure dwelling in a renewed Jerusalem, and the re-establishment of an intimate covenant relationship defined by divine truth and righteousness. This verse encapsulates the hope of a future marked by God's faithful presence and His people's obedient response, laying the groundwork for the ultimate fulfillment of His redemptive plan.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Zechariah 8 is a pivotal chapter within the book, marking a significant shift from prophecies concerning judgment and repentance (chapters 1-6) and the questions about fasting (chapter 7) to a series of glorious promises of future blessing and restoration for Jerusalem and Judah. This chapter forms part of the "Book of Comfort" (chapters 7-8), which directly addresses the post-exilic community. Following a period of national lament and questioning, God's word through Zechariah pivots to profound reassurance. Verses 1-7 emphasize God's jealous love for Zion and His promise to return to Jerusalem, restoring it to a city of truth and peace. Verse 8, therefore, serves as the culmination of these promises, explicitly detailing the gathering of the scattered remnant and the re-establishment of the covenant relationship, which then sets the stage for further blessings of prosperity, peace, and international recognition in verses 9-23.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The prophecies in Zechariah were delivered to the Jewish remnant who had returned from Babylonian exile, likely around 520-518 BC. This community faced immense challenges: a destroyed temple, a desolate city, economic hardship, and spiritual apathy. They were a small, vulnerable group in a vast Persian empire, struggling to rebuild their lives and their spiritual center. The memory of the exile, a direct consequence of their ancestors' disobedience, loomed large. Culturally, the concept of "covenant" was central to their identity, defining their relationship with Yahweh. The promise of God dwelling "in the midst" of Jerusalem (a concept deeply rooted in the tabernacle and temple theology) and the affirmation of "my people, their God" would have resonated powerfully, addressing their deepest fears of abandonment and confirming their unique status. The "truth and righteousness" spoken of here would have been understood against the backdrop of Mosaic Law and prophetic calls for social justice and faithfulness.
* **Key Themes:** Zechariah 8:8 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the book and broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it highlights **Divine Initiative and Sovereignty**, as God declares, "And I will bring them," emphasizing that this restoration is solely His work, not dependent on human merit. This echoes the theme of God's unmerited grace seen throughout the Old Testament. Secondly, the verse underscores the theme of **Restoration and Re-gathering**, fulfilling earlier prophetic promises of return from exile, such as those found in [Jeremiah 29:14](/jeremiah/29-14 "Jeremiah 29:14 - God's Promise of Return"). Thirdly, it powerfully reiterates the **Covenant Relationship**, using the classic formula "they shall be my people, and I will be their God." This formula, central to God's dealings with Israel from [Exodus 6:7](/exodus/6-7 "Exodus 6:7 - God's Covenant with Israel") through the New Covenant in [Jeremiah 31:33](/jeremiah/31-33 "Jeremiah 31:33 - The New Covenant"), signifies an intimate, exclusive, and eternal bond. Finally, the qualifying phrase "in truth and in righteousness" introduces the theme of **Divine Character and Expected Human Response**, emphasizing that this restored relationship is founded on God's unchanging faithfulness and justice, and it calls for a corresponding life of integrity and uprightness from His people, reflecting the characteristics of the "city of truth" mentioned earlier in [Zechariah 8:3](/zechariah/8-3 "Zechariah 8:3 - Jerusalem, the City of Truth").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Jerusalem (Hebrew, _Yᵉrûwshâlaim'_):** This term (H3389) refers to the capital city of Palestine, often understood as a dual form (referring to its two main hills) and possibly meaning "founded peaceful." In Zechariah 8:8, its mention signifies not merely a geographical location but the spiritual and national center of God's people. The promise that they "shall dwell in the midst of Jerusalem" speaks to a secure, permanent, and divinely sanctioned presence in the city that God has chosen as His dwelling place, contrasting with the previous desolation and exile.
* **People (Hebrew, _ʻam'_):** This word (H5971) denotes a congregated unit, a tribe, or collectively, troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock. When used in the phrase "my people," it highlights the unique, chosen status of Israel, emphasizing a collective identity bound by a covenant relationship with God. It signifies a group intimately known and cared for by God, distinct from other nations.
* **Truth (Hebrew, _ʼemeth'_):** Derived from a root meaning "to be firm" or "to be faithful," this term (H571) conveys stability, certainty, trustworthiness, and faithfulness. In Zechariah 8:8, "in truth" describes the nature of God's character in fulfilling His promises and the integrity of the restored covenant relationship. It implies God's unwavering reliability and the genuine, unfeigned quality of the bond He establishes with His people.
* **Righteousness (Hebrew, _tsᵉdâqâh'_):** This word (H6666) signifies rightness, rectitude, justice, virtue, or even prosperity. When applied to God, it speaks of His inherent moral perfection, His just dealings, and His conformity to His own perfect standard. When applied to the covenant relationship in Zechariah 8:8, it suggests that the restored bond will be characterized by God's just and equitable actions, and it also implies an expectation for His people to live in accordance with His righteous standards, reflecting His character.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And I will bring them":** This opening clause immediately establishes God as the sovereign initiator of the restoration. The verb "bring" (H935, _bôwʼ_) implies a purposeful, active movement, signifying God's direct intervention in gathering His scattered people from the lands of their exile. It underscores that this future blessing is not a result of human effort or merit but solely of divine grace and power.
* **"and they shall dwell in the midst of Jerusalem":** This phrase promises a secure and permanent residency for the restored people in their holy city. "Dwell" (H7931, _shâkan_) carries the connotation of settling down, abiding, or having a permanent habitation, contrasting sharply with the transient nature of exile. "In the midst" (H8432, _tâvek_) emphasizes a central, intimate presence, suggesting not just a return to the land but a re-establishment of the community around the spiritual heart of their nation, where God Himself promises to dwell.
* **"and they shall be my people, and I will be their God":** This is the quintessential covenant formula, a foundational declaration of the intimate and exclusive relationship between Yahweh and Israel. It signifies a reciprocal bond where God claims Israel as His own, and He, in turn, commits Himself fully to them as their divine protector, provider, and guide. This phrase encapsulates the essence of biblical covenant theology, marking a restoration of the broken relationship experienced during the exile.
* **"in truth and in righteousness":** This concluding phrase describes the character and quality of the restored covenant relationship. "In truth" (H571, _ʼemeth_) speaks to the faithfulness and reliability of God in fulfilling His promises, and the genuine, authentic nature of the relationship. "In righteousness" (H6666, _tsᵉdâqâh_) refers to God's just and upright character, and implies that the restored community will live in accordance with His moral standards, reflecting His justice and integrity in their own lives. These terms define both God's actions and the expected conduct of His people within this renewed bond.

#### Literary Devices
Zechariah 8:8 employs several potent literary devices to convey its message of hope and restoration. The most prominent is the **Covenant Formula** ("they shall be my people, and I will be their God"), which is a recurring refrain throughout the Old Testament, signifying the deepest possible relationship between God and His chosen people. Its inclusion here powerfully affirms the re-establishment of this broken bond. The verse also utilizes **Parallelism** in the pairing of "truth and righteousness," which are often linked in Hebrew thought to describe divine attributes and expected human conduct. This **Merism** (using two contrasting or complementary terms to express a totality) highlights the comprehensive nature of the restored relationship, encompassing both divine faithfulness and moral uprightness. Furthermore, the repeated emphasis on God's active role ("I will bring them," "I will be their God") exemplifies **Divine Initiative**, underscoring His sovereignty and grace in bringing about this restoration. The mention of "Jerusalem" serves as powerful **Symbolism**, representing not just a physical city but the spiritual center of God's people, a place of peace, security, and divine presence.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Zechariah 8:8 stands as a testament to God's enduring covenant faithfulness, even in the face of human failure and exile. It articulates a profound theological truth: God's ultimate desire is for an intimate, personal relationship with His people, characterized by His presence and their obedience. This verse resonates with the broader biblical narrative of restoration, demonstrating that God is not merely a God of judgment but preeminently a God of redemptive grace who actively seeks to heal and renew. The promise of dwelling "in the midst of Jerusalem" speaks to the concept of the immanence of God, His desire to tabernacle among His people, a theme that stretches from the wilderness tabernacle to the New Jerusalem. The emphasis on "truth and righteousness" highlights the moral and ethical dimensions of this restored relationship, underscoring that genuine fellowship with God necessitates a life aligned with His character. This prophetic vision provides a foundational hope for all who trust in God's promises, assuring them of His unwavering commitment to His covenant.

* [Jeremiah 32:37-38](/jeremiah/32-37-38 "Jeremiah 32:37-38 - God's Promise to Gather and Restore")
* [Ezekiel 37:27](/ezekiel/37-27 "Ezekiel 37:27 - God's Dwelling Among His People")
* [Hosea 2:19-20](/hosea/2-19-20 "Hosea 2:19-20 - Betrothal in Righteousness and Justice")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Zechariah 8:8 offers a wellspring of hope and a profound call to contemporary believers. It reminds us that our God is fundamentally a God of restoration, capable of bringing life and order out of chaos, peace out of brokenness, and presence out of perceived absence. For individuals, this means that no matter how far we may have strayed, or how desolate our spiritual landscape may seem, God's promise to "bring" us back and to "dwell in our midst" remains steadfast. He desires to re-establish that intimate "my people, their God" relationship. For communities, this verse serves as a powerful reminder of God's commitment to His Church, His spiritual Jerusalem, promising His abiding presence and the restoration of truth and righteousness within its fellowship. It challenges us to live lives that genuinely reflect the "truth and righteousness" that define God's character, ensuring that our walk aligns with our talk, and that our communities are beacons of integrity and justice in a fallen world. This verse encourages us to actively seek God's presence, trust in His faithfulness, and embody His character in our daily lives, knowing that He is always working to restore and renew.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life or community do I need to trust God for restoration, believing He will "bring" and "dwell in the midst"?**
* **How does the covenant formula, "they shall be my people, and I will be their God," personally resonate with my understanding of my relationship with God?**
* **What does it practically mean to live "in truth and in righteousness" in my daily interactions and decisions, reflecting God's character?**

### FAQ
**Is this prophecy exclusively about ancient Israel, or does it have relevance for believers today?**

Answer: While Zechariah 8:8 was initially given to the post-exilic Jewish community, its theological principles and underlying promises have profound relevance for believers today. The core promise of God gathering His people, dwelling among them, and establishing a covenant relationship "in truth and in righteousness" transcends a singular historical fulfillment. The New Testament reveals that the Church, comprised of both Jews and Gentiles who believe in Christ, is now God's "people" ([1 Peter 2:9-10](/1_peter/2-9-10 "1 Peter 2:9-10 - A Chosen People")). The promise of God dwelling "in the midst" finds its ultimate spiritual fulfillment in the indwelling of the Holy Spirit in believers ([John 14:16-17](/john/14-16-17 "John 14:16-17 - The Promise of the Holy Spirit")) and in the Church as the temple of God ([Ephesians 2:19-22](/ephesians/2-19-22 "Ephesians 2:19-22 - Built on the Foundation")). Ultimately, the vision points to the New Creation, where God will literally dwell with humanity in the New Jerusalem ([Revelation 21:3](/revelation/21-3 "Revelation 21:3 - God Dwells with Humanity")). Therefore, Zechariah 8:8 provides enduring hope and a blueprint for God's relationship with all His covenant people.

**What is the significance of the phrase "in truth and in righteousness" for the restored relationship?**

Answer: The phrase "in truth and in righteousness" (Hebrew: *ʼemeth* and *tsᵉdâqâh*) is profoundly significant. "Truth" (*ʼemeth*) speaks to God's faithfulness and reliability; He is true to His word and His promises. It also implies the genuine, authentic nature of the restored relationship, free from deceit or pretense. "Righteousness" (*tsᵉdâqâh*) refers to God's perfect justice, moral integrity, and conformity to His own divine standard. Together, these terms define the character of God's actions in bringing about this restoration—it is based on His unwavering faithfulness and perfect justice. Furthermore, they set the standard for the restored people: their relationship with God will be characterized by their own integrity, honesty, and moral uprightness, reflecting God's character in their lives. It's a call to live in alignment with God's just and faithful ways, as seen in passages like [Psalm 85:10](/psalm/85-10 "Psalm 85:10 - Righteousness and Peace").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Zechariah 8:8, with its glorious vision of God gathering His people, dwelling among them in Jerusalem, and establishing a covenant relationship "in truth and in righteousness," finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ and the new covenant inaugurated through Him. While the initial prophecy pointed to a physical return and restoration for Israel, the New Testament reveals that Jesus is the true Israel, the one who perfectly embodies God's "truth and righteousness" ([John 14:6](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus, the Way, the Truth, and the Life"); [1 Corinthians 1:30](/1_corinthians/1-30 "1 Corinthians 1:30 - Christ, Our Righteousness")). Through His atoning sacrifice, Christ gathers a new people, the Church, from every nation, tribe, and tongue ([Ephesians 2:11-18](/ephesians/2-11-18 "Ephesians 2:11-18 - Christ Our Peace")). The promise of God dwelling "in the midst of Jerusalem" is spiritually fulfilled in the indwelling of the Holy Spirit within believers ([John 14:23](/john/14-23 "John 14:23 - God Dwells with Believers")) and in the Church as the living temple of God, where He truly resides ([1 Corinthians 3:16](/1_corinthians/3-16 "1 Corinthians 3:16 - You Are God's Temple")). The classic covenant formula, "they shall be my people, and I will be their God," is fully realized in the new covenant, where believers are brought into an intimate, personal relationship with God through Christ, a relationship secured by His blood ([Hebrews 8:10](/hebrews/8-10 "Hebrews 8:10 - The New Covenant")). Ultimately, this Zechariah vision anticipates the eternal state, the New Jerusalem, where God will dwell perfectly and perpetually with His redeemed people, and they will see His face, living in perfect truth and righteousness forever ([Revelation 21:1-4](/revelation/21-1-4 "Revelation 21:1-4 - The New Heaven and New Earth")).

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

Ezekiel 36:28

And ye shall dwell in the land that I gave to your fathers; and ye shall be my people, and I will be your God.

Ezekiel 11:20

That they may walk in my statutes, and keep mine ordinances, and do them: and they shall be my people, and I will be their God.

Jeremiah 31:33

But this [shall be] the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel; After those days, saith the LORD, I will put my law in their inward parts, and write it in their hearts; and will be their God, and they shall be my people.

Jeremiah 4:2

And thou shalt swear, The LORD liveth, in truth, in judgment, and in righteousness; and the nations shall bless themselves in him, and in him shall they glory.

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.

Revelation 21:7

He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he shall be my son.

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.