Zechariah 1:6

Zechariah 1:6 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

But did not My words and My statutes, which I commanded My servants the prophets, overtake your fathers? They repented and said, ‘Just as the LORD of Hosts purposed to do to us according to our ways and deeds, so He has done to us.’”

King James Version KJV

But my words and my statutes, which I commanded my servants the prophets, did they not take hold of your fathers? and they returned and said, Like as the LORD of hosts thought to do unto us, according to our ways, and according to our doings, so hath he dealt with us.

American Standard Version ASV

But my words and my statutes, which I commanded my servants the prophets, did they not overtake your fathers? and they turned and said, Like as Jehovah of hosts thought to do unto us, according to our ways, and according to our doings, so hath he dealt with us.

Bible in Basic English BBE

But my words and my orders, which I gave to my servants the prophets, have they not overtaken your fathers? and turning back they said, As it was the purpose of the Lord of armies to do to us, in reward for our ways and our doings, so has he done.

Free Bible Version FBV

But didn't all my instructions and warnings that I ordered my servants the prophets to communicate, didn't all that I said happen to your forefathers? So they repented and said, “What the Lord Almighty planned to do to us was what we deserved because of our ways and our actions. He did what he said he would.”

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

But did not my wordes and my statutes, which I commanded by my seruants ye Prophets, take holde of your fathers? and they returned, and sayd, As the Lord of hostes hath determined to doe vnto vs, according to our owne wayes, and according to our workes, so hath hee dealt with vs.

Young's Literal Translation YLT

Only, My words, and My statutes, That I commanded My servants the prophets, Have they not overtaken your fathers, And they turn back and say: As Jehovah of Hosts designed to do to us, According to our ways, and according to our doings, So He hath done to us?'

World English Bible WEB

But my words and my decrees, which I commanded my servants the prophets, didn’t they overtake your fathers? “Then they repented and said, ‘Just as the LORD of Armies determined to do to us, according to our ways and according to our practices, so he has dealt with us.’”

Noah Webster Bible WBS

But my words and my statutes, which I commanded my servants the prophets, did they not take hold of your fathers? and they returned and said, As the LORD of hosts thought to do to us, according to our ways, and according to our doings, so hath he dealt with us.

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

But yet my words, and my ordinances, which I gave in charge to my servants the prophets, did they not take hold of your fathers, and they returned, and said: As the Lord of hosts thought to do to us according to our ways, and according to our devices, so he hath done to us.

Translation for Translators T4T

But I punished [IDM] the people for disobeying the commands and the decrees which I commanded my servants the prophets to tell to the people. Then they ◄repented/turned away from their evil behavior► and said, ‘The Commander of the armies of angels has done to us what we deserved for our evil behavior, just like he said that he would do.’ ”

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Berean Amplified Bible — Zechariah 1:6

BAB

Word Study

Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.

Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.

Zechariah 1:6 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB

HEB אַ֣ךְ דְּבָרַ֣/י וְ/חֻקַּ֗/י אֲשֶׁ֤ר צִוִּ֨יתִי֙ אֶת עֲבָדַ֣/י הַ/נְּבִיאִ֔ים הֲ/ל֥וֹא הִשִּׂ֖יגוּ אֲבֹתֵי/כֶ֑ם וַ/יָּשׁ֣וּבוּ וַ/יֹּאמְר֗וּ כַּ/אֲשֶׁ֨ר זָמַ֜ם יְהוָ֤ה צְבָאוֹת֙ לַ/עֲשׂ֣וֹת לָ֔/נוּ כִּ/דְרָכֵ֨י/נוּ֙ וּ/כְ/מַ֣עֲלָלֵ֔י/נוּ כֵּ֖ן עָשָׂ֥ה אִתָּֽ/נוּ

אַ֣ךְ ʼak H389 surely DirObjM

דְּבָרַ֣/י dâbâr H1697 Chronicles N-mp | Suff

וְ/חֻקַּ֗/י chôq H2706 statute Conj | N-mp | Suff

אֲשֶׁ֤ר ʼăsher H834 which Rel

צִוִּ֨יתִי֙ tsâvâh H6680 to command V-Piel-Perf-1cs

אֶת ʼêth H853 Obj. DirObjM

עֲבָדַ֣/י ʻebed H5650 servant/slave N-mp | Suff

הַ/נְּבִיאִ֔ים nâbîyʼ H5030 prophet Art | N-mp

הֲ/ל֥וֹא lôʼ H3808 not Part | Part

הִשִּׂ֖יגוּ nâsag H5381 to overtake V-Hiphil-Perf-3cp

אֲבֹתֵי/כֶ֑ם ʼâb H1 father N-mp | Suff

וַ/יָּשׁ֣וּבוּ shûwb H7725 to return Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp

וַ/יֹּאמְר֗וּ ʼâmar H559 to say Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp

כַּ/אֲשֶׁ֨ר ʼăsher H834 which Prep | Rel

זָמַ֜ם zâmam H2161 to plan V-Qal-Perf-3ms

יְהוָ֤ה Yᵉhôvâh H3068 The Lord N-proper

צְבָאוֹת֙ tsâbâʼ H6635 army N-cp

לַ/עֲשׂ֣וֹת ʻâsâh H6213 to make Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a

לָ֔/נוּ Prep | Suff

כִּ/דְרָכֵ֨י/נוּ֙ derek H1870 way Prep | N-cp | Suff

וּ/כְ/מַ֣עֲלָלֵ֔י/נוּ maʻălâl H4611 deed Conj | Prep | N-mp | Suff

כֵּ֖ן kên H3651 right Part

עָשָׂ֥ה ʻâsâh H6213 to make V-Qal-Perf-3ms

אִתָּֽ/נוּ ʼêth H854 with Prep | Suff

Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — Zechariah 1:6

אַ֣ךְ ʼak H389 "surely" DirObjM

This Hebrew word is used to emphasize something, like saying 'surely' or 'certainly'. It can also be used to limit or restrict something, like saying 'only' or 'but'.

Definition: 1) indeed, surely (emphatic) 2) howbeit, only, but, yet (restrictive)

Usage: Occurs in 157 OT verses. KJV: also, in any wise, at least, but, certainly, even, howbeit, nevertheless, notwithstanding, only, save, surely, of a surety, truly, verily, [phrase] wherefore, yet (but). See also: Genesis 7:23; 2 Kings 23:35; Psalms 23:6.

דְּבָרַ֣/י dâbâr H1697 "Chronicles" N-mp | Suff

A word or thing, like a matter or affair, as seen in the book of Chronicles where it refers to the events and words of kings. It can also mean a cause or reason for something.

Definition: This name means word, speaking

Usage: Occurs in 1290 OT verses. KJV: act, advice, affair, answer, [idiom] any such (thing), because of, book, business, care, case, cause, certain rate, [phrase] chronicles, commandment, [idiom] commune(-ication), [phrase] concern(-ing), [phrase] confer, counsel, [phrase] dearth, decree, deed, [idiom] disease, due, duty, effect, [phrase] eloquent, errand, (evil favoured-) ness, [phrase] glory, [phrase] harm, hurt, [phrase] iniquity, [phrase] judgment, language, [phrase] lying, manner, matter, message, (no) thing, oracle, [idiom] ought, [idiom] parts, [phrase] pertaining, [phrase] please, portion, [phrase] power, promise, provision, purpose, question, rate, reason, report, request, [idiom] (as hast) said, sake, saying, sentence, [phrase] sign, [phrase] so, some (uncleanness), somewhat to say, [phrase] song, speech, [idiom] spoken, talk, task, [phrase] that, [idiom] there done, thing (concerning), thought, [phrase] thus, tidings, what(-soever), [phrase] wherewith, which, word, work. See also: Genesis 11:1; Exodus 23:8; Deuteronomy 18:21.

וְ/חֻקַּ֗/י chôq H2706 "statute" Conj | N-mp | Suff

In the Bible, this Hebrew word means a decree or law given by God, like the Ten Commandments. It appears in books like Exodus and Deuteronomy, guiding the Israelites' actions. This concept is essential to understanding God's expectations.

Definition: : decree 1) statute, ordinance, limit, something prescribed, due 1a) prescribed task 1b) prescribed portion 1c) action prescribed (for oneself), resolve 1d) prescribed due 1e) prescribed limit, boundary 1f) enactment, decree, ordinance 1f1) specific decree 1f2) law in general 1g) enactments, statutes 1g1) conditions 1g2) enactments 1g3) decrees 1g4) civil enactments prescribed by God

Usage: Occurs in 124 OT verses. KJV: appointed, bound, commandment, convenient, custom, decree(-d), due, law, measure, [idiom] necessary, ordinance(-nary), portion, set time, statute, task. See also: Genesis 47:22; Nehemiah 1:7; Psalms 2:7.

אֲשֶׁ֤ר ʼăsher H834 "which" Rel

This Hebrew word is a conjunction that connects ideas and events in the Bible, like in the book of Genesis, where it's used to describe the relationship between God and His creation.

Definition: A: 1) (relative part.) 1a) which, who 1b) that which 2) (conj) 2a) that (in obj clause) 2b) when 2c) since 2d) as 2e) conditional if B: Beth+ 1) in (that) which 2) (adv) 2a) where 3) (conj) 3a) in that, inasmuch as 3b) on account of C: Mem+ 1) from (or than) that which 2) from (the place) where 3) from (the fact) that, since D: Kaph+ 1) (conj.), according as, as, when 1a) according to that which, according as, as 1b) with a causal force: in so far as, since 1c) with a temporal force: when

Usage: Occurs in 4440 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, [idiom] alike, as (soon as), because, [idiom] every, for, [phrase] forasmuch, [phrase] from whence, [phrase] how(-soever), [idiom] if, (so) that ((thing) which, wherein), [idiom] though, [phrase] until, [phrase] whatsoever, when, where ([phrase] -as, -in, -of, -on, -soever, -with), which, whilst, [phrase] whither(-soever), who(-m, -soever, -se). As it is indeclinable, it is often accompanied by the personal pronoun expletively, used to show the connection. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 20:9; Genesis 31:16.

צִוִּ֨יתִי֙ tsâvâh H6680 "to command" V-Piel-Perf-1cs

To command or give orders, as seen in the Bible when God gives charge to his people. It can also mean to appoint or ordain someone for a task. This word is used in various forms throughout the Old Testament.

Definition: 1) to command, charge, give orders, lay charge, give charge to, order 1a)(Piel) 1a1) to lay charge upon 1a2) to give charge to, give command to 1a3) to give charge unto 1a4) to give charge over, appoint 1a5) to give charge, command 1a6) to charge, command 1a7) to charge, commission 1a8) to command, appoint, ordain (of divine act) 1b) (Pual) to be commanded

Usage: Occurs in 475 OT verses. KJV: appoint, (for-) bid, (give a) charge, (give a, give in, send with) command(-er, -ment), send a messenger, put, (set) in order. See also: Genesis 2:16; Leviticus 10:13; Deuteronomy 12:11.

אֶת ʼêth H853 "Obj." DirObjM

In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.

Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)

Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.

עֲבָדַ֣/י ʻebed H5650 "servant/slave" N-mp | Suff

This word refers to a servant or slave, often in the context of serving God or a human master. It can also describe a prophet or Levite. The KJV translates it as bondage, bondman, or servant.

Definition: 1) slave, servant 1a) slave, servant, man-servant 1b) subjects 1c) servants, worshippers (of God) 1d) servant (in special sense as prophets, Levites etc) 1e) servant (of Israel) 1f) servant (as form of address between equals) Aramaic equivalent: a.vad (עֲבַד "servant/slave" H5649)

Usage: Occurs in 714 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] bondage, bondman, (bond-) servant, (man-) servant. See also: Genesis 9:25; Exodus 11:3; 1 Samuel 8:16.

הַ/נְּבִיאִ֔ים nâbîyʼ H5030 "prophet" Art | N-mp

A prophet is someone who speaks for God, like a spokesperson. This word is used in the Bible to describe true and false prophets, like those in 1 and 2 Kings.

Definition: 1) spokesman, speaker, prophet 1a) prophet 1b) false prophet 1c) heathen prophet Aramaic equivalent: ne.vi (נְבִיא "prophet" H5029)

Usage: Occurs in 288 OT verses. KJV: prophecy, that prophesy, prophet. See also: Genesis 20:7; 2 Kings 24:2; Psalms 51:2.

הֲ/ל֥וֹא lôʼ H3808 "not" Part | Part

The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.

Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)

Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.

הִשִּׂ֖יגוּ nâsag H5381 "to overtake" V-Hiphil-Perf-3cp

To overtake means to reach or catch up to something, like pursuing an enemy or attaining a goal. This verb is used in the Bible to describe physical and spiritual pursuits. It can also mean to be able to secure or have enough.

Definition: 1) to reach, overtake, take hold upon 1a) (Hiphil) 1a1) to overtake 1a2) to reach, attain to, cause to reach 1a3) to be able to secure, reach, have enough

Usage: Occurs in 47 OT verses. KJV: ability, be able, attain (unto), (be able to, can) get, lay at, put, reach, remove, wax rich, [idiom] surely, (over-) take (hold of, on, upon). See also: Genesis 31:25; 1 Samuel 14:26; Psalms 7:6.

אֲבֹתֵי/כֶ֑ם ʼâb H1 "father" N-mp | Suff

In Hebrew, this word means father, whether literal or figurative. It is used to describe God as the father of his people, as well as human fathers like Abraham. The word is about a paternal relationship or authority.

Definition: 1) father of an individual 2) of God as father of his people 3) head or founder of a household, group, family, or clan 4) ancestor 4a) grandfather, forefathers - of person 4b) of people 5) originator or patron of a class, profession, or art 6) of producer, generator (fig.) 7) of benevolence and protection (fig.) 8) term of respect and honour 9) ruler or chief (spec.) Also means: av (אַב "father" H0002)

Usage: Occurs in 1060 OT verses. KJV: chief, (fore-) father(-less), [idiom] patrimony, principal. Compare names in 'Abi-'. See also: Genesis 2:24; Genesis 42:37; Leviticus 19:3.

וַ/יָּשׁ֣וּבוּ shûwb H7725 "to return" Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp

This Hebrew word means to return or turn back, and can be used literally or figuratively. It is often used to describe someone returning to God or repenting from sin, as seen in the book of Psalms and the prophets.

Definition: : return 1) to return, turn back 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to turn back, return 1a1a) to turn back 1a1b) to return, come or go back 1a1c) to return unto, go back, come back 1a1d) of dying 1a1e) of human relations (fig) 1a1f) of spiritual relations (fig) 1a1f1) to turn back (from God), apostatise 1a1f2) to turn away (of God) 1a1f3) to turn back (to God), repent 1a1f4) turn back (from evil) 1a1g) of inanimate things 1a1h) in repetition 1b) (Polel) 1b1) to bring back 1b2) to restore, refresh, repair (fig) 1b3) to lead away (enticingly) 1b4) to show turning, apostatise 1c) (Pual) restored (participle) 1d) (Hiphil) to cause to return, bring back 1d1) to bring back, allow to return, put back, draw back, give back, restore, relinquish, give in payment 1d2) to bring back, refresh, restore 1d3) to bring back, report to, answer 1d4) to bring back, make requital, pay (as recompense) 1d5) to turn back or backward, repel, defeat, repulse, hinder, reject, refuse 1d6) to turn away (face), turn toward 1d7) to turn against 1d8) to bring back to mind 1d9) to show a turning away 1d10) to reverse, revoke 1e) (Hophal) to be returned, be restored, be brought back 1f) (Pulal) brought back

Usage: Occurs in 953 OT verses. KJV: ((break, build, circumcise, dig, do anything, do evil, feed, lay down, lie down, lodge, make, rejoice, send, take, weep)) [idiom] again, (cause to) answer ([phrase] again), [idiom] in any case (wise), [idiom] at all, averse, bring (again, back, home again), call (to mind), carry again (back), cease, [idiom] certainly, come again (back), [idiom] consider, [phrase] continually, convert, deliver (again), [phrase] deny, draw back, fetch home again, [idiom] fro, get (oneself) (back) again, [idiom] give (again), go again (back, home), (go) out, hinder, let, (see) more, [idiom] needs, be past, [idiom] pay, pervert, pull in again, put (again, up again), recall, recompense, recover, refresh, relieve, render (again), requite, rescue, restore, retrieve, (cause to, make to) return, reverse, reward, [phrase] say nay, send back, set again, slide back, still, [idiom] surely, take back (off), (cause to, make to) turn (again, self again, away, back, back again, backward, from, off), withdraw. See also: Genesis 3:19; Numbers 8:25; Judges 8:13.

וַ/יֹּאמְר֗וּ ʼâmar H559 "to say" Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp

This Hebrew word means to say or speak, and it's used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to command, promise, or think, and it's translated in the KJV as 'answer', 'appoint', or 'command'.

Definition: 1) to say, speak, utter 1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend 1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called 1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly 1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)

Usage: Occurs in 4337 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet. See also: Genesis 1:3; Genesis 18:23; Genesis 25:32.

כַּ/אֲשֶׁ֨ר ʼăsher H834 "which" Prep | Rel

This Hebrew word is a conjunction that connects ideas and events in the Bible, like in the book of Genesis, where it's used to describe the relationship between God and His creation.

זָמַ֜ם zâmam H2161 "to plan" V-Qal-Perf-3ms

This Hebrew word means to plan, often with bad intentions, like plotting or scheming. It appears in the Bible when someone is thinking of doing something evil. In the KJV, it's translated as 'consider, devise, imagine, plot, purpose, think evil'.

Definition: 1) to have a thought, devise, plan, consider, purpose 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to consider, fix thought upon 1a2) to purpose, devise 1a3) to plot (of evil intent)

Usage: Occurs in 13 OT verses. KJV: consider, devise, imagine, plot, purpose, think (evil). See also: Genesis 11:6; Proverbs 31:16; Psalms 17:3.

יְהוָ֤ה Yᵉhôvâh H3068 "The Lord" N-proper

Yehovah is another name for God, often translated as 'the Lord'. It is a national name for God in the Jewish faith. This name is used throughout the Old Testament.

Definition: Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)

Usage: Occurs in 5522 OT verses. KJV: Jehovah, the Lord. Compare H3050 (יָהּ), H3069 (יְהֹוִה). See also: Genesis 2:4; Genesis 24:42; Exodus 8:8.

צְבָאוֹת֙ tsâbâʼ H6635 "army" N-cp

This Hebrew word means a large group of people or things, often referring to an army or a campaign, and is also used to describe the Lord's hosts. It appears in the Bible as a name for God, emphasizing His power and authority. In the KJV, it's translated as 'host' or 'army'.

Definition: : army 1) that which goes forth, army, war, warfare, host 1a) army, host 1a1) host (of organised army) 1a2) host (of angels) 1a3) of sun, moon, and stars 1a4) of whole creation 1b) war, warfare, service, go out to war 1c) service

Usage: Occurs in 463 OT verses. KJV: appointed time, ([phrase]) army, ([phrase]) battle, company, host, service, soldiers, waiting upon, war(-fare). See also: Genesis 2:1; 1 Samuel 17:55; Psalms 24:10.

לַ/עֲשׂ֣וֹת ʻâsâh H6213 "to make" Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a

This verb means to make or do something, and is used over 2,600 times in the Bible. It is first used in Genesis 1:7 to describe God's creation of the world and is also used in Exodus 31:5 to describe the work of skilled craftsmen.

Definition: : make(OBJECT) 1) to do, fashion, accomplish, make 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to do, work, make, produce 1a1a) to do 1a1b) to work 1a1c) to deal (with) 1a1d) to act, act with effect, effect 1a2) to make 1a2a) to make 1a2b) to produce 1a2c) to prepare 1a2d) to make (an offering) 1a2e) to attend to, put in order 1a2f) to observe, celebrate 1a2g) to acquire (property) 1a2h) to appoint, ordain, institute 1a2i) to bring about 1a2j) to use 1a2k) to spend, pass 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be done 1b2) to be made 1b3) to be produced 1b4) to be offered 1b5) to be observed 1b6) to be used 1c) (Pual) to be made

Usage: Occurs in 2286 OT verses. KJV: accomplish, advance, appoint, apt, be at, become, bear, bestow, bring forth, bruise, be busy, [idiom] certainly, have the charge of, commit, deal (with), deck, [phrase] displease, do, (ready) dress(-ed), (put in) execute(-ion), exercise, fashion, [phrase] feast, (fight-) ing man, [phrase] finish, fit, fly, follow, fulfill, furnish, gather, get, go about, govern, grant, great, [phrase] hinder, hold (a feast), [idiom] indeed, [phrase] be industrious, [phrase] journey, keep, labour, maintain, make, be meet, observe, be occupied, offer, [phrase] officer, pare, bring (come) to pass, perform, pracise, prepare, procure, provide, put, requite, [idiom] sacrifice, serve, set, shew, [idiom] sin, spend, [idiom] surely, take, [idiom] thoroughly, trim, [idiom] very, [phrase] vex, be (warr-) ior, work(-man), yield, use. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 34:19; Exodus 18:24.

לָ֔/נוּ "" Prep | Suff

כִּ/דְרָכֵ֨י/נוּ֙ derek H1870 "way" Prep | N-cp | Suff

Derek refers to a road or path, and can also mean a way of life or manner of action. It is often used to describe a journey or direction, and can be used figuratively to describe a person's character or moral path.

Definition: : road/route 1) way, road, distance, journey, manner 1a) road, way, path 1b) journey 1c) direction 1d) manner, habit, way 1e) of course of life (fig.) 1f) of moral character (fig.)

Usage: Occurs in 626 OT verses. KJV: along, away, because of, [phrase] by, conversation, custom, (east-) ward, journey, manner, passenger, through, toward, (high-) (path-) way(-side), whither(-soever). See also: Genesis 3:24; Deuteronomy 28:29; 1 Kings 15:34.

וּ/כְ/מַ֣עֲלָלֵ֔י/נוּ maʻălâl H4611 "deed" Conj | Prep | N-mp | Suff

Maalal means a deed or act, which can be good or bad, such as a practice or invention. It is used in the Bible to describe human actions and their consequences. This term is found in various biblical contexts.

Definition: 1) deed, practice 1a) practice (usually bad) 1b) deeds 1c) acts

Usage: Occurs in 41 OT verses. KJV: doing, endeavour, invention, work. See also: Deuteronomy 28:20; Jeremiah 21:12; Psalms 28:4.

כֵּ֖ן kên H3651 "right" Part

In the Bible, this Hebrew word means 'so' or 'thus', often used to show agreement or confirmation, like in the book of Genesis. It can also mean 'rightly' or 'justly', as in doing something the correct way. It appears in various forms throughout the Old Testament.

Definition: adv adj 1) right, just, honest, true, veritable 1a) right, just, honest 1b) correct 1c) true, veritable

Usage: Occurs in 737 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] after that (this, -ward, -wards), as... as, [phrase] (for-) asmuch as yet, [phrase] be (for which) cause, [phrase] following, howbeit, in (the) like (manner, -wise), [idiom] the more, right, (even) so, state, straightway, such (thing), surely, [phrase] there (where) -fore, this, thus, true, well, [idiom] you. See also: Genesis 1:7; Exodus 37:19; Judges 7:17.

עָשָׂ֥ה ʻâsâh H6213 "to make" V-Qal-Perf-3ms

אִתָּֽ/נוּ ʼêth H854 "with" Prep | Suff

This Hebrew preposition means 'with' or 'near', indicating a close relationship or physical proximity. It's used in Genesis 1:26 to describe God's relationship with humanity, and in many other places to show connection or closeness.

Definition: 1) with, near, together with 1a) with, together with 1b) with (of relationship) 1c) near (of place) 1d) with (poss.) 1e) from...with, from (with other prep)

Usage: Occurs in 787 OT verses. KJV: against, among, before, by, for, from, in(-to), (out) of, with. Often with another prepositional prefix. See also: Genesis 4:1; Genesis 42:32; Numbers 1:5.

Study Notes — Zechariah 1:6

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Context
Cross References
Zechariah 1:6 Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Reflection Questions
Gill's Exposition on Zechariah 1:6
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Zechariah 1:6
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Zechariah 1:6
Trapp's Commentary on Zechariah 1:6
Ellicott's Commentary on Zechariah 1:6
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Zechariah 1:6
Cambridge Bible on Zechariah 1:6
Barnes' Notes on Zechariah 1:6
Whedon's Commentary on Zechariah 1:6
Sermons on Zechariah 1:6

Context — A Call to Repentance

4Do not be like your fathers, to whom the former prophets proclaimed that this is what the LORD of Hosts says: ‘Turn now from your evil ways and deeds.’ But they did not listen or pay attention to Me, declares the LORD. 5Where are your fathers now? And the prophets, do they live forever?

6But did not My words and My statutes, which I commanded My servants the prophets, overtake your fathers? They repented and said, ‘Just as the LORD of Hosts purposed to do to us according to our ways and deeds, so He has done to us.’”

7On the twenty-fourth day of the eleventh month, the month of Shebat, in the second year of Darius, the word of the LORD came to the prophet Zechariah son of Berechiah, the son of Iddo. 8I looked out into the night and saw a man riding on a red horse. He was standing among the myrtle trees in the hollow, and behind him were red, sorrel, and white horses.

Cross References

	Reference	Text (BSB)
1	Lamentations 2:17	The LORD has done what He planned; He has accomplished His decree, which He ordained in days of old; He has overthrown you without pity. He has let the enemy gloat over you and exalted the horn of your foes.
2	Deuteronomy 28:15	If, however, you do not obey the LORD your God by carefully following all His commandments and statutes I am giving you today, all these curses will come upon you and overtake you:
3	Ezekiel 12:25–28	because I, the LORD, will speak whatever word I speak, and it will be fulfilled without delay. For in your days, O rebellious house, I will speak a message and bring it to pass, declares the Lord GOD.’” Furthermore, the word of the LORD came to me, saying, “Son of man, take note that the house of Israel is saying, ‘The vision that he sees is for many years from now; he prophesies about the distant future.’ Therefore tell them that this is what the Lord GOD says: ‘None of My words will be delayed any longer. The message I speak will be fulfilled, declares the Lord GOD.’”
4	Jeremiah 23:20	The anger of the LORD will not turn back until He has fully accomplished the purposes of His heart. In the days to come you will understand this clearly.
5	Matthew 24:35	Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will never pass away.
6	Numbers 23:19	God is not a man, that He should lie, or a son of man, that He should change His mind. Does He speak and not act? Does He promise and not fulfill?
7	Daniel 9:11–12	All Israel has transgressed Your law and turned away, refusing to obey Your voice; so the oath and the curse written in the Law of Moses the servant of God has been poured out on us, because we have sinned against You. You have carried out the words spoken against us and against our rulers by bringing upon us a great disaster. For under all of heaven, nothing has ever been done like what has been done to Jerusalem.
8	Jeremiah 44:28	Those who escape the sword will return from Egypt to Judah, few in number, and the whole remnant of Judah who went to dwell in the land of Egypt will know whose word will stand, Mine or theirs!
9	Amos 9:10	All the sinners among My people will die by the sword— all those who say, ‘Disaster will never draw near or confront us.’”
10	2 Chronicles 36:17–21	So He brought up against them the king of the Chaldeans, who put their young men to the sword in the sanctuary, sparing neither young men nor young women, neither elderly nor infirm. God gave them all into the hand of Nebuchadnezzar, who carried off everything to Babylon—all the articles of the house of God, both large and small, and the treasures of the house of the LORD and of the king and his officials. Then the Chaldeans set fire to the house of God and broke down the wall of Jerusalem. They burned down all the palaces and destroyed every article of value. Those who escaped the sword were carried by Nebuchadnezzar into exile in Babylon, and they became servants to him and his sons until the kingdom of Persia came to power. So the land enjoyed its Sabbath rest all the days of the desolation, until seventy years were completed, in fulfillment of the word of the LORD through Jeremiah.

Zechariah 1:6 Summary

[This verse is saying that God's words and laws are powerful and will always catch up with us, bringing consequences for our actions. Just like the fathers in this verse, we need to acknowledge God's justice and repent of our sins. As it says in Psalm 119:60, we need to be quick to obey God's commands and turn away from evil. By doing so, we can experience God's mercy and forgiveness, as seen in 1 John 1:9.]

Frequently Asked Questions

What does it mean for God's words and statutes to 'overtake' someone?

This phrase means that God's words and laws caught up with the people, bringing judgment and consequences for their disobedience, as seen in Deuteronomy 28:15 and Leviticus 26:14-39.

Why did the fathers repent and acknowledge God's justice in this verse?

The fathers repented because they recognized that God's judgment was fair and just, as stated in Jeremiah 31:18, and that their own actions had led to the consequences they were experiencing, as seen in Galatians 6:7-8.

How does this verse relate to the concept of God's sovereignty and human responsibility?

This verse shows that God is sovereign over all things, including human actions and their consequences, as seen in Isaiah 46:10, and that humans are still responsible for their choices and actions, as stated in Romans 14:12.

What can we learn from the example of the fathers in this verse?

We can learn the importance of acknowledging and repenting of our sins, as seen in 1 John 1:9, and recognizing God's justice and sovereignty in all things, as stated in Psalm 119:75.

Reflection Questions

What are some ways in which God's words and statutes have 'overtaken' me in my own life, and how have I responded to them?
In what ways can I, like the fathers, acknowledge God's justice and sovereignty in my life, and how can I repent of my sins and turn to Him?
How can I balance the concept of God's sovereignty with my own human responsibility, and what are the implications of this balance for my daily life?
What are some areas in my life where I need to repent and acknowledge God's justice, and how can I take steps to do so?

Gill's Exposition on Zechariah 1:6

But my words and my statutes, which I commanded my servants the prophets,.... That is, the predictions which he ordered his prophets to declare in his name, that their fathers should die by the

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Zechariah 1:6

But my words and my statutes, which I commanded my servants the prophets, did they not take hold of your fathers?

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Zechariah 1:6

But my words, the dreadful menaces which I spake by my prophets, and my statutes, the decreed judgments which my provoked justice resolved to execute on them, which I commanded my servants the prophets; which by my prophets as my heralds I proclaimed and published. Did they not take hold of your fathers? overtake as a pursuing enemy overtakes and seizeth on his enemy and spoileth him; have not my judgments thus taken hold both on your fathers and on you? They returned and said: by this it should seem that Zechariah gave them time to consider what answer to give. So hath he dealt with us; it is true, as God said he would do, so he hath done against us, our fathers, our families, our cities and temples. God’ s words have not failed, they died not, though our fathers did. This may be an abstract of their repentance.

Trapp's Commentary on Zechariah 1:6

Zechariah 1:6 But my words and my statutes, which I commanded my servants the prophets, did they not take hold of your fathers? and they returned and said, Like as the LORD of hosts thought to do unto us, according to our ways, and according to our doings, so hath he dealt with us.Ver. 6. Did they not take hold of your fathers] Overtake and catch them (as huntsmen their prey, or as one enemy doth another in flight, 1 Kings 18:27 2 Kings 25:5), to drag them down to the bottom of hell. A godly man, as he hath peace with God, with himself, and with the creatures; so he hath also with the ordinances, and may say, as Hezekiah, Good is the word of the Lord which thou hast spoken. Are not my words always good, saith God, to them that walk uprightly? Micah 2:7. Excellently Augustine, Adversarius est nobis, quamdiu sumus et ipsi nobis: quamdiu tu tibi inimicus es, inimicum habebis sermonem Dei. God’ s word is adversary to none but such as are adversaries to themselves; neither doth it condemn any but such as shall be assuredly condemned by the Lord; for what is the word but the heart and soul of God ( cor et anima Dei), as Gregory saith. And what saith the essential Word of God, who came out of the bosom of his Father and knew all his counsel? "He that rejecteth me, and receiveth not my words, hath one that judgeth him: the word that I have spoken, the same shall judge him in the last day," John 12:48. Oh consider this, ye that forget God, that slight his word as if it were but wind, that belie the Lord, and say, "It is not he; neither shall the evil" (foretold) "come upon us; neither shall we see sword nor famine. And the prophets shall become wind, and the word is not in them: thus shall it be done unto them. Wherefore thus saith the Lord God of hosts, Because ye speak this word" (and is there not such language of many men’ s hearts today?) "behold, I will make my words" (not wind, but) "fire, and this people wood, and it shall devour them," Jeremiah 5:12-14. The word of God in the mouths of his ministers may well be likened to Moses’ rod; which, while he held it in his hand, it flourished, and brought forth almonds; but, being cast upon the ground, it became a serpent. Semblably, God’ s words and statutes, if laid to heart, they yield fruit and comfort; but if slighted or snuffed at, serpent-like they will sting the soul, and become a savour of death, &c. This contempt will also call for a sword, to revenge the quarrel of the covenant; as it did upon these men’ s fathers for their instance and admonition.

Ellicott's Commentary on Zechariah 1:6

(6) My words.—True, says the prophet, both your fathers and the former prophets are dead; “but” for all that, the words of the prophets were actually fulfilled in your fathers, as they themselves confessed. This is the interpretation of these verses given by Rβv (second to third century A.D.) in Talmud Babli, Synhιdrin, 105a. Another view of the passage is that it is equivalent to “The light of prophecy is dying out; while ye have the light, walk as children of the light.” But such an interpretation destroys the prophet’s argument. My statutes.—Better, my decrees, as in Zephaniah 2:2. LXX. introduce “receive ye,” after “my decrees.” After “I command,” they introduce “by my spirit,” probably from Zechariah 7:12. Take hold of.—Better, as marg., overtake. LXX., οἳκατελάβοσαν may be a corruption of ουκατελάβοσαν. (Comp. Lamentations 1:12.) Returned.—Better, turned: i.e., repented. The same word is used in Zechariah 1:3. LXX., wrongly, καὶἀπεκρίθησαν, “answered.” Like as the Lord of hosts thought to do . . .—So Jeremiah confessed in Lamentations 2:17. Zechariah had no doubt those words of Jeremiah in his mind at the time.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Zechariah 1:6

Verse 6. Did they not take hold of your fathers?] Every thing happened according to the predictions, and they were obliged to acknowledge this; and yet they would not turn from their evil way.

Cambridge Bible on Zechariah 1:6

6. my statutes] or decrees. The word may be used here, as it is in Zephaniah 2:2; Psalms 2:7 (in both which places it is rendered decree in A. V.), of some punishment, which God had purposed or decreed, and threatened by His prophets to send upon them unless they repented. But it may also be taken to refer, as it commonly does in the O. T., to the “statutes” of the Law, sanctioned by rewards and punishments, which it was the office of the prophet to repeat and enforce. take hold of] Marg. and R.V. overtake. Comp. Deuteronomy 28:15; Deuteronomy 28:45, where the same word is used. Pusey quotes the well-known words of Horace, “Rarely hath punishment with limping tread parted with the forerunning miscreant.” returned] Rather turned, as the word is rendered in Zechariah 1:3-4. They were brought at last to do, what before they had refused to do, Zechariah 1:4, and what you are now intreated to be wise in time to do, Zechariah 1:3, to turn from sin and turn to God. thought to do] Comp. Lamentations 2:17, where the penitent confession is uttered by Jeremiah, as the representative of the people, almost in the words here recorded: “The Lord hath done that which he had devised (the same word as is here rendered, “thought”); he hath fulfilled his word that he had commanded in the days of old.” dealt with us] Lit. done with us. As He thought, or purposed, to do, so hath He done. The Visions. Zechariah 1:7 to Zechariah 6:15. Exactly five months had now elapsed since the building of the Temple was resumed, as the fruit of Haggai’s earnest expostulation (Haggai 1:14-15). It was three months since Zechariah had uttered the call to repentance with which his Book opens (Zechariah 1:1); and in the mean time Haggai had again spoken in the name of the Lord, in his concluding prophecies (Haggai 2:10-23). On the basis of the repentance, of which the people were giving practical proof in their honest endeavours to rebuild the Temple, and as an encouragement to them to persevere in the work, Zechariah now unfolds to them God’s purposes of mercy, as they had been unfolded to him in a series of eight visions, all of which had been vouchsafed to him, as it would seem, in a single night.

Barnes' Notes on Zechariah 1:6

Only My words and My decrees - Which God spake by them, “did not they overtake them?” (as Psalms 2:7; Zephaniah 2:2).

Whedon's Commentary on Zechariah 1:6

4-6. Similar appeals were made to former generations, but they would not heed; therefore they were cut off. The former prophets — All the predecessors of Zechariah.

Sermons on Zechariah 1:6

	Sermon	Description
	Redeemed From the Curse of the Law by Paris Reidhead	Paris Reidhead emphasizes the profound truth that Christ has redeemed us from the curse of the law by being made a curse for us. He recounts his personal journey of understanding h
	Breaking Out by David Wilkerson	In this sermon, the speaker expresses his ability to sense when someone is truly connected to Jesus and walking in righteousness. He emphasizes the importance of the body of Christ
	The Incredible Strength of Knowing God's Joy by Carter Conlon	In this sermon, the preacher discusses the importance of understanding the Word of God. He emphasizes that the people in the Bible who had returned from captivity in Babylon were f
	Birth of the New World Order by Michael Coffman	The video mentioned in the sermon transcript is called "Waco, the Rules of Engagement." It tells the story of a government attack on a group of peaceable people who were Christians
	(Through the Bible) Leviticus 11-15 by Chuck Smith	In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of meditating on and following God's law. He references Joshua 1:8 and Psalm 1 to highlight the benefits of meditating on God
	Studies in Joshua 04 - Dividing the Land by Alden Gannett	In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the theme of destruction as seen in the Book of Judges and the history of Israel. He emphasizes the importance of faithfulness and obedience
	K-507 the Christian in Society by Art Katz	In this sermon, the speaker discusses two streams of experience that have led him to believe that there is a deficiency in the church. He highlights the frustrations and misuse of