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Zechariah 12:5

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Zechariah 12:5 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

Then the leaders of Judah will say in their hearts: ‘The people of Jerusalem are my strength, for the LORD of Hosts is their God.’

King James Version KJV

And the governors of Judah shall say in their heart, The inhabitants of Jerusalem shall be my strength in the LORD of hosts their God.

American Standard Version ASV

And the chieftains of Judah shall say in their heart, The inhabitants of Jerusalem are my strength in Jehovah of hosts their God.

Bible in Basic English BBE

And the families of Judah will say in their hearts, The people of Jerusalem have their strength in the Lord of armies, their God.

Free Bible Version FBV

Then the families of Judah will say to themselves, the people of Jerusalem are strong in their God, the Lord Almighty.

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

And the princes of Iudah shall say in their hearts, The inhabitants of Ierusalem shall be my strength in the Lord of hostes their God.

Young's Literal Translation YLT

And leaders of Judah have said in their heart, 'Strength to me [are] the inhabitants of Jerusalem, In Jehovah of Hosts their God.'

World English Bible WEB

The chieftains of Judah will say in their heart, ‘The inhabitants of Jerusalem are my strength in the LORD of Armies their God.’

Noah Webster Bible WBS

And the governors of Judah shall say in their heart, The inhabitants of Jerusalem shall be my strength in the LORD of hosts their God.

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

And the governors of Juda shall say in their heart: Let the inhabitants of Jerusalem be strengthened for me in the Lord of hosts, their God.

Translation for Translators T4T

Then the leaders of Judah will say to themselves, ‘The people in Jerusalem are strong because the Commander of the armies of angels is their God.’

Study Highlights

Key words in the translations above are automatically highlighted. Names of God and Jesus are marked in purple, the Holy Spirit in orange, divine action verbs are underlined, and repeated key words are highlighted in yellow.

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Berean Amplified Bible — Zechariah 12:5

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 12:5 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB
HEB וְ/אָֽמְר֛וּ אַלֻּפֵ֥י יְהוּדָ֖ה בְּ/לִבָּ֑/ם אַמְצָ֥ה לִ/י֙ יֹשְׁבֵ֣י יְרוּשָׁלִַ֔ם בַּ/יהוָ֥ה צְבָא֖וֹת אֱלֹהֵי/הֶֽם
וְ/אָֽמְר֛וּ ʼâmar H559 to say Conj | V-Qal-3cp
אַלֻּפֵ֥י ʼallûwph H441 tame N-mp
יְהוּדָ֖ה Yᵉhûwdâh H3063 Judah N-proper
בְּ/לִבָּ֑/ם lêb H3820 heart Prep | N-ms | Suff
אַמְצָ֥ה ʼamtsâh H556 strength N-fs
לִ/י֙ Prep | Suff
יֹשְׁבֵ֣י yâshab H3427 to dwell V-Qal
יְרוּשָׁלִַ֔ם Yᵉrûwshâlaim H3389 Jerusalem N-proper
בַּ/יהוָ֥ה Yᵉhôvâh H3068 The Lord Prep | N-proper
צְבָא֖וֹת tsâbâʼ H6635 army N-cp
אֱלֹהֵי/הֶֽם ʼĕlôhîym H430 God N-mp | Suff
Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — Zechariah 12:5

וְ/אָֽמְר֛וּ ʼâmar H559 "to say" Conj | V-Qal-3cp
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.
אַלֻּפֵ֥י ʼallûwph H441 "tame" N-mp
A chief or leader is referred to as 'alluwph' in Hebrew. The word can also mean friend or governor. It describes someone in a position of authority or guidance.
Definition: 1) tame, docile 2) friend, intimate
Usage: Occurs in 29 OT verses. KJV: captain, duke, (chief) friend, governor, guide, ox. See also: Genesis 36:15; 1 Chronicles 1:52; Psalms 55:14.
יְהוּדָ֖ה Yᵉhûwdâh H3063 "Judah" N-proper
Judah is the name of the tribe descended from Judah, the son of Jacob. It is also the name of the region where the tribe lived. The name means 'praised' and is first mentioned in Genesis.
Definition: § Judah = "praised" the tribe descended from Judah the son of Jacob
Usage: Occurs in 754 OT verses. KJV: Judah. See also: Genesis 29:35; 1 Samuel 23:3; 2 Kings 14:13.
בְּ/לִבָּ֑/ם lêb H3820 "heart" Prep | N-ms | Suff
Leb refers to the heart, but also represents feelings, will, and intellect in the Bible. It is used figuratively to describe the center of something, and is often translated as heart or mind. Leb is a complex concept that encompasses emotions and thoughts.
Definition: 1) inner man, mind, will, heart, understanding 1a) inner part, midst 1a1) midst (of things) 1a2) heart (of man) 1a3) soul, heart (of man) 1a4) mind, knowledge, thinking, reflection, memory 1a5) inclination, resolution, determination (of will) 1a6) conscience 1a7) heart (of moral character) 1a8) as seat of appetites 1a9) as seat of emotions and passions 1a10) as seat of courage
Usage: Occurs in 552 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] care for, comfortably, consent, [idiom] considered, courag(-eous), friend(-ly), ((broken-), (hard-), (merry-), (stiff-), (stout-), double) heart(-ed), [idiom] heed, [idiom] I, kindly, midst, mind(-ed), [idiom] regard(-ed), [idiom] themselves, [idiom] unawares, understanding, [idiom] well, willingly, wisdom. See also: Genesis 6:5; 2 Samuel 13:33; Psalms 4:8.
אַמְצָ֥ה ʼamtsâh H556 "strength" N-fs
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means strength or force, describing power and might. It appears in various contexts, including God's strength and human courage. It is often translated as 'strength' in English Bibles.
Definition: strength
Usage: Occurs in 1 OT verses. KJV: strength. See also: Zechariah 12:5.
לִ/י֙ "" Prep | Suff
יֹשְׁבֵ֣י yâshab H3427 "to dwell" V-Qal
This verb means to sit or dwell, and can also mean to remain or abide. It's used in the Bible to describe people living in a place or staying with someone, like in the book of Genesis.
Definition: 1) to dwell, remain, sit, abide 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to sit, sit down 1a2) to be set 1a3) to remain, stay 1a4) to dwell, have one's abode 1b) (Niphal) to be inhabited 1c) (Piel) to set, place 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to cause to sit 1d2) to cause to abide, set 1d3) to cause to dwell 1d4) to cause (cities) to be inhabited 1d5) to marry (give an dwelling to) 1e) (Hophal) 1e1) to be inhabited 1e2) to make to dwell Aramaic equivalent: ye.tiv (יְתִב "to dwell" H3488)
Usage: Occurs in 977 OT verses. KJV: (make to) abide(-ing), continue, (cause to, make to) dwell(-ing), ease self, endure, establish, [idiom] fail, habitation, haunt, (make to) inhabit(-ant), make to keep (house), lurking, [idiom] marry(-ing), (bring again to) place, remain, return, seat, set(-tle), (down-) sit(-down, still, -ting down, -ting (place) -uate), take, tarry. See also: Genesis 4:16; Leviticus 25:18; Joshua 13:6.
יְרוּשָׁלִַ֔ם Yᵉrûwshâlaim H3389 "Jerusalem" N-proper
Jerusalem is the capital city of Palestine, also known as the city of peace. It was the chief city of the united kingdom and the nation of Judah after the split.
Definition: § Jerusalem = "teaching of peace" the chief city of Palestine and capital of the united kingdom and the nation of Judah after the split
Usage: Occurs in 600 OT verses. KJV: Jerusalem. See also: Joshua 10:1; 2 Kings 22:14; 2 Chronicles 24:6.
בַּ/יהוָ֥ה Yᵉhôvâh H3068 "The Lord" Prep | 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.
צְבָא֖וֹת 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.
אֱלֹהֵי/הֶֽם ʼĕlôhîym H430 "God" N-mp | Suff
The Hebrew word for God, elohim, refers to the one supreme God, and is sometimes used to show respect to judges or magistrates. It is also used to describe angels or mighty beings. This word is closely related to the name of the Lord, Yahweh, and is often translated as God or gods in the Bible.
Definition: This name means "gods" (plural intensive-singular meaning), "God" Another name of ye.ho.vah (יהוה "LORD" H3068G)
Usage: Occurs in 2246 OT verses. KJV: angels, [idiom] exceeding, God (gods) (-dess, -ly), [idiom] (very) great, judges, [idiom] mighty. See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 22:12; Exodus 3:11.

Study Notes — Zechariah 12:5

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1 Zechariah 10:12 I will strengthen them in the LORD, and in His name they will walk,” declares the LORD.
2 Joel 3:16 The LORD will roar from Zion and raise His voice from Jerusalem; heaven and earth will tremble. But the LORD will be a refuge for His people, a stronghold for the people of Israel.
3 Psalms 18:32 It is God who arms me with strength and makes my way clear.
4 Psalms 144:1 Blessed be the LORD, my Rock, who trains my hands for war, my fingers for battle.
5 Psalms 18:39 You have armed me with strength for battle; You have subdued my foes beneath me.
6 2 Corinthians 12:9–10 But He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is perfected in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly in my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest on me. That is why, for the sake of Christ, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.
7 Isaiah 28:6 a spirit of justice to him who sits in judgment, and a strength to those who repel the onslaught at the gate.
8 Zechariah 10:6 I will strengthen the house of Judah and save the house of Joseph. I will restore them because I have compassion on them, and they will be as though I had not rejected them. For I am the LORD their God, and I will answer them.
9 Psalms 68:34–35 Ascribe the power to God, whose majesty is over Israel, whose strength is in the skies. O God, You are awesome in Your sanctuary; the God of Israel Himself gives strength and power to His people. Blessed be God!
10 Isaiah 1:23 Your rulers are rebels, friends of thieves. They all love bribes and chasing after rewards. They do not defend the fatherless, and the plea of the widow never comes before them.

Zechariah 12:5 Summary

[This verse means that the leaders of Judah are recognizing that the people of Jerusalem are strong because they have the Lord of Hosts as their God, and are trusting in His power and presence to protect and defend them, as seen in Zechariah 12:5 and Psalm 28:7. This is similar to what we see in Psalm 46:1, where God is described as our refuge and strength. By trusting in God's power and presence, we can find strength and security in the face of challenges and uncertainties, just like the people of Jerusalem. As it says in Proverbs 3:5-6, we can trust in the Lord with all our heart and lean not on our own understanding, and He will make our paths straight.]

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the significance of the leaders of Judah saying 'the people of Jerusalem are my strength'?

This statement acknowledges that the true strength of Judah comes from the people of Jerusalem, who have the Lord of Hosts as their God, as seen in Zechariah 12:5, and is a recognition of God's presence and power among them, similar to Psalm 46:1.

How does this verse relate to the surrounding context?

Zechariah 12:5 is part of a larger passage describing the Lord's protection of Jerusalem and Judah from the nations that gather against them, as seen in Zechariah 12:3-4, and highlights the importance of trusting in God's strength and power.

What does it mean for the Lord of Hosts to be the God of the people of Jerusalem?

This phrase emphasizes the Lord's role as the powerful and sovereign God of Israel, who is able to protect and defend His people, as seen in Zechariah 12:5 and Isaiah 6:3, and is a declaration of His lordship and authority over them.

How can we apply this verse to our own lives?

We can apply Zechariah 12:5 by recognizing that our true strength and security come from the Lord, and by trusting in His power and presence in our lives, as seen in Proverbs 3:5-6 and Psalm 23:4.

Reflection Questions

  1. What are some ways that I can acknowledge God's strength and power in my own life, and trust in Him for my protection and security?
  2. How can I, like the leaders of Judah, recognize the importance of God's presence and power among His people, and seek to trust in Him more fully?
  3. What are some areas of my life where I am tempted to rely on my own strength and abilities, rather than trusting in God's power and presence?
  4. How can I, like the people of Jerusalem, remain secure and confident in the face of challenges and uncertainties, knowing that the Lord of Hosts is my God?

Gill's Exposition on Zechariah 12:5

And the governors of Judah shall say in their heart,.... The governors of the rest of the cities in Judea, besides Jerusalem, when they shall observe the armies of the people, their horses and their

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Zechariah 12:5

And the governors of Judah shall say in their heart, The inhabitants of Jerusalem shall be my strength in the LORD of hosts their God.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Zechariah 12:5

The governors of Judah, the counsellors and rulers at home, and the leaders and captains abroad, the Maccabees and others, every one for himself, shall say in their heart; shall think, believe, and reckon upon it, and be hearty in it. The inhabitants of Jerusalem, though but few and poor, yet they shall be my strength: and these shall be ready and forward to go forth against their enemies, with a handful of men to encounter mighty and numerous armies, because their strength and help lieth in the name of the Lord of hosts; not in their own power, but in the power of the almighty sovereign Lord of all, who can save by few as by many. And because their God he will give them victory. The governors of Judah, the counsellors and rulers at home, and the leaders and captains abroad, the Maccabees and others, every one for himself, their God he will give them victory.

Trapp's Commentary on Zechariah 12:5

Zechariah 12:5 And the governors of Judah shall say in their heart, The inhabitants of Jerusalem [shall be] my strength in the LORD of hosts their God.Ver. 5. And the governors of Judah] The dukes or chieftains ( àìôé); meaning the Maccabees, who wear not any kingly crown, but were only governors, rulers, commanders-in-chief, such as went before others; like as in the alphabet Aleph is the first letter; so, “ Omega nostrorum Mors est, Mars Alpha malorum, ” saith the poet wittily. Shall say in their hearts] i.e. Shall say heartily, from the root of the heart, and not from the roof of the mouth only. Profession of the truth and prayer (for so some make this verse to be) are not a labour of the lips, but a travail of the heart. The voice which is made in the mouth is nothing so sweet as that which comes from the depth of the breast. As in instrument music, the deeper and hollower the belly of the lute or viol, the pleasanter is the sound; the fleeter, the more grating and harsh in our ears. The inhabitants of Jerusalem shall be my strength] Though now there be few found in it; yet it shall be much repeopled and fortified; so that, under God, it shall be a fortress to the whole country; and the governors shall so take it to be: or thus, There is strength to me and to the inhabitants of Jerusalem in the Lord of hosts their God] Every governor shall say so for his own particular (and this seems to me to be the better reading). The Maccabees did so, as appeared by their posy (whereof before), their prayers, and their singular success, as appears by their history and by Josephus. Deo confisi, nunquam confusi, They that trust in God shall never be confounded. "Our fathers trusted in thee, and they were delivered. O trust ye in the Lord for ever; for in the Lord Jehovah is everlasting strength." Look not down on the rushing and roaring streams, lest ye grow giddy; but look up to the heavens from whence comes your help, and fasten by faith on God’ s power and promises. Faith unfeigned breeds hope unfailable, such as never miscarrieth. "O trust in him at all times, ye people," Psalms 62:8, for with God is wisdom and strength, Job 12:13. Plutarch saith of the Scythians that they have neither wine nor music; but they have gods. Say that the saints have neither power nor policy as their enemies, yet they have all in God, who is more than all.

Ellicott's Commentary on Zechariah 12:5

(5) For shall be, read are. The strength of the fortress of Jerusalem should be the saving of Judah, but that strength would depend on the protection of “the Lord of Hosts, their God.”

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Zechariah 12:5

Verse 5. The governors of Judah] This supposes a union between the two kingdoms of Israel and Judah.

Cambridge Bible on Zechariah 12:5

5. the governors] chieftains, R. V., and so in Zechariah 12:6. shall be] Rather, are. When they see the rout and discomfiture of her enemies around the walls of Jerusalem (Zechariah 12:2-4), the rulers of the land, speaking as the mouthpiece of the people at large, shall joyfully acknowledge her to be the strength of the country by the help of Jehovah, her God.

Barnes' Notes on Zechariah 12:5

And the princes of Judah - He pictures the onemindedness of the Church. No one shall assume anything to himself; each shall exalt the strength which the other was to him; but all, “in the Lord.

Whedon's Commentary on Zechariah 12:5

As Zechariah 12:5 stands now it seems to describe the effect produced upon the inhabitants of Judah by the divine manifestation against the enemies. They will be inspired with new hope and courage.

Sermons on Zechariah 12:5

SermonDescription
Joseph Alleine An Alarm to the Unconverted 3 of 5 by Joseph Alleine The sermon transcript emphasizes the importance of reading and understanding the word of God. It warns about the consequences of living in a state of sin and being unprepared for j
Chuck Smith Haggai 2:6 by Chuck Smith Chuck Smith emphasizes the prophetic significance of Haggai 2:6, warning of a coming universal earthquake that symbolizes God's judgment on nations for their sins and rejection of
Carter Conlon A Final Warning to the Indulgent Church by Carter Conlon This sermon emphasizes the importance of not just agreeing with the truth of God, but embracing it fully, pouring out our lives for His glory and the benefit of others. Drawing fro
Joshua Daniel God Is My Strength and Power - Part 1 by Joshua Daniel This sermon by Joshua Daniel emphasizes the importance of fearing and serving the Lord with all our heart and soul, highlighting the requirements God has for us. It delves into the
Carter Conlon The Necessity of Weakness by Carter Conlon This sermon emphasizes the necessity of weakness in the Christian walk, drawing from the life of the apostle Paul and the story of David and Goliath. It highlights how God's streng
Warren Wiersbe How Clean Are Your Hands? by Warren Wiersbe Warren Wiersbe emphasizes the importance of maintaining clean hands and righteousness before God, highlighting how God rewards those who walk in integrity and keep His ways. Throug
C.H. Spurgeon His Bow Abode in Strength by C.H. Spurgeon C.H. Spurgeon emphasizes that the true strength given by God to His faithful, like Joseph, is not mere bravado but a genuine, divine empowerment. This strength enables believers to
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