Zechariah 14:8
Zechariah 14:8 in Multiple Translations
And on that day living water will flow out from Jerusalem, half of it toward the Eastern Sea and the other half toward the Western Sea, in summer and winter alike.
And it shall be in that day, that living waters shall go out from Jerusalem; half of them toward the former sea, and half of them toward the hinder sea: in summer and in winter shall it be.
And it shall come to pass in that day, that living waters shall go out from Jerusalem; half of them toward the eastern sea, and half of them toward the western sea: in summer and in winter shall it be.
And on that day living waters will go out from Jerusalem; half of them flowing to the sea on the east and half to the sea on the west: in summer and in winter it will be so.
On that day living waters will flow out of Jerusalem, half of it going east to the Dead Sea and half going west to the Mediterranean Sea, flowing in summer and winter alike.
And in that day shall there waters of life goe out from Ierusalem, halfe of them towarde the East sea, and halfe of them towarde the vttermost sea, and shall be, both in sommer and winter.
And it hath come to pass, in that day, Go forth do living waters from Jerusalem, Half of them unto the eastern sea, And half of them unto the western sea, In summer and in winter it is.
It will happen in that day that living waters will go out from Jerusalem, half of them toward the eastern sea, and half of them toward the western sea. It will be so in summer and in winter.
And it shall be in that day, that living waters shall go out from Jerusalem; half of them towards the former sea, and half of them towards the hinder sea: in summer and in winter shall it be.
And it shall come to pass in that day, that living waters shall go out from Jerusalem: half of them to the east sea, and half of them to the last sea: they shall be in summer and in winter.
At that time, running/fresh water will flow from Jerusalem. One stream will flow toward the east to the Dead Sea. The other stream will flow toward the west to the Mediterranean Sea. The water will flow all the time, during ◄summer/the hot season► as well as in ◄winter/the cold season►.
Berean Amplified Bible — Zechariah 14:8
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 14:8 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וְ/הָיָ֣ה
בַּ/יּ֣וֹם
הַ/ה֗וּא
יֵצְא֤וּ
מַֽיִם
חַיִּים֙
מִ/יר֣וּשָׁלִַ֔ם
חֶצְיָ֗/ם
אֶל
הַ/יָּם֙
הַ/קַּדְמוֹנִ֔י
וְ/חֶצְיָ֖/ם
אֶל
הַ/יָּ֣ם
הָ/אַחֲר֑וֹן
בַּ/קַּ֥יִץ
וּ/בָ/חֹ֖רֶף
יִֽהְיֶֽה
וְ/הָיָ֣ה
hâyâh
H1961
to be
Conj | V-Qal-3ms
בַּ/יּ֣וֹם
yôwm
H3117
day
Prep | N-ms
הַ/ה֗וּא
hûwʼ
H1931
he/she/it
Art | Pron
יֵצְא֤וּ
yâtsâʼ
H3318
to come out
V-Qal-Imperf-3mp
מַֽיִם
mayim
H4325
Water (Gate)
N-mp
חַיִּים֙
chay
H2416
alive
Adj
מִ/יר֣וּשָׁלִַ֔ם
Yᵉrûwshâlaim
H3389
Jerusalem
Prep | N-proper
חֶצְיָ֗/ם
chêtsîy
H2677
half
N-ms | Suff
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Prep
הַ/יָּם֙
yâm
H3220
West
Art | N-ms
הַ/קַּדְמוֹנִ֔י
qadmôwnîy
H6931
eastern
Art | Adj
וְ/חֶצְיָ֖/ם
chêtsîy
H2677
half
Conj | N-ms | Suff
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Prep
הַ/יָּ֣ם
yâm
H3220
West
Art | N-ms
הָ/אַחֲר֑וֹן
ʼachărôwn
H314
last
Art | Adj
בַּ/קַּ֥יִץ
qayits
H7019
summer
Prep | N-ms
וּ/בָ/חֹ֖רֶף
chôreph
H2779
autumn
Conj | Prep | N-ms
יִֽהְיֶֽה
hâyâh
H1961
to be
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
Use ← → arrow keys to navigate between words.
Hebrew Word Reference — Zechariah 14:8
וְ/הָיָ֣ה
hâyâh
H1961
"to be"
Conj | V-Qal-3ms
The Hebrew word for to be means to exist or come into being. It is used to describe something that happens or comes to pass, like in Genesis where God creates the world.
Definition: 1) to be, become, come to pass, exist, happen, fall out 1a) (Qal) 1a1) --- 1a1a) to happen, fall out, occur, take place, come about, come to pass 1a1b) to come about, come to pass 1a2) to come into being, become 1a2a) to arise, appear, come 1a2b) to become 1a2b1) to become 1a2b2) to become like 1a2b3) to be instituted, be established 1a3) to be 1a3a) to exist, be in existence 1a3b) to abide, remain, continue (with word of place or time) 1a3c) to stand, lie, be in, be at, be situated (with word of locality) 1a3d) to accompany, be with 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to occur, come to pass, be done, be brought about 1b2) to be done, be finished, be gone
Usage: Occurs in 3131 OT verses. KJV: beacon, [idiom] altogether, be(-come), accomplished, committed, like), break, cause, come (to pass), do, faint, fall, [phrase] follow, happen, [idiom] have, last, pertain, quit (one-) self, require, [idiom] use. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 17:4; Genesis 36:11.
בַּ/יּ֣וֹם
yôwm
H3117
"day"
Prep | N-ms
The Hebrew word 'yom' refers to a day, which can be a literal 24-hour period or a figurative space of time. It is used in the Bible to describe a wide range of time periods, from a single day to a year or a lifetime. The word 'yom' is used in many different contexts throughout the Bible.
Definition: : day/when/time/period 1) day, time, year 1a) day (as opposed to night) 1b) day (24 hour period) 1b1) as defined by evening and morning in Genesis 1 1b2) as a division of time 1b2a) a working day, a day's journey 1c) days, lifetime (pl.) 1d) time, period (general) 1e) year 1f) temporal references 1f1) today 1f2) yesterday 1f3) tomorrow
Usage: Occurs in 1930 OT verses. KJV: age, [phrase] always, [phrase] chronicals, continually(-ance), daily, ((birth-), each, to) day, (now a, two) days (agone), [phrase] elder, [idiom] end, [phrase] evening, [phrase] (for) ever(-lasting, -more), [idiom] full, life, as (so) long as (... live), (even) now, [phrase] old, [phrase] outlived, [phrase] perpetually, presently, [phrase] remaineth, [idiom] required, season, [idiom] since, space, then, (process of) time, [phrase] as at other times, [phrase] in trouble, weather, (as) when, (a, the, within a) while (that), [idiom] whole ([phrase] age), (full) year(-ly), [phrase] younger. See also: Genesis 1:5; Genesis 33:13; Exodus 23:15.
הַ/ה֗וּא
hûwʼ
H1931
"he/she/it"
Art | Pron
This word is a pronoun meaning 'he', 'she', or 'it', used to refer to a person or thing. It is used in the Bible to emphasize a subject or make it clear who is being talked about.
Definition: pron 3p s 1) he, she, it 1a) himself (with emphasis) 1b) resuming subj with emphasis 1c) (with minimum emphasis following predicate) 1d) (anticipating subj) 1e) (emphasising predicate) 1f) that, it (neuter) demons pron 2) that (with article)
Usage: Occurs in 1693 OT verses. KJV: he, as for her, him(-self), it, the same, she (herself), such, that (...it), these, they, this, those, which (is), who. See also: Genesis 2:11; Genesis 32:19; Exodus 21:3.
יֵצְא֤וּ
yâtsâʼ
H3318
"to come out"
V-Qal-Imperf-3mp
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to go out or come out, and it's used in many different ways, like leaving a place or starting a new journey, as seen in Genesis and Exodus.
Definition: : come/go_out/escape 1) to go out, come out, exit, go forth 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to go or come out or forth, depart 1a2) to go forth (to a place) 1a3) to go forward, proceed to (to or toward something) 1a4) to come or go forth (with purpose or for result) 1a5) to come out of 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to cause to go or come out, bring out, lead out 1b2) to bring out of 1b3) to lead out 1b4) to deliver 1c) (Hophal) to be brought out or forth
Usage: Occurs in 991 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, appear, [idiom] assuredly, bear out, [idiom] begotten, break out, bring forth (out, up), carry out, come (abroad, out, thereat, without), [phrase] be condemned, depart(-ing, -ure), draw forth, in the end, escape, exact, fail, fall (out), fetch forth (out), get away (forth, hence, out), (able to, cause to, let) go abroad (forth, on, out), going out, grow, have forth (out), issue out, lay (lie) out, lead out, pluck out, proceed, pull out, put away, be risen, [idiom] scarce, send with commandment, shoot forth, spread, spring out, stand out, [idiom] still, [idiom] surely, take forth (out), at any time, [idiom] to (and fro), utter. See also: Genesis 1:12; Exodus 9:33; Leviticus 26:45.
מַֽיִם
mayim
H4325
"Water (Gate)"
N-mp
This word means water, referring to a liquid or a source of refreshment. It appears in the Bible as a literal and figurative term, including references to wasting or urine. The word is used in various contexts, such as in Genesis and Leviticus.
Definition: This name means water, refreshment
Usage: Occurs in 525 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] piss, wasting, water(-ing, (-course, -flood, -spring)). See also: Genesis 1:2; Leviticus 14:9; Joshua 18:15.
חַיִּים֙
chay
H2416
"alive"
Adj
In the Bible, this word means life or being alive. It can refer to physical life, like in Genesis 1:20, or spiritual life, like in Psalm 30:5.
Definition: adj 1) living, alive 1a) green (of vegetation) 1b) flowing, fresh (of water) 1c) lively, active (of man) 1d) reviving (of the springtime) Aramaic equivalent: chay (חַי "living" H2417)
Usage: Occurs in 450 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] age, alive, appetite, (wild) beast, company, congregation, life(-time), live(-ly), living (creature, thing), maintenance, [phrase] merry, multitude, [phrase] (be) old, quick, raw, running, springing, troop. See also: Genesis 1:20; Deuteronomy 4:9; 2 Kings 5:16.
מִ/יר֣וּשָׁלִַ֔ם
Yᵉrûwshâlaim
H3389
"Jerusalem"
Prep | 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.
חֶצְיָ֗/ם
chêtsîy
H2677
"half"
N-ms | Suff
This word means half or middle, describing a division or a part of something. It is used to talk about physical things or time, like half of the day. The Bible uses it in various contexts.
Definition: 1) half 1a) half 1b) middle
Usage: Occurs in 101 OT verses. KJV: half, middle, mid(-night), midst, part, two parts. See also: Exodus 12:29; Ruth 3:8; Psalms 102:25.
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
"to(wards)"
Prep
This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.
Definition: 1) to, toward, unto (of motion) 2) into (limit is actually entered) 2a) in among 3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion) 4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character) 5) in addition to, to 6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of 7) according to (rule or standard) 8) at, by, against (of one's presence) 9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)
Usage: Occurs in 4205 OT verses. KJV: about, according to, after, against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and, by, concerning, for, from, [idiom] hath, in(-to), near, (out) of, over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether, with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:9; Genesis 21:14; Genesis 31:13.
הַ/יָּם֙
yâm
H3220
"West"
Art | N-ms
Refers to a large body of water like the Mediterranean Sea or a sea in general, sometimes specifically the west or seaward direction.
Definition: This name means sea, seaward, westward Another name of eph.ron (עֶפְרוֹן "(Mount )Ephron" H6085H)
Usage: Occurs in 339 OT verses. KJV: sea ([idiom] -faring man, (-shore)), south, west (-ern, side, -ward). See also: Genesis 1:10; Joshua 17:10; Psalms 8:9.
הַ/קַּדְמוֹנִ֔י
qadmôwnîy
H6931
"eastern"
Art | Adj
This word can mean something that is old or from an earlier time, or it can describe something that is located in the east. It is used in the Bible to talk about ancient things or people who lived before. The word can also mean 'eastern' or 'older'.
Definition: : eastern 1) former, ancient, eastern 1a) former, ancient 1b) eastern Also means: qad.mo.ni (קַדְמֹנִי ": older" H6931H)
Usage: Occurs in 10 OT verses. KJV: ancient, they that went before, east, (thing of) old. See also: 1 Samuel 24:14; Ezekiel 38:17; Isaiah 43:18.
וְ/חֶצְיָ֖/ם
chêtsîy
H2677
"half"
Conj | N-ms | Suff
This word means half or middle, describing a division or a part of something. It is used to talk about physical things or time, like half of the day. The Bible uses it in various contexts.
Definition: 1) half 1a) half 1b) middle
Usage: Occurs in 101 OT verses. KJV: half, middle, mid(-night), midst, part, two parts. See also: Exodus 12:29; Ruth 3:8; Psalms 102:25.
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
"to(wards)"
Prep
This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.
Definition: 1) to, toward, unto (of motion) 2) into (limit is actually entered) 2a) in among 3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion) 4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character) 5) in addition to, to 6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of 7) according to (rule or standard) 8) at, by, against (of one's presence) 9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)
Usage: Occurs in 4205 OT verses. KJV: about, according to, after, against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and, by, concerning, for, from, [idiom] hath, in(-to), near, (out) of, over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether, with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:9; Genesis 21:14; Genesis 31:13.
הַ/יָּ֣ם
yâm
H3220
"West"
Art | N-ms
Refers to a large body of water like the Mediterranean Sea or a sea in general, sometimes specifically the west or seaward direction.
Definition: This name means sea, seaward, westward Another name of eph.ron (עֶפְרוֹן "(Mount )Ephron" H6085H)
Usage: Occurs in 339 OT verses. KJV: sea ([idiom] -faring man, (-shore)), south, west (-ern, side, -ward). See also: Genesis 1:10; Joshua 17:10; Psalms 8:9.
הָ/אַחֲר֑וֹן
ʼachărôwn
H314
"last"
Art | Adj
This Hebrew word means last or western, and can refer to something that is behind or following something else. It is used in the Bible to describe things that are late or last in time or location.
Definition: 1) behind, following, subsequent, western 1a) behind, hindermost, western (of location) 1b) later, subsequent, latter, last (of time)
Usage: Occurs in 48 OT verses. KJV: after (-ward), to come, following, hind(-er, -ermost, -most), last, latter, rereward, ut(ter) most. See also: Genesis 33:2; 2 Chronicles 28:26; Psalms 48:14.
בַּ/קַּ֥יִץ
qayits
H7019
"summer"
Prep | N-ms
The Hebrew word for summer refers to the harvest season or the fruit of that season, and is also used to describe the dry summer months, as seen in its Aramaic equivalent.
Definition: 1) summer, summer-fruit 1a) summer 1b) summer-fruit Aramaic equivalent: qa.yit (קַ֫יִט "summer" H7007)
Usage: Occurs in 20 OT verses. KJV: summer (fruit, house). See also: Genesis 8:22; Isaiah 28:4; Psalms 32:4.
וּ/בָ/חֹ֖רֶף
chôreph
H2779
"autumn"
Conj | Prep | N-ms
Choreph refers to autumn or harvest time, also implying ripeness of age. In the Bible, it is used to describe the changing of seasons. The KJV translates it as cold, winter, or youth.
Definition: 1) harvest time, autumn 2) (CLBL) winter
Usage: Occurs in 7 OT verses. KJV: cold, winter (-house), youth. See also: Genesis 8:22; Proverbs 20:4; Psalms 74:17.
יִֽהְיֶֽה
hâyâh
H1961
"to be"
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
The Hebrew word for to be means to exist or come into being. It is used to describe something that happens or comes to pass, like in Genesis where God creates the world.
Definition: 1) to be, become, come to pass, exist, happen, fall out 1a) (Qal) 1a1) --- 1a1a) to happen, fall out, occur, take place, come about, come to pass 1a1b) to come about, come to pass 1a2) to come into being, become 1a2a) to arise, appear, come 1a2b) to become 1a2b1) to become 1a2b2) to become like 1a2b3) to be instituted, be established 1a3) to be 1a3a) to exist, be in existence 1a3b) to abide, remain, continue (with word of place or time) 1a3c) to stand, lie, be in, be at, be situated (with word of locality) 1a3d) to accompany, be with 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to occur, come to pass, be done, be brought about 1b2) to be done, be finished, be gone
Usage: Occurs in 3131 OT verses. KJV: beacon, [idiom] altogether, be(-come), accomplished, committed, like), break, cause, come (to pass), do, faint, fall, [phrase] follow, happen, [idiom] have, last, pertain, quit (one-) self, require, [idiom] use. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 17:4; Genesis 36:11.
Study Notes — Zechariah 14:8
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Zechariah 14:8 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Zechariah 14:8
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Zechariah 14:8
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Zechariah 14:8
- Trapp's Commentary on Zechariah 14:8
- Ellicott's Commentary on Zechariah 14:8
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Zechariah 14:8
- Cambridge Bible on Zechariah 14:8
- Barnes' Notes on Zechariah 14:8
- Whedon's Commentary on Zechariah 14:8
- Sermons on Zechariah 14:8
Context — The Destroyers of Jerusalem Destroyed
6On that day there will be no light, no cold or frost.
7It will be a unique day known only to the LORD, without day or night; but when evening comes, there will be light.
8And on that day living water will flow out from Jerusalem, half of it toward the Eastern Sea and the other half toward the Western Sea, in summer and winter alike.
9On that day the LORD will become King over all the earth—the LORD alone, and His name alone. 10All the land from Geba to Rimmon south of Jerusalem will be turned into a plain, but Jerusalem will be raised up and will remain in her place, from the Benjamin Gate to the site of the First Gate to the Corner Gate, and from the Tower of Hananel to the royal winepresses.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Revelation 22:1–2 | Then the angel showed me a river of the water of life, as clear as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb down the middle of the main street of the city. On either side of the river stood a tree of life, bearing twelve kinds of fruit and yielding a fresh crop for each month. And the leaves of the tree are for the healing of the nations. |
| 2 | John 7:38 | Whoever believes in Me, as the Scripture has said: ‘Streams of living water will flow from within him.’” |
| 3 | John 4:14 | But whoever drinks the water I give him will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give him will become in him a fount of water springing up to eternal life.” |
| 4 | John 4:10 | Jesus answered, “If you knew the gift of God and who is asking you for a drink, you would have asked Him, and He would have given you living water.” |
| 5 | Revelation 7:16–17 | ‘Never again will they hunger, and never will they thirst; nor will the sun beat down upon them, nor any scorching heat.’ For the Lamb in the center of the throne will be their shepherd. ‘He will lead them to springs of living water,’ and ‘God will wipe away every tear from their eyes.’ ” |
| 6 | Joel 3:18 | And in that day the mountains will drip with sweet wine, and the hills will flow with milk. All the streams of Judah will run with water, and a spring will flow from the house of the LORD to water the Valley of Acacias. |
| 7 | Isaiah 49:10 | They will not hunger or thirst, nor will scorching heat or sun beat down on them. For He who has compassion on them will guide them and lead them beside springs of water. |
| 8 | Isaiah 41:17–18 | The poor and needy seek water, but there is none; their tongues are parched with thirst. I, the LORD, will answer them; I, the God of Israel, will not forsake them. I will open rivers on the barren heights, and fountains in the middle of the valleys. I will turn the desert into a pool of water, and the dry land into flowing springs. |
| 9 | Joel 2:20 | The northern army I will drive away from you, banishing it to a barren and desolate land, its front ranks into the Eastern Sea, and its rear guard into the Western Sea. And its stench will rise; its foul odor will ascend. For He has done great things. |
| 10 | Ezekiel 47:1–12 | Then the man brought me back to the entrance of the temple, and I saw water flowing from under the threshold of the temple toward the east (for the temple faced east). The water was coming down from under the south side of the temple, south of the altar. Next he brought me out through the north gate and led me around the outside to the outer gate facing east, and there I saw the water trickling out from the south side. As the man went eastward with a measuring line in his hand, he measured off a thousand cubits and led me through ankle-deep water. Then he measured off a thousand cubits and led me through knee-deep water. Again he measured a thousand cubits and led me through waist-deep water. Once again he measured off a thousand cubits, but now it was a river that I could not cross, because the water had risen and was deep enough for swimming—a river that could not be crossed on foot. “Son of man, do you see this?” he asked. Then he led me back to the bank of the river. When I arrived, I saw a great number of trees along both banks of the river. And he said to me, “This water flows out to the eastern region and goes down into the Arabah. When it empties into the Sea, the water there becomes fresh. Wherever the river flows, there will be swarms of living creatures and a great number of fish, because it flows there and makes the waters fresh; so wherever the river flows, everything will flourish. Fishermen will stand by the shore; from En-gedi to En-eglaim they will spread their nets to catch fish of many kinds, like the fish of the Great Sea. But the swamps and marshes will not become fresh; they will be left for salt. Along both banks of the river, fruit trees of all kinds will grow. Their leaves will not wither, and their fruit will not fail. Each month they will bear fruit, because the water from the sanctuary flows to them. Their fruit will be used for food and their leaves for healing.” |
Zechariah 14:8 Summary
Zechariah 14:8 tells us that one day, God's life-giving presence will flow from Jerusalem, bringing spiritual nourishment to all people. This 'living water' will flow constantly, without interruption, and will reach all parts of the world, just like a river that never stops flowing (as seen in Ezekiel 47:1-12). This is a beautiful picture of God's love and care for us, and it reminds us that He is always with us, providing for us and guiding us (as promised in Matthew 28:20 and Hebrews 13:5). As we reflect on this verse, we can ask ourselves how we can experience this living water in our own lives and share it with others.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the meaning of 'living water' in Zechariah 14:8?
The 'living water' refers to the life-giving presence of God, as seen in Jeremiah 2:13 and John 4:10-14, which will flow from Jerusalem, bringing spiritual nourishment to all people.
Why is the water flowing toward the Eastern Sea and the Western Sea?
The water flowing toward the Eastern Sea and the Western Sea symbolizes the universal reach of God's salvation, as described in Isaiah 11:9, where the earth will be filled with the knowledge of the LORD.
What is the significance of the water flowing in summer and winter alike?
The constant flow of water, regardless of the season, represents the perpetual and uninterrupted presence of God's grace and provision, as seen in Psalm 1:3, where the righteous are like trees planted by streams of water.
How does this verse relate to the rest of the Bible?
This verse is connected to other prophecies about the messianic age, such as Ezekiel 47:1-12, where a river flows from the temple, and Revelation 22:1-2, where the river of life flows from the throne of God.
Reflection Questions
- What does the image of 'living water' evoke in my heart, and how can I experience this life-giving presence in my daily life?
- How can I be a conduit for God's living water to flow to those around me, bringing spiritual nourishment and hope?
- What are the 'Eastern Sea' and 'Western Sea' in my life, and how can I allow God's presence to flow into these areas, bringing transformation and renewal?
- In what ways can I trust in God's perpetual provision and grace, even in the 'summer' and 'winter' seasons of my life?
Gill's Exposition on Zechariah 14:8
And it shall be in that day, [that] living waters shall go out from Jerusalem,.... When it shall be light; and this is one of the things which will make it so; for by "living waters" are meant the
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Zechariah 14:8
And it shall be in that day, that living waters shall go out from Jerusalem; half of them toward the former sea, and half of them toward the hinder sea: in summer and in winter shall it be.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Zechariah 14:8
In that day; when the gospel shall be preached, and the days of dark ceremonies among the Jews, and darker ignorance and idolatry among the heathen, shall end. Living waters; not only such as springs and fountains afford, living waters in opposition to standing, muddy, and dead waters; but such as give life, ,6,7; the quickening, saving truths of the gospel, with all its ordinances in purity. Shall go out, spread themselves or flow down as currents from good springs, from Jerusalem; the church of Christ, the true Jerusalem. Toward the former sea, or eastern sea, so far eastward as the sea will give leave; and who knows that sea? Toward the hinder sea, or western sea. Synecdochically it is both east, west, north, and south: so from Jerusalem, i.e. the church. the doctrine of the gospel is preached abroad, and runs down as doth living water. In summer and in winter shall it be; perpetually, without intermission or interruption, these waters should never dry away, nor ever lose their healing virtue.
Trapp's Commentary on Zechariah 14:8
Zechariah 14:8 And it shall be in that day, [that] living waters shall go out from Jerusalem; half of them toward the former sea, and half of them toward the hinder sea: in summer and in winter shall it be.Ver. 8. Living waters shall go out from Jerusalem] i.e. Abundance of spiritual graces, frequently in Scripture compared to waters, for their cooling, cleansing, quickening property, Isaiah 44:3 Ezekiel 36:25; Ezekiel 47:1; John 7:38. And of these waters, without all doubt, our baptism, ordained of God, is a figure and sacrament. "Living waters" they are called; that is, running, as a spring, not standing, as a pool. The godly esteem of life by that stirring they find in their souls, Isaiah 38:15-16 "In all these things is the life of my spirit"; else they lament as over a dead soul. O live, live (saith a reverend man, Dr Harris), live quickly, live much, live long. Many live more in a day than others in a year; for life consisteth in action; and so much every man liveth as he acteth graciously. Up, therefore, and be doing something of worth; whereof ye may testify that ye have lived. And for this, get a principle of life, the spirit of life which is in Christ Jesus, and then, if ye live in the Spirit, ye shall also walk in the Spirit, Galatians 5:25, and not fulfil the lusts of the flesh, Zechariah 14:16.
The waters of the sea, though by their natural course they follow the centre, yet, by obedience to the moon, they are subject to her motion; and so turn, and return, ebb and flow, and are kept in continual motion, to keep them from corruption; so those that are spiritual, though naturally they are carried downward, and the best that of themselves they can do is but dead work; yet, so far as they are spiritualized, heavenlized, they are acting for God, and all their deeds are wrought in him, John 3:21. It is their great care to wear out, not rust out; to burn out, not to be blown out; yea, to flame out, not to smother out; to serve out their generation, as David did, not to idle it out; to live their utmost, and not (as Job 27:15; Job 27:23) to be buried, before half dead. In summer and winter shall it be] Such is the perennity and perpetuity of true grace; it ever flows - more perennis aquae, perpetual waters.
Ellicott's Commentary on Zechariah 14:8
(8) Living waters.—The symbol of Divine knowledge and spiritual vitality (Joe 3:18; Ezekiel 47). Former.—Or front, i.e., eastern (marg.)—meaning the Dead Sea. Hinder.—i.e., western, meaning the Mediterranean. These boundaries denote the whole of the Holy Land. In summer and in winter.—The stream shall be perennial, not drying up in summer, as the Eastern wadis do.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Zechariah 14:8
Verse 8. Living waters shall go out] There shall be a wide diffusion of Divine knowledge, and of the plan of human salvation, which shall go out by apostles and preachers, first from Jerusalem, then to Syria, Asia Minor, Greece, Italy, the isles of the sea, Britain, c. The former sea, and - the hinder sea] The Dead Sea and the Mediterranean see on Joe 2:20. These are metaphors. In summer] In time of drought; or in the countries where there was no knowledge of God, there shall these waters flow. The stream shall never cease; it shall run in summer as well as winter. These are living waters - perennial, incessant, and waters that shall preserve life. See John 7:37.
Cambridge Bible on Zechariah 14:8
8–11. The Prosperity of the Land Perennial streams flowing from Jerusalem both to the E. and to the W. shall irrigate and fertilise the land, Zechariah 14:8. One God shall be worshipped without a rival, Zechariah 14:9. The whole face of the country shall become a level plain, Jerusalem alone standing aloft on its ancient hills, Zechariah 14:10, the populous abode of blessing and security, Zechariah 14:11.
Barnes' Notes on Zechariah 14:8
And it shall be, that living waters - Kimchi: “This is what is said in the prophecy of Joel, ‘A fountain shall come forth from the house of the Lord’ Joe 3:18; and in that of Ezekiel, ‘And behold
Whedon's Commentary on Zechariah 14:8
8. When the kingdom of Jehovah is established, with Jerusalem as the center, the whole land will be blessed with fertility and prosperity. Living waters — See on Joe 3:18. A picture of the powers producing extreme fertility.
Sermons on Zechariah 14:8
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Glimpses of the Future - Part 6 by Derek Prince | This sermon delves into the theme of God's justice and the importance of waiting on Him, emphasizing the significance of crying out to God in moments of desperation. It explores th |
|
Israel's Chastisement by Art Katz | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes that the actions of God in the present times are a demonstration of His power and nature, both in judgment and mercy. The sermon highlights |
|
John's Gospel - Streams of Living Water by John Vissers | In this sermon, the speaker describes a significant event in the Gospel of John that took place during the Feast of Tabernacles in Jerusalem. The festival was a time of celebration |
|
The Gentiles in Relation to the Coming of the Lord. by William Kelly | William Kelly preaches about the future events prophesied in the Bible, focusing on the restoration and blessings of Israel, the defeat of the nations gathered against Jerusalem, t |
|
The Glory of the Cross (The Present Spiritual Realities of Zechariah 14) by Hans R. Waldvogel | Hans R. Waldvogel emphasizes the transformative power of the cross, portraying it as the throne of God from which victory over death is proclaimed. He explains that Jesus' sacrific |
|
|
A River of Life by Art Katz | Art Katz emphasizes the significance of the 'river of life' flowing from the throne of God, illustrating how this divine life is accessible to believers who submit to God's soverei |
|
Inexhaustible Resources in Christ by Alan Redpath | In this sermon, the speaker reflects on their personal journey of faith and acknowledges their own stubbornness. They believe that we are living in the end times and that Satan is |