Zechariah 7:6
Zechariah 7:6 in Multiple Translations
And when you were eating and drinking, were you not doing so simply for yourselves?
And when ye did eat, and when ye did drink, did not ye eat for yourselves, and drink for yourselves?
And when ye eat, and when ye drink, do not ye eat for yourselves, and drink for yourselves?
And when you are feasting and drinking, are you not doing it only for yourselves?
And when you eat and drink, don't you eat and drink for yourselves?
And when ye did eate, and when ye did drinke, did ye not eate for your selues, and drinke for your selues?
When ye fasted with mourning in the fifth and in the seventh [months] — even these seventy years — did ye keep the fast [to] Me — Me? And when ye eat, and when ye drink, is it not ye who are eating, and ye who are drinking?
When you eat and when you drink, don’t you eat for yourselves and drink for yourselves?
And when ye ate, and when ye drank, did ye not eat for yourselves , and drink for yourselves ?
And when you did eat and drink, did you not eat for yourselves, and drink for yourselves?
And when they ate and drank, it was really [RHQ] to benefit themselves.
Berean Amplified Bible — Zechariah 7:6
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 7:6 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וְ/כִ֥י
תֹאכְל֖וּ
וְ/כִ֣י
תִשְׁתּ֑וּ
הֲ/ל֤וֹא
אַתֶּם֙
הָ/אֹ֣כְלִ֔ים
וְ/אַתֶּ֖ם
הַ/שֹּׁתִֽים
וְ/כִ֥י
kîy
H3588
for
Conj | Conj
תֹאכְל֖וּ
ʼâkal
H398
to eat
V-Qal-Imperf-2mp
וְ/כִ֣י
kîy
H3588
for
Conj | Conj
תִשְׁתּ֑וּ
shâthâh
H8354
to drink
V-Qal-Imperf-2mp
הֲ/ל֤וֹא
lôʼ
H3808
not
Part | Part
אַתֶּם֙
ʼattâh
H859
you(m.s.)
Pron
הָ/אֹ֣כְלִ֔ים
ʼâkal
H398
to eat
Art | V-Qal
וְ/אַתֶּ֖ם
ʼattâh
H859
you(m.s.)
Conj | Pron
הַ/שֹּׁתִֽים
shâthâh
H8354
to drink
Art | V-Qal
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Zechariah 7:6
וְ/כִ֥י
kîy
H3588
"for"
Conj | Conj
A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.
Definition: 1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since 1a) that 1a1) yea, indeed 1b) when (of time) 1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force) 1c) because, since (causal connection) 1d) but (after negative) 1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if 1f) but rather, but 1g) except that 1h) only, nevertheless 1i) surely 1j) that is 1k) but if 1l) for though 1m) forasmuch as, for therefore
Usage: Occurs in 3910 OT verses. KJV: and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-) as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al-) though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 26:16; Genesis 42:15.
תֹאכְל֖וּ
ʼâkal
H398
"to eat"
V-Qal-Imperf-2mp
This word means to eat or devour, and it's used in many stories, including when Jesus fed the 5000 with fish and bread in the book of Matthew. It's about taking in nourishment and being satisfied.
Definition: 1) to eat, devour, burn up, feed 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to eat (human subject) 1a2) to eat, devour (of beasts and birds) 1a3) to devour, consume (of fire) 1a4) to devour, slay (of sword) 1a5) to devour, consume, destroy (inanimate subjects - ie, pestilence, drought) 1a6) to devour (of oppression) 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be eaten (by men) 1b2) to be devoured, consumed (of fire) 1b3) to be wasted, destroyed (of flesh) 1c) (Pual) 1c1) to cause to eat, feed with 1c2) to cause to devour 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to feed 1d2) to cause to eat 1e) (Piel) 1e1) consume Aramaic equivalent: a.khal (אֲכַל "to devour" H0399)
Usage: Occurs in 703 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] at all, burn up, consume, devour(-er, up), dine, eat(-er, up), feed (with), food, [idiom] freely, [idiom] in...wise(-deed, plenty), (lay) meat, [idiom] quite. See also: Genesis 2:16; Leviticus 6:9; Numbers 24:8.
וְ/כִ֣י
kîy
H3588
"for"
Conj | Conj
A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.
Definition: 1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since 1a) that 1a1) yea, indeed 1b) when (of time) 1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force) 1c) because, since (causal connection) 1d) but (after negative) 1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if 1f) but rather, but 1g) except that 1h) only, nevertheless 1i) surely 1j) that is 1k) but if 1l) for though 1m) forasmuch as, for therefore
Usage: Occurs in 3910 OT verses. KJV: and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-) as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al-) though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 26:16; Genesis 42:15.
תִשְׁתּ֑וּ
shâthâh
H8354
"to drink"
V-Qal-Imperf-2mp
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to drink, and it's used in many ways, like drinking from a cup or feasting. It's also used to describe being drunk or taking part in a big celebration. We see it in stories like the Last Supper in Matthew 26:27.
Definition: 1) to drink 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to drink 1a1a) of drinking cup of God's wrath, of slaughter, of wicked deeds (fig) 1a2) to feast 1b) (Niphal) to be drunk Aramaic equivalent: she.tah (שְׁתָה "to drink" H8355)
Usage: Occurs in 193 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] assuredly, banquet, [idiom] certainly, drink(-er, -ing), drunk ([idiom] -ard), surely. (Prop. intensive of H8248 (שָׁקָה).) See also: Genesis 9:21; 2 Kings 19:24; Psalms 50:13.
הֲ/ל֤וֹא
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.
אַתֶּם֙
ʼattâh
H859
"you(m.s.)"
Pron
You is the translation of a Hebrew word used to address someone directly, like when God says you to someone in the Bible. It can be singular or plural, and is often translated as thee, thou, or ye.
Definition: you (second pers. sing. masc.)
Usage: Occurs in 997 OT verses. KJV: thee, thou, ye, you. See also: Genesis 3:11; Exodus 23:9; Deuteronomy 14:1.
הָ/אֹ֣כְלִ֔ים
ʼâkal
H398
"to eat"
Art | V-Qal
This word means to eat or devour, and it's used in many stories, including when Jesus fed the 5000 with fish and bread in the book of Matthew. It's about taking in nourishment and being satisfied.
Definition: 1) to eat, devour, burn up, feed 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to eat (human subject) 1a2) to eat, devour (of beasts and birds) 1a3) to devour, consume (of fire) 1a4) to devour, slay (of sword) 1a5) to devour, consume, destroy (inanimate subjects - ie, pestilence, drought) 1a6) to devour (of oppression) 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be eaten (by men) 1b2) to be devoured, consumed (of fire) 1b3) to be wasted, destroyed (of flesh) 1c) (Pual) 1c1) to cause to eat, feed with 1c2) to cause to devour 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to feed 1d2) to cause to eat 1e) (Piel) 1e1) consume Aramaic equivalent: a.khal (אֲכַל "to devour" H0399)
Usage: Occurs in 703 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] at all, burn up, consume, devour(-er, up), dine, eat(-er, up), feed (with), food, [idiom] freely, [idiom] in...wise(-deed, plenty), (lay) meat, [idiom] quite. See also: Genesis 2:16; Leviticus 6:9; Numbers 24:8.
וְ/אַתֶּ֖ם
ʼattâh
H859
"you(m.s.)"
Conj | Pron
You is the translation of a Hebrew word used to address someone directly, like when God says you to someone in the Bible. It can be singular or plural, and is often translated as thee, thou, or ye.
Definition: you (second pers. sing. masc.)
Usage: Occurs in 997 OT verses. KJV: thee, thou, ye, you. See also: Genesis 3:11; Exodus 23:9; Deuteronomy 14:1.
הַ/שֹּׁתִֽים
shâthâh
H8354
"to drink"
Art | V-Qal
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to drink, and it's used in many ways, like drinking from a cup or feasting. It's also used to describe being drunk or taking part in a big celebration. We see it in stories like the Last Supper in Matthew 26:27.
Definition: 1) to drink 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to drink 1a1a) of drinking cup of God's wrath, of slaughter, of wicked deeds (fig) 1a2) to feast 1b) (Niphal) to be drunk Aramaic equivalent: she.tah (שְׁתָה "to drink" H8355)
Usage: Occurs in 193 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] assuredly, banquet, [idiom] certainly, drink(-er, -ing), drunk ([idiom] -ard), surely. (Prop. intensive of H8248 (שָׁקָה).) See also: Genesis 9:21; 2 Kings 19:24; Psalms 50:13.
Study Notes — Zechariah 7:6
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Zechariah 7:6 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Zechariah 7:6
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Zechariah 7:6
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Zechariah 7:6
- Trapp's Commentary on Zechariah 7:6
- Ellicott's Commentary on Zechariah 7:6
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Zechariah 7:6
- Cambridge Bible on Zechariah 7:6
- Barnes' Notes on Zechariah 7:6
- Whedon's Commentary on Zechariah 7:6
- Sermons on Zechariah 7:6
Context — A Call to Justice and Mercy
4Then the word of the LORD of Hosts came to me, saying,
5“Ask all the people of the land and the priests, ‘When you fasted and mourned in the fifth and seventh months for these seventy years, was it really for Me that you fasted?
6And when you were eating and drinking, were you not doing so simply for yourselves?
7Are these not the words that the LORD proclaimed through the earlier prophets, when Jerusalem and its surrounding towns were populous and prosperous, and the Negev and the foothills were inhabited?’” 8Then the word of the LORD came to Zechariah, saying,Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 Corinthians 11:20–21 | Now then, when you come together, it is not the Lord’s Supper you eat. For as you eat, each of you goes ahead without sharing his meal. While one remains hungry, another gets drunk. |
| 2 | 1 Corinthians 11:26–29 | For as often as you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until He comes. Therefore, whoever eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty of sinning against the body and blood of the Lord. Each one must examine himself before he eats of the bread and drinks of the cup. For anyone who eats and drinks without recognizing the body eats and drinks judgment on himself. |
| 3 | Hosea 8:13 | Though they offer sacrifices as gifts to Me, and though they eat the meat, the LORD does not accept them. Now He will remember their iniquity and punish their sins: They will return to Egypt. |
| 4 | 1 Samuel 16:7 | But the LORD said to Samuel, “Do not consider his appearance or height, for I have rejected him; the LORD does not see as man does. For man sees the outward appearance, but the LORD sees the heart.” |
| 5 | 1 Chronicles 29:22 | That day they ate and drank with great joy in the presence of the LORD. Then, for a second time, they designated David’s son Solomon as king, anointing him before the LORD as ruler, and Zadok as the priest. |
| 6 | Deuteronomy 12:7 | There, in the presence of the LORD your God, you and your households shall eat and rejoice in all you do, because the LORD your God has blessed you. |
| 7 | Hosea 9:4 | They will not pour out wine offerings to the LORD, and their sacrifices will not please Him, but will be to them like the bread of mourners; all who eat will be defiled. For their bread will be for themselves; it will not enter the house of the LORD. |
| 8 | Jeremiah 17:9–10 | The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure. Who can understand it? I, the LORD, search the heart; I examine the mind to reward a man according to his way, by what his deeds deserve. |
| 9 | 1 Corinthians 10:31 | So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all to the glory of God. |
| 10 | Deuteronomy 14:26 | Then you may spend the money on anything you desire: cattle, sheep, wine, strong drink, or anything you wish. You are to feast there in the presence of the LORD your God and rejoice with your household. |
Zechariah 7:6 Summary
[Zechariah 7:6 is a reminder that our actions, even everyday ones like eating and drinking, should be done with the right heart and motivation. We should not just be doing things for ourselves, but rather to honor and glorify God, as seen in 1 Corinthians 10:31. This means being mindful of our thoughts and actions, and making sure we are giving thanks to God in all things, as seen in Deuteronomy 8:10. By doing so, we can cultivate a heart of gratitude and make God the center of our lives.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main point of Zechariah 7:6?
The main point of Zechariah 7:6 is to highlight the selfish motivations behind the actions of the people, as they were eating and drinking for themselves, rather than for the glory of God, as seen in 1 Corinthians 10:31, where it says to do everything for the glory of God.
How does this verse relate to the concept of fasting?
This verse is connected to the concept of fasting, as mentioned in the preceding verse, Zechariah 7:5, where the people's fasting is questioned, and it is implied that their fasting was not done with the right heart, as also mentioned in Isaiah 58:3-6, where the people's fasting is criticized for being self-serving.
What does it mean to eat and drink 'simply for yourselves'?
Eating and drinking 'simply for yourselves' means to do so without considering God's will or giving thanks to Him, as seen in Deuteronomy 8:10, where it says to remember the Lord your God when you eat and are satisfied.
How can we apply this verse to our daily lives?
We can apply this verse by examining our motivations behind our daily actions, such as eating and drinking, and ensuring that we are doing them to the glory of God, as seen in Colossians 3:17, where it says to do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.
Reflection Questions
- What are some areas in my life where I may be acting selfishly, and how can I surrender them to God?
- How can I cultivate a heart of gratitude and thankfulness in my daily actions, such as eating and drinking?
- What are some ways I can honor God in my daily routines and make Him the center of my life?
- How can I ensure that my actions are not just about my own desires, but are instead guided by a desire to please and glorify God?
Gill's Exposition on Zechariah 7:6
And when ye did eat, and when ye did drink,.... Either at common meals, or at their festivals: did not ye eat [for yourselves], and drink [for yourselves]?
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Zechariah 7:6
And when ye did eat, and when ye did drink, did not ye eat for yourselves, and drink for yourselves? And when ye did eat, and when ye did drink, did not ye eat for yourselves, and drink for yourselves?
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Zechariah 7:6
I was as little minded by you in your fasts as in your feasts, and I was as little pleased with your fasts as feasts; self was all in both, you looked no higher. Such fasting commends none to God; you had not been the worse if you had forborne such fasts, nor are you the better for such ill-managed abstinence.
Trapp's Commentary on Zechariah 7:6
Zechariah 7:6 And when ye did eat, and when ye did drink, did not ye eat [for yourselves], and drink [for yourselves]?Ver. 6. And when ye did eat, and when ye did drink] q.d. In all your actions, natural, civil, recreative, religious, you should have sought, served, and set up me, you should have done all to the glory of God, as saith the apostle; you should have eaten, drank, and slept eternal life, as it was said of a certain Scotch divine. "The way of life is above to the wise," Proverbs 15:24, he goes a higher way than his neighbour, who contents himself with a natural use of the creature, but he can extract a spiritual. Grace is called the divine nature, as that which, elixir-like, by contraction turns all into the same property with itself. Meat makes us not acceptable to God, 1 Corinthians 8:8. The kingdom of God consists not in meats and drinks, Romans 14:17. Howbeit the Israelites were commanded, as to fast, so to feast before the Lord; that is, in faith and obedience; and to do everything from the heart, as unto him. This these Jews did not; and are therefore worthily blamed. From their feeding themselves without fear of God is concluded their no respect to him in their fasts and holy services: since true goodness is ever like itself, and carries a uniformity in all proceedings.
Ellicott's Commentary on Zechariah 7:6
(4-7) The people (as in Isaiah 58:3-8) are rebuked for the hypocritical, or merely formal, nature of their fasts. The prophet does not, even further on, give any direct answer to their inquiry. He seems to have wished to show them that fasting or not fasting was a matter of only secondary consideration. Their fasts were undertaken on account of their sufferings; their sufferings were caused by their sins. So, then, their sins were the origin of their fasts. Let them remove sin from their midst, then fasting would be unnecessary. “All stated fasts tend to degenerate into superstition, unless there is a strong counteracting agency. The original reference to God is lost in the mere outward act. . . . Selfishness is the bane of all true piety, as godliness is its essence” (Moore).
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Zechariah 7:6
Verse 6. And when ye did eat] They had not observed those fasts as they should have done. They deplored the loss of their temple, and its riches, &c., but they did not humble themselves because of those iniquities which had brought the displeasure of God upon them, their temple, and their city.
Cambridge Bible on Zechariah 7:6
6. did eat and … did drink] Rather, eat and drink, as R. V. did not ye eat for yourselves, &c.?] Lit. is it not you who are eating, and you who are drinking? i.e. is it not simply an act terminating upon yourselves, which in no way affects Me? Comp. 1 Corinthians 8:8.
Barnes' Notes on Zechariah 7:6
And when ye eat and when ye drink, is it not ye who eat and ye who drink? - Conversely now that, after your return, ye feast for joy, this is no religious act; ye have all the good of it, there is no thanksgiving to God.
Whedon's Commentary on Zechariah 7:6
OF MORAL AND , Zechariah 7:1 to Zechariah 8:23.After a silence of nearly two years the voice of Zechariah was heard again.
Sermons on Zechariah 7:6
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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Carnal Christians by Ernest C. Reisinger | In this sermon, the preacher discusses three important things to remember when thinking about the church. He references Matthew 3:12, where John the Baptist speaks about Jesus. The |
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2 Corinthians 10 by John Nelson Darby | John Nelson Darby discusses the character of Paul's ministry in 2 Corinthians 10, emphasizing the importance of bringing every thought into obedience to Christ. He reflects on Paul |
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Day 158, Luke 22 by David Servant | David Servant preaches on the dangers of serving money over God, using Judas' betrayal of Jesus as a prime example. He emphasizes how even witnessing miracles and serving in minist |
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The Snack We Call Supper by David Servant | David Servant discusses the evolution of the Lord's Supper from a full meal shared by intimate friends in the early church to a small ritual in modern times, emphasizing the import |
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Jesus Christ Is Lord by G.W. North | G.W. North emphasizes the significance of the Lord's Supper as established by Jesus, highlighting the serious issues within the Corinthian church, where rebellion against God led t |
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(1 Peter - Part 31): Christian's Trial and His Committal by A.W. Tozer | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of holding onto correct doctrine and teaching the truth as it is. He encourages believers to build themselves up in their fait |
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The Broken Body of Christ by Carter Conlon | In this sermon, the preacher addresses the issue of false shepherds in Israel who are exploiting the people for their own gain. He quotes from Ezekiel 34, where God condemns these |