Zechariah 8:17
Zechariah 8:17 in Multiple Translations
do not plot evil in your hearts against your neighbor, and do not love to swear falsely, for I hate all these things,” declares the LORD.
And let none of you imagine evil in your hearts against his neighbour; and love no false oath: for all these are things that I hate, saith the LORD.
and let none of you devise evil in your hearts against his neighbor; and love no false oath: for all these are things that I hate, saith Jehovah.
Let no one have any evil thought in his heart against his neighbour; and have no love for false oaths: for all these things are hated by me, says the Lord.
Don't think up evil schemes against one another. Stop your love of lies. I hate all this, declares the Lord.
And let none of you imagine euill in your hearts against his neighbour, and loue no false othe: for all these are the things that I hate, saith the Lord.
And each the evil of his neighbour ye do not devise in your heart, And a false oath ye do not love, For all these [are] things that I have hated, An affirmation of Jehovah.'
and let none of you devise evil in your hearts against his neighbor, and love no false oath; for all these are things that I hate,” says the LORD.
And let none of you imagine evil in your hearts against his neighbor; and love no false oath: for all these are things that I hate, saith the LORD.
And let none of you imagine evil in your hearts against his friend: and love not a false oath: for all these are the things that I hate, saith the Lord.
Do not plan to do evil things to others, and do not falsely promise to do things that you know that you will not do. I hate all those things.”
Berean Amplified Bible — Zechariah 8:17
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 8:17 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וְ/אִ֣ישׁ
אֶת
רָעַ֣ת
רֵעֵ֗/הוּ
אַֽל
תַּחְשְׁבוּ֙
בִּ/לְבַבְ/כֶ֔ם
וּ/שְׁבֻ֥עַת
שֶׁ֖קֶר
אַֽל
תֶּאֱהָ֑בוּ
כִּ֧י
אֶת
כָּל
אֵ֛לֶּה
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
שָׂנֵ֖אתִי
נְאֻם
יְהוָֽה
וְ/אִ֣ישׁ
ʼîysh
H376
man
Conj | N-ms
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
רָעַ֣ת
raʻ
H7451
bad
N-fs
רֵעֵ֗/הוּ
rêaʻ
H7453
neighbor
N-ms | Suff
אַֽל
ʼal
H408
not
Part
תַּחְשְׁבוּ֙
châshab
H2803
to devise
V-Qal-Juss-2mp
בִּ/לְבַבְ/כֶ֔ם
lêbâb
H3824
heart
Prep | N-ms | Suff
וּ/שְׁבֻ֥עַת
shᵉbûwʻâh
H7621
oath
Conj | N-fs
שֶׁ֖קֶר
sheqer
H8267
deception
N-ms
אַֽל
ʼal
H408
not
Part
תֶּאֱהָ֑בוּ
ʼâhab
H157
to love
V-Qal-Juss-2mp
כִּ֧י
kîy
H3588
for
Conj
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
כָּל
kôl
H3605
all
N-ms
אֵ֛לֶּה
ʼêl-leh
H428
these
Pron
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
ʼăsher
H834
which
Rel
שָׂנֵ֖אתִי
sânêʼ
H8130
to hate
V-Qal-Perf-1cs
נְאֻם
nᵉʼum
H5002
utterance
N-ms
יְהוָֽה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
The Lord
N-proper
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — Zechariah 8:17
וְ/אִ֣ישׁ
ʼîysh
H376
"man"
Conj | N-ms
The Hebrew word for man, referring to a male person or individual, is used in the Bible to describe humans in contrast to God or animals, as seen in Genesis and Psalms. It can also mean husband or servant. In the KJV, it is translated as man or male.
Definition: : man 1) man 1a) man, male (in contrast to woman, female) 1b) husband 1c) human being, person (in contrast to God) 1d) servant 1e) mankind 1f) champion 1g) great man 2) whosoever 3) each (adjective)
Usage: Occurs in 1851 OT verses. KJV: also, another, any (man), a certain, [phrase] champion, consent, each, every (one), fellow, (foot-, husband-) man, (good-, great, mighty) man, he, high (degree), him (that is), husband, man(-kind), [phrase] none, one, people, person, [phrase] steward, what (man) soever, whoso(-ever), worthy. Compare H802 (אִשָּׁה). See also: Genesis 2:23; Genesis 42:25; Exodus 32:23.
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.
רָעַ֣ת
raʻ
H7451
"bad"
N-fs
Ra means bad or evil, referring to moral or natural harm. It describes adversity, affliction, or distress, and is often used to convey a sense of misery or injury.
Definition: : harmful adj 1) bad, evil 1a) bad, disagreeable, malignant 1b) bad, unpleasant, evil (giving pain, unhappiness, misery) 1c) evil, displeasing 1d) bad (of its kind-land, water, etc) 1e) bad (of value) 1f) worse than, worst (comparison) 1g) sad, unhappy 1h) evil (hurtful) 1i) bad, unkind (vicious in disposition) 1j) bad, evil, wicked (ethically) 1j1) in general, of persons, of thoughts 1j2) deeds, actions
Usage: Occurs in 623 OT verses. KJV: adversity, affliction, bad, calamity, [phrase] displease(-ure), distress, evil((-favouredness), man, thing), [phrase] exceedingly, [idiom] great, grief(-vous), harm, heavy, hurt(-ful), ill (favoured), [phrase] mark, mischief(-vous), misery, naught(-ty), noisome, [phrase] not please, sad(-ly), sore, sorrow, trouble, vex, wicked(-ly, -ness, one), worse(-st), wretchedness, wrong. (Incl. feminine raaah; as adjective or noun.). See also: Genesis 2:9; Judges 9:57; 2 Kings 21:6.
רֵעֵ֗/הוּ
rêaʻ
H7453
"neighbor"
N-ms | Suff
A neighbor or friend is what this word means, describing someone close to you. It can also refer to a companion, fellow citizen, or another person, and is often translated as brother or friend.
Definition: 1) friend, companion, fellow, another person 1a) friend, intimate 1b) fellow, fellow-citizen, another person (weaker sense) 1c) other, another (reciprocal phrase)
Usage: Occurs in 173 OT verses. KJV: brother, companion, fellow, friend, husband, lover, neighbour, [idiom] (an-) other. See also: Genesis 11:3; Job 42:7; Psalms 12:3.
אַֽל
ʼal
H408
"not"
Part
Means not or nothing, used to express negation, as in the phrase do not or let not be.
Definition: 1) not, no, nor, neither, nothing (as wish or preference) 1a) do not, let not (with a verb) 1b) let there not be (with a verb understood) 1c) not, no (with substantive) 1d) nothing (as substantive) Aramaic equivalent: al (אַל "not" H0409)
Usage: Occurs in 572 OT verses. KJV: nay, neither, [phrase] never, no, nor, not, nothing (worth), rather than. See also: Genesis 13:8; Joshua 11:6; 1 Chronicles 22:13.
תַּחְשְׁבוּ֙
châshab
H2803
"to devise"
V-Qal-Juss-2mp
To devise means to think or plan something, often in a clever way. In the Bible, it can mean to plot or contrive, as seen in the story of David and Goliath.
Definition: : count/regard_as 1) to think, plan, esteem, calculate, invent, make a judgment, imagine, count 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to think, account 1a2) to plan, devise, mean 1a3) to charge, impute, reckon 1a4) to esteem, value, regard 1a5) to invent 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be accounted, be thought, be esteemed 1b2) to be computed, be reckoned 1b3) to be imputed 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to think upon, consider, be mindful of 1c2) to think to do, devise, plan 1c3) to count, reckon 1d) (Hithpael) to be considered
Usage: Occurs in 122 OT verses. KJV: (make) account (of), conceive, consider, count, cunning (man, work, workman), devise, esteem, find out, forecast, hold, imagine, impute, invent, be like, mean, purpose, reckon(-ing be made), regard, think. See also: Genesis 15:6; Psalms 35:4; Psalms 10:2.
בִּ/לְבַבְ/כֶ֔ם
lêbâb
H3824
"heart"
Prep | N-ms | Suff
The heart is the innermost part of a person, including their mind, will, and emotions. In the book of Psalms, David talks about his heart being heavy with sorrow, while in the book of Proverbs, it discusses the importance of guarding one's heart.
Definition: 1) inner man, mind, will, heart, soul, 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 Aramaic equivalent: le.vav (לְבַב "heart" H3825)
Usage: Occurs in 230 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] bethink themselves, breast, comfortably, courage, ((faint), (tender-) heart(-ed), midst, mind, [idiom] unawares, understanding. See also: Genesis 20:5; 1 Chronicles 17:2; Psalms 4:5.
וּ/שְׁבֻ֥עַת
shᵉbûwʻâh
H7621
"oath"
Conj | N-fs
This word means an oath or curse, like a promise or vow. In the Bible, it appears in Numbers 5:21 and Deuteronomy 29:12, referring to God's oath. The KJV translates it as 'oath' or 'curse'.
Definition: 1) oath, curse 1a) oath 1a1) attesting of innocence 1a2) curse 1b) oath (of Jehovah)
Usage: Occurs in 29 OT verses. KJV: curse, oath, [idiom] sworn. See also: Genesis 24:8; 2 Samuel 21:7; Psalms 105:9.
שֶׁ֖קֶר
sheqer
H8267
"deception"
N-ms
This word refers to deception or falsehood, often implying a sense of betrayal or disappointment. It's used in the Bible to describe lies, false testimony, or deceitful behavior, like in Psalm 116:11, where the psalmist says all men are liars.
Definition: 1) lie, deception, disappointment, falsehood 1a) deception (what deceives or disappoints or betrays one) 1b) deceit, fraud, wrong 1b1) fraudulently, wrongfully (as adverb) 1c) falsehood (injurious in testimony) 1c1) testify falsehood, false oath, swear falsely 1d) falsity (of false or self-deceived prophets) 1e) lie, falsehood (in general) 1e1) false tongue 1f) in vain
Usage: Occurs in 109 OT verses. KJV: without a cause, deceit(-ful), false(-hood, -ly), feignedly, liar, [phrase] lie, lying, vain (thing), wrongfully. See also: Exodus 5:9; Proverbs 25:18; Psalms 7:15.
אַֽל
ʼal
H408
"not"
Part
Means not or nothing, used to express negation, as in the phrase do not or let not be.
Definition: 1) not, no, nor, neither, nothing (as wish or preference) 1a) do not, let not (with a verb) 1b) let there not be (with a verb understood) 1c) not, no (with substantive) 1d) nothing (as substantive) Aramaic equivalent: al (אַל "not" H0409)
Usage: Occurs in 572 OT verses. KJV: nay, neither, [phrase] never, no, nor, not, nothing (worth), rather than. See also: Genesis 13:8; Joshua 11:6; 1 Chronicles 22:13.
תֶּאֱהָ֑בוּ
ʼâhab
H157
"to love"
V-Qal-Juss-2mp
To love means to have affection for someone or something, including family, romance, or God. It can also describe being a friend or having appetite for things like food or wisdom.
Definition: : lover 1) to love 1a) (Qal) 1a1) human love for another, includes family, and sexual 1a2) human appetite for objects such as food, drink, sleep, wisdom 1a3) human love for or to God 1a4) act of being a friend 1a4a) lover (participle) 1a4b) friend (participle) 1a5) God's love toward man 1a5a) to individual men 1a5b) to people Israel 1a5c) to righteousness 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) lovely (participle) 1b2) loveable (participle) 1c) (Piel) 1c1) friends 1c2) lovers (fig. of adulterers) 2) to like Also means: a.hav (אָהֵב ": friend" H0157H)
Usage: Occurs in 195 OT verses. KJV: (be-) love(-d, -ly, -r), like, friend. See also: Genesis 22:2; Psalms 116:1; Psalms 4:3.
כִּ֧י
kîy
H3588
"for"
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.
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.
כָּל
kôl
H3605
"all"
N-ms
The Hebrew word for 'all' or 'everything' is used throughout the Bible, like in Genesis 1:31, where God sees all He has made as very good. It encompasses the entirety of something, whether people, things, or situations.
Definition: 1) all, the whole 1a) all, the whole of 1b) any, each, every, anything 1c) totality, everything Aramaic equivalent: kol (כֹּל "all" H3606)
Usage: Occurs in 4242 OT verses. KJV: (in) all (manner, (ye)), altogether, any (manner), enough, every (one, place, thing), howsoever, as many as, (no-) thing, ought, whatsoever, (the) whole, whoso(-ever). See also: Genesis 1:21; Genesis 17:10; Genesis 41:40.
אֵ֛לֶּה
ʼêl-leh
H428
"these"
Pron
This Hebrew word is used to point out specific people or things, like saying 'these' or 'those'. It appears in the book of Genesis, where God says 'let there be light' and separates the light from the darkness.
Definition: 1) these 1a) used before antecedent 1b) used following antecedent Aramaic equivalent: el.leh (אֵלֶּה "these" H0429)
Usage: Occurs in 697 OT verses. KJV: an-(the) other; one sort, so, some, such, them, these (same), they, this, those, thus, which, who(-m). See also: Genesis 2:4; Exodus 35:1; Deuteronomy 1:35.
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
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.
שָׂנֵ֖אתִי
sânêʼ
H8130
"to hate"
V-Qal-Perf-1cs
To hate means to feel intense dislike or hostility, as seen in the actions of enemies or foes in the Bible. It can also describe God's hatred of sin.
Definition: 1) to hate, be hateful 1a) (Qal) to hate 1a1) of man 1a2) of God 1a3) hater, one hating, enemy (participle) (subst) 1b) (Niphal) to be hated 1c) (Piel) hater (participle) 1c1) of persons, nations, God, wisdom Aramaic equivalent: se.ne (שְׂנָא "to hate" H8131)
Usage: Occurs in 139 OT verses. KJV: enemy, foe, (be) hate(-ful, -r), odious, [idiom] utterly. See also: Genesis 24:60; Psalms 50:17; Psalms 5:6.
נְאֻם
nᵉʼum
H5002
"utterance"
N-ms
This word refers to an utterance or declaration from God, often through a prophet. It is used in the Bible to describe a revelation or message from God, like in Exodus or Numbers.
Definition: 1) (Qal) utterance, declaration (of prophet) 1a) utterance, declaration, revelation (of prophet in ecstatic state) 1b) utterance, declaration (elsewhere always preceding divine name)
Usage: Occurs in 358 OT verses. KJV: (hath) said, saith. See also: Genesis 22:16; Jeremiah 22:16; Psalms 36:2.
יְהוָֽה
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.
Study Notes — Zechariah 8:17
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Zechariah 8:17 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Zechariah 8:17
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Zechariah 8:17
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Zechariah 8:17
- Trapp's Commentary on Zechariah 8:17
- Ellicott's Commentary on Zechariah 8:17
- Cambridge Bible on Zechariah 8:17
- Barnes' Notes on Zechariah 8:17
- Whedon's Commentary on Zechariah 8:17
- Sermons on Zechariah 8:17
Context — The Restoration of Jerusalem
15“so now I have resolved to do good again to Jerusalem and Judah. Do not be afraid.
16These are the things you must do: Speak truth to one another, render true and sound judgments in your gates,
17do not plot evil in your hearts against your neighbor, and do not love to swear falsely, for I hate all these things,” declares the LORD.
18Then the word of the LORD of Hosts came to me, saying, 19“This is what the LORD of Hosts says: The fasts of the fourth, the fifth, the seventh, and the tenth months will become times of joy and gladness, cheerful feasts for the house of Judah. Therefore you are to love both truth and peace.”Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Proverbs 6:16–19 | There are six things that the LORD hates, seven that are detestable to Him: haughty eyes, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked schemes, feet that run swiftly to evil, a false witness who gives false testimony, and one who stirs up discord among brothers. |
| 2 | Micah 2:1–3 | Woe to those who devise iniquity and plot evil on their beds! At morning’s light they accomplish it because the power is in their hands. They covet fields and seize them; they take away houses. They deprive a man of his home, a fellow man of his inheritance. Therefore this is what the LORD says: “I am planning against this nation a disaster from which you cannot free your necks. Then you will not walk so proudly, for it will be a time of calamity. |
| 3 | Jeremiah 44:4 | Yet I sent you all My servants the prophets again and again, saying: ‘Do not do this detestable thing that I hate.’ |
| 4 | Proverbs 3:29 | Do not devise evil against your neighbor, for he trustfully dwells beside you. |
| 5 | Psalms 10:3 | For the wicked man boasts in the cravings of his heart; he blesses the greedy and reviles the LORD. |
| 6 | Habakkuk 1:13 | Your eyes are too pure to look upon evil, and You cannot tolerate wrongdoing. So why do You tolerate the faithless? Why are You silent while the wicked swallow up those more righteous than themselves? |
| 7 | Jeremiah 4:14 | Wash the evil from your heart, O Jerusalem, so that you may be saved. How long will you harbor wicked thoughts within you? |
| 8 | Malachi 3:5 | “Then I will draw near to you for judgment. And I will be a swift witness against sorcerers and adulterers and perjurers, against oppressors of the widowed and fatherless, and against those who defraud laborers of their wages and deny justice to the foreigner but do not fear Me,” says the LORD of Hosts. |
| 9 | Psalms 5:5–6 | The boastful cannot stand in Your presence; You hate all workers of iniquity. You destroy those who tell lies; the LORD abhors the man of bloodshed and deceit. |
| 10 | Matthew 15:19 | For out of the heart come evil thoughts, murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, false testimony, and slander. |
Zechariah 8:17 Summary
[Zechariah 8:17 is a reminder that God hates it when we think about hurting or taking advantage of others, and when we lie or swear falsely. This means we should always try to be kind and honest in our thoughts and actions towards those around us, as seen in Matthew 22:37-40, where Jesus says to love the Lord our God and our neighbors as ourselves. By seeking to love and serve others, we can demonstrate our love for God and live a life that is pleasing to Him, as encouraged in 1 John 4:20-21, where it says that if we do not love our brothers and sisters, whom we have seen, how can we love God, whom we have not seen?]
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to plot evil in your heart against your neighbor?
According to Zechariah 8:17, plotting evil in your heart against your neighbor means to intentionally plan or think about harming or taking advantage of someone, which is hated by the LORD, as seen in Proverbs 6:16-19, where God lists seven things He detests, including hands that shed innocent blood and a heart that devises wicked plans.
Why does God hate swearing falsely?
God hates swearing falsely because it is a form of dishonesty and deceit, as stated in Leviticus 19:12, where it says not to swear falsely by the name of the LORD, and in Colossians 3:9-10, where believers are told to put off falsehood and speak truthfully to their neighbors.
How can we avoid plotting evil in our hearts and loving to swear falsely?
To avoid plotting evil and swearing falsely, we must seek to love our neighbors as ourselves, as commanded in Leviticus 19:18 and Mark 12:31, and strive to be truthful in all our words and actions, as encouraged in Ephesians 4:25, where it says to speak the truth in love.
What is the significance of the LORD declaring His hatred for these things?
The LORD declaring His hatred for these things emphasizes the importance of living a life of honesty, integrity, and love for our neighbors, as seen in Micah 6:8, where it says to act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with God, and in 1 John 2:3-6, where it says that we know we have come to know Him if we keep His commands.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways I can examine my heart to see if I am plotting evil against my neighbors, and how can I repent and change my ways?
- How can I cultivate a love for truth and honesty in my daily interactions with others, and what are some practical steps I can take to speak the truth in love?
- What are some common ways that people swear falsely, and how can I be mindful of my own words and actions to avoid this sin?
- How can I demonstrate my love for my neighbors in tangible ways, and what are some opportunities I have to show kindness and compassion to those around me?
Gill's Exposition on Zechariah 8:17
And let none of you imagine evil in your hearts against his neighbour,.... [See comments on Zechariah 7:10] hatred without a cause was a governing vice under the second temple, and Jarchi says was
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Zechariah 8:17
These are the things that ye shall do; Speak ye every man the truth to his neighbour; execute the judgment of truth and peace in your gates: -The promised blessings are connected with obedience-God's
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Zechariah 8:17
Let none of you imagine evil in your hearts against his neighbour: see . Love no false oath: see : you that must not lie to a man, must not swear to a lie before God, ,19. For all these are things that I hate; so that I cannot be reconciled to them; so that I must not, will not let them go unpunished. If your will be blest as I promise, look you do as I prescribe. This is reason enough why you should not do them.
Trapp's Commentary on Zechariah 8:17
Zechariah 8:17 And let none of you imagine evil in your hearts against his neighbour; and love no false oath: for all these [are things] that I hate, saith the LORD.Ver. 17. And let none of you imagine evil in your hearts] Take notice here, that as conversing with evil imaginations and inward lusts proves one to be carnal, Ephesians 2:3, so the law is spiritual, Romans 7:14, and takes hold of the root of bitterness, Deuteronomy 29:18, lie it never so low and close covered. There is something in it, that men are here forbidden to imagine evil (in their hearts). This particle, in their hearts, may seem superfluous; but it holds forth, that for the most secret sins that lie couched in the bottom of the heart, in the hidden man of the heart, and never show themselves to the world, men shall be accountable: see Hebrews 4:12 Ecclesiastes 12:14 Jeremiah 6:19 Revelation 2:23. The very want of good thoughts is a sin against that first and great commandment, Mark 12:30, and concupiscence, even before it come to consent, is a sin against the last commandment, Romans 7:7. But evil thoughts allowed and wallowed in is a fiat breach of every commandment; so vain is their plea that say, Thought is free, and do thereupon lay the reins on the neck, and run riot in vain and vile imaginations. O Jerusalem, wash thy heart from wickedness, if thou meanest to be saved, Jeremiah 4:14. How many, alas, have we that profess large hopes of heaven, whose hearts are no better than dens of darkness, dungeons of filthiness, cages of unclean birds, brothel houses, slaughter houses, pesthouses of malicious motions, devilish deceits, atheistical, proud, covetous, malicious, and fraudulent projects, which they are continually hammering, and wherewith their wretched hearts are day and night haunted and pestered! Contrariwise, a godly man is said to have right thoughts, Proverbs 12:5, holy imaginations, Proverbs 12:20, and that his desires are only good, Proverbs 11:23; or, if worse crowd in (as they will), he rids them out again, and will not let them lodge there, Jeremiah 4:14, he boils out that filthy scum, Ezekiel 24:6, and purifieth himself of all pollutions of flesh and spirit, 2 Corinthians 7:1; he both hateth them, Psalms 119:113, and forsaketh them, Isaiah 55:7. And love no false oath] As not only he that maketh a lie is shut out of heaven, but he that loves it (though made by another), takes it up and divulgeth it, Revelation 22:15.
So not only he that taketh a false oath, but he that persuadeth another to it, or that abhorreth it not in whomsoever (for here is a meiosis, less is spoken, and more understood), is the object of God’ s just hatred. For all these are things that I hate, saith the Lord] And as the next effect of hatred is revenge, he will not fail to punish such sinners against their own souls.
Ellicott's Commentary on Zechariah 8:17
(14-17) As the Captivity had been brought about by God’s decree, so, too, the Restoration. The people, therefore, need not fear, if only they do that which is righteous in His sight.
Cambridge Bible on Zechariah 8:17
14–17. “The ground upon which the promise rests is given in Zechariah 8:14-15, and it is closed in Zechariah 8:16-17, by the addition of the condition on which it is to be fulfilled.” Keil.
Barnes' Notes on Zechariah 8:17
For all these things do I hate - Literally, emphatic, “For they are all these things which I hate.” This is the sum of what I hate; for they comprise in brief the breaches of the two tables, the love of God and of man.
Whedon's Commentary on Zechariah 8:17
16, 17. The conditions on which these blessings may be secured are essentially the same as those proclaimed by the earlier prophets (see on Zechariah 7:9-10).
Sermons on Zechariah 8:17
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Of the Hatred of God. by John Gill | John Gill addresses the concept of God's hatred, clarifying that while God does not hate His creatures, He does hate sin and the actions of sinners. He emphasizes that God's hatred |
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The Third Commandment by A.W. Pink | A.W. Pink emphasizes the gravity of the Third Commandment, which instructs believers not to take the name of the Lord in vain. He explains that this commandment calls for sincere, |
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The Christian's Hate Life by Jack Hyles | Jack Hyles preaches on the necessity of having love accompanied by hate, emphasizing that true love cannot exist without hating its opposite. He explains that qualities like patien |
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(So Great a Salvation) Temptation and Sin by Paris Reidhead | In this sermon, the speaker shares a personal story about his journey of faith. He describes a moment of deep conviction and repentance after disobeying his parents. He then reflec |
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The Awful Sin of Pride by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of patience and waiting on God's timing. He warns against making impulsive and fleshly decisions that can lead to disaster. T |
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Freedom From Denominationalism by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of seeking God's truth and total freedom from anything that binds us. He encourages humility, servanthood, and having a father |
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The Damnation of Hell - Part 1 (Compilation) by Compilations | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the consequences of rejecting God and living a life of sin. He vividly describes the torment and despair that awaits those who die without r |