Zechariah 8:18
Zechariah 8:18 in Multiple Translations
Then the word of the LORD of Hosts came to me, saying,
¶ And the word of the LORD of hosts came unto me, saying,
And the word of Jehovah of hosts came unto me, saying,
And the word of the Lord of armies came to me, saying,
The Lord Almighty gave me another message.
And the worde of the Lord of hostes came vnto me, saying,
And there is a word of Jehovah of Hosts unto me, saying:
The word of the LORD of Armies came to me.
And the word of the LORD of hosts came to me, saying,
And the word of the Lord of hosts came to me, saying:
The Commander of the armies of angels spoke to me again.
Berean Amplified Bible — Zechariah 8:18
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 8:18 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יְהִ֛י
דְּבַר
יְהוָ֥ה
צְבָא֖וֹת
אֵלַ֥/י
לֵ/אמֹֽר
וַ/יְהִ֛י
hâyâh
H1961
to be
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
דְּבַר
dâbâr
H1697
Chronicles
N-ms
יְהוָ֥ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
The Lord
N-proper
צְבָא֖וֹת
tsâbâʼ
H6635
army
N-cp
אֵלַ֥/י
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Prep | Suff
לֵ/אמֹֽר
ʼâmar
H559
to say
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Zechariah 8:18
וַ/יְהִ֛י
hâyâh
H1961
"to be"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-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.
דְּבַר
dâbâr
H1697
"Chronicles"
N-ms
A word or thing, like a matter or affair, as seen in the book of Chronicles where it refers to the events and words of kings. It can also mean a cause or reason for something.
Definition: This name means word, speaking
Usage: Occurs in 1290 OT verses. KJV: act, advice, affair, answer, [idiom] any such (thing), because of, book, business, care, case, cause, certain rate, [phrase] chronicles, commandment, [idiom] commune(-ication), [phrase] concern(-ing), [phrase] confer, counsel, [phrase] dearth, decree, deed, [idiom] disease, due, duty, effect, [phrase] eloquent, errand, (evil favoured-) ness, [phrase] glory, [phrase] harm, hurt, [phrase] iniquity, [phrase] judgment, language, [phrase] lying, manner, matter, message, (no) thing, oracle, [idiom] ought, [idiom] parts, [phrase] pertaining, [phrase] please, portion, [phrase] power, promise, provision, purpose, question, rate, reason, report, request, [idiom] (as hast) said, sake, saying, sentence, [phrase] sign, [phrase] so, some (uncleanness), somewhat to say, [phrase] song, speech, [idiom] spoken, talk, task, [phrase] that, [idiom] there done, thing (concerning), thought, [phrase] thus, tidings, what(-soever), [phrase] wherewith, which, word, work. See also: Genesis 11:1; Exodus 23:8; Deuteronomy 18:21.
יְהוָ֥ה
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.
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.
אֵלַ֥/י
ʼêl
H413
"to(wards)"
Prep | Suff
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.
לֵ/אמֹֽר
ʼâmar
H559
"to say"
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
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.
Study Notes — Zechariah 8:18
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Zechariah 8:18 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Zechariah 8:18
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Zechariah 8:18
- Trapp's Commentary on Zechariah 8:18
- Ellicott's Commentary on Zechariah 8:18
- Cambridge Bible on Zechariah 8:18
- Whedon's Commentary on Zechariah 8:18
Context — The Restoration of Jerusalem
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.” 20This is what the LORD of Hosts says: “Peoples will yet come—the residents of many cities—Zechariah 8:18 Summary
[This verse is a reminder that God speaks to His people through His prophets and His word, as seen in Deuteronomy 18:15 and Hebrews 1:1-2. When God speaks, it's essential to listen and obey, as we see in the examples of Moses in Exodus 3:1-4:17 and the prophets in Jeremiah 1:4-10. The phrase 'the word of the LORD of Hosts came to me' emphasizes God's authority and power, and encourages us to trust in Him and follow His lead, as we see in Psalm 23:1-4 and Proverbs 3:5-6. By doing so, we can experience the blessings and joy that God promises to those who obey Him, as described in Psalm 37:3-7 and Matthew 5:3-12.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of the phrase 'the word of the LORD of Hosts came to me' in Zechariah 8:18?
This phrase indicates that the prophet Zechariah is receiving a direct revelation from God, emphasizing the importance and authority of the message that follows, as seen in other biblical accounts such as Jeremiah 1:4 and Ezekiel 1:3.
How does this verse relate to the context of the surrounding verses?
Zechariah 8:18 serves as a transition, introducing a new message from God that expands on the themes of truth, justice, and obedience mentioned in Zechariah 8:16-17, and looks forward to the future blessings described in Zechariah 8:19-20.
What does the title 'LORD of Hosts' mean in this verse?
The title 'LORD of Hosts' is a name for God that emphasizes His power and authority over all creation, as seen in Isaiah 6:3 and Psalm 24:10, highlighting His ability to accomplish His will and purposes.
How does this verse fit into the larger narrative of the book of Zechariah?
Zechariah 8:18 is part of a series of visions and messages that Zechariah received from God, calling the people of Judah to repentance and faithfulness, and looking forward to the future restoration and blessing of Jerusalem, as described in Zechariah 1:1-6 and Zechariah 14:1-21.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways that I can be more attentive to the 'word of the Lord' in my own life, and how can I distinguish God's voice from other influences?
- How do the themes of truth, justice, and obedience mentioned in the surrounding verses relate to my own life and relationships?
- What are some areas where I need to trust in God's power and authority, rather than my own strength and abilities?
- How can I cultivate a deeper sense of reverence and awe for God's majesty and authority, as expressed in the title 'LORD of Hosts'?
Gill's Exposition on Zechariah 8:18
And the word of the Lord of hosts came unto me, saying. The word of prophecy, as the Targum paraphrases it: here begins a new prophecy, respecting the abrogation of Jewish fasts, and the calling of the Gentiles.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Zechariah 8:18
And the word of the LORD of hosts came unto me, saying, -The prophet answers the query (Zechariah 7:3) as to the fast in the fifth month, by a reply applying to all their fasts: these are to be
Trapp's Commentary on Zechariah 8:18
Zechariah 8:18 And the word of the LORD of hosts came unto me, saying,Ver. 18. And the word]
Ellicott's Commentary on Zechariah 8:18
(18-23) This fourth section gives at last all that the prophet deigns to answer concerning the fast of the fifth month (Zechariah 7:3), and also concerning the other fasts. On the 9th or 17th of “the fourth” month (Tammuz) Jerusalem was taken by Nebuchadnezzar, in the eleventh year of Zedekiah (Jeremiah 39:2; Jeremiah 52:6-7). On the tenth of “the tenth” month (Tebeth) siege was laid to Jerusalem by Nebuchadnezzar, in the ninth year of Zedekiah (2 Kings 25:1; Jeremiah 52:4). As, on account of their sins, their feasts had been changed into fasts, and their days of rejoicing into mourning (Amos 8:10), so now the prophet promises that if only they will keep the required conditions their fasts should be transformed into feasts. No express command is given with respect to the abolition of the fasts; but according to Jewish tradition (T.B. Rosh Hashshanah, 18 b), when the nation was in peace and prosperity the fasts were held in abeyance; when it was in trouble again the fasts were resumed. Since the destruction of the Temple by Titus, the Jews have kept the following fasts: the seventeenth of Tammuz, the ninth of Ab, the third of Tishri, and the tenth of Tebeth, on account of various calamities which took place on those days.
Cambridge Bible on Zechariah 8:18
18–23. The Answer. Fourth Section In coming now to a direct answer to the question, out of which the whole prophecy arose, Almighty God enumerates not only the fast of the fifth month to which the question immediately referred (Zechariah 8:3), but three other fasts (one of which, the fast of the seventh month, had been already mentioned, Zechariah 7:5), which were all governed by the same general principles. All these, He promises, shall become seasons of joy.
Whedon's Commentary on Zechariah 8:18
Zechariah 8:18 is identical with Zechariah 8:1. 19. The fast of the fourth month — The fast kept in commemoration of the capture of Jerusalem by Nebuchadnezzar on the ninth day of the fourth month (Jeremiah 39:2; Jeremiah 52:7).