Zechariah 8:19
Zechariah 8:19 in Multiple Translations
“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.”
Thus saith the LORD of hosts; The fast of the fourth month, and the fast of the fifth, and the fast of the seventh, and the fast of the tenth, shall be to the house of Judah joy and gladness, and cheerful feasts; therefore love the truth and peace.
Thus saith Jehovah of hosts: The fast of the fourth month, and the fast of the fifth, and the fast of the seventh, and the fast of the tenth, shall be to the house of Judah joy and gladness, and cheerful feasts; therefore love truth and peace.
This is what the Lord of armies has said: The times of going without food in the fourth month and in the fifth and the seventh and the tenth months, will be for the people of Judah times of joy and happy meetings; so be lovers of good faith and of peace.
This is what the Lord Almighty says: The fasts you observe in the fourth, fifth, seventh, and tenth month will become times of joy and happiness for the people of Judah—they will be festivals of celebration. But love truth and peace.
Thus sayth the Lord of hostes, The fast of the fourth moneth, and the fast of the fift, and the fast of the seuenth, and the fast of the tenth, shall be to the house of Iudah ioy and gladnes, and prosperous hie feasts: therefore loue the trueth and peace.
'Thus said Jehovah of Hosts: The fast of the fourth, and the fast of the fifth, and the fast of the seventh, and the fast of the tenth [months], are to the house of Judah for joy and for rejoicing, and for pleasant appointed seasons, and the truth and the peace they have loved.
The LORD of Armies says: “The fasts of the fourth, fifth, seventh, and tenth months shall be for the house of Judah joy, gladness, and cheerful feasts. Therefore love truth and peace.”
Thus saith the LORD of hosts; The fast of the fourth month , and the fast of the fifth, and the fast of the seventh, and the fast of the tenth, shall be to the house of Judah joy and gladness, and cheerful feasts; therefore love the truth and peace.
Thus saith the Lord of hosts: The fast of the fourth month, and the fast of the fifth, and the fast of the seventh, and the fast of the tenth shall be to the house of Juda, joy, and gladness, and great solemnities: only love ye truth and peace.
This is what he said: “The times when you people of Judah ◄fast/abstain from food► during the fourth, fifth, seventh, and tenth months of each year will become good and very happy/joyful [DOU] festivals. But you must want to speak truthfully and be peaceful.”
Berean Amplified Bible — Zechariah 8:19
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 8:19 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
כֹּֽה
אָמַ֞ר
יְהוָ֣ה
צְבָא֗וֹת
צ֣וֹם
הָ/רְבִיעִ֡י
וְ/צ֣וֹם
הַ/חֲמִישִׁי֩
וְ/צ֨וֹם
הַ/שְּׁבִיעִ֜י
וְ/צ֣וֹם
הָ/עֲשִׂירִ֗י
יִהְיֶ֤ה
לְ/בֵית
יְהוּדָה֙
לְ/שָׂשׂ֣וֹן
וּ/לְ/שִׂמְחָ֔ה
וּֽ/לְ/מֹעֲדִ֖ים
טוֹבִ֑ים
וְ/הָ/אֱמֶ֥ת
וְ/הַ/שָּׁל֖וֹם
אֱהָֽבוּ
כֹּֽה
kôh
H3541
thus
Adv
אָמַ֞ר
ʼâmar
H559
to say
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
יְהוָ֣ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
The Lord
N-proper
צְבָא֗וֹת
tsâbâʼ
H6635
army
N-cp
צ֣וֹם
tsôwm
H6685
fast
N-ms
הָ/רְבִיעִ֡י
rᵉbîyʻîy
H7243
fourth
Art | Adj
וְ/צ֣וֹם
tsôwm
H6685
fast
Conj | N-ms
הַ/חֲמִישִׁי֩
chămîyshîy
H2549
fifth
Art | Adj
וְ/צ֨וֹם
tsôwm
H6685
fast
Conj | N-ms
הַ/שְּׁבִיעִ֜י
shᵉbîyʻîy
H7637
seventh
Art | Adj
וְ/צ֣וֹם
tsôwm
H6685
fast
Conj | N-ms
הָ/עֲשִׂירִ֗י
ʻăsîyrîy
H6224
tenth
Art | Adj
יִהְיֶ֤ה
hâyâh
H1961
to be
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
לְ/בֵית
bayith
H1004
place
Prep | N-ms
יְהוּדָה֙
Yᵉhûwdâh
H3063
Judah
N-proper
לְ/שָׂשׂ֣וֹן
sâsôwn
H8342
rejoicing
Prep | N-ms
וּ/לְ/שִׂמְחָ֔ה
simchâh
H8057
joy
Conj | Prep | N-fs
וּֽ/לְ/מֹעֲדִ֖ים
môwʻêd
H4150
meeting
Conj | Prep | N-mp
טוֹבִ֑ים
ṭôwb
H2896
pleasant
Adj
וְ/הָ/אֱמֶ֥ת
ʼemeth
H571
truth
Conj | Art | N-fs
וְ/הַ/שָּׁל֖וֹם
shâlôwm
H7965
Peace
Conj | Art | N-ms
אֱהָֽבוּ
ʼâhab
H157
to love
V-Qal-Impv-2mp
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Zechariah 8:19
כֹּֽה
kôh
H3541
"thus"
Adv
This Hebrew word means thus or in this manner. It can also indicate a location or time, such as here or now. The KJV translates it in various ways, including also, here, and so.
Definition: 1) thus, here, in this manner 1a) thus, so 1b) here, here and there 1c) until now, until now...until then, meanwhile Aramaic equivalent: kah (כָּה "thus" H3542)
Usage: Occurs in 541 OT verses. KJV: also, here, + hitherto, like, on the other side, so (and much), such, on that manner, (on) this (manner, side, way, way and that way), + mean while, yonder. See also: Genesis 15:5; 1 Kings 22:20; Isaiah 7:7.
אָמַ֞ר
ʼâmar
H559
"to say"
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
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.
יְהוָ֣ה
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.
צְבָא֗וֹת
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.
צ֣וֹם
tsôwm
H6685
"fast"
N-ms
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to fast or go without food, often for spiritual reasons. It appears in various forms, such as fasting or a fast. This concept is seen in the lives of prophets and leaders like Moses and Elijah.
Definition: fast, fasting
Usage: Occurs in 22 OT verses. KJV: fast(-ing). See also: 2 Samuel 12:16; Isaiah 58:3; Psalms 35:13.
הָ/רְבִיעִ֡י
rᵉbîyʻîy
H7243
"fourth"
Art | Adj
This Hebrew word means fourth, and is used to describe something that is four-sided or divided into four parts, like a square or a quarter.
Definition: 1) fourth 1a) fourth 1b) four square 1c) fourth part Aramaic equivalent: re.vi.ay (רְבִיעִי "fourth" H7244)
Usage: Occurs in 53 OT verses. KJV: foursquare, fourth (part). See also: Genesis 1:19; 1 Chronicles 8:2; Jeremiah 25:1.
וְ/צ֣וֹם
tsôwm
H6685
"fast"
Conj | N-ms
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to fast or go without food, often for spiritual reasons. It appears in various forms, such as fasting or a fast. This concept is seen in the lives of prophets and leaders like Moses and Elijah.
Definition: fast, fasting
Usage: Occurs in 22 OT verses. KJV: fast(-ing). See also: 2 Samuel 12:16; Isaiah 58:3; Psalms 35:13.
הַ/חֲמִישִׁי֩
chămîyshîy
H2549
"fifth"
Art | Adj
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means fifth, referring to something in the fifth position. It appears in Exodus 20:12, where honoring parents is the fifth commandment. This word is used to show order and sequence.
Definition: ordinal number, 5th
Usage: Occurs in 44 OT verses. KJV: fifth (part). See also: Genesis 1:23; 1 Chronicles 2:14; Jeremiah 1:3.
וְ/צ֨וֹם
tsôwm
H6685
"fast"
Conj | N-ms
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to fast or go without food, often for spiritual reasons. It appears in various forms, such as fasting or a fast. This concept is seen in the lives of prophets and leaders like Moses and Elijah.
Definition: fast, fasting
Usage: Occurs in 22 OT verses. KJV: fast(-ing). See also: 2 Samuel 12:16; Isaiah 58:3; Psalms 35:13.
הַ/שְּׁבִיעִ֜י
shᵉbîyʻîy
H7637
"seventh"
Art | Adj
The Hebrew word for seventh, this term is an ordinal number used to describe something in the seventh position. It appears in the Bible as seventh time.
Definition: 1) seventh 1a) ordinal number
Usage: Occurs in 94 OT verses. KJV: seventh (time). See also: Genesis 2:2; Numbers 29:12; Jeremiah 28:17.
וְ/צ֣וֹם
tsôwm
H6685
"fast"
Conj | N-ms
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to fast or go without food, often for spiritual reasons. It appears in various forms, such as fasting or a fast. This concept is seen in the lives of prophets and leaders like Moses and Elijah.
Definition: fast, fasting
Usage: Occurs in 22 OT verses. KJV: fast(-ing). See also: 2 Samuel 12:16; Isaiah 58:3; Psalms 35:13.
הָ/עֲשִׂירִ֗י
ʻăsîyrîy
H6224
"tenth"
Art | Adj
The Hebrew word for 'tenth' is used to describe a tenth part of something, like a tenth of one's income. It can also refer to the tenth month of the year. In English Bibles, it is often translated as 'tenth' or 'tenth part'.
Definition: 1) ordinal number 1a) a tenth
Usage: Occurs in 26 OT verses. KJV: tenth (part). See also: Genesis 8:5; 1 Chronicles 25:17; Isaiah 6:13.
יִהְיֶ֤ה
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.
לְ/בֵית
bayith
H1004
"place"
Prep | N-ms
The Hebrew word for house refers to a dwelling place, including a family home, temple, or even the human body. It appears in various contexts, such as the temple in Jerusalem or the household of a family. In the Bible, it is often used to describe a place of worship or a family's living space.
Definition: nm place, origin, between
Usage: Occurs in 1712 OT verses. KJV: court, daughter, door, [phrase] dungeon, family, [phrase] forth of, [idiom] great as would contain, hangings, home(born), (winter) house(-hold), inside(-ward), palace, place, [phrase] prison, [phrase] steward, [phrase] tablet, temple, web, [phrase] within(-out). See also: Genesis 6:14; Exodus 8:5; Numbers 1:45.
יְהוּדָה֙
Yᵉhûwdâh
H3063
"Judah"
N-proper
Judah is the name of the tribe descended from Judah, the son of Jacob. It is also the name of the region where the tribe lived. The name means 'praised' and is first mentioned in Genesis.
Definition: § Judah = "praised" the tribe descended from Judah the son of Jacob
Usage: Occurs in 754 OT verses. KJV: Judah. See also: Genesis 29:35; 1 Samuel 23:3; 2 Kings 14:13.
לְ/שָׂשׂ֣וֹן
sâsôwn
H8342
"rejoicing"
Prep | N-ms
This word describes a feeling of great joy or celebration, like the kind experienced during happy events. It is used in the Bible to describe the joy of God's people, such as in Psalm 16:11, where David talks about the joy of being in God's presence. Joy is a key part of biblical celebrations.
Definition: 1) gladness, joy, exultation, rejoicing 1a) exultation, joy
Usage: Occurs in 22 OT verses. KJV: gladness, joy, mirth, rejoicing. See also: Esther 8:16; Isaiah 51:11; Psalms 45:8.
וּ/לְ/שִׂמְחָ֔ה
simchâh
H8057
"joy"
Conj | Prep | N-fs
This Hebrew word means joy or gladness, often used to describe a happy occasion or celebration, like a festival. It's used in the Bible to express God's joy and pleasure. In the KJV, it's translated as joy, gladness, or mirth.
Definition: 1) joy, mirth, gladness 1a) mirth, gladness, joy, gaiety, pleasure 1b) joy (of God) 1c) glad result, happy issue
Usage: Occurs in 89 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] exceeding(-ly), gladness, joy(-fulness), mirth, pleasure, rejoice(-ing). See also: Genesis 31:27; Psalms 106:5; Psalms 4:8.
וּֽ/לְ/מֹעֲדִ֖ים
môwʻêd
H4150
"meeting"
Conj | Prep | N-mp
This Hebrew word refers to a meeting or appointed time, often for a sacred season or festival, like the tent of meeting in Exodus. It can also mean an assembly or congregation. In the Bible, it is used to describe the Israelites' gatherings and celebrations.
Definition: : meeting 1) appointed place, appointed time, meeting 1a) appointed time 1a1) appointed time (general) 1a2) sacred season, set feast, appointed season 1b) appointed meeting 1c) appointed place 1d) appointed sign or signal 1e) tent of meeting
Usage: Occurs in 213 OT verses. KJV: appointed (sign, time), (place of, solemn) assembly, congregation, (set, solemn) feast, (appointed, due) season, solemn(-ity), synogogue, (set) time (appointed). See also: Genesis 1:14; Numbers 4:31; Psalms 74:4.
טוֹבִ֑ים
ṭôwb
H2896
"pleasant"
Adj
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means good or welfare, describing something that is beneficial or pleasing, like a good deed or a happy time. It is used in many contexts, including Genesis and Psalms. This word is often translated as 'good' or 'beautiful'.
Definition: adj 1) good, pleasant, agreeable 1a) pleasant, agreeable (to the senses) 1b) pleasant (to the higher nature) 1c) good, excellent (of its kind) 1d) good, rich, valuable in estimation 1e) good, appropriate, becoming 1f) better (comparative) 1g) glad, happy, prosperous (of man's sensuous nature) 1h) good understanding (of man's intellectual nature) 1i) good, kind, benign 1j) good, right (ethical) Aramaic equivalent: tav (טָב "fine" H2869)
Usage: Occurs in 521 OT verses. KJV: beautiful, best, better, bountiful, cheerful, at ease, [idiom] fair (word), (be in) favour, fine, glad, good (deed, -lier, -liest, -ly, -ness, -s), graciously, joyful, kindly, kindness, liketh (best), loving, merry, [idiom] most, pleasant, [phrase] pleaseth, pleasure, precious, prosperity, ready, sweet, wealth, welfare, (be) well(-favoured). See also: Genesis 1:4; Ruth 2:22; 2 Chronicles 3:8.
וְ/הָ/אֱמֶ֥ת
ʼemeth
H571
"truth"
Conj | Art | N-fs
This Hebrew word means truth, faithfulness, or stability, and is often used to describe God's character and promises. In Psalm 100:5, it says God's truth endures forever, and in Proverbs 12:17, it emphasizes the importance of truthful speech.
Definition: : faithful 1) firmness, faithfulness, truth 1a) sureness, reliability 1b) stability, continuance 1c) faithfulness, reliableness 1d) truth 1d1) as spoken 1d2) of testimony and judgment 1d3) of divine instruction 1d4) truth as a body of ethical or religious knowledge 1d5) true doctrine adv 2) in truth, truly
Usage: Occurs in 125 OT verses. KJV: assured(-ly), establishment, faithful, right, sure, true (-ly, -th), verity. See also: Genesis 24:27; Psalms 111:7; Psalms 15:2.
וְ/הַ/שָּׁל֖וֹם
shâlôwm
H7965
"Peace"
Conj | Art | N-ms
This Hebrew word for peace, shalom, means completeness, wellness, and friendship, and is often used to describe God's relationship with humanity, as seen in the covenant with the Israelites. It encompasses physical and spiritual health, prosperity, and harmony.
Definition: This name means completeness, peace Another name of ye.ho.vah (יהוה "LORD" H3068G)
Usage: Occurs in 209 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] do, familiar, [idiom] fare, favour, [phrase] friend, [idiom] great, (good) health, ([idiom] perfect, such as be at) peace(-able, -ably), prosper(-ity, -ous), rest, safe(-ty), salute, welfare, ([idiom] all is, be) well, [idiom] wholly. See also: Genesis 15:15; Esther 2:11; Psalms 4:9.
אֱהָֽבוּ
ʼâhab
H157
"to love"
V-Qal-Impv-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.
Study Notes — Zechariah 8:19
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- Cambridge Bible on Zechariah 8:19
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- Whedon's Commentary on Zechariah 8:19
- Sermons on Zechariah 8:19
Context — The Restoration of Jerusalem
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— 21and the residents of one city will go to another, saying: ‘Let us go at once to plead before the LORD and to seek the LORD of Hosts. I myself am going.’Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Zechariah 8:16 | These are the things you must do: Speak truth to one another, render true and sound judgments in your gates, |
| 2 | Jeremiah 39:2 | And on the ninth day of the fourth month of Zedekiah’s eleventh year, the city was breached. |
| 3 | Zechariah 7:5 | “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? |
| 4 | Zechariah 7:3 | by asking the priests of the house of the LORD of Hosts, as well as the prophets, “Should I weep and fast in the fifth month, as I have done these many years?” |
| 5 | Psalms 30:11 | You turned my mourning into dancing; You peeled off my sackcloth and clothed me with joy, |
| 6 | Jeremiah 52:4 | So in the ninth year of Zedekiah’s reign, on the tenth day of the tenth month, Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon marched against Jerusalem with his entire army. They encamped outside the city and built a siege wall all around it. |
| 7 | 2 Kings 25:25 | In the seventh month, however, Ishmael son of Nethaniah, the son of Elishama, who was a member of the royal family, came with ten men and struck down and killed Gedaliah, along with the Judeans and Chaldeans who were with him at Mizpah. |
| 8 | 2 Kings 25:3–4 | By the ninth day of the fourth month, the famine in the city was so severe that the people of the land had no food. Then the city was breached; and though the Chaldeans had surrounded the city, all the men of war fled by night by way of the gate between the two walls near the king’s garden. They headed toward the Arabah, |
| 9 | Isaiah 12:1 | In that day you will say: “O LORD, I will praise You. Although You were angry with me, Your anger has turned away, and You have comforted me. |
| 10 | Luke 1:74–75 | deliverance from hostile hands, that we may serve Him without fear, in holiness and righteousness before Him all the days of our lives. |
Zechariah 8:19 Summary
Zechariah 8:19 is a promise from God that He will take times of sadness and turn them into times of joy and celebration. This verse reminds us that God is a God of restoration and redemption, who wants to bring happiness and peace to His people (as seen in Jeremiah 29:11). Just like the Israelites, we can trust God to transform our difficult experiences into opportunities for growth and joy, and we can demonstrate our love for Him by loving both truth and peace (as taught in Ephesians 4:15). By focusing on God's promises and living out our faith in everyday life, we can experience the joy and gladness that He has in store for us.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the fasts mentioned in Zechariah 8:19 and why are they significant?
The fasts mentioned in Zechariah 8:19 refer to times of mourning and repentance observed by the Israelites, likely in response to tragic events in their history, such as the destruction of the Temple (2 Kings 25:8-9). God promises to transform these times of sorrow into times of joy and gladness.
How can we love both truth and peace as commanded in Zechariah 8:19?
Loving both truth and peace means embracing God's truth as revealed in Scripture, such as in Psalms 119:160, while also pursuing peace with others, as taught in Matthew 5:9 and Romans 12:18.
What is the significance of the house of Judah in Zechariah 8:19?
The house of Judah refers to the Southern Kingdom of Judah, which was one of the two main divisions of the Israelites (1 Kings 12:20-21). In this context, God is promising to bring joy and gladness to His people, the house of Judah, as part of His larger plan of redemption and restoration (Isaiah 40:1-2).
How does Zechariah 8:19 relate to the broader message of the book of Zechariah?
Zechariah 8:19 is part of a larger section in which God is encouraging His people to return to Him and promising to restore and bless them (Zechariah 8:1-8). This verse fits into the book's overall theme of calling God's people to repentance and faith, with the promise of future glory and redemption (Zechariah 1:3, Zechariah 14:20-21).
Reflection Questions
- What are some areas in my life where I am currently experiencing sorrow or hardship, and how can I trust God to transform them into times of joy and gladness?
- In what ways can I demonstrate my love for truth and peace in my relationships with others, and how can I balance these two values when they seem to be in conflict?
- How can I cultivate a deeper appreciation for God's plan of redemption and restoration, and what role can I play in sharing this message with others?
- What are some practical ways I can observe times of joy and gladness in my life, such as through worship, celebration, or service to others, and how can these practices draw me closer to God?
Gill's Exposition on Zechariah 8:19
Thus saith the Lord of hosts,.... What follows is a full answer to the question in Zechariah 7:3: The fast of the fourth [month]; the month Tammuz, which answers to June: this fast was kept on the
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Zechariah 8:19
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
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Zechariah 8:19
This 19th verse is a final decision of the proposed case, and the whole of this verse stands on a proviso or condition, that they do those things required, ,17; then shall their fasting cease, and turn into joy and feasts. The fast of the fourth month; wherein the city was taken by the Babylonians, who on the ninth day of this month broke into the city, ,7. Of the fifth; of which on the tenth day the temple was burnt. Of the seventh; wherein Gedaliah was killed, . Of the tenth; on the tenth day whereof the king of Babylon’ s army sat down before the city and besieged it. Shall be to the house of Judah joy and gladness; good days, in which they shall rejoice for all the goodness that God hath showed them in their private affairs. And cheerful feasts, for public; these days of fasting shall be turned into solemn and public festivals, days of thanksgiving to the Lord, for turning back their captivity, and restoring church and state. Therefore love the truth and peace; let your hearty affection be set on truth in all concerns of religion, and on peace in all converse with your neighbours.
Trapp's Commentary on Zechariah 8:19
Zechariah 8:19 Thus saith the LORD of hosts; The fast of the fourth [month], and the fast of the fifth, and the fast of the seventh, and the fast of the tenth, shall be to the house of Judah joy and gladness, and cheerful feasts; therefore love the truth and peace.Ver. 19. The fast of the fourth month] Wherein the city was taken, 2 Kings 25:3. And the fast of the fifth, and the fast of the seventh] See Zechariah 7:3; Zechariah 7:5. And the fast of the tenth] Wherein Jerusalem was first beleaguered, 2 Kings 25:1. This last mentioned was first taken up, upon a like occasion, as the Emperor of Constantinople (when the city was besieged by the Turk’ s army) being certainly advertised of the enemies’ purpose for a general assault shortly to be given, first commended the defence of himself and the city to the Almighty God by general fasting and prayer; and afterwards appointed every captain and commander to some certain place of the wall for defence thereof. Shall be to the house of Judah joy and gladness] God promiseth to turn their fasting into feasting, all their sadness into gladness, all their sighing into singing, all their tears into triumphs; and so gives a short but sweet answer to their demand about fasting after a larger and most excellent preface tending to Christian practice, and making much more to their benefit and comfort than the final decision of the main question proposed by them to the prophet. Finally, for a perclose, he leaves this with them by way of injunction. Therefore love the truth and peace] q.d. Since your fasts are now abrogated, and the ceremonious observation thereof (the bodily exercise, the external abstinence, wherein ye placed so much holiness) abolished. Therefore love the truth, the substance of religion, the duties of piety and charity.
Let go these needless ceremonies, taken up by yourselves; and though of a good intent, yet of an evil event; for you have made too much ado about them, with neglect of the one thing necessary. And now learn and labour to receive the love of the truth, that ye may be saved, 2 Thessalonians 2:10, to speak the truth in love, Ephesians 4:15, to do the truth, 1 John 1:6 ne dicta factis deficientibus ernbescant, lest your lives give your lips the lie. So will God say, "Surely they are my people, children that will not lie: so he will be your Saviour," Isaiah 63:8. So shall there be peace and truth in your days. Should we have peace upon any terms, peace without truth, it would be but like those short interims between the Egyptian plagues. Peace we may want and have truth; yea, peace we may have to buy truth; but we may not give truth to buy peace. He purchaseth peace at too dear a rate that pays his integrity to get it. "If it be possible, as much as in you lies, have peace with all men," Romans 12:18.
Ellicott's Commentary on Zechariah 8:19
(19) “The fast of the fourth [month].”—LXX., after the analogy of Gen 1:31, renders “the fourth fast,” and so also with the others.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Zechariah 8:19
Verse 19. The fast of the fourth month] To commemorate the taking of Jerusalem; 2Kg 25:3; Jeremiah 39:2; Jeremiah 52:6-7. The fast of the fifth] In memory of the ruin of the temple, 2Kg 25:8; Jeremiah 52:12-13. The fast of the seventh] For the murder of Gedaliah, Jeremiah 41:1-17. The fast of the tenth] In commemoration of the siege of Jerusalem, which began on the tenth day of the tenth month; 2Kg 25:1; Jeremiah 52:4; Ezekiel 24:1-2; and see on Zechariah 7:3; Zechariah 7:5. Cheerful feasts] Ye shall find all your evils so completely redressed, that these mournful fasts shall be turned into joyful feasts.
Cambridge Bible on Zechariah 8:19
19. The fast of the fourth month] had been instituted, because on that day, under the extremity of famine, Jerusalem opened her gates to Nebuchadnezzar. Jeremiah 39:2-3; Jeremiah 52:6-7. the fast of the tenth] The siege of Jerusalem by Nebuchadnezzar commenced in that month. 2 Kings 25:1; Jeremiah 39:1. therefore love] Lit. and (in order that this may happen to you, as the condition of the fulfilment of the promise), love truth and peace. Comp. Zechariah 8:16-17.
Barnes' Notes on Zechariah 8:19
The fast of the fourth month - On the ninth day “of the fourth month” of Zedekiah’s eleventh year, Jerusalem, in the extremity of famine, opened to Nebuchadnezzar, and his princes sat in her gate; in
Whedon's Commentary on Zechariah 8:19
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).
Sermons on Zechariah 8:19
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From Babylon to Jerusalem - (Zechariah) ch.1 & 2 by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the book of Zechariah and highlights the importance of understanding God's sovereignty and His commitment to building His church. The preach |
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Through the Bible - Zechariah by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the preacher discusses various visions and messages from the Lord. He emphasizes the importance of true fasting and worship that is focused on pleasing God rather t |
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Through the Bible - Zephaniah, Haggai by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the speaker addresses the issue of leaders in the church who are seeking their own gain and focusing on money. He emphasizes that these leaders are not representing |
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Revival - Part 2 by J.I. Packer | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the concept of revival and the pouring out of God's Spirit. He emphasizes the importance of practicing justice, mercy, and compassion towards |
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From Babylon to Jerusalem - (Zechariah) ch.8:14 - 10:12 by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes that God is faithful to fulfill both his promises of judgment and blessings. He encourages believers not to fear, as God has proven his fait |
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Lying Lips by Erlo Stegen | This sermon focuses on the seriousness of lying according to Proverbs 12:22, highlighting how lying lips are an abomination to the Lord. The speaker emphasizes the importance of sp |
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The Ninth Commandment by A.W. Pink | A.W. Pink emphasizes the significance of the Ninth Commandment, which prohibits bearing false witness against our neighbor, extending its meaning beyond perjury to encompass all fo |