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Home › Berean Standard Bible  › Zechariah 8  › Zechariah 8:20

Zechariah 8:20

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Zechariah 8:20 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

This is what the LORD of Hosts says: “Peoples will yet come—the residents of many cities—

King James Version KJV

Thus saith the LORD of hosts; It shall yet come to pass, that there shall come people, and the inhabitants of many cities:

American Standard Version ASV

Thus saith Jehovah of hosts: It shall yet come to pass, that there shall come peoples, and the inhabitants of many cities;

Bible in Basic English BBE

This is what the Lord of armies has said: It will again come about that when peoples and those living in great towns come,

Free Bible Version FBV

This is what the Lord Almighty says: People from many nations and cities will yet come to Jerusalem,

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

Thus saith the Lord of hostes, That there shall yet come people, and the inhabitants of great cities.

Young's Literal Translation YLT

Thus said Jehovah of Hosts: Yet come do peoples, and inhabitants of many cities,

World English Bible WEB

The LORD of Armies says: “Many peoples and the inhabitants of many cities will yet come.

Noah Webster Bible WBS

Thus saith the LORD of hosts: It shall yet come to pass , that there shall come people, and the inhabitants of many cities:

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

Thus saith the Lord of hosts, until people come, and dwell in many cities,

Translation for Translators T4T

The Commander of the armies of angels also says this: “Some day people from many people-groups and foreign cities will come here to Jerusalem.

Study Highlights

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Berean Amplified Bible — Zechariah 8:20

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 8:20 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB
HEB כֹּ֥ה אָמַ֖ר יְהוָ֣ה צְבָא֑וֹת עֹ֚ד אֲשֶׁ֣ר יָבֹ֣אוּ עַמִּ֔ים וְ/יֹשְׁבֵ֖י עָרִ֥ים רַבּֽוֹת
כֹּ֥ה kôh H3541 thus Adv
אָמַ֖ר ʼâmar H559 to say V-Qal-Perf-3ms
יְהוָ֣ה Yᵉhôvâh H3068 The Lord N-proper
צְבָא֑וֹת tsâbâʼ H6635 army N-cp
עֹ֚ד ʻôwd H5750 still Adv
אֲשֶׁ֣ר ʼăsher H834 which Rel
יָבֹ֣אוּ bôwʼ H935 Lebo V-Qal-Imperf-3mp
עַמִּ֔ים ʻam H5971 Amaw N-mp
וְ/יֹשְׁבֵ֖י yâshab H3427 to dwell Conj | V-Qal
עָרִ֥ים ʻîyr H5892 excitement N-fp
רַבּֽוֹת rab H7227 many Adj
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 8:20

כֹּ֥ה 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.
אָמַ֖ר 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.
צְבָא֑וֹת 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.
עֹ֚ד ʻôwd H5750 "still" Adv
The word 'still' means something continues or happens again, like in Genesis 29:26 and Isaiah 2:11. It can also mean 'more' or 'additionally'.
Definition: subst 1) a going round, continuance adv 2) still, yet, again, besides 2a) still, yet (of continuance or persistence) 2b) still, yet, more (of addition or repetition) 2c) again 2d) still, moreover, besides Aramaic equivalent: od (עוֹד "still" H5751)
Usage: Occurs in 459 OT verses. KJV: again, [idiom] all life long, at all, besides, but, else, further(-more), henceforth, (any) longer, (any) more(-over), [idiom] once, since, (be) still, when, (good, the) while (having being), (as, because, whether, while) yet (within). See also: Genesis 4:25; Judges 9:37; 2 Chronicles 32:16.
אֲשֶׁ֣ר 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.
יָבֹ֣אוּ bôwʼ H935 "Lebo" V-Qal-Imperf-3mp
This verb means to go or come, and is used in many contexts, such as entering a place or approaching someone, as seen in the book of Genesis. It can also mean to abide or apply, and is translated in various ways in the KJV Bible. This term is related to the name Lebo Hamath.
Definition: A shortened name of Lebo Hamath complined withcha.mat (חֲמָת "Hamath" H2574) This name means to go in, enter
Usage: Occurs in 2307 OT verses. KJV: abide, apply, attain, [idiom] be, befall, [phrase] besiege, bring (forth, in, into, to pass), call, carry, [idiom] certainly, (cause, let, thing for) to come (against, in, out, upon, to pass), depart, [idiom] doubtless again, [phrase] eat, [phrase] employ, (cause to) enter (in, into, -tering, -trance, -try), be fallen, fetch, [phrase] follow, get, give, go (down, in, to war), grant, [phrase] have, [idiom] indeed, (in-) vade, lead, lift (up), mention, pull in, put, resort, run (down), send, set, [idiom] (well) stricken (in age), [idiom] surely, take (in), way. See also: Genesis 2:19; Genesis 32:7; Exodus 1:19.
עַמִּ֔ים ʻam H5971 "Amaw" N-mp
A people or nation is what this Hebrew word represents, like the nation of Israel in Exodus 33:13. It can also mean a tribe, troops, or attendants, and is used to describe a group of people gathered together. The word is often used to refer to the people of God.
Definition: This name means nation, people
Usage: Occurs in 1655 OT verses. KJV: folk, men, nation, people. See also: Genesis 11:6; Exodus 16:4; Leviticus 17:9.
וְ/יֹשְׁבֵ֖י yâshab H3427 "to dwell" Conj | V-Qal
This verb means to sit or dwell, and can also mean to remain or abide. It's used in the Bible to describe people living in a place or staying with someone, like in the book of Genesis.
Definition: 1) to dwell, remain, sit, abide 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to sit, sit down 1a2) to be set 1a3) to remain, stay 1a4) to dwell, have one's abode 1b) (Niphal) to be inhabited 1c) (Piel) to set, place 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to cause to sit 1d2) to cause to abide, set 1d3) to cause to dwell 1d4) to cause (cities) to be inhabited 1d5) to marry (give an dwelling to) 1e) (Hophal) 1e1) to be inhabited 1e2) to make to dwell Aramaic equivalent: ye.tiv (יְתִב "to dwell" H3488)
Usage: Occurs in 977 OT verses. KJV: (make to) abide(-ing), continue, (cause to, make to) dwell(-ing), ease self, endure, establish, [idiom] fail, habitation, haunt, (make to) inhabit(-ant), make to keep (house), lurking, [idiom] marry(-ing), (bring again to) place, remain, return, seat, set(-tle), (down-) sit(-down, still, -ting down, -ting (place) -uate), take, tarry. See also: Genesis 4:16; Leviticus 25:18; Joshua 13:6.
עָרִ֥ים ʻîyr H5892 "excitement" N-fp
In the Bible, this word refers to a city or town, often a place with a wall or a watchman. It is used to describe a settlement or encampment, like the city of Ai, which is mentioned in the book of Joshua. The word is used to identify specific locations in the Bible.
Definition: 1) excitement, anguish 1a) of terror
Usage: Occurs in 936 OT verses. KJV: Ai (from margin), city, court (from margin), town. See also: Genesis 4:17; Deuteronomy 3:6; Joshua 14:12.
רַבּֽוֹת rab H7227 "many" Adj
This Hebrew word means a chief or captain, someone in charge. It is used in 2 Samuel 23:19 to describe a great and powerful man. The idea is one of leadership and authority.
Definition: adj 1) much, many, great 1a) much 1b) many 1c) abounding in 1d) more numerous than 1e) abundant, enough 1f) great 1g) strong 1h) greater than adv 1i) much, exceedingly
Usage: Occurs in 443 OT verses. KJV: (in) abound(-undance, -ant, -antly), captain, elder, enough, exceedingly, full, great(-ly, man, one), increase, long (enough, (time)), (do, have) many(-ifold, things, a time), (ship-)master, mighty, more, (too, very) much, multiply(-tude), officer, often(-times), plenteous, populous, prince, process (of time), suffice(-lent). See also: Genesis 6:5; 1 Kings 11:1; Psalms 3:2.

Study Notes — Zechariah 8:20

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1 Isaiah 2:2–3 In the last days the mountain of the house of the LORD will be established as the chief of the mountains; it will be raised above the hills, and all nations will stream to it. And many peoples will come and say: “Come, let us go up to the mountain of the LORD, to the house of the God of Jacob. He will teach us His ways so that we may walk in His paths.” For the law will go forth from Zion, and the word of the LORD from Jerusalem.
2 Micah 4:1–2 In the last days the mountain of the house of the LORD will be established as the chief of the mountains; it will be raised above the hills, and the peoples will stream to it. And many nations will come and say: “Come, let us go up to the mountain of the LORD, to the house of the God of Jacob. He will teach us His ways, so that we may walk in His paths.” For the law will go forth from Zion and the word of the LORD from Jerusalem.
3 Zechariah 2:11 “On that day many nations will join themselves to the LORD, and they will become My people. I will dwell among you, and you will know that the LORD of Hosts has sent Me to you.
4 Jeremiah 16:19 O LORD, my strength and my fortress, my refuge in the day of distress, the nations will come to You from the ends of the earth, and they will say, “Our fathers inherited nothing but lies, worthless idols of no benefit at all.
5 Isaiah 60:3–12 Nations will come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your dawn. Lift up your eyes and look around: They all gather and come to you; your sons will come from afar, and your daughters will be carried on the arm. Then you will look and be radiant, and your heart will tremble and swell with joy, because the riches of the sea will be brought to you, and the wealth of the nations will come to you. Caravans of camels will cover your land, young camels of Midian and Ephah, and all from Sheba will come, bearing gold and frankincense and proclaiming the praises of the LORD. All the flocks of Kedar will be gathered to you; the rams of Nebaioth will serve you and go up on My altar with acceptance; I will adorn My glorious house. Who are these who fly like clouds, like doves to their shelters? Surely the islands will wait for Me, with the ships of Tarshish in the lead, to bring your children from afar, with their silver and gold, to the honor of the LORD your God, the Holy One of Israel, for He has glorified you. Foreigners will rebuild your walls, and their kings will serve you. Although I struck you in anger, yet in favor I will show you mercy. Your gates will always stand open; they will never be shut, day or night, so that the wealth of the nations may be brought into you, with their kings being led in procession. For the nation or kingdom that will not serve you will perish; it will be utterly destroyed.
6 Psalms 89:9 You rule the raging sea; when its waves mount up, You still them.
7 Isaiah 11:10 On that day the Root of Jesse will stand as a banner for the peoples. The nations will seek Him, and His place of rest will be glorious.
8 Amos 9:12 that they may possess the remnant of Edom and all the nations that bear My name,” declares the LORD, who will do this.
9 Psalms 72:17 May his name endure forever; may his name continue as long as the sun shines. In him may all nations be blessed; may they call him blessed.
10 Psalms 138:4–5 All the kings of the earth will give You thanks, O LORD, when they hear the words of Your mouth. They will sing of the ways of the LORD, for the glory of the LORD is great.

Zechariah 8:20 Summary

Zechariah 8:20 tells us that people from many cities will come to seek the Lord. This means that God is calling people from all over the world to come and worship Him. As it says in Psalm 100:4, we can 'enter His gates with thanksgiving and His courts with praise', and this is what the people in Zechariah 8:20 are doing. They are coming to the Lord with a desire to know and worship Him, and we can do the same by seeking Him with all our hearts, as encouraged in Jeremiah 29:13.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the main message of Zechariah 8:20?

The main message of Zechariah 8:20 is that people from many cities will come to seek the Lord, as promised by the LORD of Hosts, which is a fulfillment of prophecies like Isaiah 2:3 and Micah 4:2.

Who are the 'peoples' and 'residents of many cities' mentioned in Zechariah 8:20?

The 'peoples' and 'residents of many cities' refer to people from various nations and cities who will come to worship and seek the Lord, as seen in Zechariah 8:21-22 and Jeremiah 31:12.

What is the significance of the LORD of Hosts speaking in Zechariah 8:20?

The LORD of Hosts speaking in Zechariah 8:20 signifies God's sovereignty and authority over all nations and peoples, as stated in Jeremiah 32:17 and Psalm 24:10.

How does Zechariah 8:20 relate to the overall message of Zechariah?

Zechariah 8:20 is part of a larger message of restoration and redemption in Zechariah, which emphasizes God's plan to bring people back to Himself, as seen in Zechariah 1:3 and Ezekiel 34:11-12.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does it mean for people to 'come' to the Lord, and how can I be a part of this movement?
  2. How can I, like the residents of many cities, plead before the Lord and seek Him with all my heart?
  3. What are some ways I can prepare my heart to receive the Lord and be a part of the great gathering of people seeking Him?
  4. What does it mean to 'love both truth and peace' as mentioned in Zechariah 8:19, and how can I apply this to my life?
  5. How can I, like the prophet Zechariah, be a messenger of God's Word and a catalyst for people to seek the Lord?

Gill's Exposition on Zechariah 8:20

Thus saith the Lord of hosts, [It shall] yet [come to pass],.... This is another thing that shall certainly be accomplished: that there shall come people, and the inhabitants of many cities; in the

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Zechariah 8:20

Thus saith the LORD of hosts; It shall yet come to pass, that there shall come people, and the inhabitants of many cities: It shall yet come to pass, that there shall come people, and the inhabitants

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Zechariah 8:20

Thus saith the Lord of hosts: this solemn attestation, that it is the Lord of hosts who will do that great thing next promised, calls both for our heeding and believing of it. It shall yet come to pass; how low soever the state of my church doth appear, and really is, yet a time shall come when it shall be more considerable. There shall come people; that is, multitudes of people, for they shall be inhabitants of many and great cities, which is added to explain what was more obscure in that one word, people. The Gentiles shall be added to the church, and increase her greatly.

Trapp's Commentary on Zechariah 8:20

Zechariah 8:20 Thus saith the LORD of hosts; [It shall] yet [come to pass], that there shall come people, and the inhabitants of many cities:Ver. 20. It shall yet come to pass that there shall come people] The prophet cannot shut up with the former corollary; but further comforts the Jews with a promise of the conversion and conflux of the Gentiles to the Church; yea, Christ’ s people shall be willing in the day of his power, Psalms 110:3; they are like the isles that wait for his law, Isaiah 42:4; they are set upon it to come for an offering to the Lord upon horses, in chariots, and in litters, Isaiah 66:20, to make any shift rather than not come, in litters rather than not at all. The kingdom of heaven shall suffer violence, and the violent take it by force, Matthew 11:12.

Ellicott's Commentary on Zechariah 8:20

(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.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Zechariah 8:20

Verse 20. There shall come people] Similar promises to those in Isaiah 2:3 and in Micah 4:1-2. Many Gentiles, as well as Jews, will then be found devoting themselves to the Lord.

Cambridge Bible on Zechariah 8:20

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.

Barnes' Notes on Zechariah 8:20

It shall yet be that - The promises are those which God had already made by Isaiah (Isaiah 2:2 ff) and Micah (Micah 4:1 ff). Yet where was the show of their fulfillment?

Whedon's Commentary on Zechariah 8:20

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 8:20

SermonDescription
Erroll Hulse Our Hope for Revival by Erroll Hulse In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the responsibility of believers to fulfill the Great Commission as stated in Matthew 28. Jesus commanded his disciples to go and make discipl
Thomas J. Nettles Concerts of Prayer by Thomas J. Nettles Thomas J. Nettles emphasizes the duty, privilege, and effectiveness of prayer in the Christian life, highlighting the need for believers to pray without ceasing, recognizing their
C.H. Spurgeon A Vision of the Latter-Day Glories by C.H. Spurgeon In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the unstoppable growth of the church and the gathering of all nations to worship God. He uses the imagery of a dry riverbed gradually fillin
C.H. Spurgeon Classic Charles Spurgeon Quotes by C.H. Spurgeon The sermon transcript emphasizes the belief that truth lives because God lives and that the gospel will once again command the scholarship of the age and direct the thoughts of men
A.W. Tozer Christ in You the Hope of Glory - Version 1 by A.W. Tozer In this sermon, the preacher explores the identity and significance of Jesus Christ. He emphasizes that the answer to who Jesus is and why He holds such a high position can be unde
Derek Prince Glimpses of the Future - Part 6 by Derek Prince This sermon delves into the theme of God's justice and the importance of waiting on Him, emphasizing the significance of crying out to God in moments of desperation. It explores th
Art Katz Dvd 33 the Theocratic Kingdom by Art Katz This sermon emphasizes the importance of understanding the mystery of Israel's restoration and its inseparable connection to the establishment of God's rule on earth through a lite
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