Zechariah 1 14

Zechariah 1:14 kjv

So the angel that communed with me said unto me, Cry thou, saying, Thus saith the LORD of hosts; I am jealous for Jerusalem and for Zion with a great jealousy.

Zechariah 1:14 nkjv

So the angel who spoke with me said to me, "Proclaim, saying, 'Thus says the LORD of hosts: "I am zealous for Jerusalem And for Zion with great zeal.

Zechariah 1:14 niv

Then the angel who was speaking to me said, "Proclaim this word: This is what the LORD Almighty says: 'I am very jealous for Jerusalem and Zion,

Zechariah 1:14 esv

So the angel who talked with me said to me, 'Cry out, Thus says the LORD of hosts: I am exceedingly jealous for Jerusalem and for Zion.

Zechariah 1:14 nlt

Then the angel said to me, "Shout this message for all to hear: 'This is what the LORD of Heaven's Armies says: My love for Jerusalem and Mount Zion is passionate and strong.

Zechariah 1 verses

Zechariah 1 14 Meaning

Zechariah 1:14 declares God's fervent and unwavering concern for Jerusalem and Zion. It is a direct divine message, communicated through an angel to the prophet Zechariah, emphasizing the Lord of hosts' intense, possessive, and covenantal love. God's "great jealousy" signifies His zealous protection and commitment to His chosen city and people, particularly in the post-exilic period when His people were disheartened and surrounded by seemingly at-peace nations. This proclamation serves as an assurance that God has not forgotten His promises nor abandoned His people despite their sufferings, affirming His ultimate sovereignty and intention for their restoration.

Zechariah 1 14 Context

Zechariah 1:14 is part of the first of Zechariah's eight nocturnal visions, specifically the vision of the horsemen (Zech 1:7-17). The vision opens with four horsemen returning from patrolling the earth, reporting that it is at peace, while Jerusalem and Judah lie in desolation (Zech 1:11). This prompts the angel of the Lord to intercede (Zech 1:12), asking how long God will withhold mercy. Verse 13 shows God responding with "good and comforting words." Verse 14 is the immediate follow-up and the heart of those comforting words, delivered as a direct proclamation by the prophet. Historically, this is set during the post-exilic period, around 520 BC. The returning exiles faced immense challenges: economic hardship, opposition from surrounding peoples, and a general apathy towards rebuilding the Temple, resulting in spiritual and national disillusionment. The preceding verses highlighted that other nations were prospering while Judah struggled, leading to questions about God's faithfulness. This verse directly addresses that despondency, assuring them of God's intense and active concern.

Zechariah 1 14 Word analysis

• So the angel that communed with me: Implies continuity from Zechariah 1:13. The interpreting angel, a common feature in prophetic literature (e.g., Daniel, Revelation), serves as a divine intermediary, explaining God's visions and messages to the prophet. This underscores the revelatory nature of the message.

• said unto me: A direct, personal instruction to Zechariah. The message is for the prophet to receive and then convey.

• Cry thou: From the Hebrew verb qara' (קָרָא), meaning "to call, proclaim, summon." This is a prophetic mandate, demanding a public, emphatic, and clear declaration. It's not a whisper but a powerful, unreserved shout, highlighting the urgency and importance of the divine message.

• saying, Thus saith: Ko 'amar YHWH (כֹּה אָמַר יְהוָה) in Hebrew. This is the authoritative prophetic formula, affirming that the message comes directly from God Himself, not human invention or interpretation. It imbues the proclamation with absolute divine authority.

• the LORD of hosts: YHWH Seba'ot (יְהוָה צְבָאוֹת). This majestic divine title emphasizes God's supreme power and authority over all creation—heavenly armies (angels), earthly armies, and all cosmic forces. In a time of human weakness and enemy opposition for Judah, this title reassures that their God is ultimately sovereign and powerful enough to intervene and execute His will. It portrays God as a divine warrior protecting His people.

• I am jealous: From the Hebrew verb qana' (קָנָא). While it can signify envy, here, especially when referring to God, it denotes an intense, fervent, and protective zeal. It describes God's possessive love and commitment to His covenant people and His holy dwelling place. It expresses His intolerance for idolatry, rival claims, or harm to what is rightfully His and beloved by Him. It is an active, ardent concern.

• for Jerusalem: Refers to the physical city, which symbolizes the spiritual capital and dwelling place chosen by God for His name. It represents the heart of the Jewish nation and its restoration.

• and for Zion: Often used interchangeably with Jerusalem, it specifically denotes the fortified hill in Jerusalem, particularly associated with the Temple mount and the presence of God. It further emphasizes God's focus on His sacred city and the people dwelling there.

• with a great jealousy: Gedola qin'ah (קִנְאָה גְדוֹלָה). The adjective "great" intensifies the noun "jealousy," emphasizing the depth, fervor, and immutability of God's zealous commitment. It is not a fleeting emotion but an overwhelming, profound, and active attribute of God concerning His covenant with His people and His purposes for Jerusalem.

• "Cry thou, saying, Thus saith the LORD of hosts": This phrase mandates the prophet Zechariah to act as God's direct spokesperson, delivering a powerful, non-negotiable message that originates from the supreme sovereign of all armies and creation.

• "I am jealous for Jerusalem and for Zion with a great jealousy": This central declaration highlights God's passionate and profound commitment to His chosen city and people. It speaks to God's deep, protective love, signifying that despite the present despair and the nations' tranquility, God's zeal for His covenant and the ultimate restoration of Jerusalem remains undiminished and active.

Zechariah 1 14 Bonus section

The concept of God's "jealousy" in the Old Testament, exemplified here, is deeply tied to His covenant faithfulness. Unlike human jealousy, which often stems from insecurity, divine jealousy arises from His holiness and His exclusive right to worship. When God declares He is jealous "for" His people or land, it underscores His unique possession of them and His resolute determination to uphold His promises to them and His honor connected to them. It reveals a proactive and protective aspect of His love, assuring His people that their plight is not ignored but passionately considered by their sovereign God. This message laid the groundwork for the subsequent visions in Zechariah, which promise comprehensive restoration and glory for Jerusalem, directly flowing from this divine zeal.

Zechariah 1 14 Commentary

Zechariah 1:14 stands as a profound declaration of God's passionate commitment to Jerusalem and His chosen people, especially during a time of despondency among the post-exilic returnees. After enduring years of exile as a consequence of their disobedience, and now facing hardship and opposition in their own land while other nations enjoyed peace, Judah's faith and hope were severely tested. This verse directly counters their despair by revealing the intense, zealous heart of God.

The phrase "Thus saith the LORD of hosts" immediately elevates the message to the level of undeniable divine truth, bypassing any human doubt. God's title, "the LORD of hosts," further assures them of His limitless power and sovereign control over all circumstances, emphasizing His ability to execute His protective plans.

The core message—"I am jealous for Jerusalem and for Zion with a great jealousy"—is crucial. Divine "jealousy" is not a flaw; rather, it's a holy attribute expressing God's rightful claim and ardent commitment to His covenant, His honor, and His people. It signifies a profound, protective love that will not tolerate rivals or see His chosen dwelling place slighted without a powerful response. This intense zeal means God is deeply invested in Jerusalem's welfare and will act decisively on her behalf, both in judgment against those who afflicted her and in blessing for her future restoration. This revelation provided immense comfort and a basis for renewed hope and courage to rebuild the Temple and their nation.