Zechariah 7 8

Zechariah 7:8 kjv

And the word of the LORD came unto Zechariah, saying,

Zechariah 7:8 nkjv

Then the word of the LORD came to Zechariah, saying,

Zechariah 7:8 niv

And the word of the LORD came again to Zechariah:

Zechariah 7:8 esv

And the word of the LORD came to Zechariah, saying,

Zechariah 7:8 nlt

Then this message came to Zechariah from the LORD:

Zechariah 7 verses

Zechariah 7 8 Meaning

This verse serves as a crucial transition within Zechariah chapter 7, signaling a renewed divine communication. It declares that God's word, His authoritative message, was again directly revealed to the prophet Zechariah. This statement authenticates the forthcoming message (verses 9-10) as originating directly from Yahweh, emphasizing its absolute truth and imperative nature for the people.

Zechariah 7 8 Context

Zechariah 7 begins with a delegation from Bethel sent to Jerusalem to inquire whether they should continue observing fasts traditionally kept in commemoration of the destruction of the temple during the Babylonian exile (Zech 7:1-3). God's initial response, delivered through Zechariah in verses 4-7, challenges their sincerity: He questions whether their past fasting was truly for Him, reminding them that they neglected the spirit of the law, which led to their exile. Verse 8 acts as a decisive pivot. Having addressed their misguided ritualism, God now redirects their focus to His true requirements. It signals a new divine instruction that will articulate what God truly desires: justice, mercy, and compassion (verses 9-10), presenting the divine standard they had previously ignored. This sets the stage for God's clear articulation of His demands, showing that their prior disregard for these principles led to the exile, and only their return to them will bring blessing.

Zechariah 7 8 Word analysis

• And (וַיְהִי - wayhî): A common Hebrew connective. Here, often rendered as "and it was," or "and it came to pass." It links this new divine message directly to the preceding discussion (Zech 7:1-7), indicating a continuation and amplification of God's communication with Zechariah.
• the word (דְּבַר - dĕbar): From the Hebrew word dabar (דָּבָר). This is a rich term in Hebrew, meaning not only "word" but also "matter," "thing," "event," or "deed." It implies an active, powerful, and effective communication from God, something that carries authority and often brings about an event or consequence. It's not just speech but revelation.
• of the LORD (יְהוָה - Yahweh): This is the divine personal name of God, revealing His covenant relationship with Israel. The use of Yahweh here emphasizes the authoritative and personal source of the message. It underscores that the message is not human wisdom but carries the supreme authority of the God of Israel.
• came again (וַיְהִי...אֶל- - wayhî...ʾel-): While the Hebrew literally translates "and it was...to," the sense of "again" is drawn from the sequential nature of revelation within this chapter (Zech 7:4, and now 7:8, followed by 7:11). It highlights the repeated, persistent, and renewed communication from God. Despite the people's past failures and the challenging tone of the previous verses, God's patience and desire to communicate His will remain. This shows divine persistence in reaching His people.
• to Zechariah (זְכַרְיָה - Zekharyah): The designated recipient of God's revelation. His name means "Yahweh remembers," a fitting name for a prophet delivering God's remembrance of His covenant and commands to His forgetful people. The message is given to a specific individual for a specific people.
• saying (לֵאמֹר - lēʾmor): This infinitive construction is standard Hebrew. It serves to introduce the direct discourse or the content of the message that follows. It signals that what comes next are the exact words or the very essence of God's direct message.

Words-group by words-group analysis

• "And the word of the LORD came again to Zechariah": This entire phrase is a classic prophetic formula, common throughout the prophetic books of the Old Testament. Its repeated use establishes the divine origin and authenticity of the prophet's message, removing any doubt about whether the words are the prophet's own or from God. The addition of "again" in the English translation (implied from the Hebrew wayhi in this context) reinforces God's consistent and persistent efforts to communicate His will to His people, even after prior warnings or instructions.
• "saying": This crucial conjunction indicates that the ensuing content (Zech 7:9-10) is a direct, authoritative utterance from Yahweh Himself, passed on without alteration through Zechariah. It provides the preamble for the substance of the divine message that aims to correct their misaligned priorities.

Zechariah 7 8 Bonus section

The repetitive nature of "the word of the LORD came" formulas throughout prophetic literature (appearing over 300 times in the Old Testament, frequently in Zechariah) functions not merely as an archaic literary device but as a potent theological claim. It signals that what follows is divine revelation, carrying inherent authority and demanding a response from humanity. In the post-exilic context of Zechariah, this reassurance was vital for a community trying to rebuild their physical and spiritual lives. It reminded them that God was still actively engaged with His people, providing clear direction for their spiritual reformation, even when their human efforts (like their fasting) were misguided. This verse highlights that all true prophetic ministry flows from direct encounter with, and proclamation of,, the Word of God.

Zechariah 7 8 Commentary

Zechariah 7:8 acts as an indispensable marker in the prophet's discourse. It interrupts the narrative flow about the Bethel delegation's query, introducing a fresh, yet directly related, pronouncement from God. This formulaic declaration, "And the word of the LORD came again to Zechariah, saying," does several things: it legitimizes the following message, establishes its divine authority, and underscores God's persistent desire to communicate His true expectations. After questioning their motivation for fasting, God does not abandon His people but lovingly yet firmly returns with specific instructions about true righteousness, laying bare their neglect of justice and compassion, which had led to their past calamities. It illustrates that divine communication is active, not merely ritualistic, and that genuine worship goes beyond outward observances to encompass inward moral integrity and ethical behavior. God always offers clear guidance for genuine faith.