Zechariah 8 20

Zechariah 8:20 kjv

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

Zechariah 8:20 nkjv

"Thus says the LORD of hosts: 'Peoples shall yet come, Inhabitants of many cities;

Zechariah 8:20 niv

This is what the LORD Almighty says: "Many peoples and the inhabitants of many cities will yet come,

Zechariah 8:20 esv

"Thus says the LORD of hosts: Peoples shall yet come, even the inhabitants of many cities.

Zechariah 8:20 nlt

"This is what the LORD of Heaven's Armies says: People from nations and cities around the world will travel to Jerusalem.

Zechariah 8 verses

Zechariah 8 20 Meaning

Zechariah 8:20 declares a future prophecy regarding the Lord's global reign, stating that even formidable nations and numerous peoples will pilgrimage to Jerusalem. Their purpose is to diligently "seek the Lord of hosts," implying an earnest quest for divine knowledge and guidance, and "to entreat His favor," indicating a fervent desire for God's mercy, blessing, and peace. This verse highlights a radical transformation where non-Israelite nations, including powerful ones, acknowledge and submit to Yahweh, recognizing Jerusalem as the spiritual center where God's presence and blessing can be found.

Zechariah 8 20 Context

Zechariah 8:20 is situated within a series of post-exilic prophecies (chapters 7-8) delivered to the disheartened Jewish remnant who had returned from Babylon. Following inquiries about fasting traditions (Zec 7:1-3), the Lord uses Zechariah to assure them of a future of peace, prosperity, and God's renewed dwelling among them (Zec 8:1-17). Specifically, Zec 8:18-19 declares a dramatic reversal where their fasts will turn into joyful feasts, signifying a transformation from mourning to celebration and blessing. Verses 20-23 then broaden this vision beyond Judah, revealing God's ultimate intention to draw all nations to Himself through Zion, thereby expanding the scope of His covenant promises to include a universal ingathering of Gentiles. This specific verse, 8:20, initiates the climax of this restoration vision, emphasizing God's plan for global worship centered in Jerusalem, reinforcing encouragement and hope for the struggling community by showcasing their future prominence as a spiritual light to the world.

Zechariah 8 20 Word analysis

• Thus says the Lord of hosts: (כֹּה אָמַר יְהוָה צְבָאוֹת, koh amar Yahweh ts'va'ot)
  • Thus says: Standard prophetic formula, establishing divine origin and authority for the message. It underscores that these are not human speculations but direct declarations from God Himself, making the prophecy certain and immutable.
  • Lord of hosts: The divine title Yahweh Ts'va'ot emphasizes God's supreme power, sovereignty, and control over all spiritual and earthly forces, including heavenly armies ("hosts"). It assures the hearers that the one making this promise is fully capable of bringing it to pass, no matter how extraordinary. This title also implicitly challenges pagan deities who were localized, asserting Yahweh as the universal and transcendent God.
• Peoples shall yet come: (עַמִּים עוֹד יָבֹאוּ, ammim od yavo'u)
  • Peoples: The Hebrew word ammim (plural of am) primarily refers to distinct ethnic or national groups, in contrast to Israel, thus specifically indicating Gentile nations. The term here sets the stage for a dramatic shift from Israel-centric covenant dealings to a broader, global embrace.
  • shall yet come: The temporal adverb od ("yet," "still," "moreover") signifies a future event, a continuation or a new phase. It conveys the certainty of this eventuality, indicating it is an assured future development in God's plan.
• even many peoples and strong nations: (גּוֹיִם רַבִּים וַעֲצוּמִים, goyim rabbim va'atzumim)
  • many peoples: goyim rabbim – goyim is a broad term for nations/Gentiles. rabbim ("many," "numerous") emphasizes the sheer quantity and widespread nature of those who will come, indicating a global movement towards God.
  • and strong nations: va'atzumim – atzumim ("mighty," "powerful," "numerous") highlights not just the number but also the influence and formidable nature of these nations. It challenges the common ancient Near Eastern assumption that weaker nations would submit to stronger ones; here, the strong are submitting to Israel's God. This defies typical geopolitical power dynamics, signifying a spiritual shift.
• to seek the Lord of hosts in Jerusalem: (לְבַקֵּשׁ אֶת יְהוָה צְבָאוֹת בִּירוּשָׁלַ͏ִם, ləvaqqēš et Yahweh ts'va'ot biY'rushalayim)
  • to seek: The verb ləvaqqēš signifies an earnest, diligent, and purposeful search, often involving an act of pilgrimage or an oracle. It's not a casual visit but an intentional pursuit of God's presence, wisdom, and favor. This active "seeking" implies recognition of God's truth and authority.
  • the Lord of hosts: Repeated from the initial declaration, reaffirming that the object of this universal quest is the sovereign God of Israel.
  • in Jerusalem: This specifies the geographic and spiritual locus of this divine encounter. Jerusalem, often called Zion, represents God's dwelling place, the place of His temple, and thus the center from which His light and truth will emanate to the nations. This is consistent with earlier prophetic visions of Zion as the ultimate spiritual magnet.
• and to entreat the favor of the Lord: (וּלְחַלּוֹת פְּנֵי יְהוָה, ul'ḥallot p'nei Yahweh)
  • to entreat the favor: The Hebrew idiom l'ḥallot p'nei Yahweh literally means "to soften the face of the Lord." It expresses supplication, making an earnest appeal, or praying for grace, mercy, and reconciliation. It conveys humility, reverence, and a deep desire for divine acceptance and blessing, suggesting repentance and genuine conversion rather than mere curiosity. The "face of the Lord" implies His active presence and approval.
  • of the Lord: Again, affirming that Yahweh is the sole source of such favor.

Zechariah 8 20 Bonus section

The prophecy in Zechariah 8:20, and the surrounding verses (8:21-23), is deeply eschatological. While it has initial partial fulfillments in the post-exilic period (e.g., God-fearers attending the temple) and finds a significant spiritual fulfillment in the Church Age through the global spread of the Gospel and the inclusion of Gentiles into the spiritual body of Christ, many scholars see its ultimate and full realization in the literal future—either in a future millennium (Christ's thousand-year reign on earth) or in the eternal state, where nations come to the New Jerusalem. The detail of "strong nations" and their physical pilgrimage to Jerusalem often points to a literal, rather than purely metaphorical, fulfillment, indicating a future period of direct, visible acknowledgement of Yahweh centered around Jerusalem. This vision has profoundly influenced Christian missiology, serving as a prophetic warrant for bringing the gospel to all peoples, anticipating their future turning to God. It presents an optimistic and triumphant view of God's sovereign plan for universal salvation and worship.

Zechariah 8 20 Commentary

Zechariah 8:20 paints a compelling future where Yahweh's reign is globally recognized and actively sought out by diverse peoples and powerful nations. This vision directly contrasts the post-exilic disillusionment and the past periods of Israel's isolation or antagonism towards Gentiles. It prophecies a future Messianic or millennial age where spiritual magneticism will draw non-Israelite powers, not through military conquest by Israel, but through the inherent truth and glory of the Lord. Their coming to Jerusalem signifies an acknowledgment of God's universal dominion and their earnest desire to engage with Him directly. "Seeking" denotes a spiritual pilgrimage and thirst for God's wisdom, while "entreating favor" highlights their desire for His blessings, protection, and reconciliation. This transformation foreshadows a world where human strength and national identity are reoriented towards worshipping the true God, making Zechariah's promise a radical blueprint for future global peace and devotion.