Zechariah 8 22

Zechariah 8:22 kjv

Yea, many people and strong nations shall come to seek the LORD of hosts in Jerusalem, and to pray before the LORD.

Zechariah 8:22 nkjv

Yes, many peoples and strong nations Shall come to seek the LORD of hosts in Jerusalem, And to pray before the LORD.'

Zechariah 8:22 niv

And many peoples and powerful nations will come to Jerusalem to seek the LORD Almighty and to entreat him."

Zechariah 8:22 esv

Many peoples and strong nations shall come to seek the LORD of hosts in Jerusalem and to entreat the favor of the LORD.

Zechariah 8:22 nlt

Many peoples and powerful nations will come to Jerusalem to seek the LORD of Heaven's Armies and to ask for his blessing.

Zechariah 8 verses

Zechariah 8 22 Meaning

Zechariah 8:22 proclaims a future prophecy where God's restoration of Jerusalem and Judah will draw countless individuals and formidable nations from around the world. These "many people and strong nations" will come to Jerusalem with a fervent desire "to seek the LORD of hosts" and "to pray before the LORD," demonstrating a global turning to the God of Israel for worship and intercession. This indicates a radical transformation where former adversaries and diverse cultures will acknowledge and actively worship the true God in His designated place of presence.

Zechariah 8 22 Context

Zechariah chapter 8 forms the concluding part of a vision-message sequence (chapters 7-8) which addresses the people's questions regarding fasting and their future. This chapter brings immense hope and comfort, focusing on God's unwavering commitment to restore Judah and Jerusalem to a place of blessing, peace, and prosperity. It vividly contrasts the previous desolate state with a glorious future. Verses 20-21 introduce the idea that even neighboring cities will encourage each other to seek the Lord, directly setting the stage for verse 22 which broadens this appeal to "many people and strong nations," demonstrating the universal, Gentile-inclusive scope of God's redemptive plan originating from Jerusalem. Historically, these prophecies were given to a discouraged remnant returned from Babylonian exile, still facing hardships and a ruined Temple. Zechariah's message was to encourage their perseverance in rebuilding and to remind them of God's greater plans for their future role as a beacon to the world.

Zechariah 8 22 Word analysis

• Yea (גַּם, gam): An intensifier meaning "even," "also," or "indeed." It emphasizes the surprising extent and inclusion, suggesting that not just the usual devout, but even formidable nations, will come.
• many people (עַמִּים רַבִּים, ammîm rabbîm): Literally "many peoples." "Peoples" (עַמִּים) refers to distinct ethnic or national groups. This highlights the diverse and numerous nature of those who will come, indicating a broad and widespread turning to God.
• and strong nations (גּוֹיִם עֲצוּמִים, goyim 'atsûmîm): "Nations" (goyim) usually refers to non-Israelite peoples or Gentiles. "Strong" ('atsûm) denotes power, might, or numerical superiority. This signifies a reversal: nations that were historically pagan, hostile, or dominant are now humbly coming to seek the God of Israel. It underscores God's sovereignty over the mightiest of earthly powers.
• shall come (יָבֹאוּ, yavo'u): Future tense, expressing a definitive and certain movement. It is an active pilgrimage or journey.
• to seek (לְבַקֵּשׁ, lᵉvaqqēš): "To seek earnestly," "to search diligently for," "to inquire of." This implies more than a casual visit; it suggests a deep spiritual hunger, a desire for God's presence, wisdom, and guidance. It is often used for seeking God's face or His favor in worship.
• the LORD of hosts (יהוה צְבָאוֹת, YHWH Tsᵉva'ot): A majestic divine title often used in post-exilic prophetic books. It signifies God's absolute sovereignty, His command over all celestial and earthly armies/multitudes, and His limitless power. This title reassures a vulnerable Jerusalem that the God they seek is indeed supreme.
• in Jerusalem (בִּירוּשָׁלַיִם, bîrûšālayim): Geographically specific, the chosen place of God's dwelling (where the Temple stood and where God revealed His presence). While geographically literal in one sense, it spiritually signifies the central place of God's presence and true worship, anticipating the spiritual reality of the New Jerusalem in future fulfillment.
• and to pray (וּלְחַלּוֹת, ulᵉḥallôt): "To implore favor," "to supplicate," "to entreat." It speaks of earnest and humble prayer, often involving seeking reconciliation, mercy, or favor from God. This emphasizes devotion and reliance.
• before the LORD (פְּנֵי־יְהוָה, pᵉnêy YHWH): "Before the face of the LORD." This signifies a direct, personal encounter and intimate worship in God's presence, highlighting the availability of direct access to God.

Words-group by words-group analysis:

• "many people and strong nations": This pairing emphasizes the universal and inclusive nature of this future pilgrimage, reaching beyond ethnic boundaries and overcoming national strength/pride to acknowledge God. It foretells a global movement, rather than localized worship.
• "shall come to seek the LORD of hosts in Jerusalem, and to pray before the LORD": This full phrase defines the ultimate purpose of their coming: not for political alliance, trade, or curiosity, but for genuine, heartfelt, and earnest worship and supplication. The double emphasis on "the LORD" (LORD of hosts / before the LORD) reinforces the divine focus of their pilgrimage, and "in Jerusalem" signifies the place where His presence is revealed and sought.

Zechariah 8 22 Bonus section

This verse contains significant Messianic undertones. While speaking of Jerusalem, its full scope transcends a purely physical location to point towards the reign of the Messiah, in whom God's presence truly dwells and through whom ultimate access is granted. The "many people and strong nations" foreshadow the church, composed of believers from every tribe and tongue (Revelation 5:9), who gather to worship the "LORD of hosts." This prophecy therefore speaks of a continuity from the Old Testament expectation of a chosen people centered on Zion, to the New Testament reality where God's dwelling is among His people in Christ, culminating in the spiritual "heavenly Jerusalem." It emphasizes that God's plan of salvation was never exclusively for Israel but always included a global intention from the Abrahamic covenant onward, revealing a divine magnetic power that ultimately draws humanity to true worship.

Zechariah 8 22 Commentary

Zechariah 8:22 is a profound prophetic statement envisioning a radical global spiritual transformation. It is part of God's message of comfort and assurance to the post-exilic community, promising that their struggles are temporary and that God's grand plan for Jerusalem's future includes worldwide renown and worship. This verse depicts not merely an invitation but an active and earnest seeking of the God of Israel by diverse and formidable gentile peoples. Their coming "to seek the LORD of hosts" and "to pray before the LORD" signifies a true, humble turning to Him for spiritual communion, implying a shift from their former idolatrous ways. This prophecy anticipates a time—partially fulfilled in the New Testament Church, where Gentiles are incorporated into God's family through Christ, and ultimately fulfilled in the eternal state of the New Jerusalem—where God's presence is glorified through universal worship, validating His supreme authority over all nations and demonstrating the powerful, attractive nature of His truth.

Examples:

• This prophesied "seeking" by "strong nations" echoes in the modern missionary movement where diverse people groups actively pursue a relationship with God through Jesus Christ.
• It illustrates how the blessing and revival within God's people (the Church) can become a magnetic force, drawing others to experience God for themselves.
• It teaches that genuine worship of God will eventually transcend all cultural, national, and political divides.