Zechariah 8 23

Zechariah 8:23 kjv

Thus saith the LORD of hosts; In those days it shall come to pass, that ten men shall take hold out of all languages of the nations, even shall take hold of the skirt of him that is a Jew, saying, We will go with you: for we have heard that God is with you.

Zechariah 8:23 nkjv

"Thus says the LORD of hosts: 'In those days ten men from every language of the nations shall grasp the sleeve of a Jewish man, saying, "Let us go with you, for we have heard that God is with you." ' "

Zechariah 8:23 niv

This is what the LORD Almighty says: "In those days ten people from all languages and nations will take firm hold of one Jew by the hem of his robe and say, 'Let us go with you, because we have heard that God is with you.'?"

Zechariah 8:23 esv

Thus says the LORD of hosts: In those days ten men from the nations of every tongue shall take hold of the robe of a Jew, saying, 'Let us go with you, for we have heard that God is with you.'"

Zechariah 8:23 nlt

"This is what the LORD of Heaven's Armies says: In those days ten men from different nations and languages of the world will clutch at the sleeve of one Jew. And they will say, 'Please let us walk with you, for we have heard that God is with you.'"

Zechariah 8 verses

Zechariah 8 23 Meaning

Zechariah 8:23 portrays a future time, often understood as the Messianic age, where people from all over the world, represented as "ten men from the nations of every tongue," will eagerly seek to associate themselves with the Jewish people. This is because they will recognize God's tangible presence and blessing dwelling with them, prompting them to desire to join in their worship of the Lord.

Zechariah 8 23 Context

Zechariah 8:23 concludes a section (Zech 8:1-23) that presents a series of divine promises for the post-exilic community. After detailing God's commitment to restore Jerusalem's population, peace, and prosperity (Zech 8:1-12), and making Judah a blessing among the nations (Zech 8:13), the prophecy transitions to highlight a major purpose of this restoration: to draw the Gentiles. The verses immediately preceding (Zech 8:20-22) already speak of "peoples and the inhabitants of many cities" coming to Jerusalem to seek the Lord, but verse 23 intensifies this picture, focusing on the eager and humble posture of these Gentiles and the specific reason for their coming—the evident presence of God with the Jewish people. Historically, Zechariah was prophesying to a discouraged Jewish remnant that had returned from Babylonian exile, emphasizing God's enduring covenant faithfulness and His ultimate global plan centered on His people.

Zechariah 8 23 Word analysis

• Thus says the Lord of hosts: (כֹּה אָמַר יְהוָה צְבָאוֹת, koh amar YHWH tseva'ot) This is a powerful, authoritative prophetic formula used repeatedly throughout Zechariah. "Lord of hosts" signifies God's absolute sovereignty over all angelic and earthly armies, reinforcing the certainty and immensity of the coming event.
• In those days: (בַּיָּמִים הָהֵמָּה, bayamim hahemma) This is a common eschatological phrase in biblical prophecy, pointing to a future, often Messianic, period when God's ultimate plans will unfold. It signifies a significant time of divine intervention and fulfillment.
• ten men: (עֲשָׂרָה אֲנָשִׁים, asarah anashim) "Ten" here is not meant literally as only ten individuals. In Hebrew numerical usage, ten often symbolizes a complete number, a sufficient multitude, or a representation of fullness. It indicates a significant and substantial number of people rather than a finite count, implying a diverse, widespread representation from the Gentile world.
• from the nations of every tongue: (מִכֹּל לְשֹׁנוֹת הַגּוֹיִם, mikol leshonot hagoyim) "Nations" (goyim) refers to the Gentiles, non-Israelite peoples. "Every tongue" (leshonot) emphasizes linguistic and ethnic diversity, indicating that people from all parts of the world, regardless of their cultural or geographical background, will be included. This highlights the universal scope of God's redemptive plan.
• shall take hold of the skirt: (יַחֲזִיקוּ בִּכְנַף, yachaziqu bikhnaf) This is a vivid Hebrew idiom for earnestly pleading, supplicating, or clinging to someone to gain help, protection, or association. The "skirt" or "hem of the garment" (specifically the corner or edge, knaf) was often a point of contact in seeking favor. It symbolizes an act of humble, urgent seeking, expressing a strong desire for companionship, guidance, or sharing in a blessing.
• of a Jew: (אִישׁ יְהוּדִי, ish Yehudi) Refers to a single Jew or representative of the Jewish people. This suggests that the attraction will be towards the Jewish identity and connection to God, highlighting their unique historical role as God's chosen people through whom His light is revealed to the world.
• saying, 'Let us go with you, for we have heard that God is with you': (לֵאמֹר נֵלְכָה עִמָּכֶם, כִּי שָׁמַעְנוּ אֱלֹהִים עִמָּכֶם) This phrase reveals the Gentiles' motivation and the object of their pursuit.
  • 'Let us go with you': A clear expression of a desire for inclusion, fellowship, and a shared spiritual journey. They don't just want to observe but to participate actively.
  • 'for we have heard that God is with you': This is the core reason for their pursuit. The Gentiles are drawn not by the Jew's intrinsic virtue or power, but by the tangible evidence of God's special presence (Elohim immakhem) and favor accompanying the Jewish people. This points to a visible, undeniable manifestation of divine blessing and truth that the nations recognize.

Zechariah 8 23 Bonus section

The phrase "take hold of the skirt" (חזק בכנף - chazak b'kanaf) holds cultural weight. The hem or corner of a garment, especially one with fringes (tzitzit), held symbolic significance, often representing identity, authority, or protection (Num 15:38-40; Deut 22:12). Taking hold of it indicated an appeal for connection or even a form of submission or dependence, as seen in other contexts like Ruth seeking Boaz's protection (Ruth 3:9). In Zechariah 8:23, it denotes a humble, eager seeking by the Gentiles for spiritual association and protection found by aligning with the Jew through whom God's presence is evident. This points to a time when Israel's true honor is not based on worldly power, but on God's indwelling presence, which becomes the ultimate attraction for all peoples. This prophecy found a spiritual fulfillment in the New Testament church, where believers from all nations, both Jew and Gentile, are unified in Christ, becoming a temple where God dwells by His Spirit (Eph 2:19-22). While the passage focuses on a Jew, in the Christian understanding, Jesus Christ, as the ultimate Jew and Messiah, becomes the focal point through whom the nations are drawn to God.

Zechariah 8 23 Commentary

Zechariah 8:23 paints a powerful prophetic picture of global spiritual convergence in the eschatological age. It portrays a voluntary, earnest turning of Gentile nations toward God, specifically by aligning themselves with the Jewish people. This is not driven by coercion or conquest, but by the undeniable manifestation of God's presence with His people, rendering them a compelling testimony to the world. The imagery of "ten men from every tongue taking hold of the skirt of a Jew" signifies humble, fervent supplication and a desire for inclusion and partnership in seeking the Lord. This verse points to the universal reach of God's redemptive plan, foreshadowing the inclusion of Gentiles into the covenant community through the work of Christ. It underscores the ultimate fulfillment of Abrahamic blessings where all nations would be blessed through Israel, showcasing God's design for His people to be a light to the Gentiles, drawing them into a relationship with the Divine. It's a vision of international spiritual pilgrimage to Zion, ultimately centering on the one true God, recognized and glorified by all humanity.