Zechariah 8:16
What does Zechariah 8:16 mean?
A plain-English look at Zechariah 8:16 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Zechariah 8:16 means
Zechariah 8:16 outlines God's expectations for the returned exiles. It emphasizes truthfulness in all interpersonal interactions, specifically with one's "neighbor," advocating for straightforward and honest communication. The second part calls for righteous and impartial justice within the community, symbolized by "gates" which were the ancient city's legal and commercial centers. The phrase "judgment of truth and peace" suggests that legal decisions should be rooted in honesty and equity, leading to societal harmony rather than internal strife. This verse is a call to ethical living and just governance, essential for rebuilding a society centered on God’s principles.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000These are the things that ye shall do: Speak ye every man the truth with his neighbor; execute the judgment of truth and peace in your gates;
KJV
King James Version · 1611These are the things that ye shall do; Speak ye every man the truth to his neighbour; execute the judgment of truth and peace in your gates:
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901These are the things that ye shall do: Speak ye every man the truth with his neighbor; execute the judgment of truth and peace in your gates;
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949These are the things which you are to do: Let every man say what is true to his neighbour; and let your judging give peace in your towns.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862These <FI>are<Fi> the things that ye do: Speak ye truth each with his neighbour, Truth and peaceful judgment judge in your gates,
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752These then are the things, which you shall do: Speak ye truth every one to his neighbour; judge ye truth and judgment of peace in your gates.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890These are the things that ye shall do: Speak truth every one with his neighbour; execute truth and the judgment of peace in your gates;
Context
This verse comes within a larger section of Zechariah (chapters 7-8) where the prophet addresses questions from the returned exiles concerning fasting and religious practices. Following promises of future restoration and blessing, God, through Zechariah, pivots to practical ethical instructions for the community. Verses immediately preceding (8:14-15) highlight God's past judgments and present commitment to do good for Jerusalem, provided the people respond in obedience. This verse, then, serves as a direct ethical imperative stemming from those divine promises and a prerequisite for experiencing the fullness of God's intended blessings for the rebuilt community.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Revelation 21:8
But for the fearful, and unbelieving, and abominable, and murderers, and fornicators, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, their part shall be in the lake that burneth with fire and brimstone; which is the second death.
- 1 Thessalonians 4:6
that no man transgress, and wrong his brother in the matter: because the Lord is an avenger in all these things, as also we forewarned you and testified.
- Zechariah 8:19
Thus saith Jehovah of hosts: The fast of the fourth month, and the fast of the fifth, and the fast of the seventh, and the fast of the tenth, shall be to the house of Judah joy and gladness, and cheerful feasts; therefore love truth and peace.
- Micah 6:12
For the rich men thereof are full of violence, and the inhabitants thereof have spoken lies, and their tongue is deceitful in their mouth.
- 1 Peter 1:13
Wherefore girding up the loins of your mind, be sober and set your hope perfectly on the grace that is to be brought unto you at the revelation of Jesus Christ;
- Micah 6:8
He hath showed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth Jehovah require of thee, but to do justly, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with thy God?
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