Zechariah 9:1
What does Zechariah 9:1 mean?
A plain-English look at Zechariah 9:1 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Zechariah 9:1 means
Zechariah chapter 9 opens with a divine pronouncement of judgment, referred to as a "burden," against the land of Hadrach and the prominent city of Damascus. This judgment is understood to be directed by Jehovah, the covenant God of Israel. The parenthetical phrase, "for the eye of man and of all the tribes of Israel is toward Jehovah," highlights a significant truth: though these nations face judgment, the ultimate hope and focus of humanity and, specifically, God's people, remains fixed on the Lord. This establishes God's sovereignty over both those whom He judges and those whom He preserves.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000The burden of the word of Jehovah upon the land of Hadrach, and Damascus shall be its resting-place (for the eye of man and of all the tribes of Israel is toward Jehovah);
KJV
King James Version · 1611The burden of the word of the Lord in the land of Hadrach, and Damascus shall be the rest thereof: when the eyes of man, as of all the tribes of Israel, shall be toward the Lord.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901The burden of the word of Jehovah upon the land of Hadrach, and Damascus shall be its resting-place (for the eye of man and of all the tribes of Israel is toward Jehovah);
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949A word of the Lord: The Lord has come to the land of Hadrach, and Damascus is his resting-place: for the towns of Aram are the Lord's,
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862The burden of a word of Jehovah against the land of Hadrach, and Demmeseh--his place of rest: (When to Jehovah <FI>is<Fi> the eye of man, And of all the tribes of Israel.)
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752The burden of the word of the Lord in the land of Hadrach, and of Damascus the rest thereof: for the eye of man, and of all the tribes of Israel is the Lord's.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890The burden of the word of Jehovah, in the land of Hadrach, and [on] Damascus shall it rest; (for Jehovah hath an eye upon men, and upon all the tribes of Israel;)
Context
This verse initiates the first major section of Zechariah 9, which details prophecies against various Gentile nations. It sets the stage for a series of judgments that will befall Israel's neighbors. Understanding this opening verse is crucial because it immediately establishes God's authority and involvement in the affairs of surrounding nations, before moving to specific cities and ultimately, the anticipation of Jerusalem's King.
v.1This passage
v.2and Hamath, also, which bordereth thereon; Tyre and Sidon, because they are very wise.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Jeremiah 49:23
Of Damascus. Hamath is confounded, and Arpad; for they have heard evil tidings, they are melted away: there is sorrow on the sea; it cannot be quiet.
- Genesis 14:15
And he divided himself against them by night, he and his servants, and smote them, and pursued them unto Hobah, which is on the left hand of Damascus.
- Psalms 145:15
The eyes of all wait for thee; And thou givest them their food in due season.
- Amos 1:3
Thus saith Jehovah: For three transgressions of Damascus, yea, for four, I will not turn away the punishment thereof; because they have threshed Gilead with threshing instruments of iron.
- 2 Chronicles 20:12
O our God, wilt thou not judge them? for we have no might against this great company that cometh against us; neither know we what to do: but our eyes are upon thee.
- Isaiah 45:20
Assemble yourselves and come; draw near together, ye that are escaped of the nations: they have no knowledge that carry the wood of their graven image, and pray unto a god that cannot save.
Related questions readers ask
Keep reading
Want to dig deeper? Explore Zechariah 9
Hand-picked devotionals, topical studies, and pastoral answers that draw on Zechariah 9.
Topics that quote it
Topic
Bible Verses About Honesty
Biblical honesty means living truthfully in word and deed, reflecting God’s character in all aspects of life and interactions.
Topic
Bible Verses About Justice
God’s perfect character and righteous standards guide all justice, which we are called to pursue in our lives and communities.
Topic
Bible Verses About Kindness
The Bible consistently promotes kindness as a fruit of the Spirit and a necessary trait for believers.