Zechariah 9:12
What does Zechariah 9:12 mean?
A plain-English look at Zechariah 9:12 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Zechariah 9:12 means
This verse issues a direct command and comforting promise to "ye prisoners of hope." Despite their captive or distressed state, they are called "prisoners of hope," signifying that their optimistic expectation of deliverance is grounded in God's promises. They are exhorted to "Turn you to the stronghold," referring to God Himself as their secure refuge and source of safety. The verse then seals this encouragement with a declaration of abundant restoration: "even to-day do I declare that I will render double unto thee." This promise signifies not just freedom, but a bountiful compensation and blessing far exceeding their previous suffering, demonstrating God's overflowing generosity to His faithful.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000Turn you to the stronghold, ye prisoners of hope: even to-day do I declare that I will render double unto thee.
KJV
King James Version · 1611Turn you to the strong hold, ye prisoners of hope: even to day do I declare that I will render double unto thee;
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901Turn you to the stronghold, ye prisoners of hope: even to-day do I declare that I will render double unto thee.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949And they will come back to you, O daughter of Zion, as prisoners of hope: today I say to you that I will give you back twice as much;
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862Turn back to a fenced place, Ye prisoners of the hope, Even to-day a second announcer I restore to thee.
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752Return to the strong hold, ye prisoners of hope, I will render thee double as I declare today.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890Turn again to the stronghold, prisoners of hope! even to-day do I declare I will render double unto thee.
Context
Building on the promise of deliverance to God's covenant people in verse 11, this verse directly addresses those in captivity as "prisoners of hope." It provides a clear directive—to turn to God as their stronghold—and offers a compelling incentive: the promise of double blessing. This promise of restoration provides momentum for the prophetic vision of God's people being empowered for battle against their enemies, which begins in verse 13, showing divine restoration leading to victory.
v.11As for thee also, because of the blood of thy covenant I have set free thy prisoners from the pit wherein is no water.
v.12This passage
v.13For I have bent Judah for me, I have filled the bow with Ephraim; and I will stir up thy sons, O Zion, against thy sons, O Greece, and will make thee as the sword of a mighty man.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Nahum 1:7
Jehovah is good, a stronghold in the day of trouble; and he knoweth them that take refuge in him.
- Joel 3:16
And Jehovah will roar from Zion, and utter his voice from Jerusalem; and the heavens and the earth shall shake: but Jehovah will be a refuge unto his people, and a stronghold to the children of Israel.
- Lamentations 3:21
This I recall to my mind; therefore have I hope.
- Hebrews 6:18
that by two immutable things, in which it is impossible for God to lie, we may have a strong encouragement, who have fled for refuge to lay hold of the hope set before us:
- Ezekiel 37:11
Then he said unto me, Son of man, these bones are the whole house of Israel: behold, they say, Our bones are dried up, and our hope is lost; we are clean cut off.
- Jeremiah 31:17
And there is hope for thy latter end, saith Jehovah; and thy children shall come again to their own border.
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