Zechariah 9:8
What does Zechariah 9:8 mean?
A plain-English look at Zechariah 9:8 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Zechariah 9:8 means
This verse brings the focus back to Jerusalem, God's "house," promising divine protection against military threats. God declares, "I will encamp about my house against the army, that none pass through or return." This signifies an active, encircling defense, preventing any enemy forces from entering or escaping, ensuring the city's security. The promise continues, assuring that "no oppressor shall pass through them any more." This establishes an enduring divine safeguard against foreign harassment and domination. The reason given, "for now have I seen with mine eyes," emphasizes God's direct observation and compassionate response to the afflictions of His people.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000And I will encamp about my house against the army, that none pass through or return; and no oppressor shall pass through them any more: for now have I seen with mine eyes.
KJV
King James Version · 1611And I will encamp about mine house because of the army, because of him that passeth by, and because of him that returneth: and no oppressor shall pass through them any more: for now have I seen with mine eyes.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901And I will encamp about my house against the army, that none pass through or return; and no oppressor shall pass through them any more: for now have I seen with mine eyes.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949And I will put my forces in position round my house, so that there may be no coming and going: and no cruel master will again go through them: for now I have seen his trouble.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862And I have pitched for My house a camp, Because of the passer through, and of the returner, And pass not through against them again doth an exactor, For, now, I have seen with My eyes.
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752And I will encompass my house with them that serve me in war, going and returning, and the oppressor shall no more pass through them: for now I have seen with my eyes.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890And I will encamp about my house because of the army, because of those that pass by and that return; and the exactor shall not pass through them any more: for now have I seen [it] with mine eyes.
Context
Following the surprising promise of a remnant from the Philistines being incorporated into God's people in verse 7, this verse pivots to the direct, protective care God will extend to His own dwelling place, Jerusalem. It transitions from judgment and partial salvation for outsiders to absolute security for His people. This divine security sets the perfect stage for the joyous announcement of Jerusalem's coming King in verse 9, assuring the people that their King arrives into a protected and stable environment.
v.7And I will take away his blood out of his mouth, and his abominations from between his teeth; and he also shall be a remnant for our God; and he shall be as a chieftain in Judah, and Ekron as a Jebusite.
v.8This passage
v.9Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion; shout, O daughter of Jerusalem: behold, thy king cometh unto thee; he is just, and having salvation; lowly, and riding upon an ass, even upon a colt the foal of an ass.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- 2 Kings 23:29
In his days Pharaoh-necoh king of Egypt went up against the king of Assyria to the river Euphrates: and king Josiah went against him; and Pharaoh-necoh slew him at Megiddo, when he had seen him.
- Psalms 72:4
He will judge the poor of the people, He will save the children of the needy, And will break in pieces the oppressor.
- Acts 7:34
I have surely seen the affliction of my people that is in Egypt, and have heard their groaning, and I am come down to deliver them: and now come, I will send thee into Egypt.
- Isaiah 31:5
As birds hovering, so will Jehovah of hosts protect Jerusalem; he will protect and deliver it, he will pass over and preserve it.
- Exodus 3:9
And now, behold, the cry of the children of Israel is come unto me: moreover I have seen the oppression wherewith the Egyptians oppress them.
- Daniel 11:10
And his sons shall war, and shall assemble a multitude of great forces, which shall come on, and overflow, and pass through; and they shall return and war, even to his fortress.
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.