Zechariah 1:17
New International Version
“Proclaim further: This is what the LORD Almighty says: ‘My towns will again overflow with prosperity, and the LORD will again comfort Zion and choose Jerusalem.’”

New Living Translation
“Say this also: ‘This is what the LORD of Heaven’s Armies says: The towns of Israel will again overflow with prosperity, and the LORD will again comfort Zion and choose Jerusalem as his own.’”

English Standard Version
Cry out again, Thus says the LORD of hosts: My cities shall again overflow with prosperity, and the LORD will again comfort Zion and again choose Jerusalem.’”

Berean Standard Bible
Proclaim further that this is what the LORD of Hosts says: ‘My cities will again overflow with prosperity; the LORD will again comfort Zion and choose Jerusalem.’”

King James Bible
Cry yet, saying, Thus saith the LORD of hosts; My cities through prosperity shall yet be spread abroad; and the LORD shall yet comfort Zion, and shall yet choose Jerusalem.

New King James Version
“Again proclaim, saying, ‘Thus says the LORD of hosts: “My cities shall again spread out through prosperity; The LORD will again comfort Zion, And will again choose Jerusalem.” ’ ”

New American Standard Bible
Again, proclaim, saying, ‘This is what the LORD of armies says: “My cities will again overflow with prosperity, and the LORD will again comfort Zion and again choose Jerusalem.”’”

NASB 1995
“Again, proclaim, saying, ‘Thus says the LORD of hosts, “My cities will again overflow with prosperity, and the LORD will again comfort Zion and again choose Jerusalem."’”

NASB 1977
“Again, proclaim, saying, ‘Thus says the LORD of hosts, “My cities will again overflow with prosperity, and the LORD will again comfort Zion and again choose Jerusalem.”’”

Legacy Standard Bible
Again, call out, saying, ‘Thus says Yahweh of hosts, “My cities will again overflow with good, and Yahweh will again comfort Zion and again choose Jerusalem.”’”

Amplified Bible
Proclaim again, ‘Thus says the LORD of hosts, “My cities shall again overflow with prosperity, and the LORD shall again comfort Zion and again choose Jerusalem.”’”

Christian Standard Bible
“Proclaim further: This is what the LORD of Armies says: My cities will again overflow with prosperity; the LORD will once more comfort Zion and again choose Jerusalem.”

Holman Christian Standard Bible
Proclaim further: This is what the LORD of Hosts says: My cities will again overflow with prosperity; the LORD will once more comfort Zion and again choose Jerusalem.”

American Standard Version
Cry yet again, saying, Thus saith Jehovah of hosts: My cities shall yet overflow with prosperity; and Jehovah shall yet comfort Zion, and shall yet choose Jerusalem.

Contemporary English Version
I also promise that my towns will prosper--Jerusalem will once again be my chosen city, and I will comfort the people of Zion.

English Revised Version
Cry yet again, saying, Thus saith the LORD of hosts: My cities through prosperity shall yet be spread abroad; and the LORD shall yet comfort Zion, and shall yet choose Jerusalem.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
"Announce again: This is what the LORD of Armies says: My cities will overflow with prosperity once more. The LORD will again comfort Zion and will again choose Jerusalem."

Good News Translation
The angel also told me to proclaim: "The LORD Almighty says that his cities will be prosperous again and that he will once again help Jerusalem and claim the city as his own."

International Standard Version
"Also announce the following: 'This is what the LORD of the Heavenly Armies says: "My cities will again overflow with prosperity. The LORD will comfort Zion once more and will choose Jerusalem again."'"

Majority Standard Bible
Proclaim further that this is what the LORD of Hosts says: ?My cities will again overflow with prosperity; the LORD will again comfort Zion and choose Jerusalem.??

NET Bible
Speak up again with the message of the LORD who rules over all: 'My cities will once more overflow with prosperity, and once more the LORD will comfort Zion and validate his choice of Jerusalem.'"

New Heart English Bible
"Proclaim further, saying, 'Thus says the LORD of hosts: "My cities will again overflow with prosperity, and the LORD will again comfort Zion, and will again choose Jerusalem."'"

Webster's Bible Translation
Cry yet, saying, Thus saith the LORD of hosts; My cities through prosperity shall yet be spread abroad; and the LORD shall yet comfort Zion, and shall yet choose Jerusalem.

World English Bible
“Proclaim further, saying, ‘Yahweh of Armies says: “My cities will again overflow with prosperity, and Yahweh will again comfort Zion, and will again choose Jerusalem.”’”
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
Again call, saying, "" Thus said YHWH of Hosts: Again My cities overflow from good, "" And YHWH has again comforted Zion, "" And He has fixed again on Jerusalem.”

Young's Literal Translation
Again call, saying: Thus said Jehovah of Hosts, Again do my cities overflow from good, And Jehovah hath again comforted Zion, And He hath fixed again on Jerusalem.'

Smith's Literal Translation
Yet call, say, Thus said Jehovah of armies: My cities shall be spread abroad for good; and Jehovah yet comforted Zion and yet chose Jerusalem.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
Cry yet, saying: Thus saith the Lord of hosts: My cities shall yet flow with good things : and the Lord will yet comfort Sion, and he will yet choose Jerusalem.

Catholic Public Domain Version
Until then, cry out saying: Thus says the Lord of hosts: Until then, my cities will flow with good things, and, until then, the Lord will comfort Zion, and, until then, he will single out Jerusalem.

New American Bible
Proclaim further: Thus says the LORD of hosts: My cities will again overflow with prosperity; the LORD will again comfort Zion, and will again choose Jerusalem.

New Revised Standard Version
Proclaim further: Thus says the LORD of hosts: My cities shall again overflow with prosperity; the LORD will again comfort Zion and again choose Jerusalem.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
Proclaim again, saying, Thus says the LORD of hosts: From henceforth the cities shall yet overflow with prosperity; and the LORD shall again build Zion and shall again choose Jerusalem.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
Again, preach and say: thus says LORD JEHOVAH of Hosts, therefore the city shall be emptied of good, and LORD JEHOVAH shall build Tsion again and shall build Jerusalem again
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
Again, proclaim, saying: Thus saith the LORD of hosts: My cities shall again overflow with prosperity; and the LORD shall yet comfort Zion, and shall yet choose Jerusalem.'

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And the angel that spoke with me said to me, Cry yet, and say, Thus saith the Lord Almighty; Yet shall cities be spread abroad through prosperity; and the Lord shall yet have mercy upon Sion, and shall choose Jerusalem.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
The Vision of the Horses
16Therefore this is what the LORD says: ‘I will return to Jerusalem with mercy, and there My house will be rebuilt, declares the LORD of Hosts, and a measuring line will be stretched out over Jerusalem.’ 17Proclaim further that this is what the LORD of Hosts says: ‘My cities will again overflow with prosperity; the LORD will again comfort Zion and choose Jerusalem.’”

Cross References
Isaiah 40:1-2
“Comfort, comfort My people,” says your God. / “Speak tenderly to Jerusalem, and proclaim to her that her forced labor has been completed; her iniquity has been pardoned. For she has received from the hand of the LORD double for all her sins.”

Isaiah 51:3
For the LORD will comfort Zion and will look with compassion on all her ruins; He will make her wilderness like Eden and her desert like the garden of the LORD. Joy and gladness will be found in her, thanksgiving and melodious song.

Isaiah 54:2-3
“Enlarge the site of your tent, stretch out the curtains of your dwellings, do not hold back. Lengthen your ropes and drive your stakes in deep. / For you will spread out to the right and left; your descendants will dispossess the nations and inhabit the desolate cities.

Isaiah 60:15
Whereas you have been forsaken and despised, with no one passing through, I will make you an everlasting pride, a joy from age to age.

Isaiah 61:4
They will rebuild the ancient ruins; they will restore the places long devastated; they will renew the ruined cities, the desolations of many generations.

Jeremiah 31:4
Again I will build you, and you will be rebuilt, O Virgin Israel. Again you will take up your tambourines and go out in joyful dancing.

Jeremiah 31:12-14
They will come and shout for joy on the heights of Zion; they will be radiant over the bounty of the LORD—the grain, new wine, and oil, and the young of the flocks and herds. Their life will be like a well-watered garden, and never again will they languish. / Then the maidens will rejoice with dancing, young men and old as well. I will turn their mourning into joy, and give them comfort and joy for their sorrow. / I will fill the souls of the priests abundantly, and will fill My people with My goodness,” declares the LORD.

Jeremiah 33:10-11
This is what the LORD says: In this place you say is a wasteland without man or beast, in the cities of Judah and in the streets of Jerusalem that are deserted—inhabited by neither man nor beast—there will be heard again / the sounds of joy and gladness, the voices of the bride and bridegroom, and the voices of those bringing thank offerings into the house of the LORD, saying: ‘Give thanks to the LORD of Hosts, for the LORD is good; His loving devotion endures forever.’ For I will restore the land from captivity as in former times, says the LORD.

Ezekiel 36:10-11
I will multiply the people upon you—the house of Israel in its entirety. The cities will be inhabited and the ruins rebuilt. / I will fill you with people and animals, and they will multiply and be fruitful. I will make you as inhabited as you once were, and I will make you prosper more than before. Then you will know that I am the LORD.

Ezekiel 36:33-36
This is what the Lord GOD says: On the day I cleanse you from all your iniquities, I will cause the cities to be resettled and the ruins to be rebuilt. / The desolate land will be cultivated instead of lying desolate in the sight of all who pass through. / Then they will say, ‘This land that was desolate has become like the garden of Eden. The cities that were once ruined, desolate, and destroyed are now fortified and inhabited.’ ...

Amos 9:14-15
I will restore My people Israel from captivity; they will rebuild and inhabit the ruined cities. They will plant vineyards and drink their wine; they will make gardens and eat their fruit. / I will firmly plant them in their own land, never again to be uprooted from the land that I have given them,” says the LORD your God.

Haggai 2:7-9
I will shake all the nations, and they will come with all their treasures, and I will fill this house with glory, says the LORD of Hosts. / The silver is Mine, and the gold is Mine, declares the LORD of Hosts. / The latter glory of this house will be greater than the former, says the LORD of Hosts. And in this place I will provide peace, declares the LORD of Hosts.”

Matthew 5:4
Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.

Matthew 16:18
And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build My church, and the gates of Hades will not prevail against it.

Luke 1:68-75
“Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel, because He has visited and redeemed His people. / He has raised up a horn of salvation for us in the house of His servant David, / as He spoke through His holy prophets, those of ages past, ...


Treasury of Scripture

Cry yet, saying, Thus said the LORD of hosts; My cities through prosperity shall yet be spread abroad; and the LORD shall yet comfort Zion, and shall yet choose Jerusalem.

My cities.

Nehemiah 11:3,20
Now these are the chief of the province that dwelt in Jerusalem: but in the cities of Judah dwelt every one in his possession in their cities, to wit, Israel, the priests, and the Levites, and the Nethinims, and the children of Solomon's servants…

Psalm 69:35
For God will save Zion, and will build the cities of Judah: that they may dwell there, and have it in possession.

Isaiah 44:26
That confirmeth the word of his servant, and performeth the counsel of his messengers; that saith to Jerusalem, Thou shalt be inhabited; and to the cities of Judah, Ye shall be built, and I will raise up the decayed places thereof:

prosperity.

Isaiah 40:1,2
Comfort ye, comfort ye my people, saith your God…

Isaiah 49:13
Sing, O heavens; and be joyful, O earth; and break forth into singing, O mountains: for the LORD hath comforted his people, and will have mercy upon his afflicted.

Isaiah 51:3,12
For the LORD shall comfort Zion: he will comfort all her waste places; and he will make her wilderness like Eden, and her desert like the garden of the LORD; joy and gladness shall be found therein, thanksgiving, and the voice of melody…

choose.

Zechariah 2:12
And the LORD shall inherit Judah his portion in the holy land, and shall choose Jerusalem again.

Zechariah 3:2
And the LORD said unto Satan, The LORD rebuke thee, O Satan; even the LORD that hath chosen Jerusalem rebuke thee: is not this a brand plucked out of the fire?

2 Chronicles 6:6
But I have chosen Jerusalem, that my name might be there; and have chosen David to be over my people Israel.

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Zechariah 1
1. Zechariah exhorts to repentance.
7. The vision of the horses.
12. At the prayer of the angel comfortable promises are made to Jerusalem.
18. The vision of the four horns and the four carpenters.














Proclaim further
The Hebrew word for "proclaim" is "קְרָא" (qara), which means to call out, recite, or announce. This word suggests a public declaration, emphasizing the importance and urgency of the message. In the context of Zechariah, a prophet during the post-exilic period, this proclamation is a divine directive to communicate God's promises to His people. The use of "further" indicates continuity, building upon previous messages of hope and restoration.

the LORD of Hosts
The term "LORD of Hosts" is "יְהוָה צְבָאוֹת" (YHWH Tseva'ot) in Hebrew. This title underscores God's supreme authority and power over all heavenly and earthly armies. It reflects His sovereignty and ability to fulfill His promises. Historically, this title reassured the Israelites of God's protection and might, especially significant during times of rebuilding and uncertainty after the Babylonian exile.

My cities will again overflow with prosperity
The phrase "overflow with prosperity" uses the Hebrew word "טוֹב" (tov), meaning good, pleasant, or prosperous. This promise of abundance is a reversal of the desolation experienced during the exile. The word "again" signifies restoration and renewal, a return to a state of blessing. Archaeologically, this period saw the rebuilding of Jerusalem and other cities, aligning with the prophetic vision of flourishing communities.

the LORD will again comfort Zion
"Comfort" in Hebrew is "נָחַם" (nacham), which conveys consolation and compassion. Zion, often synonymous with Jerusalem, represents the spiritual and national heart of Israel. The promise of comfort is deeply rooted in the covenant relationship between God and His people. Scripturally, this echoes Isaiah's prophecies of comfort and restoration, reinforcing God's unwavering commitment to His chosen people.

and choose Jerusalem
The word "choose" is "בָּחַר" (bachar) in Hebrew, indicating a deliberate selection or preference. God's choice of Jerusalem is both historical and theological, signifying His enduring love and purpose for the city. This choice is not merely about geographical preference but reflects a divine plan for redemption and blessing. Historically, Jerusalem's centrality in Jewish worship and identity underscores its significance in God's redemptive narrative.

Verse 17. - Cry yet, saying. This introduces the second part of the prophet's message. The LXX. begins the verse with the words, "And the angel that spake in me said unto me." My cities through prosperity shall yet be spread abroad. "Yet," in this verse, is better rendered again. God calls the cities his, to show his love for Judah; and he promises that they shall not only be reoccupied by returning immigrants, but increased in extent and number by reason of the enlarged population. So Josephus tells us that in later times Jerusalem had outgrown its walls, and that the fourth quarter, Bezetha, was added ('Bell. Jud.,' 5:04. 2). But it seems' best to translate the clause thus: "My cities shall yet overflow with prosperity." Vulgate, Adhuc affluent civitates meae bonis; LXX., Ατι διαχυθήσονται πόλεις ἐν ἀγαθοῖς. Shall yet comfort Zion, for all her afflictions. Shall yet choose Jerusalem (Zechariah 2:12 [16, Hebrew]; 3:2). God will show that the election of Israel remains unimpaired and secure (comp. 2 Kings 21:7; 2 Chronicles 6:5). The partial fulfilment of the items of this prophecy are to be found in the rebuilding of the temple, the restoration of Jerusalem by Nehemiah, and the prosperity of Judah under the Asmonean princes. A hint of further blessings is given in the final clause, but their nature is not expressly mentioned.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
Proclaim
קְרָ֣א (qə·rā)
Verb - Qal - Imperative - masculine singular
Strong's 7121: To call, proclaim, read

further:
ע֣וֹד ׀ (‘ō·wḏ)
Adverb
Strong's 5750: Iteration, continuance, again, repeatedly, still, more

This is what
כֹּ֤ה (kōh)
Adverb
Strong's 3541: Like this, thus, here, now

the LORD
יְהוָ֣ה (Yah·weh)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3068: LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel

of Hosts
צְבָא֔וֹת (ṣə·ḇā·’ō·wṯ)
Noun - common plural
Strong's 6635: A mass of persons, reg, organized for, war, a campaign

says:
לֵאמֹ֗ר (lê·mōr)
Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct
Strong's 559: To utter, say

‘My cities
עָרַ֖י (‘ā·ray)
Noun - feminine plural construct | first person common singular
Strong's 5892: Excitement

will again
ע֛וֹד (‘ō·wḏ)
Adverb
Strong's 5750: Iteration, continuance, again, repeatedly, still, more

overflow
תְּפוּצֶ֥ינָה (tə·p̄ū·ṣe·nāh)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person feminine plural
Strong's 6327: To be dispersed or scattered

with prosperity;
מִטּ֑וֹב (miṭ·ṭō·wḇ)
Preposition-m | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 2896: Pleasant, agreeable, good

the LORD
יְהוָ֥ה (Yah·weh)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3068: LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel

will again
עוֹד֙ (‘ō·wḏ)
Adverb
Strong's 5750: Iteration, continuance, again, repeatedly, still, more

comfort
וְנִחַ֨ם (wə·ni·ḥam)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Piel - Conjunctive perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 5162: To sigh, breathe strongly, to be sorry, to pity, console, rue, to avenge

Zion
צִיּ֔וֹן (ṣî·yō·wn)
Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 6726: Zion -- a mountain in Jerusalem, also a name for Jerusalem

[and]
ע֖וֹד (‘ō·wḏ)
Adverb
Strong's 5750: Iteration, continuance, again, repeatedly, still, more

choose
וּבָחַ֥ר (ū·ḇā·ḥar)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 977: To try, select

Jerusalem.’”
בִּירוּשָׁלִָֽם׃ (bî·rū·šā·lim)
Preposition-b | Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 3389: Jerusalem -- probably 'foundation of peace', capital city of all Israel


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OT Prophets: Zechariah 1:17 Proclaim further saying 'Thus says Yahweh (Zech. Zec Zc)
Zechariah 1:16
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