Zechariah 12:6
New International Version
“On that day I will make the clans of Judah like a firepot in a woodpile, like a flaming torch among sheaves. They will consume all the surrounding peoples right and left, but Jerusalem will remain intact in her place.

New Living Translation
“On that day I will make the clans of Judah like a flame that sets a woodpile ablaze or like a burning torch among sheaves of grain. They will burn up all the neighboring nations right and left, while the people living in Jerusalem remain secure.

English Standard Version
“On that day I will make the clans of Judah like a blazing pot in the midst of wood, like a flaming torch among sheaves. And they shall devour to the right and to the left all the surrounding peoples, while Jerusalem shall again be inhabited in its place, in Jerusalem.

Berean Standard Bible
On that day I will make the clans of Judah like a firepot in a woodpile, like a flaming torch among the sheaves; they will consume all the peoples around them on the right and on the left, while the people of Jerusalem remain secure there.

King James Bible
In that day will I make the governors of Judah like an hearth of fire among the wood, and like a torch of fire in a sheaf; and they shall devour all the people round about, on the right hand and on the left: and Jerusalem shall be inhabited again in her own place, even in Jerusalem.

New King James Version
In that day I will make the governors of Judah like a firepan in the woodpile, and like a fiery torch in the sheaves; they shall devour all the surrounding peoples on the right hand and on the left, but Jerusalem shall be inhabited again in her own place—Jerusalem.

New American Standard Bible
“On that day I will make the clans of Judah like a firepot among pieces of wood and a flaming torch among sheaves, so they will consume on the right and on the left all the surrounding peoples, while the inhabitants of Jerusalem again live on their own sites in Jerusalem.

NASB 1995
“In that day I will make the clans of Judah like a firepot among pieces of wood and a flaming torch among sheaves, so they will consume on the right hand and on the left all the surrounding peoples, while the inhabitants of Jerusalem again dwell on their own sites in Jerusalem.

NASB 1977
“In that day I will make the clans of Judah like a firepot among pieces of wood and a flaming torch among sheaves, so they will consume on the right hand and on the left all the surrounding peoples, while the inhabitants of Jerusalem again dwell on their own sites in Jerusalem.

Legacy Standard Bible
“In that day I will make the clans of Judah like a fiery laver among pieces of wood and a fiery torch among sheaves, so they will consume on the right hand and on the left all the surrounding peoples, while Jerusalem will again be inhabited in its own place—in Jerusalem.

Amplified Bible
“In that day I will make the clans of Judah like a firepot in a woodpile, and like a flaming torch among sheaves [of grain]. They will devour all the surrounding peoples on the right hand and on the left; and the people of Jerusalem will again live [securely] in their own place, in Jerusalem.

Christian Standard Bible
On that day I will make the leaders of Judah like a firepot in a woodpile, like a flaming torch among sheaves; they will consume all the peoples around them on the right and the left, while Jerusalem continues to be inhabited on its site, in Jerusalem.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
On that day I will make the leaders of Judah like a firepot in a woodpile, like a flaming torch among sheaves; they will consume all the peoples around them on the right and the left, while Jerusalem continues to be inhabited on its site, in Jerusalem.

American Standard Version
In that day will I make the chieftains of Judah like a pan of fire among wood, and like a flaming torch among sheaves; and they shall devour all the peoples round about, on the right hand and on the left; and they of Jerusalem shall yet again dwell in their own place, even in Jerusalem.

Contemporary English Version
At that time I will let the clans of Judah be like a ball of fire in a wood pile or a fiery torch in a hay stack. Then Judah will send the surrounding nations up in smoke. And once again the city of Jerusalem will be filled with people.

English Revised Version
In that day will I make the chieftains of Judah like a pan of fire among wood, and like a torch of fire among sheaves; and they shall devour all the peoples round about, on the right hand and on the left: and Jerusalem shall yet again dwell in her own place, even in Jerusalem.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
"On that day I will make the leaders of Judah like a fire on a pile of wood and like a burning torch among freshly cut straw. They will burn up all the surrounding nations to the right and to the left. But the people of Jerusalem will remain safe in Jerusalem.

Good News Translation
"At that time I will make the clans of Judah like a fire in a forest or in a field of ripe grain--they will destroy all the surrounding nations. The people of Jerusalem will remain safe in the city.

International Standard Version
At that time, I will make the leaders of Judah like a brazier filled with blazing wood, or like a torch setting fire to harvested grain. They will devour all the invading armies, both on the right hand and on the left. As a result, Jerusalem will again be inhabited in its rightful place—as the real Jerusalem.'"

Majority Standard Bible
On that day I will make the clans of Judah like a firepot in a woodpile, like a flaming torch among the sheaves; they will consume all the peoples around them on the right and on the left, while the people of Jerusalem remain secure there.

NET Bible
On that day I will make the leaders of Judah like an igniter among sticks and a burning torch among sheaves, and they will burn up all the surrounding nations right and left. Then the people of Jerusalem will settle once more in their place, the city of Jerusalem.

New Heart English Bible
In that day I will make the chieftains of Judah like a pan of fire among wood, and like a flaming torch among sheaves; and they will devour all the surrounding peoples, on the right hand and on the left; and Jerusalem will yet again dwell in their own place, even in Jerusalem.

Webster's Bible Translation
In that day will I make the governors of Judah like a hearth of fire among the wood, and like a torch of fire in a sheaf; and they shall devour all the people around, on the right hand and on the left: and Jerusalem shall be inhabited again in her own place, even in Jerusalem.

World English Bible
In that day I will make the chieftains of Judah like a pan of fire among wood, and like a flaming torch among sheaves. They will devour all the surrounding peoples on the right hand and on the left; and Jerusalem will yet again dwell in their own place, even in Jerusalem.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
In that day I make the leaders of Judah "" As a hearth of fire among trees, "" And as a torch of fire in a sheaf, "" And they have consumed—on the right and on the left—all the surrounding peoples, "" And Jerusalem has again inhabited her place in Jerusalem.

Young's Literal Translation
In that day I make the leaders of Judah As a hearth of fire among trees, And as a torch of fire in a sheaf, And they have consumed -- on the right and on the left -- all the peoples round about, And Jerusalem hath inhabited again her place in Jerusalem.

Smith's Literal Translation
In that day I will set the thousands of Judah as a fire-pan of fire among the woods, and as a torch of fire in a sheaf; and they devoured upon the right and upon the left all the peoples round about: and Jerusalem shall yet dwell in her place in Jerusalem.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
In that day I will make the governors of Juda like a furnace of fire amongst wood, and as a firebrand amongst hay: and they shall devour all the people round about, to the right hand, and to the left: and Jerusalem shall be inhabited again in her own place in Jerusalem.

Catholic Public Domain Version
In that day, I will set the governors of Judah like a flaming furnace among wood, and like a flaming torch among hay. And they will devour, to the right and to the left, all the surrounding peoples. And Jerusalem will be inhabited again, in her own place, in Jerusalem.

New American Bible
On that day I will make the clans of Judah like a brazier of fire in the woodland and like a burning torch among sheaves, and they will devour right and left all the surrounding peoples; but Jerusalem will again inhabit its own place.

New Revised Standard Version
On that day I will make the clans of Judah like a blazing pot on a pile of wood, like a flaming torch among sheaves; and they shall devour to the right and to the left all the surrounding peoples, while Jerusalem shall again be inhabited in its place, in Jerusalem.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
On that day I will make the princes of Judah like a fiery coal in the midst of wood, and like a torch of fire in stubble; and they shall devour all the people round about, on the right hand and on the left; and Jerusalem shall be inhabited again in its own place, even in Jerusalem.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
In that day I shall make the Princes of Judea as a coal of fire in the woods and like a torch of fire in brush, and they shall eat on the right and on the left before all the nations that are around them, and Jerusalem shall settle again in its place in Jerusalem
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
In that day will I make the chiefs of Judah Like a pan of fire among the wood, And like a torch of fire among sheaves; And they shall devour all the peoples round about, On the right hand and on the left; And Jerusalem shall be inhabited again in her own place, even in Jerusalem.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
In that day I will make the captains of thousands of Juda as a firebrand among wood, and as a torch of fire in stubble; and they shall devour on the right hand and on the left all the nations round about: and Jerusalem shall dwell again by herself, even in Jerusalem.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Jerusalem will be Attacked
5Then the leaders of Judah will say in their hearts: ‘The people of Jerusalem are my strength, for the LORD of Hosts is their God.’ 6On that day I will make the clans of Judah like a firepot in a woodpile, like a flaming torch among the sheaves; they will consume all the peoples around them on the right and on the left, while the people of Jerusalem remain secure there. 7The LORD will save the tents of Judah first, so that the glory of the house of David and of the people of Jerusalem may not be greater than that of Judah.…

Cross References
Isaiah 10:17
And the Light of Israel will become a fire, and its Holy One a flame. In a single day it will burn and devour Assyria’s thorns and thistles.

Obadiah 1:18
Then the house of Jacob will be a blazing fire, and the house of Joseph a burning flame; but the house of Esau will be stubble—Jacob will set it ablaze and consume it. Therefore no survivor will remain from the house of Esau.” For the LORD has spoken.

Malachi 4:1
“For behold, the day is coming, burning like a furnace, when all the arrogant and every evildoer will be stubble; the day is coming when I will set them ablaze,” says the LORD of Hosts. “Not a root or branch will be left to them.”

Jeremiah 5:14
Therefore this is what the LORD God of Hosts says: “Because you have spoken this word, I will make My words a fire in your mouth and this people the wood it consumes.

Isaiah 31:9
Their rock will pass away for fear, and their princes will panic at the sight of the battle standard,” declares the LORD, whose fire is in Zion, whose furnace is in Jerusalem.

Ezekiel 39:9-10
Then those who dwell in the cities of Israel will go out, kindle fires, and burn up the weapons—the bucklers and shields, the bows and arrows, the clubs and spears. For seven years they will use them for fuel. / They will not gather wood from the countryside or cut it from the forests, for they will use the weapons for fuel. They will loot those who looted them and plunder those who plundered them, declares the Lord GOD.

Isaiah 9:18-19
For wickedness burns like a fire that consumes the thorns and briers and kindles the forest thickets, which roll upward in billows of smoke. / By the wrath of the LORD of Hosts the land is scorched, and the people are fuel for the fire. No man even spares his brother.

Amos 5:6
Seek the LORD and live, or He will sweep like fire through the house of Joseph; it will devour everything, with no one at Bethel to extinguish it.

Isaiah 4:4
when the Lord has washed away the filth of the daughters of Zion and cleansed the bloodstains from the heart of Jerusalem by a spirit of judgment and a spirit of fire.

Joel 2:3
Before them a fire devours, and behind them a flame scorches. The land before them is like the Garden of Eden, but behind them, it is like a desert wasteland—surely nothing will escape them.

Matthew 3:12
His winnowing fork is in His hand to clear His threshing floor and to gather His wheat into the barn; but He will burn up the chaff with unquenchable fire.”

Luke 12:49
I have come to ignite a fire on the earth, and how I wish it were already kindled!

Revelation 11:5
If anyone wants to harm them, fire proceeds from their mouths and devours their enemies. In this way, anyone who wants to harm them must be killed.

2 Thessalonians 1:7-8
and to grant relief to you who are oppressed and to us as well. This will take place when the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven with His mighty angels / in blazing fire, inflicting vengeance on those who do not know God and do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus.

Hebrews 12:29
“For our God is a consuming fire.”


Treasury of Scripture

In that day will I make the governors of Judah like an hearth of fire among the wood, and like a torch of fire in a sheaf; and they shall devour all the people round about, on the right hand and on the left: and Jerusalem shall be inhabited again in her own place, even in Jerusalem.

like an hearth.

Isaiah 10:16,17
Therefore shall the Lord, the Lord of hosts, send among his fat ones leanness; and under his glory he shall kindle a burning like the burning of a fire…

Obadiah 1:18
And the house of Jacob shall be a fire, and the house of Joseph a flame, and the house of Esau for stubble, and they shall kindle in them, and devour them; and there shall not be any remaining of the house of Esau; for the LORD hath spoken it.

Revelation 20:9
And they went up on the breadth of the earth, and compassed the camp of the saints about, and the beloved city: and fire came down from God out of heaven, and devoured them.

they.

Zechariah 9:15
The LORD of hosts shall defend them; and they shall devour, and subdue with sling stones; and they shall drink, and make a noise as through wine; and they shall be filled like bowls, and as the corners of the altar.

Psalm 149:6-9
Let the high praises of God be in their mouth, and a twoedged sword in their hand; …

Isaiah 41:15,16
Behold, I will make thee a new sharp threshing instrument having teeth: thou shalt thresh the mountains, and beat them small, and shalt make the hills as chaff…

on the right.

Isaiah 9:20
And he shall snatch on the right hand, and be hungry; and he shall eat on the left hand, and they shall not be satisfied: they shall eat every man the flesh of his own arm:

Isaiah 54:3
For thou shalt break forth on the right hand and on the left; and thy seed shall inherit the Gentiles, and make the desolate cities to be inhabited.

2 Corinthians 6:7
By the word of truth, by the power of God, by the armour of righteousness on the right hand and on the left,

Jerusalem shall.

Zechariah 1:16
Therefore thus saith the LORD; I am returned to Jerusalem with mercies: my house shall be built in it, saith the LORD of hosts, and a line shall be stretched forth upon Jerusalem.

Zechariah 2:4,12
And said unto him, Run, speak to this young man, saying, Jerusalem shall be inhabited as towns without walls for the multitude of men and cattle therein: …

Zechariah 8:3-5
Thus saith the LORD; I am returned unto Zion, and will dwell in the midst of Jerusalem: and Jerusalem shall be called a city of truth; and the mountain of the LORD of hosts the holy mountain…

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Chieftains Devour Dwell Fire Flaming Governors Hand Hearth Inhabited Jerusalem Judah Make Pan Peoples Right Round Sheaf Sheaves Surrounding Torch Wood
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Chieftains Devour Dwell Fire Flaming Governors Hand Hearth Inhabited Jerusalem Judah Make Pan Peoples Right Round Sheaf Sheaves Surrounding Torch Wood
Zechariah 12
1. Jerusalem a cup of trembling to herself,
3. and a burdensome stone to her adversaries.
6. The victorious restoring of Judah.
10. The repentance of Jerusalem.














On that day
This phrase is a prophetic marker often used in the Old Testament to denote a significant future event, usually associated with divine intervention or judgment. In Hebrew, "on that day" (בַּיּ֣וֹם הַה֔וּא) signals a time when God will act decisively. It is a reminder of God's sovereignty and the fulfillment of His promises. The phrase sets the stage for a transformative event, emphasizing the certainty and divine orchestration of what is to come.

I will make
The phrase underscores God's active role in the unfolding events. The Hebrew verb "to make" (עָשָׂה) indicates intentionality and purpose. It is God who empowers and transforms the clans of Judah, highlighting His authority and the fulfillment of His covenant promises. This divine action reassures believers of God's control over history and His ability to bring about His will.

the clans of Judah
The term "clans" (אַלְפֵי) refers to the family groups or tribes within the larger tribe of Judah. Historically, Judah was one of the most prominent tribes of Israel, from which King David and ultimately Jesus Christ descended. This reference to Judah signifies strength, leadership, and the fulfillment of messianic prophecies. It also reflects the unity and collective identity of God's people, who are empowered by Him.

like a firepot in a woodpile
This simile illustrates the destructive power and intensity that God will grant to Judah. A "firepot" (כִּיּוֹר) is a vessel used to contain fire, and when placed in a "woodpile," it can ignite a large blaze. The imagery suggests that Judah will become an instrument of God's judgment, consuming their enemies with divine fervor. It symbolizes purification and the unstoppable nature of God's purposes.

like a flaming torch among sheaves
The "flaming torch" (לַפִּ֣יד) is another powerful image of destruction and illumination. In the context of "sheaves" (עֲמִירִ֑ים), which are bundles of grain, the torch represents the ability to set ablaze and destroy. This imagery conveys the idea of God's people being a light in the darkness, overcoming opposition, and fulfilling God's redemptive plan. It also reflects the theme of harvest, where the righteous are gathered, and the wicked are judged.

They will consume all the peoples around them
The word "consume" (אָכַל) in Hebrew implies complete destruction or devouring. This phrase indicates the total victory that Judah will achieve over their enemies, as ordained by God. It reflects the theme of divine justice and the protection of God's covenant people. Historically, this can be seen as a promise of deliverance and restoration for Israel, foreshadowing the ultimate triumph of God's kingdom.

right and left
This expression signifies completeness and totality. In Hebrew culture, "right and left" (מִיָּמִ֣ין וּמִשְּׂמֹ֔אל) denotes all directions, emphasizing the thoroughness of Judah's victory. It reassures believers of God's comprehensive protection and the certainty of His promises. This phrase also highlights the idea that no enemy will escape God's judgment.

while the people of Jerusalem remain secure in Jerusalem
The security of Jerusalem (יָשַׁב יְרוּשָׁלִַם) is a central theme in biblical prophecy, symbolizing God's presence and protection over His chosen city. The phrase "remain secure" (יָשַׁב) conveys a sense of peace, stability, and divine favor. It reflects the fulfillment of God's promises to protect and preserve His people, offering hope and assurance to believers that God is their refuge and strength.

Verse 6. - A hearth; literally, a pan. The victory should be easy and complete. The chieftains of Judah shall be like a chafing dish full of fire set among dry faggots (comp. Obadiah 1:18; Nahum 1:10). In a sheaf; among sheaves. Jerusalem shall be inhabited again; rather, Jerusalem shall yet again dwell. Jerusalem is personified as a female. In spite of all the attacks of the enemy, who tried to destroy and remove her, she shall remain firm and unshaken in her own place. In Jerusalem, the centre of the theocracy where God has set her. So against the Church the gates of hell shall not prevail, and the persecutions which she suffers increase her stability and add to her numbers.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
On that
הַה֡וּא (ha·hū)
Article | Pronoun - third person masculine singular
Strong's 1931: He, self, the same, this, that, as, are

day
בַּיּ֣וֹם (bay·yō·wm)
Preposition-b, Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 3117: A day

I will make
אָשִׂים֩ (’ā·śîm)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - first person common singular
Strong's 7760: Put -- to put, place, set

the clans
אַלֻּפֵ֨י (’al·lu·p̄ê)
Noun - masculine plural construct
Strong's 441: Familiar, a friend, gentle, a bullock, a chieftain

of Judah
יְהוּדָ֜ה (yə·hū·ḏāh)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3063: Judah -- 'praised', a son of Jacob, also the southern kingdom, also four Israelites

like a firepot
כְּֽכִיּ֧וֹר (kə·ḵî·yō·wr)
Preposition-k | Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 3595: Pot, basin

in a woodpile,
בְּעֵצִ֗ים (bə·‘ê·ṣîm)
Preposition-b | Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 6086: Tree, trees, wood

like a flaming
אֵשׁ֙ (’êš)
Noun - common singular
Strong's 784: A fire

torch
וּכְלַפִּ֥יד (ū·ḵə·lap·pîḏ)
Conjunctive waw, Preposition-k | Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 3940: A flambeau, lamp, flame

among the sheaves;
בְּעָמִ֔יר (bə·‘ā·mîr)
Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 5995: A swath, row of fallen grain

they will consume
וְאָ֨כְל֜וּ (wə·’ā·ḵə·lū)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - third person common plural
Strong's 398: To eat

all
כָּל־ (kāl-)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 3605: The whole, all, any, every

the peoples
הָעַמִּ֖ים (hā·‘am·mîm)
Article | Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 5971: A people, a tribe, troops, attendants, a flock

around them
סָבִ֑יב (sā·ḇîḇ)
Adverb
Strong's 5439: A circle, neighbour, environs, around

on
עַל־ (‘al-)
Preposition
Strong's 5921: Above, over, upon, against

the right
יָמִ֧ין (yā·mîn)
Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 3225: The right hand, side, the south

and on
וְעַל־ (wə·‘al-)
Conjunctive waw | Preposition
Strong's 5921: Above, over, upon, against

the left,
שְׂמֹ֛אול (śə·mō·wl)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 8040: Dark, the north, the left hand

while the residents
וְיָשְׁבָ֨ה (wə·yā·šə·ḇāh)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - third person feminine singular
Strong's 3427: To sit down, to dwell, to remain, to settle, to marry

of Jerusalem
יְרוּשָׁלִַ֥ם (yə·rū·šā·lim)
Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 3389: Jerusalem -- probably 'foundation of peace', capital city of all Israel

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

secure
תַּחְתֶּ֖יהָ (taḥ·te·hā)
Preposition | third person feminine singular
Strong's 8478: The bottom, below, in lieu of

in 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 12:6 In that day I will make (Zech. Zec Zc)
Zechariah 12:5
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