Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version “The LORD will save the dwellings of Judah first, so that the honor of the house of David and of Jerusalem’s inhabitants may not be greater than that of Judah. New Living Translation “The LORD will give victory to the rest of Judah first, before Jerusalem, so that the people of Jerusalem and the royal line of David will not have greater honor than the rest of Judah. English Standard Version “And the LORD will give salvation to the tents of Judah first, that the glory of the house of David and the glory of the inhabitants of Jerusalem may not surpass that of Judah. Berean Standard Bible The 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. Berean Literal Bible And YHWH will save the tents of Judah first, so that the glory of the house of David and the glory of those dwelling in Jerusalem will not become great beyond Judah. King James Bible The LORD also shall save the tents of Judah first, that the glory of the house of David and the glory of the inhabitants of Jerusalem do not magnify themselves against Judah. New King James Version “The LORD will save the tents of Judah first, so that the glory of the house of David and the glory of the inhabitants of Jerusalem shall not become greater than that of Judah. New American Standard Bible The LORD also will save the tents of Judah first, so that the glory of the house of David and the glory of the inhabitants of Jerusalem will not be greater than Judah. NASB 1995 “The LORD also will save the tents of Judah first, so that the glory of the house of David and the glory of the inhabitants of Jerusalem will not be magnified above Judah. NASB 1977 “The LORD also will save the tents of Judah first in order that the glory of the house of David and the glory of the inhabitants of Jerusalem may not be magnified above Judah. Legacy Standard Bible Yahweh also will save the tents of Judah first so that the glory of the house of David and the glory of the inhabitants of Jerusalem will not be magnified above Judah. Amplified Bible The LORD shall save the tents of Judah first, so that the glory of the house of David and the glory of the inhabitants of Jerusalem will not be magnified above Judah. Berean Annotated Bible The LORD {YHWH} will save the tents of Judah (praised) first, so that the glory of the house of David (beloved) and of the people of Jerusalem (city of peace) may not be greater than that of Judah. Christian Standard Bible The LORD will save the tents of Judah first, so that the glory of David’s house and the glory of Jerusalem’s residents may not be greater than that of Judah. Holman Christian Standard Bible The LORD will save the tents of Judah first, so that the glory of David’s house and the glory of Jerusalem’s residents may not be greater than that of Judah. American Standard Version Jehovah also shall save the tents of Judah first, that the glory of the house of David and the glory of the inhabitants of Jerusalem be not magnified above Judah. Contemporary English Version But I will first give victory to Judah, so the kingdom of David and the city of Jerusalem in all of their glory won't be thought of more highly than Judah itself. English Revised Version The LORD also shall save the tents of Judah first, that the glory of the house of David and the glory of the inhabitants of Jerusalem be not magnified above Judah. GOD'S WORD® Translation "The LORD will save Judah's tents first so that the honor of David's family and the honor of those who live in Jerusalem will not be greater than the honor of Judah. Good News Translation "I, the LORD, will give victory to the armies of Judah first, so that the honor which the descendants of David and the people of Jerusalem will receive will be no greater than that of the rest of Judah. International Standard Version The LORD will deliver the tents of Judah first, so that neither the glory of the house of David nor the glory of the inhabitants of Jerusalem overshadows Judah. NET Bible The LORD also will deliver the homes of Judah first, so that the splendor of the kingship of David and of the people of Jerusalem may not exceed that of Judah. New Heart English Bible The LORD also will save the tents of Judah first, that the glory of the house of David and the glory of the inhabitants of Jerusalem not be magnified above Judah. Webster's Bible Translation The LORD also will save the tents of Judah first, that the glory of the house of David and the glory of the inhabitants of Jerusalem may not magnify themselves against Judah. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleThe 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. World English Bible Yahweh also will save the tents of Judah first, that the glory of David’s house and the glory of the inhabitants of Jerusalem not be magnified above Judah. Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionAnd YHWH has saved the tents of Judah first, "" So that the beauty of the house of David does not become great against Judah, "" And the beauty of the inhabitant of Jerusalem. Berean Literal Bible And YHWH will save the tents of Judah first, so that the glory of the house of David and the glory of those dwelling in Jerusalem will not become great beyond Judah. Young's Literal Translation And saved hath Jehovah the tents of Judah first, So that become not great against Judah Doth the beauty of the house of David, And the beauty of the inhabitant of Jerusalem. Smith's Literal Translation And Jehovah saved the tents of Judah first, so that the glorying of the house of David shall not be magnified, and the glorying of the inhabitants of Jerusalem, against Judah. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleAnd the Lord shall save the tabernacles of Juda, as in the beginning: that the house of David, and the glory of the inhabitants of Jerusalem, may not boast and magnify themselves against Juda. Catholic Public Domain Version And the Lord will save the tabernacles of Judah, just as in the beginning, so that the house of David and the glory of the inhabitants of Jerusalem may not glorify themselves boastfully against Judah. New American Bible The LORD will save the tents of Judah first, that the glory of the house of David and the glory of the inhabitants of Jerusalem may not be exalted over Judah. New Revised Standard Version And the LORD will give victory to the tents of Judah first, that the glory of the house of David and the glory of the inhabitants of Jerusalem may not be exalted over that of Judah. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleThe LORD also shall visit the tents of Judah, as at first, that the glory of the house of David and the glory of the inhabitants of Jerusalem may not magnify itself over the house of Judah. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated And LORD JEHOVAH shall visit the Tabernacle of Judea as from the first, because the glory of the house of David and the glory of the inhabitants of Jerusalem will not increase beyond that of the house of Yehuda OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917The LORD also shall save the tents of Judah first, That the glory of the house of David And the glory of the inhabitants of Jerusalem be not magnified above Judah. Brenton Septuagint Translation And the Lord shall save the tabernacles of Juda as at the beginning, that the boast of the house of David, and the pride of the inhabitants of Jerusalem, may not magnify themselves against Juda. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context Jerusalem will be Attacked…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. 8On that day the LORD will defend the people of Jerusalem, so that the weakest among them will be like David, and the house of David will be like God, like the angel of the LORD going before them.… Cross References The LORD will save the tents of Judah first, Judges 1:1-2 After the death of Joshua, the Israelites inquired of the LORD, “Who will be the first to go up and fight for us against the Canaanites?” / “Judah shall go up,” answered the LORD. “Indeed, I have delivered the land into their hands.” Psalm 69:35 For God will save Zion and rebuild the cities of Judah, that they may dwell there and possess it. Deuteronomy 33:7 And concerning Judah he said: “O LORD, hear the cry of Judah and bring him to his people. With his own hands he defends his cause, but may You be a help against his foes.” so that the glory of the house of David 2 Samuel 7:12-16 And when your days are fulfilled and you rest with your fathers, I will raise up your descendant after you, who will come from your own body, and I will establish his kingdom. / He will build a house for My Name, and I will establish the throne of his kingdom forever. / I will be his Father, and he will be My son. When he does wrong, I will discipline him with the rod of men and with the blows of the sons of men. … 1 Chronicles 17:11-14 And when your days are fulfilled and you go to be with your fathers, I will raise up your descendant after you, one of your own sons, and I will establish his kingdom. / He will build a house for Me, and I will establish his throne forever. / I will be his Father, and he will be My son. And I will never remove My loving devotion from him as I removed it from your predecessor. … Jeremiah 33:17 For this is what the LORD says: David will never lack a man to sit on the throne of the house of Israel, and of the people of Jerusalem 2 Kings 19:34 I will defend this city and save it for My own sake and for the sake of My servant David.’” Isaiah 31:5 Like birds hovering overhead, so the LORD of Hosts will protect Jerusalem. He will shield it and deliver it; He will pass over it and preserve it.” Zechariah 8:8 I will bring them back to dwell in Jerusalem, where they will be My people, and I will be their faithful and righteous God.” may not be greater than that of Judah. 1 Chronicles 5:2 And though Judah prevailed over his brothers and a ruler came from him, the birthright belonged to Joseph. Genesis 49:10 The scepter will not depart from Judah, nor the staff from between his feet, until Shiloh comes and the allegiance of the nations is his. 1 Chronicles 28:4 Yet the LORD, the God of Israel, chose me out of all my father’s house to be king over Israel forever. For He chose Judah as leader, and from the house of Judah He chose my father’s household, and from my father’s sons He was pleased to make me king over all Israel. Isaiah 41:14 Do not fear, O Jacob, you worm, O few men of Israel. I will help you,” declares the LORD. “Your Redeemer is the Holy One of Israel. Jeremiah 30:18 This is what the LORD says: “I will restore the fortunes of Jacob’s tents and have compassion on his dwellings. And the city will be rebuilt on her own ruins, and the palace will stand in its rightful place. Ezekiel 36:8-12 But you, O mountains of Israel, will produce branches and bear fruit for My people Israel, for they will soon come home. / For behold, I am on your side; I will turn toward you, and you will be tilled and sown. / I will multiply the people upon you—the house of Israel in its entirety. The cities will be inhabited and the ruins rebuilt. … 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. Treasury of Scripture The LORD also shall save the tents of Judah first, that the glory of the house of David and the glory of the inhabitants of Jerusalem do not magnify themselves against Judah. save. Zechariah 4:6 Then he answered and spake unto me, saying, This is the word of the LORD unto Zerubbabel, saying, Not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit, saith the LORD of hosts. Zechariah 11:11 And it was broken in that day: and so the poor of the flock that waited upon me knew that it was the word of the LORD. Isaiah 2:11-17 The lofty looks of man shall be humbled, and the haughtiness of men shall be bowed down, and the LORD alone shall be exalted in that day… do. Job 19:5 If indeed ye will magnify yourselves against me, and plead against me my reproach: Psalm 35:26 Let them be ashamed and brought to confusion together that rejoice at mine hurt: let them be clothed with shame and dishonour that magnify themselves against me. Psalm 38:16 For I said, Hear me, lest otherwise they should rejoice over me: when my foot slippeth, they magnify themselves against me. Jump to Previous David Dwellings Exalted Family First Glory Great Greater Honor House Inhabitants Jerusalem Jerusalem's Judah Magnified Magnify Salvation Save Saved Tents Themselves VictoryJump to Next David Dwellings Exalted Family First Glory Great Greater Honor House Inhabitants Jerusalem Jerusalem's Judah Magnified Magnify Salvation Save Saved Tents Themselves VictoryZechariah 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. The LORD will save the tents of Judah first This phrase emphasizes God's initiative in delivering His people, highlighting His sovereignty and faithfulness. The "tents of Judah" symbolize the more vulnerable, rural areas of Judah, as opposed to the fortified city of Jerusalem. This reflects God's concern for the humble and less prominent, aligning with His consistent biblical pattern of exalting the lowly (1 Samuel 2:8, Luke 1:52). Historically, Judah was the southern kingdom, often seen as the heartland of Israelite identity, and its salvation first underscores its significance in God's redemptive plan. This also prefigures the coming of Jesus Christ, the Lion of the tribe of Judah (Revelation 5:5), who brings salvation to all. so that the glory of the house of David and of the people of Jerusalem may not be greater than that of Judah Persons / Places / Events 1. JudahThe southern kingdom of Israel, representing the tribe of Judah and the region surrounding Jerusalem. In Zechariah 12:7, Judah is highlighted as receiving salvation first. 2. Jerusalem The central city of worship and the political heart of Israel. It is often symbolic of God's presence and His people's spiritual center. 3. The LORD (Yahweh) The covenant-keeping God of Israel, who orchestrates the events described in Zechariah 12. 4. The House of David The royal lineage from which King David came, representing leadership and messianic promise. 5. The Inhabitants of Jerusalem The people living in Jerusalem, who are significant in the unfolding of God's redemptive plan. Teaching Points God's Sovereignty in SalvationZechariah 12:7 emphasizes that salvation is initiated by God. He chooses the timing and order of deliverance, underscoring His sovereign will. The Priority of Judah The verse highlights that Judah is saved first, which can be seen as a reminder of God's faithfulness to His promises and His chosen people. Unity and Equality in God's Plan By saving Judah first, God ensures that the glory of the house of David and the inhabitants of Jerusalem does not overshadow the rest of His people, promoting unity and equality. The Role of Leadership in God's Kingdom The mention of the house of David points to the importance of godly leadership and the messianic hope fulfilled in Jesus Christ. Encouragement in Times of Trouble Believers can find encouragement in knowing that God is actively working to protect and deliver His people, just as He did for Judah and Jerusalem. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of Zechariah 12:7?2. How does Zechariah 12:7 emphasize God's protection of Judah's tents first? 3. Why might God prioritize "the tents of Judah" over Jerusalem's inhabitants? 4. How does Zechariah 12:7 connect with God's covenant promises to Israel? 5. What can we learn about God's priorities from Zechariah 12:7? 6. How should Zechariah 12:7 influence our understanding of God's protection today? 7. Why does Zechariah 12:7 prioritize the tents of Judah over Jerusalem's inhabitants? 8. How does Zechariah 12:7 reflect God's protection and favor towards Judah? 9. What historical context supports the prophecy in Zechariah 12:7? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Zechariah 12? 11. How does Zechariah 12:7, which promises the Lord will save the tents of Judah first, align with historical records showing Judah’s multiple defeats and exiles? 12. If Isaiah's prophecy was meant to reassure King Ahaz centuries before Jesus's birth, why do some believe it refers to Jesus in Matthew? 13. Zechariah 13:7 - Who is the 'shepherd' in this verse, and why does the text imply that God himself would strike him, which seems contradictory to other passages? 14. Who are the prophets mentioned in the Bible? What Does Zechariah 12:7 Mean The LORD will save- Zechariah pictures a military crisis (Zechariah 12:2–3), yet “the LORD will save,” underscoring His personal intervention (Exodus 14:13; Psalm 20:6; Isaiah 37:35). - Salvation here is literal rescue of His people, anticipating the final Day of the LORD (Zechariah 14:3). - Divine deliverance showcases covenant faithfulness first promised to Abraham and David (Genesis 17:7; 2 Samuel 7:12–16). the tents of Judah - “Tents” evoke a vulnerable, rural setting compared to Jerusalem’s fortified walls (Zechariah 14:14). - God begins with the seemingly exposed to show His power perfected in weakness (Judges 7:2; 1 Corinthians 1:27). - Judah (the southern territory outside the capital) is still beloved; the promise of Messiah sprang from this tribe (Genesis 49:8–10). first - Order matters: God reverses expectations by putting the outlying communities ahead of royal Jerusalem (Matthew 20:16). - The pattern “to the Jew first” (Romans 1:16) illustrates God’s redemptive priorities without partiality among His own. so that the glory - Purpose clause: He guards against spiritual pride by distributing honor evenly (Jeremiah 9:23–24; 1 Corinthians 1:29–31). - No group may claim superior status; all credit goes to the LORD alone (Isaiah 42:8). the house of David and the people of Jerusalem - The “house of David” signifies monarchy and messianic promise (2 Samuel 7:13–14; Luke 1:32–33). - “People of Jerusalem” points to the political and religious hub (Zechariah 8:3; Psalm 122:2–3). - Though central, they will not overshadow their country cousins; unity beats hierarchy (Psalm 133:1). may not be greater than that of Judah - God equalizes honor to avoid rivalry (Romans 12:16; Philippians 2:3). - National restoration will fuse capital and countryside into one redeemed family (Zechariah 10:6). - The scene foreshadows the church’s oneness in Christ, where no part may boast over another (1 Colossians 12:21–26). summary Zechariah 12:7 promises a literal, end-time rescue in which the LORD Himself intervenes. He starts with the humble “tents of Judah” to spotlight His grace and to prevent Jerusalem’s royal house from claiming superior glory. The verse models God’s delight in exalting the lowly, leveling pride, and uniting His people under one saving act, all culminating in the Messiah who springs from both Judah and David’s line. Verse 7. - Shall save the tents of Judah first. Instead of "first," a preferable reading, supported by the Greek, Latin, and Syriac Versions, is "as in the beginning," or "as in former days." The prophet declares that the open towns and villages of Judah, which can offer no effectual resistance to an enemy like the fortified city Jerusalem, shall be saved by the aid of God, as so often has happened in old time. If "first" be the genuine reading, the meaning is that the country people shall first be saved in order to prevent Jerusalem glorifying herself at their expense. That the glory...do not magnify themselves against (be not magnified above) Judah. God will save the chosen nation in such a manner that each part shall have its share in the glory and honour. The leaders, represented by "the house of David" and "the inhabitants of Jerusalem," as the sanctuary of Cod and a strongly fortified city, shall not be able to exalt themselves as more favoured than the rest of the people. By God's help alone is the victory won, and all alike share in this. The expressions in this verse could not have been written, as some assert, while the dynasty of David reigned.Parallel Commentaries ... Hebrew The LORDיְהוָ֛ה (Yah·weh) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 3068: LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel will save וְהוֹשִׁ֧יעַ (wə·hō·wō·šî·a‘) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hifil - Conjunctive perfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 3467: To be open, wide, free, to be safe, to free, succor the tents אָהֳלֵ֥י (’ā·ho·lê) Noun - masculine plural construct Strong's 168: A tent of Judah יְהוּדָ֖ה (yə·hū·ḏāh) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 3063: Judah -- 'praised', a son of Jacob, also the southern kingdom, also four Israelites first, בָּרִֽאשֹׁנָ֑ה (bā·ri·šō·nāh) Preposition-b, Article | Adjective - feminine singular Strong's 7223: First, in place, time, rank so that לְמַ֨עַן (lə·ma·‘an) Conjunction Strong's 4616: Purpose -- intent the glory תִּפְאֶ֣רֶת (tip̄·’e·reṯ) Noun - feminine singular construct Strong's 8597: Beauty, glory of the house בֵּית־ (bêṯ-) Noun - masculine singular construct Strong's 1004: A house of David דָּוִ֗יד (dā·wîḏ) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 1732: David -- perhaps 'beloved one', a son of Jesse [and] וְתִפְאֶ֛רֶת (wə·ṯip̄·’e·reṯ) Conjunctive waw | Noun - feminine singular construct Strong's 8597: Beauty, glory of the residents יֹשֵׁ֥ב (yō·šêḇ) Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular construct Strong's 3427: To sit down, to dwell, to remain, to settle, to marry of Jerusalem יְרוּשָׁלִַ֖ם (yə·rū·šā·lim) Noun - proper - feminine singular Strong's 3389: Jerusalem -- probably 'foundation of peace', capital city of all Israel may not לֹֽא־ (lō-) Adverb - Negative particle Strong's 3808: Not, no be greater תִגְדַּ֜ל (ṯiḡ·dal) Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person feminine singular Strong's 1431: To grow up, become great than עַל־ (‘al-) Preposition Strong's 5921: Above, over, upon, against that of Judah. יְהוּדָֽה׃ (yə·hū·ḏāh) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 3063: Judah -- 'praised', a son of Jacob, also the southern kingdom, also four Israelites Links Zechariah 12:7 NIVZechariah 12:7 NLT Zechariah 12:7 ESV Zechariah 12:7 NASB Zechariah 12:7 KJV Zechariah 12:7 BibleApps.com Zechariah 12:7 Biblia Paralela Zechariah 12:7 Chinese Bible Zechariah 12:7 French Bible Zechariah 12:7 Catholic Bible OT Prophets: Zechariah 12:7 Yahweh also will save the tents (Zech. 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