Zechariah 8:11
New International Version
But now I will not deal with the remnant of this people as I did in the past,” declares the LORD Almighty.

New Living Translation
“But now I will not treat the remnant of my people as I treated them before, says the LORD of Heaven’s Armies.

English Standard Version
But now I will not deal with the remnant of this people as in the former days, declares the LORD of hosts.

Berean Standard Bible
But now I will not treat the remnant of this people as I did in the past,” declares the LORD of Hosts.

Berean Literal Bible
And now not as in the former days am I to the remnant of this people,” a declaration of YHWH of Hosts.

King James Bible
But now I will not be unto the residue of this people as in the former days, saith the LORD of hosts.

New King James Version
But now I will not treat the remnant of this people as in the former days,’ says the LORD of hosts.

New American Standard Bible
But now I will not treat the remnant of this people as in the former days,’ declares the LORD of armies.

NASB 1995
‘But now I will not treat the remnant of this people as in the former days,’ declares the LORD of hosts.

NASB 1977
‘But now I will not treat the remnant of this people as in the former days,’ declares the LORD of hosts.

Legacy Standard Bible
But now I will not treat the remnant of this people as in the former days,’ declares Yahweh of hosts.

Amplified Bible
But now [in this time since you began to build] I will not treat the remnant of this people as in the former days,’ declares the LORD of hosts.

Berean Annotated Bible
But now I will not treat the remnant of this people as I did in the past, declares the LORD {YHWH} of Hosts.

Christian Standard Bible
But now, I will not treat the remnant of this people as in the former days”—this is the declaration of the LORD of Armies.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
But now, I will not treat the remnant of this people as in the former days"—this is the declaration of the LORD of Hosts. “

American Standard Version
But now I will not be unto the remnant of this people as in the former days, saith Jehovah of hosts.

Contemporary English Version
My people, only a few of you are left, and I promise not to punish you as I did before.

English Revised Version
But now I will not be unto the remnant of this people as in the former days, saith the LORD of hosts.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
But now I won't deal with the few remaining people as I did in earlier times, declares the LORD of Armies.

Good News Translation
But now I am treating the survivors of this nation differently.

International Standard Version
"'But now I will not treat the survivors of this people as I did formerly,' declares the LORD of the Heavenly Armies.

NET Bible
But I will be different now to this remnant of my people from the way I was in those days,' says the LORD who rules over all,

New Heart English Bible
But now I will not be to the remnant of this people as in the former days," says the LORD of hosts.

Webster's Bible Translation
But now I will not be to the residue of this people as in the former days, saith the LORD of hosts.
Majority Text Translations
Majority Standard Bible
But now I will not treat the remnant of this people as I did in the past,” declares the LORD of Hosts.

World English Bible
But now I will not be to the remnant of this people as in the former days,” says Yahweh of Armies.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
And now, not as [in] the former days [am] I to the remnant of this people, "" A declaration of YHWH of Hosts.

Berean Literal Bible
And now not as in the former days am I to the remnant of this people,” a declaration of YHWH of Hosts.

Young's Literal Translation
And now, not as in the former days am I to the remnant of this people, An affirmation of Jehovah of Hosts.

Smith's Literal Translation
And now not as the former days am I to the remnant of this people, says Jehovah of armies.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
But now I will not deal with the remnant of this people according to the former days, saith the Lord of hosts.

Catholic Public Domain Version
But now, I will not act towards the remnant of this people according to the former days, says the Lord of hosts.

New American Bible
But now I will not deal with the remnant of this people as in former days—oracle of the LORD of hosts.

New Revised Standard Version
But now I will not deal with the remnant of this people as in the former days, says the LORD of hosts.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
But now I will not be to the remnant of this people as in former days, says the LORD of hosts.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
Therefore I have not been for the remnant of this people as in the former days, says LORD JEHOVAH of Hosts
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
But now I will not be unto the remnant of this people as in the former days, saith the LORD of hosts.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
But now I will not do to the remnant of this people according to the former days, saith the Lord Almighty.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
The Restoration of Jerusalem
10For before those days neither man nor beast received wages, nor was there safety from the enemy for anyone who came or went, for I had turned every man against his neighbor. 11But now I will not treat the remnant of this people as I did in the past,” declares the LORD of Hosts. 12“For the seed will be prosperous, the vine will yield its fruit, the ground will yield its produce, and the skies will give their dew. To the remnant of this people I will give all these things as an inheritance.…

Cross References
But now

Isaiah 43:18-19
“Do not call to mind the former things; pay no attention to the things of old. / Behold, I am about to do something new; even now it is coming. Do you not see it? Indeed, I will make a way in the wilderness and streams in the desert.

Isaiah 65:17-18
For behold, I will create new heavens and a new earth. The former things will not be remembered, nor will they come to mind. / But be glad and rejoice forever in what I create; for I will create Jerusalem to be a joy and its people to be a delight.

2 Corinthians 5:17
Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away. Behold, the new has come!
I will not treat

Psalm 103:10-12
He has not dealt with us according to our sins or repaid us according to our iniquities. / For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is His loving devotion for those who fear Him. / As far as the east is from the west, so far has He removed our transgressions from us.

Hosea 11:8-9
How could I give you up, O Ephraim? How could I surrender you, O Israel? How could I make you like Admah? How could I treat you like Zeboiim? My heart is turned within Me; My compassion is stirred! / I will not execute the full fury of My anger; I will not destroy Ephraim again. For I am God and not man—the Holy One among you—and I will not come in wrath.

Micah 7:18-19
Who is a God like You, who pardons iniquity and passes over the transgression of the remnant of His inheritance—who does not retain His anger forever, because He delights in loving devotion? / He will again have compassion on us; He will vanquish our iniquities. You will cast out all our sins into the depths of the sea.
the remnant of this people

Isaiah 10:20-22
On that day the remnant of Israel and the survivors of the house of Jacob will no longer depend on him who struck them, but they will truly rely on the LORD, the Holy One of Israel. / A remnant will return—a remnant of Jacob—to the Mighty God. / Though your people, O Israel, be like the sand of the sea, only a remnant will return. Destruction has been decreed, overflowing with righteousness.

Jeremiah 23:3
Then I Myself will gather the remnant of My flock from all the lands to which I have banished them, and I will return them to their pasture, where they will be fruitful and multiply.

Romans 11:5
In the same way, at the present time there is a remnant chosen by grace.
as I did in the past,”

Zechariah 1:2-4
“The LORD was very angry with your fathers. / So tell the people that this is what the LORD of Hosts says: ‘Return to Me, declares the LORD of Hosts, and I will return to you, says the LORD of Hosts.’ / Do not be like your fathers, to whom the former prophets proclaimed that this is what the LORD of Hosts says: ‘Turn now from your evil ways and deeds.’ But they did not listen or pay attention to Me, declares the LORD.

Jeremiah 7:12-15
But go now to the place in Shiloh where I first made a dwelling for My Name, and see what I did to it because of the wickedness of My people Israel. / And now, because you have done all these things, declares the LORD, and because I have spoken to you again and again but you would not listen, and I have called to you but you would not answer, / therefore what I did to Shiloh I will now do to the house that bears My Name, the house in which you trust, the place that I gave to you and your fathers. …

Deuteronomy 28:63-64
Just as it pleased the LORD to make you prosper and multiply, so also it will please Him to annihilate you and destroy you. And you will be uprooted from the land you are entering to possess. / Then the LORD will scatter you among all the nations, from one end of the earth to the other, and there you will worship other gods, gods of wood and stone, which neither you nor your fathers have known.
declares the LORD of Hosts.

Haggai 1:2
that this is what the LORD of Hosts says: “These people say, ‘The time has not yet come to rebuild the house of the LORD.’”

Haggai 2:4
But now be strong, O Zerubbabel, declares the LORD. Be strong, O Joshua son of Jehozadak, the high priest. And be strong, all you people of the land, declares the LORD. Work! For I am with you, declares the LORD of Hosts.

Malachi 1:14
“But cursed is the deceiver who has an acceptable male in his flock and vows to give it, but sacrifices a defective animal to the Lord. For I am a great King,” says the LORD of Hosts, “and My name is to be feared among the nations.
Haggai 2:19
Is there still seed in the barn? The vine, the fig, the pomegranate, and the olive tree have not yet yielded fruit. But from this day on, I will bless you.”


Treasury of Scripture

But now I will not be to the residue of this people as in the former days, said the LORD of hosts.

Zechariah 8:8,9
And I will bring them, and they shall dwell in the midst of Jerusalem: and they shall be my people, and I will be their God, in truth and in righteousness…

Psalm 103:9
He will not always chide: neither will he keep his anger for ever.

Isaiah 11:13
The envy also of Ephraim shall depart, and the adversaries of Judah shall be cut off: Ephraim shall not envy Judah, and Judah shall not vex Ephraim.

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Zechariah 8
1. The restoration of Jerusalem.
9. They are encouraged to build the temple by God's favor to them.
16. Good works are required of them.
18. Joy and blessing are promised.












But now
This phrase indicates a shift in time and circumstance. It suggests a change from previous conditions, highlighting a new era or phase in God's dealings with His people. This transition is often seen in prophetic literature, where God moves from judgment to restoration.

I will not treat
This implies a change in God's actions or intentions. Previously, God had allowed consequences for Israel's disobedience, such as exile and suffering. The phrase suggests a move towards mercy and grace, aligning with God's character as both just and compassionate.

the remnant of this people
The term "remnant" refers to a small, surviving group of people. In biblical context, it often denotes those who remain faithful to God despite widespread unfaithfulness. This concept is significant throughout the Old Testament, as seen in Isaiah 10:20-22 and Micah 5:7-8, where the remnant is preserved for future blessing and restoration.

as I did in the past,”
This phrase recalls the previous judgments and hardships faced by Israel, such as the Babylonian exile. It underscores the contrast between past punishment and future blessing. Historical context includes the destruction of Jerusalem and the temple, which were consequences of Israel's disobedience.

declares the LORD of Hosts.
The title "LORD of Hosts" emphasizes God's sovereignty and power. It is often used in contexts where God is portrayed as a divine warrior or leader of heavenly armies. This declaration assures the people of God's authority and ability to fulfill His promises. The use of this title connects to other scriptures, such as Isaiah 1:9 and Psalm 46:7, where God's might and protection are highlighted.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Zechariah
A prophet who ministered to the Jewish people after their return from Babylonian exile. His messages were meant to encourage the rebuilding of the temple and the spiritual renewal of the people.

2. The Remnant
Refers to the group of Israelites who returned from Babylonian exile. They are the faithful few who have survived past judgments and are now recipients of God's renewed favor.

3. The LORD of Hosts
A title for God emphasizing His sovereignty and command over the heavenly armies. It underscores His power and authority to bring about His promises.

4. Past Judgments
Refers to the period of exile and the hardships faced by the Israelites due to their disobedience. This context highlights the contrast with the new promise of blessing.

5. Jerusalem
The central place of worship and the city where the temple was to be rebuilt. It symbolizes the heart of the Jewish faith and God's dwelling place among His people.
Teaching Points
God's Faithfulness to His Promises
Despite past judgments, God remains faithful to His covenant promises. This encourages believers to trust in God's unchanging nature and His plans for restoration.

The Importance of Repentance and Renewal
The remnant's experience teaches us the value of repentance and spiritual renewal. God desires to bless those who turn back to Him with sincere hearts.

Hope for the Future
Just as God promised a better future for the remnant, believers today can hold onto hope for God's future blessings, even when current circumstances seem challenging.

God's Sovereignty and Authority
Recognizing God as the LORD of Hosts reminds us of His ultimate control over all situations. We can find peace in His sovereign plans.

Community Restoration
The rebuilding of Jerusalem and the temple signifies the importance of community and worship. Believers are called to contribute to the spiritual and communal life of the church.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1. What is the meaning of Zechariah 8:11?

2. How does Zechariah 8:11 show God's change in attitude towards His people?

3. What does "I will not treat the remnant" reveal about God's mercy?

4. How can we apply God's promise of restoration in Zechariah 8:11 today?

5. What other Scriptures highlight God's faithfulness despite past judgments?

6. How does understanding God's grace in Zechariah 8:11 impact our daily lives?

7. How does Zechariah 8:11 reflect God's changing relationship with Israel?

8. What historical context influenced the message of Zechariah 8:11?

99How does Zechariah 8:11 demonstrate God's mercy and justice?

10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Zechariah 8?

11. What is the meaning of 'Branch of the Lord'?

12. What does 'open the windows of heaven' mean?

13. Zechariah 8:4–5: How could elderly men and women thrive in a city with ancient life expectancies and harsh conditions?

14. Haggai 2:19 promises a sudden blessing—why don’t contemporary records show any remarkable change in Judah’s fortunes?
What Does Zechariah 8:11 Mean
But now

- “But now” signals a pivot from judgment to grace. Earlier chapters warned of discipline (Zechariah 1:2-6), yet God loves to turn the page.

- Cross references:

Isaiah 43:19, “Behold, I am doing a new thing.”

Psalm 30:5, “Weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning.”

- The Lord is marking a fresh season for His people—an immediate change in attitude and action on His part.


I will not treat

- God Himself states the initiative; the change is not earned by Israel but granted by Him.

- Cross references:

Hosea 14:4, “I will heal their apostasy; I will love them freely.”

Ephesians 2:4-5 shows the same pattern: “But God, being rich in mercy… made us alive.”

- The phrase underscores divine sovereignty: only the Lord can reverse past dealings.


the remnant of this people

- “Remnant” highlights a preserved group within Israel—those who returned from exile and those who yet remain faithful (cf. Ezra 2; Nehemiah 7).

- Cross references:

Isaiah 10:20-22 speaks of a remnant returning.

Romans 11:5, “So too, at the present time there is a remnant chosen by grace.”

- God’s promises consistently home in on this faithful core, guaranteeing national restoration and spiritual renewal.


as I did in the past

- Past treatment involved famine, defeat, and exile (Zechariah 7:12-14). That era of corrective judgment is contrasted with a coming era of blessing.

- Cross references:

Deuteronomy 28:15-68 outlines earlier curses; Zechariah 8 reverses them (see 8:12, “the seed will prosper, the vine will yield its fruit”).

Haggai 2:17-19 shows God moving from striking to blessing within the same generation.

- The verse assures Israel that former curses will not define their future.


declares the LORD of Hosts

- “LORD of Hosts” (YHWH of armies) stresses power to accomplish what He announces.

- Cross references:

Jeremiah 32:17, “Nothing is too difficult for You.”

Malachi 3:6, “For I, the LORD, do not change; therefore you, O sons of Jacob, are not consumed.”

- Because the Commander of angelic armies speaks, His promise of favor is certain, both for the returned exiles and for Israel’s future restoration under Messiah’s reign.


summary

Zechariah 8:11 marks a decisive shift from punishment to blessing. God, in sovereign mercy, promises that the faithful remnant will no longer experience the hardships that once disciplined them. The same Lord who judged now pledges prosperity, security, and hope, guaranteeing it by His unchanging, all-powerful name.

Verse 11. - But now I will not be. God's attitude towards the people had already changed in consequence of their diligence in the work of restoration. Perowne renders, "Now I am not." The residue; the remnant; the returned Jews (ver. 12; Haggai 1:12). The former days. In the time of their inactivity, when a curse rested upon them and upon their land. The curse was now removed, and a marked amelioration had set in (Haggai 2:15-19).

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
But now
וְעַתָּ֗ה (wə·‘at·tāh)
Conjunctive waw | Adverb
Strong's 6258: At this time

I
אֲנִ֔י (’ă·nî)
Pronoun - first person common singular
Strong's 589: I

will not treat
לֹ֣א (lō)
Adverb - Negative particle
Strong's 3808: Not, no

the remnant
לִשְׁאֵרִ֖ית (liš·’ê·rîṯ)
Preposition-l | Noun - feminine singular construct
Strong's 7611: Rest, residue, remnant, remainder

of this
הַזֶּ֑ה (haz·zeh)
Article | Pronoun - masculine singular
Strong's 2088: This, that

people
הָעָ֣ם (hā·‘ām)
Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 5971: A people, a tribe, troops, attendants, a flock

as I did in the past,”
הָרִֽאשֹׁנִים֙ (hā·ri·šō·nîm)
Article | Adjective - masculine plural
Strong's 7223: First, in place, time, rank

declares
נְאֻ֖ם (nə·’um)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 5002: An oracle

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

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


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OT Prophets: Zechariah 8:11 But now I will not be (Zech. Zec Zc)
Zechariah 8:10
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