Zechariah 8:13
New International Version
Just as you, Judah and Israel, have been a curse among the nations, so I will save you, and you will be a blessing. Do not be afraid, but let your hands be strong.”

New Living Translation
Among the other nations, Judah and Israel became symbols of a cursed nation. But no longer! Now I will rescue you and make you both a symbol and a source of blessing. So don’t be afraid. Be strong, and get on with rebuilding the Temple!

English Standard Version
And as you have been a byword of cursing among the nations, O house of Judah and house of Israel, so will I save you, and you shall be a blessing. Fear not, but let your hands be strong.”

Berean Standard Bible
As you have been a curse among the nations, O house of Judah and house of Israel, so I will save you, and you will be a blessing. Do not be afraid; let your hands be strong.”

King James Bible
And it shall come to pass, that as ye were a curse among the heathen, O house of Judah, and house of Israel; so will I save you, and ye shall be a blessing: fear not, but let your hands be strong.

New King James Version
And it shall come to pass That just as you were a curse among the nations, O house of Judah and house of Israel, So I will save you, and you shall be a blessing. Do not fear, Let your hands be strong.’

New American Standard Bible
And it will come about that just as you were a curse among the nations, house of Judah and house of Israel, so I will save you that you may become a blessing. Do not fear; let your hands be strong.’

NASB 1995
‘It will come about that just as you were a curse among the nations, O house of Judah and house of Israel, so I will save you that you may become a blessing. Do not fear; let your hands be strong.’

NASB 1977
‘And it will come about that just as you were a curse among the nations, O house of Judah and house of Israel, so I will save you that you may become a blessing. Do not fear; let your hands be strong.’

Legacy Standard Bible
And it will be that just as you were a curse among the nations, O house of Judah and house of Israel, so I will save you that you may become a blessing. Do not fear; let your hands be strong.’

Amplified Bible
And as you have been a curse among the nations, O house of Judah (Southern Kingdom) and house of Israel (Northern Kingdom), so I will save you, that you may be a blessing. Fear not; let your hands be strong.’

Christian Standard Bible
As you have been a curse among the nations, house of Judah and house of Israel, so I will save you, and you will be a blessing. Don’t be afraid; let your hands be strong.”

Holman Christian Standard Bible
As you have been a curse among the nations, house of Judah and house of Israel, so I will save you, and you will be a blessing. Don’t be afraid; let your hands be strong.”

American Standard Version
And it shall come to pass that, as ye were a curse among the nations, O house of Judah and house of Israel, so will I save you, and ye shall be a blessing. Fear not, but let your hands be strong.

Contemporary English Version
People of Judah and Israel, you have been a curse to the nations, but I will save you and make you a blessing to them. So don't be afraid or lose courage.

English Revised Version
And it shall come to pass that, as ye were a curse among the nations, O house of Judah and house of Israel, so will I save you, and ye shall be a blessing: fear not, but let your hands be strong.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
Just as you, people of Judah and people of Israel, have been a curse among the nations, so I will now save you, and you will become a blessing. Don't be afraid. Let your hands work hard.

Good News Translation
People of Judah and Israel! In the past foreigners have cursed one another by saying, 'May the same disasters fall on you that fell on Judah and Israel!' But I will save you, and then those foreigners will say to one another, 'May you receive the same blessings that came to Judah and Israel!' So have courage and don't be afraid."

International Standard Version
Furthermore, house of Judah and house of Israel, even though you used to be a curse among the nations, now I will surely save you, and you will be a blessing. Stop being afraid. Instead, grow stronger.'"

Majority Standard Bible
As you have been a curse among the nations, O house of Judah and house of Israel, so I will save you, and you will be a blessing. Do not be afraid; let your hands be strong.”

NET Bible
And it will come about that just as you (both Judah and Israel) were a curse to the nations, so I will save you and you will be a blessing. Do not be afraid! Instead, be strong!'

New Heart English Bible
It shall come to pass that, as you were a curse among the nations, house of Judah and house of Israel, so will I save you, and you shall be a blessing. Do not be afraid. Let your hands be strong."

Webster's Bible Translation
And it shall come to pass, that as ye were a curse among the heathen, O house of Judah, and house of Israel; so will I save you, and ye shall be a blessing: fear not, let your hands be strong.

World English Bible
It shall come to pass that, as you were a curse among the nations, house of Judah and house of Israel, so I will save you, and you shall be a blessing. Don’t be afraid. Let your hands be strong.”
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
And it has come to pass, "" As you have been a reviling among nations, "" O house of Judah, and house of Israel, "" So I save you, and you have been a blessing, "" Do not fear, let your hands be strong.

Young's Literal Translation
And it hath come to pass, As ye have been a reviling among nations, O house of Judah, and house of Israel, So I save you, and ye have been a blessing, Do not fear, let your hands be strong.

Smith's Literal Translation
And it was as ye were a curse in the nations, O house of Judah, and house of Israel; so I will save you, and ye were a praise: ye shall not fear; your hands shall be strengthened.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
And it shall come to pass, that as you were a curse among the Gentiles, O house of Juda, and house of Israel: so will I save you, and you shall be a blessing: fear not, let your hands be strengthened.

Catholic Public Domain Version
And this shall be: just as you were a curse among the Gentiles, O house of Judah and house of Israel, so will I save you, and you will be a blessing. Do not be afraid. Let your hands be strengthened.

New American Bible
Just as you became a curse among the nations, O house of Judah and house of Israel, so will I save you that you may be a blessing. Do not fear; let your hands be strong.

New Revised Standard Version
Just as you have been a cursing among the nations, O house of Judah and house of Israel, so I will save you and you shall be a blessing. Do not be afraid, but let your hands be strong.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
And it shall come to pass that as you were a curse among the nations, O house of Judah and house of Israel, so will I save you, and you shall be a blessing; so let your hands be strong, fear not.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
As you of the house of Yehuda and of the house of Israel were a curse among the nations, so I shall save you and you shall be for a blessing and your hands shall be strengthened and you shall not be afraid
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
And it shall come to pass that, as ye were a curse among the nations, O house of Judah and house of Israel, so will I save you, and ye shall be a blessing; fear not, but let your hands be strong.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And it shall come to pass, as ye were a curse among the nations, O house of Juda, and house of Israel; so will I save you, and ye shall be a blessing: be of good courage, and strengthen your hands.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
The Restoration of Jerusalem
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. 13As you have been a curse among the nations, O house of Judah and house of Israel, so I will save you, and you will be a blessing. Do not be afraid; let your hands be strong.” 14For this is what the LORD of Hosts says: “Just as I resolved to bring disaster upon you when your fathers provoked Me to anger, and I did not relent,” says the LORD of Hosts,…

Cross References
Genesis 12:2-3
I will make you into a great nation, and I will bless you; I will make your name great, so that you will be a blessing. / I will bless those who bless you and curse those who curse you; and all the families of the earth will be blessed through you.”

Genesis 22:18
And through your offspring all nations of the earth will be blessed, because you have obeyed My voice.”

Isaiah 19:24-25
In that day Israel will join a three-party alliance with Egypt and Assyria—a blessing upon the earth. / The LORD of Hosts will bless them, saying, “Blessed be Egypt My people, Assyria My handiwork, and Israel My inheritance.”

Jeremiah 33:9
So this city will bring Me renown, joy, praise, and glory before all the nations of the earth, who will hear of all the good I do for it. They will tremble in awe because of all the goodness and prosperity that I will provide for it.

Ezekiel 36:23-24
I will show the holiness of My great name, which has been profaned among the nations—the name you have profaned among them. Then the nations will know that I am the LORD, declares the Lord GOD, when I show My holiness in you before their eyes. / For I will take you from among the nations and gather you out of all the countries, and I will bring you back into your own land.

Hosea 2:23
And I will sow her as My own in the land, and I will have compassion on ‘No Compassion.’ I will say to those called ‘Not My People,’ ‘You are My people,’ and they will say, ‘You are my God.’”

Joel 2:32
And everyone who calls on the name of the LORD will be saved; for on Mount Zion and in Jerusalem there will be deliverance, as the LORD has promised, among the remnant called by the LORD.

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.

Micah 5:7-8
Then the remnant of Jacob will be in the midst of many peoples like dew from the LORD, like showers on the grass, which do not wait for man or linger for mankind. / Then the remnant of Jacob will be among the nations, in the midst of many peoples, like a lion among the beasts of the forest, like a young lion among flocks of sheep, which tramples and tears as it passes through, with no one to rescue them.

Zephaniah 3:19-20
Behold, at that time, I will deal with all who afflict you. I will save the lame and gather the scattered; and I will appoint praise and fame for the disgraced throughout the earth. / At that time I will bring you in; yes, at that time I will gather you. For I will give you fame and praise among all the peoples of the earth when I restore your captives before your very eyes,” says the LORD.

Romans 9:25-26
As He says in Hosea: “I will call them ‘My People’ who are not My people, and I will call her ‘My Beloved’ who is not My beloved,” / and, “It will happen that in the very place where it was said to them, ‘You are not My people,’ they will be called ‘sons of the living God.’”

Romans 11:11-12
I ask then, did they stumble so as to fall beyond recovery? Certainly not! However, because of their trespass, salvation has come to the Gentiles to make Israel jealous. / But if their trespass means riches for the world, and their failure means riches for the Gentiles, how much greater riches will their fullness bring!

Romans 11:25-26
I do not want you to be ignorant of this mystery, brothers, so that you will not be conceited: A hardening in part has come to Israel, until the full number of the Gentiles has come in. / And so all Israel will be saved, as it is written: “The Deliverer will come from Zion; He will remove godlessness from Jacob.

Galatians 3:8-9
The Scripture foresaw that God would justify the Gentiles by faith, and foretold the gospel to Abraham: “All nations will be blessed through you.” / So those who have faith are blessed along with Abraham, the man of faith.

Galatians 3:14
He redeemed us in order that the blessing promised to Abraham would come to the Gentiles in Christ Jesus, so that by faith we might receive the promise of the Spirit.


Treasury of Scripture

And it shall come to pass, that as you were a curse among the heathen, O house of Judah, and house of Israel; so will I save you, and you shall be a blessing: fear not, but let your hands be strong.

a curse.

Deuteronomy 28:37
And thou shalt become an astonishment, a proverb, and a byword, among all nations whither the LORD shall lead thee.

Deuteronomy 29:23-28
And that the whole land thereof is brimstone, and salt, and burning, that it is not sown, nor beareth, nor any grass groweth therein, like the overthrow of Sodom, and Gomorrah, Admah, and Zeboim, which the LORD overthrew in his anger, and in his wrath: …

1 Kings 9:7,8
Then will I cut off Israel out of the land which I have given them; and this house, which I have hallowed for my name, will I cast out of my sight; and Israel shall be a proverb and a byword among all people: …

O house.

Zechariah 1:19
And I said unto the angel that talked with me, What be these? And he answered me, These are the horns which have scattered Judah, Israel, and Jerusalem.

Zechariah 9:13
When I have bent Judah for me, filled the bow with Ephraim, and raised up thy sons, O Zion, against thy sons, O Greece, and made thee as the sword of a mighty man.

Zechariah 10:6
And I will strengthen the house of Judah, and I will save the house of Joseph, and I will bring them again to place them; for I have mercy upon them: and they shall be as though I had not cast them off: for I am the LORD their God, and will hear them.

ye shall.

Zechariah 8:20-23
Thus saith the LORD of hosts; It shall yet come to pass, that there shall come people, and the inhabitants of many cities: …

Zechariah 10:6-9
And I will strengthen the house of Judah, and I will save the house of Joseph, and I will bring them again to place them; for I have mercy upon them: and they shall be as though I had not cast them off: for I am the LORD their God, and will hear them…

Genesis 12:2,3
And I will make of thee a great nation, and I will bless thee, and make thy name great; and thou shalt be a blessing: …

fear not.

Zechariah 8:9
Thus saith the LORD of hosts; Let your hands be strong, ye that hear in these days these words by the mouth of the prophets, which were in the day that the foundation of the house of the LORD of hosts was laid, that the temple might be built.

Isaiah 35:3,4
Strengthen ye the weak hands, and confirm the feeble knees…

Isaiah 41:10-16
Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness…

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Afraid Blessing Byword Children Curse Cursing Fear Hands Heathen House Israel Judah Nations Object Reviling Salvation Save Strong
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Afraid Blessing Byword Children Curse Cursing Fear Hands Heathen House Israel Judah Nations Object Reviling Salvation Save Strong
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.














As you have been a curse among the nations
The phrase "a curse among the nations" refers to the historical context where both the house of Judah and the house of Israel experienced exile and dispersion due to their disobedience to God. The Hebrew word for "curse" is "קְלָלָה" (qelalah), which implies being an object of scorn or a byword for misfortune. Historically, the Israelites' disobedience led to their downfall, making them a cautionary tale among surrounding nations. This phrase underscores the severity of their past condition and the transformative power of God's promise to change their status.

O house of Judah and house of Israel
This phrase addresses both the southern kingdom (Judah) and the northern kingdom (Israel), emphasizing the unity and collective identity of God's people. Despite their division and separate captivities, God's promise of restoration is inclusive, covering all descendants of Jacob. The historical context here is significant, as it reflects the post-exilic period when the remnant of these tribes returned to their homeland, symbolizing hope and renewal.

so will I save you
The promise "so will I save you" is a declaration of divine intervention and redemption. The Hebrew root "יָשַׁע" (yasha) means to deliver or rescue, indicating God's active role in reversing the fortunes of His people. This salvation is not merely physical but also spiritual, pointing to a future where God's people are restored to a right relationship with Him. It reflects the overarching biblical narrative of redemption and the hope of the Messiah.

and you will be a blessing
The transformation from being a curse to becoming "a blessing" is profound. The Hebrew word for "blessing" is "בְּרָכָה" (berakah), which signifies prosperity, peace, and favor. This promise echoes the Abrahamic covenant in Genesis 12:2, where God promises to make Abraham's descendants a blessing to all nations. It highlights the intended role of Israel as a conduit of God's grace and truth to the world.

Do not be afraid
This exhortation, "Do not be afraid," is a common biblical reassurance found throughout Scripture, often accompanying divine promises. The Hebrew phrase "אַל־תִּירָא" (al-tira) is a call to trust in God's faithfulness and sovereignty. In the context of Zechariah, it encourages the returned exiles to have courage and confidence in God's plans, despite the challenges they face in rebuilding their community and temple.

let your hands be strong
The phrase "let your hands be strong" is an encouragement to persevere in the work God has set before them. The Hebrew word "חָזַק" (chazaq) means to be strong or courageous. This call to action is both practical and spiritual, urging the people to engage diligently in the reconstruction of their society and worship. It serves as a reminder that God's promises often require human cooperation and effort, reflecting the partnership between divine sovereignty and human responsibility.

Verse 13. - As ye were a curse among the heathen. As your fate was used as a formula of imprecation among the heathen; e.g. "May your fate be that of the Jews" (see examples of this, 2 Kings 22:19; Isaiah 65:15; Jeremiah 24:9; Jeremiah 29:22). The other way of taking the expression as meaning the object of curse (i.e. as the heathen once used to curse you), is not so suitable. Judah... Israel. This expression includes the twelve tribes, of all of which some members had returned, and continued to return, from the Captivity. They were united now and formed one nation (see note on Zechariah 9:10). So will I save you. In as open and significant a manner will I show that I am delivering and favouring you. Ye shall be a blessing. This must be taken correspondingly to the former phrase, being a "curse;" ye shall be used as a formula for blessing; e.g. "God make thee as Ephraim and as Manasseh" (Genesis 48:20; comp. Ruth 4:11, 12). Fear not (Zephaniah 3:16). "If God be for us, who can be against us?" (Romans 8:31; comp. Numbers 14:9). Let your hands be strong (see note on ver. 9). The LXX. takes the paragraph differently and erroneously: "And it shall be that in like manner as ye were a curse among the nations, O house of Judah and house of Israel, so will I save you, and ye shall be a blessing," i.e. a cause of blessing, Ητε ἐν κατάρᾳ... ἔσεσθε ἐν εὐλογίᾳ.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
As
כַּאֲשֶׁר֩ (ka·’ă·šer)
Preposition-k | Pronoun - relative
Strong's 834: Who, which, what, that, when, where, how, because, in order that

you have been
הֱיִיתֶ֨ם (hĕ·yî·ṯem)
Verb - Qal - Perfect - second person masculine plural
Strong's 1961: To fall out, come to pass, become, be

a curse
קְלָלָ֜ה (qə·lā·lāh)
Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 7045: Vilification

among the nations,
בַּגּוֹיִ֗ם (bag·gō·w·yim)
Preposition-b, Article | Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 1471: A foreign nation, a Gentile, a troop of animals, a flight of locusts

O house
בֵּ֤ית (bêṯ)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 1004: A house

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

and house
וּבֵ֣ית (ū·ḇêṯ)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 1004: A house

of Israel,
יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל (yiś·rā·’êl)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3478: Israel -- 'God strives', another name of Jacob and his desc

so
כֵּ֚ן (kên)
Adverb
Strong's 3651: So -- thus

I will save
אוֹשִׁ֣יעַ (’ō·wō·šî·a‘)
Verb - Hifil - Imperfect - first person common singular
Strong's 3467: To be open, wide, free, to be safe, to free, succor

you,
אֶתְכֶ֔ם (’eṯ·ḵem)
Direct object marker | second person masculine plural
Strong's 853: Untranslatable mark of the accusative case

and you will be
וִהְיִיתֶ֖ם (wih·yî·ṯem)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - second person masculine plural
Strong's 1961: To fall out, come to pass, become, be

a blessing.
בְּרָכָ֑ה (bə·rā·ḵāh)
Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 1293: Benediction, prosperity

Do not
אַל־ (’al-)
Adverb
Strong's 408: Not

be afraid;
תִּירָ֖אוּ (tî·rā·’ū)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - second person masculine plural
Strong's 3372: To fear, to revere, caus, to frighten

let your hands
יְדֵיכֶֽם׃ (yə·ḏê·ḵem)
Noun - fdc | second person masculine plural
Strong's 3027: A hand

be strong.”
תֶּחֱזַ֥קְנָה (te·ḥĕ·zaq·nāh)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person feminine plural
Strong's 2388: To fasten upon, to seize, be strong, obstinate, to bind, restrain, conquer


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OT Prophets: Zechariah 8:13 It shall come to pass that as (Zech. Zec Zc)
Zechariah 8:12
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