Zechariah 8:21
New International Version
and the inhabitants of one city will go to another and say, ‘Let us go at once to entreat the LORD and seek the LORD Almighty. I myself am going.’

New Living Translation
The people of one city will say to the people of another, ‘Come with us to Jerusalem to ask the LORD to bless us. Let’s worship the LORD of Heaven’s Armies. I’m determined to go.’

English Standard Version
The inhabitants of one city shall go to another, saying, ‘Let us go at once to entreat the favor of the LORD and to seek the LORD of hosts; I myself am going.’

Berean Standard Bible
and the residents of one city will go to another, saying: ‘Let us go at once to plead before the LORD and to seek the LORD of Hosts. I myself am going.’

King James Bible
And the inhabitants of one city shall go to another, saying, Let us go speedily to pray before the LORD, and to seek the LORD of hosts: I will go also.

New King James Version
The inhabitants of one city shall go to another, saying, “Let us continue to go and pray before the LORD, And seek the LORD of hosts. I myself will go also.”

New American Standard Bible
The inhabitants of one city will go to another, saying, “Let’s go at once to plead for the favor of the LORD, and to seek the LORD of armies; I also will go.”

NASB 1995
‘The inhabitants of one will go to another, saying, “Let us go at once to entreat the favor of the LORD, and to seek the LORD of hosts; I will also go.”

NASB 1977
‘And the inhabitants of one will go to another saying, “Let us go at once to entreat the favor of the LORD, and to seek the LORD of hosts; I will also go.”

Legacy Standard Bible
The inhabitants of one will go to another, saying, “Let us go at once to entreat the favor of Yahweh and to seek Yahweh of hosts; I will also go.”

Amplified Bible
The inhabitants of one [city] will go to another, saying, “Let us go at once to ask the favor of the LORD and to seek the LORD of hosts. I will go also.”

Christian Standard Bible
the residents of one city will go to another, saying: Let’s go at once to plead for the LORD’s favor and to seek the LORD of Armies. I am also going.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
the residents of one city will go to another, saying: Let’s go at once to plead for the LORD’s favor and to seek the LORD of Hosts. I am also going.

American Standard Version
and the inhabitants of one city shall go to another, saying, Let us go speedily to entreat the favor of Jehovah, and to seek Jehovah of hosts: I will go also.

Contemporary English Version
Those of one town will go to another and say, "We're going to ask the LORD All-Powerful to treat us with kindness. Come and join us."

English Revised Version
and the inhabitants of one city shall go to another, saying, Let us go speedily to entreat the favour of the LORD, and to seek the LORD of hosts: I will go also.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
The citizens of one city will come to another city, saying, "Let's make a habit of going to ask the LORD for a blessing and to seek the LORD of Armies. I'm also going."

Good News Translation
Those from one city will say to those from another, 'We are going to worship the LORD Almighty and pray for his blessing. Come with us!'

International Standard Version
and they will travel from one place to another place and say, "Let's go quickly to pray in the presence of the LORD and to inquire of the LORD of the Heavenly Armies.' And I will go, too.

Majority Standard Bible
and the residents of one city will go to another, saying: ?Let us go at once to plead before the LORD and to seek the LORD of Hosts. I myself am going.?

NET Bible
The inhabitants of one will go to another and say, "Let's go up at once to ask the favor of the LORD, to seek the LORD who rules over all. Indeed, I'll go with you."'

New Heart English Bible
and the inhabitants of one shall go to another, saying, 'Let us go speedily to entreat the favor of the LORD, and to seek the LORD of hosts. I will go also.'

Webster's Bible Translation
And the inhabitants of one city shall go to another, saying, Let us go speedily to pray before the LORD, and to seek the LORD of hosts: I will go also.

World English Bible
The inhabitants of one will go to another, saying, ‘Let’s go speedily to entreat the favor of Yahweh, and to seek Yahweh of Armies. I will go also.’
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
Indeed, inhabitants of one "" Have gone to another, saying, "" We go diligently, "" To appease the face of YHWH, "" To seek YHWH of Hosts—I go, even I.

Young's Literal Translation
Yea, gone have inhabitants of one To another, saying: We go diligently, To appease the face of Jehovah, To seek Jehovah of Hosts -- I go, even I.

Smith's Literal Translation
And the inhabitants of one went to one, saying, We will go, going to beseech the face of Jehovah, and to seek Jehovah of armies: I will go also.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
And the inhabitants go one to another, saying: Let us go, and entreat the face of the Lord, and let us seek the Lord of hosts: I also will go.

Catholic Public Domain Version
and the inhabitants may hurry, one saying to another: “Let us go and entreat the face of the Lord, and let us seek the Lord of hosts. I will go also.”

New American Bible
and the inhabitants of one city will approach those of another, and say, “Come! let us go to implore the favor of the LORD and to seek the LORD of hosts. I too am going.”

New Revised Standard Version
the inhabitants of one city shall go to another, saying, “Come, let us go to entreat the favor of the LORD, and to seek the LORD of hosts; I myself am going.”
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
And the inhabitants of one city shall come to another, saying, Let us go and pray before the LORD and to seek the LORD of hosts; I will go also.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And the dwellers of one shall go to another and they shall say: ‘Come, let us go and we shall pray before LORD JEHOVAH and we shall inquire from LORD JEHOVAH of Hosts’, and I shall go, even I
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
and the inhabitants of one city shall go to another, saying: Let us go speedily to entreat the favour of the LORD, and to seek the LORD of hosts; I will go also.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
and the inhabitants of five cities shall come together to one city, saying, Let us go to make supplication to the Lord, and to seek the face of the Lord Almighty; I will go also.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
The Restoration of Jerusalem
20This is what the LORD of Hosts says: “Peoples will yet come—the residents of many cities— 21and the residents of one city will go to another, saying: ‘Let us go at once to plead before the LORD and to seek the LORD of Hosts. I myself am going.’ 22And many peoples and strong nations will come to seek the LORD of Hosts in Jerusalem and to plead before the LORD.”…

Cross References
Isaiah 2:3
And many peoples will come and say: “Come, let us go up to the mountain of the LORD, to the house of the God of Jacob. He will teach us His ways so that we may walk in His paths.” For the law will go forth from Zion, and the word of the LORD from Jerusalem.

Micah 4:2
And many nations will come and say: “Come, let us go up to the mountain of the LORD, to the house of the God of Jacob. He will teach us His ways, so that we may walk in His paths.” For the law will go forth from Zion and the word of the LORD from Jerusalem.

Jeremiah 31:6
For there will be a day when watchmen will call out on the hills of Ephraim, ‘Arise, let us go up to Zion, to the LORD our God!’”

Isaiah 60:3
Nations will come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your dawn.

Psalm 122:1
A song of ascents. Of David. I was glad when they said to me, “Let us go to the house of the LORD.”

Isaiah 56:7
I will bring them to My holy mountain and make them joyful in My house of prayer. Their burnt offerings and sacrifices will be accepted on My altar, for My house will be called a house of prayer for all the nations.”

Jeremiah 50:5
They will ask the way to Zion and turn their faces toward it. They will come and join themselves to the LORD in an everlasting covenant that will never be forgotten.

Isaiah 66:23
From one New Moon to another and from one Sabbath to another, all mankind will come to worship before Me,” says the LORD.

Psalm 86:9
All the nations You have made will come and bow before You, O Lord, and they will glorify Your name.

Isaiah 45:14
This is what the LORD says: “The products of Egypt and the merchandise of Cush, along with the Sabeans, men of stature, will come over to you and will be yours; they will trudge behind you; they will come over in chains and bow down to you. They will confess to you: ‘God is indeed with you, and there is no other; there is no other God.’”

Matthew 8:11
I say to you that many will come from the east and the west to share the banquet with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob in the kingdom of heaven.

John 4:22
You worship what you do not know; we worship what we do know, for salvation is from the Jews.

Acts 15:17
so that the remnant of men may seek the Lord, and all the Gentiles who are called by My name, says the Lord who does these things

Revelation 21:24
By its light the nations will walk, and into it the kings of the earth will bring their glory.

Luke 13:29
People will come from east and west and north and south, and will recline at the table in the kingdom of God.


Treasury of Scripture

And the inhabitants of one city shall go to another, saying, Let us go speedily to pray before the LORD, and to seek the LORD of hosts: I will go also.

Let.

Psalm 122:1-9
A Song of degrees of David. I was glad when they said unto me, Let us go into the house of the LORD…

speedily.

Hosea 6:3
Then shall we know, if we follow on to know the LORD: his going forth is prepared as the morning; and he shall come unto us as the rain, as the latter and former rain unto the earth.

pray before the Lord.

Zechariah 7:2
When they had sent unto the house of God Sherezer and Regemmelech, and their men, to pray before the LORD,

I will.

Psalm 103:22
Bless the LORD, all his works in all places of his dominion: bless the LORD, O my soul.

Psalm 146:1,2
Praise ye the LORD. Praise the LORD, O my soul…

Jump to Previous
Almighty Appease Armies City Diligently Entreat Face Favor Favour Grace Hosts Inhabitants Once Request Seek Speedily Supplicate Worship
Jump to Next
Almighty Appease Armies City Diligently Entreat Face Favor Favour Grace Hosts Inhabitants Once Request Seek Speedily Supplicate Worship
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.














“The residents of one city”
This phrase highlights the communal aspect of worship and spiritual pursuit. In the Hebrew context, the word for "residents" (יֹשְׁבֵי, yoshev) implies those who dwell or inhabit a place. It suggests a sense of belonging and shared identity. Historically, cities in ancient Israel were often close-knit communities where religious and social life were intertwined. This phrase underscores the collective movement towards God, reflecting a revival or awakening among the people.

“will go to another”
The action of going from one city to another signifies a purposeful journey or pilgrimage. In the ancient Near Eastern context, such journeys were often undertaken for religious festivals or significant events. This movement indicates a breaking of routine and a deliberate effort to seek something greater. It reflects a desire for unity and shared purpose among different communities, emphasizing the importance of fellowship in the pursuit of God.

“saying, ‘Let us go at once”
The urgency in "at once" (נֵלְכָה נָא, nelekha na) conveys a sense of immediacy and eagerness. This phrase suggests a spontaneous and heartfelt response to a divine call. It reflects the enthusiasm and determination of the people to seek God without delay. In a spiritual sense, it encourages believers to respond promptly to God's invitations, highlighting the importance of seizing the moment in spiritual matters.

“to entreat the LORD”
To "entreat" (לְחַלּוֹת, lechannot) means to seek favor or mercy. This phrase indicates a humble approach to God, acknowledging His sovereignty and the need for His grace. In the biblical context, entreating the LORD often involved prayer, repentance, and seeking His guidance. It underscores the relational aspect of faith, where believers are invited to communicate with God and seek His will.

“and seek the LORD of Hosts”
The term "seek" (וּלְבַקֵּשׁ, ulebakesh) implies a diligent and intentional pursuit. The "LORD of Hosts" (יְהוָה צְבָאוֹת, Yahweh Tseva'ot) is a title that emphasizes God's supreme authority over the heavenly armies and all creation. This phrase calls believers to recognize God's power and majesty, encouraging them to seek His presence and guidance earnestly. It reflects a deep longing for divine connection and understanding.

“I myself am going.”
This personal declaration signifies individual commitment and responsibility. It highlights the importance of personal initiative in spiritual matters. While the community aspect is vital, this phrase reminds believers that each person must make their own decision to pursue God. It serves as an inspiration for personal dedication and the courage to lead by example in the journey of faith.

Verse 21. - The inhabitants of one city shall go to another. The LXX. has, "The inhabitants of five cities shall go unto one;" Vulgate, "The inhabitants go one to another." Let us go speedily. The Hebrew is an imperfect followed by an infinitive absolute - an idiom which implies combination, Let us go on and on, continually. So Pusey and Wright. To pray before the Lord; to entreat the favour of the Lord (see note on Zechariah 7:2). The Gentiles would be moved, not only to make pilgrimages to the great annual festivals, but to seek to know the Lord, and how to worship him acceptably. I will go also. The inhabitants answer willingly to those who exhort them. It is quite unnatural to take the clause to mean (as Drake does), "I, Zechariah, will go too, to see the alteration in the mode of observing these fast days."

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
and the residents
יֹשְׁבֵי֩ (yō·šə·ḇê)
Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine plural construct
Strong's 3427: To sit down, to dwell, to remain, to settle, to marry

of one
אַחַ֨ת (’a·ḥaṯ)
Number - feminine singular
Strong's 259: United, one, first

city will go
וְֽהָלְכ֡וּ (wə·hā·lə·ḵū)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - third person common plural
Strong's 1980: To go, come, walk

to
אֶל־ (’el-)
Preposition
Strong's 413: Near, with, among, to

another,
אַחַ֜ת (’a·ḥaṯ)
Number - feminine singular
Strong's 259: United, one, first

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

‘Let us go
נֵלְכָ֤ה (nê·lə·ḵāh)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect Cohortative - first person common plural
Strong's 1980: To go, come, walk

at once to plead
לְחַלּוֹת֙ (lə·ḥal·lō·wṯ)
Preposition-l | Verb - Piel - Infinitive construct
Strong's 2470: To be weak or sick

before
פְּנֵ֣י (pə·nê)
Noun - common plural construct
Strong's 6440: The face

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

and to seek
וּלְבַקֵּ֖שׁ (ū·lə·ḇaq·qêš)
Conjunctive waw, Preposition-l | Verb - Piel - Infinitive construct
Strong's 1245: To search out, to strive after

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

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

I
אָֽנִי׃ (’ā·nî)
Pronoun - first person common singular
Strong's 589: I

myself
גַּם־ (gam-)
Conjunction
Strong's 1571: Assemblage, also, even, yea, though, both, and

am going.’
אֵלְכָ֖ה (’ê·lə·ḵāh)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect Cohortative - first person common singular
Strong's 1980: To go, come, walk


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OT Prophets: Zechariah 8:21 And the inhabitants of one shall go (Zech. Zec Zc)
Zechariah 8:20
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