Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version And many peoples and powerful nations will come to Jerusalem to seek the LORD Almighty and to entreat him.” New Living Translation Many peoples and powerful nations will come to Jerusalem to seek the LORD of Heaven’s Armies and to ask for his blessing. English Standard Version Many peoples and strong nations shall come to seek the LORD of hosts in Jerusalem and to entreat the favor of the LORD. Berean Standard Bible And many peoples and strong nations will come to seek the LORD of Hosts in Jerusalem and to plead before the LORD.” Berean Literal Bible And will come many peoples and strong nations to seek YHWH of Hosts in Jerusalem, and to ask for favor before the face of YHWH.” King James Bible Yea, many people and strong nations shall come to seek the LORD of hosts in Jerusalem, and to pray before the LORD. New King James Version Yes, many peoples and strong nations Shall come to seek the LORD of hosts in Jerusalem, And to pray before the LORD.’ New American Standard Bible So many peoples and mighty nations will come to seek the LORD of armies in Jerusalem, and to plead for the favor of the LORD.’ NASB 1995 ‘So many peoples and mighty nations will come to seek the LORD of hosts in Jerusalem and to entreat the favor of the LORD.’ NASB 1977 ‘So many peoples and mighty nations will come to seek the LORD of hosts in Jerusalem and to entreat the favor of the LORD.’ Legacy Standard Bible So many peoples and mighty nations will come to seek Yahweh of hosts in Jerusalem and to entreat the favor of Yahweh.’ Amplified Bible So many peoples and powerful nations will come to seek the LORD of hosts in Jerusalem and to ask the LORD for His favor.’ Berean Annotated Bible And many peoples and strong nations will come to seek the LORD {YHWH} of Hosts in Jerusalem (city of peace) and to plead before the LORD. Christian Standard Bible Many peoples and strong nations will come to seek the LORD of Armies in Jerusalem and to plead for the LORD’s favor.” Holman Christian Standard Bible Many peoples and strong nations will come to seek the LORD of Hosts in Jerusalem and to plead for the LORD’s favor.” American Standard Version Yea, many peoples and strong nations shall come to seek Jehovah of hosts in Jerusalem, and to entreat the favor of Jehovah. Contemporary English Version Many people from strong nations will come to Jerusalem to worship me and to ask me to treat them with kindness. English Revised Version Yea, many peoples and strong nations shall come to seek the LORD of hosts in Jerusalem, and to entreat the favour of the LORD. GOD'S WORD® Translation Many people and powerful nations will come to seek the LORD of Armies in Jerusalem and to ask the LORD for a blessing. Good News Translation Many peoples and powerful nations will come to Jerusalem to worship the LORD Almighty and to pray for his blessing. International Standard Version Many people and powerful nations will come to inquire of the LORD of the Heavenly Armies in Jerusalem, and to pray in the presence of the LORD."'" NET Bible Many peoples and powerful nations will come to Jerusalem to seek the LORD who rules over all and to ask his favor. New Heart English Bible Yes, many peoples and strong nations will come to seek the LORD of hosts in Jerusalem, and to entreat the favor of the LORD." Webster's Bible Translation And many people and strong nations shall come to seek the LORD of hosts in Jerusalem, and to pray before the LORD. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleAnd many peoples and strong nations will come to seek the LORD of Hosts in Jerusalem and to plead before the LORD.” World English Bible Yes, many peoples and strong nations will come to seek Yahweh of Armies in Jerusalem and to entreat the favor of Yahweh.” Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionIndeed, many peoples have come in, and mighty nations, "" To seek YHWH of Hosts in Jerusalem, "" And to appease the face of YHWH. Berean Literal Bible And will come many peoples and strong nations to seek YHWH of Hosts in Jerusalem, and to ask for favor before the face of YHWH.” Young's Literal Translation Yea, come in have many peoples, and mighty nations, To seek Jehovah of Hosts in Jerusalem, And to appease the face of Jehovah. Smith's Literal Translation And many peoples and strong nations came to seek Jehovah of armies in Jerusalem, and to beseech the face of Jehovah. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleAnd many peoples, and strong nations shall come to seek the Lord of hosts in Jerusalem, and to entreat the face of the Lord. Catholic Public Domain Version And many peoples and strong nations will approach, seeking the Lord of hosts in Jerusalem, and to entreat the face of the Lord. New American Bible Many peoples and strong nations will come to seek the LORD of hosts in Jerusalem and to implore the favor of the LORD. New Revised Standard Version Many peoples and strong nations shall come to seek the LORD of hosts in Jerusalem, and to entreat the favor of the LORD. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleYea, many people and strong nations shall come to seek the LORD of hosts in Jerusalem and to pray before the LORD. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated And the many nations shall come and the strong nations to seek LORD JEHOVAH of Hosts in Jerusalem, and to pray before LORD JEHOVAH OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917Yea, many peoples and mighty nations shall come to seek the LORD of hosts in Jerusalem, and to entreat the favour of the LORD. Brenton Septuagint Translation And many peoples and many nations shall come to seek earnestly the face of the Lord Almighty in Jerusalem, and to obtain favour of the Lord. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context The Restoration of Jerusalem…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.” 23This is what the LORD of Hosts says: “In those days ten men from the nations of every tongue will tightly grasp the robe of a Jew, saying, ‘Let us go with you, for we have heard that God is with you.’ ”… Cross References And many peoples and strong nations Isaiah 2:2-3 In the last days the mountain of the house of the LORD will be established as the chief of the mountains; it will be raised above the hills, and all nations will stream to it. / 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 4:1-2 In the last days the mountain of the house of the LORD will be established as the chief of the mountains; it will be raised above the hills, and the peoples will stream to it. / 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. Isaiah 60:3-5 Nations will come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your dawn. / Lift up your eyes and look around: They all gather and come to you; your sons will come from afar, and your daughters will be carried on the arm. / Then you will look and be radiant, and your heart will tremble and swell with joy, because the riches of the sea will be brought to you, and the wealth of the nations will come to you. will come to seek the LORD of Hosts Amos 5:4-6 For this is what the LORD says to the house of Israel: “Seek Me and live! / Do not seek Bethel or go to Gilgal; do not journey to Beersheba, for Gilgal will surely go into exile, and Bethel will come to nothing. / 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 55:6-7 Seek the LORD while He may be found; call on Him while He is near. / Let the wicked man forsake his way and the unrighteous man his thoughts; let him return to the LORD, that He may have compassion, and to our God, for He will freely pardon. 1 Chronicles 16:10-11 Glory in His holy name; let the hearts of those who seek the LORD rejoice. / Seek out the LORD and His strength; seek His face always. in Jerusalem Isaiah 24:23 The moon will be confounded and the sun will be ashamed; for the LORD of Hosts will reign on Mount Zion and in Jerusalem, and before His elders with great glory. Jeremiah 3:17 At that time they will call Jerusalem The Throne of the LORD, and all the nations will be gathered in Jerusalem to honor the name of the LORD. They will no longer follow the stubbornness of their evil hearts. Joel 3:16-17 The LORD will roar from Zion and raise His voice from Jerusalem; heaven and earth will tremble. But the LORD will be a refuge for His people, a stronghold for the people of Israel. / Then you will know that I am the LORD your God, who dwells in Zion, My holy mountain. Jerusalem will be holy, never again to be overrun by foreigners. and to plead before the LORD.” 1 Kings 8:41-43 And as for the foreigner who is not of Your people Israel but has come from a distant land because of Your name— / for they will hear of Your great name and mighty hand and outstretched arm—when he comes and prays toward this temple, / then may You hear from heaven, Your dwelling place, and do according to all for which the foreigner calls to You. Then all the peoples of the earth will know Your name and fear You, as do Your people Israel, and they will know that this house I have built is called by Your Name. 2 Chronicles 6:32-33 And as for the foreigner who is not of Your people Israel but has come from a distant land because of Your great name and Your mighty hand and outstretched arm—when he comes and prays toward this temple, / then may You hear from heaven, Your dwelling place, and do according to all for which the foreigner calls to You. Then all the peoples of the earth will know Your name and fear You, as do Your people Israel, and they will know that this house I have built is called by Your Name. 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.” Isaiah 56:6-7 And the foreigners who join themselves to the LORD to minister to Him, to love the name of the LORD, and to be His servants—all who keep the Sabbath without profaning it and who hold fast to My covenant— / 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.” 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.’” Isaiah 66:18-20 “And I, knowing their deeds and thoughts, am coming to gather all nations and tongues, and they will come and see My glory. / I will establish a sign among them, and I will send survivors from among them to the nations—to Tarshish, Put, and the archers of Lud; to Tubal, Javan, and the islands far away who have not heard of My fame or seen My glory. So they will proclaim My glory among the nations. / And they will bring all your brothers from all the nations as a gift to the LORD on horses and chariots and wagons, on mules and camels, to My holy mountain Jerusalem,” says the LORD, “just as the Israelites bring an offering in a clean vessel to the house of the LORD.” Treasury of Scripture Yes, many people and strong nations shall come to seek the LORD of hosts in Jerusalem, and to pray before the LORD. Isaiah 25:7 And he will destroy in this mountain the face of the covering cast over all people, and the vail that is spread over all nations. Isaiah 55:5 Behold, thou shalt call a nation that thou knowest not, and nations that knew not thee shall run unto thee because of the LORD thy God, and for the Holy One of Israel; for he hath glorified thee. Isaiah 60:3-22 And the Gentiles shall come to thy light, and kings to the brightness of thy rising… Jump to Previous Almighty Appease Armies Entreat Face Favor Favour Great Hosts Jerusalem Mighty Nations Peoples Powerful Seek Strong WorshipJump to Next Almighty Appease Armies Entreat Face Favor Favour Great Hosts Jerusalem Mighty Nations Peoples Powerful Seek Strong WorshipZechariah 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. And many peoples and strong nations This phrase indicates a future time when diverse groups from various ethnicities and powerful nations will be drawn to God. Historically, Israel was often surrounded by hostile nations, yet this prophecy envisions a reversal where these nations seek God. This aligns with the Abrahamic promise in Genesis 12:3, where all families of the earth would be blessed through Abraham. It also echoes Isaiah 2:2-3, which speaks of nations streaming to the mountain of the Lord. will come to seek the LORD of Hosts in Jerusalem and to plead before the LORD.” Persons / Places / Events 1. ZechariahA prophet who ministered to the Jewish people after their return from Babylonian exile. His prophecies encouraged the rebuilding of the temple and offered visions of future hope. 2. Jerusalem The central city of worship for the Jewish people, symbolizing God's presence and the focal point of His promises to Israel. 3. The LORD of Hosts A title for God emphasizing His sovereignty and command over the heavenly armies, underscoring His power and authority. 4. Many Peoples and Strong Nations Represents the Gentile nations who will recognize the sovereignty of God and seek Him, indicating a future time of global acknowledgment of the LORD. 5. Pleading Before the LORD This phrase suggests a sincere seeking of God's favor and guidance, indicating a heart posture of humility and dependence on God. Teaching Points God's Universal CallGod's plan includes all nations, not just Israel. This passage encourages believers to embrace a global vision for God's kingdom, recognizing that His salvation is for all peoples. The Centrality of Worship Jerusalem symbolizes the place of God's presence. Believers are called to prioritize worship and seek God's presence in their lives, making Him the center of their existence. The Power of God's Sovereignty The title "LORD of Hosts" reminds us of God's ultimate authority. Trusting in His power should lead us to live confidently, knowing He is in control of all nations and events. The Importance of Humility Pleading before the LORD indicates a humble approach to God. Believers are encouraged to maintain a posture of humility, seeking God's guidance and favor in all aspects of life. Hope for the Future This prophecy points to a future time of peace and unity under God's reign. Christians can find hope in God's promises, looking forward to the fulfillment of His kingdom on earth. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of Zechariah 8:22?2. How can we encourage others to "seek the LORD of Hosts" today? 3. What does Zechariah 8:22 teach about the importance of community in faith? 4. How does Zechariah 8:22 connect with the Great Commission in Matthew 28:19? 5. In what ways can we "entreat the favor of the LORD" in our lives? 6. How can Zechariah 8:22 inspire us to participate in global evangelism efforts? 7. What does Zechariah 8:22 reveal about God's plan for the nations? 8. How does Zechariah 8:22 emphasize the importance of seeking God? 9. Why do many peoples and nations desire to seek the Lord in Zechariah 8:22? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Zechariah 8? 11. Zechariah 8:22–23: How do we reconcile the prophecy that many nations will seek God in Jerusalem with the reality of religious division today? 12. What are Zechariah's prophecies about Jerusalem's future? 13. Are there any historical or archaeological records supporting Isaiah 56’s inclusive vision of foreigners worshiping in the Temple? 14. Psalm 87:4 – How can Rahab (often associated with Egypt) and Babylon both be said to belong to Zion if they were historically distinct cultures? What Does Zechariah 8:22 Mean And many peoples- God’s long-standing promise to bless all the families of the earth comes into view (Genesis 12:3; Psalm 22:27; Revelation 7:9). - “Many” underscores breadth: countless ethnicities, languages, and cultures respond to the Lord’s invitation (Isaiah 55:5). - The verse affirms that salvation history never stalls at Israel’s borders; it funnels outward so the world may taste covenant grace (Isaiah 49:6; Zechariah 2:11). and strong nations - Not only individuals but entire political powers acknowledge God’s supremacy (Psalm 47:3; Isaiah 60:3). - Strength here hints at influence—kingdoms once self-reliant now bend the knee (Zephaniah 2:11; Micah 4:3). - The picture balances humility with hope: no nation is too mighty to be conquered by mercy, nor too distant to be drawn in (Psalm 86:9). will come to seek the LORD of Hosts in Jerusalem - “Come” signals active movement—pilgrimage toward the place God chose for His Name (1 Kings 8:41-43). - Jerusalem remains the prophetic focal point where the Lord’s presence is manifest and His promises converge (Isaiah 2:2-3; Zechariah 14:16). - Seeking is wholehearted pursuit, not casual curiosity (Jeremiah 29:13). It highlights relationship over ritual, intimacy over mere geography (John 12:20-21; Acts 2:5-11). and to plead before the LORD - “Plead” conveys humble petition—coming as supplicants, not tourists (2 Chronicles 6:32-33; Psalm 86:6-7). - The welcome is open: mercy is extended to those who ask (Isaiah 55:6-7). - This anticipates the gospel reality where, through Christ, people “approach the throne of grace with confidence” (Hebrews 4:16). summary Zechariah 8:22 paints a future in which multitudes from every corner of the globe—even the loftiest nations—leave self-reliance behind, travel to the city God chose, and earnestly seek His favor. The verse showcases the worldwide reach of God’s covenant, the irresistibility of His glory, and the promised day when all peoples gather to honor, worship, and petition the LORD of Hosts. Verse 22. - Many people (peoples) and strong nations. This explains ver. 20 more fully. The Jews were not actuated by the missionary spirit, yet even before Christ's advent their religion had spread into all parts of the world, as we see from the catalogue of proselytes in Acts 2:9-11. Intimations of the same fact are given in Ezra 6:21; Esther 8:17. To seek the Lord of hosts in Jerusalem; i.e. to keep the solemn festivals observed there (comp. Isaiah 2:2; Isaiah 66:20-23 Micah 4:1, and note there). The literal fulfilment of this prophecy is not to be looked for. It declares the future conversion of the Gentiles, and their being made one with Israel in the Church of Christ, "one fold under one Shepherd" (John 10:16).Parallel Commentaries ... Hebrew And manyרַבִּים֙ (rab·bîm) Adjective - masculine plural Strong's 7227: Much, many, great peoples עַמִּ֤ים (‘am·mîm) Noun - masculine plural Strong's 5971: A people, a tribe, troops, attendants, a flock and strong עֲצוּמִ֔ים (‘ă·ṣū·mîm) Adjective - masculine plural Strong's 6099: Powerful, numerous nations וְגוֹיִ֣ם (wə·ḡō·w·yim) Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine plural Strong's 1471: A foreign nation, a Gentile, a troop of animals, a flight of locusts will come וּבָ֨אוּ (ū·ḇā·’ū) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - third person common plural Strong's 935: To come in, come, go in, go to seek לְבַקֵּ֛שׁ (lə·ḇaq·qêš) Preposition-l | Verb - Piel - Infinitive construct Strong's 1245: To search out, to strive after the LORD יְהוָ֥ה (Yah·weh) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 3068: LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel of Hosts צְבָא֖וֹת (ṣə·ḇā·’ō·wṯ) Noun - common plural Strong's 6635: A mass of persons, reg, organized for, war, a campaign in Jerusalem בִּירוּשָׁלִָ֑ם (bî·rū·šā·lim) Preposition-b | Noun - proper - feminine singular Strong's 3389: Jerusalem -- probably 'foundation of peace', capital city of all Israel and to plead וּלְחַלּ֖וֹת (ū·lə·ḥal·lō·wṯ) Conjunctive waw, Preposition-l | Verb - Piel - Infinitive construct Strong's 2470: To be weak or sick before פְּנֵ֥י (pə·nê) Noun - common plural construct Strong's 6440: The face the LORD.” יְהוָֽה׃ (Yah·weh) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 3068: LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel Links Zechariah 8:22 NIVZechariah 8:22 NLT Zechariah 8:22 ESV Zechariah 8:22 NASB Zechariah 8:22 KJV Zechariah 8:22 BibleApps.com Zechariah 8:22 Biblia Paralela Zechariah 8:22 Chinese Bible Zechariah 8:22 French Bible Zechariah 8:22 Catholic Bible OT Prophets: Zechariah 8:22 Yes many peoples and strong nations will (Zech. Zec Zc) |



