Zechariah 8:3
New International Version
This is what the LORD says: “I will return to Zion and dwell in Jerusalem. Then Jerusalem will be called the Faithful City, and the mountain of the LORD Almighty will be called the Holy Mountain.”

New Living Translation
“And now the LORD says: I am returning to Mount Zion, and I will live in Jerusalem. Then Jerusalem will be called the Faithful City; the mountain of the LORD of Heaven’s Armies will be called the Holy Mountain.

English Standard Version
Thus says the LORD: I have returned to Zion and will dwell in the midst of Jerusalem, and Jerusalem shall be called the faithful city, and the mountain of the LORD of hosts, the holy mountain.

Berean Standard Bible
This is what the LORD says: “I will return to Zion and dwell in Jerusalem. Then Jerusalem will be called the City of Truth, and the mountain of the LORD of Hosts will be called the Holy Mountain.”

King James Bible
Thus saith the LORD; I am returned unto Zion, and will dwell in the midst of Jerusalem: and Jerusalem shall be called a city of truth; and the mountain of the LORD of hosts the holy mountain.

New King James Version
“Thus says the LORD: ‘I will return to Zion, And dwell in the midst of Jerusalem. Jerusalem shall be called the City of Truth, The Mountain of the LORD of hosts, The Holy Mountain.’

New American Standard Bible
The LORD says this: ‘I will return to Zion and dwell in the midst of Jerusalem. Then Jerusalem will be called the City of Truth, and the mountain of the LORD of armies will be called the Holy Mountain.’

NASB 1995
“Thus says the LORD, ‘I will return to Zion and will dwell in the midst of Jerusalem. Then Jerusalem will be called the City of Truth, and the mountain of the LORD of hosts will be called the Holy Mountain.’

NASB 1977
“Thus says the LORD, ‘I will return to Zion and will dwell in the midst of Jerusalem. Then Jerusalem will be called the City of Truth, and the mountain of the LORD of hosts will be called the Holy Mountain.’

Legacy Standard Bible
Thus says Yahweh, ‘I will return to Zion and will dwell in the midst of Jerusalem. Then Jerusalem will be called the City of Truth, and the mountain of Yahweh of hosts will be called the Holy Mountain.’

Amplified Bible
Thus says the LORD, ‘I shall return to Zion and will dwell in the midst of Jerusalem, and Jerusalem shall be called the [faithful] City of Truth, and the mountain of the LORD of hosts will be called the Holy Mountain.’

Christian Standard Bible
The LORD says this: “I will return to Zion and live in Jerusalem. Then Jerusalem will be called the Faithful City; the mountain of the LORD of Armies will be called the Holy Mountain.”

Holman Christian Standard Bible
The LORD says this: “I will return to Zion and live in Jerusalem. Then Jerusalem will be called the Faithful City, the mountain of the LORD of Hosts, and the Holy Mountain.”

American Standard Version
Thus saith Jehovah: I am returned unto Zion, and will dwell in the midst of Jerusalem: and Jerusalem shall be called The city of truth; and the mountain of Jehovah of hosts, The holy mountain.

Contemporary English Version
I will return to Jerusalem and live there on Mount Zion. Then Jerusalem will be known as my faithful city, and Zion will be known as my holy mountain.

English Revised Version
Thus saith the LORD: I am returned unto Zion, and will dwell in the midst of Jerusalem: and Jerusalem shall be called The city of truth; and the mountain of the LORD of hosts The holy mountain.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
This is what the LORD says: I will return to Zion and live in Jerusalem. Jerusalem will be called the City of Truth. The mountain of the LORD of Armies will be called the holy mountain.

Good News Translation
I will return to Jerusalem, my holy city, and live there. It will be known as the faithful city, and the hill of the LORD Almighty will be called the sacred hill.

International Standard Version
"This is what the LORD says: 'I will return to Zion and I will live in the midst of Jerusalem. And Jerusalem will be called, "The City of Truth" and the mountain of the LORD of the Heavenly Armies will be called, "The Holy Mountain".'

Majority Standard Bible
This is what the LORD says: ?I will return to Zion and dwell in Jerusalem. Then Jerusalem will be called the City of Truth, and the mountain of the LORD of Hosts will be called the Holy Mountain.?

NET Bible
The Lord says, 'I have returned to Zion and will live within Jerusalem. Now Jerusalem will be called "truthful city," "mountain of the LORD who rules over all," "holy mountain."'

New Heart English Bible
Thus says the LORD: "I have returned to Zion, and will dwell in the midst of Jerusalem. Jerusalem shall be called 'The City of Truth;' and the mountain of the LORD of hosts, 'The Holy Mountain.'"

Webster's Bible Translation
Thus saith the LORD; I have returned to Zion, and will dwell in the midst of Jerusalem: and Jerusalem shall be called a city of truth; and the mountain of the LORD of hosts the holy mountain.

World English Bible
Yahweh says: “I have returned to Zion, and will dwell in the middle of Jerusalem. Jerusalem shall be called ‘The City of Truth;’ and the mountain of Yahweh of Armies, ‘The Holy Mountain.’”
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
Thus said YHWH: I have turned back to Zion, "" And I have dwelt in the midst of Jerusalem, "" And Jerusalem has been called The City of Truth, "" And The Mountain of YHWH of Hosts, "" The Holy Mountain.

Young's Literal Translation
Thus said Jehovah: I have turned back unto Zion, And I have dwelt in the midst of Jerusalem, And Jerusalem hath been called 'The city of truth,' And the mountain of Jehovah of Hosts, 'The holy mountain.'

Smith's Literal Translation
Thus said Jehovah: I turned back to Zion, and I dwelt in the midst of Jerusalem: and Jerusalem was called, The city of truth; and the mountain of Jehovah of armies, The holy mountain.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
Thus saith the Lord of hosts: I am returned to Sion, and I will dwell in the midst of Jerusalem: and Jerusalem shall be called The city of truth, and the mountain of the Lord of hosts, The sanctified mountain.

Catholic Public Domain Version
Thus says the Lord of hosts: I have been turned back towards Zion, and I will dwell in the midst of Jerusalem. And Jerusalem will be called: “The City of Truth,” and “The Mountain of the Lord of Hosts, the Sanctified Mountain.”

New American Bible
Thus says the LORD: I have returned to Zion, and I will dwell within Jerusalem; Jerusalem will be called the faithful city, and the mountain of the LORD of hosts, the holy mountain.

New Revised Standard Version
Thus says the LORD: I will return to Zion, and will dwell in the midst of Jerusalem; Jerusalem shall be called the faithful city, and the mountain of the LORD of hosts shall be called the holy mountain.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
Thus says the LORD: I will be comforted in Zion and will dwell in the midst of Jerusalem; and Jerusalem shall be called the city of truth; and the mountain of the LORD of hosts, the holy mountain.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
Thus says LORD JEHOVAH: ‘I am comforted in Zion and I dwell within Jerusalem, and Jerusalem shall be called, The Holy City and the mountain of LORD JEHOVAH of Hosts, the Holy Mountain’
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
Thus saith the LORD: I return unto Zion, and will dwell in the midst of Jerusalem; and Jerusalem shall be called The city of truth; and the mountain of the LORD of hosts The holy mountain.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
Thus saith the Lord; I will return to Sion, and dwell in the midst of Jerusalem: and Jerusalem shall be called a true city, and the mountain of the Lord Almighty a holy mountain.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
The Restoration of Jerusalem
2This is what the LORD of Hosts says: “I am jealous for Zion with great zeal; I am jealous for her with great fervor.” 3This is what the LORD says: “I will return to Zion and dwell in Jerusalem. Then Jerusalem will be called the City of Truth, and the mountain of the LORD of Hosts will be called the Holy Mountain.” 4This is what the LORD of Hosts says: “Old men and old women will again sit along the streets of Jerusalem, each with a staff in hand because of great age.…

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.

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.

Ezekiel 48:35
The perimeter of the city will be 18,000 cubits, and from that day on the name of the city will be: THE LORD IS THERE.”

Isaiah 60:14
The sons of your oppressors will come and bow down to you; all who reviled you will fall facedown at your feet and call you the City of the LORD, Zion of the Holy One of Israel.

Joel 3:17
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.

Isaiah 1:26
I will restore your judges as at first, and your counselors as at the beginning. After that you will be called the City of Righteousness, the Faithful City.”

Isaiah 4:2-3
On that day the Branch of the LORD will be beautiful and glorious, and the fruit of the land will be the pride and glory of Israel’s survivors. / Whoever remains in Zion and whoever is left in Jerusalem will be called holy—all in Jerusalem who are recorded among the living—

Isaiah 62:1-2
For Zion’s sake I will not keep silent, and for Jerusalem’s sake I will not keep still, until her righteousness shines like a bright light, her salvation like a blazing torch. / Nations will see your righteousness, and all kings your glory. You will be called by a new name that the mouth of the LORD will bestow.

Jeremiah 31:23
This is what the LORD of Hosts, the God of Israel, says: “When I restore them from captivity, they will once again speak this word in the land of Judah and in its cities: ‘May the LORD bless you, O righteous dwelling place, O holy mountain.’

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.

Revelation 21:2-3
I saw the holy city, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. / And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying: “Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man, and He will dwell with them. They will be His people, and God Himself will be with them as their God.

Revelation 21:10-11
And he carried me away in the Spirit to a mountain great and high, and showed me the holy city of Jerusalem coming down out of heaven from God, / shining with the glory of God. Its radiance was like a most precious jewel, like a jasper, as clear as crystal.

Hebrews 12:22
Instead, you have come to Mount Zion, to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem. You have come to myriads of angels

Matthew 5:35
or by the earth, for it is His footstool; or by Jerusalem, for it is the city of the great King.

Revelation 3:12
The one who overcomes I will make a pillar in the temple of My God, and he will never again leave it. Upon him I will write the name of My God, and the name of the city of My God (the new Jerusalem that comes down out of heaven from My God), and My new name.


Treasury of Scripture

Thus said the LORD; I am returned to Zion, and will dwell in the middle of Jerusalem: and Jerusalem shall be called a city of truth; and the mountain of the LORD of hosts the holy mountain.

I am.

Zechariah 1:16
Therefore thus saith the LORD; I am returned to Jerusalem with mercies: my house shall be built in it, saith the LORD of hosts, and a line shall be stretched forth upon Jerusalem.

Jeremiah 30:10,11
Therefore fear thou not, O my servant Jacob, saith the LORD; neither be dismayed, O Israel: for, lo, I will save thee from afar, and thy seed from the land of their captivity; and Jacob shall return, and shall be in rest, and be quiet, and none shall make him afraid…

dwell.

Zechariah 2:10,11
Sing and rejoice, O daughter of Zion: for, lo, I come, and I will dwell in the midst of thee, saith the LORD…

Isaiah 12:6
Cry out and shout, thou inhabitant of Zion: for great is the Holy One of Israel in the midst of thee.

Ezekiel 48:35
It was round about eighteen thousand measures: and the name of the city from that day shall be, The LORD is there.

a city.

Zechariah 14:20,21
In that day shall there be upon the bells of the horses, HOLINESS UNTO THE LORD; and the pots in the LORD'S house shall be like the bowls before the altar…

Isaiah 1:21,26
How is the faithful city become an harlot! it was full of judgment; righteousness lodged in it; but now murderers…

Isaiah 60:14
The sons also of them that afflicted thee shall come bending unto thee; and all they that despised thee shall bow themselves down at the soles of thy feet; and they shall call thee, The city of the LORD, The Zion of the Holy One of Israel.

the mountains.

Isaiah 2:2,3
And it shall come to pass in the last days, that the mountain of the LORD'S house shall be established in the top of the mountains, and shall be exalted above the hills; and all nations shall flow unto it…

the holy.

Isaiah 11:9
They shall not hurt nor destroy in all my holy mountain: for the earth shall be full of the knowledge of the LORD, as the waters cover the sea.

Isaiah 65:25
The wolf and the lamb shall feed together, and the lion shall eat straw like the bullock: and dust shall be the serpent's meat. They shall not hurt nor destroy in all my holy mountain, saith the LORD.

Isaiah 66:20
And they shall bring all your brethren for an offering unto the LORD out of all nations upon horses, and in chariots, and in litters, and upon mules, and upon swift beasts, to my holy mountain Jerusalem, saith the LORD, as the children of Israel bring an offering in a clean vessel into the house of the LORD.

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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.














This is what the LORD says
This phrase underscores the divine authority and certainty of the message. The Hebrew term for "LORD" is "YHWH," the sacred and personal name of God, emphasizing His covenant relationship with Israel. This introduction assures the listener that the following promise is not merely a human hope but a divine decree, rooted in God's unchanging nature and His faithfulness to His people.

I will return to Zion
The promise of God's return to Zion is profound, as Zion represents the spiritual and political heart of Israel. Historically, Zion is synonymous with Jerusalem, the city chosen by God for His dwelling place. The Hebrew word "shuv" (return) implies restoration and repentance, suggesting a renewal of God's presence and favor. This return signifies a reversal of past judgments and the re-establishment of God's intimate relationship with His people.

and dwell in Jerusalem
The concept of God dwelling among His people is central to the biblical narrative. The Hebrew word "shakan" (dwell) is related to "Shekinah," the divine presence. This dwelling is not merely a temporary visit but a permanent habitation, indicating God's commitment to be with His people. Historically, this evokes the imagery of the Tabernacle and the Temple, where God's glory resided, and prophetically, it points to the ultimate fulfillment in the New Jerusalem.

Then Jerusalem will be called the City of Truth
The transformation of Jerusalem into the "City of Truth" signifies a profound moral and spiritual renewal. The Hebrew word for "truth" is "emet," which conveys faithfulness, reliability, and integrity. This title indicates that Jerusalem will become a center of divine truth and justice, reflecting God's character. It contrasts with the city's past unfaithfulness and points to a future where God's truth reigns supreme.

and the mountain of the LORD of Hosts
The "mountain of the LORD" refers to Mount Zion, the site of the Temple. The title "LORD of Hosts" (YHWH Sabaoth) emphasizes God's sovereignty and power as the commander of heavenly armies. This phrase highlights the majesty and authority of God, who rules over all creation. The mountain symbolizes stability, strength, and divine presence, serving as a beacon of hope and refuge for God's people.

will be called the Holy Mountain
The designation "Holy Mountain" underscores the sanctity and set-apart nature of this place. The Hebrew word "qadosh" (holy) signifies purity, consecration, and separation from the profane. This holiness is not inherent but derived from God's presence, which sanctifies the mountain. It points to a future where God's holiness permeates all aspects of life, transforming Jerusalem into a place of worship and reverence, fulfilling God's ultimate purpose for His creation.

Verse 3. - I am returned (Zechariah 1:16); I return. When Jerusalem was taken and given over to the enemy, God seemed to have deserted her (Ezekiel 10:18; Ezekiel 11:23); but new the restoration of the exiles, the rebuilding of the temple, the voice of prophecy, showed that the Lord had returned, and that new he will dwell in the midst of Jerusalem (Zechariah 2:10). A city of truth; city of truth; no longer full of lies and treachery and infidelity. God dwelling therein, it shall be "the faithful city" (Isaiah 1:26), in which all that is true and real shall flourish (comp. ver. 16; Zephaniah 3:13). The holy mountain. The hill whereon the temple is built shall be called the holy mountain, because the Lord dwelt in the sanctuary. The prophecy in this and the following verses received a partial fulfilment in the days between Zerubbabel and Christ; but there is a further accomplishment in store.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
This is what
כֹּ֚ה (kōh)
Adverb
Strong's 3541: Like this, thus, here, now

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

says:
אָמַ֣ר (’ā·mar)
Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 559: To utter, say

“I will return
שַׁ֚בְתִּי (ḇə·tî)
Verb - Qal - Perfect - first person common singular
Strong's 7725: To turn back, in, to retreat, again

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

Zion
צִיּ֔וֹן (ṣî·yō·wn)
Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 6726: Zion -- a mountain in Jerusalem, also a name for Jerusalem

and dwell
וְשָׁכַנְתִּ֖י (wə·šā·ḵan·tî)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - first person common singular
Strong's 7931: To settle down, abide, dwell

in
בְּת֣וֹךְ (bə·ṯō·wḵ)
Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 8432: A bisection, the centre

Jerusalem.
יְרֽוּשָׁלִָ֑ם (yə·rū·šā·lim)
Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 3389: Jerusalem -- probably 'foundation of peace', capital city of all Israel

Then Jerusalem
יְרוּשָׁלִַ֙ם֙ (yə·rū·šā·lim)
Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 3389: Jerusalem -- probably 'foundation of peace', capital city of all Israel

will be called
וְנִקְרְאָ֤ה (wə·niq·rə·’āh)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Nifal - Conjunctive perfect - third person feminine singular
Strong's 7121: To call, proclaim, read

the City
עִ֣יר־ (‘îr-)
Noun - feminine singular construct
Strong's 5892: Excitement

of Truth,
הָֽאֱמֶ֔ת (hā·’ĕ·meṯ)
Article | Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 571: Stability, certainty, truth, trustworthiness

and the mountain
וְהַר־ (wə·har-)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 2022: Mountain, hill, hill country

of 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

[will be called] the Holy
הַקֹּֽדֶשׁ׃ (haq·qō·ḏeš)
Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 6944: A sacred place, thing, sanctity

Mountain.”
הַ֥ר (har)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 2022: Mountain, hill, hill country


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OT Prophets: Zechariah 8:3 Thus says Yahweh: I have returned (Zech. Zec Zc)
Zechariah 8:2
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