Zechariah 8:9
New International Version
This is what the LORD Almighty says: “Now hear these words, ‘Let your hands be strong so that the temple may be built.’ This is also what the prophets said who were present when the foundation was laid for the house of the LORD Almighty.

New Living Translation
“This is what the LORD of Heaven’s Armies says: Be strong and finish the task! Ever since the laying of the foundation of the Temple of the LORD of Heaven’s Armies, you have heard what the prophets have been saying about completing the building.

English Standard Version
Thus says the LORD of hosts: “Let your hands be strong, you who in these days have been hearing these words from the mouth of the prophets who were present on the day that the foundation of the house of the LORD of hosts was laid, that the temple might be built.

Berean Standard Bible
This is what the LORD of Hosts says: “Let your hands be strong, you who now hear these words spoken by the prophets who were present when the foundations were laid to rebuild the temple, the house of the LORD of Hosts.

King James Bible
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.

New King James Version
“Thus says the LORD of hosts: ‘Let your hands be strong, You who have been hearing in these days These words by the mouth of the prophets, Who spoke in the day the foundation was laid For the house of the LORD of hosts, That the temple might be built.

New American Standard Bible
“The LORD of armies says this: ‘Let your hands be strong, you who are listening in these days to these words from the mouth of the prophets, those who spoke in the day that the foundation of the house of the LORD of armies was laid, so that the temple might be built.

NASB 1995
“Thus says the LORD of hosts, ‘Let your hands be strong, you who are listening in these days to these words from the mouth of the prophets, those who spoke in the day that the foundation of the house of the LORD of hosts was laid, to the end that the temple might be built.

NASB 1977
“Thus says the LORD of hosts, ‘Let your hands be strong, you who are listening in these days to these words from the mouth of the prophets, those who spoke in the day that the foundation of the house of the LORD of hosts was laid, to the end that the temple might be built.

Legacy Standard Bible
“Thus says Yahweh of hosts, ‘Let your hands be strong, you who are listening in these days to these words from the mouth of the prophets, those who spoke in the day that the foundation of the house of Yahweh of hosts was laid, to the end that the temple might be built.

Amplified Bible
“Thus says the LORD of hosts, ‘Let your hands be strong, you who in these days hear these words from the mouths of the prophets who, on the day that the foundation of the house of the LORD of hosts was laid, foretold that the temple might be rebuilt.

Christian Standard Bible
The LORD of Armies says this: “Let your hands be strong, you who now hear these words that the prophets spoke when the foundations were laid for the rebuilding of the temple, the house of the LORD of Armies.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
The LORD of Hosts says this: “Let your hands be strong, you who now hear these words that the prophets spoke when the foundations were laid for the rebuilding of the temple, the house of the LORD of Hosts.

American Standard Version
Thus saith Jehovah of hosts: Let your hands be strong, ye that hear in these days these words from the mouth of the prophets that were in the day that the foundation of the house of Jehovah of hosts was laid, even the temple, that it might be built.

Contemporary English Version
I am the LORD All-Powerful! So don't give up. Think about the message my prophets spoke when the foundation of my temple was laid.

English Revised Version
Thus saith the LORD of hosts, Let your hands be strong, ye that hear in these days these words from the mouth of the prophets, which were in the day that the foundation of the house of the LORD of hosts was laid, even the temple, that it might be built.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
This is what the LORD of Armies says: Be strong so that the temple might be rebuilt, you people who are presently listening to the words from the mouths of the prophets who spoke when the foundation for the house of the LORD of Armies was laid.

Good News Translation
"Have courage! You are now hearing the same words the prophets spoke at the time the foundation was being laid for rebuilding my Temple.

International Standard Version
"This is what the LORD of the Heavenly Armies says: 'Be strong so the Temple can be built, you who are now listening to this message spoken by the prophets when the foundation was laid to the Temple of the LORD of the Heavenly Armies.

Majority Standard Bible
This is what the LORD of Hosts says: “Let your hands be strong, you who now hear these words spoken by the prophets who were present when the foundations were laid to rebuild the temple, the house of the LORD of Hosts.

NET Bible
"The LORD who rules over all also says, 'Gather strength, you who are listening to these words today from the mouths of the prophets who were there at the founding of the house of the LORD who rules over all, so that the temple might be built.

New Heart English Bible
Thus says the LORD of hosts: "Let your hands be strong, you who hear in these days these words from the mouth of the prophets who were in the day that the foundation of the house of the LORD of hosts was laid, even the temple, that it might be built.

Webster's Bible Translation
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, who were in the day when the foundation of the house of the LORD of hosts was laid, that the temple might be built.

World English Bible
Yahweh of Armies says: “Let your hands be strong, you who hear in these days these words from the mouth of the prophets who were in the day that the foundation of the house of Yahweh of Armies was laid, even the temple, that it might be built.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
Thus said YHWH of Hosts: Let your hands be strong, "" You who are hearing in these days these words from the mouth of the prophets, "" That in the day the house of YHWH of Hosts has been founded, "" The temple [is] to be built.

Young's Literal Translation
Thus said Jehovah of Hosts: Let your hands be strong, Ye who are hearing in these days these words from the mouth of the prophets, That in the day the house of Jehovah of Hosts Hath been founded, the temple is to be built.

Smith's Literal Translation
Thus said Jehovah of armies: Your hands shall be strong, ye bearing in these days these words from the mouth of the prophets, which were in the day the house of Jehovah of armies was founded for the temple to be built.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
Thus saith the Lord of hosts: Let your hands be strengthened, you that hear in these days these words by the mouth of the prophets, in the day that the house of the Lord of hosts was founded, that the temple might be built.

Catholic Public Domain Version
Thus says the Lord of hosts: Let your hands be strengthened, you who, in those days, are listening to these words by the mouth of the prophets, in the day that the house of the Lord of hosts has been founded, so that the temple may be built.

New American Bible
Thus says the LORD of hosts: Let your hands be strong, you who now hear these words which were spoken by the prophets when the foundation of the house of the LORD of hosts was laid for the building of the temple.

New Revised Standard Version
Thus says the LORD of hosts: Let your hands be strong—you that have recently been hearing these words from the mouths of the prophets who were present when the foundation was laid for the rebuilding of the temple, the house of the LORD of hosts.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
Thus says the LORD of hosts: Let your hands be strong, all of you who hear in these days these words from the mouth of the prophets that were since the day that the foundation of the house of the LORD of hosts was laid, that the temple might be built.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
In this way, says LORD JEHOVAH of Hosts, the hands of all who have heard these words from the mouths of the Prophets shall be strengthened in those days, from the day when the foundation of the temple of LORD JEHOVAH of Hosts to be built was laid
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
Thus saith the LORD of hosts: Let your hands be strong, ye that hear in these days these words from the mouth of the prophets that were in the day that the foundation of the house of the LORD of hosts was laid, even the temple, that it might be built.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
Thus saith the Lord Almighty; Let your hands be strong, ye that hear in these days these words out of the mouth of the prophets, from the day that the house of the Lord Almighty was founded, and from the time that the temple was built.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
The Restoration of Jerusalem
8I will bring them back to dwell in Jerusalem, where they will be My people, and I will be their faithful and righteous God.” 9This is what the LORD of Hosts says: “Let your hands be strong, you who now hear these words spoken by the prophets who were present when the foundations were laid to rebuild the temple, the house of the LORD of Hosts. 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.…

Cross References
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.

Ezra 5:1-2
Later, the prophets Haggai and Zechariah son of Iddo prophesied to the Jews in Judah and Jerusalem in the name of the God of Israel, who was over them. / Then Zerubbabel son of Shealtiel and Jeshua son of Jozadak rose up and began to rebuild the house of God in Jerusalem. And the prophets of God were with them, helping them.

1 Chronicles 28:20
David also said to Solomon his son, “Be strong and courageous, and do it. Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the LORD God, my God, is with you. He will neither fail you nor forsake you before all the work for the service of the house of the LORD is finished.

Isaiah 35:3-4
Strengthen the limp hands and steady the feeble knees! / Say to those with anxious hearts: “Be strong, do not fear! Behold, your God will come with vengeance. With divine retribution He will come to save you.”

Joshua 1:6-7
Be strong and courageous, for you shall give these people the inheritance of the land that I swore to their fathers I would give them. / Above all, be strong and very courageous. Be careful to observe all the law that My servant Moses commanded you. Do not turn from it to the right or to the left, so that you may prosper wherever you go.

2 Chronicles 15:7
But as for you, be strong; do not be discouraged, for your work will be rewarded.”

Nehemiah 2:18
I also told them about the gracious hand of my God upon me, and what the king had said to me. “Let us start rebuilding,” they replied, and they set their hands to this good work.

Isaiah 41:6-7
Each one helps the other and says to his brother, “Be strong!” / The craftsman encourages the goldsmith, and he who wields the hammer cheers him who strikes the anvil, saying of the welding, “It is good.” He nails it down so it will not be toppled.

1 Corinthians 15:58
Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast and immovable. Always excel in the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.

Philippians 2:12-13
Therefore, my beloved, just as you have always obeyed, not only in my presence, but now even more in my absence, continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling. / For it is God who works in you to will and to act on behalf of His good purpose.

Ephesians 6:10
Finally, be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power.

1 Thessalonians 5:11
Therefore encourage and build one another up, just as you are already doing.

Hebrews 12:12
Therefore strengthen your limp hands and weak knees.

2 Timothy 2:1
You therefore, my child, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus.

1 Peter 1:13
Therefore prepare your minds for action. Be sober-minded. Set your hope fully on the grace to be given you at the revelation of Jesus Christ.


Treasury of Scripture

Thus said the LORD of hosts; Let your hands be strong, you 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.

Let.

Zechariah 8:13,18
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…

Joshua 1:6,8
Be strong and of a good courage: for unto this people shalt thou divide for an inheritance the land, which I sware unto their fathers to give them…

1 Chronicles 22:13
Then shalt thou prosper, if thou takest heed to fulfil the statutes and judgments which the LORD charged Moses with concerning Israel: be strong, and of good courage; dread not, nor be dismayed.

the prophets.

Ezra 5:1,2
Then the prophets, Haggai the prophet, and Zechariah the son of Iddo, prophesied unto the Jews that were in Judah and Jerusalem in the name of the God of Israel, even unto them…

Haggai 1:1,12
In the second year of Darius the king, in the sixth month, in the first day of the month, came the word of the LORD by Haggai the prophet unto Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel, governor of Judah, and to Joshua the son of Josedech, the high priest, saying, …

Haggai 2:21
Speak to Zerubbabel, governor of Judah, saying, I will shake the heavens and the earth;

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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 of Hosts says
This phrase introduces a divine proclamation, emphasizing the authority and sovereignty of God. The title "LORD of Hosts" (Yahweh Sabaoth) underscores God's command over the heavenly armies and His supreme power. Historically, this title reassures the Israelites of God's protection and His ability to fulfill His promises. It is a call to listen attentively, as the message comes from the ultimate authority.

Let your hands be strong
This exhortation encourages the people to be resolute and diligent. The Hebrew root for "strong" (חָזַק, chazaq) implies firmness and courage. In the historical context, the Israelites were returning from exile and rebuilding the temple. This command is both a literal encouragement to continue the physical labor and a metaphorical call to spiritual and moral fortitude. It inspires believers to persevere in their faith and duties, trusting in God's strength.

you who now hear these words
This phrase addresses the immediate audience, those who are actively listening to the prophetic message. It highlights the importance of being attentive to God's word. In a broader sense, it calls all believers to be receptive to divine instruction. The act of hearing is not passive but involves a readiness to act upon what is heard, reflecting a heart open to transformation.

spoken by the prophets
This refers to the messages delivered by God's messengers, emphasizing the continuity and consistency of God's revelation. The prophets were God's mouthpieces, and their words carried divine authority. Historically, the prophets had foretold the restoration of Jerusalem and the temple. This phrase reassures the people that the current message aligns with God's longstanding promises, encouraging trust in His faithfulness.

who were present when the foundation was laid
This phrase connects the current generation with the past, specifically those who witnessed the initial stages of the temple's reconstruction. It serves as a reminder of the community's shared history and God's ongoing work among them. The laying of the foundation symbolizes a new beginning and hope for the future. It encourages believers to remember God's past faithfulness as they face present challenges.

for the house of the LORD of Hosts
This refers to the temple, the central place of worship and God's dwelling among His people. The repetition of "LORD of Hosts" reinforces God's majesty and the sacredness of the temple. Historically, the temple was a symbol of God's presence and covenant with Israel. This phrase calls believers to prioritize their relationship with God and the communal worship that strengthens their faith.

so that the temple might be rebuilt
This final phrase underscores the purpose of the exhortation: the completion of the temple. The rebuilding signifies not just physical restoration but spiritual renewal and the reestablishment of proper worship. It reflects God's desire to dwell among His people and bless them. For contemporary believers, it serves as a metaphor for building one's life on the foundation of faith and commitment to God's purposes.

Verses 9-17. - § 5. The people are exhorted to be of good cheer, for god will henceforth give them his blessing, which, however, was conditional on their obedience. Verse 9. - Let your hands be strong (comp. Haggai 2:15-19). Be of good courage for the work before you (Judges 7:11; Isaiah 35:3; Ezekiel 22:14). By (from) the mouth of the prophets, which were. Who came forward as prophets. These prophets, who prophesied after the foundations of the temple were laid, were Haggai and Zechariah; they are thus distinguished from the pre-exilian seers mentioned in Zechariah 7:7. The same prophets who encouraged you in your work at first are they who have spoken to you words of promise in those days. That the temple might be built; Revised Version, even the temple that it might be built. This could not be predicated of the first foundation, which was followed by a long period of inaction (Ezra 4:24), only terminated by the vigorous exhortations of the prophets, which led to a resumption of the work that might be called a second foundation of the temple.

Parallel Commentaries ...


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

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

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

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

“Let your hands
יְדֵיכֶ֔ם (yə·ḏê·ḵem)
Noun - fdc | second person masculine plural
Strong's 3027: A hand

be strong,
תֶּחֱזַ֣קְנָה (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

you who now
בַּיָּמִ֣ים (bay·yā·mîm)
Preposition-b, Article | Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 3117: A day

hear
הַשֹּֽׁמְעִים֙ (haš·šō·mə·‘îm)
Article | Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine plural
Strong's 8085: To hear intelligently

these
הָאֵ֑לֶּה (hā·’êl·leh)
Article | Pronoun - common plural
Strong's 428: These, those

words
הַדְּבָרִ֣ים (had·də·ḇā·rîm)
Article | Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 1697: A word, a matter, thing, a cause

spoken
אֲ֠שֶׁר (’ă·šer)
Pronoun - relative
Strong's 834: Who, which, what, that, when, where, how, because, in order that

by the prophets
הַנְּבִיאִ֔ים (han·nə·ḇî·’îm)
Article | Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 5030: A spokesman, speaker, prophet

[who were present] when
בְּי֞וֹם (bə·yō·wm)
Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 3117: A day

the foundations were laid
יֻסַּ֨ד (yus·saḏ)
Verb - Pual - Perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 3245: To set, to found, to sit down together, settle, consult

to rebuild
לְהִבָּנֽוֹת׃ (lə·hib·bā·nō·wṯ)
Preposition-l | Verb - Nifal - Infinitive construct
Strong's 1129: To build

the temple,
הַהֵיכָ֖ל (ha·hê·ḵāl)
Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 1964: A large public building, palace, temple

the house
בֵּית־ (bêṯ-)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 1004: A house

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

of Hosts.
צְבָא֛וֹת (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 8:9 Thus says Yahweh of Armies: Let your (Zech. Zec Zc)
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