Verse (Click for Chapter) 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. Berean Literal Bible Thus says YHWH of Hosts: “Let your⁺ hands be strong, hearing in these days these words by the mouth of the prophets who spoke in the day that the house of YHWH of Hosts was founded to build the temple. 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. Berean Annotated Bible This is what the LORD {YHWH} 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. 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. 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. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleThis 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. 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 VersionThus 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. Berean Literal Bible Thus says YHWH of Hosts: “Let your⁺ hands be strong, hearing in these days these words by the mouth of the prophets who spoke in the day that the house of YHWH of Hosts was founded to build the temple. 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 BibleThus 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 BibleThus 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 1917Thus 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 This is what the LORD of Hosts says: Haggai 1:2 that this is what the LORD of Hosts says: “These people say, ‘The time has not yet come to rebuild the house of the LORD.’” Haggai 1:7 This is what the LORD of Hosts says: “Consider carefully your ways. Haggai 2:6 For this is what the LORD of Hosts says: “Once more, in a little while, I will shake the heavens and the earth, the sea and the dry land. “Let your hands be strong, 2 Samuel 2:7 Now then, be strong and courageous, for though Saul your lord is dead, the house of Judah has anointed me as their king.” 2 Chronicles 15:7 But as for you, be strong; do not be discouraged, for your work will be rewarded.” Nehemiah 6:9 For they were all trying to frighten us, saying, “Their hands will be weakened in the work, and it will never be finished.” But now, my God, strengthen my hands. you who now hear these words spoken by the prophets 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. Haggai 1:12-14 Then Zerubbabel son of Shealtiel and Joshua son of Jehozadak, the high priest, as well as all the remnant of the people, obeyed the voice of the LORD their God and the words of the prophet Haggai, because the LORD their God had sent him. So the people feared the LORD. / Haggai, the messenger of the LORD, delivered the message of the LORD to the people: “I am with you,” declares the LORD. / So the LORD stirred the spirit of Zerubbabel son of Shealtiel, governor of Judah, and the spirit of Joshua son of Jehozadak, the high priest, as well as the spirit of all the remnant of the people. And they came and began the work on the house of the LORD of Hosts, their God, 2 Chronicles 36:15-16 Again and again the LORD, the God of their fathers, sent word to His people through His messengers because He had compassion on them and on His dwelling place. / But they mocked the messengers of God, despising His words and scoffing at His prophets, until the wrath of the LORD against His people was stirred up beyond remedy. who were present when the foundations were laid to rebuild the temple, Ezra 3:10-11 When the builders had laid the foundation of the temple of the LORD, the priests in their apparel with trumpets, and the Levites (the sons of Asaph) with cymbals, took their positions to praise the LORD, as David king of Israel had prescribed. / And they sang responsively with praise and thanksgiving to the LORD: “For He is good; for His loving devotion to Israel endures forever.” Then all the people gave a great shout of praise to the LORD, because the foundation of the house of the LORD had been laid. Ezra 3:12-13 But many of the older priests, Levites, and family heads who had seen the first temple wept loudly when they saw the foundation of this temple. Still, many others shouted joyfully. / The people could not distinguish the shouts of joy from the sound of weeping, because the people were making so much noise. And the sound was heard from afar. Ezra 5:16 So this Sheshbazzar came and laid the foundation of the house of God in Jerusalem, and from that time until now it has been under construction, but it has not yet been completed.” the house of the LORD of Hosts. Haggai 1:14-15 So the LORD stirred the spirit of Zerubbabel son of Shealtiel, governor of Judah, and the spirit of Joshua son of Jehozadak, the high priest, as well as the spirit of all the remnant of the people. And they came and began the work on the house of the LORD of Hosts, their God, / on the twenty-fourth day of the sixth month, in the second year of King Darius. Haggai 1:8 Go up into the hills, bring down lumber, and build the house, so that I may take pleasure in it and be glorified, says the LORD. Ezra 6:14-15 So the Jewish elders built and prospered through the prophesying of Haggai the prophet and Zechariah son of Iddo. They finished building according to the command of the God of Israel and the decrees of Cyrus, Darius, and Artaxerxes, kings of Persia. / And this temple was completed on the third day of the month of Adar, in the sixth year of the reign of King Darius. 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. 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; Jump to Previous Armies Built Foundation Hands Hear Hosts House Laid Mouth Prophets Strong Temple WordsJump to Next Armies Built Foundation Hands Hear Hosts House Laid Mouth Prophets Strong Temple WordsZechariah 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: The title "LORD of Hosts" emphasizes God's sovereignty and command over the heavenly armies. It is a reminder of His power and authority, often used in contexts where God is asserting His will or providing assurance of His protection and strength. This phrase sets the tone for a divine directive, underscoring the importance and seriousness of the message that follows. 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: Persons / Places / Events 1. ZechariahA prophet who ministered to the Jewish people after their return from Babylonian exile. His messages were meant to encourage the rebuilding of the temple and spiritual renewal. 2. The LORD of Hosts A title for God emphasizing His sovereignty and command over the heavenly armies, underscoring His power and authority. 3. The Prophets Refers to the prophets who were active during the time of the temple's foundation being laid, such as Haggai and Zechariah himself, who encouraged the people to complete the temple. 4. The Foundation of the Temple The initial stage of rebuilding the temple in Jerusalem, which had been destroyed by the Babylonians. This was a significant event symbolizing the restoration of worship and community life. 5. The Rebuilding of the Temple A central task for the returned exiles, representing not just physical reconstruction but also spiritual renewal and commitment to God. Teaching Points Strength in ObedienceThe call to "let your hands be strong" emphasizes the need for perseverance and strength in following God's commands, especially in challenging tasks. The Role of Prophetic Encouragement Just as the prophets encouraged the Israelites, believers today can find strength and motivation through the words of Scripture and prophetic voices in their lives. Foundation of Faith The laying of the temple's foundation symbolizes the importance of a strong spiritual foundation in Christ, upon which believers build their lives. Community and Worship The rebuilding of the temple was a communal effort, highlighting the importance of unity and collective worship in the life of the church. Divine Assurance The involvement of the "LORD of Hosts" assures believers of God's presence and power in their endeavors, encouraging trust and reliance on Him. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of Zechariah 8:9?2. How does Zechariah 8:9 encourage us to be strong in our faith? 3. What does "hands be strong" mean for believers today in their daily walk? 4. How does Zechariah 8:9 connect to Ephesians 6:10 about spiritual strength? 5. In what ways can we "hear these words" and apply them today? 6. How can church leaders implement the message of Zechariah 8:9 in ministry? 7. What does Zechariah 8:9 reveal about God's expectations for His people during rebuilding times? 8. How does Zechariah 8:9 encourage perseverance in the face of adversity? 9. What historical context surrounds the message in Zechariah 8:9? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Zechariah 8? 11. Zechariah 8:13: How could the house of Judah and Israel become blessings to other nations in light of ongoing regional strife? 12. How does Zechariah 9:8 say no oppressor shall pass through Jerusalem again, yet Jerusalem has been conquered repeatedly thereafter? 13. Jeremiah 11:18-23: How do these threats on Jeremiah's life align with the idea of divine protection for those who follow God's will? 14. What is Zerubbabel's significance to the Second Temple? What Does Zechariah 8:9 Mean This is what the LORD of Hosts says:The verse begins by anchoring everything that follows in the authority of the LORD of Hosts—Yahweh Sabaoth, the Commander of angel armies. Because He is sovereign, His words are not suggestions but binding, life-giving directives. • Isaiah 44:6 echoes this divine self-presentation: “Thus says the LORD, the King of Israel and his Redeemer, the LORD of Hosts: ‘I am the first and I am the last.’” • Malachi 3:6 reminds us, “For I, the LORD, do not change,” underlining that the same God who spoke through Zechariah remains steadfast today. Let your hands be strong, God calls His people to courageous, diligent action. The phrase urges perseverance in the rebuilding work despite opposition and discouragement. • Haggai 2:4 repeats the charge: “But now take courage… and work; for I am with you, declares the LORD of Hosts.” • 1 Corinthians 15:58 applies the timeless principle: “Be steadfast, immovable, always excelling in the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.” • Joshua 1:9 shows the pattern: strength is possible because the LORD Himself is with His people. you who now hear these words spoken by the prophets The audience is the remnant that has returned from exile and is currently listening to prophetic voices—Zechariah and Haggai—who reinforce God’s revealed will. • Romans 10:17 notes, “Faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of Christ,” highlighting the necessity of receiving God’s message. • 2 Peter 1:19 points to “the prophetic word confirmed,” underscoring the reliability of these exhortations. who were present when the foundations were laid to rebuild the temple, Many hearers had witnessed the original groundbreaking sixteen years earlier (Ezra 3:10-11). Their memory of that hopeful day fuels responsibility to finish what was started. • Ezra 5:2 records that “Zerubbabel… and Jeshua… began to rebuild the house of God… and the prophets… were with them, supporting them.” • Revelation 3:2 applies the same principle spiritually: “Wake up and strengthen what remains and is about to die.” the house of the LORD of Hosts. The project in view is not merely architectural; it is the restoration of covenant worship and God’s manifest presence among His people. • 1 Kings 8:13 called the earlier temple “a lofty house for You, a place for You to dwell forever.” • 1 Corinthians 3:16 draws the line forward: “You yourselves are God’s temple,” showing that the physical temple foreshadows the corporate body of believers indwelt by the Spirit. summary Zechariah 8:9 is a rallying cry from the all-powerful LORD, urging the returned exiles to resume and finish rebuilding His temple. Because the command comes from the unchanging Commander of angel armies, the people can “let [their] hands be strong,” drawing courage from His presence and previous prophetic confirmation. The verse calls every generation of believers to heed God’s Word, persevere in His work, and prioritize His dwelling place—whether the restored temple of Zechariah’s day or the living temple of Christ’s body today. 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 whatכֹּֽה־ (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 Links Zechariah 8:9 NIVZechariah 8:9 NLT Zechariah 8:9 ESV Zechariah 8:9 NASB Zechariah 8:9 KJV Zechariah 8:9 BibleApps.com Zechariah 8:9 Biblia Paralela Zechariah 8:9 Chinese Bible Zechariah 8:9 French Bible Zechariah 8:9 Catholic Bible OT Prophets: Zechariah 8:9 Thus says Yahweh of Armies: Let your (Zech. 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