Zechariah 9:8 But I will camp around My house because of an army, because of those who march to and fro, and never again will an oppressor overrun My people, for now I keep watch with My own eyes.

◄ Zechariah 9:8 ►

New International Version
But I will encamp at my temple to guard it against marauding forces. Never again will an oppressor overrun my people, for now I am keeping watch.

New Living Translation
I will guard my Temple and protect it from invading armies. I am watching closely to ensure that no more foreign oppressors overrun my people’s land.

English Standard Version
Then I will encamp at my house as a guard, so that none shall march to and fro; no oppressor shall again march over them, for now I see with my own eyes.

Berean Standard Bible
But I will camp around My house because of an army, because of those who march to and fro, and never again will an oppressor overrun My people, for now I keep watch with My own eyes.

King James Bible
And I will encamp about mine house because of the army, because of him that passeth by, and because of him that returneth: and no oppressor shall pass through them any more: for now have I seen with mine eyes.

New King James Version
I will camp around My house Because of the army, Because of him who passes by and him who returns. No more shall an oppressor pass through them, For now I have seen with My eyes.

New American Standard Bible
But I will camp around My house because of an army, Because of him who passes by and returns; And no oppressor will pass over them anymore, For now I have seen with My eyes.

NASB 1995
But I will camp around My house because of an army, Because of him who passes by and returns; And no oppressor will pass over them anymore, For now I have seen with My eyes.

NASB 1977
But I will camp around My house because of an army, Because of him who passes by and returns; And no oppressor will pass over them anymore, For now I have seen with My eyes.

Legacy Standard Bible
But I will camp around My house because of an army, Because of him who passes by and returns; And no taskmaster will pass over them anymore, For now I have seen with My eyes.

Amplified Bible
Then I will camp around My house [as a guard] because of an army, Because of him who passes by and returns; And no oppressor will again overrun them (Israel), For now My eyes are upon them [providentially protecting them].

Christian Standard Bible
I will encamp at my house as a guard, against those who march back and forth, and no oppressor will march against them again, for now I have seen with my own eyes.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
I will set up camp at My house against an army, against those who march back and forth, and no oppressor will march against them again, for now I have seen with My own eyes.

American Standard Version
And I will encamp about my house against the army, that none pass through or return; and no oppressor shall pass through them any more: for now have I seen with mine eyes.

Contemporary English Version
God says, "I will stand guard to protect my temple from those who come to attack. I know what's happening, and no one will mistreat my people ever again."

English Revised Version
And I will encamp about mine house against the army, that none pass through or return: and no oppressor shall pass through them any more: for now have I seen with mine eyes.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
I will camp in front of my house as a guard against those who come and go. No oppressors will pass through them, because I have seen it with my own eyes.

Good News Translation
I will guard my land and keep armies from passing through it. I will not allow tyrants to oppress my people any more. I have seen how my people have suffered."

International Standard Version
I will set a garrison around my Temple, to hinder those who might come and go, and to guard against oppressors who intend to invade; for I have taken note of this with my eyes."

Majority Standard Bible
But I will camp around My house because of an army, because of those who march to and fro, and never again will an oppressor overrun My people, for now I keep watch with My own eyes.

NET Bible
Then I will surround my temple to protect it like a guard from anyone crossing back and forth; so no one will cross over against them anymore as an oppressor, for now I myself have seen it.

New Heart English Bible
I will camp around my house against the army, that none pass through or return; and no oppressor will pass through them any more: for now I have seen with my eyes.

Webster's Bible Translation
And I will encamp about my house because of the army, because of him that passeth by, and because of him that returneth: and no oppressor shall pass through them any more: for now have I seen with my eyes.

World English Bible
I will encamp around my house against the army, that no one pass through or return; and no oppressor will pass through them any more: for now I have seen with my eyes.

Literal Translations

Literal Standard Version
And I have pitched a camp for My house, "" Because of the passer through, and of the returner, "" And an exactor does not pass through against them again, "" For now, I have seen with My eyes.

Young's Literal Translation
And I have pitched for My house a camp, Because of the passer through, and of the returner, And pass not through against them again doth an exactor, For, now, I have seen with My eyes.

Smith's Literal Translation
And I encamped at my house a garrison from him passing by, and from him turning back: and he driving shall no more pass through against them: for now I saw with mine eyes.

Catholic Translations

Douay-Rheims Bible
And I will encompass my house with them that serve me in war, going and returning, and the oppressor shall no more pass through them: for now I have seen with my eyes.

Catholic Public Domain Version
And I will encircle my house with those who serve me in war, going and returning, and the exactor will no longer pass over them. For now I have seen with my eyes.

New American Bible
I will encamp at my house, a garrison against invaders; No oppressor will overrun them again, for now I have seen their affliction.

New Revised Standard Version
Then I will encamp at my house as a guard, so that no one shall march to and fro; no oppressor shall again overrun them, for now I have seen with my own eyes.

Translations from Aramaic

Lamsa Bible
And I will cause to dwell over my house a governor because of him who passes by, and because of him who returns; and no oppressor shall come against them any more; for now I have seen with my own eyes.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And I shall cause a Protector to dwell over my house, of the one who passes by, and of him who returns, and the oppressor shall not pass again against them, because now I have seen with my eyes

OT Translations

JPS Tanakh 1917
And I will encamp about My house against the army, That none pass through or return; And no oppressor shall pass through them any more; For now have I seen with Mine eyes.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And I will set up a defence for my house, that they may not pass through, nor turn back, neither shall there any more come upon them one to drive them away: for now have I seen with mine eyes.

Additional Translations ...

Audio Bible

Context

Judgement Against Israel's Enemies
…7I will remove the blood from their mouths and the abominations from between their teeth. Then they too will become a remnant for our God; they will become like a clan in Judah, and Ekron will be like the Jebusites. 8But I will camp around My house because of an army, because of those who march to and fro, and never again will an oppressor overrun My people, for now I keep watch with My own eyes.

Berean Standard Bible · Download

Cross References

Exodus 12:23
When the LORD passes through to strike down the Egyptians, He will see the blood on the top and sides of the doorframe and will pass over that doorway; so He will not allow the destroyer to enter your houses and strike you down.

Isaiah 31:5
Like birds hovering overhead, so the LORD of Hosts will protect Jerusalem. He will shield it and deliver it; He will pass over it and preserve it.”

Malachi 3:1
“Behold, I will send My messenger, who will prepare the way before Me. Then the Lord whom you seek will suddenly come to His temple—the Messenger of the covenant, in whom you delight—see, He is coming,” says the LORD of Hosts.

Psalm 34:7
The angel of the LORD encamps around those who fear Him, and he delivers them.

Isaiah 4:5-6
Then the LORD will create over all of Mount Zion and over her assemblies a cloud of smoke by day and a glowing flame of fire by night. For over all the glory there will be a canopy, / a shelter to give shade from the heat by day, and a refuge and hiding place from the storm and the rain.

Isaiah 60:18
No longer will violence be heard in your land, nor ruin or destruction within your borders. But you will name your walls Salvation and your gates Praise.

Jeremiah 31:28
Just as I watched over them to uproot and tear down, to demolish, destroy, and bring disaster, so I will watch over them to build and to plant,” declares the LORD.

Ezekiel 34:28
They will no longer be prey for the nations, and the beasts of the earth will not consume them. They will dwell securely, and no one will frighten them.

Psalm 91:10-11
no evil will befall you, no plague will approach your tent. / For He will command His angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways.

Isaiah 54:14-15
In righteousness you will be established, far from oppression, for you will have no fear. Terror will be far removed, for it will not come near you. / If anyone attacks you, it is not from Me; whoever assails you will fall before you.

Matthew 28:20
and teaching them to obey all that I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”

John 10:28-29
I give them eternal life, and they will never perish. No one can snatch them out of My hand. / My Father who has given them to Me is greater than all. No one can snatch them out of My Father’s hand.

1 Peter 1:5
who through faith are shielded by God’s power for the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time.

Revelation 3:10
Because you have kept My command to persevere, I will also keep you from the hour of testing that is about to come upon the whole world, to test those who dwell on the earth.

2 Thessalonians 3:3
But the Lord is faithful, and He will strengthen you and guard you from the evil one.

Treasury of Scripture

And I will encamp about my house because of the army, because of him that passes by, and because of him that returns: and no oppressor shall pass through them any more: for now have I seen with my eyes.

I will.

Zechariah 2:1-13
I lifted up mine eyes again, and looked, and behold a man with a measuring line in his hand…

Zechariah 12:8
In that day shall the LORD defend the inhabitants of Jerusalem; and he that is feeble among them at that day shall be as David; and the house of David shall be as God, as the angel of the LORD before them.

Genesis 32:1,2
And Jacob went on his way, and the angels of God met him…

because of him that passeth by.

2 Kings 23:29
In his days Pharaohnechoh king of Egypt went up against the king of Assyria to the river Euphrates: and king Josiah went against him; and he slew him at Megiddo, when he had seen him.

2 Kings 24:1
In his days Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon came up, and Jehoiakim became his servant three years: then he turned and rebelled against him.

Jeremiah 46:2,13
Against Egypt, against the army of Pharaohnecho king of Egypt, which was by the river Euphrates in Carchemish, which Nebuchadrezzar king of Babylon smote in the fourth year of Jehoiakim the son of Josiah king of Judah…

no.

Zechariah 14:11
And men shall dwell in it, and there shall be no more utter destruction; but Jerusalem shall be safely inhabited.

Psalm 72:4
He shall judge the poor of the people, he shall save the children of the needy, and shall break in pieces the oppressor.

Isaiah 52:1
Awake, awake; put on thy strength, O Zion; put on thy beautiful garments, O Jerusalem, the holy city: for henceforth there shall no more come into thee the uncircumcised and the unclean.

for.

Exodus 3:7,9
And the LORD said, I have surely seen the affliction of my people which are in Egypt, and have heard their cry by reason of their taskmasters; for I know their sorrows; …

2 Samuel 16:12
It may be that the LORD will look on mine affliction, and that the LORD will requite me good for his cursing this day.

Acts 7:34
I have seen, I have seen the affliction of my people which is in Egypt, and I have heard their groaning, and am come down to deliver them. And now come, I will send thee into Egypt.

Jump to Previous

Anymore Army Camp Cruel Defend Encamp Exactor Eyes Forces Fro House Keeping Marauding March Oppressor Overrun Passer Passes Passeth Pitched Position Returneth Returns Round

Jump to Next

Anymore Army Camp Cruel Defend Encamp Exactor Eyes Forces Fro House Keeping Marauding March Oppressor Overrun Passer Passes Passeth Pitched Position Returneth Returns Round

Zechariah 9

1. God defends his church.
9. Zion is exhorted to rejoice for the coming of Christ, and his peaceable kingdom.
12. God's promises of victory and defense.

Berean Study Bible

But I will encamp
The Hebrew word for "encamp" is "חָנָה" (chanah), which conveys the idea of setting up a camp or dwelling. This term is often used in military contexts, suggesting a protective stance. Here, God Himself is depicted as taking a position of defense around His people, indicating His personal involvement and commitment to their safety. This imagery is reminiscent of the divine presence that accompanied Israel in the wilderness, symbolizing God's constant vigilance and readiness to protect His covenant people.

at My house
The phrase "My house" refers to the temple in Jerusalem, which is considered the dwelling place of God among His people. In a broader sense, it symbolizes the community of believers, the spiritual house of God. This highlights the centrality of worship and the presence of God in the life of His people. Historically, the temple was a place of refuge and divine encounter, and here it signifies God's promise to safeguard His sacred space and those who worship within it.

as a guard
The term "guard" implies a protective watchfulness. In Hebrew, the word "מִשְׁמָר" (mishmar) can mean a guard or a watch. This conveys the idea of God actively watching over His people, ensuring their safety. It is a reassurance of divine protection against any form of threat or invasion. This protective role is not passive but involves active intervention to prevent harm, reflecting God's sovereignty and care.

so that no one may pass through or return
This phrase suggests a divine blockade against any potential invaders or oppressors. The imagery of preventing passage indicates a complete and effective defense. Historically, Jerusalem had been subject to many invasions, but this promise assures that such events will not recur. It speaks to the ultimate security and peace that God provides, a peace that is not merely the absence of conflict but the presence of divine order and protection.

no oppressor will again overrun them
The word "oppressor" in Hebrew is "נוֹגֵשׂ" (noges), which refers to a taskmaster or tyrant. This term evokes memories of past oppressions, such as the Egyptian bondage or Babylonian captivity. The promise that no oppressor will "again overrun" them is a powerful assurance of liberation and freedom. It signifies a new era where God's people will no longer be subject to foreign domination, reflecting the ultimate victory and justice of God.

for now I have seen with My own eyes
This phrase emphasizes God's direct and personal involvement. The anthropomorphic expression "with My own eyes" suggests an intimate awareness and concern for the plight of His people. It implies that God is not distant or detached but is actively observing and responding to the needs of His people. This divine attentiveness assures believers that God is fully aware of their circumstances and is committed to their deliverance and well-being.

Pulpit Commentary

Verse 8. - While the heathen world suffers the judgment of God, he protects his own people. I will encamp about (for the protection of) my house. God's house, or family, is the kingdom and Church of Israel, as Hosea 8:1. Septuagint, Υποστήσομαι τῷ οἴκῳ μου ἀνάστημα, "I will erect a fortification for my house." Because of the army. It may also be translated "against," or "from;" i.e. to defend it from the hostile army. Others, pointing differently, render, "as a garrison," or "rampart." Because of (against) him that passeth by, etc. Against all hostile attacks. The phrase, "him that passeth by and him that returneth," is used of an enemy making incursions, or attacking at various points (see note on Zechariah 7:14). The Vulgate gives the whole clause thus: Circumdabo domum meam ex his, qui militant mihi euntes et revertentes, "I will defend my house with a guard chosen from those who serve me and do my will," i.e. angels. But this seems far from the signification of the Hebrew. Pusey restricts the meaning to the proceedings of Alexander, who passed by Judaea on his way to Egypt, and returned by the same route, without doing any injury to Jerusalem. Here comes in the Talmudic story related by Josephus ('Ant.,' 11:08). The Jews "repaid the protection of Persia with a devoted loyalty, which prompted them to refuse the demand of submission made by Alexander during the siege of Tyre. He marched to chastise them after the fall of Gaza, and the beautiful city had already risen before his view on the hill of Zion, when he found the high priest Jaddua waiting his approach at the watch station of Sapha, clad in his robes of gold and purple, and followed by a train of priests and citizens in pure white. The conqueror bowed in reverence to the Holy Name upon the high priest's frontlet; and, being asked by Parmenio the reason of his conduct, said that in a dream at Dium, he had seen the God of Jaddua, who encouraged him to pass over into Asia, and promised him success. Then entering Jerusalem, he offered sacrifice in the temple, heard the prophecy of Daniel about himself; and granted certain privileges to all the Jews throughout his empire. The desire to honour a shrine so celebrated as, the Jewish temple is quite in accordance with the conduct of Alexander at Ilium and Ephesus, Gordium and Tyre. The privileges he is said to have conferred upon the Jews were enjoyed under his successors, and some minor matters have been adduced in confirmation of the story. On the other hand, the classical writers are entirely silent on the subject, and the details of Josephus involve grave historical inconsistencies. It seems not an unreasonable conjecture that the story is an embellishment of some incident that occurred when the high priest came to Gaza to tender the submission of the Jews. But we must not dismiss it without a remark on the vast influence which the conquests of Alexander had in bringing the Jews into closer relations with the rest of Asia, and so preparing them to fulfil their ultimate destiny as Christians" (P. Smith, 'History of the World,' 1:60, etc). Oppressor. The word is used for "taskmaster" in Exodus 3:7. Septuagint, ἐξελαύνων, "one who drives away;" Vulgate, exactor. This latter rendering would imply that Israel would no longer have to pay tribute to foreign nations, but should henceforward be independent. For now have I seen with mine eyes. It is as though, during Israel's calamities, God had not looked upon her; but now he notices her condition, and interposes for her succour (comp. Exodus 2:25; Exodus 3:7, 9; Acts 7:34). This is done by sending the personage mentioned in the following section.

Parallel Commentaries ...

Hebrew

But I will camp around
וְחָנִ֨יתִי (wə·ḥā·nî·ṯî)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - first person common singular
Strong's 2583: To incline, to decline, to pitch a, tent, gen, to encamp

My house
לְבֵיתִ֤י (lə·ḇê·ṯî)
Preposition-l | Noun - masculine singular construct | first person common singular
Strong's 1004: A house

because of an army,
מִצָּבָה֙ (miṣ·ṣā·ḇāh)
Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 4675: Perhaps a guard, watch

because of those who march to and fro,
מֵעֹבֵ֣ר (mê·‘ō·ḇêr)
Preposition-m | Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular
Strong's 5674: To pass over, through, or by, pass on

and never again
וְלֹֽא־ (wə·lō-)
Conjunctive waw | Adverb - Negative particle
Strong's 3808: Not, no

will an oppressor
נֹגֵ֑שׂ (nō·ḡêś)
Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular
Strong's 5065: To drive, to tax, harass, tyrannize

overrun
יַעֲבֹ֧ר (ya·‘ă·ḇōr)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 5674: To pass over, through, or by, pass on

[My people],
עֲלֵיהֶ֛ם (‘ă·lê·hem)
Preposition | third person masculine plural
Strong's 5921: Above, over, upon, against

for
כִּ֥י (kî)
Conjunction
Strong's 3588: A relative conjunction

now
עַתָּ֖ה (‘at·tāh)
Adverb
Strong's 6258: At this time

I keep watch
רָאִ֥יתִי (rā·’î·ṯî)
Verb - Qal - Perfect - first person common singular
Strong's 7200: To see

with My own eyes.
בְעֵינָֽי׃ (ḇə·‘ê·nāy)
Preposition-b | Noun - cdc | first person common singular
Strong's 5869: An eye, a fountain

Links

Zechariah 9:8 NIV
Zechariah 9:8 NLT
Zechariah 9:8 ESV
Zechariah 9:8 NASB
Zechariah 9:8 KJV

Zechariah 9:8 BibleApps.com
Zechariah 9:8 Biblia Paralela
Zechariah 9:8 Chinese Bible
Zechariah 9:8 French Bible
Zechariah 9:8 Catholic Bible

OT Prophets: Zechariah 9:8 I will encamp around my house against (Zech. Zec Zc)