King James Version

What Does Zechariah 1:13 Mean?

Zechariah 1:13 in the King James Version says “And the LORD answered the angel that talked with me with good words and comfortable words.” — study this verse from Zechariah chapter 1 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And the LORD answered the angel that talked with me with good words and comfortable words.”

Zechariah 1:13 · KJV

Context

11

And they answered the angel of the LORD that stood among the myrtle trees, and said, We have walked to and fro through the earth, and, behold, all the earth sitteth still, and is at rest.

12

Then the angel of the LORD answered and said, O LORD of hosts, how long wilt thou not have mercy on Jerusalem and on the cities of Judah, against which thou hast had indignation these threescore and ten years?

13

And the LORD answered the angel that talked with me with good words and comfortable words.

14

So the angel that communed with me said unto me, Cry thou, saying, Thus saith the LORD of hosts; I am jealous for Jerusalem and for Zion with a great jealousy.

15

And I am very sore displeased with the heathen that are at ease: for I was but a little displeased, and they helped forward the affliction.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And the LORD answered the angel that talked with me with good words and comfortable words. Following the Angel of the LORD's intercession (verse 12) questioning how long God would withhold mercy from Jerusalem and Judah after seventy years of indignation, God responds with "good words" (devarim tovim, דְּבָרִים טוֹבִים) and "comfortable words" (devarim nichumim, דְּבָרִים נִחֻמִים). The term nichumim comes from nacham (נָחַם), meaning to comfort, console, or bring relief—the same root as the name Nehemiah ("Yahweh comforts").

This divine response contrasts sharply with the somber report of verse 11 that "all the earth sitteth still, and is at rest"—a rest that felt unjust since Israel remained weak while oppressor nations enjoyed prosperity. God's good and comforting words assure the struggling post-exilic community that He has not forgotten His covenant promises. The angelic mediator receives these words to transmit to Zechariah and the people.

The content of these comforting words unfolds in verses 14-17: God is jealous for Jerusalem with great jealousy, displeased with the complacent nations, and determined to return to Jerusalem with mercies. The house will be rebuilt, the measuring line stretched over Jerusalem, cities will prosper and spread, and God will comfort Zion and choose Jerusalem again. These promises sustained the discouraged remnant, assuring them that present hardships would give way to divine restoration.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The seventy years of exile prophesied by Jeremiah (Jeremiah 25:11-12; 29:10) had concluded. Cyrus's decree (538 BC) allowed Jewish return, but by Zechariah's prophecy (520 BC), restoration remained incomplete. The temple foundation was laid (536 BC) but construction had stalled for sixteen years due to opposition, discouragement, and economic hardship (Ezra 4:24).

Into this situation of disappointed hopes and delayed fulfillment, God speaks comforting words. The same God who executed judgment through exile now promises mercy and restoration. This pattern of discipline followed by comfort pervades Scripture—God wounds and heals, tears down and builds up (Deuteronomy 32:39; Job 5:18). The "good words" weren't empty encouragement but substantial promises: temple completion (finished 516 BC), Jerusalem's eventual prosperity, and God's renewed choice of Zion.

These comforting words find ultimate fulfillment in Christ. Isaiah 40:1-2 commands "Comfort ye, comfort ye my people" because "her warfare is accomplished, her iniquity is pardoned." Jesus brings the ultimate comfort—forgiveness of sins, reconciliation with God, and eternal hope. The Holy Spirit is called the Comforter (Parakletos, John 14:16), applying Christ's finished work to believers.

Reflection Questions

  1. When facing discouraged circumstances with delayed answers to prayer, how do God's "good and comfortable words" in Scripture sustain faith?
  2. How does the pattern of discipline followed by comfort reveal both God's justice and His covenant faithfulness?
  3. In what ways does Christ fulfill the ultimate "comfortable words" that bring consolation to troubled souls?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 10 words
וַיַּ֣עַן1 of 10

“answered”

H6030

properly, to eye or (generally) to heed, i.e., pay attention; by implication, to respond; by extension to begin to speak; specifically to sing, shout,

יְהוָ֗ה2 of 10

“And the LORD”

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

אֶת3 of 10
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

הַמַּלְאָ֛ךְ4 of 10

“the angel”

H4397

a messenger; specifically, of god, i.e., an angel (also a prophet, priest or teacher)

הַדֹּבֵ֥ר5 of 10

“that talked”

H1696

perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue

בִּ֖י6 of 10
H0
דְּבָרִ֖ים7 of 10

“words”

H1697

a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause

טוֹבִ֑ים8 of 10

“with me with good”

H2896

good (as an adjective) in the widest sense; used likewise as a noun, both in the masculine and the feminine, the singular and the plural (good, a good

דְּבָרִ֖ים9 of 10

“words”

H1697

a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause

נִחֻמִֽים׃10 of 10

“and comfortable”

H5150

properly, consoled; abstractly, solace

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Zechariah. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Zechariah 1:13 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Zechariah 1:13 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Isaiah 40:1-2Jeremiah 29:10Zechariah 2:4-12Zechariah 1:14-16Zechariah 8:19Zechariah 4:1

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