King James Version

What Does Zechariah 1:2 Mean?

Zechariah 1:2 in the King James Version says “The LORD hath been sore displeased with your fathers. sore: Heb. with displeasure” — study this verse from Zechariah chapter 1 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“The LORD hath been sore displeased with your fathers. sore: Heb. with displeasure”

Zechariah 1:2 · KJV

Context

1

In the eighth month, in the second year of Darius, came the word of the LORD unto Zechariah, the son of Berechiah, the son of Iddo the prophet, saying,

2

The LORD hath been sore displeased with your fathers. sore: Heb. with displeasure

3

Therefore say thou unto them, Thus saith the LORD of hosts; Turn ye unto me, saith the LORD of hosts, and I will turn unto you, saith the LORD of hosts.

4

Be ye not as your fathers, unto whom the former prophets have cried, saying, Thus saith the LORD of hosts; Turn ye now from your evil ways, and from your evil doings: but they did not hear, nor hearken unto me, saith the LORD.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
God's message begins bluntly: 'The LORD hath been sore displeased with your fathers.' The emphatic 'sore displeased' (Hebrew: qatsaph qatsaph, intense anger) recalls the exile's cause—covenant unfaithfulness. This isn't beginning with encouragement but with sobering historical reality. God's anger at sin is real and consequential. The reference to 'fathers' creates continuity—the exile generation's sin led to Babylon, warning the restoration generation against repeating failures. Divine displeasure with sin isn't cultural but eternal; God's character demands holiness.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The 'fathers' refers to pre-exilic Judah whose idolatry, social injustice, and covenant breaking culminated in 586 BC destruction and seventy-year exile. Prophets like Isaiah, Jeremiah, and Ezekiel warned them, but they persisted in rebellion. The returned remnant needed this sobering reminder to avoid repeating their ancestors' mistakes. Post-exilic discouragement tempted them to half-hearted obedience; this warning demanded full commitment.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does remembering God's judgment on previous generations protect us from presuming on His patience?
  2. What does God's beginning with warning rather than encouragement teach us about the priority of dealing with sin?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 5 words
קָצַ֧ף1 of 5

“displeased”

H7107

to crack off, i.e., (figuratively) burst out in rage

יְהוָ֛ה2 of 5

“The LORD”

H3068

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

עַל3 of 5
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

אֲבֽוֹתֵיכֶ֖ם4 of 5

“with your fathers”

H1

father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application

קָֽצֶף׃5 of 5

“hath been sore”

H7110

a splinter (as chipped off)

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 1:2 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 1:2 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Jeremiah 44:6Ezekiel 22:31Lamentations 5:7Psalms 79:5-6Zephaniah 2:1-3Ezra 9:6-7

Test Your Knowledge

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