King James Version

What Does Zechariah 1:3 Mean?

Zechariah 1:3 in the King James Version says “Therefore say thou unto them, Thus saith the LORD of hosts; Turn ye unto me, saith the LORD of hosts, and I will turn un...” — study this verse from Zechariah chapter 1 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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.”

Zechariah 1:3 · 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.

5

Your fathers, where are they? and the prophets, do they live for ever?

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
This verse contains one of Scripture's most gracious invitations, rooted in covenant faithfulness. "Therefore say thou unto them, Thus saith the LORD of hosts" establishes prophetic authority—this is God's direct word, not human opinion. "Turn ye unto me, saith the LORD of hosts" uses the imperative shuvu elay ("return to me"), the prophetic call to repentance. The verb shuv means to turn back, return, or repent—changing direction from sin toward God. This isn't merely feeling sorry but active turning from rebellion to obedience.

"And I will turn unto you, saith the LORD of hosts" promises reciprocal response. God doesn't merely accept repentance passively; He actively turns toward His returning people with favor, blessing, and restored relationship. The conditional structure establishes human responsibility ("you turn") while assuring divine grace ("I will turn"). This doesn't suggest synergism where human will initiates salvation independently; rather, God's gracious call enables response (John 6:44; Philippians 2:12-13). God's turning toward us makes possible our turning toward Him.

The repetition "saith the LORD of hosts" (ne'um Yahweh tseba'ot) appears twice, emphasizing divine authority and power. Yahweh tseba'ot ("LORD of hosts/armies") portrays God as commander of heavenly armies—angels, stars, and all creation. This military imagery assures that the same God who has power to judge also has power to save, restore, and protect. His invitation to return isn't empty—He possesses all authority and power to fulfill His promises.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Zechariah prophesied to post-exilic Jews who returned from Babylonian captivity (538 BC onward). Though God allowed return, the community faced massive challenges: ruined Jerusalem, destroyed temple, opposition from surrounding peoples, economic hardship, and spiritual discouragement. Work on rebuilding the temple had stalled (Ezra 4:24). Zechariah and Haggai arose to encourage temple completion and spiritual renewal.

The call to "turn unto me" addresses spiritual complacency. Though physically returned from exile, the people hadn't truly repented of the sins that caused exile. Zechariah 1:4-6 warns against repeating their fathers' errors: "Be ye not as your fathers, unto whom the former prophets have cried...but they did not hear, nor hearken unto me, saith the LORD." The previous generation's refusal to heed prophets like Jeremiah and Ezekiel resulted in Babylon's devastation. Zechariah urges the current generation to learn from history and respond to God's call.

The promise "I will turn unto you" offers hope. Though restoration seemed incomplete—no Davidic king ruled, foreign powers dominated, and the rebuilt temple paled compared to Solomon's (Ezra 3:12)—God promised His presence and future blessing. This anticipates the Messianic age when God would fully turn toward His people through Christ's incarnation, establishing new covenant relationship surpassing all previous covenants (Jeremiah 31:31-34; Hebrews 8:6-13).

Reflection Questions

  1. How does God's call to "turn unto me" demonstrate that repentance is both human responsibility and divine gift?
  2. What does the promise "I will turn unto you" reveal about God's eagerness to restore relationship with repentant sinners?
  3. How should knowledge of past generations' failures inform present faithfulness and response to God's Word?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 16 words
אָמַ֖ר1 of 16

“Therefore say”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

אֲלֵהֶ֗ם2 of 16
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

כֹּ֤ה3 of 16
H3541

properly, like this, i.e., by implication, (of manner) thus (or so); also (of place) here (or hither); or (of time) now

אָמַ֖ר4 of 16

“Therefore say”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

יְהוָ֥ה5 of 16

“the LORD”

H3068

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

צְבָאֽוֹת׃6 of 16

“of hosts”

H6635

a mass of persons (or figuratively, things), especially reg. organized for war (an army); by implication, a campaign, literally or figuratively (speci

וְאָשׁ֣וּב7 of 16

“Turn”

H7725

to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point);

אֵלַ֔י8 of 16
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

נְאֻ֖ם9 of 16

“ye unto me saith”

H5002

an oracle

יְהוָ֥ה10 of 16

“the LORD”

H3068

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

צְבָאֽוֹת׃11 of 16

“of hosts”

H6635

a mass of persons (or figuratively, things), especially reg. organized for war (an army); by implication, a campaign, literally or figuratively (speci

וְאָשׁ֣וּב12 of 16

“Turn”

H7725

to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point);

אֲלֵיכֶ֔ם13 of 16
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

אָמַ֖ר14 of 16

“Therefore say”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

יְהוָ֥ה15 of 16

“the LORD”

H3068

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

צְבָאֽוֹת׃16 of 16

“of hosts”

H6635

a mass of persons (or figuratively, things), especially reg. organized for war (an army); by implication, a campaign, literally or figuratively (speci

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 1:3 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 1:3 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Malachi 3:7Jeremiah 3:22Joel 2:12Jeremiah 4:1Deuteronomy 30:2-10Jeremiah 12:15

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