King James Version

What Does Zechariah 14:17 Mean?

Zechariah 14:17 in the King James Version says “And it shall be, that whoso will not come up of all the families of the earth unto Jerusalem to worship the King, the LO... — study this verse from Zechariah chapter 14 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

And it shall be, that whoso will not come up of all the families of the earth unto Jerusalem to worship the King, the LORD of hosts, even upon them shall be no rain.

Zechariah 14:17 · KJV


Context

15

And so shall be the plague of the horse, of the mule, of the camel, and of the ass, and of all the beasts that shall be in these tents, as this plague.

16

And it shall come to pass, that every one that is left of all the nations which came against Jerusalem shall even go up from year to year to worship the King, the LORD of hosts, and to keep the feast of tabernacles.

17

And it shall be, that whoso will not come up of all the families of the earth unto Jerusalem to worship the King, the LORD of hosts, even upon them shall be no rain.

18

And if the family of Egypt go not up, and come not, that have no rain; there shall be the plague, wherewith the LORD will smite the heathen that come not up to keep the feast of tabernacles. that have no: Heb. upon whom there is not

19

This shall be the punishment of Egypt, and the punishment of all nations that come not up to keep the feast of tabernacles. punishment: or, sin


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And it shall be, that whoso will not come up of all the families of the earth unto Jerusalem to worship the King, the LORD of hosts—universal requirement: all nations must send representatives annually. Even upon them shall be no rain (וְלֹא עֲלֵיהֶם יִהְיֶה הַגָּשֶׁם)—geshem (rain) withheld as covenant curse for disobedience (Deuteronomy 28:23-24). This demonstrates that millennial kingdom, though characterized by peace and righteousness under Messiah's rule, still involves human responsibility and consequences for disobedience.

Rain represents God's blessing and agricultural prosperity. Withholding rain causes famine, economic collapse, suffering—motivating compliance. This isn't arbitrary tyranny but covenantal: obedience brings blessing, disobedience brings curse (Deuteronomy 11:13-17). The principle that governed Israel's land promises now extends globally under Messiah's reign. This challenges overly romanticized views of millennium as automatic utopia; it involves Christ's 'iron rod' rule (Revelation 19:15) enforcing righteousness.

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Historical & Cultural Context

During Christ's millennial reign from Jerusalem, international worship at Feast of Tabernacles isn't optional—it's mandatory with enforced penalties. This demonstrates Christ's kingly authority over all nations and validates the gospel's call to submission. Even in glorified conditions, human will requires divine governance to maintain righteousness.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does mandatory worship with consequences teach about God's rightful authority over all humanity?
  2. How does millennial kingdom involving 'stick' (withheld rain) and 'carrot' (blessing) parallel gospel invitation?
  3. Why is enforced righteousness necessary even in millennial kingdom before final rebellion (Revelation 20:7-9)?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 17 words
וְ֠הָיָה1 of 17
H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

אֲשֶׁ֨ר2 of 17
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

לֹֽא3 of 17
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

יַעֲלֶ֜ה4 of 17

And it shall be that whoso will not come up

H5927

to ascend, intransitively (be high) or actively (mount); used in a great variety of senses, primary and secondary, literal and figurative

מֵאֵ֨ת5 of 17
H853

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

מִשְׁפְּח֤וֹת6 of 17

of all the families

H4940

a family, i.e., circle of relatives; figuratively, a class (of persons), a species (of animals) or sort (of things); by extension a tribe or people

הָאָ֙רֶץ֙7 of 17

of the earth

H776

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

אֶל8 of 17
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

יְר֣וּשָׁלִַ֔ם9 of 17

unto Jerusalem

H3389

jerushalaim or jerushalem, the capital city of palestine

לְהִֽשְׁתַּחֲוֹ֔ת10 of 17

to worship

H7812

to depress, i.e., prostrate (especially reflexive, in homage to royalty or god)

לְמֶ֖לֶךְ11 of 17

the King

H4428

a king

יְהוָ֣ה12 of 17

the LORD

H3068

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

צְבָא֑וֹת13 of 17

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

וְלֹ֥א14 of 17
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

עֲלֵיהֶ֖ם15 of 17
H5921

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

יִהְיֶ֥ה16 of 17
H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

הַגָּֽשֶׁם׃17 of 17

even upon them shall be no rain

H1653

a shower


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 14:17 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 14:17 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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