King James Version

What Does Zechariah 14:19 Mean?

Zechariah 14:19 in the King James Version says “This shall be the punishment of Egypt, and the punishment of all nations that come not up to keep the feast of tabernacl... — study this verse from Zechariah chapter 14 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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

Zechariah 14:19 · KJV


Context

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

20

In that day shall there be upon the bells of the horses, HOLINESS UNTO THE LORD; and the pots in the LORD'S house shall be like the bowls before the altar. bells: or, bridles

21

Yea, every pot in Jerusalem and in Judah shall be holiness unto the LORD of hosts: and all they that sacrifice shall come and take of them, and seethe therein: and in that day there shall be no more the Canaanite in the house of the LORD of hosts.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
This shall be the punishment of Egypt, and the punishment of all nations that come not up to keep the feast of tabernacles (זֹאת תִּהְיֶה חַטַּאת מִצְרַיִם וְחַטַּאת כָּל־הַגּוֹיִם אֲשֶׁר לֹא יַעֲלוּ לָחֹג אֶת־חַג הַסֻּכּוֹת)—chatta't can mean sin, sin-offering, or punishment for sin. Here it's punishment/consequence. Egypt and all nations (goyim) face identical judgment for refusing worship obligations. This reiterates verses 17-18's warning, emphasizing certainty of enforcement.

The repetition underscores seriousness: millennial kingdom isn't optional participation. All humanity must acknowledge Yahweh as King and Jerusalem as worship center. This fulfills Philippians 2:10-11: "That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow...and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord." The difference: some bow willingly (believers), others compelled by judgment (rebels). Millennial kingdom demonstrates Christ's rightful sovereignty before final judgment when rebellion is permanently ended (Revelation 20:7-15).

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Millennial kingdom serves as final demonstration of human depravity: even under perfect conditions (Christ physically reigning, Satan bound, righteousness enforced), human hearts remain rebellious without regeneration. Nations attempt non-compliance despite consequences, proving that external restraint doesn't change hearts—only grace through faith brings genuine transformation.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does universal punishment for non-worship teach about God's rightful demand for acknowledgment?
  2. How does millennial rebellion (despite perfect conditions) demonstrate humanity's core problem is heart rebellion?
  3. In what way does enforced worship during millennium differ from voluntary worship characterizing New Jerusalem?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 14 words
זֹ֥את1 of 14
H2063

this (often used adverb)

תִּהְיֶ֖ה2 of 14
H1961

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

וְחַטַּאת֙3 of 14

This shall be the punishment

H2403

an offence (sometimes habitual sinfulness), and its penalty, occasion, sacrifice, or expiation; also (concretely) an offender

מִצְרָ֑יִם4 of 14

of Egypt

H4714

mitsrajim, i.e., upper and lower egypt

וְחַטַּאת֙5 of 14

This shall be the punishment

H2403

an offence (sometimes habitual sinfulness), and its penalty, occasion, sacrifice, or expiation; also (concretely) an offender

כָּל6 of 14
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

הַגּוֹיִ֔ם7 of 14

of all nations

H1471

a foreign nation; hence, a gentile; also (figuratively) a troop of animals, or a flight of locusts

אֲשֶׁר֙8 of 14
H834

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

לֹ֣א9 of 14
H3808

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

יַֽעֲל֔וּ10 of 14

that come not up

H5927

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

לָחֹ֖ג11 of 14

to keep

H2287

properly, to move in a circle, i.e., (specifically) to march in a sacred procession, to observe a festival; by implication, to be giddy

אֶת12 of 14
H853

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

חַ֥ג13 of 14

the feast

H2282

a festival, or a victim therefor

הַסֻּכּֽוֹת׃14 of 14

of tabernacles

H5521

a hut or lair


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 14:19 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 14:19 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Places in This Verse

Test Your Knowledge

Continue Your Study