King James Version

What Does Zechariah 14:20 Mean?

Zechariah 14:20 in the King James Version says “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 ...” — study this verse from Zechariah chapter 14 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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”

Zechariah 14:20 · KJV

Context

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.

Read Zechariah 14 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
In that day shall there be upon the bells of the horses, HOLINESS UNTO THE LORD (בַּיּוֹם הַהוּא יִהְיֶה עַל־מְצִלּוֹת הַסּוּס קֹדֶשׁ לַיהוָה)—metzillot (bells/cymbals) on horses inscribed with qodesh la-YHWH, the exact phrase on the high priest's golden headplate (Exodus 28:36). What was exclusively priestly now extends to common items—even war horses bear the holiness inscription. And the pots in the LORD's house shall be like the bowls before the altar—ordinary cooking pots in temple equal sacred vessels used for sacrifices.

This depicts comprehensive sanctification: everything becomes holy, no distinction between sacred and secular. The entire creation is consecrated to God's glory. This fulfills the kingdom of priests concept (Exodus 19:6, 1 Peter 2:9): all life is worship, all activities sacred. It anticipates New Jerusalem where "there shall be no more curse" (Revelation 22:3) and all is holy. This is restoration beyond Eden—not innocent creation, but redeemed, glorified creation where holiness permeates everything.

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Historical & Cultural Context

In millennial kingdom under Messiah's reign, the whole earth becomes God's temple. The separation between holy and common (necessary under Law due to sin) is overcome through Christ's redemptive work. This fulfills prophetic visions like Isaiah 11:9: "The earth shall be full of the knowledge of the LORD, as the waters cover the sea."

Reflection Questions

  1. What does 'HOLINESS UNTO THE LORD' on common items teach about integrating faith into daily life?
  2. How does elimination of sacred/secular distinction reflect the gospel's comprehensive lordship of Christ?
  3. In what ways can believers live out this principle now—making all activities worship?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 15 words
בַּיּ֣וֹם1 of 15

“In that day”

H3117

a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso

הַה֗וּא2 of 15
H1931

he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo

יִֽהְיֶה֙3 of 15
H1961

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

עַל4 of 15
H5921

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

מְצִלּ֣וֹת5 of 15

“shall there be upon the bells”

H4698

a tinkler, i.e., a bell

הַסּ֔וּס6 of 15

“of the horses”

H5483

a horse (as leaping)

קֹ֖דֶשׁ7 of 15

“HOLINESS”

H6944

a sacred place or thing; rarely abstract, sanctity

יְהוָ֔ה8 of 15

“UNTO THE LORD”

H3068

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

וְהָיָ֤ה9 of 15
H1961

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

הַסִּירוֹת֙10 of 15

“and the pots”

H5518

a thorn (as springing up rapidly); by implication, a hook

בְּבֵ֣ית11 of 15

“house”

H1004

a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)

יְהוָ֔ה12 of 15

“UNTO THE LORD”

H3068

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

כַּמִּזְרָקִ֖ים13 of 15

“shall be like the bowls”

H4219

a bowl (as if for sprinkling)

לִפְנֵ֥י14 of 15

“before”

H6440

the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi

הַמִּזְבֵּֽחַ׃15 of 15

“the altar”

H4196

an altar

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 14:20 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 14:20 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Corinthians 3:16-17Exodus 39:30Isaiah 23:181 Peter 2:5Leviticus 8:9Numbers 4:7

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