King James Version

What Does Zechariah 3:10 Mean?

Zechariah 3:10 in the King James Version says “In that day, saith the LORD of hosts, shall ye call every man his neighbour under the vine and under the fig tree.” — study this verse from Zechariah chapter 3 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“In that day, saith the LORD of hosts, shall ye call every man his neighbour under the vine and under the fig tree.”

Zechariah 3:10 · KJV

Context

8

Hear now, O Joshua the high priest, thou, and thy fellows that sit before thee: for they are men wondered at: for, behold, I will bring forth my servant the BRANCH. wondered: Heb. of wonder, or, sign

9

For behold the stone that I have laid before Joshua; upon one stone shall be seven eyes: behold, I will engrave the graving thereof, saith the LORD of hosts, and I will remove the iniquity of that land in one day.

10

In that day, saith the LORD of hosts, shall ye call every man his neighbour under the vine and under the fig tree.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
In that day, saith the LORD of hosts, shall ye call every man his neighbour under the vine and under the fig tree—Eschatological peace following atonement. The phrase bayyōm hahū (בַּיּוֹם הַהוּא, 'in that day') connects to verse 9's 'one day' of sin-removal, projecting to the Messianic age. The idyllic image under the vine and under the fig tree echoes Solomon's golden age: 'Judah and Israel dwelt safely, every man under his vine and under his fig tree' (1 Kings 4:25). Micah 4:4 uses identical language for millennial peace. The vine and fig represent agricultural prosperity, security from enemies, and leisure for fellowship—each family enjoying their inheritance undisturbed.

Tiqre'ū īsh lərē'ēhū (תִּקְרְאוּ אִישׁ לְרֵעֵהוּ, 'you shall call each man to his neighbor') depicts mutual hospitality, sharing abundance rather than hoarding. This pictures the peace Christ brings: 'Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest' (Matthew 11:28). Jesus called Nathanael 'an Israelite indeed' after seeing him 'under the fig tree' (John 1:47-48)—a subtle allusion to this messianic vision. The ultimate fulfillment awaits the New Earth where 'they shall sit every man under his vine and under his fig tree; and none shall make them afraid' (Micah 4:4).

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Historical & Cultural Context

The returned remnant lived in economic hardship, drought, and crop failure (Haggai 1:6-11). Hostile neighbors threatened constantly. The vision of vine-and-fig-tree prosperity seemed impossibly distant. Yet Zechariah roots future hope in present atonement: sin removed (v. 9) leads to peace restored (v. 10). The modest circumstances of the Second Temple era weren't the final word—Messiah's atonement would bring ultimate Edenic restoration.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the vine-and-fig-tree image capture both material blessing and relational peace?
  2. Why is corporate hospitality ('call every man his neighbor') essential to biblical peace rather than isolated prosperity?
  3. In what ways can Christians experience 'vine and fig tree' rest now while awaiting its full consummation?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 14 words
בַּיּ֣וֹם1 of 14

“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 14
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

נְאֻם֙3 of 14

“saith”

H5002

an oracle

יְהוָ֣ה4 of 14

“the LORD”

H3068

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

צְבָא֔וֹת5 of 14

“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

תִּקְרְא֖וּ6 of 14

“shall ye call”

H7121

to call out to (i.e., properly, address by name, but used in a wide variety of applications)

אִ֣ישׁ7 of 14

“every man”

H376

a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)

לְרֵעֵ֑הוּ8 of 14

“his neighbour”

H7453

an associate (more or less close)

אֶל9 of 14
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

תַּ֥חַת10 of 14
H8478

the bottom (as depressed); only adverbially, below (often with prepositional prefix underneath), in lieu of, etc

גֶּ֖פֶן11 of 14

“under the vine”

H1612

a vine (as twining), especially the grape

וְאֶל12 of 14
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

תַּ֥חַת13 of 14
H8478

the bottom (as depressed); only adverbially, below (often with prepositional prefix underneath), in lieu of, etc

תְּאֵנָֽה׃14 of 14

“and under the fig tree”

H8384

the fig (tree or fruit)

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 3:10 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 3:10 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Kings 4:25Micah 4:4Hosea 2:18John 1:45-48Zechariah 2:11Isaiah 36:16

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