King James Version

What Does Zechariah 8:16 Mean?

Zechariah 8:16 in the King James Version says “These are the things that ye shall do; Speak ye every man the truth to his neighbour; execute the judgment of truth and ...” — study this verse from Zechariah chapter 8 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“These are the things that ye shall do; Speak ye every man the truth to his neighbour; execute the judgment of truth and peace in your gates: execute: Heb. judge truth, and the judgment of peace”

Zechariah 8:16 · King James Version

TruthPeace

Context

14

For thus saith the LORD of hosts; As I thought to punish you, when your fathers provoked me to wrath, saith the LORD of hosts, and I repented not:

15

So again have I thought in these days to do well unto Jerusalem and to the house of Judah: fear ye not.

16

These are the things that ye shall do; Speak ye every man the truth to his neighbour; execute the judgment of truth and peace in your gates: execute: Heb. judge truth, and the judgment of peace

17

And let none of you imagine evil in your hearts against his neighbour; and love no false oath: for all these are things that I hate, saith the LORD.

18

And the word of the LORD of hosts came unto me, saying,

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Commentaries2 scholars

KJV Study CommentaryPublic Domain
These are the things that ye shall do; Speak ye every man the truth to his neighbour; execute the judgment of truth and peace in your gates. Having established God's unwavering commitment to bless (verses 13-15), this verse outlines covenant obligations—how the restored community must live to align with God's purposes. The phrase "These are the things that ye shall do" (elleh ha-devarim asher ta'asu, אֵלֶּה הַדְּבָרִים אֲשֶׁר תַּעֲשׂוּ) introduces specific ethical requirements, echoing earlier prophetic calls (Zechariah 7:9-10) and demonstrating that blessing requires obedient response.

First, "Speak ye every man the truth to his neighbour" (daberu emet ish et-reehu, דַּבְּרוּ אֱמֶת אִישׁ אֶת־רֵעֵהוּ). The word emet (אֱמֶת, truth) signifies faithfulness, reliability, and integrity—speech that corresponds to reality and keeps commitments. This isn't merely avoiding lies but positively speaking what is true, trustworthy, and builds up. Covenant community requires mutual trustworthiness; deception destroys communal bonds. Ephesians 4:25 echoes this: "Speak truth with your neighbor, for we are members of one another."

Second, "execute the judgment of truth and peace in your gates" (mishpat emet ve-shalom shiftu be-sha'areikhem, מִשְׁפַּט אֱמֶת וְשָׁלוֹם שִׁפְטוּ בְּשַׁעֲרֵיכֶם). City gates served as courts where elders adjudicated disputes. Mishpat (מִשְׁפַּט, judgment/justice) must be characterized by both emet (truth—accurate, impartial, according to law) and shalom (שָׁלוֹם, peace—promoting reconciliation and community welfare). Justice isn't merely legal correctness but restorative, seeking peace. James 3:18 reflects this: "The fruit of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace."

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Zechariah addresses the post-exilic community where social ethics had deteriorated. Earlier in the prophecy (7:9-10), God condemned their fathers for refusing to practice justice, mercy, and compassion—sins that contributed to exile. Now the restored community must not repeat those failures. The specific commands—truthful speech and just judgment—address foundational social relationships.

The "gates" were the public square where legal proceedings occurred (Ruth 4:1-11, Job 29:7-17). Corruption in the gates—bribery, favoritism, false testimony—destroyed justice and community trust. Amos condemned Israel's northern kingdom for precisely these failures: "They hate the one who rebukes in the gate, and they abhor the one who speaks uprightly" (Amos 5:10). Zechariah calls the remnant to establish justice that reflects God's character.

These ethical requirements aren't legalistic demands but covenant responses to grace. God has determined to bless them (v. 15); they respond by living justly. The pattern mirrors New Testament teaching: "We love because he first loved us" (1 John 4:19). God's prior blessing enables and obligates ethical living. In Christ, believers receive the Spirit who produces fruit of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control (Galatians 5:22-23)—empowering the truthfulness and justice God requires.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does truthful speech in all relationships reflect God's character and build covenant community?
  2. In what situations are you tempted to shade the truth or speak deceptively, and how can you commit to 'truth with your neighbor'?
  3. What does it mean to execute judgment that is both true and promotes peace, especially when these seem to conflict?
  4. How should the sequence of grace before obedience (vv. 13-15 before v. 16) shape our approach to Christian ethics?
  5. In what ways can the church today serve as 'gates' where justice and peace are practiced and promoted?

Compare 2 commentaries from different scholars and time periods for a richer understanding.

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 14 words
אֵ֥לֶּה1 of 14
H428

these or those

הַדְּבָרִ֖ים2 of 14

“These are the things”

H1697

a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause

אֲשֶׁ֣ר3 of 14
H834

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

תַּֽעֲשׂ֑וּ4 of 14

“that ye shall do”

H6213

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

דַּבְּר֤וּ5 of 14

“Speak”

H1696

perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue

אֱמֶת֙6 of 14

“of truth”

H571

stability; (figuratively) certainty, truth, trustworthiness

אִ֣ישׁ7 of 14

“ye 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)

אֶת8 of 14
H854

properly, nearness (used only as a preposition or an adverb), near; hence, generally, with, by, at, among, etc

רֵעֵ֔הוּ9 of 14

“to his neighbour”

H7453

an associate (more or less close)

אֱמֶת֙10 of 14

“of truth”

H571

stability; (figuratively) certainty, truth, trustworthiness

וּמִשְׁפַּ֣ט11 of 14

“the judgment”

H4941

properly, a verdict (favorable or unfavorable) pronounced judicially, especially a sentence or formal decree (human or (participant's) divine law, ind

שָׁל֔וֹם12 of 14

“and peace”

H7965

safe, i.e., (figuratively) well, happy, friendly; also (abstractly) welfare, i.e., health, prosperity, peace

שִׁפְט֖וּ13 of 14

“execute”

H8199

to judge, i.e., pronounce sentence (for or against); by implication, to vindicate or punish; by extenssion, to govern; passively, to litigate (literal

בְּשַׁעֲרֵיכֶֽם׃14 of 14

“in your gates”

H8179

an opening, i.e., door or gate

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 8:16 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 8:16 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Ephesians 4:25Zechariah 7:9Psalms 15:2Deuteronomy 10:12-13Luke 3:8-14Proverbs 12:17

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