King James Version

What Does Zechariah 8:20 Mean?

Zechariah 8:20 in the King James Version says “Thus saith the LORD of hosts; It shall yet come to pass, that there shall come people, and the inhabitants of many citie...” — study this verse from Zechariah chapter 8 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Thus saith the LORD of hosts; It shall yet come to pass, that there shall come people, and the inhabitants of many cities:”

Zechariah 8:20 · KJV

Context

18

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

19

Thus saith the LORD of hosts; The fast of the fourth month, and the fast of the fifth, and the fast of the seventh, and the fast of the tenth, shall be to the house of Judah joy and gladness, and cheerful feasts; therefore love the truth and peace. feasts: or, solemn, or, set times

20

Thus saith the LORD of hosts; It shall yet come to pass, that there shall come people, and the inhabitants of many cities:

21

And the inhabitants of one city shall go to another, saying, Let us go speedily to pray before the LORD, and to seek the LORD of hosts: I will go also. speedily: or, continually: Heb. going to pray: Heb. to intreat the face of

22

Yea, many people and strong nations shall come to seek the LORD of hosts in Jerusalem, and to pray before the LORD. to pray: Heb. to intreat the face of

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Thus saith the LORD of hosts; It shall yet come to pass, that there shall come people, and the inhabitants of many cities. This verse begins an eschatological vision of universal pilgrimage to Jerusalem. The opening formula "Thus saith the LORD of hosts" (koh amar Yahweh Tzeva'ot, כֹּה אָמַר יְהוָה צְבָאוֹת) asserts divine authority, while "It shall yet come to pass" (od asher, עֹד אֲשֶׁר) points to future fulfillment—this transcends immediate post-exilic reality to ultimate kingdom consummation.

The phrase "there shall come people, and the inhabitants of many cities" (yavo'u ammim ve-yoshvei arim rabot, יָבֹאוּ עַמִּים וְיֹשְׁבֵי עָרִים רַבּוֹת) envisions mass movement toward Jerusalem. Ammim (עַמִּים, peoples/nations) indicates Gentiles, not merely scattered Jews returning. The "inhabitants of many cities" suggests organized delegations from urban centers worldwide. This isn't isolated individuals but corporate, civic movements—entire populations seeking the LORD.

This vision echoes multiple prophetic promises: Isaiah 2:2-3 foretells nations streaming to Zion saying "Come, let us go up to the mountain of the LORD"; Micah 4:1-2 parallels this; Isaiah 60:3 promises "nations shall come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your rising." The consistent prophetic testimony envisions Jerusalem as the center of universal worship in the Messianic age. The New Testament reveals Christ as the fulfillment—He draws all people to Himself (John 12:32), and the heavenly Jerusalem receives the redeemed from every nation (Revelation 21:24-26).

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Historical & Cultural Context

This prophecy would have seemed fantastic to Zechariah's audience. In 520 BC, Jerusalem was a small, struggling settlement with partially rebuilt walls and an unfinished temple. Surrounding nations were hostile or indifferent. Yet God promises that this despised city will become the magnetic center of world pilgrimage. The promise builds on Abrahamic covenant theology: through Abraham's seed, all nations would be blessed (Genesis 12:3, 22:18).

Historically, this began fulfilling through proselytes—Gentiles converting to Judaism (Acts 2:10, 6:5). But full realization came through Christ. At Pentecost, Jews from every nation heard the gospel (Acts 2:5-11), and the church exploded globally. Paul's ministry brought Gentiles into God's people (Ephesians 2:11-22). The Jerusalem church's initial resistance to Gentile inclusion (Acts 10-11, 15) gradually gave way to recognizing God's plan to save all nations.

The vision awaits ultimate fulfillment at Christ's return. Revelation depicts the New Jerusalem descending from heaven with nations walking by its light (Revelation 21:10, 24). The city Abraham sought—"the city that has foundations, whose designer and builder is God" (Hebrews 11:10)—will be fully realized. Meanwhile, the church proclaims the gospel to all nations (Matthew 28:19-20), gathering the elect from every tribe and tongue.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does this vision of universal pilgrimage to Jerusalem find fulfillment in Christ and the church?
  2. What does God's promise that despised Jerusalem would become the world's worship center teach about His power to reverse human expectations?
  3. How should the certainty of ultimate universal worship shape the church's current missionary efforts?
  4. In what ways does your local church reflect the multi-ethnic, multi-national character of God's eschatological people?
  5. How can believers maintain both commitment to the uniqueness of Christ and welcoming posture toward all peoples?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 11 words
כֹּ֥ה1 of 11
H3541

properly, like this, i.e., by implication, (of manner) thus (or so); also (of place) here (or hither); or (of time) now

אָמַ֖ר2 of 11

“Thus saith”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

יְהוָ֣ה3 of 11

“the LORD”

H3068

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

צְבָא֑וֹת4 of 11

“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

עֹ֚ד5 of 11
H5750

properly, iteration or continuance; used only adverbially (with or without preposition), again, repeatedly, still, more

אֲשֶׁ֣ר6 of 11
H834

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

יָבֹ֣אוּ7 of 11

“It shall yet come to pass that there shall come”

H935

to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

עַמִּ֔ים8 of 11

“people”

H5971

a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock

וְיֹשְׁבֵ֖י9 of 11

“and the inhabitants”

H3427

properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry

עָרִ֥ים10 of 11

“cities”

H5892

a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)

רַבּֽוֹת׃11 of 11

“of many”

H7227

abundant (in quantity, size, age, number, rank, quality)

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 8:20 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 8:20 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Isaiah 2:2-3Zechariah 2:11Micah 4:1-2Matthew 8:11Jeremiah 16:19Isaiah 60:3-12

Places in This Verse

JerusalemSettlement · Modern: Jerusalem · 31.78°N, 35.23°E955 verses across 37 books
View all places in Zechariah 8 →

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