Zechariah 1:16
Zechariah 1:16 in Multiple Translations
Therefore this is what the LORD says: ‘I will return to Jerusalem with mercy, and there My house will be rebuilt, declares the LORD of Hosts, and a measuring line will be stretched out over Jerusalem.’
Therefore thus saith the LORD; I am returned to Jerusalem with mercies: my house shall be built in it, saith the LORD of hosts, and a line shall be stretched forth upon Jerusalem.
Therefore thus saith Jehovah: I am returned to Jerusalem with mercies; my house shall be built in it, saith Jehovah of hosts, and a line shall be stretched forth over Jerusalem.
So this is what the Lord has said: I have come back to Jerusalem with mercies; my house is to be put up in her, says the Lord of armies, and a line is to be stretched out over Jerusalem.
Therefore this is what the Lord says: I have returned to be merciful to Jerusalem. My Temple shall be rebuilt there, as well as the city, declares the Lord Almighty.
Therefore thus saith the Lord, I wil returne vnto Ierusalem with tender mercie: mine house shall be builded in it, saith the Lord of hostes, and a line shall be stretched vpon Ierusalem.
Therefore, thus said Jehovah: I have turned to Jerusalem with mercies, My house is built in it, An affirmation of Jehovah of Hosts, And a line is stretched over Jerusalem.
Therefore the LORD says: “I have returned to Jerusalem with mercy. My house shall be built in it,” says the LORD of Armies, “and a line shall be stretched out over Jerusalem.”’
Therefore thus saith the LORD; I have returned to Jerusalem with mercies: my house shall be built in it, saith the LORD of hosts, and a line shall be stretched forth upon Jerusalem.
Therefore thus saith the Lord: I will return to Jerusalem in mercies: my house shall be built in it, saith the Lord of hosts: and the building line shall be stretched forth upon Jerusalem.
Therefore, this is what he says: ‘I will again be merciful to the people of Jerusalem, and they will rebuild my temple. Men will measure all the land in the city before they start rebuilding the houses.’
Berean Amplified Bible — Zechariah 1:16
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Zechariah 1:16 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
לָ/כֵ֞ן
כֹּֽה
אָמַ֣ר
יְהוָ֗ה
שַׁ֤בְתִּי
לִ/ירוּשָׁלִַ֨ם֙
בְּֽ/רַחֲמִ֔ים
בֵּיתִ/י֙
יִבָּ֣נֶה
בָּ֔/הּ
נְאֻ֖ם
יְהוָ֣ה
צְבָא֑וֹת
ו/קוה
וְ/קָ֥ו
יִנָּטֶ֖ה
עַל
יְרוּשָׁלִָֽם
לָ/כֵ֞ן
kên
H3651
right
Prep | Adv
כֹּֽה
kôh
H3541
thus
Adv
אָמַ֣ר
ʼâmar
H559
to say
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
יְהוָ֗ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
The Lord
N-proper
שַׁ֤בְתִּי
shûwb
H7725
to return
V-Qal-Perf-1cs
לִ/ירוּשָׁלִַ֨ם֙
Yᵉrûwshâlaim
H3389
Jerusalem
Prep | N-proper
בְּֽ/רַחֲמִ֔ים
racham
H7356
womb
Prep | N-mp
בֵּיתִ/י֙
bayith
H1004
place
N-ms | Suff
יִבָּ֣נֶה
bânâh
H1129
to build
V-Niphal-Imperf-3ms
בָּ֔/הּ
Prep | Suff
נְאֻ֖ם
nᵉʼum
H5002
utterance
N-ms
יְהוָ֣ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
The Lord
N-proper
צְבָא֑וֹת
tsâbâʼ
H6635
army
N-cp
ו/קוה
qâveh
H6961
line
Conj | N-ms
וְ/קָ֥ו
qav
H6957
cord
Conj | N-ms
יִנָּטֶ֖ה
nâṭâh
H5186
to stretch
V-Niphal-Imperf-3ms
עַל
ʻal
H5921
upon
Prep
יְרוּשָׁלִָֽם
Yᵉrûwshâlaim
H3389
Jerusalem
N-proper
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Zechariah 1:16
לָ/כֵ֞ן
kên
H3651
"right"
Prep | Adv
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means 'so' or 'thus', often used to show agreement or confirmation, like in the book of Genesis. It can also mean 'rightly' or 'justly', as in doing something the correct way. It appears in various forms throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: adv adj 1) right, just, honest, true, veritable 1a) right, just, honest 1b) correct 1c) true, veritable
Usage: Occurs in 737 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] after that (this, -ward, -wards), as... as, [phrase] (for-) asmuch as yet, [phrase] be (for which) cause, [phrase] following, howbeit, in (the) like (manner, -wise), [idiom] the more, right, (even) so, state, straightway, such (thing), surely, [phrase] there (where) -fore, this, thus, true, well, [idiom] you. See also: Genesis 1:7; Exodus 37:19; Judges 7:17.
כֹּֽה
kôh
H3541
"thus"
Adv
This Hebrew word means thus or in this manner. It can also indicate a location or time, such as here or now. The KJV translates it in various ways, including also, here, and so.
Definition: 1) thus, here, in this manner 1a) thus, so 1b) here, here and there 1c) until now, until now...until then, meanwhile Aramaic equivalent: kah (כָּה "thus" H3542)
Usage: Occurs in 541 OT verses. KJV: also, here, + hitherto, like, on the other side, so (and much), such, on that manner, (on) this (manner, side, way, way and that way), + mean while, yonder. See also: Genesis 15:5; 1 Kings 22:20; Isaiah 7:7.
אָמַ֣ר
ʼâmar
H559
"to say"
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to say or speak, and it's used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to command, promise, or think, and it's translated in the KJV as 'answer', 'appoint', or 'command'.
Definition: 1) to say, speak, utter 1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend 1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called 1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly 1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)
Usage: Occurs in 4337 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet. See also: Genesis 1:3; Genesis 18:23; Genesis 25:32.
יְהוָ֗ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
"The Lord"
N-proper
Yehovah is another name for God, often translated as 'the Lord'. It is a national name for God in the Jewish faith. This name is used throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)
Usage: Occurs in 5522 OT verses. KJV: Jehovah, the Lord. Compare H3050 (יָהּ), H3069 (יְהֹוִה). See also: Genesis 2:4; Genesis 24:42; Exodus 8:8.
שַׁ֤בְתִּי
shûwb
H7725
"to return"
V-Qal-Perf-1cs
This Hebrew word means to return or turn back, and can be used literally or figuratively. It is often used to describe someone returning to God or repenting from sin, as seen in the book of Psalms and the prophets.
Definition: : return 1) to return, turn back 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to turn back, return 1a1a) to turn back 1a1b) to return, come or go back 1a1c) to return unto, go back, come back 1a1d) of dying 1a1e) of human relations (fig) 1a1f) of spiritual relations (fig) 1a1f1) to turn back (from God), apostatise 1a1f2) to turn away (of God) 1a1f3) to turn back (to God), repent 1a1f4) turn back (from evil) 1a1g) of inanimate things 1a1h) in repetition 1b) (Polel) 1b1) to bring back 1b2) to restore, refresh, repair (fig) 1b3) to lead away (enticingly) 1b4) to show turning, apostatise 1c) (Pual) restored (participle) 1d) (Hiphil) to cause to return, bring back 1d1) to bring back, allow to return, put back, draw back, give back, restore, relinquish, give in payment 1d2) to bring back, refresh, restore 1d3) to bring back, report to, answer 1d4) to bring back, make requital, pay (as recompense) 1d5) to turn back or backward, repel, defeat, repulse, hinder, reject, refuse 1d6) to turn away (face), turn toward 1d7) to turn against 1d8) to bring back to mind 1d9) to show a turning away 1d10) to reverse, revoke 1e) (Hophal) to be returned, be restored, be brought back 1f) (Pulal) brought back
Usage: Occurs in 953 OT verses. KJV: ((break, build, circumcise, dig, do anything, do evil, feed, lay down, lie down, lodge, make, rejoice, send, take, weep)) [idiom] again, (cause to) answer ([phrase] again), [idiom] in any case (wise), [idiom] at all, averse, bring (again, back, home again), call (to mind), carry again (back), cease, [idiom] certainly, come again (back), [idiom] consider, [phrase] continually, convert, deliver (again), [phrase] deny, draw back, fetch home again, [idiom] fro, get (oneself) (back) again, [idiom] give (again), go again (back, home), (go) out, hinder, let, (see) more, [idiom] needs, be past, [idiom] pay, pervert, pull in again, put (again, up again), recall, recompense, recover, refresh, relieve, render (again), requite, rescue, restore, retrieve, (cause to, make to) return, reverse, reward, [phrase] say nay, send back, set again, slide back, still, [idiom] surely, take back (off), (cause to, make to) turn (again, self again, away, back, back again, backward, from, off), withdraw. See also: Genesis 3:19; Numbers 8:25; Judges 8:13.
לִ/ירוּשָׁלִַ֨ם֙
Yᵉrûwshâlaim
H3389
"Jerusalem"
Prep | N-proper
Jerusalem is the capital city of Palestine, also known as the city of peace. It was the chief city of the united kingdom and the nation of Judah after the split.
Definition: § Jerusalem = "teaching of peace" the chief city of Palestine and capital of the united kingdom and the nation of Judah after the split
Usage: Occurs in 600 OT verses. KJV: Jerusalem. See also: Joshua 10:1; 2 Kings 22:14; 2 Chronicles 24:6.
בְּֽ/רַחֲמִ֔ים
racham
H7356
"womb"
Prep | N-mp
This word refers to compassion or tender love, often describing God's feelings towards people. It can also mean the womb, symbolizing care and nurturing. The KJV translates it as compassion, mercy, or pity.
Definition: womb Another spelling of re.chem (רֶ֫חֶם "womb" H7358)
Usage: Occurs in 44 OT verses. KJV: bowels, compassion, damsel, tender love, (great, tender) mercy, pity, womb. See also: Genesis 43:14; Psalms 106:46; Psalms 25:6.
בֵּיתִ/י֙
bayith
H1004
"place"
N-ms | Suff
The Hebrew word for house refers to a dwelling place, including a family home, temple, or even the human body. It appears in various contexts, such as the temple in Jerusalem or the household of a family. In the Bible, it is often used to describe a place of worship or a family's living space.
Definition: nm place, origin, between
Usage: Occurs in 1712 OT verses. KJV: court, daughter, door, [phrase] dungeon, family, [phrase] forth of, [idiom] great as would contain, hangings, home(born), (winter) house(-hold), inside(-ward), palace, place, [phrase] prison, [phrase] steward, [phrase] tablet, temple, web, [phrase] within(-out). See also: Genesis 6:14; Exodus 8:5; Numbers 1:45.
יִבָּ֣נֶה
bânâh
H1129
"to build"
V-Niphal-Imperf-3ms
The Hebrew word bânâh means to build something, like a house or a family. It can also mean to establish or repair something, and is used in various contexts throughout the Bible.
Definition: 1) to build, rebuild, establish, cause to continue 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to build, rebuild 1a2) to build a house (ie, establish a family) 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be built 1b2) to be rebuilt 1b3) established (of restored exiles) (fig.) 1b4) established (made permanent) 1b5) to be built up (of childless wife becoming the mother of a family through the children of a concubine) Aramaic equivalent: be.nah (בְּנָה "to build" H1124)
Usage: Occurs in 345 OT verses. KJV: (begin to) build(-er), obtain children, make, repair, set (up), [idiom] surely. See also: Genesis 2:22; 1 Kings 8:48; 2 Chronicles 20:8.
בָּ֔/הּ
""
Prep | Suff
נְאֻ֖ם
nᵉʼum
H5002
"utterance"
N-ms
This word refers to an utterance or declaration from God, often through a prophet. It is used in the Bible to describe a revelation or message from God, like in Exodus or Numbers.
Definition: 1) (Qal) utterance, declaration (of prophet) 1a) utterance, declaration, revelation (of prophet in ecstatic state) 1b) utterance, declaration (elsewhere always preceding divine name)
Usage: Occurs in 358 OT verses. KJV: (hath) said, saith. See also: Genesis 22:16; Jeremiah 22:16; Psalms 36:2.
יְהוָ֣ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
"The Lord"
N-proper
Yehovah is another name for God, often translated as 'the Lord'. It is a national name for God in the Jewish faith. This name is used throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)
Usage: Occurs in 5522 OT verses. KJV: Jehovah, the Lord. Compare H3050 (יָהּ), H3069 (יְהֹוִה). See also: Genesis 2:4; Genesis 24:42; Exodus 8:8.
צְבָא֑וֹת
tsâbâʼ
H6635
"army"
N-cp
This Hebrew word means a large group of people or things, often referring to an army or a campaign, and is also used to describe the Lord's hosts. It appears in the Bible as a name for God, emphasizing His power and authority. In the KJV, it's translated as 'host' or 'army'.
Definition: : army 1) that which goes forth, army, war, warfare, host 1a) army, host 1a1) host (of organised army) 1a2) host (of angels) 1a3) of sun, moon, and stars 1a4) of whole creation 1b) war, warfare, service, go out to war 1c) service
Usage: Occurs in 463 OT verses. KJV: appointed time, ([phrase]) army, ([phrase]) battle, company, host, service, soldiers, waiting upon, war(-fare). See also: Genesis 2:1; 1 Samuel 17:55; Psalms 24:10.
ו/קוה
qâveh
H6961
"line"
Conj | N-ms
A measuring cord or line, used to mark boundaries or measure distances. It appears in Zechariah 2:1, where a man is measuring Jerusalem.
Definition: line
Usage: Occurs in 3 OT verses. KJV: line. See also: 1 Kings 7:23; Jeremiah 31:39; Zechariah 1:16.
וְ/קָ֥ו
qav
H6957
"cord"
Conj | N-ms
This word means a cord or line, used for measuring or as a musical string. It can also mean a rule or a rim, and is translated as line in the Bible.
Definition: 1) line, measuring-line 2) (BDB) onomatapoetic mimicry of Isaiah's words, perhaps senseless
Usage: Occurs in 14 OT verses. KJV: line. Compare H6978 (קַו־קַו)lemma קַו־קַי yod, corrected to קַו־קַו. See also: 2 Kings 21:13; Isaiah 34:11; Psalms 19:5.
יִנָּטֶ֖ה
nâṭâh
H5186
"to stretch"
V-Niphal-Imperf-3ms
To stretch or spread out, often used to describe physical movement, but also moral deflection, as seen in the story of Israel's decline in the book of Judges.
Definition: 1) to stretch out, extend, spread out, pitch, turn, pervert, incline, bend, bow 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to stretch out, extend, stretch, offer 1a2) to spread out, pitch (tent) 1a3) to bend, turn, incline 1a3a) to turn aside, incline, decline, bend down 1a3b) to bend, bow 1a3c) to hold out, extend (fig.) 1b) (Niphal) to be stretched out 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to stretch out 1c2) to spread out 1c3) to turn, incline, influence, bend down, hold out, extend, thrust aside, thrust away
Usage: Occurs in 207 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] afternoon, apply, bow (down, -ing), carry aside, decline, deliver, extend, go down, be gone, incline, intend, lay, let down, offer, outstretched, overthrown, pervert, pitch, prolong, put away, shew, spread (out), stretch (forth, out), take (aside), turn (aside, away), wrest, cause to yield. See also: Genesis 12:8; Psalms 31:3; Psalms 17:6.
עַל
ʻal
H5921
"upon"
Prep
This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.
Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)
Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.
יְרוּשָׁלִָֽם
Yᵉrûwshâlaim
H3389
"Jerusalem"
N-proper
Jerusalem is the capital city of Palestine, also known as the city of peace. It was the chief city of the united kingdom and the nation of Judah after the split.
Definition: § Jerusalem = "teaching of peace" the chief city of Palestine and capital of the united kingdom and the nation of Judah after the split
Usage: Occurs in 600 OT verses. KJV: Jerusalem. See also: Joshua 10:1; 2 Kings 22:14; 2 Chronicles 24:6.
Study Notes — Zechariah 1:16
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Zechariah 1:16 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Zechariah 1:16
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Zechariah 1:16
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Zechariah 1:16
- Trapp's Commentary on Zechariah 1:16
- Ellicott's Commentary on Zechariah 1:16
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Zechariah 1:16
- Cambridge Bible on Zechariah 1:16
- Barnes' Notes on Zechariah 1:16
- Whedon's Commentary on Zechariah 1:16
- Sermons on Zechariah 1:16
Context — The Vision of the Horses
14Then the angel who was speaking with me said, “Proclaim this word: This is what the LORD of Hosts says: ‘I am very jealous for Jerusalem and Zion,
15but I am fiercely angry with the nations that are at ease. For I was a little angry, but they have added to the calamity. ’
16Therefore this is what the LORD says: ‘I will return to Jerusalem with mercy, and there My house will be rebuilt, declares the LORD of Hosts, and a measuring line will be stretched out over Jerusalem.’
17Proclaim further that this is what the LORD of Hosts says: ‘My cities will again overflow with prosperity; the LORD will again comfort Zion and choose Jerusalem.’” 18Then I looked up and saw four horns.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Zechariah 8:3 | This is what the LORD says: “I will return to Zion and dwell in Jerusalem. Then Jerusalem will be called the City of Truth, and the mountain of the LORD of Hosts will be called the Holy Mountain.” |
| 2 | Ezra 6:14–15 | So the Jewish elders built and prospered through the prophesying of Haggai the prophet and Zechariah son of Iddo. They finished building according to the command of the God of Israel and the decrees of Cyrus, Darius, and Artaxerxes, kings of Persia. And this temple was completed on the third day of the month of Adar, in the sixth year of the reign of King Darius. |
| 3 | Zechariah 2:10–11 | “Shout for joy and be glad, O Daughter of Zion, for I am coming to dwell among you,” declares the LORD. “On that day many nations will join themselves to the LORD, and they will become My people. I will dwell among you, and you will know that the LORD of Hosts has sent Me to you. |
| 4 | Ezekiel 37:24–28 | My servant David will be king over them, and there will be one shepherd for all of them. They will follow My ordinances and keep and observe My statutes. They will live in the land that I gave to My servant Jacob, where your fathers lived. They will live there forever with their children and grandchildren, and My servant David will be their prince forever. And I will make a covenant of peace with them; it will be an everlasting covenant. I will establish them and multiply them, and I will set My sanctuary among them forever. My dwelling place will be with them; I will be their God, and they will be My people. Then the nations will know that I the LORD sanctify Israel, when My sanctuary is among them forever.’” |
| 5 | Isaiah 54:8–10 | In a surge of anger I hid My face from you for a moment, but with everlasting kindness I will have compassion on you,” says the LORD your Redeemer. “For to Me this is like the days of Noah, when I swore that the waters of Noah would never again cover the earth. So I have sworn that I will not be angry with you or rebuke you. Though the mountains may be removed and the hills may be shaken, My loving devotion will not depart from you, and My covenant of peace will not be broken,” says the LORD, who has compassion on you. |
| 6 | Job 38:5 | Who fixed its measurements? Surely you know! Or who stretched a measuring line across it? |
| 7 | Zechariah 4:9 | “The hands of Zerubbabel have laid the foundation of this house, and his hands will complete it. Then you will know that the LORD of Hosts has sent me to you. |
| 8 | Ezekiel 47:3 | As the man went eastward with a measuring line in his hand, he measured off a thousand cubits and led me through ankle-deep water. |
| 9 | Ezekiel 39:25–29 | Therefore this is what the Lord GOD says: Now I will restore Jacob from captivity and will have compassion on the whole house of Israel, and I will be jealous for My holy name. They will forget their disgrace and all the treachery they committed against Me, when they dwell securely in their land, with no one to frighten them. When I bring them back from the peoples and gather them out of the lands of their enemies, I will show My holiness in them in the sight of many nations. Then they will know that I am the LORD their God, when I regather them to their own land, not leaving any of them behind after their exile among the nations. And I will no longer hide My face from them, for I will pour out My Spirit on the house of Israel, declares the Lord GOD.” |
| 10 | Zechariah 2:1–2 | Then I lifted up my eyes and saw a man with a measuring line in his hand. “Where are you going?” I asked. “To measure Jerusalem,” he replied, “and to determine its width and length.” |
Zechariah 1:16 Summary
This verse means that God is promising to come back to Jerusalem and show mercy to His people, and that He will rebuild the temple where people can worship Him. This is a message of hope and restoration, and it reminds us that God is always with us and wants to bless us, just as He promised in Jeremiah 29:11. Just like God had a plan to rebuild Jerusalem, He has a plan to rebuild and restore our lives, as seen in Romans 8:28. We can trust in His promise to show us mercy and kindness, and we can look forward to the day when He will dwell among us in a renewed and restored world.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean for the LORD to return to Jerusalem with mercy?
This means that God will show kindness and compassion to His people, just as He promised in Exodus 34:6, and will restore the city to its former glory, as seen in Zechariah 1:16 itself.
Why is the rebuilding of the house of the LORD significant?
The rebuilding of the house of the LORD represents God's presence among His people, as seen in Ezekiel 37:26-28, and is a symbol of His covenant with them, as promised in Jeremiah 31:31-34.
What is the significance of the measuring line being stretched out over Jerusalem?
The measuring line represents God's plan to restore and rebuild Jerusalem, as seen in Zechariah 2:1-5, and to make it a place of worship and glory for His name, as promised in Isaiah 2:2-3.
How does this verse relate to the overall message of Zechariah?
This verse is part of Zechariah's message of hope and restoration to the post-exilic community, as seen in Zechariah 1:1-6, and looks forward to the day when God will dwell among His people in a renewed Jerusalem, as promised in Revelation 21:1-4.
Reflection Questions
- What does it mean for me to experience God's mercy in my life, and how can I trust in His promise to restore me?
- How can I be a part of God's plan to rebuild and restore His church, and what role can I play in spreading the message of hope and restoration?
- What are some ways that I can show mercy and kindness to those around me, just as God has shown mercy to me?
- How can I cultivate a sense of reverence and awe for God's presence in my life, just as the Israelites did when they rebuilt the temple in Jerusalem?
Gill's Exposition on Zechariah 1:16
Therefore thus saith the Lord, I am returned to Jerusalem with mercies,.... Having returned the people of the Jews from their captivity to Jerusalem, in which he had shown abundant mercy to them: my
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Zechariah 1:16
Therefore thus saith the LORD; I am returned to Jerusalem with mercies: my house shall be built in it, saith the LORD of hosts, and a line shall be stretched forth upon Jerusalem.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Zechariah 1:16
Therefore; because the enemy hath so barbarously and inhumanly added affliction to the afflicted, it is time to save and relieve. I am returned: when I was departed, and had withdrawn my presence, thus cruelly were my people handled; but now I will return, I will be with them, my presence shall restrain the violent and protect the innocent. With mercies; with tender, abundant, and promised mercies now they shall be comforted indeed. My house; the temple of God, the excellency of Jacob. Shall be built in it; shall be finished, the impediments shall be removed, what glory I have promised by , I will put upon this house of mine in Jerusalem. Saith the Lord of hosts: this confirms the promise, and establisheth our faith, if we know the import hereof. A line, the builder’ s measuring line, shall be stretched out, to mark out walls, gates, palaces, streets, and houses in Jerusalem, that they may be built again in beauty and strength, with skill and art; and shall be once more the glory of the earth, and joy of Israel. Therefore; because the enemy hath so barbarously and inhumanly added affliction to the afflicted, it is time to save and relieve. A line, the builder’ s measuring line, shall be stretched out, to mark out walls, gates, palaces, streets, and houses in Jerusalem, that they may be built again in beauty and strength, with skill and art; and shall be once more the glory of the earth, and joy of Israel.
Trapp's Commentary on Zechariah 1:16
Zechariah 1:16 Therefore thus saith the LORD; I am returned to Jerusalem with mercies: my house shall be built in it, saith the LORD of hosts, and a line shall be stretched forth upon Jerusalem.Ver. 16. Therefore thus saith the Lord] Thus, one deep calleth another, Psalms 42:7; the lower deep of our misery, the higher deep of God’ s mercy. As Croesus’ dumb son burst out into, Kill not King Croesus; so, when enemies are ready to devour the Church, God’ s bowels work; he can hold no longer, but cries, Save my child, handle the young man gently for my sake: see Jeremiah 31:20 Isaiah 57:16 "I will not contend for ever, neither will I be always wroth; for the spirit should fail before me," &c.; when the child swoons in the whipping God lets fall the rod, and falls a kissing it, to fetch life into it again. A physician, in some cases, purgeth his patient till nothing be left almost but skin and bone; or bloodeth him, ad deliquium animae, till he faint and sink, but yet his care is still to maintain nature; so this heavenly Father and Physician is careful to keep up the spirits of his suffering saints by comforts and cordials, as here: I am returned to Jerusalem with mercies] Miserationibus visceralibus, with multitudes of tender mercies that flow from the inwards, from the bowels, from the bosom and bottom of the heart; and that of a parent, nay, of a mother toward her child in an extremity, as 1 Kings 3:26. And here observe how fully and sweetly the angel’ s prayer is answered, even ad cardinem desiderii. God not only grants him according to his own heart, but fulfils all his counsel, as it is, Psalms 20:4. Let it be to him even as he will, nay, gives him an enlarged answer, presseth upon him, as Naaman did upon Gehazi two talents when he desired but one. How long wilt thou not be merciful to Jerusalem? saith he. Behold, I am returned to Jerusalem with many mercies, saith God] I went away and hid me from it in my anger, Hosea 5:15, but am come again with many comforts to relieve it. As all light is from the sun, and all waters from the sea; so is all comfort from God.
In thy light shall we see light; but "thou didst hide thy face, and I was troubled," Psalms 30:7 : as when the sun is eclipsed all creatures here flag and hang the head, there is a drooping in the whole frame of nature; and when the extracting force of the sun leaves the vapours that are drawn up, they fall down again to the earth; so fares it with the Church: if God withdraw she lies all amort, yea, she lieth open to all sorts of evils and enemies; for her shadow is departed from her.
Ellicott's Commentary on Zechariah 1:16
(16) A line.—To measure, and mark out its confines. (Comp. Zechariah 2:1-2.)
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Zechariah 1:16
Verse 16. I am returned to Jerusalem with mercies] Before, he came to them in judgments; and the principal mercy is, the house of the Lord shall be rebuilt, and the ordinances of' the Lord re-established. And a line shall be stretched forth] The circuit shall be determined, and the city built according to the line marked out.
Cambridge Bible on Zechariah 1:16
16. Therefore] because I am thus jealous for my people and angry with their enemies. a line] i.e. a measuring line, to mark out the city with a view to its being rebuilt. Comp. Job 38:5. It had been measured before for destruction, 2 Kings 21:13; Lamentations 2:8.
Barnes' Notes on Zechariah 1:16
Therefore - This being so, since God was so jealous for His people, so displeased with their persecutors, “thus saith the Lord,” Dionysius, “I who “in wrath remember mercy, am returned” Habakkuk 3:2,
Whedon's Commentary on Zechariah 1:16
14-17. The interpreting angel joins to the interpretation an exhortation to make the message known to all the people. Cry thou — So that all may hear (compare Zechariah 1:4).
Sermons on Zechariah 1:16
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Overcoming the Power of Spiritual Defeat by Carter Conlon | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the book of Zechariah and specifically looks at the symbolism of four horns mentioned in the text. These horns represent powers that have sc |
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Studies in Zechariah 02 Zechariah 2: by John W. Bramhall | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the urgency of salvation and the imminent return of the Lord. He urges the listeners to deliver themselves from the impending judgment by ac |
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Commentary Notes - Zechariah by Walter Beuttler | Walter Beuttler preaches on the Book of Zechariah, highlighting the prophet's role in encouraging the Jews to rebuild the temple amidst opposition, with a promise of a bright futur |
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An Interlude: Zionism by Arno Clemens Gaebelein | Arno Clemens Gaebelein discusses the significant Jewish national revival towards the end of the Nineteenth Century, focusing on the revival of Jewish Nationalism and the movement t |
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The Lord's Need of a 'Zion' People by T. Austin-Sparks | T. Austin-Sparks emphasizes the significance of being a 'Zion' people, representing God's ideal for His Church, which is not merely a reflection of its current state but a fulfillm |
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Zechariah 12:1 by Chuck Smith | Chuck Smith emphasizes the significance of Zechariah 12:1, highlighting that while Zechariah is often credited as the author, he merely served as a secretary for God's prophetic wo |
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It's Not Enough to Get Out of Babylon by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the preacher criticizes the trend of showcase charities that are primarily focused on raising money for airtime and advertisement. He warns that ministers will be h |