Zechariah 14:2

Zechariah 14:2 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

For I will gather all the nations for battle against Jerusalem, and the city will be captured, the houses looted, and the women ravished. Half of the city will go into exile, but the rest of the people will not be removed from the city.

King James Version KJV

For I will gather all nations against Jerusalem to battle; and the city shall be taken, and the houses rifled, and the women ravished; and half of the city shall go forth into captivity, and the residue of the people shall not be cut off from the city.

American Standard Version ASV

Bible in Basic English BBE

For I will get all the nations together to make war against Jerusalem; and the town will be overcome, and the goods taken from the houses, and the women taken by force: and half the town will go away as prisoners, and the rest of the people will not be cut off from the town.

Free Bible Version FBV

I will bring together all the nations to attack Jerusalem. The city will be captured, the houses looted, and the women raped. Half the population will be taken into exile, but the rest of the people will not be removed from the city.

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

For I will gather all nations against Ierusalem to battell, and the citie shall be taken, and the houses spoyled, and the women defiled, and halfe of the citie shall goe into captiuitie, and the residue of the people shall not be cut off from ye citie.

Young's Literal Translation YLT

And I have gathered all the nations unto Jerusalem to battle, And captured hath been the city, And spoiled have been the houses, And the women are lain with, Gone forth hath half the city in a removal, And the remnant of the people are not cut off from the city.

World English Bible WEB

For I will gather all nations against Jerusalem to battle; and the city will be taken, the houses rifled, and the women ravished. Half of the city will go out into captivity, and the rest of the people will not be cut off from the city.

Noah Webster Bible WBS

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

And I will gather all nations to Jerusalem to battle, and the city shall be taken, and the houses shall be rifled, and the women shall be defiled: and half of the city shall go forth into captivity, and the rest of the people shall not be taken away out of the city.

Translation for Translators T4T

Before that happens, Yahweh will cause the armies of many [HYP] nations to attack Jerusalem. They will capture the city and steal all the valuable things from your houses and rape the women. They will take half of the people to other countries, but the other half of the people will be allowed to remain in the city.

Study Highlights

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Berean Amplified Bible — Zechariah 14:2

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 14:2 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB

HEB וְ/אָסַפְתִּ֨י אֶת כָּל הַ/גּוֹיִ֥ם אֶֽל יְרוּשָׁלִַם֮ לַ/מִּלְחָמָה֒ וְ/נִלְכְּדָ֣ה הָ/עִ֗יר וְ/נָשַׁ֨סּוּ֙ הַ/בָּ֣תִּ֔ים וְ/הַ/נָּשִׁ֖ים תשגלנה תִּשָּׁכַ֑בְנָה וְ/יָצָ֞א חֲצִ֤י הָ/עִיר֙ בַּ/גּוֹלָ֔ה וְ/יֶ֣תֶר הָ/עָ֔ם לֹ֥א יִכָּרֵ֖ת מִן הָ/עִֽיר

וְ/אָסַפְתִּ֨י ʼâçaph H622 to gather Conj | V-Qal-1cs

אֶת ʼêth H853 Obj. DirObjM

כָּל kôl H3605 all N-ms

הַ/גּוֹיִ֥ם gôwy H1471 Gentile Art | N-mp

אֶֽל ʼêl H413 to(wards) Prep

יְרוּשָׁלִַם֮ Yᵉrûwshâlaim H3389 Jerusalem N-proper

לַ/מִּלְחָמָה֒ milchâmâh H4421 battle Prep | N-fs

וְ/נִלְכְּדָ֣ה lâkad H3920 to capture Conj | V-Niphal-3fs

הָ/עִ֗יר ʻîyr H5892 excitement Art | N-fs

וְ/נָשַׁ֨סּוּ֙ shâçaç H8155 to plunder Conj | V-Niphal-3cp

הַ/בָּ֣תִּ֔ים bayith H1004 place Art | N-mp

וְ/הַ/נָּשִׁ֖ים ʼishshâh H802 woman Conj | Art | N-fp

תשגלנה shâgal H7693 to ravish V-Niphal-Imperf-3fp

תִּשָּׁכַ֑בְנָה shâkab H7901 to lie down V-Niphal-Imperf-3fp

וְ/יָצָ֞א yâtsâʼ H3318 to come out Conj | V-Qal-3ms

חֲצִ֤י chêtsîy H2677 half N-ms

הָ/עִיר֙ ʻîyr H5892 excitement Art | N-fs

בַּ/גּוֹלָ֔ה gôwlâh H1473 captivity Prep | N-fs

וְ/יֶ֣תֶר yether H3499 remainder Conj | N-ms

הָ/עָ֔ם ʻam H5971 Amaw Art | N-ms

לֹ֥א lôʼ H3808 not Part

יִכָּרֵ֖ת kârath H3772 to cut V-Niphal-Imperf-3ms

מִן min H4480 from Prep

הָ/עִֽיר ʻîyr H5892 excitement Art | N-fs

Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — Zechariah 14:2

וְ/אָסַפְתִּ֨י ʼâçaph H622 "to gather" Conj | V-Qal-1cs

To gather means to bring people or things together, often for a purpose like worship or community. It can also mean to take away or remove something, like gathering a harvest. This word appears in books like Genesis and Psalms.

Definition: 1) to gather, receive, remove, gather in 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to gather, collect 1a2) to gather (an individual into company of others) 1a3) to bring up the rear 1a4) to gather and take away, remove, withdraw 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to assemble, be gathered 1b2) (pass of Qal 1a2) 1b2a) to be gathered to one's fathers 1b2b) to be brought in or into (association with others) 1b3) (pass of Qal 1a4) 1b3a) to be taken away, removed, perish 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to gather (harvest) 1c2) to take in, receive into 1c3) rearguard, rearward (subst) 1d) (Pual) to be gathered 1e) (Hithpael) to gather oneself or themselves

Usage: Occurs in 188 OT verses. KJV: assemble, bring, consume, destroy, felch, gather (in, together, up again), [idiom] generally, get (him), lose, put all together, receive, recover (another from leprosy), (be) rereward, [idiom] surely, take (away, into, up), [idiom] utterly, withdraw. See also: Genesis 6:21; 1 Chronicles 11:13; Psalms 26:9.

אֶת ʼêth H853 "Obj." DirObjM

In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.

Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)

Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.

כָּל kôl H3605 "all" N-ms

The Hebrew word for 'all' or 'everything' is used throughout the Bible, like in Genesis 1:31, where God sees all He has made as very good. It encompasses the entirety of something, whether people, things, or situations.

Definition: 1) all, the whole 1a) all, the whole of 1b) any, each, every, anything 1c) totality, everything Aramaic equivalent: kol (כֹּל "all" H3606)

Usage: Occurs in 4242 OT verses. KJV: (in) all (manner, (ye)), altogether, any (manner), enough, every (one, place, thing), howsoever, as many as, (no-) thing, ought, whatsoever, (the) whole, whoso(-ever). See also: Genesis 1:21; Genesis 17:10; Genesis 41:40.

הַ/גּוֹיִ֥ם gôwy H1471 "Gentile" Art | N-mp

This word refers to a Gentile, someone who is not Hebrew or Israeli. It can also describe a large group of animals or a nation of people, emphasizing their unity and shared identity.

Definition: 1) nation, people 1a) nation, people 1a1) usually of non-Hebrew people 1a2) of descendants of Abraham 1a3) of Israel 1b) of swarm of locusts, other animals (fig.) 1c) Goyim? = "nations" Also named: ethnos (ἔθνος "Gentiles" G1484)

Usage: Occurs in 511 OT verses. KJV: Gentile, heathen, nation, people. See also: Genesis 10:5; Judges 4:16; Psalms 2:1.

אֶֽל ʼêl H413 "to(wards)" Prep

This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.

Definition: 1) to, toward, unto (of motion) 2) into (limit is actually entered) 2a) in among 3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion) 4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character) 5) in addition to, to 6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of 7) according to (rule or standard) 8) at, by, against (of one's presence) 9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)

Usage: Occurs in 4205 OT verses. KJV: about, according to, after, against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and, by, concerning, for, from, [idiom] hath, in(-to), near, (out) of, over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether, with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:9; Genesis 21:14; Genesis 31:13.

יְרוּשָׁלִַם֮ 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.

לַ/מִּלְחָמָה֒ milchâmâh H4421 "battle" Prep | N-fs

This word means battle or war, describing a fight or conflict. It is used in the Bible to talk about wars and battles, like the ones in the book of Joshua. The KJV translates it as battle or fight.

Definition: battle, war

Usage: Occurs in 308 OT verses. KJV: battle, fight(-ing), war(-rior). See also: Genesis 14:2; 1 Samuel 30:24; 2 Chronicles 13:14.

וְ/נִלְכְּדָ֣ה lâkad H3920 "to capture" Conj | V-Niphal-3fs

This verb means to capture or seize, often using a net or trap. In the Bible, it is used to describe taking control of something or someone, and is also used figuratively to describe being caught or stuck in a situation.

Definition: 1) to capture, take, seize 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to capture, seize 1a2) to capture (of men) (fig.) 1a3) to take (by lot) 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be captured 1b2) to be caught (of men in trap, snare) (fig.) 1c) (Hithpael) to grasp each other

Usage: Occurs in 112 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] at all, catch (self), be frozen, be holden, stick together, take. See also: Numbers 21:32; 2 Kings 18:10; Psalms 9:16.

הָ/עִ֗יר ʻîyr H5892 "excitement" Art | N-fs

In the Bible, this word refers to a city or town, often a place with a wall or a watchman. It is used to describe a settlement or encampment, like the city of Ai, which is mentioned in the book of Joshua. The word is used to identify specific locations in the Bible.

Definition: 1) excitement, anguish 1a) of terror

Usage: Occurs in 936 OT verses. KJV: Ai (from margin), city, court (from margin), town. See also: Genesis 4:17; Deuteronomy 3:6; Joshua 14:12.

וְ/נָשַׁ֨סּוּ֙ shâçaç H8155 "to plunder" Conj | V-Niphal-3cp

This word is about taking something that does not belong to you, often by force, like in a battle. It is used in the Bible to describe the actions of enemies, such as in Jeremiah 23:1 and Ezekiel 38:12.

Definition: 1) to plunder, spoil 1a) (Qal) to plunder 1b) (Niphal) to be plundered, be rifled Also means: sha.as (שָׁאַס "to spoil" H7601)

Usage: Occurs in 5 OT verses. KJV: rifle, spoil. See also: Judges 2:14; Psalms 89:42; Isaiah 13:16.

הַ/בָּ֣תִּ֔ים bayith H1004 "place" Art | N-mp

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.

וְ/הַ/נָּשִׁ֖ים ʼishshâh H802 "woman" Conj | Art | N-fp

The Hebrew word for woman, used to describe a female person, wife, or animal, appears in many biblical passages, including Genesis and Exodus, and is often translated as woman, wife, or female.

Definition: : woman 1) woman, wife, female 1a) woman (opposite of man) 1b) wife (woman married to a man) 1c) female (of animals) 1d) each, every (pronoun)

Usage: Occurs in 686 OT verses. KJV: (adulter) ess, each, every, female, [idiom] many, [phrase] none, one, [phrase] together, wife, woman. Often unexpressed in English. See also: Genesis 2:22; Genesis 34:4; Numbers 5:12.

תשגלנה shâgal H7693 "to ravish" V-Niphal-Imperf-3fp

This Hebrew word means to forcefully take someone, often referring to a violent act. It appears in the Bible as a translation of 'lie with' or 'ravish'.

Definition: 1) to violate, ravish 1a) (Qal) to violate, ravish 1b) (Niphal) to be ravished 1c) (Pual) to be ravished

Usage: Occurs in 4 OT verses. KJV: lie with, ravish. See also: Deuteronomy 28:30; Jeremiah 3:2; Isaiah 13:16.

תִּשָּׁכַ֑בְנָה shâkab H7901 "to lie down" V-Niphal-Imperf-3fp

To lie down can mean to rest, sleep, or have sexual relations, and is used in various contexts throughout the Bible. It can also mean to relax or be at rest.

Definition: : lay_down/lie_with 1) to lie down 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to lie, lie down, lie on 1a2) to lodge 1a3) to lie (of sexual relations) 1a4) to lie down (in death) 1a5) to rest, relax (fig) 1b) (Niphal) to be lain with (sexually) 1c) (Pual) to be lain with (sexually) 1d) (Hiphil) to make to lie down 1e) (Hophal) to be laid

Usage: Occurs in 194 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] at all, cast down, (lover-)lay (self) (down), (make to) lie (down, down to sleep, still with), lodge, ravish, take rest, sleep, stay. See also: Genesis 19:4; 1 Kings 11:43; Psalms 3:6.

וְ/יָצָ֞א yâtsâʼ H3318 "to come out" Conj | V-Qal-3ms

In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to go out or come out, and it's used in many different ways, like leaving a place or starting a new journey, as seen in Genesis and Exodus.

Definition: : come/go_out/escape 1) to go out, come out, exit, go forth 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to go or come out or forth, depart 1a2) to go forth (to a place) 1a3) to go forward, proceed to (to or toward something) 1a4) to come or go forth (with purpose or for result) 1a5) to come out of 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to cause to go or come out, bring out, lead out 1b2) to bring out of 1b3) to lead out 1b4) to deliver 1c) (Hophal) to be brought out or forth

Usage: Occurs in 991 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, appear, [idiom] assuredly, bear out, [idiom] begotten, break out, bring forth (out, up), carry out, come (abroad, out, thereat, without), [phrase] be condemned, depart(-ing, -ure), draw forth, in the end, escape, exact, fail, fall (out), fetch forth (out), get away (forth, hence, out), (able to, cause to, let) go abroad (forth, on, out), going out, grow, have forth (out), issue out, lay (lie) out, lead out, pluck out, proceed, pull out, put away, be risen, [idiom] scarce, send with commandment, shoot forth, spread, spring out, stand out, [idiom] still, [idiom] surely, take forth (out), at any time, [idiom] to (and fro), utter. See also: Genesis 1:12; Exodus 9:33; Leviticus 26:45.

חֲצִ֤י chêtsîy H2677 "half" N-ms

This word means half or middle, describing a division or a part of something. It is used to talk about physical things or time, like half of the day. The Bible uses it in various contexts.

Definition: 1) half 1a) half 1b) middle

Usage: Occurs in 101 OT verses. KJV: half, middle, mid(-night), midst, part, two parts. See also: Exodus 12:29; Ruth 3:8; Psalms 102:25.

הָ/עִיר֙ ʻîyr H5892 "excitement" Art | N-fs

Definition: 1) excitement, anguish 1a) of terror

Usage: Occurs in 936 OT verses. KJV: Ai (from margin), city, court (from margin), town. See also: Genesis 4:17; Deuteronomy 3:6; Joshua 14:12.

בַּ/גּוֹלָ֔ה gôwlâh H1473 "captivity" Prep | N-fs

This word means being taken captive or exile, like when Israel was carried away to Babylon. It refers to a group of people forced to leave their homes. In the Bible, it appears in 2 Kings 25:21.

Definition: 1) exiles, exile, captivity 1a) exiles (coll) 1b) exile, captivity (abstract)

Usage: Occurs in 42 OT verses. KJV: (carried away), captive(-ity), removing. See also: 2 Kings 24:14; Jeremiah 29:16; Jeremiah 28:6.

וְ/יֶ֣תֶר yether H3499 "remainder" Conj | N-ms

A cord or rope, also meaning excess or remainder, as seen in the Bible's descriptions of leftovers or abundant resources.

Definition: 1) remainder, excess, rest, remnant, excellence 1a) remainder, remnant 1b) remainder, rest, other part 1c) excess 1d) abundantly (adv) 1e) abundance, affluence 1f) superiority, excellency

Usage: Occurs in 95 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] abundant, cord, exceeding, excellancy(-ent), what they leave, that hath left, plentifully, remnant, residue, rest, string, with. See also: Genesis 49:3; 2 Kings 15:26; Psalms 11:2.

הָ/עָ֔ם ʻam H5971 "Amaw" Art | N-ms

A people or nation is what this Hebrew word represents, like the nation of Israel in Exodus 33:13. It can also mean a tribe, troops, or attendants, and is used to describe a group of people gathered together. The word is often used to refer to the people of God.

Definition: This name means nation, people

Usage: Occurs in 1655 OT verses. KJV: folk, men, nation, people. See also: Genesis 11:6; Exodus 16:4; Leviticus 17:9.

לֹ֥א lôʼ H3808 "not" Part

The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.

Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)

Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.

יִכָּרֵ֖ת kârath H3772 "to cut" V-Niphal-Imperf-3ms

This Hebrew word means to cut or destroy something, but it also has a special meaning related to making a covenant or agreement. In Genesis 15:18, God makes a covenant with Abram, symbolized by cutting animals in half, showing the seriousness of the promise. This word is used to describe important agreements and alliances.

Definition: : cut/fell 1) to cut, cut off, cut down, cut off a body part, cut out, eliminate, kill, cut a covenant 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to cut off 1a1a) to cut off a body part, behead 1a2) to cut down 1a3) to hew 1a4) to cut or make a covenant 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be cut off 1b2) to be cut down 1b3) to be chewed 1b4) to be cut off, fail 1c) (Pual) 1c1) to be cut off 1c2) to be cut down 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to cut off 1d2) to cut off, destroy 1d3) to cut down, destroy 1d4) to take away 1d5) to permit to perish 1e) (Hophal) cut off

Usage: Occurs in 280 OT verses. KJV: be chewed, be con-(feder-) ate, covenant, cut (down, off), destroy, fail, feller, be freed, hew (down), make a league (covenant), [idiom] lose, perish, [idiom] utterly, [idiom] want. See also: Genesis 9:11; 1 Samuel 24:6; Psalms 12:4.

מִן min H4480 "from" Prep

This Hebrew word means a portion or part of something, and is often used to show the relationship between things, like from or out of something.

Definition: prep 1) from, out of, on account of, off, on the side of, since, above, than, so that not, more than 1a) from (expressing separation), off, on the side of 1b) out of 1b1) (with verbs of proceeding, removing, expelling) 1b2) (of material from which something is made) 1b3) (of source or origin) 1c) out of, some of, from (partitively) 1d) from, since, after (of time) 1e) than, more than (in comparison) 1f) from...even to, both...and, either...or 1g) than, more than, too much for (in comparisons) 1h) from, on account of, through, because (with infinitive) conj 2) that Aramaic equivalent: min (מִן־ "from" H4481)

Usage: Occurs in 1094 OT verses. KJV: above, after, among, at, because of, by (reason of), from (among), in, [idiom] neither, [idiom] nor, (out) of, over, since, [idiom] then, through, [idiom] whether, with. See also: Genesis 2:6; Exodus 16:32; Leviticus 14:26.

הָ/עִֽיר ʻîyr H5892 "excitement" Art | N-fs

Definition: 1) excitement, anguish 1a) of terror

Usage: Occurs in 936 OT verses. KJV: Ai (from margin), city, court (from margin), town. See also: Genesis 4:17; Deuteronomy 3:6; Joshua 14:12.

Study Notes — Zechariah 14:2

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Context
Cross References
Zechariah 14:2 Summary
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Matthew Poole's Commentary on Zechariah 14:2
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Cambridge Bible on Zechariah 14:2
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Sermons on Zechariah 14:2

Context — The Destroyers of Jerusalem Destroyed

1Behold, a day of the LORD is coming when your plunder will be divided in your presence.

2For I will gather all the nations for battle against Jerusalem, and the city will be captured, the houses looted, and the women ravished. Half of the city will go into exile, but the rest of the people will not be removed from the city.

3Then the LORD will go out to fight against those nations, as He fights in the day of battle. 4On that day His feet will stand on the Mount of Olives, east of Jerusalem, and the Mount of Olives will be split in two from east to west, forming a great valley, with half the mountain moving to the north and half to the south.

Cross References

	Reference	Text (BSB)
1	Luke 21:20–24	But when you see Jerusalem surrounded by armies, you will know that her desolation is near. Then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains, let those in the city get out, and let those in the country stay out of the city. For these are the days of vengeance, to fulfill all that is written. How miserable those days will be for pregnant and nursing mothers! For there will be great distress upon the land and wrath against this people. They will fall by the edge of the sword and be led captive into all the nations. And Jerusalem will be trodden down by the Gentiles, until the times of the Gentiles are fulfilled.
2	Isaiah 13:16	Their infants will be dashed to pieces before their eyes, their houses will be looted, and their wives will be ravished.
3	Romans 9:27–29	Isaiah cries out concerning Israel: “Though the number of the Israelites is like the sand of the sea, only the remnant will be saved. For the Lord will carry out His sentence on the earth thoroughly and decisively.” It is just as Isaiah foretold: “Unless the Lord of Hosts had left us descendants, we would have become like Sodom, we would have resembled Gomorrah.”
4	Matthew 24:19–22	How miserable those days will be for pregnant and nursing mothers! Pray that your flight will not occur in the winter or on the Sabbath. For at that time there will be great tribulation, unmatched from the beginning of the world until now, and never to be seen again. If those days had not been cut short, nobody would be saved. But for the sake of the elect, those days will be cut short.
5	Mark 13:14	So when you see the abomination of desolation standing where it should not be (let the reader understand), then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains.
6	Matthew 24:15–16	So when you see standing in the holy place ‘the abomination of desolation,’ described by the prophet Daniel (let the reader understand), then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains.
7	Galatians 4:26–27	But the Jerusalem above is free, and she is our mother. For it is written: “Rejoice, O barren woman, who bears no children; break forth and cry aloud, you who have never travailed; because more are the children of the desolate woman than of her who has a husband.”
8	Luke 19:43–44	For the days will come upon you when your enemies will barricade you and surround you and hem you in on every side. They will level you to the ground—you and the children within your walls. They will not leave one stone on another, because you did not recognize the time of your visitation from God. ”
9	Isaiah 65:6–9	Behold, it is written before Me: I will not keep silent, but I will repay; I will pay it back into their laps, both for your iniquities and for those of your fathers,” says the LORD. “Because they burned incense on the mountains and scorned Me on the hills, I will measure into their laps full payment for their former deeds.” This is what the LORD says: “As the new wine is found in a cluster of grapes, and men say, ‘Do not destroy it, for it contains a blessing,’ so I will act on behalf of My servants; I will not destroy them all. And I will bring forth descendants from Jacob, and heirs from Judah; My elect will possess My mountains, and My servants will dwell there.
10	Matthew 22:7	The king was enraged, and he sent his troops to destroy those murderers and burn their city.

Zechariah 14:2 Summary

Zechariah 14:2 describes a time when many nations will come against Jerusalem and the city will be captured. This is a difficult and scary time, but God is still in control and will preserve a remnant of His people, just like He did in the past (as seen in Jeremiah 31:7-9). This reminds us that God is both loving and just, and that He will ultimately bring justice and righteousness to the world (as described in Revelation 19:11-21 and Revelation 20:1-6). We can trust in God's sovereignty and mercy, even when things seem uncertain or chaotic.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does it mean for the city to be captured and the houses looted in Zechariah 14:2?

This refers to a time of great distress and judgment for Jerusalem, where the city will be overrun by enemy nations, similar to what is described in Jeremiah 6:6 and Ezekiel 23:25-26.

Why will half of the city go into exile, but the rest of the people will not be removed from the city?

This is a demonstration of God's mercy and sovereignty, as He will preserve a remnant of His people, just as He did in Jeremiah 31:7-9, while also allowing judgment to fall on those who have rebelled against Him.

Is this verse describing a historical event or a future prophecy?

While Jerusalem has faced many battles and sieges throughout its history, the context of Zechariah 14:2 suggests that this is a future event, likely connected to the return of Jesus Christ and the events described in Revelation 19:11-21 and Revelation 20:1-6.

How can we reconcile the idea of a loving God with the violence and destruction described in Zechariah 14:2?

The Bible teaches that God is both loving and just, and that His judgment is a necessary response to sin and rebellion, as seen in Psalm 11:5-7 and Romans 2:5-11.

Reflection Questions

What does this verse reveal about God's character and His relationship with His people?
How can I trust in God's sovereignty and mercy, even in the midst of uncertainty and chaos?
What does this verse teach me about the importance of repentance and turning to God, as seen in Joel 2:12-13 and Acts 3:19-20?
How can I apply the lesson of God's preservation of a remnant to my own life and circumstances, as described in Isaiah 1:9 and Romans 11:5?

Gill's Exposition on Zechariah 14:2

For I will gather all nations against Jerusalem to battle,.... Meaning not the Romans, in the time of Vespasian, for they were not all nations; nor did a part of the city only go into captivity then,

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Zechariah 14:2

For I will gather all nations against Jerusalem to battle; and the city shall be taken, and the houses rifled, and the women ravished; and half of the city shall go forth into captivity, and the

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Zechariah 14:2

For: this gives not the reason why, but introduceth an account how, this thing shall be done. I will gather: God will summon and bring together his army. They do it themselves by their own counsels, for their own works and ends; God also hath his work for them to do, and by his counsel and at his call they shall come. All nations; the Romans, with the power of their empire, which at that time had the rule over all the known world, or over all the Nations of that part of the world. Against Jerusalem to battle; to make war with the Jews, which lasted some years, and cost many thousand lives, and ended at last as our prophet foretold. The city shall be taken, by assault and force, whereby all lay at mercy of the soldiers, who showed little to those who first refused the mercy of their God, and, justly given up by God to their own blind, obstinate wills, refused the mercy of their enemy also. The houses rifled; all houses pillaged, and all in them Worth taking was taken away. The women ravished; wives, widows, and virgins barbarously violated. Half of the city; a certain part for uncertain, or, in common speech, many; were it one half precisely it would be but a sixth part of what were before the wars; two-thirds being cut off, as , and one-third remaining, of which one half is for captivity. The residue of the people; that small number of the Jews which fled to Pella, and who were spared by Titus. Shall not be cut off from the city; literally, were not forbidden to dwell in or about the city; mystically, were not cut off from the church, nor ceased to be a church; this the more likely, for Titus utterly ruined the city.

Trapp's Commentary on Zechariah 14:2

Zechariah 14:2 For I will gather all nations against Jerusalem to battle; and the city shall be taken, and the houses rifled, and the women ravished; and half of the city shall go forth into captivity, and the residue of the people shall not be cut off from the city.Ver. 2. For I will gather all nations] The Romans, that styled and held themselves lords of all nations, and who had levied a mighty army out of all nations to fight against Jerusalem. See Joseph. B. J. III 1, 3. Or Gog and Magog, with all his armies and associates, Ezekiel 37:4-6, shall compass the beloved city, Revelation 20:8-9. See Zechariah 14:1. Would any man take the Church’ s picture? then let him, saith Luther, paint a silly poor maid sitting in a wood or wilderness, and compassed about with hungry lions, wolves, boars, and bears, &c., and in the midst of a great many furious men assaulting her every moment; let him give her, say I, that of Martial for her motto, “ In me omnis terraeque, aviumque, marisque rapina est. ” And the city shall be taken] Non tamen ad exitium, sed ad exercitium. Not yet for destruction but for a lesson. I have forsaken mine house, I have left mine heritage (saith the Lord, Jeremiah 12:7). I have given the dearly beloved of my soul into the hand of her enemies. At which times there is usually, as at Athens when taken by Sulla, ανελεηςσφαγη, a bloody butchery. And the houses rifled] As at the sack of Constantinople by the Turks; where the soldiers are said to have divided money among themselves by whole hatfulls; and were therewith so enriched, that it is a proverb among them to this day, if any grow suddenly rich, to say, he hath been at the sacking of Constantinople. The Emperor had in vain many times with tears requested to have borrowed money of his covetous subjects, to have been employed in the defence of the city; but they would still swear that they had it not, as men grown poor for want of trade; which, in few days after, their enemies found in such abundance, that they wondered at their wealth, and derided their folly, that possessing so much, they would bestow so little in the defence of themselves and their country. And the women ravished] These are the common calamities of war; in the lawless violence whereof those three commandments, "Thou shalt not kill, Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt not steal," as they are ranked together in the law, so they are usually violated together; hence Isaiah 13:16 "Their children also shall be dashed to pieces before their eyes; their houses shall be spoiled, and their wives ravished." The Irish rebels bound the husband to the bedpost while they abused his wife before his face.

Ellicott's Commentary on Zechariah 14:2

(2) This verse is but a further description of the event depicted in the second half of the preceding verse. And the residue of the people shall not be cut off from the city.—This was the case (with regard to Judah) in the Chaldæan conquest (2 Kings 25:22). Whether or no this can be interpreted of the taking of Jerusalem by Titus, we leave our readers to decide, after placing before them the following words of Josephus (Bel. Jud. vi. 9, § 2):—“And now, since his soldiers were already quite tired of killing men, yet there appeared to be a vast multitude still remaining alive, Caesar gave orders that they should kill none but those that were in arms and opposed them, but should take the rest alive. But, together with those whom they had orders to slay, they slew the aged and the infirm; but for those that were in their flourishing age, and who might be useful to them, they drove them together into the Temple, and shut them up within the walls of the court of the women, over which Caesar set one of his freedmen, as also Fronto, one of his friends, which last was to determine every one’s fate according to his merits. So this Fronto slew all those that had been seditious and robbers, who were impeached one by another; but of the young men he chose out the tallest and most beautiful, and reserved them for the triumph; and as for the rest of the multitude that were above seventeen years old, he put them in bonds, and sent them to the Egyptian mines. Titus also sent a great number into the provinces, as a present to them, that they might be destroyed upon their theatres by the sword and by wild beasts; but those that were under seventeen years of age were sold for slaves.” We simply ask, what room is there for a remnant?

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Zechariah 14:2

Verse 2. I will gather all nations] The Romans, whose armies were composed of all the nations of the world. In this verse there is a pitiful account given of the horrible outrages which should be committed during the siege of Jerusalem, and at its capture. The residue of the people shall not be cut off] Many were preserved for slaves, and for exhibition in the provincial theatres.

Cambridge Bible on Zechariah 14:2

2. all nations] Comp. Joe 3:2; Joe 3:9-11; Ezekiel 38, 39; Revelation 20:7-9.

Barnes' Notes on Zechariah 14:2

I Will gather all nations against Jerusalem to battle - This is a feature which belongs to the end.

Whedon's Commentary on Zechariah 14:2

Capture and deliverance of Jerusalem, Zechariah 14:1-7.1. Behold,… cometh — Better, Behold,… is about to come. The coming is imminent (G.-K., 116p). Day of Jehovah — Literally, a day is about to come for Jehovah.

Sermons on Zechariah 14:2

	Sermon	Description
	Prophecy - What Lies Ahead? by Oswald J. Smith	In this sermon, the preacher discusses the four major events that will occur in connection with the capture of the city of Jerusalem. These events include the capture itself, the L
	Dvd 33 the Theocratic Kingdom by Art Katz	This sermon emphasizes the importance of understanding the mystery of Israel's restoration and its inseparable connection to the establishment of God's rule on earth through a lite
	Be Alert for the Lords Return by Zac Poonen	This sermon delves into the relevance of the Bible in current times, focusing on the prophetic nature of Zechariah 14 and other passages regarding the second coming of Christ. It e
	What Lies Ahead by Oswald J. Smith	In this sermon, the speaker discusses the 14th chapter of the book of Zechariah, which is divided into four sections. The first section focuses on the capture of the city of Jerusa
	Thy Kingdom Come by David Gardner	In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the urgency of the message and the responsibility of the watchmen to warn the people. He believes that the world is on the brink of momentous
	Eternity to Eternity 12 Genesis 1:24 by Joseph Balsan	In this sermon, the preacher discusses the importance of experiencing the new birth in order to find true happiness. He references the 67th Psalm, which speaks about those who feig
	The Gentiles in Relation to the Coming of the Lord. by William Kelly	William Kelly preaches about the future events prophesied in the Bible, focusing on the restoration and blessings of Israel, the defeat of the nations gathered against Jerusalem, t