Old Testament

Zechariah 1:14

Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.

ClearClear Bible Translation

So the angel told me, "Announce this message: The LORD of hosts says, 'I burn with fierce jealousy for Jerusalem and Zion.

Compare translations
KJVKing James Version

So the angel that communed with me said unto me, Cry thou, saying, Thus saith the LORD of hosts; I am jealous for Jerusalem and for Zion with a great jealousy.

What Zechariah 1:14 means

Plain-English insight for readers

In this verse, the angel conveys a powerful message from the Lord, expressing His intense feelings of jealousy for Jerusalem and Zion. This jealousy is not about envy in a negative sense but reflects God's deep love and commitment to His people and their land. The term 'jealousy' here signifies God's desire to protect and restore Jerusalem and Zion, which symbolize His chosen people and their relationship with Him. The Lord's fierce jealousy indicates His readiness to defend them against any threats and to ensure their well-being. This message serves as a reminder of God's passionate involvement in the lives of His people, emphasizing that He cares deeply about their spiritual and physical welfare. It reassures the Israelites that despite their struggles, God remains devoted to them and will act on their behalf. This verse highlights the importance of recognizing God's protective nature and His desire for a close relationship with His people, encouraging them to remain faithful and trust in His plans for their future.

How to apply Zechariah 1:14 to your life

Understanding God's jealousy for His people encourages us to reflect on our own relationship with Him. We should strive to remain faithful and recognize His protective love in our lives. This awareness can inspire us to trust in His plans and seek a deeper connection with Him.

Curated for this public verse page. Zechariah Summary

Explore more of the Bible

Learn the Bible through its people and places

Get to know the people in Scripture through illustrated stories, and explore the places where they lived and traveled.

A painting of Naomi weeping between her daughters-in-law Ruth and Orpah outside a house in Moab

Illustrated scene from Ruth's story: Three Widows (Ruth 1:1–5)

Meet the people of the Bible

Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.

Ruth

Panoramic view across Tel Beer Sheva archaeological site and surrounding landscape.

Photo: Zeev Stein / PikiWiki Israel, via Wikimedia Commons. License: CC BY 2.5. Source. Location: Tel Beer Sheva National Park, Israel. Resized for the web.

Explore the places of the Bible

See where biblical events happened, why each place matters, and what archaeology helps us understand.

Beersheba

Where Abraham and Isaac dug wells and worshiped the LORD, at the southern edge of the land.

Get full access with one subscription

Explore the people and places of the Bible. Read summaries of every book, with images and clear explanations covering every chapter. Access all these features and our Bible study tools with one subscription.

See Plans

Ask AI about Zechariah 1:14

Ask a question about this verse and get a clear answer, with Bible references you can read for yourself.

Every Bible book, explained chapter by chapter

Explore summaries of every book of the Bible, with images and easy-to-understand explanations covering every chapter.

Keep studying Zechariah 1:14

At a Glance — the Book of Zechariah

Author
Zechariah the prophet
Written
Around 520-480 BC
Genre
Prophecy and apocalyptic
Original Audience
Post-exilic Jews

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick, clear answers about this verse

What does Zechariah 1:14 mean?

Zechariah 1:14 expresses God's intense feelings of jealousy for Jerusalem and Zion, symbolizing His deep love and commitment to His people. This jealousy reflects His desire to protect and restore them, assuring the Israelites of His devotion despite their struggles.

What is the meaning of jealousy in Zechariah 1:14?

In Zechariah 1:14, jealousy refers to God's passionate love and commitment to Jerusalem and Zion. It signifies His protective nature and readiness to defend His people against threats, emphasizing His desire for a close relationship with them.

How does Zechariah 1:14 relate to God's love?

Zechariah 1:14 illustrates God's love through His jealousy for Jerusalem and Zion, showing His desire to protect and restore His people. This reflects His commitment to their spiritual and physical welfare.

What themes are present in Zechariah 1:14?

Key themes in Zechariah 1:14 include God's jealousy, divine protection, love for Jerusalem, restoration, and commitment to His people. It emphasizes the importance of faithfulness and God's desire for a close relationship with His followers.

Daily Verse — straight to your inbox

A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.