Old Testament
Zechariah 1:15
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
I am very angry with the heathen who are at ease, for I was only a little displeased, but they increased the suffering.
Compare translations
And I am very sore displeased with the heathen that are at ease: for I was but a little displeased, and they helped forward the affliction.
What Zechariah 1:15 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In Zechariah 1:15, God expresses His anger towards the nations that are complacent and indifferent to the suffering of His people. While God was only slightly displeased with His people for their disobedience, the surrounding nations took advantage of this situation and intensified the hardships faced by the Israelites. This verse highlights God's concern for justice and His desire for the nations to recognize their role in the suffering of others. It serves as a reminder that complacency in the face of injustice can lead to greater consequences. God’s anger is directed not just at the actions of the nations but also at their lack of empathy and their failure to act righteously. This passage calls for awareness of how our actions or inactions can affect others, especially those who are vulnerable.
How to apply Zechariah 1:15 to your life
This verse encourages us to be aware of the suffering around us and to act with compassion. We should not be indifferent to the struggles of others, especially those who are marginalized. Instead, we are called to respond with empathy and take action to alleviate their suffering, reflecting God's justice in our lives.
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.
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
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 PlansAsk AI about Zechariah 1:15
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 1:15
Related Bible verses
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 1:15 mean?
Zechariah 1:15 conveys God's anger towards the nations that are complacent while His people suffer. Although God was only slightly displeased with Israel, the surrounding nations exacerbated their hardships, highlighting the importance of empathy and justice.
What is the significance of being 'at ease' in Zechariah 1:15?
Being 'at ease' in Zechariah 1:15 refers to the complacency of the nations who ignored the suffering of the Israelites. This complacency is criticized because it shows a lack of concern for justice and the well-being of others.
What does 'helped forward the affliction' mean in this verse?
The phrase 'helped forward the affliction' means that the surrounding nations not only failed to help the Israelites but actively contributed to their suffering. This indicates a moral failure to act justly and compassionately.
How does Zechariah 1:15 relate to justice?
Zechariah 1:15 emphasizes God's concern for justice by condemning the nations that took advantage of Israel's plight. It serves as a reminder that indifference to injustice can lead to greater consequences for those who neglect their responsibility to help others.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.