Old Testament
Zechariah 14:19
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
This will be the punishment for Egypt and for every nation that refuses to celebrate the Feast of Tabernacles.
Compare translations
This shall be the punishment of Egypt, and the punishment of all nations that come not up to keep the feast of tabernacles.
What Zechariah 14:19 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In Zechariah 14:19, the prophet emphasizes the consequences for nations, particularly Egypt, that do not participate in the Feast of Tabernacles, a significant Jewish festival. This feast celebrates God's provision and the Israelites' journey in the wilderness. The verse indicates that nations refusing to honor this festival will face punishment, highlighting the importance of obedience to God's commands and the unity of worship among His people. The Feast of Tabernacles symbolizes joy, gratitude, and remembrance of God's faithfulness. By neglecting this celebration, nations demonstrate a lack of reverence for God and His covenant with Israel. This passage serves as a reminder that all nations are called to recognize and honor God's sovereignty, and failure to do so results in divine consequences. It underscores the idea that worship and acknowledgment of God are not just for Israel but extend to all nations, reinforcing the universal call to celebrate God's goodness and provision.
How to apply Zechariah 14:19 to your life
This verse encourages us to recognize the importance of worship and celebration in our lives. Just as nations were called to honor the Feast of Tabernacles, we too should actively participate in communal worship and express gratitude for God's blessings. Engaging in spiritual practices fosters a deeper relationship with God and strengthens our community.
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 Noah's story: Noah Is Born (Genesis 5:28–32)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
Noah
Photo: Photochrom print, Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division (LCCN 2002725043). License: Public domain in the United States; Library of Congress states no known restrictions on publication. Source. Location: Nablus and Mount Gerizim, West Bank; print preserved by the Library of Congress. 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.
Shechem
Where God promised the land to Abram, and where Joshua led Israel to renew the covenant.
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 14:19
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 14:19
Related Bible verses
Key themes
Related topics
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 14:19 mean?
Zechariah 14:19 indicates that nations, especially Egypt, will face punishment for not participating in the Feast of Tabernacles. This highlights the importance of honoring God's commands and the significance of communal worship.
What is the Feast of Tabernacles in Zechariah 14:19?
The Feast of Tabernacles, also known as Sukkot, is a Jewish festival that celebrates God's provision and the Israelites' journey through the wilderness. It is a time of joy and gratitude, emphasizing the need for nations to recognize and honor God.
How can we apply Zechariah 14:19 in our lives today?
We can apply Zechariah 14:19 by recognizing the importance of worship and gratitude in our lives. Actively participating in communal worship and celebrating God's blessings fosters a deeper relationship with Him and strengthens our community.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.