Old Testament
Zechariah 14:2
The Clear Bible Translation matches the King James Version, written at a 10th-grade reading level in plain English
At a Glance
In Zechariah 14:2, God declares that He will bring all nations together to attack Jerusalem.
- Author
- Zechariah the prophet
- Written
- Around 520-480 BC
- Genre
- Prophecy and apocalyptic
- Original Audience
- Post-exilic Jews
I will gather every nation against Jerusalem for battle. The city will be captured, the houses looted, and the women violated. Half the city will go into captivity, but the rest of the people will not be removed from the city.
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.
Verse Analysis
Plain-English insight for readers
In Zechariah 14:2, God declares that He will bring all nations together to attack Jerusalem. This prophecy highlights a time of great turmoil for the city, where it will be overtaken, homes will be plundered, and women will suffer violence. The verse indicates that while half of the city's inhabitants will be taken captive, the remaining people will not be completely removed from Jerusalem. This passage serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of turning away from God and the suffering that can arise from conflict. It also foreshadows a time of reckoning and the eventual restoration that follows such devastation. The imagery used here is intense and serves to convey the seriousness of the situation, emphasizing the need for repentance and reliance on God during times of crisis. Explore related judgment.
Related Bible verses
How to apply Zechariah 14:2 to your life
This verse encourages us to remain vigilant and faithful, especially during difficult times. It reminds us that even in the face of adversity, God has a plan for restoration. We should seek to strengthen our relationship with God and support one another in faith.
Curated for this public verse page. Zechariah Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Zechariah 14:2 mean?
Zechariah 14:2 describes a prophecy where God will gather nations to attack Jerusalem, leading to the city's capture and suffering for its people. It highlights a time of conflict and foreshadows both judgment and eventual restoration.
What is the significance of Jerusalem in Zechariah 14:2?
In Zechariah 14:2, Jerusalem represents a focal point of conflict and divine judgment. The city's suffering reflects the consequences of turning away from God, but it also points to the hope of future restoration.
What does 'the city shall be taken' refer to in Zechariah 14:2?
The phrase 'the city shall be taken' in Zechariah 14:2 refers to the imminent capture of Jerusalem by enemy nations, symbolizing a time of great turmoil and distress for its inhabitants.
What does Zechariah 14:2 say about the fate of the people?
Zechariah 14:2 indicates that half of the city's inhabitants will go into captivity, while the remaining people will not be completely removed from Jerusalem, suggesting a mix of judgment and preservation.

The Book of Zechariah
Zechariah 1: Call to Return and Vision of Horses
The word of the LORD comes to Zechariah the son of Berechiah, the son of Iddo, telling the people not to be like their fathers who refuse to listen to the earlier prophets. The LORD reminds them that their fathers experience the consequences of disobedience. The people acknowledge that the LORD deals with them according to their ways and actions.
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