Old Testament
Zechariah 14:2
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
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.
Compare translations
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.
What Zechariah 14:2 means
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.
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
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 14:2
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 14:2
Related Bible verses
Key themes
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 14:2 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.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.