Old Testament
Zechariah 14:20
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
On that day, even the bells on the horses will be inscribed with "HOLY TO THE LORD." The ordinary cooking pots in the LORD's house will be as sacred as the bowls used at the altar.
Compare translations
In that day shall there be upon the bells of the horses, HOLINESS UNTO THE LORD; and the pots in the LORD’s house shall be like the bowls before the altar.
What Zechariah 14:20 means
Plain-English insight for readers
This verse from Zechariah emphasizes a future time when everything, even the most mundane items, will be dedicated to God. The bells on horses, typically associated with everyday life, will bear the inscription "HOLY TO THE LORD," signifying that all aspects of life will reflect holiness. Similarly, ordinary cooking pots will be treated with the same reverence as the sacred bowls used in worship. This illustrates a profound transformation where the distinction between sacred and secular is erased, and all of life is seen as an offering to God. It highlights the idea that holiness will permeate every part of society, indicating a time of restoration and purity in worship and daily living. The imagery used here serves to inspire believers to recognize the importance of dedicating every part of their lives to God, not just the religious aspects.
How to apply Zechariah 14:20 to your life
This verse encourages us to view our daily activities as opportunities for worship. By dedicating our work, relationships, and even mundane tasks to God, we can live out our faith in every aspect of life, making the ordinary sacred.
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 14:20
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 14:20
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 14:20 mean?
Zechariah 14:20 signifies a future time when everything, even everyday items like horse bells and cooking pots, will be dedicated to God. This reflects a transformation where all aspects of life are seen as sacred and an offering to God.
What is the significance of 'HOLY TO THE LORD' in Zechariah 14:20?
The phrase 'HOLY TO THE LORD' indicates that even ordinary objects will be set apart for God's purpose, emphasizing that holiness will permeate all areas of life, not just religious practices.
How can I apply Zechariah 14:20 to my life?
You can apply this verse by viewing your daily activities as opportunities for worship, dedicating your work and relationships to God, and recognizing that even mundane tasks can be sacred.
What themes are present in Zechariah 14:20?
Key themes in Zechariah 14:20 include holiness, dedication, transformation, worship, and the idea that everyday life can be an expression of faith.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.