Old Testament

Zechariah 7:13

The Clear Bible Translation matches the King James Version, written at a 10th-grade reading level in plain English

At a Glance

In Zechariah 7:13, God explains a principle of communication and relationship.

Author
Zechariah the prophet
Written
Around 520-480 BC
Genre
Prophecy and apocalyptic
Original Audience
Post-exilic Jews
CBTClear Bible Translation

"So this is what happened," says the LORD of hosts. "When I called out to them, they wouldn't listen. So when they called out to me, I wouldn't listen either.

KJVKing James Version

Therefore it is come to pass, that as he cried, and they would not hear; so they cried, and I would not hear, saith the LORD of hosts:

Verse Analysis

Plain-English insight for readers

In Zechariah 7:13, God explains a principle of communication and relationship. He had reached out to His people, calling them to listen and respond to His guidance. However, they chose to ignore Him. As a result, when they found themselves in trouble and cried out for help, God decided not to listen to their pleas. This reflects a reciprocal relationship where ignoring God leads to a lack of divine response. The verse emphasizes the importance of being attentive to God's voice and the consequences of turning away from Him. It serves as a reminder that our relationship with God is two-way; if we disregard His calls, we may find ourselves without His help in times of need. This passage encourages believers to cultivate a responsive heart towards God, ensuring they are open to His guidance and willing to listen to His words. Explore related prayer.

How to apply Zechariah 7:13 to your life

This verse challenges us to reflect on our responsiveness to God. Are we listening to His guidance in our lives? When we face difficulties, we should remember that our relationship with God requires us to be attentive to Him. Cultivating a habit of prayer and reflection can help us stay connected and responsive.

Curated for this public verse page. Zechariah Summary

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick, clear answers about this verse

What does Zechariah 7:13 mean?

Zechariah 7:13 illustrates a principle of communication between God and His people. It shows that when God called out to them and they ignored Him, He chose not to listen when they later cried out for help.

What is the significance of ignoring God in Zechariah 7:13?

Ignoring God, as highlighted in Zechariah 7:13, leads to a lack of divine response. This verse emphasizes the importance of being attentive to God's guidance to maintain a healthy relationship with Him.

What does the phrase 'I wouldn't listen either' mean in Zechariah 7:13?

The phrase 'I wouldn't listen either' in Zechariah 7:13 signifies God's response to His people's refusal to heed His calls. It reflects the idea that a lack of responsiveness to God can result in Him not responding to our pleas for help.

How does Zechariah 7:13 relate to prayer?

Zechariah 7:13 relates to prayer by reminding us that our communication with God is reciprocal. If we neglect to listen to God, we may find our prayers go unanswered when we seek His help.

The Book of Zechariah
Book Summary

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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