Old Testament
Zechariah 8:18
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
The word of the LORD of hosts came to me again.
Compare translations
And the word of the LORD of hosts came unto me, saying,
What Zechariah 8:18 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In Zechariah 8:18, the prophet Zechariah receives another message from the Lord, emphasizing the ongoing communication between God and His people. This verse highlights the importance of divine guidance and the assurance that God is actively involved in the lives of His followers. The phrase 'the word of the LORD of hosts' signifies God's authority and power, reminding the people that He is the commander of heavenly armies. This message comes at a time when the Israelites are encouraged to rebuild and restore their community after exile. It serves as a reminder that God is not distant but is present and engaged, offering direction and hope. The repetition of God's word indicates that He is continually speaking to His people, urging them to listen and respond to His will. This verse sets the stage for the promises and blessings that follow, reinforcing the theme of restoration and the importance of faithfulness to God's commands.
How to apply Zechariah 8:18 to your life
This verse encourages us to seek God's guidance in our lives, reminding us that He is always ready to communicate with us. We should be attentive to His words and willing to act on His instructions, especially during times of change or rebuilding.
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 Ruth's story: Three Widows (Ruth 1:1–5)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
Ruth
Photo: Zeev Stein / PikiWiki Israel, via Wikimedia Commons. License: CC BY 2.5. Source. Location: Tel Beer Sheva National Park, Israel. 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.
Beersheba
Where Abraham and Isaac dug wells and worshiped the LORD, at the southern edge of the land.
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 8:18
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 8:18
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 8:18 mean?
Zechariah 8:18 conveys a message from God to the prophet, highlighting His ongoing communication with His people. It emphasizes God's authority and presence, encouraging the Israelites to rebuild their community after exile.
What is the significance of 'the word of the LORD of hosts' in Zechariah 8:18?
The phrase 'the word of the LORD of hosts' signifies God's supreme authority and power as the commander of heavenly armies. It reassures the people that God is actively involved in their lives and guiding them.
How does Zechariah 8:18 relate to community rebuilding?
Zechariah 8:18 relates to community rebuilding by reminding the Israelites that God is present and supportive as they restore their lives after exile. His messages provide direction and hope for their efforts.
What themes are present in Zechariah 8:18?
Key themes in Zechariah 8:18 include divine communication, God's authority, restoration, hope, and the importance of faithfulness in rebuilding the community.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.