Old Testament
Zechariah 8:3
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
The LORD says: "I have returned to Zion and will dwell in the midst of Jerusalem. Jerusalem will be called 'The City of Truth,' and the mountain of the LORD of hosts will be called 'The Holy Mountain.'"
Compare translations
Thus saith the LORD; I am returned unto Zion, and will dwell in the midst of Jerusalem: and Jerusalem shall be called a city of truth; and the mountain of the LORD of hosts the holy mountain.
What Zechariah 8:3 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, God expresses His commitment to return to Zion, which symbolizes His presence among His people. By stating He will dwell in Jerusalem, He emphasizes the importance of this city as a center of truth and holiness. The phrase 'City of Truth' signifies that Jerusalem will be a place where honesty and righteousness prevail, reflecting God's character. The 'mountain of the LORD of hosts' refers to the temple mount, highlighting its sacredness and the divine authority of God. This promise reassures the people that despite their past struggles, God is restoring their identity and purpose. It signifies hope and renewal, indicating that God is actively involved in their lives and will bring about a transformation that aligns with His divine plan. The verse serves as a reminder of God's faithfulness and His desire to dwell among His people, fostering a community rooted in truth and holiness.
How to apply Zechariah 8:3 to your life
This verse encourages us to seek God's presence in our lives and communities. By fostering truth and holiness, we can create environments that reflect God's character. We should strive to embody these values in our interactions, promoting integrity and faithfulness in all we do.
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 8:3
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 8:3
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 8:3 mean by 'City of Truth'?
In Zechariah 8:3, the term 'City of Truth' signifies that Jerusalem will be a place where honesty, integrity, and righteousness prevail. This reflects God's character and His desire for His people to embody these values. The verse emphasizes that, under God's presence, the community will be transformed into a beacon of truth, contrasting with past struggles and failures.
How does Zechariah 8:3 relate to God's presence?
This verse highlights God's promise to return to Zion and dwell among His people in Jerusalem. It underscores the importance of God's presence in the lives of the faithful, indicating that He is actively involved in their restoration and renewal. This assurance of divine presence fosters hope and encourages believers to seek a deeper relationship with God.
What is the significance of the 'mountain of the LORD of hosts'?
The 'mountain of the LORD of hosts' refers to the temple mount in Jerusalem, symbolizing its sacredness and the divine authority of God. This mountain is a place of worship and connection with God, representing His holiness and the central role of the temple in the spiritual life of the community. It emphasizes the importance of worship and reverence in the relationship between God and His people.
How can we apply the message of Zechariah 8:3 in our lives today?
We can apply the message of Zechariah 8:3 by actively seeking God's presence in our lives and fostering environments of truth and holiness in our communities. This means embodying integrity, promoting honesty, and encouraging righteousness in our interactions. By doing so, we reflect God's character and contribute to a community that aligns with His divine purpose.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.