Zechariah 1:1 In the eighth month of the second year of Darius, the word of the LORD came to the prophet Zechariah son of Berechiah, the son of Iddo, saying:

◄ Zechariah 1:1 ►

New International Version
In the eighth month of the second year of Darius, the word of the LORD came to the prophet Zechariah son of Berekiah, the son of Iddo:

New Living Translation
In November of the second year of King Darius’s reign, the LORD gave this message to the prophet Zechariah son of Berekiah and grandson of Iddo:

English Standard Version
In the eighth month, in the second year of Darius, the word of the LORD came to the prophet Zechariah, the son of Berechiah, son of Iddo, saying,

Berean Standard Bible
In the eighth month of the second year of Darius, the word of the LORD came to the prophet Zechariah son of Berechiah, the son of Iddo, saying:

King James Bible
In the eighth month, in the second year of Darius, came the word of the LORD unto Zechariah, the son of Berechiah, the son of Iddo the prophet, saying,

New King James Version
In the eighth month of the second year of Darius, the word of the LORD came to Zechariah the son of Berechiah, the son of Iddo the prophet, saying,

New American Standard Bible
In the eighth month of the second year of Darius, the word of the LORD came to Zechariah the prophet, the son of Berechiah, the son of Iddo saying,

NASB 1995
In the eighth month of the second year of Darius, the word of the LORD came to Zechariah the prophet, the son of Berechiah, the son of Iddo saying,

NASB 1977
In the eighth month of the second year of Darius, the word of the LORD came to Zechariah the prophet, the son of Berechiah, the son of Iddo saying,

Legacy Standard Bible
In the eighth month of the second year of Darius, the word of Yahweh came to Zechariah the prophet, the son of Berechiah, the son of Iddo, saying,

Amplified Bible
In the eighth month of the second year [of the reign] of Darius [the king of Persia], the word of the LORD came to Zechariah (the LORD remembers) the son of Berechiah, the son of Iddo, the prophet, saying,

Christian Standard Bible
In the eighth month, in the second year of Darius, the word of the LORD came to the prophet Zechariah son of Berechiah, son of Iddo:

Holman Christian Standard Bible
In the eighth month, in the second year of Darius, the word of the LORD came to the prophet Zechariah son of Berechiah, son of Iddo: “

American Standard Version
In the eighth month, in the second year of Darius, came the word of Jehovah unto Zechariah the son of Berechiah, the son of Iddo, the prophet, saying,

Contemporary English Version
I am the prophet Zechariah, the son of Berechiah and the grandson of Iddo. In the eighth month of the second year that Darius was king of Persia, the LORD told me to say:

English Revised Version
In the eighth month, in the second year of Darius, came the word of the LORD unto Zechariah the son of Berechiah, the son of Iddo, the prophet, saying,

GOD'S WORD® Translation
In the eighth month of Darius' second year as king, the LORD spoke his word to the prophet Zechariah, who was the son of Berechiah and the grandson of Iddo. He said,

Good News Translation
In the eighth month of the second year that Darius was emperor of Persia, the LORD gave this message to the prophet Zechariah, the son of Berechiah and grandson of Iddo.

International Standard Version
In the eighth month of the second year of the reign of Darius, this message from the LORD came to Berechiah's son Zechariah, the grandson of Iddo the prophet:

Majority Standard Bible
In the eighth month of the second year of Darius, the word of the LORD came to the prophet Zechariah son of Berechiah, the son of Iddo, saying:

NET Bible
In the eighth month of Darius' second year, the word of the LORD came to the prophet Zechariah, son of Berechiah son of Iddo, as follows:

New Heart English Bible
In the eighth month, in the second year of Darayavush, the word of the LORD came to Zechariah the son of Berechiah, the son of Iddo, the prophet, saying,

Webster's Bible Translation
In the eighth month, in the second year of Darius, came the word of the LORD to Zechariah, the son of Barachiah, the son of Iddo the prophet, saying,

World English Bible
In the eighth month, in the second year of Darius, Yahweh’s word came to the prophet Zechariah the son of Berechiah, the son of Iddo, saying,

Literal Translations

Literal Standard Version
In the eighth month, in the second year of Darius, a word of YHWH has been to Zechariah, son of Berechiah, son of Iddo the prophet, saying,

Young's Literal Translation
In the eighth month, in the second year of Darius, hath a word of Jehovah been unto Zechariah, son of Berechiah, son of Iddo, the prophet, saying:

Smith's Literal Translation
In the eighth month, in the second year to Darius, was the word of Jehovah to Zechariah son of Barachiah, son of Iddo the prophet, saying,

Catholic Translations

Douay-Rheims Bible
In the eighth month, in the second year of king Darius, the word of the Lord came to Zacharias the son of Barachias, the son of Addo, the prophet, saying:

Catholic Public Domain Version
In the eighth month, in the second year of king Darius, the word of the Lord came to Zechariah the son of Berechiah, the son of Iddo, the prophet, saying:

New American Bible
In the second year of Darius, in the eighth month, the word of the LORD came to the prophet Zechariah, son of Berechiah, son of Iddo:

New Revised Standard Version
In the eighth month, in the second year of Darius, the word of the LORD came to the prophet Zechariah son of Berechiah son of Iddo, saying:

Translations from Aramaic

Lamsa Bible
IN the eighth month, on the first day of the month, in the second year of Darius, the word of the LORD came to Zechariah, the son of Berechiah, the son of Iddo the prophet, saying,

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
In the eighth month in the first of the month, in year two of Darius, the word of LORD JEHOVAH was on Zechariah, son of Barachiah, son of Adu the Prophet, saying:

OT Translations

JPS Tanakh 1917
In the eighth month, in the second year of Darius, came the word of the LORD unto Zechariah the son of Berechiah, the son of Iddo, the prophet, saying:

Brenton Septuagint Translation
In the eighth month, in the second year of the reign of Darius, the word of the Lord came to Zacharias, the son of Barachias, the son of Addo, the prophet, saying,

Additional Translations ...

Audio Bible

Context

A Call to Repentance
1In the eighth month of the second year of Darius, the word of the LORD came to the prophet Zechariah son of Berechiah, the son of Iddo, saying: 2“The LORD was very angry with your fathers.…

Berean Standard Bible · Download

Cross References

Haggai 1:1
In the second year of the reign of Darius, on the first day of the sixth month, the word of the LORD came through Haggai the prophet to Zerubbabel son of Shealtiel, governor of Judah, and to Joshua son of Jehozadak, the high priest, stating

Ezra 5:1
Later, the prophets Haggai and Zechariah son of Iddo prophesied to the Jews in Judah and Jerusalem in the name of the God of Israel, who was over them.

Ezra 6:14
So the Jewish elders built and prospered through the prophesying of Haggai the prophet and Zechariah son of Iddo. They finished building according to the command of the God of Israel and the decrees of Cyrus, Darius, and Artaxerxes, kings of Persia.

Nehemiah 12:16
of Iddo, Zechariah; of Ginnethon, Meshullam;

Zechariah 7:1
In the fourth year of King Darius, the word of the LORD came to Zechariah on the fourth day of the ninth month, the month of Chislev.

Jeremiah 29:10
For this is what the LORD says: “When Babylon’s seventy years are complete, I will attend to you and confirm My promise to restore you to this place.

Daniel 9:2
in the first year of his reign, I, Daniel, understood from the sacred books, according to the word of the LORD to Jeremiah the prophet, that the desolation of Jerusalem would last seventy years.

2 Chronicles 36:22-23
In the first year of Cyrus king of Persia, to fulfill the word of the LORD spoken through Jeremiah, the LORD stirred the spirit of Cyrus king of Persia to send a proclamation throughout his kingdom and to put it in writing as follows: / “This is what Cyrus king of Persia says: ‘The LORD, the God of heaven, who has given me all the kingdoms of the earth, has appointed me to build a house for Him at Jerusalem in Judah. Whoever among you belongs to His people, may the LORD his God be with him, and may he go up.’”

Haggai 2:1
On the twenty-first day of the seventh month, the word of the LORD came through Haggai the prophet, saying:

Haggai 2:10
On the twenty-fourth day of the ninth month, in the second year of Darius, the word of the LORD came to Haggai the prophet, saying,

Haggai 2:20
For the second time that day, the twenty-fourth day of the month, the word of the LORD came to Haggai, saying,

Matthew 23:35
And so upon you will come all the righteous blood shed on earth, from the blood of righteous Abel to the blood of Zechariah son of Berechiah, whom you murdered between the temple and the altar.

Luke 11:51
from the blood of Abel to the blood of Zechariah, who was killed between the altar and the sanctuary. Yes, I tell you, all of it will be charged to this generation.

Matthew 1:12
After the exile to Babylon: Jeconiah was the father of Shealtiel, Shealtiel the father of Zerubbabel,

Luke 3:27
the son of Joanan, the son of Rhesa, the son of Zerubbabel, the son of Shealtiel, the son of Neri,

Treasury of Scripture

In the eighth month, in the second year of Darius, came the word of the LORD to Zechariah, the son of Berechiah, the son of Iddo the prophet, saying,

the eighth.

Zechariah 1:7
Upon the four and twentieth day of the eleventh month, which is the month Sebat, in the second year of Darius, came the word of the LORD unto Zechariah, the son of Berechiah, the son of Iddo the prophet, saying,

Zechariah 7:1
And it came to pass in the fourth year of king Darius, that the word of the LORD came unto Zechariah in the fourth day of the ninth month, even in Chisleu;

Ezra 4:24
Then ceased the work of the house of God which is at Jerusalem. So it ceased unto the second year of the reign of Darius king of Persia.

Zechariah.

Ezra 5:1
Then the prophets, Haggai the prophet, and Zechariah the son of Iddo, prophesied unto the Jews that were in Judah and Jerusalem in the name of the God of Israel, even unto them.

Matthew 23:35
That upon you may come all the righteous blood shed upon the earth, from the blood of righteous Abel unto the blood of Zacharias son of Barachias, whom ye slew between the temple and the altar.

Luke 11:51
From the blood of Abel unto the blood of Zacharias, which perished between the altar and the temple: verily I say unto you, It shall be required of this generation.

Iddo.

Nehemiah 12:4,16
Iddo, Ginnetho, Abijah, …

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Zechariah 1

1. Zechariah exhorts to repentance.
7. The vision of the horses.
12. At the prayer of the angel comfortable promises are made to Jerusalem.
18. The vision of the four horns and the four carpenters.

Study Bible

Book ◦ Chapter

In the eighth month of the second year of Darius
This time reference places the prophecy in 520 BC, during the reign of Darius I of Persia. The eighth month corresponds to the Hebrew month of Cheshvan, which falls around October-November. This period is significant as it follows the return of the Jewish exiles from Babylon, a time of rebuilding and restoration. Darius's reign is marked by stability and support for the Jewish people, as seen in his decree allowing the reconstruction of the Jerusalem temple (Ezra 6:1-12).

the word of the LORD came
This phrase indicates divine revelation, a common expression in prophetic literature, signifying that the message is not of human origin but from God. It underscores the authority and authenticity of the prophecy. The "word of the LORD" is a recurring theme throughout the Old Testament, emphasizing God's communication with His people (Jeremiah 1:4, Ezekiel 1:3).

to the prophet Zechariah
Zechariah is identified as a prophet, a spokesperson for God. His role is to convey God's messages to the people of Israel. Zechariah's prophecies are characterized by visions and symbolic imagery, focusing on themes of repentance, restoration, and the coming Messiah. His ministry overlaps with that of Haggai, another prophet who encouraged the rebuilding of the temple.

son of Berechiah, the son of Iddo
This genealogical detail establishes Zechariah's priestly lineage, as Iddo is mentioned among the priests who returned with Zerubbabel (Nehemiah 12:4, 16). The priestly background of Zechariah may have influenced his emphasis on temple worship and purity. The name "Zechariah" means "Yahweh remembers," which is fitting for a prophet who speaks of God's faithfulness to His covenant promises.

saying:
This introduces the content of the divine message that follows. The use of "saying" indicates that what comes next is a direct quotation from God, highlighting the importance and urgency of the message. The subsequent verses call the people to repentance and promise future blessings, setting the tone for the rest of Zechariah's prophecies.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Zechariah
A prophet of the LORD, whose name means "Yahweh remembers." He is the son of Berechiah and grandson of Iddo. Zechariah's prophetic ministry is crucial during the post-exilic period as the Israelites return from Babylonian captivity.

2. Berechiah
The father of Zechariah. His name means "Yahweh blesses," indicating a heritage of faith and divine favor.

3. Iddo
The grandfather of Zechariah, possibly a priest, which suggests a lineage of spiritual leadership.

4. Darius
Refers to Darius I, the Persian king who reigned from 522-486 BC. His reign is significant for the rebuilding of the Jerusalem temple.

5. The Eighth Month
This is the month of Cheshvan in the Hebrew calendar, which corresponds to October-November. It marks the timing of Zechariah's prophetic message.

Teaching Points

God's Timing and Sovereignty
The specific mention of the "eighth month of the second year of Darius" underscores God's precise timing in His plans. Believers can trust that God is sovereign over history and orchestrates events according to His divine purpose.

Heritage of Faith
Zechariah's lineage, being the son of Berechiah and grandson of Iddo, highlights the importance of a spiritual heritage. Christians are encouraged to value and pass on their faith to future generations.

Prophetic Calling
Zechariah's role as a prophet reminds believers of the importance of being attentive to God's word and being willing to deliver His messages, even in challenging times.

Restoration and Hope
The context of Zechariah's prophecy during the rebuilding of the temple serves as a reminder of God's commitment to restore and renew His people. This offers hope for personal and communal restoration in Christ.

Pulpit Commentary

Verse 1. - § 1. Title of the book, and author. The eighth month. This was called Bul before the Captivity (1 Kings 6:38), and afterwards Marchesvan (Josephus, 'Ant.,' 1:3 3); it answered to parts of October and November, and was a time of rain. Haggai had first prophesied two months earlier. The second year of Darius. Being now under foreign rule, the prophet uses the regnal years of the king to whom his people were subject (see note on Haggai 1:1). Son of Berechiah (see Introduction, § II.). The prophet. This appellation belongs to "Zechariah," as the LXX. and Vulgate take it. A comma should be inserted after "Iddo" here and in ver. 7. Saying. The visions virtually spoke to him, communicated to him the Lord's will; but first he has to deliver the following warning.

Parallel Commentaries ...

Hebrew

In the eighth
הַשְּׁמִינִ֔י (haš·šə·mî·nî)
Article | Number - ordinal masculine singular
Strong's 8066: Eighth (an ordinal number)

month
בַּחֹ֙דֶשׁ֙ (ba·ḥō·ḏeš)
Preposition-b, Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 2320: The new moon, a month

of the second
שְׁתַּ֖יִם (šə·ta·yim)
Number - fd
Strong's 8147: Two (a cardinal number)

year
בִּשְׁנַ֥ת (biš·naṯ)
Preposition-b | Noun - feminine singular construct
Strong's 8141: A year

of [the reign] of Darius,
לְדָרְיָ֑וֶשׁ (lə·ḏā·rə·yā·weš)
Preposition-l | Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 1867: Darius -- the name of several person kings

the word
דְבַר־ (ḏə·ḇar-)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 1697: A word, a matter, thing, a cause

of the LORD
יְהוָ֗ה (Yah·weh)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3068: LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel

came
הָיָ֣ה (hā·yāh)
Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 1961: To fall out, come to pass, become, be

to
אֶל־ (’el-)
Preposition
Strong's 413: Near, with, among, to

the prophet
הַנָּבִ֖יא (han·nā·ḇî)
Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 5030: A spokesman, speaker, prophet

Zechariah
זְכַרְיָה֙ (zə·ḵar·yāh)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 2148: Zachariah -- the name of a number of Israelites

son
בֶּן־ (ben-)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 1121: A son

of Berechiah,
בֶּ֣רֶכְיָ֔ה (be·reḵ·yāh)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 1296: Berechiah -- 'Yah blesses', the name of several Israelites

the son
בֶּן־ (ben-)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 1121: A son

of Iddo,
עִדּ֥וֹ (‘id·dōw)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 5714: Iddo -- 'timely', the name of several Israelites

saying:
לֵאמֹֽר׃ (lê·mōr)
Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct
Strong's 559: To utter, say

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OT Prophets: Zechariah 1:1 In the eighth month in the second (Zech. Zec Zc)