Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version Therefore tell the people: This is what the LORD Almighty says: ‘Return to me,’ declares the LORD Almighty, ‘and I will return to you,’ says the LORD Almighty. New Living Translation Therefore, say to the people, ‘This is what the LORD of Heaven’s Armies says: Return to me, and I will return to you, says the LORD of Heaven’s Armies.’ English Standard Version Therefore say to them, Thus declares the LORD of hosts: Return to me, says the LORD of hosts, and I will return to you, says the LORD of hosts. Berean Standard Bible So tell the people that this is what the LORD of Hosts says: ‘Return to Me, declares the LORD of Hosts, and I will return to you, says the LORD of Hosts.’ King James Bible Therefore say thou unto them, Thus saith the LORD of hosts; Turn ye unto me, saith the LORD of hosts, and I will turn unto you, saith the LORD of hosts. New King James Version Therefore say to them, ‘Thus says the LORD of hosts: “Return to Me,” says the LORD of hosts, “and I will return to you,” says the LORD of hosts. New American Standard Bible Therefore say to them, ‘This is what the LORD of armies says: “Return to Me,” declares the LORD of armies, “that I may return to you,” says the LORD of armies. NASB 1995 “Therefore say to them, ‘Thus says the LORD of hosts, “Return to Me,” declares the LORD of hosts, “that I may return to you,” says the LORD of hosts. NASB 1977 “Therefore say to them, ‘Thus says the LORD of hosts, “Return to Me,” declares the LORD of hosts, “that I may return to you,” says the LORD of hosts. Legacy Standard Bible Therefore say to them, ‘Thus says Yahweh of hosts, “Return to Me,” declares Yahweh of hosts, “that I may return to you,” says Yahweh of hosts. Amplified Bible Therefore say to the Jews, ‘Thus says the LORD of hosts (armies), “Return to Me,” declares the LORD of hosts, “and I shall return to you. Christian Standard Bible So tell the people, ‘This is what the LORD of Armies says: Return to me—this is the declaration of the LORD of Armies—and I will return to you, says the LORD of Armies. Holman Christian Standard Bible So tell the people: This is what the LORD of Hosts says: Return to Me"—this is the declaration of the LORD of Hosts—"and I will return to you, says the LORD of Hosts. American Standard Version Therefore say thou unto them, Thus saith Jehovah of hosts: Return unto me, saith Jehovah of hosts, and I will return unto you, saith Jehovah of hosts. English Revised Version Therefore say thou unto them, Thus saith the LORD of hosts: Return unto me, saith the LORD of hosts, and I will return unto you, saith the LORD of hosts. GOD'S WORD® Translation Tell the people, 'This is what the LORD of Armies says: Return to me, declares the LORD of Armies, and I will return to you, says the LORD of Armies.' Good News Translation but now I say to you, 'Return to me, and I will return to you. International Standard Version So tell them, 'This is what the LORD of the Heavenly Armies says: "Return to me," declares the LORD of the Heavenly Armies, "and I will return to you. NET Bible Therefore say to the people: The LORD who rules over all says, "Turn to me," says the LORD who rules over all, "and I will turn to you," says the LORD who rules over all. New Heart English Bible Therefore tell them: Thus says the LORD of hosts: 'Return to me,' says the LORD of hosts, 'and I will return to you,' says the LORD of hosts. Webster's Bible Translation Therefore say thou to them, Thus saith the LORD of hosts; Turn ye to me, saith the LORD of hosts, and I will turn to you, saith the LORD of hosts. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleSo tell the people that this is what the LORD of Hosts says: ‘Return to Me, declares the LORD of Hosts, and I will return to you, says the LORD of Hosts.’ World English Bible Therefore tell them, Yahweh of Armies says: ‘Return to me,’ says Yahweh of Armies, ‘and I will return to you,’ says Yahweh of Armies. Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionAnd you have said to them, Thus said YHWH of Hosts: Return to Me, "" A declaration of YHWH of Hosts, "" And I return to you, said YHWH of Hosts. Young's Literal Translation And thou hast said unto them, Thus said Jehovah of Hosts, turn back unto Me, An affirmation of Jehovah of Hosts, And I turn back unto you, said Jehovah of Hosts. Smith's Literal Translation And thou saidst to them, Thus said Jehovah of armies: Turn back to me, says Jehovah of armies, and I will turn back to you, said Jehovah of armies. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleAnd thou shalt say to them: Thus saith the Lord of hosts: Turn ye to me, saith the Lord of hosts: and I will turn to you, saith the Lord of hosts. Catholic Public Domain Version And you shall say to them: Thus says the Lord of hosts: Turn to me, says the Lord of hosts, and I will turn to you, says the Lord of hosts. New American Bible Say to them: Thus says the LORD of hosts, Return to me—oracle of the LORD of hosts—and I will return to you, says the LORD of hosts. New Revised Standard Version Therefore say to them, Thus says the LORD of hosts: Return to me, says the LORD of hosts, and I will return to you, says the LORD of hosts. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleTherefore say to them, Thus says the LORD of hosts: Return to me, says the LORD of hosts, and I will return to you, says the LORD of hosts. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated Say to them, “Thus says LORD JEHOVAH of Hosts: ‘return to me, says LORD JEHOVAH of Hosts, and I shall return to you, says LORD JEHOVAH of Hosts OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917Therefore say thou unto them, Thus saith the LORD of hosts: Return unto Me, saith the LORD of hosts, and I will return unto you, saith the LORD of hosts. Brenton Septuagint Translation And thou shalt say to them, Thus saith the Lord Almighty: Turn to me, saith the Lord of hosts, and I will turn to you, saith the Lord of hosts. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context A Call to Repentance…2“The LORD was very angry with your fathers. 3So tell the people that this is what the LORD of Hosts says: ‘Return to Me, declares the LORD of Hosts, and I will return to you, says the LORD of Hosts.’ 4Do not be like your fathers, to whom the former prophets proclaimed that this is what the LORD of Hosts says: ‘Turn now from your evil ways and deeds.’ But they did not listen or pay attention to Me, declares the LORD.… Cross References Malachi 3:7 Yet from the days of your fathers, you have turned away from My statutes and have not kept them. Return to Me, and I will return to you,” says the LORD of Hosts. “But you ask, ‘How can we return?’ Jeremiah 24:7 I will give them a heart to know Me, that I am the LORD. They will be My people, and I will be their God, for they will return to Me with all their heart. Joel 2:12-13 “Yet even now,” declares the LORD, “return to Me with all your heart, with fasting, weeping, and mourning.” / So rend your hearts and not your garments, and return to the LORD your God. For He is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger, abounding in loving devotion. And He relents from sending disaster. Isaiah 55:6-7 Seek the LORD while He may be found; call on Him while He is near. / Let the wicked man forsake his way and the unrighteous man his thoughts; let him return to the LORD, that He may have compassion, and to our God, for He will freely pardon. Hosea 6:1 Come, let us return to the LORD. For He has torn us to pieces, but He will heal us; He has wounded us, but He will bind up our wounds. Jeremiah 3:12-14 Go, proclaim this message toward the north: ‘Return, O faithless Israel,’ declares the LORD. ‘I will no longer look on you with anger, for I am merciful,’ declares the LORD. ‘I will not be angry forever. / Only acknowledge your guilt, that you have rebelled against the LORD your God. You have scattered your favors to foreign gods under every green tree and have not obeyed My voice,’” declares the LORD. / “Return, O faithless children,” declares the LORD, “for I am your master, and I will take you—one from a city and two from a family—and bring you to Zion. Ezekiel 18:30-32 Therefore, O house of Israel, I will judge you, each according to his ways, declares the Lord GOD. Repent and turn from all your transgressions, so that your iniquity will not become your downfall. / Cast away from yourselves all the transgressions you have committed, and fashion for yourselves a new heart and a new spirit. Why should you die, O house of Israel? / For I take no pleasure in anyone’s death, declares the Lord GOD. So repent and live! 2 Chronicles 30:6-9 At the command of the king, the couriers went throughout Israel and Judah with letters from the king and his officials, which read: “Children of Israel, return to the LORD, the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Israel, so that He may return to those of you who remain, who have escaped the grasp of the kings of Assyria. / Do not be like your fathers and brothers who were unfaithful to the LORD, the God of their fathers, so that He made them an object of horror, as you can see. / Now do not stiffen your necks as your fathers did. Submit to the LORD and come to His sanctuary, which He has consecrated forever. Serve the LORD your God, so that His fierce anger will turn away from you. ... Deuteronomy 4:29-31 But if from there you will seek the LORD your God, you will find Him if you seek Him with all your heart and with all your soul. / When you are in distress and all these things have happened to you, then in later days you will return to the LORD your God and listen to His voice. / For the LORD your God is a merciful God; He will not abandon you or destroy you or forget the covenant with your fathers, which He swore to them by oath. Lamentations 3:40-41 Let us examine and test our ways, and turn back to the LORD. / Let us lift up our hearts and hands to God in heaven: Acts 3:19 Repent, then, and turn back, so that your sins may be wiped away, James 4:8 Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded. Matthew 3:2 and saying, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near.” Luke 15:7 I tell you that in the same way there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous ones who do not need to repent. 2 Corinthians 5:20 Therefore we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were making His appeal through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ: Be reconciled to God. Treasury of Scripture Therefore say you to them, Thus said the LORD of hosts; Turn you to me, said the LORD of hosts, and I will turn to you, said the LORD of hosts. Turn. Deuteronomy 4:30,31 When thou art in tribulation, and all these things are come upon thee, even in the latter days, if thou turn to the LORD thy God, and shalt be obedient unto his voice; … Deuteronomy 30:2-10 And shalt return unto the LORD thy God, and shalt obey his voice according to all that I command thee this day, thou and thy children, with all thine heart, and with all thy soul; … 1 Kings 8:47,48 Yet if they shall bethink themselves in the land whither they were carried captives, and repent, and make supplication unto thee in the land of them that carried them captives, saying, We have sinned, and have done perversely, we have committed wickedness; … and Jeremiah 12:15 And it shall come to pass, after that I have plucked them out I will return, and have compassion on them, and will bring them again, every man to his heritage, and every man to his land. Jeremiah 29:12-14 Then shall ye call upon me, and ye shall go and pray unto me, and I will hearken unto you… Jeremiah 31:18-20 I have surely heard Ephraim bemoaning himself thus; Thou hast chastised me, and I was chastised, as a bullock unaccustomed to the yoke: turn thou me, and I shall be turned; for thou art the LORD my God… Jump to Previous Affirmation Almighty Armies Declares Hosts Turn WordsJump to Next Affirmation Almighty Armies Declares Hosts Turn WordsZechariah 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. So tell the people that this is what the LORD of Hosts says: This phrase emphasizes the role of the prophet as a messenger. The title "LORD of Hosts" underscores God's sovereignty and power, often used in contexts where His authority and might are highlighted. The term "Hosts" refers to the heavenly armies, indicating God's command over all spiritual and earthly forces. This introduction sets the stage for a divine message that carries weight and authority, demanding attention and obedience from the people. ‘Return to Me, declares the LORD of Hosts, and I will return to you, says the LORD of Hosts.’ Persons / Places / Events 1. ZechariahA prophet who ministered to the Jewish people after their return from Babylonian exile. His name means "Yahweh remembers." 2. The LORD of Hosts A title for God emphasizing His sovereignty and command over the heavenly armies. 3. The People of Israel The audience of Zechariah's message, specifically the Jewish exiles who returned to Jerusalem. 4. Jerusalem The city to which the exiles returned and where Zechariah delivered his prophecies. 5. The Return from Exile The historical context of Zechariah's ministry, focusing on the spiritual and physical restoration of Israel. Teaching Points The Call to RepentanceGod’s invitation to "return to Me" is a call to repentance, a turning away from sin and a turning back to God. This is a continual process in the believer's life. God’s Faithfulness The promise "I will return to you" highlights God's faithfulness. When we take steps toward Him, He is faithful to respond and restore. The Importance of Obedience Obedience to God's call is crucial. The Israelites' return from exile was not just physical but required a spiritual renewal and commitment to God's commands. God’s Sovereignty The repeated use of "LORD of Hosts" emphasizes God's supreme authority and power. Trusting in His sovereignty is essential for spiritual growth. Restoration and Relationship The verse underscores the relational aspect of our faith. God desires a personal relationship with His people, marked by mutual commitment and love. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of Zechariah 1:3?2. How can we "return to Me" in our daily walk with God? 3. What does Zechariah 1:3 reveal about God's desire for relationship with us? 4. How does Zechariah 1:3 connect to the theme of repentance in the Bible? 5. What practical steps can we take to ensure God "will return to you"? 6. How does this verse challenge our understanding of God's faithfulness and mercy? 7. What does Zechariah 1:3 reveal about God's desire for repentance and relationship with His people? 8. How does Zechariah 1:3 emphasize the importance of returning to God in times of spiritual decline? 9. In what ways does Zechariah 1:3 challenge believers to examine their current relationship with God? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Zechariah 1? 11. What visions and messages did Zechariah receive from God? 12. What does 'Return to Me, and I will return' mean? 13. What are the symbolic meanings of Zechariah's visions? 14. What does "Return to Me, and I will return" mean? What Does Zechariah 1:3 Mean So tell the people- God’s first word is a commission. He does not whisper privately to the prophet; He instructs, “So tell the people.” - The same pattern appears when Jeremiah is told, “Stand in the courtyard of the LORD’s house and speak to all the cities of Judah everything I command you” (Jeremiah 26:2). - Truth is meant to be shared. Just as Ezekiel was set as a watchman to warn the house of Israel (Ezekiel 3:17) and Timothy was urged to “preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season” (2 Timothy 4:2), Zechariah is to carry God’s urgent message to a nation that has drifted. This is what the LORD of Hosts says - The title “LORD of Hosts” (YHWH Sabaoth) appears three times in this single verse, underscoring divine majesty and military might. Psalm 46:7 rings with the same confidence: “The LORD of Hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress.” - By repeating the title, God reminds His people that the One speaking commands every angelic army and rules over every earthly power (1 Samuel 17:45; Isaiah 6:3). His word carries absolute authority; ignoring it is never a safe option. Return to Me, declares the LORD of Hosts - The heart of the verse is a call to repentance. “Return” means a decisive turning away from sin and a wholehearted turning back to God. - Scripture consistently frames repentance as relational, not merely behavioral. “Seek the LORD while He may be found…let the wicked forsake his way…and He will freely pardon” (Isaiah 55:6-7). - The appeal is urgent but gracious. Joel 2:12-13 echoes it: “Return to Me with all your heart…for He is gracious and compassionate.” Even after generations of disobedience, God still invites, “Ever since the time of your fathers you have turned from My statutes…Return to Me and I will return to you” (Malachi 3:7). - In the New Testament the call continues: “Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out” (Acts 3:19). The prodigal son’s journey home (Luke 15:20) paints the picture: repentant steps toward the Father are met with running, embracing grace. And I will return to you, says the LORD of Hosts - God’s promise is as certain as His command. When His people turn, He turns—with favor, presence, and blessing. - 2 Chronicles 7:14 ties national healing to this response: “If My people…will humble themselves and pray and seek My face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven…and will heal their land.” - James 4:8 applies the principle individually: “Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you.” God’s posture toward the repentant is never hesitant. Like the shepherd in Luke 15 who joyfully shoulders the lost sheep, He moves toward us with restoration. - The promise also carries a sober edge: if the people refuse to return, they forfeit His protective presence (Jeremiah 24:7; Revelation 3:20). God’s nearness is conditioned on genuine repentance. summary Zechariah 1:3 delivers a timeless pattern: God speaks, calls His people to repentance, and pledges His responsive presence. The verse reveals His character—authoritative as the LORD of Hosts, yet tender in inviting wandering hearts home. When we turn to Him in sincere repentance, He unfailingly turns toward us with forgiveness, fellowship, and renewed favor. Verse 3. - Say thou unto them. The prophet shows why he has reminded them of their forefathers' sins and punishment. Saith the Lord of hosts. The expression recurs three times in this verse; it denotes the almightiness and infinite resources of God (see note A in the appendix to Archdeacon Perowne's edition of this prophet). Its constant repetition, as in Haggai, gives a certain heaviness to the prophet's style. Turn (return) ye unto me. He calls the people to repentance, partly, doubtless, with a view to their taking an active part in rebuilding the temple, thus carrying on the exhortations of Haggai, but also with reference to their general indevotion and laxity which Ezra afterwards had to reprove (see Ezra 9:2). Saith the Lord of hosts; literally, (it is) the utterance of Jehovah of hosts. This is a more threatening form than the mere "saith" in the other two places in this verse. And I will turn (return) unto you (Malachi 3:7). God promises his favour on their repentance and better conduct; as Haggai had been commissioned to proclaim a return of fruitful seasons as soon as the people obeyed his word and attended diligently to the work before them (Haggai 2:19). They were called now to attend to the pure worship of the Lord, as the sole condition of prosperity (comp. 2 Chronicles 30:6; James 4:8). It has been well observed that when it is said, "Turn ye unto me," etc., we are reminded of our free will; and when we cry, "Turn us, good Lord, and we shall be turned," we acknowledge the need of God's preventing grace.Parallel Commentaries ... Hebrew So tell [the people]וְאָמַרְתָּ֣ (wə·’ā·mar·tā) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - second person masculine singular Strong's 559: To utter, say that this is what כֹּ֤ה (kōh) Adverb Strong's 3541: Like this, thus, here, now the LORD יְהוָ֣ה (Yah·weh) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 3068: LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel of Hosts צְבָא֔וֹת (ṣə·ḇā·’ō·wṯ) Noun - common plural Strong's 6635: A mass of persons, reg, organized for, war, a campaign says: אָמַר֙ (’ā·mar) Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 559: To utter, say ‘Return שׁ֣וּבוּ (šū·ḇū) Verb - Qal - Imperative - masculine plural Strong's 7725: To turn back, in, to retreat, again to Me,’ אֲלֵהֶ֗ם (’ă·lê·hem) Preposition | third person masculine plural Strong's 413: Near, with, among, to declares נְאֻ֖ם (nə·’um) Noun - masculine singular construct Strong's 5002: An oracle the LORD יְהוָ֣ה (Yah·weh) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 3068: LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel of Hosts, צְבָא֑וֹת (ṣə·ḇā·’ō·wṯ) Noun - common plural Strong's 6635: A mass of persons, reg, organized for, war, a campaign ‘and I will return וְאָשׁ֣וּב (wə·’ā·šūḇ) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive imperfect - first person common singular Strong's 7725: To turn back, in, to retreat, again to you,’ אֵלַ֔י (’ê·lay) Preposition | first person common singular Strong's 413: Near, with, among, to says אָמַ֖ר (’ā·mar) Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 559: To utter, say the LORD יְהוָ֥ה (Yah·weh) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 3068: LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel of Hosts. צְבָאֽוֹת׃ (ṣə·ḇā·’ō·wṯ) Noun - common plural Strong's 6635: A mass of persons, reg, organized for, war, a campaign Links Zechariah 1:3 NIVZechariah 1:3 NLT Zechariah 1:3 ESV Zechariah 1:3 NASB Zechariah 1:3 KJV Zechariah 1:3 BibleApps.com Zechariah 1:3 Biblia Paralela Zechariah 1:3 Chinese Bible Zechariah 1:3 French Bible Zechariah 1:3 Catholic Bible OT Prophets: Zechariah 1:3 Therefore tell them: Thus says Yahweh (Zech. 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