Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version Do not be like your ancestors, to whom the earlier prophets proclaimed: This is what the LORD Almighty says: ‘Turn from your evil ways and your evil practices.’ But they would not listen or pay attention to me, declares the LORD. New Living Translation Don’t be like your ancestors who would not listen or pay attention when the earlier prophets said to them, ‘This is what the LORD of Heaven’s Armies says: Turn from your evil ways, and stop all your evil practices.’ English Standard Version Do not be like your fathers, to whom the former prophets cried out, ‘Thus says the LORD of hosts, Return from your evil ways and from your evil deeds.’ But they did not hear or pay attention to me, declares the LORD. Berean Standard Bible Do 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. King James Bible Be ye not as your fathers, unto whom the former prophets have cried, saying, Thus saith the LORD of hosts; Turn ye now from your evil ways, and from your evil doings: but they did not hear, nor hearken unto me, saith the LORD. New King James Version “Do not be like your fathers, to whom the former prophets preached, saying, ‘Thus says the LORD of hosts: “Turn now from your evil ways and your evil deeds.” ’ But they did not hear nor heed Me,” says the LORD. New American Standard Bible “Do not be like your fathers, to whom the former prophets proclaimed, saying, ‘This is what the LORD of armies says: “Return now from your evil ways and from your evil deeds.”’ But they did not listen or pay attention to Me,” declares the LORD. NASB 1995 “Do not be like your fathers, to whom the former prophets proclaimed, saying, ‘Thus says the LORD of hosts, “Return now from your evil ways and from your evil deeds."’ But they did not listen or give heed to Me,” declares the LORD. NASB 1977 “Do not be like your fathers, to whom the former prophets proclaimed, saying, ‘Thus says the LORD of hosts, “Return now from your evil ways and from your evil deeds.”’ But they did not listen or give heed to Me,” declares the LORD. Legacy Standard Bible “Do not be like your fathers, to whom the former prophets called out, saying, ‘Thus says Yahweh of hosts, “Return now from your evil ways and from your evil deeds.”’ But they did not listen or give heed to Me,” declares Yahweh. Amplified Bible Do not be like your fathers, to whom the former prophets proclaimed, ‘Thus says the LORD of hosts, “Repent [that is, change your way of thinking] and return now from your evil way [of life] and from your evil deeds.”’ But they did not listen or pay attention to Me,” declares the LORD. Christian Standard Bible Do not be like your ancestors; the earlier prophets proclaimed to them: This is what the LORD of Armies says: Turn from your evil ways and your evil deeds. But they did not listen or pay attention to me—this is the LORD’s declaration. Holman Christian Standard Bible Do not be like your ancestors; the earlier prophets proclaimed to them: This is what the LORD of Hosts says: Turn from your evil ways and your evil deeds. But they did not listen or pay attention to Me"—this is the LORD’s declaration. “ American Standard Version Be ye not as your fathers, unto whom the former prophets cried, saying, Thus saith Jehovah of hosts, Return ye now from your evil ways, and from your evil doings: but they did not hear, nor hearken unto me, saith Jehovah. Contemporary English Version Don't be stubborn like your ancestors. They were warned by the earlier prophets to give up their evil and turn back to me, but they paid no attention. English Revised Version Be ye not as your fathers, unto whom the former prophets cried, saying, Thus saith the LORD of hosts, Return ye now from your evil ways, and from your evil doings: but they did not hear, nor hearken unto me, saith the LORD. GOD'S WORD® Translation Don't be like your ancestors, who heard the earlier prophets preach to them, 'This is what the LORD of Armies says: Turn from your evil ways and your evil deeds.' But they didn't listen or pay attention to me, declares the LORD. Good News Translation Do not be like your ancestors. Long ago the prophets gave them my message, telling them not to live evil, sinful lives any longer. But they would not listen to me or obey me. International Standard Version Don't be like your ancestors, to whom the former prophets proclaimed: 'This is what the LORD of the Heavenly Armies says: "It's time to turn from your evil lifestyles and from your evil actions," 'but they would neither listen nor pay attention to me,'" declares the LORD.' Majority Standard Bible Do 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. NET Bible "Do not be like your ancestors, to whom the former prophets called out, saying, 'The LORD who rules over all says, "Turn now from your evil wickedness,"' but they would by no means obey me," says the LORD. New Heart English Bible Do not be like your fathers, to whom the former prophets proclaimed, saying: Thus says the LORD of hosts, 'Return now from your evil ways, and from your evil doings;' but they did not hear, nor listen to me, says the LORD. Webster's Bible Translation Be ye not as your fathers, to whom the former prophets have cried, saying, Thus saith the LORD of hosts; Turn ye now from your evil ways, and from your evil doings: but they did not hear, nor hearken to me, saith the LORD. World English Bible Don’t you be like your fathers, to whom the former prophets proclaimed, saying: Yahweh of Armies says, ‘Return now from your evil ways and from your evil doings;’ but they didn’t hear nor listen to me, says Yahweh. Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionYou will not be as your fathers, "" To whom the former prophets called, "" Saying, Thus said YHWH of Hosts: Please turn back from your evil ways and from your evil doings, "" And they did not listen, "" Nor attend to Me—a declaration of YHWH. Young's Literal Translation Ye shall not be as your fathers, To whom the former prophets called, saying: Thus said Jehovah of Hosts, Turn back I pray you, From your evil ways and from your evil doings, And they did not hearken, Nor attend to Me -- an affirmation of Jehovah. Smith's Literal Translation Ye shall not be as your fathers which the former prophets called to them, saying, Thus, said Jehovah of armies: Turn back now from your evil ways and your evil doings: and they heard not, and they attended not to me, says Jehovah. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleBe not as your fathers, to whom the former prophets have cried, saying: Thus saith the Lord of hosts: Turn ye from your evil ways, and from your wicked thoughts: but they did not give ear, neither did they hearken to me, saith the Lord. Catholic Public Domain Version Do not be like your fathers, to whom the former prophets cried out, saying: Thus says the Lord of hosts: Turn from your evil ways and from your wicked thoughts. But they did not heed, and neither did they pay attention to me, says the Lord. New American Bible Do not be like your ancestors to whom the earlier prophets proclaimed: Thus says the LORD of hosts: Turn from your evil ways and from your wicked deeds. But they did not listen or pay attention to me —oracle of the LORD.— New Revised Standard Version Do not be like your ancestors, to whom the former prophets proclaimed, “Thus says the LORD of hosts, Return from your evil ways and from your evil deeds.” But they did not hear or heed me, says the LORD. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleBe not like your fathers, to whom the former prophets preached, saying, Thus says the LORD of hosts: Turn now from your evil ways and from your evil doings; but they did not listen, nor give ear to me, says the LORD. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated And you will not be as your fathers to whom the former Prophets preached, and they said, thus says LORD JEHOVAH of Hosts: return from your evil paths and from your evil works, and they did not hear and they did not listen to me, says LORD JEHOVAH of Hosts OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917Be ye not as your fathers, unto whom the former prophets proclaimed, saying: Thus saith the LORD of hosts: Return ye now from your evil ways, and from your evil doings; but they did not hear, nor attend unto Me, saith the LORD. Brenton Septuagint Translation And be ye not as your fathers, whom the prophets before charged, saying, Thus saith the Lord Almighty: Turn ye from your evil ways, and from your evil practices: but they hearkened not, and attended not to hearken to me, saith the Lord. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context A Call to Repentance…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. 5Where are your fathers now? And the prophets, do they live forever?… Cross References Jeremiah 25:4-5 And the LORD has sent all His servants the prophets to you again and again, but you have not listened or inclined your ear to hear. / The prophets told you, ‘Turn now, each of you, from your evil ways and deeds, and you can dwell in the land that the LORD has given to you and your fathers forever and ever. 2 Chronicles 36:15-16 Again and again the LORD, the God of their fathers, sent word to His people through His messengers because He had compassion on them and on His dwelling place. / But they mocked the messengers of God, despising His words and scoffing at His prophets, until the wrath of the LORD against His people was stirred up beyond remedy. Jeremiah 7:25-26 From the day your fathers came out of the land of Egypt until this day, I have sent you all My servants the prophets again and again. / Yet they would not listen to Me or incline their ear, but they stiffened their necks and did more evil than their fathers. 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! 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. Jeremiah 18:11-12 Now therefore, tell the men of Judah and the residents of Jerusalem that this is what the LORD says: ‘Behold, I am planning a disaster for you and devising a plan against you. Turn now, each of you, from your evil ways, and correct your ways and deeds.’ / But they will reply, ‘It is hopeless. We will follow our own plans, and each of us will act according to the stubbornness of his evil heart.’” 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?’ Nehemiah 9:29-30 You admonished them to turn back to Your law, but they were arrogant and disobeyed Your commandments. They sinned against Your ordinances, by which a man will live if he practices them. They turned a stubborn shoulder; they stiffened their necks and would not obey. / You were patient with them for many years, and Your Spirit admonished them through Your prophets. Yet they would not listen, so You gave them into the hands of the neighboring peoples. Hosea 14:1-2 Return, O Israel, to the LORD your God, for you have stumbled by your iniquity. / Bring your confessions and return to the LORD. Say to Him: “Take away all our iniquity and receive us graciously, that we may present the fruit of our lips. Matthew 23:37 O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, who kills the prophets and stones those sent to her, how often I have longed to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, but you were unwilling! Acts 7:51-52 You stiff-necked people with uncircumcised hearts and ears! You always resist the Holy Spirit, just as your fathers did. / Which of the prophets did your fathers fail to persecute? They even killed those who foretold the coming of the Righteous One. And now you are His betrayers and murderers— Luke 13:34 O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, who kills the prophets and stones those sent to her, how often I have longed to gather your children together as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, but you were unwilling! Hebrews 3:7-8 Therefore, as the Holy Spirit says: “Today, if you hear His voice, / do not harden your hearts, as you did in the rebellion, in the day of testing in the wilderness, Romans 2:4-5 Or do you disregard the riches of His kindness, tolerance, and patience, not realizing that God’s kindness leads you to repentance? / But because of your hard and unrepentant heart, you are storing up wrath against yourself for the day of wrath, when God’s righteous judgment will be revealed. 2 Peter 3:9 The Lord is not slow in keeping His promise as some understand slowness, but is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish but everyone to come to repentance. Treasury of Scripture Be you not as your fathers, to whom the former prophets have cried, saying, Thus said the LORD of hosts; Turn you now from your evil ways, and from your evil doings: but they did not hear, nor listen to me, said the LORD. as. 2 Chronicles 29:6-10 For our fathers have trespassed, and done that which was evil in the eyes of the LORD our God, and have forsaken him, and have turned away their faces from the habitation of the LORD, and turned their backs… 2 Chronicles 30:7 And be not ye like your fathers, and like your brethren, which trespassed against the LORD God of their fathers, who therefore gave them up to desolation, as ye see. 2 Chronicles 34:21 Go, inquire of the LORD for me, and for them that are left in Israel and in Judah, concerning the words of the book that is found: for great is the wrath of the LORD that is poured out upon us, because our fathers have not kept the word of the LORD, to do after all that is written in this book. unto. Zechariah 7:11-13 But they refused to hearken, and pulled away the shoulder, and stopped their ears, that they should not hear… 2 Chronicles 24:19-22 Yet he sent prophets to them, to bring them again unto the LORD; and they testified against them: but they would not give ear… 2 Chronicles 36:15,16 And the LORD God of their fathers sent to them by his messengers, rising up betimes, and sending; because he had compassion on his people, and on his dwelling place: … Turn. Zechariah 1:3 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. Isaiah 1:16-19 Wash you, make you clean; put away the evil of your doings from before mine eyes; cease to do evil; … Isaiah 31:6 Turn ye unto him from whom the children of Israel have deeply revolted. but. Jeremiah 11:6-8 Then the LORD said unto me, Proclaim all these words in the cities of Judah, and in the streets of Jerusalem, saying, Hear ye the words of this covenant, and do them… Jeremiah 13:9,10 Thus saith the LORD, After this manner will I mar the pride of Judah, and the great pride of Jerusalem… Jeremiah 26:5 To hearken to the words of my servants the prophets, whom I sent unto you, both rising up early, and sending them, but ye have not hearkened; Jump to Previous Armies Attend Cried Declares Deeds Doings Evil Fathers Former Hear Hearken Heed Hosts Proclaimed Prophets Turn WaysJump to Next Armies Attend Cried Declares Deeds Doings Evil Fathers Former Hear Hearken Heed Hosts Proclaimed Prophets Turn WaysZechariah 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. Do not be like your fathers This phrase serves as a warning and a call to repentance. The "fathers" refer to the ancestors of the Israelites who repeatedly disobeyed God. This is a common theme in the Old Testament, where the Israelites are often reminded of their forefathers' failures to follow God's commands. The call to not emulate their ancestors is a call to break the cycle of disobedience and rebellion against God. 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 Persons / Places / Events 1. ZechariahA prophet in the post-exilic period, Zechariah was called by God to encourage the Israelites to return to Him and rebuild the temple in Jerusalem. His prophecies are filled with visions and messages of hope and restoration. 2. The Forefathers Refers to the ancestors of the Israelites who had turned away from God, leading to their exile. Their disobedience serves as a warning to the current generation. 3. The Prophets These are the messengers sent by God to call the people back to righteousness. They played a crucial role in delivering God's word and warning of the consequences of disobedience. 4. The LORD of Hosts A title for God emphasizing His sovereignty and command over the heavenly armies. It underscores His power and authority in calling His people to repentance. 5. Jerusalem The central place of worship and the heart of the Jewish nation, which had been destroyed due to the people's unfaithfulness but was now in the process of being rebuilt. Teaching Points Call to RepentanceZechariah 1:4 emphasizes the importance of heeding God's call to turn away from sin. Repentance is not just a one-time act but a continual turning towards God. Learning from the Past The verse serves as a reminder to learn from the mistakes of previous generations. Ignoring God's warnings can lead to severe consequences. God's Patience and Mercy Despite the forefathers' disobedience, God continues to call His people back to Him, demonstrating His patience and desire for reconciliation. The Role of Prophets Prophets are vital in communicating God's will and calling people to accountability. We should value and heed the messages of those who speak God's truth today. Personal Reflection Each believer is encouraged to examine their own life for areas of disobedience and to seek God's forgiveness and guidance.Verse 4. - The former prophets have cried. Omit "have." The prophets referred to are those before the Captivity, both those whoso writings are extant, as Hosea, Joel, Amos, etc., and those whose names are mentioned in the historical books, e.g. Nathan, Gad, Shemaiah, Azariah, Hanaui, Elijah, Elisha, Micaiah (Pusey). (See similar complaints in 2 Kings 17:13; 2 Chronicles 36:15, etc.; Jeremiah 25:3-8, which last passage seems to have been in Zechariah's mind.) Parallel Commentaries ... Hebrew Do notאַל־ (’al-) Adverb Strong's 408: Not be תִּהְי֣וּ (tih·yū) Verb - Qal - Imperfect - second person masculine plural Strong's 1961: To fall out, come to pass, become, be like your forefathers, כַאֲבֹֽתֵיכֶ֡ם (ḵa·’ă·ḇō·ṯê·ḵem) Preposition-k | Noun - masculine plural construct | second person masculine plural Strong's 1: Father to whom אֲשֶׁ֣ר (’ă·šer) Pronoun - relative Strong's 834: Who, which, what, that, when, where, how, because, in order that the former הָרִֽאשֹׁנִ֜ים (hā·ri·šō·nîm) Article | Adjective - masculine plural Strong's 7223: First, in place, time, rank prophets הַנְּבִיאִ֨ים (han·nə·ḇî·’îm) Article | Noun - masculine plural Strong's 5030: A spokesman, speaker, prophet proclaimed: קָרְאֽוּ־ (qā·rə·’ū-) Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person common plural Strong's 7121: To call, proclaim, read 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: לֵאמֹ֗ר (lê·mōr) Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct Strong's 559: To utter, say ‘Turn שׁ֤וּבוּ (šū·ḇū) Verb - Qal - Imperative - masculine plural Strong's 7725: To turn back, in, to retreat, again now נָא֙ (nā) Interjection Strong's 4994: I pray', 'now', 'then' from your evil הָרָעִ֔ים (hā·rā·‘îm) Article | Adjective - masculine plural Strong's 7451: Bad, evil ways מִדַּרְכֵיכֶ֣ם (mid·dar·ḵê·ḵem) Preposition-m | Noun - common plural construct | second person masculine plural Strong's 1870: A road, a course of life, mode of action and your evil הָֽרָעִ֑ים (hā·rā·‘îm) Article | Adjective - masculine plural Strong's 7451: Bad, evil deeds.’ וּמַֽעֲלְלֵיכֶ֖ם (ū·ma·‘al·lê·ḵem) Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine plural construct | second person masculine plural Strong's 4611: A deed, practice But they did not וְלֹ֥א (wə·lō) Conjunctive waw | Adverb - Negative particle Strong's 3808: Not, no listen שָׁמְע֛וּ (šā·mə·‘ū) Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person common plural Strong's 8085: To hear intelligently or pay attention הִקְשִׁ֥יבוּ (hiq·šî·ḇū) Verb - Hifil - Perfect - third person common plural Strong's 7181: To prick up the ears, hearken to Me, אֵלַ֖י (’ê·lay) Preposition | first person common singular Strong's 413: Near, with, among, to declares נְאֻם־ (nə·’um-) Noun - masculine singular construct Strong's 5002: An oracle the LORD. יְהוָֽה׃ (Yah·weh) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 3068: LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel Links Zechariah 1:4 NIVZechariah 1:4 NLT Zechariah 1:4 ESV Zechariah 1:4 NASB Zechariah 1:4 KJV Zechariah 1:4 BibleApps.com Zechariah 1:4 Biblia Paralela Zechariah 1:4 Chinese Bible Zechariah 1:4 French Bible Zechariah 1:4 Catholic Bible OT Prophets: Zechariah 1:4 Don't you be like your fathers (Zech. 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