Zechariah 12:5
New International Version
Then the clans of Judah will say in their hearts, ‘The people of Jerusalem are strong, because the LORD Almighty is their God.’

New Living Translation
And the clans of Judah will say to themselves, ‘The people of Jerusalem have found strength in the LORD of Heaven’s Armies, their God.’

English Standard Version
Then the clans of Judah shall say to themselves, ‘The inhabitants of Jerusalem have strength through the LORD of hosts, their God.’

Berean Standard Bible
Then the leaders of Judah will say in their hearts: ‘The people of Jerusalem are my strength, for the LORD of Hosts is their God.’

King James Bible
And the governors of Judah shall say in their heart, The inhabitants of Jerusalem shall be my strength in the LORD of hosts their God.

New King James Version
And the governors of Judah shall say in their heart, ‘The inhabitants of Jerusalem are my strength in the LORD of hosts, their God.’

New American Standard Bible
Then the clans of Judah will say in their hearts, ‘The inhabitants of Jerusalem are a strong support for us through the LORD of armies, their God.’

NASB 1995
“Then the clans of Judah will say in their hearts, ‘A strong support for us are the inhabitants of Jerusalem through the LORD of hosts, their God.’

NASB 1977
“Then the clans of Judah will say in their hearts, ‘A strong support for us are the inhabitants of Jerusalem through the LORD of hosts, their God.’

Legacy Standard Bible
Then the clans of Judah will say in their hearts, ‘A strong support for us are the inhabitants of Jerusalem through Yahweh of hosts, their God.’

Amplified Bible
Then the clans of Judah will say in their hearts, ‘The inhabitants of Jerusalem are our strength in the LORD of hosts, their God.’

Christian Standard Bible
Then each of the leaders of Judah will think to himself: The residents of Jerusalem are my strength through the LORD of Armies, their God.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
Then each of the leaders of Judah will think to himself: The residents of Jerusalem are my strength through the LORD of Hosts, their God.

American Standard Version
And the chieftains of Judah shall say in their heart, The inhabitants of Jerusalem are my strength in Jehovah of hosts their God.

Contemporary English Version
Then every clan in Judah will realize that I, the LORD All-Powerful, am their God, and that I am the source of their strength.

English Revised Version
And the chieftains of Judah shall say in their heart, The inhabitants of Jerusalem are my strength in the LORD of hosts their God.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
Then the leaders of Judah will think to themselves, 'The people who live in Jerusalem are strong because of the LORD of Armies, their God.'

Good News Translation
Then the clans of Judah will say to themselves, 'The LORD God Almighty gives strength to his people who live in Jerusalem.'

International Standard Version
The leaders of Judah will say to themselves, "Those who live in Jerusalem are my strength through the LORD of the Heavenly Armies, their God."

Majority Standard Bible
Then the leaders of Judah will say in their hearts: ?The people of Jerusalem are my strength, for the LORD of Hosts is their God.?

NET Bible
Then the leaders of Judah will say to themselves, 'The inhabitants of Jerusalem are a means of strength to us through their God, the LORD who rules over all.'

New Heart English Bible
The chieftains of Judah will say in their heart, 'The inhabitants of Jerusalem are my strength in the LORD of hosts their God.'

Webster's Bible Translation
And the governors of Judah shall say in their heart, The inhabitants of Jerusalem shall be my strength in the LORD of hosts their God.

World English Bible
The chieftains of Judah will say in their heart, ‘The inhabitants of Jerusalem are my strength in Yahweh of Armies their God.’
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
And leaders of Judah have said in their heart, "" The inhabitants of Jerusalem [are] strength to me, "" In YHWH of Hosts their God.

Young's Literal Translation
And leaders of Judah have said in their heart, 'Strength to me are the inhabitants of Jerusalem, In Jehovah of Hosts their God.'

Smith's Literal Translation
And the thousands of Judah said in their heart, The inhabitants of Jerusalem strength to me in Jehovah of armies their God.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
And the governors of Juda shall say in their heart: Let the inhabitants of Jerusalem be strengthened for me in the Lord of hosts, their God.

Catholic Public Domain Version
And the governors of Judah will say in their heart, “Let the inhabitants of Jerusalem be strengthened for me, in the Lord of hosts, their God.”

New American Bible
Then the clans of Judah will say to themselves, “The inhabitants of Jerusalem have their strength in the LORD of hosts, their God.”

New Revised Standard Version
Then the clans of Judah shall say to themselves, “The inhabitants of Jerusalem have strength through the LORD of hosts, their God.”
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
And the princes of Judah shall say in their hearts, The inhabitants of Jerusalem are stronger than we through the LORD of hosts their God.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And the Princes of Judea will say in their hearts: “The inhabitants of Jerusalem are stronger than we in LORD JEHOVAH of Hosts their God!”
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
And the chiefs of Judah shall say in their heart: 'The inhabitants of Jerusalem are my strength Through the LORD of hosts their God.'

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And the captains of thousands of Juda shall say in their hearts, We shall find for ourselves the inhabitants of Jerusalem in the Lord Almighty their God.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Jerusalem will be Attacked
4On that day, declares the LORD, I will strike every horse with panic, and every rider with madness. I will keep a watchful eye on the house of Judah, but I will strike with blindness all the horses of the nations. 5Then the leaders of Judah will say in their hearts: ‘The people of Jerusalem are my strength, for the LORD of Hosts is their God.’ 6On that day I will make the clans of Judah like a firepot in a woodpile, like a flaming torch among the sheaves; they will consume all the peoples around them on the right and on the left, while the people of Jerusalem remain secure there.…

Cross References
Psalm 20:7
Some trust in chariots and others in horses, but we trust in the name of the LORD our God.

Isaiah 41:10
Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be afraid, for I am your God. I will strengthen you; I will surely help you; I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.

Jeremiah 9:23-24
This is what the LORD says: “Let not the wise man boast in his wisdom, nor the strong man in his strength, nor the wealthy man in his riches. / But let him who boasts boast in this, that he understands and knows Me, that I am the LORD, who exercises loving devotion, justice and righteousness on the earth—for I delight in these things,” declares the LORD.

2 Chronicles 32:7-8
“Be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged before the king of Assyria and the vast army with him, for there is a greater One with us than with him. / With him is only the arm of flesh, but with us is the LORD our God to help us and to fight our battles.” So the people were strengthened by the words of Hezekiah king of Judah.

Isaiah 31:1
Woe to those who go down to Egypt for help, who rely on horses, who trust in their abundance of chariots and in their multitude of horsemen. They do not look to the Holy One of Israel; they do not seek the LORD.

Psalm 118:8-9
It is better to take refuge in the LORD than to trust in man. / It is better to take refuge in the LORD than to trust in princes.

Isaiah 12:2
Surely God is my salvation; I will trust and not be afraid. For the LORD GOD is my strength and my song, and He also has become my salvation.”

Micah 3:8
As for me, however, I am filled with power by the Spirit of the LORD, with justice and courage, to declare to Jacob his transgression and to Israel his sin.

1 Samuel 17:45
But David said to the Philistine, “You come against me with sword and spear and javelin, but I come against you in the name of the LORD of Hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied.

Isaiah 40:29-31
He gives power to the faint and increases the strength of the weak. / Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall. / But those who wait upon the LORD will renew their strength; they will mount up with wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not faint.

Ephesians 6:10
Finally, be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power.

Philippians 4:13
I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength.

Romans 8:31
What then shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?

2 Corinthians 12:9-10
But He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is perfected in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly in my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest on me. / That is why, for the sake of Christ, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.

Hebrews 13:6
So we say with confidence: “The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?”


Treasury of Scripture

And the governors of Judah shall say in their heart, The inhabitants of Jerusalem shall be my strength in the LORD of hosts their God.

the governors.

Zechariah 12:6
In that day will I make the governors of Judah like an hearth of fire among the wood, and like a torch of fire in a sheaf; and they shall devour all the people round about, on the right hand and on the left: and Jerusalem shall be inhabited again in her own place, even in Jerusalem.

Judges 5:9
My heart is toward the governors of Israel, that offered themselves willingly among the people. Bless ye the LORD.

Isaiah 1:10,23,26
Hear the word of the LORD, ye rulers of Sodom; give ear unto the law of our God, ye people of Gomorrah…

The inhabitants, etc.

Zechariah 10:6,12
And I will strengthen the house of Judah, and I will save the house of Joseph, and I will bring them again to place them; for I have mercy upon them: and they shall be as though I had not cast them off: for I am the LORD their God, and will hear them…

Psalm 18:32,39
It is God that girdeth me with strength, and maketh my way perfect…

Psalm 20:6,7
Now know I that the LORD saveth his anointed; he will hear him from his holy heaven with the saving strength of his right hand…

Jump to Previous
Armies Chiefs Chieftains Clans Families Governors Heart Hearts Hosts Inhabitants Jerusalem Judah Leaders Strength Strong Support Themselves
Jump to Next
Armies Chiefs Chieftains Clans Families Governors Heart Hearts Hosts Inhabitants Jerusalem Judah Leaders Strength Strong Support Themselves
Zechariah 12
1. Jerusalem a cup of trembling to herself,
3. and a burdensome stone to her adversaries.
6. The victorious restoring of Judah.
10. The repentance of Jerusalem.














Then the leaders of Judah will say in their hearts:
This phrase indicates a moment of internal realization and conviction among the leaders of Judah. Historically, Judah was the southern kingdom of Israel, and its leaders often played crucial roles in guiding the nation spiritually and politically. The phrase "in their hearts" suggests a deep, sincere acknowledgment rather than a mere outward declaration. This internal dialogue reflects a shift in perspective, possibly influenced by divine intervention or a recognition of God's hand in their circumstances. It echoes the biblical theme of God working within the hearts of leaders, as seen in Proverbs 21:1, where the king's heart is in the hand of the Lord.

‘The people of Jerusalem are my strength,
Jerusalem, the capital city of Judah, holds significant historical and spiritual importance as the center of Jewish worship and the location of the Temple. The leaders recognizing the people of Jerusalem as their strength suggests a unity and solidarity among the inhabitants and their leaders. This unity is crucial in times of conflict or threat, as seen throughout Israel's history. The phrase may also imply that the leaders draw strength from the collective faith and resilience of the people, reminiscent of how the community's faith can bolster leadership, as seen in Nehemiah's rebuilding efforts.

for the LORD of Hosts is their God.’
The title "LORD of Hosts" emphasizes God's sovereignty and command over heavenly armies, underscoring His power and authority. This acknowledgment by the leaders signifies a recognition of God's supreme role in their protection and success. The phrase connects to the broader biblical narrative where God is depicted as a divine warrior defending His people, as in Exodus 15:3. The leaders' declaration that the LORD is their God reaffirms the covenant relationship between God and Israel, highlighting themes of faithfulness and divine protection. This acknowledgment is prophetic, pointing to a future time of restoration and divine intervention, aligning with messianic expectations and the ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ, who is seen as the embodiment of God's presence and power among His people.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Judah
The southern kingdom of Israel, representing the Jewish people. In Zechariah 12:5, the leaders of Judah are specifically mentioned, indicating their role in the unfolding events.

2. The Leaders of Judah
These are the rulers or governors of the region of Judah. They play a crucial role in the prophecy, as they recognize the strength and support of the inhabitants of Jerusalem.

3. Jerusalem
The capital city of Judah, central to Jewish identity and faith. It is often symbolic of God's presence and His people's spiritual center.

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 the events described.

5. The Inhabitants of Jerusalem
The people living in Jerusalem, who are seen as a source of strength and support for the leaders of Judah.
Teaching Points
Recognizing Divine Strength
The leaders of Judah acknowledge that their strength comes from the LORD. Believers today should also recognize that true strength and support come from God.

Unity Among God's People
The unity between the leaders and the inhabitants of Jerusalem serves as a model for the church, emphasizing the importance of solidarity and mutual support among believers.

God's Sovereignty in Our Lives
The title "LORD of Hosts" reminds us of God's ultimate control and authority. Trusting in His sovereignty can bring peace and confidence in challenging times.

The Role of Leadership
The leaders of Judah set an example by acknowledging God's role in their strength. Christian leaders today should also point their communities to reliance on God.

Encouragement in Community
Just as the inhabitants of Jerusalem were a source of strength, believers can find encouragement and support within their faith communities.Verse 5. - The governors (chieftains) of Judah shall say in their heart. The leaders of Judah have a profound, settled conviction that Jehovah is on his people's side. The inhabitants of Jerusalem shall be (are) my strength. When they see the enemy discomfited (vers. 2-4) each of them shall have confidence in the Divine election of Jerusalem, foregoing their former jealousy, and see in her success a token of God's protection and their own final victory.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
Then the leaders
אַלֻּפֵ֥י (’al·lu·p̄ê)
Noun - masculine plural construct
Strong's 441: Familiar, a friend, gentle, a bullock, a chieftain

of Judah
יְהוּדָ֖ה (yə·hū·ḏāh)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3063: Judah -- 'praised', a son of Jacob, also the southern kingdom, also four Israelites

will say
וְאָֽמְר֛וּ (wə·’ā·mə·rū)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - third person common plural
Strong's 559: To utter, say

in their hearts:
בְּלִבָּ֑ם (bə·lib·bām)
Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine plural
Strong's 3820: The heart, the feelings, the will, the intellect, centre

‘The people
יֹשְׁבֵ֣י (yō·šə·ḇê)
Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine plural construct
Strong's 3427: To sit down, to dwell, to remain, to settle, to marry

of Jerusalem
יְרוּשָׁלִַ֔ם (yə·rū·šā·lim)
Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 3389: Jerusalem -- probably 'foundation of peace', capital city of all Israel

are my strength,
אַמְצָ֥ה (’am·ṣāh)
Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 556: Strength

for the LORD
בַּיהוָ֥ה (Yah·weh)
Preposition-b | Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3068: LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel

of Hosts
צְבָא֖וֹת (ṣə·ḇā·’ō·wṯ)
Noun - common plural
Strong's 6635: A mass of persons, reg, organized for, war, a campaign

[is] their God.’
אֱלֹהֵיהֶֽם׃ (’ĕ·lō·hê·hem)
Noun - masculine plural construct | third person masculine plural
Strong's 430: gods -- the supreme God, magistrates, a superlative


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OT Prophets: Zechariah 12:5 The chieftains of Judah will say (Zech. Zec Zc)
Zechariah 12:4
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