Zechariah 12:7
New International Version
“The LORD will save the dwellings of Judah first, so that the honor of the house of David and of Jerusalem’s inhabitants may not be greater than that of Judah.

New Living Translation
“The LORD will give victory to the rest of Judah first, before Jerusalem, so that the people of Jerusalem and the royal line of David will not have greater honor than the rest of Judah.

English Standard Version
“And the LORD will give salvation to the tents of Judah first, that the glory of the house of David and the glory of the inhabitants of Jerusalem may not surpass that of Judah.

Berean Standard Bible
The LORD will save the tents of Judah first, so that the glory of the house of David and of the people of Jerusalem may not be greater than that of Judah.

King James Bible
The LORD also shall save the tents of Judah first, that the glory of the house of David and the glory of the inhabitants of Jerusalem do not magnify themselves against Judah.

New King James Version
“The LORD will save the tents of Judah first, so that the glory of the house of David and the glory of the inhabitants of Jerusalem shall not become greater than that of Judah.

New American Standard Bible
The LORD also will save the tents of Judah first, so that the glory of the house of David and the glory of the inhabitants of Jerusalem will not be greater than Judah.

NASB 1995
“The LORD also will save the tents of Judah first, so that the glory of the house of David and the glory of the inhabitants of Jerusalem will not be magnified above Judah.

NASB 1977
“The LORD also will save the tents of Judah first in order that the glory of the house of David and the glory of the inhabitants of Jerusalem may not be magnified above Judah.

Legacy Standard Bible
Yahweh also will save the tents of Judah first so that the glory of the house of David and the glory of the inhabitants of Jerusalem will not be magnified above Judah.

Amplified Bible
The LORD shall save the tents of Judah first, so that the glory of the house of David and the glory of the inhabitants of Jerusalem will not be magnified above Judah.

Christian Standard Bible
The LORD will save the tents of Judah first, so that the glory of David’s house and the glory of Jerusalem’s residents may not be greater than that of Judah.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
The LORD will save the tents of Judah first, so that the glory of David’s house and the glory of Jerusalem’s residents may not be greater than that of Judah.

American Standard Version
Jehovah also shall save the tents of Judah first, that the glory of the house of David and the glory of the inhabitants of Jerusalem be not magnified above Judah.

Contemporary English Version
But I will first give victory to Judah, so the kingdom of David and the city of Jerusalem in all of their glory won't be thought of more highly than Judah itself.

English Revised Version
The LORD also shall save the tents of Judah first, that the glory of the house of David and the glory of the inhabitants of Jerusalem be not magnified above Judah.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
"The LORD will save Judah's tents first so that the honor of David's family and the honor of those who live in Jerusalem will not be greater than the honor of Judah.

Good News Translation
"I, the LORD, will give victory to the armies of Judah first, so that the honor which the descendants of David and the people of Jerusalem will receive will be no greater than that of the rest of Judah.

International Standard Version
The LORD will deliver the tents of Judah first, so that neither the glory of the house of David nor the glory of the inhabitants of Jerusalem overshadows Judah.

Majority Standard Bible
The LORD will save the tents of Judah first, so that the glory of the house of David and of the people of Jerusalem may not be greater than that of Judah.

NET Bible
The LORD also will deliver the homes of Judah first, so that the splendor of the kingship of David and of the people of Jerusalem may not exceed that of Judah.

New Heart English Bible
The LORD also will save the tents of Judah first, that the glory of the house of David and the glory of the inhabitants of Jerusalem not be magnified above Judah.

Webster's Bible Translation
The LORD also will save the tents of Judah first, that the glory of the house of David and the glory of the inhabitants of Jerusalem may not magnify themselves against Judah.

World English Bible
Yahweh also will save the tents of Judah first, that the glory of David’s house and the glory of the inhabitants of Jerusalem not be magnified above Judah.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
And YHWH has saved the tents of Judah first, "" So that the beauty of the house of David does not become great against Judah, "" And the beauty of the inhabitant of Jerusalem.

Young's Literal Translation
And saved hath Jehovah the tents of Judah first, So that become not great against Judah Doth the beauty of the house of David, And the beauty of the inhabitant of Jerusalem.

Smith's Literal Translation
And Jehovah saved the tents of Judah first, so that the glorying of the house of David shall not be magnified, and the glorying of the inhabitants of Jerusalem, against Judah.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
And the Lord shall save the tabernacles of Juda, as in the beginning: that the house of David, and the glory of the inhabitants of Jerusalem, may not boast and magnify themselves against Juda.

Catholic Public Domain Version
And the Lord will save the tabernacles of Judah, just as in the beginning, so that the house of David and the glory of the inhabitants of Jerusalem may not glorify themselves boastfully against Judah.

New American Bible
The LORD will save the tents of Judah first, that the glory of the house of David and the glory of the inhabitants of Jerusalem may not be exalted over Judah.

New Revised Standard Version
And the LORD will give victory to the tents of Judah first, that the glory of the house of David and the glory of the inhabitants of Jerusalem may not be exalted over that of Judah.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
The LORD also shall visit the tents of Judah, as at first, that the glory of the house of David and the glory of the inhabitants of Jerusalem may not magnify itself over the house of Judah.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And LORD JEHOVAH shall visit the Tabernacle of Judea as from the first, because the glory of the house of David and the glory of the inhabitants of Jerusalem will not increase beyond that of the house of Yehuda
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
The LORD also shall save the tents of Judah first, That the glory of the house of David And the glory of the inhabitants of Jerusalem be not magnified above Judah.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And the Lord shall save the tabernacles of Juda as at the beginning, that the boast of the house of David, and the pride of the inhabitants of Jerusalem, may not magnify themselves against Juda.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Jerusalem will be Attacked
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. 7The LORD will save the tents of Judah first, so that the glory of the house of David and of the people of Jerusalem may not be greater than that of Judah. 8On that day the LORD will defend the people of Jerusalem, so that the weakest among them will be like David, and the house of David will be like God, like the angel of the LORD going before them.…

Cross References
Isaiah 41:14
Do not fear, O Jacob, you worm, O few men of Israel. I will help you,” declares the LORD. “Your Redeemer is the Holy One of Israel.

Jeremiah 30:18
This is what the LORD says: “I will restore the fortunes of Jacob’s tents and have compassion on his dwellings. And the city will be rebuilt on her own ruins, and the palace will stand in its rightful place.

Ezekiel 36:8-12
But you, O mountains of Israel, will produce branches and bear fruit for My people Israel, for they will soon come home. / For behold, I am on your side; I will turn toward you, and you will be tilled and sown. / I will multiply the people upon you—the house of Israel in its entirety. The cities will be inhabited and the ruins rebuilt. ...

Amos 9:14-15
I will restore My people Israel from captivity; they will rebuild and inhabit the ruined cities. They will plant vineyards and drink their wine; they will make gardens and eat their fruit. / I will firmly plant them in their own land, never again to be uprooted from the land that I have given them,” says the LORD your God.

Micah 4:6-7
“On that day,” declares the LORD, “I will gather the lame; I will assemble the outcast, even those whom I have afflicted. / And I will make the lame into a remnant, the outcast into a strong nation. Then the LORD will rule over them in Mount Zion from that day and forever.

Zephaniah 3:19-20
Behold, at that time, I will deal with all who afflict you. I will save the lame and gather the scattered; and I will appoint praise and fame for the disgraced throughout the earth. / At that time I will bring you in; yes, at that time I will gather you. For I will give you fame and praise among all the peoples of the earth when I restore your captives before your very eyes,” says the LORD.

Isaiah 60:1-3
Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the LORD rises upon you. / For behold, darkness covers the earth, and thick darkness is over the peoples; but the LORD will rise upon you, and His glory will appear over you. / Nations will come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your dawn.

Isaiah 62:11-12
Behold, the LORD has proclaimed to the ends of the earth, “Say to Daughter Zion: See, your Savior comes! Look, His reward is with Him, and His recompense goes before Him.” / And they will be called the Holy People, the Redeemed of The LORD; and you will be called Sought Out, A City Not Forsaken.

Ezekiel 37:21-22
you are to tell them that this is what the Lord GOD says: ‘I will take the Israelites out of the nations to which they have gone, and I will gather them from all around and bring them into their own land. / I will make them one nation in the land, on the mountains of Israel, and one king will rule over all of them. Then they will no longer be two nations and will never again be divided into two kingdoms.

Hosea 1:10-11
Yet the number of the Israelites will be like the sand of the sea, which cannot be measured or counted. And it will happen that in the very place where it was said to them, ‘You are not My people,’ they will be called ‘sons of the living God.’ / Then the people of Judah and of Israel will be gathered together, and they will appoint for themselves one leader, and will go up out of the land. For great will be the day of Jezreel.

Romans 11:26-27
And so all Israel will be saved, as it is written: “The Deliverer will come from Zion; He will remove godlessness from Jacob. / And this is My covenant with them when I take away their sins.”

Matthew 21:5
“Say to the Daughter of Zion, ‘See, your King comes to you, gentle and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey.’”

Luke 1:68-75
“Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel, because He has visited and redeemed His people. / He has raised up a horn of salvation for us in the house of His servant David, / as He spoke through His holy prophets, those of ages past, ...

John 12:15
“Do not be afraid, O Daughter of Zion. See, your King is coming, seated on the colt of a donkey.”

Acts 15:16-17
‘After this I will return and rebuild the fallen tent of David. Its ruins I will rebuild, and I will restore it, / so that the remnant of men may seek the Lord, and all the Gentiles who are called by My name, says the Lord who does these things


Treasury of Scripture

The LORD also shall save the tents of Judah first, that the glory of the house of David and the glory of the inhabitants of Jerusalem do not magnify themselves against Judah.

save.

Zechariah 4:6
Then he answered and spake unto me, saying, This is the word of the LORD unto Zerubbabel, saying, Not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit, saith the LORD of hosts.

Zechariah 11:11
And it was broken in that day: and so the poor of the flock that waited upon me knew that it was the word of the LORD.

Isaiah 2:11-17
The lofty looks of man shall be humbled, and the haughtiness of men shall be bowed down, and the LORD alone shall be exalted in that day…

do.

Job 19:5
If indeed ye will magnify yourselves against me, and plead against me my reproach:

Psalm 35:26
Let them be ashamed and brought to confusion together that rejoice at mine hurt: let them be clothed with shame and dishonour that magnify themselves against me.

Psalm 38:16
For I said, Hear me, lest otherwise they should rejoice over me: when my foot slippeth, they magnify themselves against me.

Jump to Previous
David Dwellings Exalted Family First Glory Great Greater Honor House Inhabitants Jerusalem Jerusalem's Judah Magnified Magnify Salvation Save Saved Tents Themselves Victory
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David Dwellings Exalted Family First Glory Great Greater Honor House Inhabitants Jerusalem Jerusalem's Judah Magnified Magnify Salvation Save Saved Tents Themselves Victory
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.














The LORD will save the tents of Judah first
This phrase emphasizes God's initiative in delivering His people, highlighting His sovereignty and faithfulness. The "tents of Judah" symbolize the more vulnerable, rural areas of Judah, as opposed to the fortified city of Jerusalem. This reflects God's concern for the humble and less prominent, aligning with His consistent biblical pattern of exalting the lowly (1 Samuel 2:8, Luke 1:52). Historically, Judah was the southern kingdom, often seen as the heartland of Israelite identity, and its salvation first underscores its significance in God's redemptive plan. This also prefigures the coming of Jesus Christ, the Lion of the tribe of Judah (Revelation 5:5), who brings salvation to all.

so that the glory of the house of David
The "house of David" refers to the royal lineage established by God through King David, a central figure in Israel's history. This lineage is crucial for the messianic prophecies, as the Messiah was promised to come from David's line (2 Samuel 7:12-16, Isaiah 11:1). The glory of this house is tied to its divine election and the promise of an everlasting kingdom. By saving Judah first, God ensures that the honor of David's house is not elevated above the rest of the people, maintaining unity and humility among His chosen.

and of the people of Jerusalem
Jerusalem, the capital city, was the political and spiritual center of Israel, housing the Temple and serving as the focal point of Jewish worship. The "people of Jerusalem" represent the established and influential sectors of society. By not allowing their glory to surpass that of Judah, God prevents pride and division, promoting equality among His people. This reflects the biblical theme of God opposing the proud but giving grace to the humble (James 4:6).

may not be greater than that of Judah
This final phrase underscores God's intention to balance honor and prevent any faction from claiming superiority. It highlights the unity and equality God desires among His people, a theme echoed in the New Testament where all believers are one in Christ (Galatians 3:28). Theologically, it points to the inclusive nature of God's salvation, where no group is favored over another, prefiguring the universal offer of salvation through Jesus Christ.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Judah
The southern kingdom of Israel, representing the tribe of Judah and the region surrounding Jerusalem. In Zechariah 12:7, Judah is highlighted as receiving salvation first.

2. Jerusalem
The central city of worship and the political heart of Israel. It is often symbolic of God's presence and His people's spiritual center.

3. The LORD (Yahweh)
The covenant-keeping God of Israel, who orchestrates the events described in Zechariah 12.

4. The House of David
The royal lineage from which King David came, representing leadership and messianic promise.

5. The Inhabitants of Jerusalem
The people living in Jerusalem, who are significant in the unfolding of God's redemptive plan.
Teaching Points
God's Sovereignty in Salvation
Zechariah 12:7 emphasizes that salvation is initiated by God. He chooses the timing and order of deliverance, underscoring His sovereign will.

The Priority of Judah
The verse highlights that Judah is saved first, which can be seen as a reminder of God's faithfulness to His promises and His chosen people.

Unity and Equality in God's Plan
By saving Judah first, God ensures that the glory of the house of David and the inhabitants of Jerusalem does not overshadow the rest of His people, promoting unity and equality.

The Role of Leadership in God's Kingdom
The mention of the house of David points to the importance of godly leadership and the messianic hope fulfilled in Jesus Christ.

Encouragement in Times of Trouble
Believers can find encouragement in knowing that God is actively working to protect and deliver His people, just as He did for Judah and Jerusalem.Verse 7. - Shall save the tents of Judah first. Instead of "first," a preferable reading, supported by the Greek, Latin, and Syriac Versions, is "as in the beginning," or "as in former days." The prophet declares that the open towns and villages of Judah, which can offer no effectual resistance to an enemy like the fortified city Jerusalem, shall be saved by the aid of God, as so often has happened in old time. If "first" be the genuine reading, the meaning is that the country people shall first be saved in order to prevent Jerusalem glorifying herself at their expense. That the glory...do not magnify themselves against (be not magnified above) Judah. God will save the chosen nation in such a manner that each part shall have its share in the glory and honour. The leaders, represented by "the house of David" and "the inhabitants of Jerusalem," as the sanctuary of Cod and a strongly fortified city, shall not be able to exalt themselves as more favoured than the rest of the people. By God's help alone is the victory won, and all alike share in this. The expressions in this verse could not have been written, as some assert, while the dynasty of David reigned.

Parallel Commentaries ...


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

will save
וְהוֹשִׁ֧יעַ (wə·hō·wō·šî·a‘)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hifil - Conjunctive perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 3467: To be open, wide, free, to be safe, to free, succor

the tents
אָהֳלֵ֥י (’ā·ho·lê)
Noun - masculine plural construct
Strong's 168: A tent

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

first,
בָּרִֽאשֹׁנָ֑ה (bā·ri·šō·nāh)
Preposition-b, Article | Adjective - feminine singular
Strong's 7223: First, in place, time, rank

so that
לְמַ֨עַן (lə·ma·‘an)
Conjunction
Strong's 4616: Purpose -- intent

the glory
תִּפְאֶ֣רֶת (tip̄·’e·reṯ)
Noun - feminine singular construct
Strong's 8597: Beauty, glory

of the house
בֵּית־ (bêṯ-)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 1004: A house

of David
דָּוִ֗יד (dā·wîḏ)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 1732: David -- perhaps 'beloved one', a son of Jesse

[and]
וְתִפְאֶ֛רֶת (wə·ṯip̄·’e·reṯ)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - feminine singular construct
Strong's 8597: Beauty, glory

of the residents
יֹשֵׁ֥ב (yō·šêḇ)
Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular construct
Strong's 3427: To sit down, to dwell, to remain, to settle, to marry

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

may not
לֹֽא־ (lō-)
Adverb - Negative particle
Strong's 3808: Not, no

be greater
תִגְדַּ֜ל (ṯiḡ·dal)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person feminine singular
Strong's 1431: To grow up, become great

than
עַל־ (‘al-)
Preposition
Strong's 5921: Above, over, upon, against

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


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OT Prophets: Zechariah 12:7 Yahweh also will save the tents (Zech. Zec Zc)
Zechariah 12:6
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