Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version Then the word of the LORD Almighty came to me: New Living Translation The LORD of Heaven’s Armies sent me this message in reply: English Standard Version Then the word of the LORD of hosts came to me: Berean Standard Bible Then the word of the LORD of Hosts came to me, saying, King James Bible Then came the word of the LORD of hosts unto me, saying, New King James Version Then the word of the LORD of hosts came to me, saying, New American Standard Bible Then the word of the LORD of armies came to me, saying, NASB 1995 Then the word of the LORD of hosts came to me, saying, NASB 1977 Then the word of the LORD of hosts came to me saying, Legacy Standard Bible Then the word of Yahweh of hosts came to me, saying, Amplified Bible Then the word of the LORD of hosts came to me (Zechariah), saying, Christian Standard Bible Then the word of the LORD of Armies came to me: Holman Christian Standard Bible Then the word of the LORD of Hosts came to me: “ American Standard Version Then came the word of Jehovah of hosts unto me, saying, English Revised Version Then came the word of the LORD of hosts unto me, saying, GOD'S WORD® Translation Then the LORD of Armies spoke his word to me. He said, Good News Translation This is the message of the LORD that came to me. International Standard Version Then this message from the LORD of the Heavenly Armies came to me: NET Bible The word of the LORD who rules over all then came to me, New Heart English Bible Then the word of the LORD of hosts came to me, saying, Webster's Bible Translation Then came the word of the LORD of hosts to me, saying, Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleThen the word of the LORD of Hosts came to me, saying, World English Bible Then the word of Yahweh of Armies came to me, saying, Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionAnd there is a word of YHWH of Hosts to me, saying, Young's Literal Translation And there is a word of Jehovah of Hosts unto me, saying: Smith's Literal Translation And the word of Jehovah of armies was to me, saying, Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleAnd the word of the Lord of hosts came to me, saying: Catholic Public Domain Version And the word of the Lord of hosts came to me, saying: New American Bible Then the word of the LORD of hosts came to me: New Revised Standard Version Then the word of the LORD of hosts came to me: Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleThen the word of the LORD came to me, saying, Peshitta Holy Bible Translated And the answer of LORD JEHOVAH was upon me, saying: OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917Then came the word of the LORD of hosts unto me, saying: Brenton Septuagint Translation And the word of the Lord of hosts came to me, saying, Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context A Call to Justice and Mercy…3by asking the priests of the house of the LORD of Hosts, as well as the prophets, “Should I weep and fast in the fifth month, as I have done these many years?” 4Then the word of the LORD of Hosts came to me, saying, 5“Ask all the people of the land and the priests, ‘When you fasted and mourned in the fifth and seventh months for these seventy years, was it really for Me that you fasted?… Cross References Isaiah 58:3-7 “Why have we fasted, and You have not seen? Why have we humbled ourselves, and You have not noticed?” “Behold, on the day of your fast, you do as you please, and you oppress all your workers. / You fast with contention and strife to strike viciously with your fist. You cannot fast as you do today and have your voice be heard on high. / Is this the fast I have chosen: a day for a man to deny himself, to bow his head like a reed, and to spread out sackcloth and ashes? Will you call this a fast and a day acceptable to the LORD? ... Jeremiah 7:5-7 For if you really correct your ways and deeds, if you act justly toward one another, / if you no longer oppress the foreigner and the fatherless and the widow, and if you no longer shed innocent blood in this place or follow other gods to your own harm, / then I will let you live in this place, in the land that I gave to your fathers forever and ever. Micah 6:6-8 With what shall I come before the LORD when I bow before the God on high? Should I come to Him with burnt offerings, with year-old calves? / Would the LORD be pleased with thousands of rams, with ten thousand rivers of oil? Shall I present my firstborn for my transgression, the fruit of my body for the sin of my soul? / He has shown you, O man, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you but to act justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God? Amos 5:21-24 “I hate, I despise your feasts! I cannot stand the stench of your solemn assemblies. / Even though you offer Me burnt offerings and grain offerings, I will not accept them; for your peace offerings of fattened cattle I will have no regard. / Take away from Me the noise of your songs! I will not listen to the music of your harps. ... Matthew 23:23-28 Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You pay tithes of mint, dill, and cumin. But you have disregarded the weightier matters of the law: justice, mercy, and faithfulness. You should have practiced the latter, without neglecting the former. / You blind guides! You strain out a gnat but swallow a camel. / Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You clean the outside of the cup and dish, but inside they are full of greed and self-indulgence. ... Isaiah 1:11-17 “What good to Me is your multitude of sacrifices?” says the LORD. “I am full from the burnt offerings of rams and the fat of well-fed cattle; I take no delight in the blood of bulls and lambs and goats. / When you come to appear before Me, who has required this of you—this trampling of My courts? / Bring your worthless offerings no more; your incense is detestable to Me. New Moons, Sabbaths, and convocations—I cannot endure iniquity in a solemn assembly. ... Hosea 6:6 For I desire mercy, not sacrifice, and the knowledge of God rather than burnt offerings. Matthew 9:13 But go and learn what this means: ‘I desire mercy, not sacrifice.’ For I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners.” Mark 7:6-9 Jesus answered them, “Isaiah prophesied correctly about you hypocrites, as it is written: ‘These people honor Me with their lips, but their hearts are far from Me. / They worship Me in vain; they teach as doctrine the precepts of men.’ / You have disregarded the commandment of God to keep the tradition of men.” ... Luke 11:42 Woe to you Pharisees! For you pay tithes of mint, rue, and every herb, but you disregard justice and the love of God. You should have practiced the latter without neglecting the former. James 1:27 Pure and undefiled religion before our God and Father is this: to care for orphans and widows in their distress, and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world. 1 Samuel 15:22 But Samuel declared: “Does the LORD delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices as much as in obedience to His voice? Behold, obedience is better than sacrifice, and attentiveness is better than the fat of rams. Proverbs 21:3 To do righteousness and justice is more desirable to the LORD than sacrifice. Matthew 15:7-9 You hypocrites! Isaiah prophesied correctly about you: / ‘These people honor Me with their lips, but their hearts are far from Me. / They worship Me in vain; they teach as doctrine the precepts of men.’” Romans 12:1-2 Therefore I urge you, brothers, on account of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God, which is your spiritual service of worship. / Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what is the good, pleasing, and perfect will of God. Treasury of Scripture Then came the word of the LORD of hosts to me, saying, Lord of hosts. Isaiah 10:16 Therefore shall the Lord, the Lord of hosts, send among his fat ones leanness; and under his glory he shall kindle a burning like the burning of a fire. Jump to Previous Almighty Armies Hosts WordJump to Next Almighty Armies Hosts WordZechariah 7 1. The captives enquire concerning the set fasts.4. Zechariah reproves the hypocrisy of their fasting. 8. Sin the cause of their captivity. Then the word of the LORD of Hosts came to me, saying, *The word of the LORD of Hosts* This phrase emphasizes the divine authority and power behind the message. "LORD of Hosts" is a title that underscores God's sovereignty over the armies of heaven and earth. It reflects His supreme command and ability to execute His will. This title is frequently used in the prophetic books to remind the people of God's ultimate control and power, especially in times of distress or judgment (e.g., Isaiah 1:24, Jeremiah 11:20). *came to me* The phrase indicates a direct communication from God to the prophet Zechariah. This personal revelation is a hallmark of prophetic literature, where God chooses specific individuals to convey His messages to the people. Zechariah, a post-exilic prophet, was tasked with encouraging the returned exiles to rebuild the temple and renew their covenant with God. The personal nature of this communication underscores the intimate relationship between God and His prophets. *saying* This introduces the content of the divine message that follows. In the context of Zechariah 7, the message addresses the people's inquiry about continuing their traditional fasts. The use of "saying" indicates that what follows is not merely a suggestion but a directive from God. It sets the stage for a deeper exploration of the people's motives and the true nature of worship, which is a recurring theme in the prophetic books (e.g., Isaiah 58:3-7, Micah 6:6-8). Persons / Places / Events 1. ZechariahA prophet who ministered to the people of Judah after their return from Babylonian exile. His messages often focused on repentance and the coming of the Messiah. 2. The House of the LORD Refers to the temple in Jerusalem, which was central to Jewish worship and the place where God's presence dwelt among His people. 3. The People of Bethel A group that sent representatives to inquire about continuing a fast, indicating their concern with religious observance and seeking guidance from God through the prophet. 4. The Exile The period when the Israelites were taken captive to Babylon, a significant event that shaped their identity and religious practices. 5. The LORD of Hosts A title for God emphasizing His sovereignty and command over the heavenly armies, underscoring His power and authority. Teaching Points True Worship Over RitualsGod desires genuine worship that reflects a heart aligned with His will, rather than mere ritualistic observance. Our religious practices should be expressions of our love and obedience to God. The Heart of Fasting Fasting and other religious observances should lead to transformation and align with God's purposes, focusing on justice, mercy, and humility. Repentance and Obedience The call to repentance is central to Zechariah's message. True repentance involves turning away from sin and aligning our lives with God's commands. God's Sovereignty and Authority Recognizing God as the LORD of Hosts reminds us of His ultimate authority and our need to submit to His will in all aspects of life. Community and Justice Our faith should manifest in how we treat others, emphasizing justice and compassion within our communities as a reflection of God's character. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of Zechariah 7:4?2. What does Zechariah 7:4 reveal about God's view on ritual versus genuine worship? 3. How can we ensure our religious practices align with God's desires in Zechariah 7:4? 4. In what ways does Zechariah 7:4 connect with Jesus' teachings on hypocrisy? 5. How can we apply the lesson from Zechariah 7:4 to our daily lives? 6. What actions demonstrate true obedience to God as highlighted in Zechariah 7:4? 7. What is the historical context of Zechariah 7:4 in post-exilic Judah? 8. How does Zechariah 7:4 challenge religious rituals without genuine faith? 9. What message does Zechariah 7:4 convey about true obedience to God? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Zechariah 7? 11. How can modern readers confirm the authenticity of prophetic claims in Zechariah 4 when similar apocalyptic visions in other texts are often disputed? 12. Zechariah 8:19: Why are the specified fasts not consistently observed or recognized in the same way across Jewish history? 13. In Jeremiah 29:4-7, how can God instruct his people to settle peacefully in a pagan land while other passages command separation from foreign nations? 14. Zechariah 13:7 - Who is the 'shepherd' in this verse, and why does the text imply that God himself would strike him, which seems contradictory to other passages? What Does Zechariah 7:4 Mean Then- The single word signals a clear moment in real history when God chose to speak (Zechariah 7:1-3). - It reminds us that God answers in His timing, not ours—just as “then the word of the LORD came to Solomon” (1 Kings 6:11) and “then the LORD called Samuel” (1 Samuel 3:4). - Every “then” in Scripture underscores the Lord’s faithfulness to respond when His people seek Him (Jeremiah 42:7). the word of the LORD - What follows is not human speculation but divine revelation, as trustworthy today as when first spoken (Isaiah 40:8; 2 Timothy 3:16). - God’s Word carries creative, life-changing power—“So is My word that goes out from My mouth; it will not return to Me empty” (Isaiah 55:11). - Like “the word of the LORD came to Jonah” (Jonah 1:1), this phrase marks an authoritative message that demands attention and obedience. of Hosts - “LORD of Hosts” (Yahweh Sabaoth) presents God as Commander of heavenly armies, guaranteeing that His pronouncements are backed by limitless might (Psalm 46:7; Isaiah 6:3). - The title assures the exiles that the same God who rules angelic forces also rules earthly affairs (1 Samuel 17:45; Psalm 24:10). - Because He is the LORD of Hosts, His Word is not merely advisory—it is sovereign decree. came to me - Revelation is personal: the Lord directs His message to Zechariah, demonstrating that He engages individuals, not just crowds (Ezekiel 1:3; Hosea 1:1). - The phrase underscores prophetic authority; Zechariah is not inventing ideas but faithfully relaying what he received (Amos 3:7; 2 Peter 1:21). - It also hints at relational intimacy; God draws near to those who draw near to Him (James 4:8). saying, - God is about to speak plainly; the verb anticipates clear instruction rather than mysterious riddles (Exodus 20:1; John 12:49). - His speech always calls for a response—hear, trust, and act (Matthew 7:24; John 5:24). - What follows in verses 5-14 exposes empty ritual and urges heart-level obedience, proving that divine words probe motives as well as actions (Hebrews 4:12). summary Zechariah 7:4 may seem like a simple narrative marker, yet each phrase overflows with meaning. “Then” roots the moment in God’s perfect timing; “the word of the LORD” affirms unfailing truth; “of Hosts” highlights almighty authority; “came to me” reveals personal, prophetic encounter; and “saying,” prepares us for life-shaping instruction. The verse invites us to receive Scripture with the same reverence, confidence, and readiness to obey that Zechariah modeled. Verses 4-7. - § 2. In answer to the inquiry, the delegates are told that fasting is in itself an indifferent thing, but is to be estimated by the conduct of those who observe it. Verse 4. - Then came the word of the Lord. This formula marks the several portions of the answer to the inquiry (see ver. 8; ch. 8:1, 18). The present verse takes up the sentence in ver. 1, interrupted by the explanation of the object of the deputation (vers. 2, 3).Parallel Commentaries ... Hebrew Then the wordדְּבַר־ (də·ḇar-) Noun - masculine singular construct Strong's 1697: A word, a matter, thing, a cause of the LORD יְהוָ֥ה (Yah·weh) 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 came וַיְהִ֛י (way·hî) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 1961: To fall out, come to pass, become, be to me, אֵלַ֥י (’ê·lay) Preposition | first person common singular Strong's 413: Near, with, among, to saying, לֵאמֹֽר׃ (lê·mōr) Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct Strong's 559: To utter, say Links Zechariah 7:4 NIVZechariah 7:4 NLT Zechariah 7:4 ESV Zechariah 7:4 NASB Zechariah 7:4 KJV Zechariah 7:4 BibleApps.com Zechariah 7:4 Biblia Paralela Zechariah 7:4 Chinese Bible Zechariah 7:4 French Bible Zechariah 7:4 Catholic Bible OT Prophets: Zechariah 7:4 Then the word of Yahweh of Armies (Zech. 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