Zechariah 1:13 (KJV)

What does Zechariah 1:13 mean?

Zechariah 1:13 says that the LORD responded to the angel who was speaking with Zechariah by giving a reply filled with good and comforting words. This means God’s answer was positive and reassuring, offering hope rather than judgment.

In this scene, Zechariah is witnessing a vision where an angel is talking with him about the state of Jerusalem and God’s people. The LORD’s answer, directed to the angel, signals a turning point: after a period of hardship, God is now expressing kindness and encouragement about the future of His people.

The Hebrew behind Zechariah 1:13

• "LORD" (יְהוָה, Yahweh): This is the personal name for God in the Hebrew Bible, emphasizing that the message comes directly from Israel’s covenant God.
• "Good" (טוֹב, tov): This word often means pleasant, beneficial, or morally right. Here, it highlights that God’s message is not just neutral but actively positive.
• "Comfortable" (נַחַת, necham): This word carries the sense of comfort, consolation, or encouragement. God’s words are meant to ease sorrow and bring hope, not just to inform.
• "Words" (דָּבָר, davar): In Hebrew, "words" can also mean "matters" or "things," suggesting that God’s response covers real, practical concerns, not just abstract ideas.

Why Zechariah 1:13 matters

• Zechariah 1:13 clarifies that God’s attitude toward His people is shifting from anger to compassion, which is a major theme in the book’s opening visions.
• The verse shows that God’s messages are not always harsh or corrective; sometimes, He speaks with encouragement and comfort, especially after times of distress.
• This verse sets the tone for the promises and reassurances that follow in Zechariah’s visions, helping readers understand that hope and restoration are central to God’s plan.