So the angel that communed with me said unto me, Cry thou, saying, Thus saith the LORD of hosts; I am jealous for Jerusalem and for Zion with a great jealousy.

ZECHARIAH 1:14KJV
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Zechariah 1:14 (KJV)

What does Zechariah 1:14 mean?

Zechariah 1:14 says that the angel told Zechariah to announce that the LORD of hosts is deeply passionate and protective toward Jerusalem and Zion, describing this feeling as a "great jealousy." The verse shows God's strong, personal concern for His people and His city.

In this verse, the angel (a messenger from God) is speaking directly to Zechariah, who is a prophet. The angel instructs Zechariah to proclaim God's message to the people who have returned from exile. The phrase "jealous for Jerusalem and for Zion with a great jealousy" means that God cares intensely about the city and its people, and He is moved to act on their behalf.

The Hebrew behind Zechariah 1:14

  • "Jealous" (קָנָא, qana): This word means more than envy; it often describes a deep, protective zeal, like the feeling of a devoted spouse. Here, it shows God's strong commitment to Jerusalem and Zion.
  • "Jealousy" (קִנְאָה, qin'ah): This noun emphasizes the intensity of God's feeling. It is not a petty emotion but a passionate, righteous concern for what belongs to Him.
  • "Cry" (קָרָא, qara): The angel tells Zechariah to "cry" or "proclaim" this message loudly and clearly, showing that it is urgent and important for the people to hear.

Why Zechariah 1:14 matters

  • Zechariah 1:14 clears up the idea that God's "jealousy" is negative; in this context, it means God is fiercely loyal and protective, not envious.
  • The verse highlights that God is not distant or indifferent but deeply involved with Jerusalem and Zion, which would encourage people returning from exile.
  • This statement sets the tone for the rest of Zechariah's message, showing that God's plans for restoration are rooted in His passionate commitment to His people and their future.

Where else these words appear

“jealous” Hebrew H7065 · used in 28 verses

  • Genesis 26:14 For he had possession of flocks, and possession of herds, and great store of servants: and the Philistines envied him.
  • Deuteronomy 32:21 They have moved me to jealousy with that which is not God; they have provoked me to anger with their vanities: and I will move them to jealousy with those which are not a people; I will provoke them to anger with a foolish nation.
  • Proverbs 3:31 Envy thou not the oppressor, and choose none of his ways.

“jealousy” Hebrew H7068 · used in 41 verses

  • Numbers 5:14 And the spirit of jealousy come upon him, and he be jealous of his wife, and she be defiled: or if the spirit of jealousy come upon him, and he be jealous of his wife, and she be not defiled:
  • Psalms 119:139 My zeal hath consumed me, because mine enemies have forgotten thy words.
  • Isaiah 63:15 Look down from heaven, and behold from the habitation of thy holiness and of thy glory: where is thy zeal and thy strength, the sounding of thy bowels and of thy mercies toward me? are they restrained?