Zechariah 1:3 (KJV)

What does Zechariah 1:3 mean?

Zechariah 1:3 presents God’s call to a people who have strayed from him. Through Zechariah, God tells them that their return to him will be met by his own return to them.

The repeated word “turn” pictures a change of direction in a relationship. Coming after the mention of God’s anger toward their ancestors in verse 2, the call addresses the people now hearing Zechariah’s message.

The Hebrew behind Zechariah 1:3

• “Turn” — שׁוּב (shuv): This word often means “return” or “turn back.” The same Hebrew word stands behind both the people’s turning and God’s turning in this verse, linking the two actions closely.
• “hosts” — צְבָאוֹת (tseva’ot): This word means “armies” or “forces.” In the title “LORD of hosts,” it presents God as the one who commands those forces.

Why Zechariah 1:3 matters

• The invitation is addressed to the present hearers, not only to their ancestors. The words “Turn ye unto me” follow the account of the ancestors’ failure to listen in verses 2 and 4.
• The promise gives a reason to respond to the warning. “I will turn unto you” places the prospect of a restored relationship alongside the call to return.
• The speaker’s authority is emphasized throughout the sentence. The title “LORD of hosts” appears three times, making clear that Zechariah is delivering God’s message.