Sing and rejoice, O daughter of Zion: for, lo, I come, and I will dwell in the midst of thee, saith the LORD.

ZECHARIAH 2:10KJV
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Zechariah 2:10 (KJV)

What does Zechariah 2:10 mean?

Zechariah 2:10 calls the people of Zion to celebrate and be glad because God promises to come and live among them. The verse is a message of hope, announcing that the LORD Himself will be present with His people.

In this verse, the prophet Zechariah is speaking to the people of Jerusalem (Zion), who had returned from exile and were rebuilding their city. The call to "sing and rejoice" is directed to the "daughter of Zion," a poetic way of addressing the people as a whole. The promise that God will "dwell in the midst" of them reassures the community that God’s presence and favor will return to Jerusalem.

The Hebrew behind Zechariah 2:10

  • "Sing" (רָנַן, ranan, H7442) means to shout for joy or sing aloud. This word emphasizes a strong, public expression of happiness, not just a quiet feeling.
  • "Rejoice" (שָׂמַח, samach, H8055) means to be glad or joyful. The pairing with "sing" shows the depth and fullness of the joy being called for.
  • "Dwell" (שָׁכַן, shakan, H7931) means to settle down or reside. In the Old Testament, this word often describes God’s special presence among His people, such as in the tabernacle.
  • "Midst" (תָּוֶךְ, tavek, H8432) means the middle or among. This word stresses that God’s presence is not distant but right in the center of the community.

Why Zechariah 2:10 matters

  • Zechariah 2:10 clarifies that God’s promise is not just about physical restoration but about His personal presence with His people.
  • The verse connects to the wider message of Zechariah, which encourages a discouraged community by assuring them that God has not abandoned them.
  • The emphasis on singing and rejoicing highlights that God’s presence is meant to bring real joy and hope, not just religious ritual or duty.

Where else these words appear

“Sing” Hebrew H7442 · used in 52 verses

  • Leviticus 9:24 And there came a fire out from before the LORD, and consumed upon the altar the burnt offering and the fat: which when all the people saw, they shouted, and fell on their faces.
  • Psalms 81:1 To the chief Musician upon Gittith, A Psalm of Asaph. Sing aloud unto God our strength: make a joyful noise unto the God of Jacob.
  • Isaiah 16:10 And gladness is taken away, and joy out of the plentiful field; and in the vineyards there shall be no singing, neither shall there be shouting: the treaders shall tread out no wine in their presses; I have made their vintage shouting to cease.

“dwell” Hebrew H7931 · used in 123 verses

  • Genesis 3:24 So he drove out the man; and he placed at the east of the garden of Eden Cherubims, and a flaming sword which turned every way, to keep the way of the tree of life.
  • 1 Chronicles 17:9 Also I will ordain a place for my people Israel, and will plant them, and they shall dwell in their place, and shall be moved no more; neither shall the children of wickedness waste them any more, as at the beginning,
  • Proverbs 8:12 I wisdom dwell with prudence, and find out knowledge of witty inventions.

“rejoice” Hebrew H8055 · used in 145 verses

  • Exodus 4:14 And the anger of the LORD was kindled against Moses, and he said, Is not Aaron the Levite thy brother? I know that he can speak well. And also, behold, he cometh forth to meet thee: and when he seeth thee, he will be glad in his heart.
  • Psalms 33:21 For our heart shall rejoice in him, because we have trusted in his holy name.
  • Proverbs 15:30 The light of the eyes rejoiceth the heart: and a good report maketh the bones fat.