Be silent, O all flesh, before the LORD: for he is raised up out of his holy habitation.

ZECHARIAH 2:13KJV
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Zechariah 2:13 (KJV)

What does Zechariah 2:13 mean?

Zechariah 2:13 calls for all people to be silent and show reverence before the LORD, because God has risen from His holy dwelling and is about to act. The verse emphasizes awe and respect in response to God's presence and coming intervention.

In this part of Zechariah, the prophet is speaking to everyone—reminding them to pause and recognize the seriousness of God’s movement from His "holy habitation." The setting is a vision where God is preparing to defend and restore Jerusalem, and this verse marks a moment of quiet before God’s decisive action.

The Hebrew behind Zechariah 2:13

  • "silent" (הַס, has): This word means to be still or quiet, often used for a hush that comes from awe or fear. Here, it signals a call for deep respect and attention as God prepares to act.
  • "flesh" (בָּשָׂר, basar): This term refers to all humanity, not just Israel. The command is directed at every person, highlighting the universal scope of God's authority.
  • "up" (נֵעוֹר, ne'or): This word means to be roused or awakened. It paints a picture of God rising up from His place, ready to intervene in the world.
  • "holy" (קֹדֶשׁ, qodesh) and "habitation" (מָעוֹן, ma'on): Together, these words describe God’s sacred dwelling, likely referring to heaven. The phrase underscores the idea that God is acting from a place of perfect holiness.

Why Zechariah 2:13 matters

  • Zechariah 2:13 clears up any idea that God is distant or uninvolved; it shows God as attentive and ready to act in history.
  • The verse highlights the seriousness of God’s presence, calling for a response of silence rather than noise or argument.
  • In the flow of Zechariah’s visions, this verse marks a turning point where God’s promise to protect and restore His people moves from words to action, inviting everyone to watch in awe.

Where else these words appear

“silent” Hebrew H2013 · used in 8 verses

  • Numbers 13:30 And Caleb stilled the people before Moses, and said, Let us go up at once, and possess it; for we are well able to overcome it.
  • Nehemiah 8:11 So the Levites stilled all the people, saying, Hold your peace, for the day is holy; neither be ye grieved.
  • Amos 8:3 And the songs of the temple shall be howlings in that day, saith the Lord GOD: there shall be many dead bodies in every place; they shall cast them forth with silence.

“habitation” Hebrew H4583 · used in 19 verses

  • Deuteronomy 26:15 Look down from thy holy habitation, from heaven, and bless thy people Israel, and the land which thou hast given us, as thou swarest unto our fathers, a land that floweth with milk and honey.
  • Psalms 26:8 LORD, I have loved the habitation of thy house, and the place where thine honour dwelleth.
  • Jeremiah 10:22 Behold, the noise of the bruit is come, and a great commotion out of the north country, to make the cities of Judah desolate, and a den of dragons.

“up” Hebrew H5782 · used in 65 verses

  • Deuteronomy 32:11 As an eagle stirreth up her nest, fluttereth over her young, spreadeth abroad her wings, taketh them, beareth them on her wings:
  • Psalms 73:20 As a dream when one awaketh; so, O Lord, when thou awakest, thou shalt despise their image.
  • Isaiah 51:17 Awake, awake, stand up, O Jerusalem, which hast drunk at the hand of the LORD the cup of his fury; thou hast drunken the dregs of the cup of trembling, and wrung them out.