In that day, saith the LORD of hosts, shall ye call every man his neighbour under the vine and under the fig tree.

ZECHARIAH 3:10KJV
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Zechariah 3:10 (KJV)

What does Zechariah 3:10 mean?

Zechariah 3:10 describes a future time of peace and security when each person will invite their neighbor to sit together under their own vine and fig tree, symbolizing safety, prosperity, and friendship. The verse presents a vision of the LORD of hosts promising a day when people will live without fear and enjoy the blessings of their land in harmony.

In this verse, the prophet Zechariah is sharing a message from God to the returned exiles of Judah, who had come back from Babylon to rebuild Jerusalem and the temple. The phrase about sitting under the vine and fig tree was a familiar image in ancient Israel, often used to express a peaceful and settled life. The LORD of hosts (a title for God as the commander of heavenly armies) is assuring the people that, despite their current struggles, a time of restoration and well-being is coming.

The Hebrew behind Zechariah 3:10

  • "day" (יוֹם, yom): This word points to a specific future time, often used by prophets to refer to a significant moment when God acts in history. Here, it highlights a promised turning point for the people.
  • "neighbour" (רֵעַ, re'a): This term means a close companion or fellow member of the community. The invitation to the neighbor stresses the communal aspect of the blessing, not just individual comfort.
  • "vine" (גֶּפֶן, gephen) and "fig tree" (תְּאֵנָה, te'enah): Both are common symbols in the Hebrew Bible for peace, prosperity, and settled life. Their use together emphasizes a complete sense of security and abundance.

Why Zechariah 3:10 matters

  • Zechariah 3:10 clears up the idea that God’s promises are only spiritual or distant; it shows that God cares about real, everyday well-being and community life.
  • The verse connects to the wider theme of Zechariah, where God is encouraging a discouraged people with hope for a restored future, both physically and spiritually.
  • The image of inviting a neighbor under the vine and fig tree underlines the importance of relationships and shared peace, not just personal blessing.