And they that are far off shall come and build in the temple of the LORD, and ye shall know that the LORD of hosts hath sent me unto you. And this shall come to pass, if ye will diligently obey the voice of the LORD your God.

ZECHARIAH 6:15KJV
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Zechariah 6:15 (KJV)

What does Zechariah 6:15 mean?

Zechariah 6:15 says that people from distant places will come and help build the temple of the LORD, and this will show that God truly sent the prophet’s message. This promise will come true if the people carefully listen to and obey God’s voice.

The prophet Zechariah is speaking to the returned exiles in Jerusalem after the Babylonian captivity. He tells them that not only locals but also those far away will participate in rebuilding God’s temple, signaling God’s wider plan and faithfulness. The verse ends with a condition: God’s promises depend on the people’s willingness to listen and respond to Him.

The Hebrew behind Zechariah 6:15

  • "off" (רָחוֹק, rāchōq): This word means "far" or "distant." It emphasizes that help for the temple will come from people who are not nearby, suggesting a reach beyond just the local community.
  • "diligently obey" (שָׁמַע, shāma‘): The Hebrew here is actually a repetition—literally "listen, listen" or "listen diligently." This stresses the importance of truly paying attention and responding to God’s instructions, not just hearing them.
  • "build" (בָּנָה, bānāh): This is the common word for "build," used here for the construction of the temple. It underlines the physical act of restoring the central place of worship.
  • "temple" (הֵיכָל, hēkhāl): This means "palace" or "temple," referring specifically to the sacred building for God’s presence among His people.

Why Zechariah 6:15 matters

  • Zechariah 6:15 clarifies that God’s plans for the temple involve not just the returned exiles but also people from far away, hinting at a broader inclusion in God’s work.
  • The verse highlights that God’s promises are not automatic; they depend on the people’s active, careful obedience to His voice, not just passive belief.
  • In the wider context, this verse connects the rebuilding of the temple to God’s larger purpose and shows that the prophet’s message is validated by what happens, reinforcing trust in God’s word.

Where else these words appear

“temple” Hebrew H1964 · used in 76 verses

  • 1 Samuel 1:9 So Hannah rose up after they had eaten in Shiloh, and after they had drunk. Now Eli the priest sat upon a seat by a post of the temple of the LORD.
  • Nehemiah 6:10 Afterward I came unto the house of Shemaiah the son of Delaiah the son of Mehetabeel, who was shut up; and he said, Let us meet together in the house of God, within the temple, and let us shut the doors of the temple: for they will come to slay thee; yea, in the night will they come to slay thee.
  • Ezekiel 8:16 And he brought me into the inner court of the LORD'S house, and, behold, at the door of the temple of the LORD, between the porch and the altar, were about five and twenty men, with their backs toward the temple of the LORD, and their faces toward the east; and they worshipped the sun toward the east.

“off” Hebrew H7350 · used in 84 verses

  • Genesis 22:4 Then on the third day Abraham lifted up his eyes, and saw the place afar off.
  • 2 Chronicles 6:36 If they sin against thee,(for there is no man which sinneth not,) and thou be angry with them, and deliver them over before their enemies, and they carry them away captives unto a land far off or near;
  • Isaiah 33:13 Hear, ye that are far off, what I have done; and, ye that are near, acknowledge my might.