Then cried he upon me, and spake unto me, saying, Behold, these that go toward the north country have quieted my spirit in the north country.

ZECHARIAH 6:8KJV
Know the Bible

Zechariah 6:8 (KJV)

What does Zechariah 6:8 mean?

Zechariah 6:8 describes a heavenly messenger telling Zechariah that the chariots going toward the north country have brought calm or rest to God’s spirit there. This means that God’s anger or unrest in that region has been settled or satisfied by what the chariots have accomplished.

In the setting of Zechariah’s vision, God is showing Zechariah a scene where angelic beings, represented by chariots, are sent out to patrol the earth. The messenger speaks directly to Zechariah, explaining that those sent north—toward Babylon, historically Israel’s enemy—have fulfilled their mission and brought peace to God’s spirit in that area. This verse reassures that God’s justice or purpose has been carried out in the north.

The Hebrew behind Zechariah 6:8

  • "quieted" (הֵנִיחַ, hēniakh): This word means to bring rest or to cause to be at ease. Here, it shows that God’s spirit, which had been stirred or troubled regarding the north country, is now settled.
  • "spirit" (רוּחַ, ruach): This word can mean spirit, wind, or breath. In this context, it refers to God’s inner being or emotional state, highlighting that God’s own sense of unrest has been addressed.
  • "north" (צָפוֹן, tsafon) and "country" (אֶרֶץ, erets): These words together point specifically to the region north of Israel, often associated with Babylon. The focus on the north country ties the vision to historical events involving Israel’s enemies.

Why Zechariah 6:8 matters

  • Zechariah 6:8 clarifies that God’s actions in history—especially regarding Israel’s enemies—are purposeful and bring about a resolution to divine unrest or anger.
  • The verse connects the vision to real-world events, showing that God’s judgment or intervention in the north (Babylon) has a spiritual impact, not just a political one.
  • It helps the reader see that God’s spirit is not distant or impersonal; God responds to what happens in the world, and divine satisfaction or rest is part of the prophetic message.

Where else these words appear

“upon” Hebrew H853 · used in 18 verses

  • Genesis 1:1 In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth.
  • Genesis 19:13 For we will destroy this place, because the cry of them is waxen great before the face of the LORD; and the LORD hath sent us to destroy it.
  • Numbers 14:22 Because all those men which have seen my glory, and my miracles, which I did in Egypt and in the wilderness, and have tempted me now these ten times, and have not hearkened to my voice;

“quieted” Hebrew H5117 · used in 64 verses

  • Genesis 8:4 And the ark rested in the seventh month, on the seventeenth day of the month, upon the mountains of Ararat.
  • 2 Samuel 7:11 And as since the time that I commanded judges to be over my people Israel, and have caused thee to rest from all thine enemies. Also the LORD telleth thee that he will make thee an house.
  • Isaiah 7:2 And it was told the house of David, saying, Syria is confederate with Ephraim. And his heart was moved, and the heart of his people, as the trees of the wood are moved with the wind.

“cried” Hebrew H2199 · used in 73 verses

  • Exodus 2:23 And it came to pass in process of time, that the king of Egypt died: and the children of Israel sighed by reason of the bondage, and they cried, and their cry came up unto God by reason of the bondage.
  • 1 Samuel 28:12 And when the woman saw Samuel, she cried with a loud voice: and the woman spake to Saul, saying, Why hast thou deceived me? for thou art Saul.
  • Isaiah 26:17 Like as a woman with child, that draweth near the time of her delivery, is in pain, and crieth out in her pangs; so have we been in thy sight, O LORD.

“north” Hebrew H6828 · used in 141 verses

  • Genesis 13:14 And the LORD said unto Abram, after that Lot was separated from him, Lift up now thine eyes, and look from the place where thou art northward, and southward, and eastward, and westward:
  • 1 Chronicles 26:14 And the lot eastward fell to Shelemiah. Then for Zechariah his son, a wise counsellor, they cast lots; and his lot came out northward.
  • Ezekiel 20:47 And say to the forest of the south, Hear the word of the LORD; Thus saith the Lord GOD; Behold, I will kindle a fire in thee, and it shall devour every green tree in thee, and every dry tree: the flaming flame shall not be quenched, and all faces from the south to the north shall be burned therein.