Thus saith the LORD of hosts; Let your hands be strong, ye that hear in these days these words by the mouth of the prophets, which were in the day that the foundation of the house of the LORD of hosts was laid, that the temple might be built.

ZECHARIAH 8:9KJV
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Zechariah 8:9 (KJV)

What does Zechariah 8:9 mean?

Zechariah 8:9 encourages the people who are hearing the prophets’ words to be strong and keep working, especially those who remember when the foundation of the temple was first laid. The verse is a call to renewed courage and effort as the rebuilding of the temple continues.

Zechariah, speaking for the LORD of hosts, addresses the returned exiles in Jerusalem during the time when the temple was being rebuilt after the Babylonian exile. The verse refers to those who had heard the prophets’ messages when the foundation of the temple was first laid, urging them not to lose heart but to continue their work. The focus is on perseverance and confidence in God’s promises during a challenging rebuilding period.

The Hebrew behind Zechariah 8:9

  • "Strong" (חָזַק, chazaq): This word means to be firm, courageous, or resolute. The command to “let your hands be strong” is a way of telling the people not to give up or grow weary in their work.
  • "Hear" (שָׁמַע, shama): This word means more than just listening; it carries the idea of paying attention and responding. The verse is directed at those who truly take in and act on the prophets’ words.
  • "Foundation" (יָסַד, yasad): This refers to the act of laying the base of the temple. Mentioning the foundation connects the current generation’s work to the earlier efforts and promises.

Why Zechariah 8:9 matters

  • Zechariah 8:9 clarifies that God’s encouragement is specifically for those involved in the temple’s rebuilding, not just a general call to be strong.
  • The verse connects the present work to the past, reminding the people that they are part of a larger story that began when the temple’s foundation was first laid.
  • By referencing the words spoken “by the mouth of the prophets,” the verse emphasizes that the rebuilding effort is rooted in God’s promises, giving the people a reason to persevere despite difficulties.

Where else these words appear

“foundation” Hebrew H3245 · used in 41 verses

  • Exodus 9:18 Behold, to morrow about this time I will cause it to rain a very grievous hail, such as hath not been in Egypt since the foundation thereof even until now.
  • Esther 1:8 And the drinking was according to the law; none did compel: for so the king had appointed to all the officers of his house, that they should do according to every man's pleasure.
  • Song of Solomon 5:15 His legs are as pillars of marble, set upon sockets of fine gold: his countenance is as Lebanon, excellent as the cedars.

“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.