Translations
Modern
Do not be like your fathers, to whom the former prophets proclaimed that this is what the LORD of Hosts says: ‘Turn now from your evil ways and deeds.’ But they did not listen or pay attention to Me, declares the LORD.
Traditional
Be ye not as your fathers, unto whom the former prophets have cried, saying, Thus saith the Lord of hosts; Turn ye now from your evil ways, and from your evil doings: but they did not hear, nor hearken unto me, saith the Lord.
Literal
Do not be like your fathers, to whom the former prophets called, saying, thus says YHWH of Hosts: ‘Turn aside now from your evil ways and your evil deeds.’ They did not hear and did not pay attention to Me, a declaration of YHWH.
Latin
Ne sitis sicut patres vestri, ad quos clamabant prophetæ priores, dicentes: Hæc dicit Dominus exercituum: Convertimini de viis vestris malis, et de cogitationibus vestris pessimis: et non audierunt, neque attenderunt ad me, dicit Dominus.
Original
Hebrew
English
Do not be like your fathers, to whom the former prophets proclaimed that this is what the LORD of Hosts says: ‘Turn now from your evil ways and deeds.’ But they did not listen or pay attention to Me, declares the LORD.
Notes
Before the exile in Babylon, earlier prophets urged Judah and Israel to repent. Zechariah shows the influence of Jeremiah and Ezekiel.
your fathers … they did not listen: The people of Israel (2 Kings 17:13–14) and Judah (2 Chronicles 36:15–16) went into exile because they stubbornly ignored the word of the Lord (compare 2 Chronicles 30:7).
The prelude identifies the book’s themes as repentance and spiritual renewal, and establishes a tone of hope and encouragement.
Theme notes and profiles
Events
- Prophecies of Zechariahc. 520 BC
Parallels
People
LORD: Names or title used to refer to God
Glossary
Apocalyptic Barachiah, Barachias Berechiah Iddo Zechariah (Person) Zechariah, Book of
Topics
Example: Bad, Admonitions Against Impenitence: General Scriptures Concerning Indifference