Zechariah 1:6
New International Version
But did not my words and my decrees, which I commanded my servants the prophets, overtake your ancestors? “Then they repented and said, ‘The LORD Almighty has done to us what our ways and practices deserve, just as he determined to do.’”

New Living Translation
But everything I said through my servants the prophets happened to your ancestors, just as I said. As a result, they repented and said, ‘We have received what we deserved from the LORD of Heaven’s Armies. He has done what he said he would do.’”

English Standard Version
But my words and my statutes, which I commanded my servants the prophets, did they not overtake your fathers? So they repented and said, ‘As the LORD of hosts purposed to deal with us for our ways and deeds, so has he dealt with us.’”

Berean Standard Bible
But did not My words and My statutes, which I commanded My servants the prophets, overtake your fathers? They repented and said, ‘Just as the LORD of Hosts purposed to do to us according to our ways and deeds, so He has done to us.’”

King James Bible
But my words and my statutes, which I commanded my servants the prophets, did they not take hold of your fathers? and they returned and said, Like as the LORD of hosts thought to do unto us, according to our ways, and according to our doings, so hath he dealt with us.

New King James Version
Yet surely My words and My statutes, Which I commanded My servants the prophets, Did they not overtake your fathers? “So they returned and said: ‘Just as the LORD of hosts determined to do to us, According to our ways and according to our deeds, So He has dealt with us.’ ” ’ ”

New American Standard Bible
But did My words and My statutes, which I commanded My servants the prophets, not overtake your fathers? Then they repented and said, ‘Just as the LORD of armies planned to do to us in accordance with our ways and our deeds, so He has dealt with us.’”’”

NASB 1995
“But did not My words and My statutes, which I commanded My servants the prophets, overtake your fathers? Then they repented and said, ‘As the LORD of hosts purposed to do to us in accordance with our ways and our deeds, so He has dealt with us.’"’”

NASB 1977
“But did not My words and My statutes, which I commanded My servants the prophets, overtake your fathers? Then they repented and said, ‘As the LORD of hosts purposed to do to us in accordance with our ways and our deeds, so He has dealt with us.’”’”

Legacy Standard Bible
But did not My words and My statutes, which I commanded My slaves the prophets, overtake your fathers? Then they returned and said, ‘As Yahweh of hosts purposed to do to us in accordance with our ways and our deeds, so He has done with us.’”’”

Amplified Bible
But did not My words (warnings) and My statutes, which I commanded My servants the prophets, overtake your fathers? Then they repented and said, ‘As the LORD of hosts planned to do to us [in discipline and punishment], in accordance with our ways and our deeds, so has He dealt with us.’”’”

Christian Standard Bible
But didn’t my words and my statutes that I commanded my servants the prophets overtake your ancestors? ’ ” So the people repented and said, “As the LORD of Armies decided to deal with us for our ways and our deeds, so he has dealt with us.” The Night Visions

Holman Christian Standard Bible
But didn’t My words and My statutes that I commanded My servants the prophets overtake your ancestors? They repented and said: As the LORD of Hosts purposed to deal with us for our ways and deeds, so He has dealt with us.”

American Standard Version
But my words and my statutes, which I commanded my servants the prophets, did they not overtake your fathers? and they turned and said, Like as Jehovah of hosts thought to do unto us, according to our ways, and according to our doings, so hath he dealt with us.

Contemporary English Version
But my warnings and my words spoken by the prophets caught up with your ancestors. So they turned back to me and said, "LORD All-Powerful, you have punished us for our sins, just as you had planned."

English Revised Version
But my words and my statutes, which I commanded my servants the prophets, did they not overtake your fathers? and they turned and said, Like as the LORD of hosts thought to do unto us, according to our ways, and according to our doings, so hath he dealt with us.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
Didn't my warnings and my laws, which I've commanded my servants the prophets [to preach], finally catch up with your ancestors? Then your ancestors turned away from their sins and said, 'The LORD of Armies has done to us what he had planned to do. He has dealt with us as our ways and deeds deserve.'"

Good News Translation
Through my servants the prophets I gave your ancestors commands and warnings, but they disregarded them and suffered the consequences. Then they repented and acknowledged that I, the LORD Almighty, had punished them as they deserved and as I had determined to do.'"

International Standard Version
But my words and my statutes that I gave as commands to my servants the prophets—did they not overwhelm your ancestors? And they returned to me: 'The LORD of the Heavenly Armies acted toward us just as he planned to do—in keeping with our lifestyles and in keeping with our actions.'"

Majority Standard Bible
But did not My words and My statutes, which I commanded My servants the prophets, overtake your fathers? They repented and said, ?Just as the LORD of Hosts purposed to do to us according to our ways and deeds, so He has done to us.??

NET Bible
But have my words and statutes, which I commanded my servants the prophets, not outlived your fathers? Then they paid attention and confessed, 'The LORD who rules over all has indeed done what he said he would do to us, because of our sinful ways.'"

New Heart English Bible
But my words and my statutes, which I commanded by my Spirit to my servants the prophets, did they not overtake your fathers? Then they repented and said, 'Just as the LORD of hosts determined to do to us, according to our ways, and according to our practices, so he has dealt with us.'"

Webster's Bible Translation
But my words and my statutes, which I commanded my servants the prophets, did they not take hold of your fathers? and they returned and said, As the LORD of hosts thought to do to us, according to our ways, and according to our doings, so hath he dealt with us.

World English Bible
But my words and my decrees, which I commanded my servants the prophets, didn’t they overtake your fathers? “Then they repented and said, ‘Just as Yahweh of Armies determined to do to us, according to our ways and according to our practices, so he has dealt with us.’”
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
Only, My words and My statutes, "" That I commanded My servants the prophets, "" Have they not overtaken your fathers? And they turn back and say: As YHWH of Hosts designed to do to us, "" According to our ways, and according to our doings, "" So He has done to us.”

Young's Literal Translation
Only, My words, and My statutes, That I commanded My servants the prophets, Have they not overtaken your fathers, And they turn back and say: As Jehovah of Hosts designed to do to us, According to our ways, and according to our doings, So He hath done to us?'

Smith's Literal Translation
But the words and the laws which I commanded my servants the prophets, did they not reach your fathers? and they will turn back and say, As Jehovah of armies purposed to do to us according to our ways and according to our doings, so he did with us.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
But yet my words, and my ordinances, which I gave in charge to my servants the prophets, did they not take hold of your fathers, and they returned, and said: As the Lord of hosts thought to do to us according to our ways, and according to our devices, so he hath done to us.

Catholic Public Domain Version
Yet truly my words and my lawfulness, which I entrusted to my servants the prophets, were indeed comprehended by your fathers, and so they were converted, and they said: Just as the Lord of hosts decided to do to us, according to our ways and according to our inventions, so has he done to us.

New American Bible
But my words and my statutes, with which I charged my servants the prophets, did these not overtake your ancestors? Then they repented and admitted: “Just as the LORD of hosts intended to treat us according to our ways and deeds, so the LORD has done.”

New Revised Standard Version
But my words and my statutes, which I commanded my servants the prophets, did they not overtake your ancestors? So they repented and said, “The LORD of hosts has dealt with us according to our ways and deeds, just as he planned to do.”
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
But my words and my statutes which I commanded my servants the prophets, your fathers did remember them and thought of them, saying, As the LORD of hosts thought to deal with us, according to our ways and according to our devices, so has he dealt with us.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
But my words and my commandments that I commanded my Servants the Prophets, your fathers remembered them and they considered and they said: ‘as LORD JEHOVAH OF HOSTS considered to do to us, according to our ways and according to our schemes, so he has done to us’
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
But My words and My statutes, which I commanded My servants the prophets, did they not overtake your fathers? so that they turned and said: Like as the LORD of hosts purposed to do unto us, according to our ways, and according to our doings, so hath He dealt with us.'

Brenton Septuagint Translation
But do ye receive my words and mine ordinances, all that I command by my Spirit to my servants the prophets, who lived in the days of your fathers; and they answered and said, As the Lord Almighty determined to do to us, according to our ways, and according to our practices, so has he done to us.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
A Call to Repentance
5Where are your fathers now? And the prophets, do they live forever? 6But did not My words and My statutes, which I commanded My servants the prophets, overtake your fathers? They repented and said, ‘Just as the LORD of Hosts purposed to do to us according to our ways and deeds, so He has done to us.’”

Cross References
Isaiah 55:11
so My word that proceeds from My mouth will not return to Me empty, but it will accomplish what I please, and it will prosper where I send it.

Jeremiah 44:28-29
Those who escape the sword will return from Egypt to Judah, few in number, and the whole remnant of Judah who went to dwell in the land of Egypt will know whose word will stand, Mine or theirs! / This will be a sign to you that I will punish you in this place, declares the LORD, so that you may know that My threats of harm against you will surely stand.

Lamentations 2:17
The LORD has done what He planned; He has accomplished His decree, which He ordained in days of old; He has overthrown you without pity. He has let the enemy gloat over you and exalted the horn of your foes.

Ezekiel 12:25
because I, the LORD, will speak whatever word I speak, and it will be fulfilled without delay. For in your days, O rebellious house, I will speak a message and bring it to pass, declares the Lord GOD.’”

Daniel 9:11-14
All Israel has transgressed Your law and turned away, refusing to obey Your voice; so the oath and the curse written in the Law of Moses the servant of God has been poured out on us, because we have sinned against You. / You have carried out the words spoken against us and against our rulers by bringing upon us a great disaster. For under all of heaven, nothing has ever been done like what has been done to Jerusalem. / Just as it is written in the Law of Moses, all this disaster has come upon us, yet we have not sought the favor of the LORD our God by turning from our iniquities and giving attention to Your truth. ...

Malachi 3:7
Yet from the days of your fathers, you have turned away from My statutes and have not kept them. Return to Me, and I will return to you,” says the LORD of Hosts. “But you ask, ‘How can we return?’

Matthew 24:35
Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will never pass away.

Luke 21:33
Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will never pass away.

John 12:48
There is a judge for the one who rejects Me and does not receive My words: The word that I have spoken will judge him on the last day.

Acts 3:19-21
Repent, then, and turn back, so that your sins may be wiped away, / that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord, and that He may send Jesus, the Christ, who has been appointed for you. / Heaven must take Him in until the time comes for the restoration of all things, which God announced long ago through His holy prophets.

Romans 11:22
Take notice, therefore, of the kindness and severity of God: severity to those who fell, but kindness to you, if you continue in His kindness. Otherwise you also will be cut off.

1 Corinthians 10:11
Now these things happened to them as examples and were written down as warnings for us, on whom the fulfillment of the ages has come.

2 Corinthians 1:20
For all the promises of God are “Yes” in Christ. And so through Him, our “Amen” is spoken to the glory of God.

Galatians 6:7-8
Do not be deceived: God is not to be mocked. Whatever a man sows, he will reap in return. / The one who sows to please his flesh, from the flesh will reap destruction; but the one who sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life.

Hebrews 2:1-3
We must pay closer attention, therefore, to what we have heard, so that we do not drift away. / For if the message spoken by angels was binding, and every transgression and disobedience received its just punishment, / how shall we escape if we neglect such a great salvation? This salvation was first announced by the Lord, was confirmed to us by those who heard Him,


Treasury of Scripture

But my words and my statutes, which I commanded my servants the prophets, did they not take hold of your fathers? and they returned and said, Like as the LORD of hosts thought to do to us, according to our ways, and according to our doings, so has he dealt with us.

my words.

Isaiah 55:1
Ho, every one that thirsteth, come ye to the waters, and he that hath no money; come ye, buy, and eat; yea, come, buy wine and milk without money and without price.

did.

Numbers 23:19
God is not a man, that he should lie; neither the son of man, that he should repent: hath he said, and shall he not do it? or hath he spoken, and shall he not make it good?

Numbers 32:23
But if ye will not do so, behold, ye have sinned against the LORD: and be sure your sin will find you out.

2 Chronicles 36:17-21
Therefore he brought upon them the king of the Chaldees, who slew their young men with the sword in the house of their sanctuary, and had no compassion upon young man or maiden, old man, or him that stooped for age: he gave them all into his hand…

take hold of.

Deuteronomy 28:15,45
But it shall come to pass, if thou wilt not hearken unto the voice of the LORD thy God, to observe to do all his commandments and his statutes which I command thee this day; that all these curses shall come upon thee, and overtake thee: …

Jeremiah 12:16
And it shall come to pass, if they will diligently learn the ways of my people, to swear by my name, The LORD liveth; as they taught my people to swear by Baal; then shall they be built in the midst of my people.

Amos 9:10
All the sinners of my people shall die by the sword, which say, The evil shall not overtake nor prevent us.

they returned.

Job 6:29
Return, I pray you, let it not be iniquity; yea, return again, my righteousness is in it.

Malachi 3:18
Then shall ye return, and discern between the righteous and the wicked, between him that serveth God and him that serveth him not.

Like.

Lamentations 1:18
The LORD is righteous; for I have rebelled against his commandment: hear, I pray you, all people, and behold my sorrow: my virgins and my young men are gone into captivity.

Lamentations 2:17
The LORD hath done that which he had devised; he hath fulfilled his word that he had commanded in the days of old: he hath thrown down, and hath not pitied: and he hath caused thine enemy to rejoice over thee, he hath set up the horn of thine adversaries.

Lamentations 4:11,12
The LORD hath accomplished his fury; he hath poured out his fierce anger, and hath kindled a fire in Zion, and it hath devoured the foundations thereof…

thought.

Numbers 33:56
Moreover it shall come to pass, that I shall do unto you, as I thought to do unto them.

Jeremiah 23:20
The anger of the LORD shall not return, until he have executed, and till he have performed the thoughts of his heart: in the latter days ye shall consider it perfectly.

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Armies Commanded Dealt Decrees Determined Doings Fathers Hold Hosts Overtake Practices Prophets Purposed Repented Servants Statutes Thought Turned Ways Words
Zechariah 1
1. Zechariah exhorts to repentance.
7. The vision of the horses.
12. At the prayer of the angel comfortable promises are made to Jerusalem.
18. The vision of the four horns and the four carpenters.














But My words and My statutes
This phrase emphasizes the divine origin and authority of the message delivered by the prophets. The Hebrew word for "words" is "דְּבָרַי" (devarai), which signifies not just spoken words but also commands and promises. "Statutes" comes from the Hebrew "חֻקַּי" (chuqqai), indicating decrees or laws that are established and unchangeable. This highlights the enduring nature of God's commands, which are not subject to human alteration or dismissal. Historically, this reflects the covenantal relationship between God and Israel, where His words and statutes were meant to guide and shape the community's life.

which I commanded My servants the prophets
Here, the role of the prophets is underscored as God's chosen messengers. The Hebrew term for "commanded" is "צִוִּיתִי" (tsiviti), implying a direct and authoritative instruction. Prophets in the Old Testament were often seen as the mouthpieces of God, tasked with delivering His messages to the people. This phrase reminds us of the continuity and consistency of God's communication through His prophets, who were often met with resistance but remained faithful to their divine commission.

did they not overtake your fathers?
The word "overtake" in Hebrew is "הִשִּׂיגוּ" (hissigu), which can mean to reach or catch up with. This suggests that despite the forefathers' attempts to ignore or escape God's words, they ultimately faced the consequences of their disobedience. Historically, this reflects the repeated cycle of Israel's rebellion and subsequent judgment, as seen throughout the Old Testament narrative. It serves as a sobering reminder of the inevitability of God's word being fulfilled.

Then they repented and said
The act of repentance is central to the relationship between God and His people. The Hebrew word for "repented" is "וַיָּשֻׁבוּ" (vayashuvu), which means to turn back or return. This indicates a change of heart and a return to God after recognizing their wrongdoing. The historical context here is the post-exilic period, where the Israelites, having experienced the consequences of their ancestors' disobedience, are called to genuine repentance and renewal of their covenant with God.

‘As the LORD of Hosts purposed to do to us
The title "LORD of Hosts" (יְהוָה צְבָאוֹת, Yahweh Tseva'ot) emphasizes God's sovereignty and command over the heavenly armies. The word "purposed" comes from the Hebrew "זָמַם" (zamam), meaning to plan or intend. This highlights God's sovereign will and the certainty of His plans coming to fruition. It reassures the faithful of God's ultimate control over history and His ability to bring about His purposes despite human resistance.

in accordance with our ways and deeds
This phrase underscores the principle of divine justice, where God's actions are in response to human behavior. The Hebrew words for "ways" (דַּרְכֵּינוּ, darkeinu) and "deeds" (מַעֲלָלֵינוּ, ma'alaleinu) refer to the conduct and actions of the people. This reflects the biblical theme that God deals with humanity based on their moral and ethical choices, reinforcing the call to live righteously in accordance with His statutes.

so has He dealt with us.’”
The conclusion of the verse reaffirms the fulfillment of God's word. The Hebrew phrase "כֵּן עָשָׂה אִתָּנוּ" (ken asah itanu) indicates that God has acted justly and consistently with His declared intentions. This serves as both a warning and a comfort: a warning to those who might disregard God's commands and a comfort to those who trust in His faithfulness and justice. It encourages believers to reflect on their own lives and align themselves with God's will, trusting in His righteous dealings.

Verse 6 - My words. The words that God put into the mouths of the prophets (Jeremiah 39:16; Lamentations 2:17). Statutes, usually applied to the Law, which the prophets had to announce and enforce; but it may mean "decrees" which God appointed (Zephaniah 2:2). The LXX. inserts "receive ye" to govern these nouns. I commanded. The LXX. adds, ἐν πνεύματὶ μου, "by my inspiration." Did they not take hold of your fathers? Did they not overtake, etc.? Did not their threatened chastisements, however long delayed, reach your fathers in the end? And they returned; turned, as vers. 3, 4. They turned so far as to acknowledge that the threats had been fully accomplished (see Daniel 9:5; Ezra 9:6, etc.). Thought to do; παρατέτακται (Septuagint), "designed, purposed to do" (comp. Lamentations 2:17).

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
But
אַ֣ךְ ׀ (’aḵ)
Adverb
Strong's 389: A particle of affirmation, surely

did not
הֲל֥וֹא (hă·lō·w)
Adverb - Negative particle
Strong's 3808: Not, no

My words
דְּבָרַ֣י (də·ḇā·ray)
Noun - masculine plural construct | first person common singular
Strong's 1697: A word, a matter, thing, a cause

and My statutes,
וְחֻקַּ֗י (wə·ḥuq·qay)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine plural construct | first person common singular
Strong's 2706: Something prescribed or owed, a statute

which
אֲשֶׁ֤ר (’ă·šer)
Pronoun - relative
Strong's 834: Who, which, what, that, when, where, how, because, in order that

I commanded
צִוִּ֙יתִי֙ (ṣiw·wî·ṯî)
Verb - Piel - Perfect - first person common singular
Strong's 6680: To lay charge (upon), give charge (to), command, order

My servants
עֲבָדַ֣י (‘ă·ḇā·ḏay)
Noun - masculine plural construct | first person common singular
Strong's 5650: Slave, servant

the prophets,
הַנְּבִיאִ֔ים (han·nə·ḇî·’îm)
Article | Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 5030: A spokesman, speaker, prophet

overtake
הִשִּׂ֖יגוּ (hiś·śî·ḡū)
Verb - Hifil - Perfect - third person common plural
Strong's 5381: To reach, overtake

your forefathers?
אֲבֹתֵיכֶ֑ם (’ă·ḇō·ṯê·ḵem)
Noun - masculine plural construct | second person masculine plural
Strong's 1: Father

They repented
וַיָּשׁ֣וּבוּ (way·yā·šū·ḇū)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural
Strong's 7725: To turn back, in, to retreat, again

and said,
וַיֹּאמְר֗וּ (way·yō·mə·rū)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural
Strong's 559: To utter, say

‘Just as
כַּאֲשֶׁ֨ר (ka·’ă·šer)
Preposition-k | Pronoun - relative
Strong's 834: Who, which, what, that, when, where, how, because, in order that

the LORD
יְהוָ֤ה (Yah·weh)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3068: LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel

of Hosts
צְבָאוֹת֙ (ṣə·ḇā·’ō·wṯ)
Noun - common plural
Strong's 6635: A mass of persons, reg, organized for, war, a campaign

purposed
זָמַ֜ם (zā·mam)
Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 2161: To consider, purpose, devise

to do
לַעֲשׂ֣וֹת (la·‘ă·śō·wṯ)
Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct
Strong's 6213: To do, make

to us
לָ֔נוּ (lā·nū)
Preposition | first person common plural
Strong's Hebrew

according to our ways
כִּדְרָכֵ֙ינוּ֙ (kiḏ·rā·ḵê·nū)
Preposition-k | Noun - common plural construct | first person common plural
Strong's 1870: A road, a course of life, mode of action

and deeds,
וּכְמַ֣עֲלָלֵ֔ינוּ (ū·ḵə·ma·‘ă·lā·lê·nū)
Conjunctive waw, Preposition-k | Noun - masculine plural construct | first person common plural
Strong's 4611: A deed, practice

so
כֵּ֖ן (kên)
Adverb
Strong's 3651: So -- thus

He has done
עָשָׂ֥ה (‘ā·śāh)
Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 6213: To do, make

to us.??
אִתָּֽנוּ׃ (’it·tā·nū)
Preposition | first person common plural
Strong's 854: Nearness, near, with, by, at, among


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OT Prophets: Zechariah 1:6 But my words and my decrees which (Zech. Zec Zc)
Zechariah 1:5
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