Zechariah 14:2
New International Version
I will gather all the nations to Jerusalem to fight against it; the city will be captured, the houses ransacked, and the women raped. Half of the city will go into exile, but the rest of the people will not be taken from the city.

New Living Translation
I will gather all the nations to fight against Jerusalem. The city will be taken, the houses looted, and the women raped. Half the population will be taken into captivity, and the rest will be left among the ruins of the city.

English Standard Version
For I will gather all the nations against Jerusalem to battle, and the city shall be taken and the houses plundered and the women raped. Half of the city shall go out into exile, but the rest of the people shall not be cut off from the city.

Berean Standard Bible
For I will gather all the nations for battle against Jerusalem, and the city will be captured, the houses looted, and the women ravished. Half of the city will go into exile, but the rest of the people will not be removed from the city.

King James Bible
For I will gather all nations against Jerusalem to battle; and the city shall be taken, and the houses rifled, and the women ravished; and half of the city shall go forth into captivity, and the residue of the people shall not be cut off from the city.

New King James Version
For I will gather all the nations to battle against Jerusalem; The city shall be taken, The houses rifled, And the women ravished. Half of the city shall go into captivity, But the remnant of the people shall not be cut off from the city.

New American Standard Bible
For I will gather all the nations against Jerusalem to battle, and the city will be taken, the houses plundered, the women raped, and half of the city exiled, but the rest of the people will not be eliminated from the city.

NASB 1995
For I will gather all the nations against Jerusalem to battle, and the city will be captured, the houses plundered, the women ravished and half of the city exiled, but the rest of the people will not be cut off from the city.

NASB 1977
For I will gather all the nations against Jerusalem to battle, and the city will be captured, the houses plundered, the women ravished, and half of the city exiled, but the rest of the people will not be cut off from the city.

Legacy Standard Bible
Indeed, I will gather all the nations against Jerusalem to battle, and the city will be captured, the houses plundered, the women ravished, and half of the city will go forth in exile, but those left of the people will not be cut off from the city.

Amplified Bible
For I will gather all nations against Jerusalem to battle, and the city will be captured and the houses plundered and the women ravished; and half of the city will be exiled, but the rest of the people will not be cut off from the city.

Christian Standard Bible
I will gather all the nations against Jerusalem for battle. The city will be captured, the houses looted, and the women raped. Half the city will go into exile, but the rest of the people will not be removed from the city.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
I will gather all the nations against Jerusalem for battle. The city will be captured, the houses looted, and the women raped. Half the city will go into exile, but the rest of the people will not be removed from the city.

American Standard Version
For I will gather all nations against Jerusalem to battle; and the city shall be taken, and the houses rifled, and the women ravished; and half of the city shall go forth into captivity, and the residue of the people shall not be cut off from the city.

Contemporary English Version
But first, he will bring many nations to attack Jerusalem--homes will be robbed, women raped, and half of the population dragged off, though the others will be allowed to remain.

English Revised Version
For I will gather all nations against Jerusalem to battle; and the city shall be taken, and the houses rifled, and the women ravished: and half of the city shall go forth into captivity, and the residue of the people shall not be cut off from the city.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
I will gather all the nations to Jerusalem for battle. The city will be captured, the houses looted, and the women raped. Half of the people in the city will go into exile, but the rest of the people won't be taken from the city.

Good News Translation
The LORD will bring all the nations together to make war on Jerusalem. The city will be taken, the houses looted, and the women raped. Half of the people will go into exile, but the rest of them will not be taken away from the city.

International Standard Version
I will gather all the nations against Jerusalem, to lay siege against it. The city will be captured, the houses will be ransacked, the women raped, and half of the city will go into exile, but the remaining people will not be cut off from the city.

Majority Standard Bible
For I will gather all the nations for battle against Jerusalem, and the city will be captured, the houses looted, and the women ravished. Half of the city will go into exile, but the rest of the people will not be removed from the city.

NET Bible
For I will gather all the nations against Jerusalem to wage war; the city will be taken, its houses plundered, and the women raped. Then half of the city will go into exile, but the remainder of the people will not be taken away.

New Heart English Bible
For I will gather all nations against Jerusalem to battle; and the city will be taken, the houses rifled, and the women ravished. Half of the city will go out into captivity, and the rest of the people will not be cut off from the city.

Webster's Bible Translation
For I will gather all nations against Jerusalem to battle; and the city shall be taken, and the houses rifled, and the women ravished; and half of the city shall go forth into captivity, and the residue of the people shall not be cut off from the city.

World English Bible
For I will gather all nations against Jerusalem to battle; and the city will be taken, the houses rifled, and the women ravished. Half of the city will go out into captivity, and the rest of the people will not be cut off from the city.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
And I have gathered all the nations to Jerusalem to battle, "" And the city has been captured, "" And the houses have been spoiled, "" And the women are lain with, "" Half the city has gone forth in a removal, "" And the remnant of the people are not cut off from the city.

Young's Literal Translation
And I have gathered all the nations unto Jerusalem to battle, And captured hath been the city, And spoiled have been the houses, And the women are lain with, Gone forth hath half the city in a removal, And the remnant of the people are not cut off from the city.

Smith's Literal Translation
And I gathered all the nations against Jerusalem for war; and the city was taken, and the houses were plundered, and the women shall be ravished; and half the city shall go forth into captivity, and the people being left shall not be cut off from the city.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
And I will gather all nations to Jerusalem to battle, and the city shall be taken, and the houses shall be rifled, and the women shall be defiled: and half of the city shall go forth into captivity, and the rest of the people shall not be taken away out of the city.

Catholic Public Domain Version
And I will gather all the Gentiles in battle against Jerusalem, and the city will be captured, and the houses will be ravaged, and the women will be violated. And the central part of the city will go forth into captivity, and the remainder of the people will not be taken away from the city.

New American Bible
And I will gather all the nations against Jerusalem for battle: The city will be taken, houses will be plundered, women raped; half the city will go into exile, but the rest of the people will not be removed from the city.

New Revised Standard Version
For I will gather all the nations against Jerusalem to battle, and the city shall be taken and the houses looted and the women raped; half the city shall go into exile, but the rest of the people shall not be cut off from the city.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
For I will gather all nations against Jerusalem to battle; and the city shall be taken and the houses plundered and the women ravished; and half of the city shall go into captivity, but half of the people shall not perish from the city.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And I shall gather all the nations to Jerusalem for battle, and the city shall be seized and the houses shall be plundered and the women shall be shamefully treated, and half of the city will go forth into captivity, and half of the people will not be destroyed from the city
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
For I will gather all nations against Jerusalem to battle; And the city shall be taken, and the houses rifled, And the women ravished; And half of the city shall go forth into captivity, But the residue of the people shall not be cut off from the city.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And I will gather all the Gentiles to Jerusalem to war, and the city shall be taken, and the houses plundered, and the women ravished; and half of the city shall go forth into captivity, but the rest of my people shall not be utterly cut off from the city.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
The Destroyers of Jerusalem Destroyed
1Behold, a day of the LORD is coming when your plunder will be divided in your presence. 2For I will gather all the nations for battle against Jerusalem, and the city will be captured, the houses looted, and the women ravished. Half of the city will go into exile, but the rest of the people will not be removed from the city. 3Then the LORD will go out to fight against those nations, as He fights in the day of battle.…

Cross References
Revelation 16:14-16
These are demonic spirits that perform signs and go out to all the kings of the earth, to assemble them for battle on the great day of God the Almighty. / “Behold, I am coming like a thief. Blessed is the one who remains awake and clothed, so that he will not go naked and let his shame be exposed.” / And they assembled the kings in the place that in Hebrew is called Armageddon.

Joel 3:2
I will gather all the nations and bring them down to the Valley of Jehoshaphat. There I will enter into judgment against them concerning My people, My inheritance, Israel, whom they have scattered among the nations as they divided up My land.

Matthew 24:29-31
Immediately after the tribulation of those days: ‘The sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light; the stars will fall from the sky, and the powers of the heavens will be shaken.’ / At that time the sign of the Son of Man will appear in heaven, and all the tribes of the earth will mourn. They will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven with power and great glory. / And He will send out His angels with a loud trumpet call, and they will gather His elect from the four winds, from one end of the heavens to the other.

Ezekiel 38:8-9
After a long time you will be summoned. In the latter years you will enter a land that has recovered from war, whose people were gathered from many nations to the mountains of Israel, which had long been desolate. They had been brought out from the nations, and all now dwell securely. / You and all your troops, and many peoples with you will go up, advancing like a thunderstorm; you will be like a cloud covering the land.

Revelation 19:19
Then I saw the beast and the kings of the earth with their armies assembled to wage war against the One seated on the horse, and against His army.

Daniel 11:40-45
At the time of the end, the king of the South will engage him in battle, but the king of the North will storm out against him with chariots, horsemen, and many ships, invading many countries and sweeping through them like a flood. / He will also invade the Beautiful Land, and many countries will fall. But these will be delivered from his hand: Edom, Moab, and the leaders of the Ammonites. / He will extend his power over many countries, and not even the land of Egypt will escape. ...

Isaiah 13:4-6
Listen, a tumult on the mountains, like that of a great multitude! Listen, an uproar among the kingdoms, like nations gathered together! The LORD of Hosts is mobilizing an army for war. / They are coming from faraway lands, from the ends of the heavens—the LORD and the weapons of His wrath—to destroy the whole country. / Wail, for the Day of the LORD is near; it will come as destruction from the Almighty.

Revelation 20:8-9
and will go out to deceive the nations in the four corners of the earth—Gog and Magog—to assemble them for battle. Their number is like the sand of the seashore. / And they marched across the broad expanse of the earth and surrounded the camp of the saints and the beloved city. But fire came down from heaven and consumed them.

Jeremiah 25:31-33
The tumult will resound to the ends of the earth because the LORD brings a charge against the nations. He brings judgment on all mankind and puts the wicked to the sword,’” declares the LORD. / This is what the LORD of Hosts says: “Behold! Disaster is spreading from nation to nation; a mighty storm is rising from the ends of the earth.” / Those slain by the LORD on that day will be spread from one end of the earth to the other. They will not be mourned, gathered, or buried. They will be like dung lying on the ground.

Micah 4:11-13
But now many nations have assembled against you, saying, “Let her be defiled, and let us feast our eyes on Zion.” / But they do not know the thoughts of the LORD or understand His plan, for He has gathered them like sheaves to the threshing floor. / Rise and thresh, O Daughter of Zion, for I will give you horns of iron and hooves of bronze to break to pieces many peoples. Then you will devote their gain to the LORD, their wealth to the Lord of all the earth.

Revelation 11:2
But exclude the courtyard outside the temple. Do not measure it, because it has been given over to the nations, and they will trample the holy city for 42 months.

Isaiah 66:18
“And I, knowing their deeds and thoughts, am coming to gather all nations and tongues, and they will come and see My glory.

Luke 21:20-24
But when you see Jerusalem surrounded by armies, you will know that her desolation is near. / Then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains, let those in the city get out, and let those in the country stay out of the city. / For these are the days of vengeance, to fulfill all that is written. ...

Ezekiel 39:1-2
“As for you, O son of man, prophesy against Gog and declare that this is what the Lord GOD says: Behold, I am against you, O Gog, chief prince of Meshech and Tubal. / I will turn you around, drive you along, bring you up from the far north, and send you against the mountains of Israel.

Daniel 12:1
“At that time Michael, the great prince who stands watch over your people, will rise up. There will be a time of distress, the likes of which will not have occurred from the beginning of nations until that time. But at that time your people—everyone whose name is found written in the book—will be delivered.


Treasury of Scripture

For I will gather all nations against Jerusalem to battle; and the city shall be taken, and the houses rifled, and the women ravished; and half of the city shall go forth into captivity, and the residue of the people shall not be cut off from the city.

gather.

Deuteronomy 28:9-14
The LORD shall establish thee an holy people unto himself, as he hath sworn unto thee, if thou shalt keep the commandments of the LORD thy God, and walk in his ways…

Isaiah 5:26
And he will lift up an ensign to the nations from far, and will hiss unto them from the end of the earth: and, behold, they shall come with speed swiftly:

Jeremiah 34:1
The word which came unto Jeremiah from the LORD, when Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon, and all his army, and all the kingdoms of the earth of his dominion, and all the people, fought against Jerusalem, and against all the cities thereof, saying,

the city.

Matthew 23:37,38
O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, thou that killest the prophets, and stonest them which are sent unto thee, how often would I have gathered thy children together, even as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings, and ye would not! …

Matthew 24:15,16
When ye therefore shall see the abomination of desolation, spoken of by Daniel the prophet, stand in the holy place, (whoso readeth, let him understand:) …

Mark 13:14,19
But when ye shall see the abomination of desolation, spoken of by Daniel the prophet, standing where it ought not, (let him that readeth understand,) then let them that be in Judaea flee to the mountains: …

the houses.

Isaiah 13:16
Their children also shall be dashed to pieces before their eyes; their houses shall be spoiled, and their wives ravished.

Lamentations 1:10
The adversary hath spread out his hand upon all her pleasant things: for she hath seen that the heathen entered into her sanctuary, whom thou didst command that they should not enter into thy congregation.

Lamentations 5:11,12
They ravished the women in Zion, and the maids in the cities of Judah…

the residue.

Luke 21:24
And they shall fall by the edge of the sword, and shall be led away captive into all nations: and Jerusalem shall be trodden down of the Gentiles, until the times of the Gentiles be fulfilled.

shall not.

Zechariah 13:8,9
And it shall come to pass, that in all the land, saith the LORD, two parts therein shall be cut off and die; but the third shall be left therein…

Isaiah 65:6-9,18
Behold, it is written before me: I will not keep silence, but will recompense, even recompense into their bosom, …

Matthew 24:22
And except those days should be shortened, there should no flesh be saved: but for the elect's sake those days shall be shortened.

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Battle Captivity Captured City Cut Forth Gather Half Houses Jerusalem Nations Plundered Ravished Residue Rest Rifled Women
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Battle Captivity Captured City Cut Forth Gather Half Houses Jerusalem Nations Plundered Ravished Residue Rest Rifled Women
Zechariah 14
1. The destroyers of Jerusalem destroyed.
3. The coming of Christ, and the graces of his kingdom.
12. The plague of Jerusalem's enemies.
16. The remnant shall turn to the Lord;
20. and their spoils shall be holy.














For I will gather all the nations for battle against Jerusalem
This phrase indicates a divine orchestration of events, where God Himself is the one gathering the nations. This reflects the sovereignty of God over the affairs of nations, as seen in other scriptures like Joel 3:2 and Revelation 16:14-16, where God gathers nations for judgment. Historically, Jerusalem has been a focal point of conflict, and this prophecy points to a future eschatological battle. The gathering of nations against Jerusalem is reminiscent of past sieges, such as those by Babylon and Rome, but this prophecy suggests a more comprehensive, global coalition.

and the city will be captured
The capture of Jerusalem has occurred multiple times in history, notably by the Babylonians in 586 BC and the Romans in AD 70. This phrase suggests a future event where Jerusalem will again fall into enemy hands. Theologically, it underscores the theme of judgment and redemption, as Jerusalem's capture often precedes divine intervention and restoration.

the houses looted
Looting is a common consequence of ancient warfare, reflecting the totality of the city's defeat. This phrase highlights the severity of the invasion and the suffering of the inhabitants. It echoes the lamentations of prophets like Jeremiah, who witnessed the destruction and plundering of Jerusalem (Lamentations 5:2).

and the women ravished
This tragic consequence of war underscores the brutality and inhumanity often associated with military conquests. It serves as a stark reminder of the moral decay and lawlessness that accompany such events. The violation of women in times of war is a recurring theme in biblical narratives, as seen in passages like Judges 19:25-26, and it emphasizes the need for divine justice and restoration.

Half of the city will go into exile
Exile is a recurring theme in the Bible, symbolizing both judgment and purification. The division of the city into those exiled and those remaining suggests a partial judgment, reminiscent of the Babylonian exile where a remnant was left in the land (2 Kings 25:12). This division may also symbolize a separation between the faithful and unfaithful, as seen in the parable of the sheep and goats (Matthew 25:31-46).

but the rest of the people will not be removed from the city
This phrase indicates that a remnant will remain in Jerusalem, a common biblical motif where God preserves a faithful group through trials (Isaiah 10:20-22). This remnant theme is crucial in understanding God's covenant faithfulness and His plans for restoration. It suggests hope and continuity, pointing to future redemption and the ultimate establishment of God's kingdom, as prophesied in Zechariah 14:9.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Jerusalem
The central city in biblical prophecy, often representing God's chosen people and His divine plan. In this verse, it is the focal point of a future conflict involving all nations.

2. All the Nations
Refers to the collective forces of the world that will come against Jerusalem. This gathering signifies a global opposition to God's purposes.

3. The City Captured
This event indicates a temporary victory for the opposing forces, symbolizing a time of great trial and tribulation for God's people.

4. Exile and Remnant
Half of the city's population will go into exile, while the rest remain. This division highlights the theme of judgment and preservation found throughout Scripture.

5. Divine Gathering
The phrase "I will gather" indicates God's sovereign control over the events, emphasizing His ultimate authority and purpose even in times of chaos.
Teaching Points
God's Sovereignty in Judgment
Even in times of great distress, God remains in control. Believers can trust in His ultimate plan and purpose, knowing that He orchestrates events for His glory and our good.

The Reality of Spiritual Warfare
The gathering of nations against Jerusalem symbolizes the spiritual battles believers face. We must remain vigilant and equipped with the armor of God to withstand such trials.

Hope Amidst Tribulation
The preservation of a remnant in Jerusalem serves as a reminder of God's faithfulness. In our own lives, we can find hope knowing that God preserves His people through trials.

Call to Intercession
Understanding the gravity of these prophetic events should drive us to pray for Jerusalem and for the salvation of all nations, aligning our hearts with God's redemptive purposes.

Living as a Faithful Remnant
As believers, we are called to be the faithful remnant, standing firm in our faith and witness, even when faced with opposition or exile.Verse 2. - How this shall come to pass is now shown. For I will gather all nations. God uses the Gentile nations as his instruments in this trial of his people; they are the fires by which he refines and purifies his elect (Joel 3:2, 9-11). The city shall be taken. The outrages offered to the captive city are such as are indicated in the case of Babylon (Isaiah 13:16; comp. Lamentations 5:11, etc.). Half of the city. The term "half" must not be pressed, as if it contradicted the mention of the two-thirds that were to perish, according to the prediction in Zechariah 13:8. It is a mere rhetorical expression. Or it may apply to the city alone, while the other referred to the whole land. Shall not be out off. In the former captivity all the people were carried away; in this capture of the city a remnant shall be left therein. It is plain from this statement that the prophecy cannot apply to the destruction of the city by the Romans; for, according to the account of Josephus ('Bell. Jud.,' 6:09), the city itself was razed to the ground, and all the inhabitants were either put to the sword or sold for slaves.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
For I will gather
וְאָסַפְתִּ֨י (wə·’ā·sap̄·tî)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - first person common singular
Strong's 622: To gather for, any purpose, to receive, take away, remove

all
כָּל־ (kāl-)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 3605: The whole, all, any, every

the nations
הַגּוֹיִ֥ם ׀ (hag·gō·w·yim)
Article | Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 1471: A foreign nation, a Gentile, a troop of animals, a flight of locusts

for battle
לַמִּלְחָמָה֒ (lam·mil·ḥā·māh)
Preposition-l, Article | Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 4421: A battle, war

against
אֶֽל־ (’el-)
Preposition
Strong's 413: Near, with, among, to

Jerusalem,
יְרוּשָׁלִַם֮ (yə·rū·šā·lim)
Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 3389: Jerusalem -- probably 'foundation of peace', capital city of all Israel

and the city
הָעִ֗יר (hā·‘îr)
Article | Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 5892: Excitement

will be captured,
וְנִלְכְּדָ֣ה (wə·nil·kə·ḏāh)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Nifal - Conjunctive perfect - third person feminine singular
Strong's 3920: To catch, to capture, occupy, to choose, to cohere

the houses
הַבָּ֣תִּ֔ים (hab·bāt·tîm)
Article | Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 1004: A house

looted,
וְנָשַׁ֙סּוּ֙ (wə·nā·šas·sū)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Nifal - Conjunctive perfect - third person common plural
Strong's 8155: To spoil, plunder

and the women
וְהַנָּשִׁ֖ים (wə·han·nā·šîm)
Conjunctive waw, Article | Noun - feminine plural
Strong's 802: Woman, wife, female

ravished.
תִּשָּׁכַ֑בְנָה (tiš·šā·ḵaḇ·nāh)
Verb - Nifal - Imperfect - third person feminine plural
Strong's 7693: To violate, ravish

Half
חֲצִ֤י (ḥă·ṣî)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 2677: The half, middle

of the city
הָעִיר֙ (hā·‘îr)
Article | Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 5892: Excitement

will go
וְיָצָ֞א (wə·yā·ṣā)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 3318: To go, bring, out, direct and proxim

into captivity,
בַּגּוֹלָ֔ה (bag·gō·w·lāh)
Preposition-b, Article | Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 1473: Exile, exiles

but the rest
וְיֶ֣תֶר (wə·ye·ṯer)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 3499: An overhanging, an excess, superiority, remainder, a small rope

of the people
הָעָ֔ם (hā·‘ām)
Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 5971: A people, a tribe, troops, attendants, a flock

will not
לֹ֥א (lō)
Adverb - Negative particle
Strong's 3808: Not, no

be removed
יִכָּרֵ֖ת (yik·kā·rêṯ)
Verb - Nifal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 3772: To cut, to destroy, consume, to covenant

from
מִן־ (min-)
Preposition
Strong's 4480: A part of, from, out of

the city.
הָעִֽיר׃ (hā·‘îr)
Article | Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 5892: Excitement


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OT Prophets: Zechariah 14:2 For I will gather all nations against (Zech. Zec Zc)
Zechariah 14:1
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