Zechariah 7:14
New International Version
I scattered them with a whirlwind among all the nations, where they were strangers. The land they left behind them was so desolate that no one traveled through it. This is how they made the pleasant land desolate.’”

New Living Translation
As with a whirlwind, I scattered them among the distant nations, where they lived as strangers. Their land became so desolate that no one even traveled through it. They turned their pleasant land into a desert.”

English Standard Version
“and I scattered them with a whirlwind among all the nations that they had not known. Thus the land they left was desolate, so that no one went to and fro, and the pleasant land was made desolate.”

Berean Standard Bible
But I scattered them with a whirlwind among all the nations that they had not known, and the land was left desolate behind them so that no one could come or go. Thus they turned the pleasant land into a desolation.”

King James Bible
But I scattered them with a whirlwind among all the nations whom they knew not. Thus the land was desolate after them, that no man passed through nor returned: for they laid the pleasant land desolate.

New King James Version
“But I scattered them with a whirlwind among all the nations which they had not known. Thus the land became desolate after them, so that no one passed through or returned; for they made the pleasant land desolate.”

New American Standard Bible
“but I scattered them with a storm wind among all the nations whom they did not know. So the land was desolated behind them so that no one went back and forth, since they made the pleasant land desolate.”

NASB 1995
“but I scattered them with a storm wind among all the nations whom they have not known. Thus the land is desolated behind them so that no one went back and forth, for they made the pleasant land desolate.”

NASB 1977
“but I scattered them with a storm wind among all the nations whom they have not known. Thus the land is desolated behind them, so that no one went back and forth, for they made the pleasant land desolate.”

Legacy Standard Bible
“but I scattered them with a storm wind among all the nations whom they have not known. Thus the land is desolated behind them so that no one was passing through and returning, for they made the pleasant land desolate.”

Amplified Bible
“but I scattered them with a storm wind among all the nations whom they have not known. Thus the land was desolate after they had gone, so that no one passed through or returned, for they [by their sins] had made the pleasant land desolate and deserted.”

Christian Standard Bible
I scattered them with a windstorm over all the nations that had not known them, and the land was left desolate behind them, with no one coming or going. They turned a pleasant land into a desolation.”

Holman Christian Standard Bible
I scattered them with a windstorm over all the nations that had not known them, and the land was left desolate behind them, with no one coming or going. They turned a pleasant land into a desolation.”

American Standard Version
but I will scatter them with a whirlwind among all the nations which they have not known. Thus the land was desolate after them, so that no man passed through nor returned: for they laid the pleasant land desolate.

Contemporary English Version
That's why I came with a whirlwind and scattered them among foreign nations, leaving their lovely country empty of people and in ruins.

English Revised Version
but I will scatter them with a whirlwind among all the nations whom they have not known. Thus the land was desolate after them, that no man passed through nor returned: for they laid the pleasant land desolate.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
I used a windstorm to scatter them among all the nations, nations they hadn't even heard of. They left behind a land so ruined that no one is able to travel through it. They have turned a pleasant land into a wasteland."

Good News Translation
Like a storm I swept them away to live in foreign countries. This good land was left a desolate place, with no one living in it."

International Standard Version
I will scatter them to all of the nations, which they have not known.'" Now the earth was left desolate after them. As a result, no one came or went because they had turned a pleasant land into a desert.

Majority Standard Bible
But I scattered them with a whirlwind among all the nations that they had not known, and the land was left desolate behind them so that no one could come or go. Thus they turned the pleasant land into a desolation.”

NET Bible
Rather, I will sweep them away in a storm into all the nations they are not familiar with.' Thus the land had become desolate because of them, with no one crossing through or returning, for they had made the fruitful land a waste."

New Heart English Bible
"but I will scatter them with a whirlwind among all the nations which they have not known. Thus the land was desolate after them, so that no man passed through nor returned: for they made the pleasant land desolate."

Webster's Bible Translation
But I scattered them with a whirlwind among all the nations whom they knew not. Thus the land was desolate after them, that no man passed through nor returned: for they laid the pleasant land desolate.

World English Bible
“but I will scatter them with a whirlwind among all the nations which they have not known. Thus the land was desolate after them, so that no man passed through nor returned; for they made the pleasant land desolate.”
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
“And I toss them on all the nations, "" That they have not known, "" The land has been desolate behind them, "" Of any passing by and turning back, "" And they set a desirable land for a desolation!”

Young's Literal Translation
And I toss them on all the nations, That they have not known, The land hath been desolate behind them, Of any passing by and turning back, And they set a desirable land for a desolation!

Smith's Literal Translation
And I will toss them about among all the nations which they knew not: and the land was desolate after them from passing through and from turning back: and they shall set the land of desire for a desolation.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
And I dispersed them throughout all kingdoms, which they know not: and the land was left desolate behind them, so that no man passed through or returned: and they changed the delightful land into a wilderness.

Catholic Public Domain Version
And I dispersed them throughout all the kingdoms that they did not know. And the land was left desolate behind them, so that no one was passing through or returning. And they made the desirable land into a deserted place.

New American Bible
And I will scatter them among all the nations that they do not know. So the land was left desolate behind them with no one moving about, and they made a pleasant land into a wasteland.

New Revised Standard Version
and I scattered them with a whirlwind among all the nations that they had not known. Thus the land they left was desolate, so that no one went to and fro, and a pleasant land was made desolate.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
And I scattered them among all the nations whom they knew not. Thus the land was desolate after them, without any one to pass through it and without an inhabitant, because they made the pleasant land a desolation.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And I shall scatter them into all the nations that have not known them, and the land shall be desolate after them for lack of a passerby or an inhabitant, because they had made the land of desire a wilderness.”
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
but I will scatter them with a whirlwind among all the nations whom they have not known. Thus the land was desolate after them, so that no man passed through nor returned; for they laid the pleasant land desolate.'

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And I will cast them out among all the nations, whom they know not; and the land behind them shall be made utterly destitute of any going through or returning: yea they have made the choice land a desolation.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
A Call to Justice and Mercy
13And just as I had called and they would not listen, so when they called I would not listen, says the LORD of Hosts. 14But I scattered them with a whirlwind among all the nations that they had not known, and the land was left desolate behind them so that no one could come or go. Thus they turned the pleasant land into a desolation.”

Cross References
Jeremiah 9:16
I will scatter them among the nations that neither they nor their fathers have known, and I will send a sword after them until I have finished them off.”

Leviticus 26:33
But I will scatter you among the nations and will draw out a sword after you as your land becomes desolate and your cities are laid waste.

Deuteronomy 28:64
Then the LORD will scatter you among all the nations, from one end of the earth to the other, and there you will worship other gods, gods of wood and stone, which neither you nor your fathers have known.

2 Kings 17:23
Finally, the LORD removed Israel from His presence, as He had declared through all His servants the prophets. So Israel was exiled from their homeland into Assyria, where they are to this day.

2 Chronicles 36:21
So the land enjoyed its Sabbath rest all the days of the desolation, until seventy years were completed, in fulfillment of the word of the LORD spoken through Jeremiah.

Jeremiah 4:27
For this is what the LORD says: “The whole land will be desolate, but I will not finish its destruction.

Jeremiah 7:34
I will remove from the cities of Judah and the streets of Jerusalem the sounds of joy and gladness and the voices of the bride and bridegroom, for the land will become a wasteland.”

Jeremiah 25:11
And this whole land will become a desolate wasteland, and these nations will serve the king of Babylon for seventy years.

Jeremiah 29:18
I will pursue them with sword and famine and plague. I will make them a horror to all the kingdoms of the earth—a curse, a desolation, and an object of scorn and reproach among all the nations to which I banish them.

Ezekiel 12:15
And they will know that I am the LORD, when I disperse them among the nations and scatter them throughout the countries.

Ezekiel 20:23
However, with an uplifted hand I swore to them in the wilderness that I would scatter them among the nations and disperse them throughout the lands.

Ezekiel 22:15
I will disperse you among the nations and scatter you throughout the lands; I will purge your uncleanness.

Amos 5:27
Therefore I will send you into exile beyond Damascus,” says the LORD, whose name is the God of Hosts.

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

Matthew 23:38
Look, your house is left to you desolate.


Treasury of Scripture

But I scattered them with a whirlwind among all the nations whom they knew not. Thus the land was desolate after them, that no man passed through nor returned: for they laid the pleasant land desolate.

scattered.

Zechariah 2:6
Ho, ho, come forth, and flee from the land of the north, saith the LORD: for I have spread you abroad as the four winds of the heaven, saith the LORD.

Zechariah 9:14
And the LORD shall be seen over them, and his arrow shall go forth as the lightning: and the Lord GOD shall blow the trumpet, and shall go with whirlwinds of the south.

Leviticus 26:33
And I will scatter you among the heathen, and will draw out a sword after you: and your land shall be desolate, and your cities waste.

whom.

Deuteronomy 28:33,49
The fruit of thy land, and all thy labours, shall a nation which thou knowest not eat up; and thou shalt be only oppressed and crushed alway: …

Jeremiah 5:15
Lo, I will bring a nation upon you from far, O house of Israel, saith the LORD: it is a mighty nation, it is an ancient nation, a nation whose language thou knowest not, neither understandest what they say.

the land.

Leviticus 26:22
I will also send wild beasts among you, which shall rob you of your children, and destroy your cattle, and make you few in number; and your high ways shall be desolate.

2 Chronicles 36:21
To fulfil the word of the LORD by the mouth of Jeremiah, until the land had enjoyed her sabbaths: for as long as she lay desolate she kept sabbath, to fulfil threescore and ten years.

Jeremiah 52:30
In the three and twentieth year of Nebuchadrezzar Nebuzaradan the captain of the guard carried away captive of the Jews seven hundred forty and five persons: all the persons were four thousand and six hundred.

the pleasant land.

Daniel 8:9
And out of one of them came forth a little horn, which waxed exceeding great, toward the south, and toward the east, and toward the pleasant land.

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Zechariah 7
1. The captives enquire concerning the set fasts.
4. Zechariah reproves the hypocrisy of their fasting.
8. Sin the cause of their captivity.














but I scattered them
The Hebrew root for "scattered" is "פָּזַר" (pazar), which conveys the idea of dispersing or spreading out. This scattering is a direct consequence of Israel's disobedience and rejection of God's commands. Historically, this refers to the Babylonian exile, where the Israelites were forcibly removed from their homeland. Theologically, it serves as a reminder of the consequences of turning away from God. The scattering is not just physical but also spiritual, as the people are distanced from the presence and blessings of God.

with a whirlwind
The term "whirlwind" in Hebrew is "סוּפָה" (suphah), often used to describe a powerful and destructive force. This imagery emphasizes the intensity and swiftness of God's judgment. In the ancient Near Eastern context, a whirlwind was seen as an unstoppable force of nature, symbolizing God's might and the seriousness of His actions. It serves as a warning of the consequences of sin and the power of divine retribution.

among all the nations
This phrase highlights the extent of the scattering, indicating that the Israelites were dispersed far and wide, beyond their familiar borders. Historically, this reflects the diaspora, where Jewish communities were established throughout the known world. Scripturally, it underscores the fulfillment of God's warnings through the prophets that disobedience would lead to exile. It also foreshadows the eventual gathering of God's people from all nations, a theme of hope and restoration.

they had not known
The phrase "they had not known" suggests unfamiliarity and alienation. The Israelites were sent to lands and cultures foreign to them, emphasizing the loss of their identity and heritage. This serves as a metaphor for spiritual estrangement from God, highlighting the consequences of forsaking His covenant. It also points to the broader biblical theme of exile as a state of being away from God's intended place and purpose for His people.

Thus the land was left desolate
The word "desolate" in Hebrew is "שָׁמֵם" (shamem), meaning deserted or laid waste. This describes the physical and spiritual barrenness of the land of Israel after the exile. Archaeologically, evidence of destruction and abandonment during this period supports this depiction. Theologically, it reflects the withdrawal of God's blessing and presence, leaving the land empty and unproductive. It serves as a somber reminder of the consequences of sin and the importance of faithfulness to God.

behind them
The phrase "behind them" indicates what was left in the wake of the Israelites' departure. It suggests a turning away from what was once vibrant and alive. Historically, it points to the ruins and emptiness left in the land of Israel. Spiritually, it symbolizes the void left when God's people abandon His ways. It serves as a call to remember the past and learn from it, urging a return to God and His promises.

with no one coming or going
This phrase paints a picture of complete isolation and inactivity. The land, once bustling with life and commerce, is now silent and abandoned. It reflects the cessation of normal life and the breakdown of community and society. In a broader biblical context, it symbolizes the spiritual stagnation that occurs when people are cut off from God. It serves as a call to repentance and renewal, inviting God's people to return to Him and restore what has been lost.

Verse 14. - I scattered them; I will scatter them. What had happened in the past is a sign of what shall befall them in the future in punishment of like obduracy. The form of the sentence denotes that God is recounting what he had said to the people in past time; hence it is best to translate the verbs in the future tense. Scattered them with a whirlwind; Septuagint, ἐκβαλῶ αὐτούς, "I will cast them out;" Vulgate, dispersi eos (comp. Job 27:21; Amos 1:14). Nations whom they knew not. This is the usual phrase for people of strange tongue (Deuteronomy 28:33; Jeremiah 16:13). Thus the land was desolate. This was the result of God's threatenings. Some make the words of Jehovah continue to "nor returned," but the punctuation is against them. After them; i.e. after they were carried away in captivity. No man passed through nor returned. No one went to and fro - a picture of extreme desolation (comp. Isaiah 33:8; Jeremiah 9:12; and for the phrase, see Zechariah 9:8; Ezekiel 35:7). For they laid the pleasant land desolate. The pronoun refers to the disobedient Jews, their sin being the cause of the desolation; or the verb may be taken impersonally, "So the pleasant land was made desolate." "The pleasant land" is literally, "the land of desire." Septuagint, γῆν ἐκλεκτήν (Psalm 106:24; Jeremiah 3:19).



Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
But I scattered them with a whirlwind
וְאֵ֣סָעֲרֵ֗ם (wə·’ê·sā·‘ă·rêm)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Piel - Conjunctive imperfect - first person common singular | third person masculine plural
Strong's 5590: To rush upon, to toss

among
עַ֤ל (‘al)
Preposition
Strong's 5921: Above, over, upon, against

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

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

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

they had not
לֹֽא־ (lō-)
Adverb - Negative particle
Strong's 3808: Not, no

known,
יְדָע֔וּם (yə·ḏā·‘ūm)
Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person common plural | third person masculine plural
Strong's 3045: To know

and the land
וְהָאָ֙רֶץ֙ (wə·hā·’ā·reṣ)
Conjunctive waw, Article | Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 776: Earth, land

was left desolate
לְשַׁמָּֽה׃ (lə·šam·māh)
Preposition-l | Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 8074: To stun, devastate, stupefy

behind them,
אַֽחֲרֵיהֶ֔ם (’a·ḥă·rê·hem)
Preposition | third person masculine plural
Strong's 310: The hind or following part

so that no one could come
מֵֽעֹבֵ֖ר (mê·‘ō·ḇêr)
Preposition-m | Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular
Strong's 5674: To pass over, through, or by, pass on

or go.
וּמִשָּׁ֑ב (ū·miš·šāḇ)
Conjunctive waw, Preposition-m | Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular
Strong's 7725: To turn back, in, to retreat, again

Thus they turned
וַיָּשִׂ֥ימוּ (way·yā·śî·mū)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural
Strong's 7760: Put -- to put, place, set

a pleasant
חֶמְדָּ֖ה (ḥem·dāh)
Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 2532: Desire, delight

land
אֶֽרֶץ־ (’e·reṣ-)
Noun - feminine singular construct
Strong's 776: Earth, land

into a desolation.”
נָשַׁ֣מָּה (nā·šam·māh)
Verb - Nifal - Perfect - third person feminine singular
Strong's 8047: Ruin, consternation


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OT Prophets: Zechariah 7:14 But I will scatter them (Zech. Zec Zc)
Zechariah 7:13
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