Zechariah 8:5
New International Version
The city streets will be filled with boys and girls playing there.”

New Living Translation
And the streets of the city will be filled with boys and girls at play.

English Standard Version
And the streets of the city shall be full of boys and girls playing in its streets.

Berean Standard Bible
And the streets of the city will be filled with boys and girls playing there.”

King James Bible
And the streets of the city shall be full of boys and girls playing in the streets thereof.

New King James Version
The streets of the city Shall be full of boys and girls Playing in its streets.’

New American Standard Bible
And the public squares of the city will be filled with boys and girls playing in its squares.’

NASB 1995
‘And the streets of the city will be filled with boys and girls playing in its streets.’

NASB 1977
‘And the streets of the city will be filled with boys and girls playing in its streets.’

Legacy Standard Bible
And the streets of the city will be filled with boys and girls playing in its streets.’

Amplified Bible
And the streets of the city will be filled with boys and girls playing in its streets.’

Christian Standard Bible
The streets of the city will be filled with boys and girls playing in them.”

Holman Christian Standard Bible
The streets of the city will be filled with boys and girls playing in them.”

American Standard Version
And the streets of the city shall be full of boys and girls playing in the streets thereof.

Contemporary English Version
while boys and girls play in the streets.

English Revised Version
And the streets of the city shall be full of boys and girls playing in the streets thereof.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
The city will be filled with boys and girls playing in the streets.

Good News Translation
And the streets will again be full of boys and girls playing.

International Standard Version
The city parks will be filled with boys and girls. They will play in the city's open parks.'

Majority Standard Bible
And the streets of the city will be filled with boys and girls playing there.?

NET Bible
And the streets of the city will be full of boys and girls playing.

New Heart English Bible
The streets of the city will be full of boys and girls playing in its streets."

Webster's Bible Translation
And the streets of the city shall be full of boys and girls playing in its streets.

World English Bible
The streets of the city will be full of boys and girls playing in its streets.”
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
And broad places of the city are full of boys and girls, "" Playing in its broad places.

Young's Literal Translation
And broad places of the city are full of boys and girls, Playing in its broad places.

Smith's Literal Translation
And the broad places of the city shall be filled with boys and girls playing in her broad places.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
And the streets of the city shall be full of boys and girls, playing in the streets thereof.

Catholic Public Domain Version
And the streets of the city will be filled with toddlers and children, playing in its streets.

New American Bible
The city will be filled with boys and girls playing in its streets.

New Revised Standard Version
And the streets of the city shall be full of boys and girls playing in its streets.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
And the streets of the city shall be full of boys and girls playing.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And the streets of the city will be filled with boys and girls who are playing in the streets
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
And the broad places of the city shall be full of boys and girls playing in the broad places thereof.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And the broad places of the city shall be filled with boys and girls playing in the streets thereof.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
The Restoration of Jerusalem
4This is what the LORD of Hosts says: “Old men and old women will again sit along the streets of Jerusalem, each with a staff in hand because of great age. 5And the streets of the city will be filled with boys and girls playing there.” 6This is what the LORD of Hosts says: “If this is impossible in the eyes of the remnant of this people in these days, should it also be impossible in My eyes?” declares the LORD of Hosts.…

Cross References
Isaiah 65:19
I will rejoice in Jerusalem and take delight in My people. The sounds of weeping and crying will no longer be heard in her.

Jeremiah 31:13
Then the maidens will rejoice with dancing, young men and old as well. I will turn their mourning into joy, and give them comfort and joy for their sorrow.

Psalm 144:12
Then our sons will be like plants nurtured in their youth, our daughters like corner pillars carved to adorn a palace.

Isaiah 11:6-9
The wolf will live with the lamb, and the leopard will lie down with the goat; the calf and young lion and fatling will be together, and a little child will lead them. / The cow will graze with the bear, their young will lie down together, and the lion will eat straw like the ox. / The infant will play by the cobra’s den, and the toddler will reach into the viper’s nest. ...

Jeremiah 30:19-20
Thanksgiving will proceed from them, a sound of celebration. I will multiply them, and they will not be decreased; I will honor them, and they will not be belittled. / Their children will be as in days of old, and their congregation will be established before Me; and I will punish all their oppressors.

Isaiah 54:13
Then all your sons will be taught by the LORD, and great will be their prosperity.

Jeremiah 33:10-11
This is what the LORD says: In this place you say is a wasteland without man or beast, in the cities of Judah and in the streets of Jerusalem that are deserted—inhabited by neither man nor beast—there will be heard again / the sounds of joy and gladness, the voices of the bride and bridegroom, and the voices of those bringing thank offerings into the house of the LORD, saying: ‘Give thanks to the LORD of Hosts, for the LORD is good; His loving devotion endures forever.’ For I will restore the land from captivity as in former times, says the LORD.

Isaiah 60:18
No longer will violence be heard in your land, nor ruin or destruction within your borders. But you will name your walls Salvation and your gates Praise.

Isaiah 65:23
They will not labor in vain or bear children doomed to disaster; for they will be a people blessed by the LORD—they and their descendants with them.

Ezekiel 36:37-38
This is what the Lord GOD says: Once again I will hear the plea of the house of Israel and do for them this: I will multiply their people like a flock. / Like the numerous flocks for sacrifices at Jerusalem during her appointed feasts, so the ruined cities will be filled with flocks of people. Then they will know that I am the LORD.”

Matthew 19:14
But Jesus said, “Let the little children come to Me, and do not hinder them! For the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.”

Mark 10:14
But when Jesus saw this, He was indignant and told them, “Let the little children come to Me, and do not hinder them! For the kingdom of God belongs to such as these.

Luke 18:16
But Jesus called the children to Him and said, “Let the little children come to Me, and do not hinder them! For the kingdom of God belongs to such as these.

Matthew 21:15-16
But the chief priests and scribes were indignant when they saw the wonders He performed and the children shouting in the temple courts, “Hosanna to the Son of David!” / “Do You hear what these children are saying?” they asked. “Yes,” Jesus answered. “Have you never read: ‘From the mouths of children and infants You have ordained praise’?”

Acts 2:46-47
With one accord they continued to meet daily in the temple courts and to break bread from house to house, sharing their meals with gladness and sincerity of heart, / praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.


Treasury of Scripture

And the streets of the city shall be full of boys and girls playing in the streets thereof.

playing.

Zechariah 2:4
And said unto him, Run, speak to this young man, saying, Jerusalem shall be inhabited as towns without walls for the multitude of men and cattle therein:

Psalm 128:3,4
Thy wife shall be as a fruitful vine by the sides of thine house: thy children like olive plants round about thy table…

Psalm 144:12-15
That our sons may be as plants grown up in their youth; that our daughters may be as corner stones, polished after the similitude of a palace: …

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Boys Broad City Filled Full Girls Open Places Playing Spaces Streets Thereof
Zechariah 8
1. The restoration of Jerusalem.
9. They are encouraged to build the temple by God's favor to them.
16. Good works are required of them.
18. Joy and blessing are promised.














And the streets of the city
This phrase refers to Jerusalem, the central city of Jewish life and worship. Historically, Jerusalem has been a focal point for God's promises and prophecies. The city has experienced destruction and restoration multiple times, reflecting the spiritual state of Israel. In the context of Zechariah, this prophecy comes after the Babylonian exile, during a period of rebuilding. The streets symbolize public life and community, indicating a return to normalcy and peace. Jerusalem's streets being filled again signifies God's faithfulness in restoring His people.

will be filled
The imagery of being "filled" suggests abundance and prosperity. In biblical terms, fullness often represents God's blessing and presence. This is a stark contrast to the desolation experienced during the exile. The filling of the streets indicates a reversal of past judgments and a renewal of life. It echoes other prophetic visions of restoration, such as in Isaiah 65:19-20, where joy and longevity are promised to the inhabitants of Jerusalem.

with boys and girls
Children are a sign of hope and future generations. In ancient Israel, children were considered a blessing from God, as seen in Psalm 127:3-5. The presence of boys and girls in the streets signifies safety and security, as parents would not allow their children to play outside if there were threats of danger. This also reflects a thriving community, where families are growing and life is being sustained. The mention of both boys and girls highlights inclusivity and the comprehensive nature of God's restoration.

playing there.
Play is an expression of joy and freedom. In a historical context, play was a natural part of childhood, but it also required a peaceful environment. The ability for children to play in the streets without fear indicates a time of peace and divine protection. This scene contrasts with the earlier periods of war and exile, showing a complete transformation. Theologically, it points to the Messianic age, where peace and righteousness will reign, as prophesied in Isaiah 11:6-9, where harmony is restored to all creation.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Zechariah
A prophet who ministered to the Jewish people after their return from Babylonian exile. His prophecies encouraged the rebuilding of the temple and the restoration of Jerusalem.

2. Jerusalem
The city central to Jewish identity and worship, which had been devastated by the Babylonian conquest but was being rebuilt during Zechariah's time.

3. Children (Boys and Girls)
Representing innocence, joy, and the future generation, their presence in the streets signifies peace and prosperity.

4. The Streets of the City
Symbolic of public life and community well-being, indicating a safe and thriving environment.

5. The Restoration of Jerusalem
A period of renewal and hope for the Jewish people, as they anticipated God's promises of peace and prosperity being fulfilled.
Teaching Points
Peace and Security
The image of children playing in the streets reflects a society where peace and security prevail. As believers, we are called to be peacemakers and to work towards creating environments where families and communities can thrive.

Hope for the Future
The presence of children signifies hope and continuity. In our spiritual lives, we should invest in the next generation, teaching them the ways of the Lord and instilling in them a sense of hope and purpose.

God's Faithfulness
The prophecy of children playing in the streets is a testament to God's faithfulness in restoring His people. We can trust that God will fulfill His promises in our lives, even when circumstances seem bleak.

Community and Joy
The communal aspect of children playing together highlights the importance of fellowship and joy within the body of Christ. We should strive to build strong, joyful communities that reflect God's love.

Symbol of Innocence
Children symbolize innocence and purity. As Christians, we are called to maintain a pure heart and to approach God with the innocence and trust of a child.Verse 5. - Full of boys and girls. Jerusalem and the other cities had long been strangers to any such happy sight. Large increase of population is a blessing often promised in the latter days (Hosea 1:10; Micah 2:12). Perowne remarks that our Lord alludes to the games of children the marketplaces as a familiar incident his days (Matthew 11:16, 17; comp. Jeremiah 11).

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
And the streets
וּרְחֹב֤וֹת (ū·rə·ḥō·ḇō·wṯ)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine plural construct
Strong's 7339: A broad open place, plaza

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

will be filled
יִמָּ֣לְא֔וּ (yim·mā·lə·’ū)
Verb - Nifal - Imperfect - third person masculine plural
Strong's 4390: To fill, be full of

with boys
יְלָדִ֖ים (yə·lā·ḏîm)
Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 3206: Something born, a lad, offspring

and girls
וִֽילָד֑וֹת (wî·lā·ḏō·wṯ)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - feminine plural
Strong's 3207: Girl, maiden

playing
מְשַׂחֲקִ֖ים (mə·śa·ḥă·qîm)
Verb - Piel - Participle - masculine plural
Strong's 7832: To laugh, to play

there.”
בִּרְחֹֽבֹתֶֽיהָ׃ (bir·ḥō·ḇō·ṯe·hā)
Preposition-b | Noun - masculine plural construct | third person feminine singular
Strong's 7339: A broad open place, plaza


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OT Prophets: Zechariah 8:5 The streets of the city will be (Zech. Zec Zc)
Zechariah 8:4
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