Zechariah 8:10 Meaning and Explanation
“For before these days there was no hire for man, nor any hire for beast; neither was there any peace to him that went out or came in because of the affliction: for I set all men every one against his neighbour.”
King James Version (KJV)
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Read Full Chapter →God recalls the hard recent past, when work brought no wages and conflict left no one at peace.
What Does Zechariah 8:10 Mean?
To make the coming blessing shine brighter, God reminds the people of their recent misery. Before the rebuilding gained momentum, labor went unrewarded for both man and beast, travel was unsafe, and neighbor was turned against neighbor. The whole community had been gripped by affliction and discord.
Naming the hardship honestly sets the stage for grace. God does not pretend the suffering away; He acknowledges it as the backdrop against which His mercy will appear. The contrast is the point: the very life that had been barren and fearful is about to be transformed. Remembering how bad things were makes the coming kindness of the Lord all the more astonishing and worthy of thanks.
Frequently Asked Questions About Zechariah 8:10
What does Zechariah 8:10 mean?
God recalls the hard recent past, when work brought no wages and conflict left no one at peace.