Zechariah 8:13 Meaning and Explanation
“And it shall come to pass, that as ye were a curse among the heathen, O house of Judah, and house of Israel; so will I save you, and ye shall be a blessing: fear not, but let your hands be strong.”
King James Version (KJV)
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Read Full Chapter →God promises to turn His people from a byword of cursing into a channel of blessing, and again calls them to courage.
What Does Zechariah 8:13 Mean?
Among the nations, exiled Judah and Israel had become a cautionary tale, an example of what a cursed people looked like. God now reverses that reputation entirely. The same people who were a curse will be saved and become a blessing, recalling the ancient promise that through Abraham's line all nations would be blessed.
God's saving work does not merely restore the individual; it makes the rescued into a means of grace for others. Fear is answered not by denial but by His pledge to act, and so again He says, let your hands be strong. The Lord turns shame into testimony, and those He saves become living evidence of His goodness, a blessing flowing outward to the watching world.
Zechariah 8:13 in the Original Language
berakah (בְּרָכָה), 'blessing' -- a gift of favor and flourishing that flows from God to others through His people.
Frequently Asked Questions About Zechariah 8:13
What does Zechariah 8:13 mean?
God promises to turn His people from a byword of cursing into a channel of blessing, and again calls them to courage.