Zechariah 8:16 Meaning and Explanation
“These are the things that ye shall do; Speak ye every man the truth to his neighbour; execute the judgment of truth and peace in your gates:”
King James Version (KJV)
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Read Full Chapter →God calls His restored people to honest speech and just, peaceable judgments in their courts.
What Does Zechariah 8:16 Mean?
Having promised blessing, God now spells out the response it should produce. The people are to speak truth to one another and to render judgments of truth and peace in their gates, the place where legal disputes were settled. Grace received is to overflow into integrity and justice.
God's blessings come with a calling to reflect His own character. Because He is a God of truth, His people are to be truthful; because He brings peace, they are to pursue it in their dealings. A community shaped by God is marked not only by prosperity but by honesty in speech and fairness in its courts. This is what redeemed life looks like on the ground, faithfulness lived out neighbor to neighbor.
Zechariah 8:16 in the Original Language
shaar (שַׁעַר), 'gates' -- the city gate, where elders sat to judge disputes and conduct public affairs.
Frequently Asked Questions About Zechariah 8:16
What does Zechariah 8:16 mean?
God calls His restored people to honest speech and just, peaceable judgments in their courts.