Zechariah 8:3 Meaning and Explanation
“Thus saith the LORD; I am returned unto Zion, and will dwell in the midst of Jerusalem: and Jerusalem shall be called a city of truth; and the mountain of the LORD of hosts the holy mountain.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →God promises to return and dwell in Jerusalem, which will be renamed the city of truth and the holy mountain.
What Does Zechariah 8:3 Mean?
After the exile, when the temple lay in ruins and God's presence seemed withdrawn, this promise lands with great weight. The LORD announces His return to dwell in the midst of His people. The city once known for compromise will be renamed for what God makes it: a city of truth, its temple hill the holy mountain.
God's deepest desire is to dwell with His people, and a place becomes holy not by its stones but by His presence. This longing reaches its fullness in the One who would tabernacle among us, and finally in the city where God dwells with His people forever. Where the Lord comes to stay, faithfulness and holiness follow, transforming the character of all who live there.
Zechariah 8:3 in the Original Language
shakan (שָׁכַן), 'dwell' -- to settle down and abide, the root behind God tabernacling among His people.
Frequently Asked Questions About Zechariah 8:3
What does Zechariah 8:3 mean?
God promises to return and dwell in Jerusalem, which will be renamed the city of truth and the holy mountain.