Zechariah 1:4 net — “Do not be like your ancestors, to whom the former prophets called out, saying,‘This is what the LORD of Heaven’s Armie…

NET Bible

"“Do not be like your ancestors, to whom the former prophets called out, saying,‘This is what the LORD of Heaven’s Armies has said,“Turn now from your evil wickedness,”’ but they would by no means obey me,” says the LORD."

— Zechariah 1:4, NET Bible

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Zechariah 1:4 in Other Translations

6 versions All translations
  • KJV

    “Be ye not as your fathers, unto whom the former prophets have cried, saying, Thus saith the Lord of hosts; Turn ye now from your evil ways, and from your evil doings: but they did not hear, nor hearken unto me, saith the Lord.”

  • ASV

    “Be ye not as your fathers, unto whom the former prophets cried, saying, Thus saith Jehovah of hosts, Return ye now from your evil ways, and from your evil doings: but they did not hear, nor hearken unto me, saith Jehovah. ”

  • WEB

    “Don't you be like your fathers, to whom the former prophets proclaimed, saying: Thus says Yahweh of Armies, 'Return now from your evil ways, and from your evil doings;' but they did not hear, nor listen to me, says Yahweh.”

  • DRB

    “Be not as your fathers, to whom the former prophets have cried, saying: Thus saith the Lord of hosts: Turn ye from your evil ways, and from your wicked thoughts: but they did not give ear, neither did they hearken to me, saith the Lord.”

  • BBE

    “Be not like your fathers, to whom the voice of the earlier prophets came, saying, Be turned now from your evil ways and from your evil doings: but they did not give ear to me or take note, says the Lord.”

  • KJVA

    “Be ye not as your fathers, unto whom the former prophets have cried, saying, Thus saith the Lord of hosts; Turn ye now from your evil ways, and from your evil doings: but they did not hear, nor hearken unto me, saith the Lord.”

Zechariah 1 — Context

1

¶ Introduction In the eighth month of Darius’ second year, the LORD’s message came to the prophet Zechariah, son of Berechiah son of Iddo:

2

The LORD was very angry with your ancestors.

3

Therefore say to the people: The LORD of Heaven’s Armies says,“Turn to me,” says the LORD of Heaven’s Armies,“and I will turn to you,” says the LORD of Heaven’s Armies.

4

“Do not be like your ancestors, to whom the former prophets called out, saying,‘This is what the LORD of Heaven’s Armies has said,“Turn now from your evil wickedness,”’ but they would by no means obey me,” says the LORD.

5

“As for your ancestors, where are they? And did the prophets live forever?

6

But have my words and statutes, which I commanded my servants the prophets, not outlived your fathers? Then they paid attention and confessed,‘The LORD of Heaven’s Armies has indeed done what he said he would do to us, because of our sinful ways.’”

7

The Introduction to the Visions On the twenty-fourth day of the eleventh month, the month Shebat, in Darius’ second year, the LORD’s message came to the prophet Zechariah son of Berechiah son of Iddo:

Zechariah 1:4 — Frequently Asked Questions

7 questions
What does Zechariah 1:4 say?
Zechariah 1:4 in the NET Bible reads: ““Do not be like your ancestors, to whom the former prophets called out, saying,‘This is what the LORD of Heaven’s Armies has said,“Turn now from your evil wickedness,”’ but they would by no means obey me,” says the LORD.”
Where is Zechariah 1:4 in the Bible?
Zechariah 1:4 is found in the Old Testament, in the book of Zechariah, chapter 1, verse 4.
Who wrote Zechariah?
Zechariah is traditionally attributed to Zechariah son of Berechiah. It was written c. 520–470 BC.
What is the book of Zechariah about?
Zechariah encourages the temple builders with a series of eight night visions and oracles, all pointing forward to the coming King who will enter Jerusalem on a donkey and be "pierced" for his people. It is one of the most messianic books in the Old Testament.
What are the major themes of Zechariah?
Zechariah explores themes including Vision, Coming King, Messiah, Temple, Day of the LORD. These themes shape the meaning and context of Zechariah 1:4.
What translation should I read Zechariah 1:4 in?
Zechariah 1:4 is available on GodsGoodBook in the King James Version (KJV), American Standard Version (ASV), World English Bible (WEB), NET Bible, Young's Literal Translation, Darby Bible, Douay-Rheims Bible, and the Bible in Basic English. Each translation reflects different translation philosophies — use the translation picker on this page to compare them, or browse our full translations directory.
How can I memorize Zechariah 1:4?
Zechariah 1:4 reads (NET): ““Do not be like your ancestors, to whom the former prophets called out, saying,‘This is what the LORD of Heaven’s Armies has said,“Turn now from your evil wickedness,”’ but they would by no means obey me,” says the LORD.” Read it aloud, break it into short phrases, repeat each phrase three times before adding the next, then put the phrases together. Reading it in multiple translations (above) often helps the meaning settle.
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