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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Zechariah 1:3 So tell the people that this is what the LORD of Hosts says: 'Return to Me, declares the LORD of Hosts, and I will return to you, says the LORD of Hosts.'</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/zechariah/1-3.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/5/38_Zec_01_03.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Zechariah 1:3 - A Call to Repentance" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="So tell the people that this is what the LORD of Hosts says: 'Return to Me, declares the LORD of Hosts, and I will return to you, says the LORD of Hosts.'" /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; 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Turn ye unto me, saith the LORD of hosts, and I will turn unto you, saith the LORD of hosts. <a href="/nkjv/zechariah/1.htm">New King James Version</a> Therefore say to them, ‘Thus says the LORD of hosts: “Return to Me,” says the LORD of hosts, “and I will return to you,” says the LORD of hosts. <a href="/nasb_/zechariah/1.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> Therefore say to them, ‘This is what the LORD of armies says: “Return to Me,” declares the LORD of armies, “that I may return to you,” says the LORD of armies. <a href="/nasb/zechariah/1.htm">NASB 1995</a> &#8220Therefore say to them, &#8216Thus says the LORD of hosts, &#8220Return to Me,&#8221 declares the LORD of hosts, &#8220that I may return to you,&#8221 says the LORD of hosts. <a href="/nasb77/zechariah/1.htm">NASB 1977 </a> “Therefore say to them, ‘Thus says the LORD of hosts, “Return to Me,” declares the LORD of hosts, “that I may return to you,” says the LORD of hosts. <a href="/lsb/zechariah/1.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> Therefore say to them, ‘Thus says Yahweh of hosts, “Return to Me,” declares Yahweh of hosts, “that I may return to you,” says Yahweh of hosts. <a href="/amp/zechariah/1.htm">Amplified Bible</a> Therefore say to the Jews, ‘Thus says the LORD of hosts (armies), “Return to Me,” declares the LORD of hosts, “and I shall return to you. <a href="/csb/zechariah/1.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> So tell the people, ‘This is what the LORD of Armies says: Return to me—this is the declaration of the LORD of Armies—and I will return to you, says the LORD of Armies. <a href="/hcsb/zechariah/1.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> So tell the people: This is what the LORD of Hosts says: Return to Me"—this is the declaration of the LORD of Hosts—"and I will return to you, says the LORD of Hosts. <a href="/asv/zechariah/1.htm">American Standard Version</a> Therefore say thou unto them, Thus saith Jehovah of hosts: Return unto me, saith Jehovah of hosts, and I will return unto you, saith Jehovah of hosts. <a href="/erv/zechariah/1.htm">English Revised Version</a> Therefore say thou unto them, Thus saith the LORD of hosts: Return unto me, saith the LORD of hosts, and I will return unto you, saith the LORD of hosts. <a href="/gwt/zechariah/1.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> Tell the people, 'This is what the LORD of Armies says: Return to me, declares the LORD of Armies, and I will return to you, says the LORD of Armies.' <a href="/gnt/zechariah/1.htm">Good News Translation</a> but now I say to you, 'Return to me, and I will return to you. <a href="/isv/zechariah/1.htm">International Standard Version</a> So tell them, 'This is what the LORD of the Heavenly Armies says: "Return to me," declares the LORD of the Heavenly Armies, "and I will return to you. <a href="/msb/zechariah/1.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> So tell the people that this is what the LORD of Hosts says: ?Return to Me, declares the LORD of Hosts, and I will return to you, says the LORD of Hosts.? <a href="/net/zechariah/1.htm">NET Bible</a> Therefore say to the people: The LORD who rules over all says, "Turn to me," says the LORD who rules over all, "and I will turn to you," says the LORD who rules over all. <a href="/nheb/zechariah/1.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> Therefore tell them: Thus says the LORD of hosts: 'Return to me,' says the LORD of hosts, 'and I will return to you,' says the LORD of hosts. <a href="/wbt/zechariah/1.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> Therefore say thou to them, Thus saith the LORD of hosts; Turn ye to me, saith the LORD of hosts, and I will turn to you, saith the LORD of hosts. <a href="/web/zechariah/1.htm">World English Bible</a> Therefore tell them, Yahweh of Armies says: ‘Return to me,’ says Yahweh of Armies, ‘and I will return to you,’ says Yahweh of Armies. <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/zechariah/1.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> And you have said to them, Thus said YHWH of Hosts: Return to Me, "" A declaration of YHWH of Hosts, "" And I return to you, said YHWH of Hosts. <a href="/ylt/zechariah/1.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> And thou hast said unto them, Thus said Jehovah of Hosts, turn back unto Me, An affirmation of Jehovah of Hosts, And I turn back unto you, said Jehovah of Hosts. <a href="/slt/zechariah/1.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> And thou saidst to them, Thus said Jehovah of armies: Turn back to me, says Jehovah of armies, and I will turn back to you, said Jehovah of armies.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/zechariah/1.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> And thou shalt say to them: Thus saith the Lord of hosts: Turn ye to me, saith the Lord of hosts: and I will turn to you, saith the Lord of hosts. <a href="/cpdv/zechariah/1.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> And you shall say to them: Thus says the Lord of hosts: Turn to me, says the Lord of hosts, and I will turn to you, says the Lord of hosts. <a href="/nabre/zechariah/1.htm">New American Bible</a> Say to them: Thus says the LORD of hosts, Return to me—oracle of the LORD of hosts—and I will return to you, says the LORD of hosts. <a href="/nrsvce/zechariah/1.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> Therefore say to them, Thus says the LORD of hosts: Return to me, says the LORD of hosts, and I will return to you, says the LORD of hosts.<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/zechariah/1.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> Therefore say to them, Thus says the LORD of hosts: Return to me, says the LORD of hosts, and I will return to you, says the LORD of hosts. <a href="/hpbt/zechariah/1.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a> Say to them, “Thus says LORD JEHOVAH of Hosts: ‘return to me, says LORD JEHOVAH of Hosts, and I shall return to you, says LORD JEHOVAH of Hosts<div class="vheading2">OT Translations</div><a href="/jps/zechariah/1.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a> Therefore say thou unto them, Thus saith the LORD of hosts: Return unto Me, saith the LORD of hosts, and I will return unto you, saith the LORD of hosts. <a href="/sep/zechariah/1.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a> And thou shalt say to them, Thus saith the Lord Almighty: Turn to me, saith the Lord of hosts, and I will turn to you, saith the Lord of hosts. <a href="/parallel/zechariah/1-3.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/CFPk_KgOyMk?start=14" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/zechariah/1.htm">A Call to Repentance</a> …2“The LORD was very angry with your fathers. 3<a href="/hebrew/559.htm" title="559: wə·’ā·mar·tā (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConjPerf-2ms) -- To utter, say. A primitive root; to say.">So tell</a> <a href="/hebrew/413.htm" title="413: ’ă·lê·hem (Prep:: 3mp) -- To, into, towards. ">the people</a> <a href="/hebrew/3541.htm" title="3541: kōh (Adv) -- Thus, here. From the prefix k and huw'; properly, like this, i.e. By implication, thus; also here; or now.">that this is what</a> <a href="/hebrew/3068.htm" title="3068: Yah·weh (N-proper-ms) -- The proper name of the God of Israel. From hayah; self-Existent or Eternal; Jehovah, Jewish national name of God.">the LORD</a> <a href="/hebrew/6635.htm" title="6635: ṣə·ḇā·’ō·wṯ (N-cp) -- Or tsbadah; from tsaba'; a mass of persons, especially reg. Organized for war; by implication, a campaign, literally or figuratively.">of Hosts</a> <a href="/hebrew/559.htm" title="559: ’ā·mar (V-Qal-Perf-3ms) -- To utter, say. A primitive root; to say.">says:</a> <a href="/hebrew/7725.htm" title="7725: šū·ḇū (V-Qal-Imp-mp) -- A primitive root; to turn back transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively; generally to retreat; often adverbial, again.">‘Return</a> <a href="/hebrew/413.htm" title="413: ’ê·lay (Prep:: 1cs) -- To, into, towards. ">to Me,</a> <a href="/hebrew/5002.htm" title="5002: nə·’um (N-msc) -- Utterance. From na'am; an oracle.">declares</a> <a href="/hebrew/3068.htm" title="3068: Yah·weh (N-proper-ms) -- The proper name of the God of Israel. From hayah; self-Existent or Eternal; Jehovah, Jewish national name of God.">the LORD</a> <a href="/hebrew/6635.htm" title="6635: ṣə·ḇā·’ō·wṯ (N-cp) -- Or tsbadah; from tsaba'; a mass of persons, especially reg. Organized for war; by implication, a campaign, literally or figuratively.">of Hosts,</a> <a href="/hebrew/7725.htm" title="7725: wə·’ā·šūḇ (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConjImperf-1cs) -- A primitive root; to turn back transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively; generally to retreat; often adverbial, again.">and I will return</a> <a href="/hebrew/413.htm" title="413: ’ă·lê·ḵem (Prep:: 2mp) -- To, into, towards. ">to you,</a> <a href="/hebrew/559.htm" title="559: ’ā·mar (V-Qal-Perf-3ms) -- To utter, say. A primitive root; to say.">says</a> <a href="/hebrew/3068.htm" title="3068: Yah·weh (N-proper-ms) -- The proper name of the God of Israel. From hayah; self-Existent or Eternal; Jehovah, Jewish national name of God.">the LORD</a> <a href="/hebrew/6635.htm" title="6635: ṣə·ḇā·’ō·wṯ (N-cp) -- Or tsbadah; from tsaba'; a mass of persons, especially reg. Organized for war; by implication, a campaign, literally or figuratively.">of Hosts.’</a> 4Do not be like your fathers, to whom the former prophets proclaimed that this is what the LORD of Hosts says: ‘Turn now from your evil ways and deeds.’ But they did not listen or pay attention to Me, declares the LORD.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/malachi/3-7.htm">Malachi 3:7</a> Yet from the days of your fathers, you have turned away from My statutes and have not kept them. Return to Me, and I will return to you,” says the LORD of Hosts. “But you ask, ‘How can we return?’ <a href="/jeremiah/24-7.htm">Jeremiah 24:7</a> I will give them a heart to know Me, that I am the LORD. They will be My people, and I will be their God, for they will return to Me with all their heart. <a href="/joel/2-12.htm">Joel 2:12-13</a> “Yet even now,” declares the LORD, “return to Me with all your heart, with fasting, weeping, and mourning.” / So rend your hearts and not your garments, and return to the LORD your God. For He is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger, abounding in loving devotion. And He relents from sending disaster. <a href="/isaiah/55-6.htm">Isaiah 55:6-7</a> Seek the LORD while He may be found; call on Him while He is near. / Let the wicked man forsake his way and the unrighteous man his thoughts; let him return to the LORD, that He may have compassion, and to our God, for He will freely pardon. <a href="/hosea/6-1.htm">Hosea 6:1</a> Come, let us return to the LORD. For He has torn us to pieces, but He will heal us; He has wounded us, but He will bind up our wounds. <a href="/jeremiah/3-12.htm">Jeremiah 3:12-14</a> Go, proclaim this message toward the north: ‘Return, O faithless Israel,’ declares the LORD. ‘I will no longer look on you with anger, for I am merciful,’ declares the LORD. ‘I will not be angry forever. / Only acknowledge your guilt, that you have rebelled against the LORD your God. You have scattered your favors to foreign gods under every green tree and have not obeyed My voice,’” declares the LORD. / “Return, O faithless children,” declares the LORD, “for I am your master, and I will take you—one from a city and two from a family—and bring you to Zion. <a href="/ezekiel/18-30.htm">Ezekiel 18:30-32</a> Therefore, O house of Israel, I will judge you, each according to his ways, declares the Lord GOD. Repent and turn from all your transgressions, so that your iniquity will not become your downfall. / Cast away from yourselves all the transgressions you have committed, and fashion for yourselves a new heart and a new spirit. Why should you die, O house of Israel? / For I take no pleasure in anyone’s death, declares the Lord GOD. So repent and live! <a href="/2_chronicles/30-6.htm">2 Chronicles 30:6-9</a> At the command of the king, the couriers went throughout Israel and Judah with letters from the king and his officials, which read: “Children of Israel, return to the LORD, the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Israel, so that He may return to those of you who remain, who have escaped the grasp of the kings of Assyria. / Do not be like your fathers and brothers who were unfaithful to the LORD, the God of their fathers, so that He made them an object of horror, as you can see. / Now do not stiffen your necks as your fathers did. Submit to the LORD and come to His sanctuary, which He has consecrated forever. Serve the LORD your God, so that His fierce anger will turn away from you. ... <a href="/deuteronomy/4-29.htm">Deuteronomy 4:29-31</a> But if from there you will seek the LORD your God, you will find Him if you seek Him with all your heart and with all your soul. / When you are in distress and all these things have happened to you, then in later days you will return to the LORD your God and listen to His voice. / For the LORD your God is a merciful God; He will not abandon you or destroy you or forget the covenant with your fathers, which He swore to them by oath. <a href="/lamentations/3-40.htm">Lamentations 3:40-41</a> Let us examine and test our ways, and turn back to the LORD. / Let us lift up our hearts and hands to God in heaven: <a href="/acts/3-19.htm">Acts 3:19</a> Repent, then, and turn back, so that your sins may be wiped away, <a href="/james/4-8.htm">James 4:8</a> Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded. <a href="/matthew/3-2.htm">Matthew 3:2</a> and saying, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near.” <a href="/luke/15-7.htm">Luke 15:7</a> I tell you that in the same way there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous ones who do not need to repent. <a href="/2_corinthians/5-20.htm">2 Corinthians 5:20</a> Therefore we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were making His appeal through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ: Be reconciled to God.</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>Therefore say you to them, Thus said the LORD of hosts; Turn you to me, said the LORD of hosts, and I will turn to you, said the LORD of hosts.Turn.<a href="/deuteronomy/4-30.htm">Deuteronomy 4:30,31</a> When thou art in tribulation, and all these things are come upon thee, even in the latter days, if thou turn to the LORD thy God, and shalt be obedient unto his voice; … <a href="/deuteronomy/30-2.htm">Deuteronomy 30:2-10</a> And shalt return unto the LORD thy God, and shalt obey his voice according to all that I command thee this day, thou and thy children, with all thine heart, and with all thy soul; … <a href="/1_kings/8-47.htm">1 Kings 8:47,48</a> Yet if they shall bethink themselves in the land whither they were carried captives, and repent, and make supplication unto thee in the land of them that carried them captives, saying, We have sinned, and have done perversely, we have committed wickedness; … and<a href="/jeremiah/12-15.htm">Jeremiah 12:15</a> And it shall come to pass, after that I have plucked them out I will return, and have compassion on them, and will bring them again, every man to his heritage, and every man to his land.<a href="/jeremiah/29-12.htm">Jeremiah 29:12-14</a> Then shall ye call upon me, and ye shall go and pray unto me, and I will hearken unto you… <a href="/jeremiah/31-18.htm">Jeremiah 31:18-20</a> I have surely heard Ephraim bemoaning himself thus; Thou hast chastised me, and I was chastised, as a bullock unaccustomed to the yoke: turn thou me, and I shall be turned; for thou art the LORD my God… <div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/haggai/2-23.htm">Affirmation</a> <a href="/haggai/2-11.htm">Almighty</a> <a href="/haggai/2-23.htm">Armies</a> <a href="/haggai/2-23.htm">Declares</a> <a href="/haggai/2-23.htm">Hosts</a> <a href="/haggai/2-17.htm">Turn</a> <a href="/haggai/2-11.htm">Words</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/zechariah/1-16.htm">Affirmation</a> <a href="/zechariah/1-12.htm">Almighty</a> <a href="/zechariah/1-4.htm">Armies</a> <a href="/zechariah/1-4.htm">Declares</a> <a href="/zechariah/1-4.htm">Hosts</a> <a href="/zechariah/1-4.htm">Turn</a> <a href="/zechariah/1-6.htm">Words</a><div class="vheading2">Zechariah 1</div>1. <a href="/zechariah/1-1.htm">Zechariah exhorts to repentance.</a> 7. <a href="/zechariah/1-7.htm">The vision of the horses.</a> 12. <a href="/zechariah/1-12.htm">At the prayer of the angel comfortable promises are made to Jerusalem.</a> 18. <a href="/zechariah/1-18.htm">The vision of the four horns and the four carpenters.</a> </div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/zechariah/1.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/zechariah/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/zechariah/1.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div>So tell the people that this is what the LORD of Hosts says: This phrase emphasizes the role of the prophet as a messenger. The title "LORD of Hosts" underscores God's sovereignty and power, often used in contexts where His authority and might are highlighted. The term "Hosts" refers to the heavenly armies, indicating God's command over all spiritual and earthly forces. This introduction sets the stage for a divine message that carries weight and authority, demanding attention and obedience from the people.‘Return to Me, declares the LORD of Hosts, The call to "Return to Me" is a central theme in the prophetic literature, reflecting God's desire for a restored relationship with His people. This plea is rooted in the covenant relationship established between God and Israel, where faithfulness and repentance are key. The historical context involves the post-exilic community, who had returned from Babylonian captivity and were in the process of rebuilding their lives and the temple. This call to return is not just physical but spiritual, urging the people to renew their commitment to God. It echoes the call for repentance found in other scriptures, such as <a href="/joel/2-12.htm">Joel 2:12-13</a> and <a href="/malachi/3-7.htm">Malachi 3:7</a>.and I will return to you, This promise of reciprocal action highlights the covenantal nature of God's relationship with His people. It assures them that their repentance will be met with God's favor and presence. This concept is seen throughout the Old Testament, where God's blessings are contingent upon the people's obedience and faithfulness. Theologically, it underscores the idea of God's faithfulness and readiness to forgive, as seen in passages like <a href="/2_chronicles/7-14.htm">2 Chronicles 7:14</a> and <a href="/james/4-8.htm">James 4:8</a>.says the LORD of Hosts.’ The repetition of "says the LORD of Hosts" reinforces the authority and certainty of the message. It serves as a divine seal, assuring the people that these are not merely the words of the prophet but the very words of God. This repetition also emphasizes the seriousness of the call to repentance and the promise of God's return, urging the people to respond with sincerity and urgency. The use of this title at the end of the message serves as a reminder of God's ultimate power and the assurance that He can fulfill His promises.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/z/zechariah.htm">Zechariah</a> A prophet who ministered to the Jewish people after their return from Babylonian exile. His name means "Yahweh remembers." 2. <a href="/topical/t/the_lord_of_hosts.htm">The LORD of Hosts</a> A title for God emphasizing His sovereignty and command over the heavenly armies. 3. <a href="/topical/t/the_people_of_israel.htm">The People of Israel</a> The audience of Zechariah's message, specifically the Jewish exiles who returned to Jerusalem. 4. <a href="/topical/j/jerusalem.htm">Jerusalem</a> The city to which the exiles returned and where Zechariah delivered his prophecies. 5. <a href="/topical/t/the_return_from_exile.htm">The Return from Exile</a> The historical context of Zechariah's ministry, focusing on the spiritual and physical restoration of Israel.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/t/the_call_to_repentance.htm">The Call to Repentance</a> God’s invitation to "return to Me" is a call to repentance, a turning away from sin and a turning back to God. This is a continual process in the believer's life. <a href="/topical/g/god's_faithfulness.htm">God’s Faithfulness</a> The promise "I will return to you" highlights God's faithfulness. When we take steps toward Him, He is faithful to respond and restore. <a href="/topical/t/the_importance_of_obedience.htm">The Importance of Obedience</a> Obedience to God's call is crucial. The Israelites' return from exile was not just physical but required a spiritual renewal and commitment to God's commands. <a href="/topical/g/god's_sovereignty.htm">God’s Sovereignty</a> The repeated use of "LORD of Hosts" emphasizes God's supreme authority and power. Trusting in His sovereignty is essential for spiritual growth. <a href="/topical/r/restoration_and_relationship.htm">Restoration and Relationship</a> The verse underscores the relational aspect of our faith. God desires a personal relationship with His people, marked by mutual commitment and love.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_zechariah_1.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Zechariah 1</a> <a href="/q/what_did_god_reveal_to_zechariah.htm">What visions and messages did Zechariah receive from God?</a> <a href="/q/are_all_things_pure_to_the_pure.htm">What does 'Return to Me, and I will return' mean?</a> <a href="/q/what_do_zechariah's_visions_symbolize.htm">What are the symbolic meanings of Zechariah's visions?</a> <a href="/q/what_does_'return_to_me'_mean.htm">What does "Return to Me, and I will return" mean?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/zechariah/1.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 3. - Say thou unto them. The prophet shows why he has reminded them of their forefathers' sins and punishment. Saith the Lord of hosts. The expression recurs three times in this verse; it denotes the almightiness and infinite resources of God (see note A in the appendix to Archdeacon Perowne's edition of this prophet). Its constant repetition, as in Haggai, gives a certain heaviness to the prophet's style. Turn (return) ye unto me. He calls the people to repentance, partly, doubtless, with a view to their taking an active part in rebuilding the temple, thus carrying on the exhortations of Haggai, but also with reference to their general indevotion and laxity which Ezra afterwards had to reprove (see <a href="/ezra/9-2.htm">Ezra 9:2</a>). Saith the Lord of hosts; literally, (it is) the utterance of Jehovah of hosts. This is a more threatening form than the mere "saith" in the other two places in this verse. And I will turn (return) unto you (<a href="/malachi/3-7.htm">Malachi 3:7</a>). God promises his favour on their repentance and better conduct; as Haggai had been commissioned to proclaim a return of fruitful seasons as soon as the people obeyed his word and attended diligently to the work before them (<a href="/haggai/2-19.htm">Haggai 2:19</a>). They were called now to attend to the pure worship of the Lord, as the sole condition of prosperity (comp. <a href="/2_chronicles/30-6.htm">2 Chronicles 30:6</a>; <a href="/james/4-8.htm">James 4:8</a>). It has been well observed that when it is said, "Turn ye unto me," etc., we are reminded of our free will; and when we cry, "Turn us, good Lord, and we shall be turned," we acknowledge the need of God's preventing grace. <a href="/commentaries/zechariah/1-3.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div>So tell [the people] וְאָמַרְתָּ֣ (wə·’ā·mar·tā) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - second person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_559.htm">Strong's 559: </a> To utter, say that this is what כֹּ֤ה (kōh) Adverb <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3541.htm">Strong's 3541: </a> Like this, thus, here, now the LORD יְהוָ֣ה (Yah·weh) Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3068.htm">Strong's 3068: </a> LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel of Hosts צְבָא֔וֹת (ṣə·ḇā·’ō·wṯ) Noun - common plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_6635.htm">Strong's 6635: </a> A mass of persons, reg, organized for, war, a campaign says: אָמַר֙ (’ā·mar) Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_559.htm">Strong's 559: </a> To utter, say ‘Return שׁ֣וּבוּ (šū·ḇū) Verb - Qal - Imperative - masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_7725.htm">Strong's 7725: </a> To turn back, in, to retreat, again to Me,’ אֲלֵהֶ֗ם (’ă·lê·hem) Preposition | third person masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_413.htm">Strong's 413: </a> Near, with, among, to declares נְאֻ֖ם (nə·’um) Noun - masculine singular construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5002.htm">Strong's 5002: </a> An oracle the LORD יְהוָ֣ה (Yah·weh) Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3068.htm">Strong's 3068: </a> LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel of Hosts, צְבָא֑וֹת (ṣə·ḇā·’ō·wṯ) Noun - common plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_6635.htm">Strong's 6635: </a> A mass of persons, reg, organized for, war, a campaign ‘and I will return וְאָשׁ֣וּב (wə·’ā·šūḇ) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive imperfect - first person common singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_7725.htm">Strong's 7725: </a> To turn back, in, to retreat, again to you,’ אֵלַ֔י (’ê·lay) Preposition | first person common singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_413.htm">Strong's 413: </a> Near, with, among, to says אָמַ֖ר (’ā·mar) Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_559.htm">Strong's 559: </a> To utter, say the LORD יְהוָ֥ה (Yah·weh) Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3068.htm">Strong's 3068: </a> LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel of Hosts. צְבָאֽוֹת׃ (ṣə·ḇā·’ō·wṯ) Noun - common plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_6635.htm">Strong's 6635: </a> A mass of persons, reg, organized for, war, a campaign <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/zechariah/1-3.htm">Zechariah 1:3 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/zechariah/1-3.htm">Zechariah 1:3 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/zechariah/1-3.htm">Zechariah 1:3 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/zechariah/1-3.htm">Zechariah 1:3 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/zechariah/1-3.htm">Zechariah 1:3 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/zechariah/1-3.htm">Zechariah 1:3 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/zechariah/1-3.htm">Zechariah 1:3 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/zechariah/1-3.htm">Zechariah 1:3 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/zechariah/1-3.htm">Zechariah 1:3 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/zechariah/1-3.htm">Zechariah 1:3 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/zechariah/1-3.htm">OT Prophets: Zechariah 1:3 Therefore tell them: Thus says Yahweh (Zech. Zec Zc) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/zechariah/1-2.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Zechariah 1:2"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Zechariah 1:2" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/zechariah/1-4.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Zechariah 1:4"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Zechariah 1:4" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>