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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 9:12 Return to your stronghold, O prisoners of hope; even today I declare that I will restore to you double.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/zechariah/9-12.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/9/38_Zec_09_12.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Zechariah 9:12 - Zion's Coming King" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="Return to your stronghold, O prisoners of hope; even today I declare that I will restore to you double." /><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'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/zechariah/9-12.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/zechariah/9-12.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/zechariah/">Zechariah</a> > <a href="/zechariah/9.htm">Chapter 9</a> > Verse 12</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad12.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/zechariah/9-11.htm" title="Zechariah 9:11">◄</a> Zechariah 9:12 <a href="/zechariah/9-13.htm" title="Zechariah 9:13">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Heb </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/zechariah/9.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/zechariah/9.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />Return to your fortress, you prisoners of hope; even now I announce that I will restore twice as much to you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/zechariah/9.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />Come back to the place of safety, all you prisoners who still have hope! I promise this very day that I will repay two blessings for each of your troubles.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/zechariah/9.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />Return to your stronghold, O prisoners of hope; today I declare that I will restore to you double.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/zechariah/9.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />Return to your stronghold, O prisoners of hope; even today I declare that I will restore to you double.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/zechariah/9.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />Turn you to the strong hold, ye prisoners of hope: even to day do I declare <i>that</i> I will render double unto thee;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/zechariah/9.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />Return to the stronghold, You prisoners of hope. Even today I declare <i>That</i> I will restore double to you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/zechariah/9.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />Return to the stronghold, you prisoners who have the hope; This very day I am declaring that I will restore double to you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/zechariah/9.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />Return to the stronghold, O prisoners who have the hope; This very day I am declaring that I will restore double to you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/zechariah/9.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />Return to the stronghold, O prisoners who have the hope; This very day I am declaring that I will restore double to you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/zechariah/9.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />Return to the stronghold, O prisoners who have the hope; This very day I am declaring that I will return double to you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/zechariah/9.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />Return to the stronghold [of security and prosperity], O prisoners who have the hope; Even today I am declaring that I will restore double [your former prosperity] to you [as firstborn among nations].<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/zechariah/9.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Return to a stronghold, you prisoners who have hope; today I declare that I will restore double to you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/zechariah/9.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Return to a stronghold, you prisoners who have hope; today I declare that I will restore double to you. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/zechariah/9.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />Turn you to the stronghold, ye prisoners of hope: even to-day do I declare that I will render double unto thee.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/zechariah/9.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />and offer you hope. Return to your fortress, because today I will reward you with twice what you had. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/zechariah/9.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />Turn you to the strong hold, ye prisoners of hope: even today do I declare that I will render double unto thee.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/zechariah/9.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />Return to your fortress, you captives who have hope. Today I tell you that I will return to you double [blessings].<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/zechariah/9.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />Return, you exiles who now have hope; return to your place of safety. Now I tell you that I will repay you twice over with blessing for all you have suffered. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/zechariah/9.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />Return to your fortress, you prisoners who have hope. Even today I am telling you: In return I will repay you double.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/zechariah/9.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />Return to your stronghold, O prisoners of hope; even today I declare that I will restore to you double.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/zechariah/9.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />Return to the stronghold, you prisoners, with hope; today I declare that I will return double what was taken from you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/zechariah/9.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />Turn to the stronghold, you prisoners of hope. Even today I declare that I will restore double to you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/zechariah/9.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />Turn ye to the strong hold, ye prisoners of hope: even to-day do I declare that I will render double to thee;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/zechariah/9.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />Turn to the stronghold, you prisoners of hope! Even today I declare that I will restore double to you. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/zechariah/9.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />Return to a stronghold, "" You prisoners of the hope, "" Even today a second announcer I restore to you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/zechariah/9.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> Turn back to a fenced place, Ye prisoners of the hope, Even to-day a second announcer I restore to thee.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/zechariah/9.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />Turn back to the fortress, ye captives of hope: also announcing this day I will turn back double to thee;<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/zechariah/9.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />Return to the strong hold, ye prisoners of hope, I will render thee double at, I declare to day. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/zechariah/9.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />Turn back to the fortress, prisoners of hope. Today, I also announce that I will repay you double,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/zechariah/9.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />Return to a fortress, O prisoners of hope; This very day, I announce I am restoring double to you. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/zechariah/9.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />Return to your stronghold, O prisoners of hope; today I declare that I will restore to you double.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/zechariah/9.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />Dwell in the stronghold, O you prisoners of the congregation; I will recompense you double for a day's work.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/zechariah/9.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />Dwell in the fortress, prisoners of the assembly, and for each day, I pay you two<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/zechariah/9.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />Return to the stronghold, Ye prisoners of hope; Even to-day do I declare That I will render double unto thee.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/zechariah/9.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />Ye shall dwell in strongholds, ye prisoners of the congregation: and for one day of thy captivity I will recompense thee double.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/zechariah/9-12.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/CFPk_KgOyMk?start=1406" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/zechariah/9.htm">Zion's Coming King</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">11</span>As for you, because of the blood of My covenant, I will release your prisoners from the waterless pit. <span class="reftext">12</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/7725.htm" title="7725: ū·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/1225.htm" title="1225: lə·ḇiṣ·ṣā·rō·wn (Prep-l:: N-ms) -- A stronghold. Masculine intensive from batsar; a fortress.">to your stronghold,</a> <a href="/hebrew/615.htm" title="615: ’ă·sî·rê (N-mpc) -- A bondman, prisoner. From 'acar; bound, i.e. A captive.">O prisoners</a> <a href="/hebrew/8615.htm" title="8615: hat·tiq·wāh (Art:: N-fs) -- A cord, expectancy. From qavah; literally, a cord (compare qaveh); figuratively, expectancy.">of hope;</a> <a href="/hebrew/1571.htm" title="1571: gam- (Conj) -- Also, moreover, yea. ">even</a> <a href="/hebrew/3117.htm" title="3117: hay·yō·wm (Art:: N-ms) -- Day. From an unused root meaning to be hot; a day, whether literal, or figurative.">today</a> <a href="/hebrew/5046.htm" title="5046: mag·gîḏ (V-Hifil-Prtcpl-ms) -- To be conspicuous. ">I declare</a> <a href="/hebrew/7725.htm" title="7725: ’ā·šîḇ (V-Hifil-Imperf-1cs) -- A primitive root; to turn back transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively; generally to retreat; often adverbial, again.">that I will restore</a> <a href="/hebrew/lāḵ (Prep:: 2fs) -- ">to you</a> <a href="/hebrew/4932.htm" title="4932: miš·neh (N-ms) -- A double, copy, second. From shanah; properly, a repetition, i.e. A duplicate, or a double; by implication, a second.">double.</a> </span><span class="reftext">13</span>For I will bend Judah as My bow and fit it with Ephraim. I will rouse your sons, O Zion, against the sons of Greece. I will make you like the sword of a mighty man.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/61-7.htm">Isaiah 61:7</a></span><br />Instead of shame, My people will have a double portion, and instead of humiliation, they will rejoice in their share; and so they will inherit a double portion in their land, and everlasting joy will be theirs.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/jeremiah/31-16.htm">Jeremiah 31:16-17</a></span><br />This is what the LORD says: “Keep your voice from weeping and your eyes from tears, for the reward for your work will come, declares the LORD. Then your children will return from the land of the enemy. / So there is hope for your future, declares the LORD, and your children will return to their own land.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/40-2.htm">Isaiah 40:2</a></span><br />“Speak tenderly to Jerusalem, and proclaim to her that her forced labor has been completed; her iniquity has been pardoned. For she has received from the hand of the LORD double for all her sins.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/joel/3-1.htm">Joel 3:1</a></span><br />“Yes, in those days and at that time, when I restore Judah and Jerusalem from captivity,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/49-9.htm">Isaiah 49:9</a></span><br />to say to the prisoners, ‘Come out,’ and to those in darkness, ‘Show yourselves.’ They will feed along the pathways, and find pasture on every barren hill.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/hosea/6-1.htm">Hosea 6:1-2</a></span><br />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. / After two days He will revive us; on the third day He will raise us up, that we may live in His presence.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/126-5.htm">Psalm 126:5-6</a></span><br />Those who sow in tears will reap with shouts of joy. / He who goes out weeping, bearing a trail of seed, will surely return with shouts of joy, carrying sheaves of grain.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/42-7.htm">Isaiah 42:7</a></span><br />to open the eyes of the blind, to bring prisoners out of the dungeon and those sitting in darkness out from the prison house.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/jeremiah/29-11.htm">Jeremiah 29:11</a></span><br />For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, to give you a future and a hope.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/51-11.htm">Isaiah 51:11</a></span><br />So the redeemed of the LORD will return and enter Zion with singing, crowned with everlasting joy. Gladness and joy will overtake them, and sorrow and sighing will flee.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/8-18.htm">Romans 8:18</a></span><br />I consider that our present sufferings are not comparable to the glory that will be revealed in us.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/hebrews/10-34.htm">Hebrews 10:34</a></span><br />You sympathized with those in prison and joyfully accepted the confiscation of your property, knowing that you yourselves had a better and permanent possession.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_corinthians/4-17.htm">2 Corinthians 4:17</a></span><br />For our light and momentary affliction is producing for us an eternal weight of glory that is far beyond comparison.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/5-12.htm">Matthew 5:12</a></span><br />Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets before you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/revelation/21-4.htm">Revelation 21:4</a></span><br />‘He will wipe away every tear from their eyes,’ and there will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the former things have passed away.”</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">Turn you to the strong hold, you prisoners of hope: even to day do I declare that I will render double to you;</p><p class="hdg">Turn.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/isaiah/52-2.htm">Isaiah 52:2</a></b></br> Shake thyself from the dust; arise, <i>and</i> sit down, O Jerusalem: loose thyself from the bands of thy neck, O captive daughter of Zion.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/jeremiah/31-6.htm">Jeremiah 31:6</a></b></br> For there shall be a day, <i>that</i> the watchmen upon the mount Ephraim shall cry, Arise ye, and let us go up to Zion unto the LORD our God.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/jeremiah/50-4.htm">Jeremiah 50:4,5,28</a></b></br> In those days, and in that time, saith the LORD, the children of Israel shall come, they and the children of Judah together, going and weeping: they shall go, and seek the LORD their God… </p><p class="hdg">even.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/isaiah/38-18.htm">Isaiah 38:18</a></b></br> For the grave cannot praise thee, death can <i>not</i> celebrate thee: they that go down into the pit cannot hope for thy truth.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/isaiah/49-9.htm">Isaiah 49:9</a></b></br> That thou mayest say to the prisoners, Go forth; to them that <i>are</i> in darkness, Shew yourselves. They shall feed in the ways, and their pastures <i>shall be</i> in all high places.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/jeremiah/31-17.htm">Jeremiah 31:17</a></b></br> And there is hope in thine end, saith the LORD, that thy children shall come again to their own border.</p><p class="hdg">I will.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/job/42-10.htm">Job 42:10</a></b></br> And the LORD turned the captivity of Job, when he prayed for his friends: also the LORD gave Job twice as much as he had before.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/isaiah/40-2.htm">Isaiah 40:2</a></b></br> Speak ye comfortably to Jerusalem, and cry unto her, that her warfare is accomplished, that her iniquity is pardoned: for she hath received of the LORD'S hand double for all her sins.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/isaiah/61-7.htm">Isaiah 61:7</a></b></br> For your shame <i>ye shall have</i> double; and <i>for</i> confusion they shall rejoice in their portion: therefore in their land they shall possess the double: everlasting joy shall be unto them.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/jeremiah/51-31.htm">Announce</a> <a href="/zechariah/9-9.htm">Daughter</a> <a href="/micah/3-8.htm">Declare</a> <a href="/daniel/5-12.htm">Declaring</a> <a href="/hosea/10-10.htm">Double</a> <a href="/zephaniah/1-16.htm">Fenced</a> <a href="/zechariah/9-3.htm">Fortress</a> <a href="/zechariah/9-3.htm">Hold</a> <a href="/zechariah/9-5.htm">Hope</a> <a href="/zechariah/9-11.htm">Prisoners</a> <a href="/zechariah/8-16.htm">Render</a> <a href="/zephaniah/3-20.htm">Restore</a> <a href="/zechariah/6-2.htm">Second</a> <a href="/zechariah/9-3.htm">Strong</a> <a href="/zechariah/9-3.htm">Stronghold</a> <a href="/jeremiah/44-22.htm">Today</a> <a href="/jeremiah/42-19.htm">To-Day</a> <a href="/zechariah/6-1.htm">Turn</a> <a href="/zechariah/4-2.htm">Twice</a> <a href="/zechariah/9-9.htm">Zion</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/matthew/6-2.htm">Announce</a> <a href="/malachi/2-11.htm">Daughter</a> <a href="/matthew/7-23.htm">Declare</a> <a href="/mark/14-71.htm">Declaring</a> <a href="/luke/13-11.htm">Double</a> <a href="/zechariah/11-2.htm">Fenced</a> <a href="/acts/21-37.htm">Fortress</a> <a href="/zechariah/11-5.htm">Hold</a> <a href="/matthew/12-21.htm">Hope</a> <a href="/luke/4-19.htm">Prisoners</a> <a href="/matthew/4-10.htm">Render</a> <a href="/zechariah/10-6.htm">Restore</a> <a href="/zechariah/11-14.htm">Second</a> <a href="/zechariah/9-17.htm">Strong</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/10-5.htm">Stronghold</a> <a href="/matthew/6-11.htm">Today</a> <a href="/matthew/6-11.htm">To-Day</a> <a href="/zechariah/10-9.htm">Turn</a> <a href="/matthew/23-15.htm">Twice</a> <a href="/zechariah/9-13.htm">Zion</a><div class="vheading2">Zechariah 9</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/zechariah/9-1.htm">God defends his church.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">9. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/zechariah/9-9.htm">Zion is exhorted to rejoice for the coming of Christ, and his peaceable kingdom.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">12. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/zechariah/9-12.htm">God's promises of victory and defense.</a></span><br></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><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <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> <br /><br /> </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/9.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/9.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>Return to your stronghold</b><br>This phrase calls the people to return to a place of safety and security. In the context of Zechariah, the stronghold can be seen as a metaphor for God Himself or the city of Jerusalem, which was often considered a fortress for the Israelites. Historically, Jerusalem was a fortified city, and the call to return signifies a return to faith and trust in God. This echoes the call to repentance and restoration found throughout the Old Testament, such as in <a href="/isaiah/30-15.htm">Isaiah 30:15</a>, where returning to God is associated with salvation and strength.<p><b>O prisoners of hope</b><br>The term "prisoners of hope" is paradoxical, suggesting that while the people are in captivity or distress, they are not without hope. This reflects the situation of the Israelites during the Babylonian exile, where despite their physical captivity, they held onto the promises of God for future restoration. Theologically, this can be seen as a type of the Christian experience, where believers, though living in a fallen world, hold onto the hope of redemption through Christ. <a href="/romans/8-24.htm">Romans 8:24-25</a> speaks to this hope, emphasizing that hope is integral to faith.<p><b>Even today I declare</b><br>This phrase emphasizes the immediacy and certainty of God's promise. The declaration is not for a distant future but is relevant to the present moment. It reflects God's active involvement in the lives of His people and His faithfulness to His promises. This immediacy is seen in other prophetic declarations, such as in <a href="/isaiah/43-19.htm">Isaiah 43:19</a>, where God speaks of doing a new thing now.<p><b>That I will restore to you double</b><br>The promise of double restoration signifies abundant blessing and compensation for past losses. In the cultural context of the ancient Near East, double restitution was a legal principle for theft or loss, as seen in <a href="/exodus/22-4.htm">Exodus 22:4</a>, where a thief must repay double. This promise of restoration is a recurring theme in the Bible, symbolizing God's grace and generosity. It also points to the ultimate restoration through Christ, who provides abundantly more than what was lost through sin, as seen in <a href="/ephesians/3-20.htm">Ephesians 3:20</a>.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/z/zechariah.htm">Zechariah</a></b><br>A prophet in the Old Testament who conveyed God's messages to the Israelites during the post-exilic period. His prophecies often contained visions of hope and restoration.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/p/prisoners_of_hope.htm">Prisoners of Hope</a></b><br>A metaphorical term used to describe the Israelites who were in exile or under oppression but still held onto the hope of God's promises.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/s/stronghold.htm">Stronghold</a></b><br>Symbolically represents a place of safety and security, often associated with God's protection and presence.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/r/restoration.htm">Restoration</a></b><br>The act of God promising to restore His people, not just to their former state, but with a double portion of blessing.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/d/double_blessing.htm">Double Blessing</a></b><br>A promise of abundant restoration and blessing, indicating God's generosity and faithfulness to His covenant.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/h/hope_in_god's_promises.htm">Hope in God's Promises</a></b><br>Despite current circumstances, believers are encouraged to hold onto hope, trusting in God's faithfulness to fulfill His promises.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/r/return_to_god_as_a_stronghold.htm">Return to God as a Stronghold</a></b><br>God is depicted as a stronghold, a place of refuge and safety. Believers are called to return to Him, especially in times of trouble.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/r/restoration_beyond_expectation.htm">Restoration Beyond Expectation</a></b><br>God's promise to restore double signifies His abundant grace and mercy. Believers can expect not just restoration, but an overflow of blessings.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/l/living_as_prisoners_of_hope.htm">Living as Prisoners of Hope</a></b><br>The term "prisoners of hope" suggests a life anchored in the certainty of God's future deliverance and blessing, encouraging perseverance and faith.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/g/god's_faithfulness_in_restoration.htm">God's Faithfulness in Restoration</a></b><br>The assurance of restoration is rooted in God's unchanging nature and His covenant with His people, providing a foundation for trust and hope.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_zechariah_9.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Zechariah 9</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/who_is_f._f._bruce.htm">Why did Jesus resolutely head to Jerusalem?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/do_you_believe_in_what_you_cannot_see.htm">What is Zion's significance in biblical prophecy?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_does_the_bible_comfort_grief.htm">How does God provide deliverance from troubles?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_can_judah_israel_bless_amid_strife.htm">Zechariah 8:13: How could the house of Judah and Israel become blessings to other nations in light of ongoing regional strife?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/zechariah/9.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 12.</span> - The prophet calls on the prisoners to avail themselves of the offered deliverance. <span class="cmt_word">Turn you to the stronghold</span>. Return ye to Zion, the city defended by God (<a href="/zechariah/2-5.htm">Zechariah 2:5</a>), and able to afford you a safe asylum. (For the spiritual meaning, see <a href="/luke/4-18.htm">Luke 4:18-21</a>.) <span class="cmt_word">Ye prisoners of hope.</span> Captives who have good hope of deliverance because they are still in covenant with God. Septuagint, <span class="greek">δέσμιοι τῆς συναγωγῆς</span>, "prisoners of the synagogue." Pusey remarks that "hope" here and nowhere else has the article, and that what is meant is "the Hope of Israel," that of which St. Paul spoke (<a href="/acts/26-6.htm">Acts 26:6, 7</a> and Acts 28:20). <span class="cmt_word">Even today</span>. In spite of all contrary appearances. Septuagint, <span class="greek">ἀντὶ μιᾶς ἡμέρας παροικεσίας σου</span>, "for one day of thy sojourning." <span class="cmt_word">Double</span>. A double measure of blessing in compensation for past suffering (<a href="/isaiah/40-2.htm">Isaiah 40:2</a>; <a href="/isaiah/61-7.htm">Isaiah 61:7</a>). There ought to be a full stop at the end of this verse, as in the Revised Version. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/zechariah/9-12.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">Return</span><br /><span class="heb">שׁ֚וּבוּ</span> <span class="translit">(ū·ḇū)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Imperative - masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7725.htm">Strong's 7725: </a> </span><span class="str2">To turn back, in, to retreat, again</span><br /><br /><span class="word">to your stronghold,</span><br /><span class="heb">לְבִצָּר֔וֹן</span> <span class="translit">(lə·ḇiṣ·ṣā·rō·wn)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-l | Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1225.htm">Strong's 1225: </a> </span><span class="str2">A stronghold</span><br /><br /><span class="word">O prisoners</span><br /><span class="heb">אֲסִירֵ֖י</span> <span class="translit">(’ă·sî·rê)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine plural construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_615.htm">Strong's 615: </a> </span><span class="str2">A bondman, prisoner</span><br /><br /><span class="word">of hope;</span><br /><span class="heb">הַתִּקְוָ֑ה</span> <span class="translit">(hat·tiq·wāh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article | Noun - feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_8615.htm">Strong's 8615: </a> </span><span class="str2">A cord, expectancy</span><br /><br /><span class="word">even</span><br /><span class="heb">גַּם־</span> <span class="translit">(gam-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunction<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1571.htm">Strong's 1571: </a> </span><span class="str2">Assemblage, also, even, yea, though, both, and</span><br /><br /><span class="word">today</span><br /><span class="heb">הַיּ֕וֹם</span> <span class="translit">(hay·yō·wm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article | Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3117.htm">Strong's 3117: </a> </span><span class="str2">A day</span><br /><br /><span class="word">I declare</span><br /><span class="heb">מַגִּ֥יד</span> <span class="translit">(mag·gîḏ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Hifil - Participle - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5046.htm">Strong's 5046: </a> </span><span class="str2">To be conspicuous</span><br /><br /><span class="word">that I will restore</span><br /><span class="heb">אָשִׁ֥יב</span> <span class="translit">(’ā·šîḇ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Hifil - Imperfect - first person common singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7725.htm">Strong's 7725: </a> </span><span class="str2">To turn back, in, to retreat, again</span><br /><br /><span class="word">to you</span><br /><span class="heb">לָֽךְ׃</span> <span class="translit">(lāḵ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition | second person feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/.htm">Strong's Hebrew</a> </span><span class="str2"></span><br /><br /><span class="word">double.</span><br /><span class="heb">מִשְׁנֶ֖ה</span> <span class="translit">(miš·neh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4932.htm">Strong's 4932: </a> </span><span class="str2">A repetition, a duplicate, a double, a second</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/zechariah/9-12.htm">Zechariah 9:12 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/zechariah/9-12.htm">Zechariah 9:12 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/zechariah/9-12.htm">Zechariah 9:12 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/zechariah/9-12.htm">Zechariah 9:12 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/zechariah/9-12.htm">Zechariah 9:12 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/zechariah/9-12.htm">Zechariah 9:12 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/zechariah/9-12.htm">Zechariah 9:12 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/zechariah/9-12.htm">Zechariah 9:12 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/zechariah/9-12.htm">Zechariah 9:12 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/zechariah/9-12.htm">Zechariah 9:12 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/zechariah/9-12.htm">OT Prophets: Zechariah 9:12 Turn to the stronghold you prisoners (Zech. Zec Zc) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/zechariah/9-11.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Zechariah 9:11"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Zechariah 9:11" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/zechariah/9-13.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Zechariah 9:13"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Zechariah 9:13" /></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>