Zechariah 1:3
Therefore say thou unto them, Thus saith the LORD of hosts; Turn ye unto me, saith the LORD of hosts, and I will turn unto you, saith the LORD of hosts.
Zechariah 1:3 · King James Version
Meaning
In this verse, the LORD of hosts is calling upon the people to turn back to Him. The phrase "Turn ye unto me" is a call to repentance and a return to God. It is an invitation for the people to change their ways and come back to Him with sincere hearts. The LORD of hosts promises that if the people turn to Him, He will turn to them in return. This shows the mercy and grace of God, who is always ready to welcome back those who have strayed. It is a reminder that no matter how far we may have wandered, God is always willing to forgive and restore us if we humble ourselves and seek His face. This verse serves as a message of hope and redemption, emphasizing the importance of repentance and the faithfulness of God to those who seek Him.
Theological Overview
In this verse, the phrase 'Turn ye unto me' highlights the idea of repentance and returning to the Lord. The Hebrew word used for 'turn' is 'shuwb,' which means to turn back, return, or repent. This call to turn back to God reminds us of the importance of seeking reconciliation with Him after turning away from Him. The verse emphasizes that when we turn to the Lord, He promises to turn to us in return. This reciprocal relationship of turning symbolizes God's desire for a restored relationship with His people. The repetition of the phrase 'saith the LORD of hosts' emphasizes the authority and validity of this call to repentance. As we meditate on this verse, we are reminded of God's faithfulness to respond to our repentance with His mercy and grace. It encourages us to seek reconciliation with Him, knowing that He is always ready to welcome us back into His presence when we humble ourselves and turn to Him.
Zechariah 1:3 in other translations
American Standard Version
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.
World English Bible
Therefore tell them: Thus says Yahweh of Armies: ‘Return to me,’ says Yahweh of Armies, ‘and I will return to you,’ says Yahweh of Armies.
Douay-Rheims
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.
Geneva Bible (1599)
Therefore say thou vnto them, Thus sayth the Lord of hostes, Turne ye vnto me, saith the Lord of hostes, and I will turne vnto you, saith the Lord of hostes.