This is what the Lord Almighty says: “Now hear these words, ‘Let your hands be strong(A) so that the temple may be built.’ This is also what the prophets(B) said who were present when the foundation(C) was laid for the house of the Lord Almighty. 10 Before that time there were no wages(D) for people or hire for animals. No one could go about their business safely(E) because of their enemies, since I had turned everyone against their neighbor. 11 But now I will not deal with the remnant of this people as I did in the past,”(F) declares the Lord Almighty.

12 “The seed will grow well, the vine will yield its fruit,(G) the ground will produce its crops,(H) and the heavens will drop their dew.(I) I will give all these things as an inheritance(J) to the remnant of this people.(K) 13 Just as you, Judah and Israel, have been a curse[a](L) among the nations, so I will save(M) you, and you will be a blessing.[b](N) Do not be afraid,(O) but let your hands be strong.(P)

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Footnotes

  1. Zechariah 8:13 That is, your name has been used in cursing (see Jer. 29:22); or, you have been regarded as under a curse.
  2. Zechariah 8:13 Or and your name will be used in blessings (see Gen. 48:20); or and you will be seen as blessed

Yahweh of Armies says: “Let your hands be strong, you who hear in these days these words from the mouth of the prophets who were in the day that the foundation of the house of Yahweh of Armies was laid, even the temple, that it might be built. 10 For before those days there was no wages for man, nor any wages for an animal; neither was there any peace to him who went out or came in, because of the adversary. For I set all men everyone against his neighbor. 11 But now I will not be to the remnant of this people as in the former days,” says Yahweh of Armies. 12 “For the seed of peace and the vine will yield its fruit, and the ground will give its increase, and the heavens will give their dew; and I will cause the remnant of this people to inherit all these things. 13 It shall come to pass that, as you were a curse among the nations, house of Judah and house of Israel, so I will save you, and you shall be a blessing. Don’t be afraid. Let your hands be strong.”

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