Breakdown of Zechariah 8:10-13

"For before those days there was no wage for man or any wage for beast, neither was there any safety from the foe for him who went out or came in, for I set every man against his neighbor. But now I will not deal with the remnant of this pe…" — It's easy to read "no wage for man or beast" as simply a lack of jobs or pay. But Zechariah's point is starker: it signifies a total lack of fruitful results from labor, indicating God’s curse on a p…

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Zechariah 8:10-13

What does Zechariah 8:10-13 mean?

It's easy to read "no wage for man or beast" as simply a lack of jobs or pay. But Zechariah's point is starker: it signifies a total lack of fruitful results from labor, indicating God’s curse on a people neglecting His house, so that even their toil yielded nothing valuable.

For before those days there was no wage for man or any wage for beast, neither was there any safety from the foe for him who went out or came in, for I set every man against his neighbor. But now I will not deal with the remnant of this people as in the former days, declares the LORD of hosts. For there shall be a sowing of peace. The vine shall give its fruit, and the ground shall give its produce, and the heavens shall give their dew. And I will cause the remnant of this people to possess all these things. And as you have been a byword of cursing among the nations, O house of Judah and house of Israel, so will I save you, and you shall be a blessing. Fear not, but let your hands be strong.”

English Standard Version (ESV)

What Zechariah 8:10-13 means

Zechariah is speaking to the returned exiles who have recommenced rebuilding the temple, reminding them of the dire conditions before they began this work. He contrasts their current hopeful situation with a time of widespread hardship, where labor yielded no profit, travel was unsafe due to external enemies, and internal strife fractured their communities. This serves to underscore God's blessing on their renewed obedience and diligence in the rebuilding effort.

The Curse of Neglect

Imagine a land where labor yields nothing, and every transaction feels like a loss. Zechariah paints a stark picture of what life was like for God's people before they recommitted to His work.

Before the people returned to rebuilding the temple, they lived under a curse that impacted every aspect of their lives.

A Land Without Return

No "hire" for man or beast: This speaks to a profound economic and agricultural failure. Whether it was the labor of people or the strength of animals, their efforts produced no profitable return. Crops failed, and there was no reward for hard work (Haggai 1:6, 11).
No "peace" in travel: Whether going out for business or coming in to the safety of home, there was no security. Threats from enemies and internal strife made life precarious and uncertain.

This wasn't just bad luck; Zechariah explicitly states that God "set" this condition upon them. It was a consequence of their neglect, a sign of God's displeasure with their focus on private interests over His temple.

God as the Author of Chaos

When conflict and chaos erupt, we often blame circumstance or other people. But Zechariah points to a more unsettling reality: God Himself can 'set' people against each other.

Zechariah makes a powerful and direct statement: "I set every man against his neighbor." This isn't about God passively allowing chaos; it's about His active decree in bringing about division.

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What Zechariah 8:10-13 means

What does Zechariah 8:10-13 mean?

What Zechariah 8:10-13 means

The Curse of Neglect

God as the Author of Chaos

Ask Sola about this verse

What Zechariah 8:10-13 means

The Curse of Neglect

God as the Author of Chaos

Ask Sola about this verse

The Turning Point: Rebuilding and Blessing

The original words in Zechariah 8:10-13

The situation behind Zechariah 8:10-13

The historical timeline around Zechariah 8:10-13

Key themes in Zechariah 8:10-13

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Scholarly commentary on Zechariah 8:10-13

Frequently asked questions about Zechariah 8:10-13

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