Zechariah 6:15

Old Testament Minor Prophet ASV (1901)

What does Zechariah 6:15 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “And they that are far off shall come and build in the temple of Jehovah; and ye shall know that Jehovah of hosts hath sent me unto you. And [this] shall come to pass, if ye will diligently obey the voice of Jehovah your God.” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

And they that are far off shall come and build in the temple of Jehovah; and ye shall know that Jehovah of hosts hath sent me unto you. And [this] shall come to pass, if ye will diligently obey the voice of Jehovah your God.
Zechariah 6:15 — American Standard Version

Context — Zechariah 6

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
15And they that are far off shall come and build in the temple of Jehovah; and ye shall know that Jehovah of hosts hath sent me unto you. And [this] shall come to pass, if ye will diligently obey the voice of Jehovah your God.

What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“And they [that are] afar off shall come, etc.]. Into the temple; not the material temple; nor is this a prophecy which was fulfilled in Herod, a stranger, repairing that, as Kimchi suggests; but into the spiritual temple, the church; and is a prophecy of the calling of the Gentiles, who are said to be “afar off”, (<490212>Ephesians 2:12,13), from God; from having his image on them; from subjection to his law; from the knowledge and fear of him; and from communion with him: from Christ; from the knowledge of his person, righteousness, and salvation by him; from love to him, faith in him, and fellowship with him; from the Spirit of God, and from the people of God, and from any solid hope of…”
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Jamieson, Fausset & Brown
Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset & David Brown · Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“they . . . far off shall . . . build--The reason why the crowns were made of gold received from afar, namely, from the Jews of Babylon, was to typify the conversion of the Gentiles to Messiah, King of Israel. This, too, was included in the "peace" spoken of in Zac 6:13 (Act 2:39; Eph 2:12-17). Primarily, however, the return of the dispersed Israelites "from afar" (Isa 60:9) to the king of the Jews at Jerusalem is intended, to be followed, secondly, by the conversion of the Gentiles from "far off" (Zac 2:11; Zec. 8:2-23; Isa 60:10; Isa 57:19). build in the temple--Christ "builds the temple" (Zac 6:12-13; Heb 3:3-4): His people "build in the temple." Compare Heb 3:2, "Moses in His house." ye…”
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Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“And they who are far off shall come - They who came from Babylon with offerings to God, became types of the Gentiles, of whom the Apostle says, “Now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off have become nigh through the blood of Christ” Ephesians 2:13; and, “He came and preached peace to you which were far off and to them that were nigh” Ephesians 2:17; and “the promise is to you and to your children, and to all that are far off, as many as the Lord our God shall call” Acts 2:39. And build in - or upon, the temple of the Lord (Nehemiah 4:4, Nehemiah 4:11 (Nehemiah 4:10, Nehemiah 4:17 in English).) Not “build it” for it was to be built by “the Branch,” but “build on,” labor on, it. It was…”
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Wesley's Explanatory Notes
John Wesley (1703–1791) · Explanatory Notes upon the New Testament and Old Testament notes · 18th-century historical commentary
“They that are far off - This verse hath a double reference, one to the Jews, and the building of the material temple, the other to the bringing in of the Gentiles. And this - The literal part shall come to pass in your day, if you will obey the voice of the Lord. The mystical part shall come to pass also, and, if you will believe and obey, the Gentiles shall come in and be your brethren, and help to build the temple, the spiritual temple. But if you rebel and obey not, you shall be cast out and the Gentiles be taken in, to be God's people. Next: Zechariah Chapter 7”
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Tyndale Open Study Notes
Tyndale House Publishers · Tyndale Open Study Notes · Modern study notes
“6:15 Exiled Jews in Babylon and other distant lands helped to rebuild the Temple; all Israel could identify with the structure.”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“they: Isa 56:6-8, Isa 57:19, Isa 60:10; Act 2:39; Co1 3:10-15; Eph 2:13-22; Pe1 2:4, Pe1 2:5 and ye: Zac 6:12, Zac 2:8-11, Zac 4:8, Zac 4:9; Joh 17:20, Joh 17:21 And this: Zac 3:7; Isa 3:10, Isa 58:10-14; Rom 16:26; Pe2 1:5-10 Next: Zechariah Chapter 7”
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Related study paths

Sources and verification