Zechariah 14:18
New International Version
If the Egyptian people do not go up and take part, they will have no rain. The LORD will bring on them the plague he inflicts on the nations that do not go up to celebrate the Festival of Tabernacles.

New Living Translation
If the people of Egypt refuse to attend the festival, the LORD will punish them with the same plague that he sends on the other nations who refuse to go.

English Standard Version
And if the family of Egypt does not go up and present themselves, then on them there shall be no rain; there shall be the plague with which the LORD afflicts the nations that do not go up to keep the Feast of Booths.

Berean Standard Bible
And if the people of Egypt will not go up and enter in, then the rain will not fall on them; this will be the plague with which the LORD strikes the nations who do not go up to celebrate the Feast of Tabernacles.

King James Bible
And if the family of Egypt go not up, and come not, that have no rain; there shall be the plague, wherewith the LORD will smite the heathen that come not up to keep the feast of tabernacles.

New King James Version
If the family of Egypt will not come up and enter in, they shall have no rain; they shall receive the plague with which the LORD strikes the nations who do not come up to keep the Feast of Tabernacles.

New American Standard Bible
And if the family of Egypt does not go up or enter, then no rain will fall on them; it will be the plague with which the LORD strikes the nations that do not go up to celebrate the Feast of Booths.

NASB 1995
If the family of Egypt does not go up or enter, then no rain will fall on them; it will be the plague with which the LORD smites the nations who do not go up to celebrate the Feast of Booths.

NASB 1977
And if the family of Egypt does not go up or enter, then no rain will fall on them; it will be the plague with which the LORD smites the nations who do not go up to celebrate the Feast of Booths.

Legacy Standard Bible
And if the family of Egypt does not go up or enter, then no rain will fall on them; it will be the plague with which Yahweh plagues the nations who do not go up to celebrate the Feast of Booths.

Amplified Bible
If the family of Egypt does not go up [to Jerusalem] and present themselves, then no rain will fall on them. It will be the plague with which the LORD will strike the nations who do not go up to celebrate the Feast of Booths (Tabernacles).

Christian Standard Bible
And if the people of Egypt will not go up and enter, then rain will not fall on them; this will be the plague the LORD inflicts on the nations who do not go up to celebrate the Festival of Shelters.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
And if the people of Egypt will not go up and enter, then rain will not fall on them; this will be the plague the LORD inflicts on the nations who do not go up to celebrate the Festival of Booths.

American Standard Version
And if the family of Egypt go not up, and come not, neither shall it be upon them; there shall be the plague wherewith Jehovah will smite the nations that go not up to keep the feast of tabernacles.

English Revised Version
And if the family of Egypt go not up, and come not, neither shall it be upon them; there shall be the plague, wherewith the LORD will smite the nations that go not up to keep the feast of tabernacles.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
If the people of Egypt won't go or enter Jerusalem, then [rain won't fall] on them. The plague the LORD uses to strike the nations will affect those who won't come to celebrate the Festival of Booths.

Good News Translation
If the Egyptians refuse to celebrate the Festival of Shelters, then they will be struck by the same disease that the LORD will send on every nation that refuses to go.

International Standard Version
If the people of Egypt do not come to Jerusalem to take part, they will have no annual Nile overflow. A plague will come from the LORD to strike the nations who do not come to observe the Festival of Tents.

Majority Standard Bible
And if the people of Egypt will not go up and enter in, then the rain will not fall on them; this will be the plague with which the LORD strikes the nations who do not go up to celebrate the Feast of Tabernacles.

NET Bible
If the Egyptians will not do so, they will get no rain--instead there will be the kind of plague which the LORD inflicts on any nations that do not go up to celebrate the Feast of Tabernacles.

New Heart English Bible
If the family of Egypt doesn't go up and enter in, on them will be the plague with which the LORD will strike the nations that do not go up to keep the feast of booths.

Webster's Bible Translation
And if the family of Egypt shall not go up, and shall not come, that have no rain; there shall be the plague, with which the LORD will smite the heathen that come not up to keep the feast of tabernacles.

World English Bible
If the family of Egypt doesn’t go up and doesn’t come, neither will it rain on them. This will be the plague with which Yahweh will strike the nations that don’t go up to keep the feast of booths.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
And if the family of Egypt does not go up, nor come in, "" Then on them is the plague "" With which YHWH plagues the nations "" That do not go up to celebrate the Celebration of Shelters.

Young's Literal Translation
And if the family of Egypt go not up, nor come in, Then not on them is the plague With which Jehovah doth plague the nations That go not up to celebrate the feast of booths.

Smith's Literal Translation
And if the family of Egypt shall not go up, and it not coming, and not upon them there shall be the smiting which Jehovah shall smite the nations which will not come up to keep the festival, the festival of booths.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
And if the family of Egypt go not up nor come: neither shall it be upon them, but there shall be destruction wherewith the Lord will strike all nations that will not go up to keep the feast of tabernacles.

Catholic Public Domain Version
But if even the family of Egypt will go not up, nor approach, neither will it be upon them, but there will be ruin, by which the Lord will strike all the Gentiles, who will not go up to celebrate the feast of tabernacles.

New American Bible
And if the family of Egypt does not go up or enter, upon them will fall the plague, with which the LORD strikes the nations that do not go up to celebrate the feast of Booths.

New Revised Standard Version
And if the family of Egypt do not go up and present themselves, then on them shall come the plague that the LORD inflicts on the nations that do not go up to keep the festival of booths.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
And if the family of Egypt do not go up and do not come, then upon them also shall come the plague with which the LORD will smite the nations that do not come up to keep the feast of tabernacles.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And if the family of Egypt will not go up and will not come, also the plague will be upon them with which LORD JEHOVAH will strike those nations that do not go up to make the Feast of Tabernacles
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
And if the family of Egypt go not up, and come not, they shall have no overflow; there shall be the plague, wherewith the LORD will smite the nations that go not up to keep the feast of tabernacles.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And if the family of Egypt shall not go up, nor come; then upon them shall be the overthrow with which the Lord shall smite all the nations, whichever of them shall not come up to keep the feast of tabernacles.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
All Nations will Worship the King
17And should any of the families of the earth not go up to Jerusalem to worship the King, the LORD of Hosts, then the rain will not fall on them. 18And if the people of Egypt will not go up and enter in, then the rain will not fall on them; this will be the plague with which the LORD strikes the nations who do not go up to celebrate the Feast of Tabernacles. 19This will be the punishment of Egypt and of all the nations that do not go up to celebrate the Feast of Tabernacles.…

Cross References
Revelation 11:6
These witnesses have power to shut the sky so that no rain will fall during the days of their prophecy, and power to turn the waters into blood and to strike the earth with every kind of plague as often as they wish.

Deuteronomy 11:16-17
But be careful that you are not enticed to turn aside to worship and bow down to other gods, / or the anger of the LORD will be kindled against you. He will shut the heavens so that there will be no rain, nor will the land yield its produce, and you will soon perish from the good land that the LORD is giving you.

Amos 4:7-8
“I also withheld the rain from you when the harvest was three months away. I sent rain on one city but withheld it from another. One field received rain; another without rain withered. / People staggered from city to city for water to drink, but they were not satisfied; yet you did not return to Me,” declares the LORD.

Isaiah 5:6
I will make it a wasteland, neither pruned nor cultivated, and thorns and briers will grow up. I will command the clouds that rain shall not fall on it.”

Revelation 16:9
And the people were scorched by intense heat, and they cursed the name of God, who had authority over these plagues. Yet they did not repent and give Him glory.

Jeremiah 14:4
The ground is cracked because no rain has fallen on the land. The farmers are ashamed; they cover their heads.

Ezekiel 22:24
“Son of man, say to her, ‘In the day of indignation, you are a land that has not been cleansed, upon which no rain has fallen.’

Leviticus 26:19-20
I will break down your stubborn pride and make your sky like iron and your land like bronze, / and your strength will be spent in vain. For your land will not yield its produce, and the trees of the land will not bear their fruit.

1 Kings 8:35-36
When the skies are shut and there is no rain because Your people have sinned against You, and they pray toward this place and confess Your name, and they turn from their sins because You have afflicted them, / then may You hear from heaven and forgive the sin of Your servants, Your people Israel, so that You may teach them the good way in which they should walk. May You send rain on the land that You gave Your people as an inheritance.

2 Chronicles 7:13-14
If I close the sky so there is no rain, or if I command the locust to devour the land, or if I send a plague among My people, / and if My people who are called by My name humble themselves and pray and seek My face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, forgive their sin, and heal their land.

Joel 1:17-20
The seeds lie shriveled beneath the clods; the storehouses are in ruins; the granaries are broken down, for the grain has withered away. / How the cattle groan! The herds wander in confusion because they have no pasture. Even the flocks of sheep are suffering. / To You, O LORD, I call, for fire has consumed the open pastures and flames have scorched all the trees of the field. ...

Haggai 1:10-11
Therefore, on account of you the heavens have withheld their dew and the earth has withheld its crops. / I have summoned a drought on the fields and on the mountains, on the grain, new wine, and oil, and on whatever the ground yields, on man and beast, and on all the labor of your hands.”

Matthew 5:45
that you may be sons of your Father in heaven. He causes His sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous.

James 5:17-18
Elijah was a man just like us. He prayed earnestly that it would not rain, and it did not rain on the land for three and a half years. / Again he prayed, and the heavens gave rain, and the earth yielded its crops.

Luke 4:25
But I tell you truthfully that there were many widows in Israel in the time of Elijah, when the sky was shut for three and a half years and great famine swept over all the land.


Treasury of Scripture

And if the family of Egypt go not up, and come not, that have no rain; there shall be the plague, with which the LORD will smite the heathen that come not up to keep the feast of tabernacles.

that have no.

Deuteronomy 11:10,11
For the land, whither thou goest in to possess it, is not as the land of Egypt, from whence ye came out, where thou sowedst thy seed, and wateredst it with thy foot, as a garden of herbs: …

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Attacked Booths Celebrate Egypt Egyptian Enter Fall Family Feast Heathen Inflicts Nations Overflow Part Plague Present Rain Smite Smites Strike Tabernacles Tents Themselves Wherewith
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Attacked Booths Celebrate Egypt Egyptian Enter Fall Family Feast Heathen Inflicts Nations Overflow Part Plague Present Rain Smite Smites Strike Tabernacles Tents Themselves Wherewith
Zechariah 14
1. The destroyers of Jerusalem destroyed.
3. The coming of Christ, and the graces of his kingdom.
12. The plague of Jerusalem's enemies.
16. The remnant shall turn to the Lord;
20. and their spoils shall be holy.














And if the people of Egypt will not go up and enter in
Egypt, historically a symbol of worldly power and idolatry, often represents nations in opposition to God's people. In the context of Zechariah, this phrase suggests a future time when even Egypt is expected to acknowledge God's sovereignty by participating in the worship at Jerusalem. This reflects the prophetic vision of a universal recognition of God, transcending traditional enmities and national boundaries. The requirement for Egypt to "go up and enter in" signifies a call to submission and participation in the worship of the true God, highlighting the inclusivity of God's kingdom.

then the rain will not fall on them
Rain in the biblical context is often a sign of God's blessing and provision. In ancient agrarian societies, rain was crucial for survival, and its absence was a severe judgment. The withholding of rain from Egypt serves as a divine punishment for disobedience, emphasizing the dependence of all nations on God's favor. This echoes the covenantal blessings and curses found in Deuteronomy, where obedience leads to rain and prosperity, while disobedience results in drought and hardship.

this will be the plague with which the LORD strikes the nations
The term "plague" recalls the plagues of Egypt during the Exodus, where God demonstrated His power over the gods of Egypt and liberated His people. Here, it symbolizes divine judgment against nations that refuse to acknowledge God's authority. The use of "plague" underscores the seriousness of the offense and the certainty of divine retribution. It serves as a warning to all nations of the consequences of rebellion against God.

who do not go up to celebrate the Feast of Tabernacles
The Feast of Tabernacles, or Sukkot, is a biblical festival commemorating the Israelites' wilderness journey and God's provision. It is a time of joy and thanksgiving, symbolizing God's dwelling with His people. In the prophetic vision of Zechariah, the Feast becomes a universal celebration, where all nations are invited to worship the Lord in Jerusalem. This points to a future messianic age where God's presence is acknowledged worldwide, and all peoples participate in His worship. The requirement for nations to celebrate this Feast highlights the fulfillment of God's promises and the ultimate unity of humanity under His reign.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Egypt
A nation often symbolizing opposition to God's people in the Bible. Here, it represents those who refuse to worship God.

2. The LORD
The covenant name of God, Yahweh, who is sovereign over all nations and enforces His will.

3. The Feast of Tabernacles
An important Jewish festival celebrating God's provision and presence, also known as Sukkot.

4. The Nations
Refers to all peoples outside of Israel, emphasizing the universal call to worship God.

5. The Plague
A divine punishment for disobedience, specifically the withholding of rain, symbolizing God's control over creation.
Teaching Points
Universal Call to Worship
God's desire is for all nations to worship Him, as seen in the requirement for Egypt to participate in the Feast of Tabernacles.

Consequences of Disobedience
The withholding of rain as a plague illustrates the spiritual and physical consequences of refusing to honor God.

God's Sovereignty
The passage underscores God's control over nature and nations, reminding believers of His ultimate authority.

The Importance of Obedience
Participating in God's appointed times and ways is crucial for receiving His blessings.

Hope for Redemption
Even those historically opposed to God, like Egypt, are invited to turn and worship, showing God's mercy and grace.Verse 18. - If the family of Egypt go not up. Egypt is mentioned as the great typical enemy of God and Israel, and therefore most obnoxious to punishment if it did not obey the call. That have no rain. This rendering implies, what is not the fact, that Egypt is without rain, and is not dependent upon rain for its fertility. The expression in the text is elliptical, being merely, "then not on them," and it is obviously natural to supply, "shall there be rain." As the rise of the Nile depends upon the equinoctial rains in the interior, the failure of these would be disastrous. Another way of rendering the passage is to combine the clauses and append a note of interrogation; thus: "Shall there not be upon them the plague wherewith," etc.? The LXX. and Syriac omit the negative, Καὶ ἐπὶ τούτους ἔσται ἡ πτῶσις, "Even upon these shall be the plague."

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
And if
וְאִם־ (wə·’im-)
Conjunctive waw | Conjunction
Strong's 518: Lo!, whether?, if, although, Oh that!, when, not

the people
מִשְׁפַּ֨חַת (miš·pa·ḥaṯ)
Noun - feminine singular construct
Strong's 4940: A family, circle of relatives, a class, a species, sort, a tribe, people

of Egypt
מִצְרַ֧יִם (miṣ·ra·yim)
Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 4714: Egypt -- a son of Ham, also his descendants and their country in Northwest Africa

will not
לֹֽא־ (lō-)
Adverb - Negative particle
Strong's 3808: Not, no

go up
תַעֲלֶ֛ה (ṯa·‘ă·leh)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person feminine singular
Strong's 5927: To ascend, in, actively

and enter in,
בָאָ֖ה (ḇā·’āh)
Verb - Qal - Participle - feminine singular
Strong's 935: To come in, come, go in, go

then rain will not
וְלֹ֥א (wə·lō)
Conjunctive waw | Adverb - Negative particle
Strong's 3808: Not, no

fall on them;
עֲלֵיהֶ֑ם (‘ă·lê·hem)
Preposition | third person masculine plural
Strong's 5921: Above, over, upon, against

this will be
תִּֽהְיֶ֣ה (tih·yeh)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person feminine singular
Strong's 1961: To fall out, come to pass, become, be

the plague
הַמַּגֵּפָ֗ה (ham·mag·gê·p̄āh)
Article | Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 4046: A blow, slaughter, plague, pestilence

the LORD
יְהוָה֙ (Yah·weh)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3068: LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel

inflicts
יִגֹּ֤ף (yig·gōp̄)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 5062: To push, gore, defeat, stub, inflict

on the nations
הַגּוֹיִ֔ם (hag·gō·w·yim)
Article | Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 1471: A foreign nation, a Gentile, a troop of animals, a flight of locusts

who
אֲשֶׁ֨ר (’ă·šer)
Pronoun - relative
Strong's 834: Who, which, what, that, when, where, how, because, in order that

do not
וְלֹ֣א (wə·lō)
Conjunctive waw | Adverb - Negative particle
Strong's 3808: Not, no

go up
יַֽעֲל֔וּ (ya·‘ă·lū)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine plural
Strong's 5927: To ascend, in, actively

to celebrate
לָחֹ֖ג (lā·ḥōḡ)
Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct
Strong's 2287: To make a pilgrimage, keep a pilgrim feast

the Feast
חַ֥ג (ḥaḡ)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 2282: A festival gathering, feast, pilgrim feast

of Tabernacles.
הַסֻּכּֽוֹת׃ (has·suk·kō·wṯ)
Article | Noun - feminine plural
Strong's 5521: A thicket, booth


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OT Prophets: Zechariah 14:18 If the family of Egypt doesn't go (Zech. Zec Zc)
Zechariah 14:17
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