Definition: So the angel that communed with me said unto me, Cry thou, saying, Thus saith the LORD of hosts; I am jealous for Jerusalem and for Zion with a great jealousy.

Explanation: Okay, let's break down this verse from Zechariah 1:14. It’s a really powerful and somewhat unsettling passage in the Bible. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: This verse comes from a vision that Zechariah, a prophet, had while he was praying. The angel who appeared to him told him to cry out – to express strong emotion – because God is deeply concerned about Jerusalem and Zion (two major cities in Israel). He’s feeling intense jealousy towards them. Let's unpack it piece by piece: "So the angel that communed with me..." : This tells us we’re talking about a divine messenger, likely an angel of God. "...said unto me..." : The angel is speaking directly to Zechariah. "Cry thou, saying, Thus saith the LORD of hosts; I am jealous for Jerusalem and for Zion with a great jealousy." : This is the core of the verse. It’s a very strong declaration from God. Let's break down what “I am jealous” means: Jealousy: This word has a complex meaning in the Bible, but generally it means feeling or expressing intense anger or possessiveness. It’s not just simple dislike; it’s a deep and painful feeling of worry about something else that someone else possesses. “For Jerusalem and for Zion…” : This specifies which places God is concerned about. Jerusalem was the capital city of Israel, and Zion was the promised land – believed to be the future homeland of Jewish people. What's the bigger picture? This verse paints a picture of a powerful, possibly wrathful, God who feels a deep sadness and anger towards injustice or problems in his chosen people. It suggests a feeling of being threatened by their prosperity, their stability, or their well-being. It’s a moment where God is deeply troubled and concerned for the future of Israel. Important Context: This passage often appears during times of crisis – perhaps when there's unrest or conflict in Jerusalem. It's often interpreted as a warning to those who are causing problems or threatening the peace and well-being of these cities. In short, this verse expresses God’s deep concern for his people, particularly Jerusalem and Zion, and hints at a potentially challenging situation. --- Disclaimer: I am an AI Chatbot and not a biblical scholar. This explanation is based on common interpretations of the text within religious contexts. Do you want me to: Explain this verse in more detail? Discuss its historical significance? Connect it to other Bible stories or themes?