The three occurrences in this verse of says the LORD of hosts in Revised Standard Version actually represent three slightly different expressions in Hebrew, each with a slightly different discourse function. The first formula, Thus says the LORD of hosts (in Hebrew koh ʾamar YHWH tsevaʾoth), introduces a paragraph that extends to the end of verse 4. The second formula, says the LORD of hosts (in Hebrew neʾum YHWH tsevaʾoth), reinforces the first formula as an opening marker. The third formula, says the LORD of hosts (in Hebrew ʾamar YHWH tsevaʾoth), marks a climax, as it does also in Zech 4.6; Zech 7.13; Zech 8.14. In many languages, including English, the repetition of quotation formulas is poor style. Good News Translation therefore summarizes the three occurrences in the words “The LORD Almighty told Zechariah to say to the people,” which it has moved to verse 2. Few languages are likely to have quotation formulas with functions similar to the Hebrew ones, but translators should try to find some particle, word or order of words that will convey the functions of the Hebrew expressions. For the translation of LORD of hosts, see the comments on Hag 1.2.
As the paragraph proceeds it becomes clear that the message is addressed to all the people and not just to particular individuals. Good News Translation has made this clear at the beginning with the words “to say to the people.”
Therefore say to them: By the normal rules of pronoun reference in English, them would refer back to “your fathers” in verse 2; but this does not make sense, and the logic of the context means that them must refer to the people whom Zechariah is addressing. Zechariah is told to address the LORD’s message to the people of his own day. These words introduce the second degree quotation. Therefore is not in the Hebrew text, and is not logically necessary. Good News Translation replaces it with “but,” though “and now” would also be a perfectly acceptable link in English.
Thus says the LORD of hosts: This clause begins the second degree quotation (which continues at least to the end of verse 4 and possibly to the end of verse 6), and introduces the third degree quotation. It is a literal translation of the Hebrew. As part of its restructuring of the paragraph, Good News Translation has here “but now I say to you.” “I” refers of course to the LORD, and “you” is plural. Many translators will find it helpful to follow the example of Good News Translation in the way it handles the quotations in this paragraph.
Return to me, says the LORD of hosts, and I will return to you: These words begin the third degree quotation, which also continues to the end of verse 4, and possibly to the end of verse 6. They are quoted in Mal 3.7. The word return had been used often by earlier prophets in encouraging the people to take their religious duties more seriously (see for instance Jer 3.12-14; Hos 6.1; Hos 7.10; Amos 4.6-11). In the present context, when used of human beings, this word refers not just to a more regular observation of religious ritual, but to a basic change of attitude resulting in conduct obedient to the will of God. When used of God, as in the second occurrence in this verse, it refers to God ending the punishment of his disobedient people, and giving them his blessings once again.
In many languages it will not be possible to find a single term to cover both of these meanings. Also, in many languages it will not be possible to use an imperative form Return to me to carry what is really a conditional meaning. In such languages it may be necessary to adjust both the structure and the wording, and say something like “If you will again obey me, then I will again bless you” or “If you come back [or, repent] and worship me again, I will again take care of you.”
At the time at which Zechariah was prophesying, the most obvious way in which people could show a change in their attitude toward the LORD was by helping to rebuild the Temple (compare Hag 1.4-8). However, the language Zechariah uses here does not mention the Temple by name, and could be applied to the behavior of the people more generally; that is to say, it tells them to repent and obey the LORD.
An alternative translation model for verses 2-3 is:
• The LORD who is all-powerful told Zechariah to say to the people, “I, who am the LORD, was very angry with your ancestors. But now I say to you, ‘If you repent and worship me again, I will take care of you [or, help you].’ ”
Quoted with permission from Clark, David J. & Hatton, Howard A. A Handbook on Zechariah. (UBS Helps for Translators). New York: UBS, 2002. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .