Thus says the LORD of hosts introduces a quotation within a quotation, which continues till the end of the chapter at verse 10. In order to avoid a double quotation, Good News Translation has linked this clause with the previous one; thus it forms a composite introduction to the words that follow (“Then the angel told Joshua that the LORD Almighty had said…”). Alternatively translators may say “Then the angel declared to Joshua that the LORD Almighty had said….” Since Thus says the LORD of hosts is a standard formula to introduce the LORD’s words, some translators may prefer to keep the formula here, even though it would mean including another degree of quotation. The decision will depend on how their own language prefers to handle quoted speech. For LORD of hosts, see Hag 1.2.

If you will walk in my ways and keep my charge: These two clauses are parallel in structure but do not have the same meaning. Walk in my ways means “obey my laws” (Good News Translation; similarly Bible en français courant, Die Bibel im heutigen Deutsch) and has a mainly moral sense. Keep my charge on the other hand refers primarily to carrying out religious ceremonies and has a mainly ritual sense. The term translated charge is used frequently in reference to priestly duties (Num 3.7, 8, 25, 31, 36; Neh 13.14; Ezek 44.15; Ezek 48.11). Good News Translation renders “perform the duties I have assigned you” (or “to you” in the British edition), which hints at priestly functions without actually mentioning them. Revised English Bible has “carry out your duties towards me.”

Then you shall rule my house and have charge of my courts: These two clauses are also parallel in structure, and have almost the same meaning. My house refers to the Temple, and is translated as such in Good News Translation and Contemporary English Version. See also Hag 1.2 and Zech 1.16 on house. My courts refers to the courtyards of the Temple (compare Contemporary English Version) and does not have any legal sense here. Thus among the community of Jews who had returned from exile, full responsibility for the Temple and its worship is promised to the high priest. This was an increase in his privileges, since before the exile it was the king who had ultimate responsibility over at least the physical aspects of the Temple. See for instance 1 Kgs 2.27; 2 Kgs 16.10-16; 2 Kgs 22.3-7. Courts may be expressed as “enclosed flat spaces around the Temple.”

And I will give you the right of access among those who are standing here: This statement has been understood in different ways. Ancient versions took it to mean that Joshua’s descendants would also become high priests. The Targum and many Jewish commentators took it as a reference to Joshua’s presence in heaven at the time of the resurrection of the dead. Most modern interpreters understand it to speak of the special relationship with God which Joshua would enjoy as a worthy high priest. This understanding is conveyed by the Revised Standard Version expression right of access (compare Moffatt, Jerusalem Bible/New Jerusalem Bible, New American Bible). Revised English Bible expresses this more simply with “I shall grant you the right to come and go…” (similarly New English Bible). Good News Translation brings this sense out very clearly with “I will hear your prayers…,” but this is too interpretive. Contemporary English Version understands the meaning a bit differently with “you will be allowed to speak at any time with the angels standing beside me.” This is closer both to the Hebrew and to the understanding of other versions such as New International Version, New Jewish Publication Society’s Tanakh, and Die Bibel im heutigen Deutsch, 2. Edition.

Those who are standing here are the “heavenly attendants” (Good News Translation) of verse 4. As angelic beings, they have permanent access to God’s presence. Joshua in his high priestly ministry will be counted as one of them. An alternative model for the last clause is: “I will give you authority to come before me in the same way as these angels here come before me.”

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 .