This verse stands outside the direct speech of the LORD, which we have suggested ends at the end of verse 12 (see the discussion at the beginning of the notes on verse 11). In terms of the structure of the whole oracle (2.6-13), it is a short closing unit that balances the short opening unit in verse 6. Its status as separate from the previous verses is shown by the occurrence of the interjection translated Be silent, and the vocative all flesh.

Be silent, all flesh, before the LORD: These words are similar in thought but not identical in form to those of Hab 2.20; Zeph 1.7. They may have been used as part of the Temple liturgy in the days before the exile. All flesh means “everyone” (Good News Translation, Contemporary English Version), “all mankind” (Jerusalem Bible, New American Bible, New English Bible, New International Version), “all people” (New Jerusalem Bible, New Revised Standard Version), or even “every living creature” (Biblen: Det Gamle og Det Nye Testamente). Before the LORD means “in the presence of the LORD” (New American Bible, New English Bible/ Revised English Bible, Good News Translation). This clause may be expressed idiomatically in certain languages as “Be silent, everyone, in front of the face of the LORD” or “All you people of the world, do not speak when you are in front of the LORD’s face.” Without figurative language translators may say, “… when you are in the place where the LORD is.”

For he has roused himself: This pictures the LORD as waking up after a period of inactivity (compare Psa 44.23; Isa 51.9). Good News Translation drops the figurative language and says simply “for he is coming.” In other languages translators may wish to retain the figure of speech if it is clear and meaningful to their readers.

From his holy dwelling: This refers not to the Temple in Jerusalem, which was not yet rebuilt, but to the place where the LORD lives in heaven (compare Deut 26.15; Isa 63.15; Jer 25.30). In certain languages it will be necessary to make this clear and say, “from his holy dwelling place in heaven.” Holy, as in verse 12, indicates that the place is dedicated to or belongs to God. So, in some languages it may be better to omit holy, as the pronoun his covers this meaning.

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 .