Zechariah 4 1

Zechariah 4:1 kjv

And the angel that talked with me came again, and waked me, as a man that is wakened out of his sleep.

Zechariah 4:1 nkjv

Now the angel who talked with me came back and wakened me, as a man who is wakened out of his sleep.

Zechariah 4:1 niv

Then the angel who talked with me returned and woke me up, like someone awakened from sleep.

Zechariah 4:1 esv

And the angel who talked with me came again and woke me, like a man who is awakened out of his sleep.

Zechariah 4:1 nlt

Then the angel who had been talking with me returned and woke me, as though I had been asleep.

Zechariah 4 verses

Zechariah 4 1 Meaning

Zechariah 4:1 describes the prophet Zechariah being re-engaged by the interpreting angel. After experiencing a series of previous night visions, the prophet's awareness or spiritual perception may have dulled. The angel, identified as the one who previously conversed with him, actively arouses Zechariah, as one is awakened from physical sleep. This signifies a renewed clarity, an imperative to be attentive, and divine initiative in preparing the prophet for the next crucial revelation regarding the restoration and God's powerful work through Zerubbabel and Joshua.

Zechariah 4 1 Context

Zechariah 4:1 marks a crucial transition within Zechariah’s eight night visions, which began in Zechariah 1:7 and conclude in 6:8. Before this verse, Zechariah has already received several profound visions concerning Jerusalem's restoration, the removal of Joshua's impurity, and the significance of the Branch. This verse suggests a pause or a potential lapse in Zechariah's prophetic receptiveness after absorbing the weight of the prior revelations. The angelic action of "waking" him underscores the importance and fresh clarity needed for the upcoming, arguably central, vision: the golden lampstand with its two olive trees. Historically, this period followed the return of the exiles from Babylon (538 BC). They faced discouragement and opposition in rebuilding the Temple and restoring the nation's spiritual life, necessitating renewed divine assurance and understanding of God's plans for their future, especially through the appointed leaders, Zerubbabel (governor) and Joshua (high priest).

Zechariah 4 1 Word analysis

• And the angel: (Hebrew: מַלְאָךְ, mal’akh) – Not just "an" angel, but specifically "the" interpreting angel who has been conversing with Zechariah throughout the prior visions (cf. Zech 1:9, 13, 14, 19; 2:3; 3:1). This continuity highlights the ongoing, guided nature of God's revelation to His prophet. This figure acts as a divine messenger and interpreter, bridging the gap between heavenly realities and human understanding.
• who talked with me: (Hebrew: הַדֹּבֵר בִּי, haddoveyr bi) – Literally, "the one speaking in me" or "within me." This idiomatic phrase implies not just outward speech, but a deep, intimate, and often revelatory communication directly influencing the prophet's inner perception and spirit. It signifies a profound divine impartation.
• came again: (Hebrew: וַיָּשָׁב, vayyashav) – From the root שׁוּב (shuv), meaning "to return" or "to turn back." This emphasizes a resumption of the previous interaction, indicating that the prophetic encounter had perhaps waned or that Zechariah's state of attention had shifted, necessitating a new divine impetus. It denotes a deliberate, renewed engagement from the divine side.
• and waked me: (Hebrew: וַיַּעִירֵנִי, vayya’ireni) – From the root עוּר (‘ur), meaning "to stir up," "awaken," or "rouse." This isn't merely a physical waking, but an active arousal of Zechariah's spiritual and mental faculties, preparing him for a deeper level of prophetic apprehension. It implies overcoming any mental fatigue or dullness from previous revelations, signifying divine renewal of the prophetic gift.
• as a man that is wakened out of his sleep: (Hebrew: כְּאִישׁ אֲשֶׁר יֵעוֹר מִשְּׁנָתוֹ, ke'ish asher ye'or mishshenato) – This simile vividly portrays the intensity and directness of the angel's action. It compares Zechariah's experience to a sudden and complete waking from physical sleep, where one's senses become fully alert. It emphasizes the contrast between a state of perhaps subconscious processing or spiritual dullness, and the clear, conscious state of readiness required to grasp God's intricate visions. The "sleep" could metaphorically refer to a prophet's rest between revelations or a temporary dip in spiritual attentiveness, or even the slumber of the surrounding discouraged nation.

Words-Group Analysis:

• "And the angel who talked with me came again and waked me": This phrase underlines the divine initiative in revelation. Prophecy is not solely human seeking, but God's gracious pursuit of the prophet, guiding him and renewing his capacity for insight. The recurring angel establishes continuity and assurance in the divine message.
• "as a man that is wakened out of his sleep": This striking simile sets the tone for the profundity of the upcoming vision. It suggests that what follows requires a heightened state of awareness, surpassing ordinary human perception. It also contrasts Zechariah's new alertness with any previous state of partial understanding or spiritual complacency, preparing both him and the reader for a revelation demanding full attention.

Zechariah 4 1 Bonus section

The active "waking" of the prophet serves as an analogy for spiritual awakening required not only of Zechariah but also of God's people at the time. After decades of exile and the initial zeal of the returnees waning due to challenges, there was a spiritual apathy. This divine "arousing" calls the entire nation to greater spiritual vitality and a clearer understanding of God's work. It preempts the profound message of "not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit," which directly follows this awakened state, emphasizing that God's work depends on divine power, not human capability. This readiness is essential for perceiving the truth that small beginnings (like the rebuilding of the Temple's foundation) should not be despised, as the grand culmination is guided by the eyes of the Lord.

Zechariah 4 1 Commentary

Zechariah 4:1 serves as a vital transition point, moving the narrative into the powerful vision of the lampstand, representing God's enabling Spirit, and the two olive trees, signifying Zerubbabel and Joshua as instruments of His grace. The act of the angel "waking" Zechariah is more than a simple physical arousal; it's a divine imperative to renew his spiritual alertness and cognitive reception. This implies that even a dedicated prophet can experience spiritual fatigue or a lessening of perceptive sharpness after prolonged exposure to divine truths. The verse thus underscores God's personal and persistent engagement with His chosen messengers, ensuring they are fully prepared and attuned for the next phase of His revelatory purpose. It highlights that God actively prepares His vessels for His message, breaking through any dulled senses or lack of clarity. The image of waking from sleep symbolizes the shift from a state of obscurity or rest into vivid clarity and understanding of divine will concerning the rebuilding efforts in Jerusalem.