Zechariah 4 14

Zechariah 4:14 kjv

Then said he, These are the two anointed ones, that stand by the LORD of the whole earth.

Zechariah 4:14 nkjv

So he said, "These are the two anointed ones, who stand beside the Lord of the whole earth."

Zechariah 4:14 niv

So he said, "These are the two who are anointed to serve the Lord of all the earth."

Zechariah 4:14 esv

Then he said, "These are the two anointed ones who stand by the Lord of the whole earth."

Zechariah 4:14 nlt

Then he said to me, "They represent the two anointed ones who stand in the court of the Lord of all the earth."

Zechariah 4 verses

Zechariah 4 14 Meaning

Zechariah 4:14 reveals the identity of the two olive trees seen in Zechariah’s vision: they represent the "two anointed ones" or "two sons of fresh oil" who stand as privileged servants before the Lord of the entire earth. This signifies their divine appointment, empowerment, and access, symbolizing the two divinely sanctioned offices (the kingly and the priestly) crucial for the restoration and future of God's people in the post-exilic era, deriving their authority and ability solely from the Holy Spirit.

Zechariah 4 14 Context

Zechariah 4:14 is the interpretive climax of Zechariah's fifth vision (Zechariah 4:1-14). In this vision, Zechariah sees a golden lampstand (representing Israel/the Temple as a light-bearer) fed by two olive trees/branches, which directly supply it with oil. The prophet's initial question about the meaning of these trees prompts the angelic explanation in verse 14. This vision, placed amidst a series of night visions, occurs during the post-exilic period when the returning exiles faced immense discouragement in rebuilding the Temple in Jerusalem. Zerubbabel, the governor of Judah, was overseeing the Temple reconstruction, while Joshua was the High Priest. The central message of this chapter, especially verse 6 ("Not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit"), underscores that the restoration and divine work would proceed not by human effort or political strength, but by God's own enabling Spirit. The two "anointed ones" provide the necessary leadership, signifying God's empowerment for the political and spiritual roles essential for the community's reestablishment.

Zechariah 4 14 Word analysis

• He said: From the Hebrew vayyo'mer (וַיֹּאמֶר֙), meaning "And he said." Refers to the interpreting angel who has been communicating with Zechariah throughout the visions. This highlights that the understanding comes from divine revelation.
• These: From the Hebrew ’elleh (אֵ֣לֶּה), "these." Points directly back to the two olive trees/branches that Zechariah has just inquired about.
• are the two anointeds: From the Hebrew shnê v'nê-hayyiṣhar (שְׁנֵ֤י בְנֵֽי־הַיִּצְהָר֙). This literally means "two sons of oil" or "two sons of fresh oil."
  • Sh'nê (שְׁנֵי): "two." Indicates a duality, representing distinct yet cooperative roles.
  • B'nê (בְּנֵי): "sons of." This is a common Hebrew idiom meaning "characterized by" or "belonging to," or "participants in." Here, it signifies those filled or infused with "oil."
  • Hayyiṣhar (הַיִּצְהָר): "the oil," specifically fresh oil, a refined and illuminating oil, not just any olive oil. It is derived from a root meaning "to shine" or "to be bright." In this context, it unequivocally symbolizes divine anointing and empowerment, directly linking to the Holy Spirit. It's the essential lifeblood for the lampstand's light.
  • Significance: These are individuals (Zerubbabel the governor and Joshua the high priest) who are divinely appointed and empowered, continually supplied with God's Spirit for their respective tasks. They are "anointed ones" in the sense of being consecrated for holy service by God's Spirit, much like kings and priests were traditionally anointed with oil.
• who stand: From the Hebrew hā‘om’dîm (הָעֹמְדִ֖ים), "the ones standing." This is a participle, emphasizing a continuous state of standing. It implies a posture of service, readiness, and privileged access into the presence of the Lord. They are positioned as attentive servants before a sovereign.
• by: From the Hebrew ‘al (עַל־), "upon," "over," "by," or "before." In this context, it means standing "before" or "attending upon" the Lord. It denotes submission and dedicated service in His presence.
• the Lord: From the Hebrew ’Ăḏôn (אֲדֹ֥ון), "Lord" or "Master." A title of absolute ownership and supreme authority. It underscores the ultimate sovereignty of God.
• of the whole earth: From the Hebrew kāl-hā’āreṣ (כָּל־הָאָֽרֶץ), "all the earth." This highlights the universal dominion and sovereignty of God, not just over Israel but over all nations and creation. The anointeds serve a God whose reach extends globally, and their work, though seemingly local, has cosmic significance.
• Words-group analysis:
  • "the two sons of fresh oil": This phrase beautifully captures the essence of divine enablement. It is not their lineage or personal charisma that makes them effective, but the continual infilling and power from God's Spirit, represented by the "fresh oil." This reinforces the message of Zech 4:6 that success is "not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit."
  • "who stand by the Lord of the whole earth": This phrase conveys their authorized position, close relationship, and active service to a sovereign God. Their commission and power originate from the universal ruler, ensuring their mission is both divinely sanctioned and ultimately successful despite present difficulties.

Zechariah 4 14 Bonus section

The vision of the lampstand and olive trees (leading to Zechariah 4:14) also offers profound symbolism regarding the church and individual believers today. Just as the lampstand (Israel/Temple) was dependent on the two anointed ones continually supplied with oil for its light, believers and the church are called to shine in the world, sustained by the constant flow of the Holy Spirit. This highlights that Christian service, evangelism, and community building are not fueled by human effort but by divine enablement. It implies that true, effective ministry comes from maintaining a connection with the source of the "fresh oil," the Holy Spirit, acknowledging that God sovereignly anoints and equips those He calls for His work, big or small, to stand and serve Him in the world.

Zechariah 4 14 Commentary

Zechariah 4:14 unveils the practical implication of God's enablement for His work. The "two anointed ones" are understood to be Joshua the high priest and Zerubbabel the governor, the two leading figures responsible for rebuilding the Temple in post-exilic Jerusalem. Their respective roles represented the divinely ordained religious and civil authority, both crucial for the spiritual and physical restoration of Israel. The term "sons of fresh oil" powerfully conveys that their anointing is not merely ceremonial but a dynamic, continuous supply of divine empowerment – symbolizing the Holy Spirit. They do not operate by human strength or political savvy, but by God’s Spirit, providing them with continuous fresh oil for the light-bearing task.

Their position, "standing by the Lord of the whole earth," emphasizes their privileged access, their readiness to serve, and their derived authority from the supreme ruler of all creation. This highlights that their mission is not insignificant; it is under the direct oversight and sponsorship of God, whose sovereignty is universal. For a disheartened community struggling with visible lack of resources, this vision assures them that the required anointing, power, and leadership flow directly from God's inexhaustible Spirit, securing the success of His plans for their spiritual and national recovery. The unity of these two roles, King and Priest, ultimately finds its complete fulfillment in Jesus Christ, the unique Anointed One who perfectly embodies both eternal offices.