Zechariah 4 3

Zechariah 4:3 kjv

And two olive trees by it, one upon the right side of the bowl, and the other upon the left side thereof.

Zechariah 4:3 nkjv

Two olive trees are by it, one at the right of the bowl and the other at its left."

Zechariah 4:3 niv

Also there are two olive trees by it, one on the right of the bowl and the other on its left."

Zechariah 4:3 esv

And there are two olive trees by it, one on the right of the bowl and the other on its left."

Zechariah 4:3 nlt

And I see two olive trees, one on each side of the bowl."

Zechariah 4 verses

Zechariah 4 3 Meaning

Zechariah 4:3 describes two olive trees positioned directly beside the lampstand's oil-supply bowl, one on its right side and one on its left. This detail highlights their intimate connection to and provision for the lampstand, symbolizing the continuous divine supply of anointing oil, representing the Holy Spirit, which empowers God's work and His people, particularly through the appointed leadership of the era.

Zechariah 4 3 Context

Zechariah 4:3 is part of the fifth vision given to the prophet Zechariah during the post-exilic period (circa 520 BC). The returned Jewish exiles faced immense challenges and discouragement in rebuilding the Second Temple in Jerusalem. This vision (Zec 4:1-14) is primarily an encouraging word to Zerubbabel, the governor and leader of the rebuilding effort, and Joshua, the High Priest. The central image is a golden lampstand, explicitly linked to the presence and empowerment of God through His Spirit. Verse 3 specifically details two olive trees positioned right next to this lampstand, supplying oil. This vision directly addresses the disheartened state of the people, emphasizing that the rebuilding of the Temple and the spiritual revival of the nation would not depend on human strength or political might, but entirely on the divine empowerment of God's Spirit operating through His chosen leaders.

Zechariah 4 3 Word analysis

• And two olive trees: (Heb. ûsh'nêy zêytîm)
  • two (sh'nêy): The number two often signifies a double witness, confirmation, or the dual nature of an office (e.g., king and priest). It implies completeness in testimony or function.
  • olive trees (zêytîm): Olive trees are renowned for their longevity and their ability to produce oil, which was essential for lamps (light), anointing (consecration), food, and healing. Biblically, olives and oil are deeply symbolic of fruitfulness, spiritual richness, vitality, peace, prosperity, and most importantly, anointing with the Holy Spirit (Isa 61:1; Act 10:38). Their presence implies an unending, natural supply of what is needed.
• by it, (Heb. `ālāyw)
  • by it: Refers to the "bowl" (Zec 4:2), which receives oil for the lampstand. Their immediate proximity indicates a direct, constant, and unmediated source of provision. The flow is depicted as continuous, without need for human intervention or pressing.
• one on the right side of the bowl (Heb. `al-yemînāh)
  • right side (yemînāh): In Hebrew thought, the right side often symbolizes strength, favor, honor, and a place of authority or blessing. The "right hand" is often where God's power is revealed (Ps 118:15-16).
• and the other on its left side. (Heb. w'`al-sĕmōw'lāh)
  • left side (sĕmōw'lāh): The left side, in context with the right, denotes balance, completion, and the comprehensive presence of support or authority. Together, right and left suggest encompassing support.

Words-group Analysis

• Two olive trees by it: This phrase highlights the trees' primary role as the direct and unceasing source of "oil" (the Spirit) for the lampstand (God's people/temple work). Their location "by it" signifies intimate, perpetual provision. This dispels the idea that human effort alone could sustain God's work; rather, it is divine provision working through His chosen instruments.
• one on the right side... and the other on its left side: This specific positioning emphasizes the balanced and complete divine support. It conveys that these "anointed ones" are distinct yet cooperate, standing firmly and powerfully beside God's work, providing the necessary spiritual nourishment from both "sides"—all aspects of their designated roles and divine authority. This symmetrical placement is aesthetically perfect, symbolic of God's complete and orderly plan.

Zechariah 4 3 Bonus section

The vision in Zechariah 4 finds a powerful echo in the New Testament, specifically in Revelation 11:4, where John sees "my two witnesses" identified as "the two olive trees and the two lampstands standing before the God of the earth." This connection suggests that the principle of divinely empowered, Spirit-filled witnesses or leaders, symbolized by the olive trees, continues through history and has an ultimate prophetic fulfillment in the end times. The immediate context in Zechariah refers to God's empowerment for building His physical Temple, while Revelation expands it to witness for Christ's spiritual kingdom in a hostile world. The ongoing supply of "golden oil" directly from the trees, without a human press or processing, emphasizes that this empowerment is supernatural, a pure gift from God, entirely bypassing human effort or merit. It highlights the divine source and sustainment of all genuine spiritual service and leadership.

Zechariah 4 3 Commentary

Zechariah 4:3 introduces two crucial symbolic elements in the vision of the golden lampstand. These "two olive trees" are later explicitly identified as "the two anointed ones who stand by the Lord of the whole earth" (Zec 4:14). During Zechariah's time, these would have represented Zerubbabel, the governor and representative of the Davidic royal line, and Joshua, the High Priest, who stood for the priestly line. Both were divinely chosen and "anointed" for leadership roles, crucial for the physical and spiritual restoration of Israel after the exile.

The immediate positioning of these trees to the bowl of the lampstand illustrates a critical spiritual principle: God's work (represented by the lampstand providing light) is not sustained by human strength or resources ("not by might nor by power") but solely by the unceasing flow of His Spirit. The olive oil is a direct metaphor for the Holy Spirit (Zec 4:6), demonstrating that the Spirit is the animating power behind effective ministry and national rebuilding. The "right and left side" arrangement indicates that God's empowerment is comprehensive, supporting and validating both the royal (civil) and priestly (religious) authority, essential for a flourishing spiritual community. This vision reassures that God provides what is needed for His purposes through His chosen vessels.