Zechariah 4 5

Zechariah 4:5 kjv

Then the angel that talked with me answered and said unto me, Knowest thou not what these be? And I said, No, my lord.

Zechariah 4:5 nkjv

Then the angel who talked with me answered and said to me, "Do you not know what these are?" And I said, "No, my lord."

Zechariah 4:5 niv

He answered, "Do you not know what these are?" "No, my lord," I replied.

Zechariah 4:5 esv

Then the angel who talked with me answered and said to me, "Do you not know what these are?" I said, "No, my lord."

Zechariah 4:5 nlt

"Don't you know?" the angel asked. "No, my lord," I replied.

Zechariah 4 verses

Zechariah 4 5 Meaning

Zechariah 4:5 describes the prophet Zechariah's earnest plea for understanding regarding the vision he has just witnessed. Confronted with the symbolic imagery of the lampstand and two olive trees, Zechariah directly asks the interpreting angel, "What are these, my lord?" This question signifies the human need for divine illumination to comprehend spiritual truths and sets the stage for the angel's crucial explanation about God's Spirit enabling the work of rebuilding the Temple.

Zechariah 4 5 Context

Zechariah 4:5 falls within the prophet Zechariah's fifth nocturnal vision. The verse directly follows the angel's question in Zech 4:4, which implies that Zechariah's initial gaze upon the vision—a golden lampstand and two olive trees—did not yield immediate comprehension.

The broader chapter context (Zechariah 4) depicts a symbolic reassurance for Zerubbabel, the civil governor leading the temple rebuilding effort. The vision communicates that the seemingly insurmountable task of constructing the Second Temple will be completed, "Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit" (Zech 4:6). The lampstand represents God's people as light-bearers, nourished by the oil flowing from the two olive trees, which symbolize Joshua the High Priest and Zerubbabel the Governor, both "anointed ones" empowered by God's Spirit.

The historical context is the post-exilic period around 520 BC. The returning exiles in Judah faced immense challenges: Samaritan opposition, economic hardship, and spiritual apathy. Discouragement was rampant among the builders who compared the new Temple unfavorably with Solomon's glorious one (Hag 2:3). Zechariah's visions, including this one, were given by the Lord to provide divine encouragement, assure God's unwavering presence, and rekindle hope and determination among His people to complete the Temple. Zechariah's question in Zech 4:5 underscores the need for divine interpretation in times of uncertainty and struggle.

Zechariah 4 5 Word analysis

• Then I answered (וָאַעַן, wa'a'an): This phrase signifies Zechariah's active response, indicating a shift from silent observation to direct engagement with the interpreting angel. It shows that he was given opportunity for human comprehension first, but required further assistance.
• and said to the angel (וָאֹמַר אֶל־הַמַּלְאָךְ, wa'omar 'el-hammal'akh): Mal'akh (מַלְאָךְ) means "messenger" or "angel." This phrase confirms Zechariah's direct communication with the divine emissary, highlighting the angel's crucial role as an intermediary of God's revelation.
• who talked with me (הַדֹּבֵר בִּי, haddovēr bi): Literally, "the one speaking in/through/with me." This precise phrasing emphasizes the ongoing, intimate, and interpretive relationship between Zechariah and the angel. It highlights the divine process of revelation that actively engages the prophet.
• "What are these, (מָה אֵלֶּה, mah 'ēlleh): A direct, interrogative plea for clarification. Zechariah is asking for the meaning, identity, or purpose of the symbols he sees, rather than just a description. It conveys his perplexity and inability to grasp the profound divine symbolism on his own. It’s a humble acknowledgment of human limitation in understanding spiritual truth.
• my lord?" (אֲדֹנִי, 'adoni): A respectful title, commonly used to address superiors, whether human kings, prophets, or angelic beings (e.g., Abraham to angels in Gen 18:3; Daniel to Gabriel in Dan 10:16-17). This term conveys Zechariah's deference and acknowledgement of the angel's authority and role in mediating God's message, simultaneously serving as a humble appeal for enlightenment.

Words-group Analysis

• "Then I answered and said...": This sequence of verbs demonstrates the prophet's progression from passive receiver to active seeker of divine understanding. It is a model for believers, emphasizing that comprehension of God's will often requires intentional inquiry and dependence on His teaching.
• "to the angel who talked with me": This phrase emphasizes the instrumental role of God's appointed messengers, whether angelic or human, in conveying and interpreting His truth. It highlights the interactive and relational aspect of God's communication with His servants, ensuring that divine messages are both delivered and understood.
• "What are these, my lord?": This complete question encapsulates the human condition when faced with profound spiritual realities. It combines genuine perplexity with a posture of humility and readiness to learn from a higher source. It sets the crucial stage for the ensuing divine revelation which follows in Zech 4:6-7, showcasing God's willingness to reveal what is beyond human comprehension.

Zechariah 4 5 Bonus section

• Zechariah's request for explanation mirrors similar interactions in prophetic books like Daniel (e.g., Dan 7:16; 8:15-16), where visions are revealed but their meaning requires direct angelic interpretation, emphasizing God's provision for His prophets to grasp His complex messages.
• The human tendency to ask "What is this?" (mah zeh?) in the presence of something divinely mysterious is seen throughout the Scriptures, from Moses at the burning bush (Ex 3:3) to the Israelites collecting manna (Ex 16:15). It often precedes a crucial revelation of God's nature or plan.
• This verse highlights the cooperative nature of prophetic revelation: God reveals, and His servant seeks understanding. This interaction underscores God's desire for His messengers to fully grasp and accurately convey His truth to His people, not just receive it passively.

Zechariah 4 5 Commentary

Zechariah 4:5 is a pivotal verse, serving as the threshold between Zechariah's vision and the Lord's profound explanation. The prophet's question, "What are these, my lord?", underscores the inherently symbolic and often obscure nature of apocalyptic revelation, necessitating divine interpretation. It is a genuine cry for clarity, acknowledging that without divine aid, the true significance of spiritual visions remains elusive to human intellect. Zechariah’s humble address to the angel, "my lord," demonstrates his respect for the messenger and his submission to God’s process of revealing truth. This verse thus prefaces the monumental declaration that follows in Zechariah 4:6—the cornerstone of the vision—that God's purposes, including the seemingly impossible task of rebuilding the Temple, would be achieved not through human strength or power, but solely through the enablement of His Holy Spirit. It implicitly reminds believers to humbly seek God's wisdom and guidance, knowing that He desires for us to understand His will, often through His appointed means and His Spirit.