Zechariah 4 8

Zechariah 4:8 kjv

Moreover the word of the LORD came unto me, saying,

Zechariah 4:8 nkjv

Moreover the word of the LORD came to me, saying:

Zechariah 4:8 niv

Then the word of the LORD came to me:

Zechariah 4:8 esv

Then the word of the LORD came to me, saying,

Zechariah 4:8 nlt

Then another message came to me from the LORD:

Zechariah 4 verses

Zechariah 4 8 Meaning

Zechariah 4:8 announces a new, direct divine revelation from the Lord YHWH to the prophet Zechariah. It serves as a declarative statement, authenticating the subsequent message as being unequivocally from God, intended to clarify and apply the preceding vision to the practical task of rebuilding the temple. It emphasizes the ultimate authority and reliability of God's forthcoming words.

Zechariah 4 8 Context

Zechariah 4:8 directly follows the vision of the golden lampstand with its seven lamps and two olive trees (Zech 4:1-7). The initial explanation in Zech 4:6-7 provided the crucial spiritual principle: "Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit," specifically reassuring Zerubbabel about overcoming obstacles to complete the temple. This verse, Zechariah 4:8, marks a transition. It signals the beginning of a new, explicit divine message that elaborates upon and applies the vision, focusing specifically on Zerubbabel's role in completing the temple, reinforcing the idea of divine enablement. Historically, Zechariah prophesied to the returned exiles during a period of discouragement and apathy regarding the temple reconstruction, alongside the prophet Haggai. This verse reinforces the divine backing for their monumental task, underscoring that the impetus and ability for completion derived solely from the Lord's word and Spirit.

Zechariah 4 8 Word analysis

• "Moreover": This word links the ensuing message to the preceding revelation and vision. It indicates a continuation of the divine dialogue, extending the interpretation and application of what was just shown.

• "the word": Hebrew dāḇār (דָּבָר). This is more than a mere sound; it signifies an active, authoritative utterance, a powerful decree, or a divine declaration. In prophetic contexts, dāḇār embodies God's very thought and will, capable of accomplishing what it pronounces.

• "of the LORD": Hebrew YHWH (יהוה). This refers to the covenant God of Israel, the self-existent, faithful, and sovereign Lord. Its inclusion here emphatically declares the divine origin and absolute authority of the message that follows. It underscores that the message is not of human making but comes from the highest power.

• "came unto me": Hebrew hâyâ... ʾēlāy (הָיָה אֵלָי). This is a common and definitive prophetic phrase meaning "was unto me" or "came to me." It explicitly states that the prophet Zechariah is the recipient of a direct, divine communication, emphasizing God's initiative in revealing His will. The prophet is merely the messenger.

• "saying": Hebrew lēʾmōr (לֵאמֹר). Literally meaning "to say" or "for saying." This word invariably introduces the direct content of the preceding divine utterance. It indicates that what follows is the verbatim or divinely intended substance of God's message, as given to the prophet.

• Words-group analysis:

  • "Moreover the word of the LORD came unto me, saying": This complete phrase is a classic and foundational prophetic introductory formula found throughout the Old Testament prophetic books. Its purpose is multifaceted: it establishes the divine authority and truthfulness of the message Zechariah is about to convey, ensures the message is understood as God's very own, authenticates Zechariah as a true prophet of YHWH, and underscores God's initiative in communicating with His people during a critical historical period. It unequivocally states that the words following are divinely inspired and thus demand attention and obedience from the community.

Zechariah 4 8 Bonus section

• The recurring use of the phrase "the word of the LORD came unto me" or similar forms (e.g., Zech 1:1, 1:7, 6:9, 7:1, 7:4, 7:8, 8:1, 8:18) throughout Zechariah highlights the fundamental principle that true prophecy is always God-initiated and God-revealed. It emphasizes that prophets are merely divine instruments, ensuring that the message's weight rests solely on God's authority.
• In the larger biblical narrative, such introductory phrases solidify the canonical status of prophetic writings, presenting them not as human literature but as direct communications from the Almighty. This lays the groundwork for understanding the inspiration and infallibility of God's revealed Word.
• This verse provides immense encouragement not only for ancient Israel but for believers in all ages: when God gives a task, He also provides His "word"—His divine assurance, direction, and empowerment—to ensure its completion. It undergirds faith that His purposes, declared through His word, will always be accomplished.

Zechariah 4 8 Commentary

Zechariah 4:8 functions as a critical bridge between the symbolic vision of the lampstand and olive trees (Zech 4:1-7) and its specific application to the ongoing work of temple reconstruction under Zerubbabel's leadership (Zech 4:9-10). It signals a direct shift from revelation through imagery to direct divine declaration. The powerful introductory formula, "Moreover the word of the LORD came unto me, saying," authenticates the ensuing message as an authoritative divine pronouncement, directly from YHWH Himself, bypassing any human conjecture or doubt. This was vital for the post-exilic community, weary from the arduous task of rebuilding and facing opposition. It reassured them that the commission to build and the ability to finish came from God, echoing the principle of divine enablement found in Zech 4:6 ("Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit"). The very presence of God's Word demonstrated His active engagement and steadfast faithfulness to His covenant people, assuring them that despite challenges, His purpose would be fulfilled through their hands, empowered by Him.