Haggai 1:14

Authorized King James Version

And the LORD stirred up the spirit of Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel, governor of Judah, and the spirit of Joshua the son of Josedech, the high priest, and the spirit of all the remnant of the people; and they came and did work in the house of the LORD of hosts, their God,

Word-by-Word Analysis

וַיָּ֣עַר

H5782

stirred up

to wake (literally or figuratively)

יְהוָ֥ה

H3068

And the LORD

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

אֶת

H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

ר֔וּחַ

H7307

and the spirit

wind; by resemblance breath, i.e., a sensible (or even violent) exhalation; figuratively, life, anger, unsubstantiality; by extension, a region of the

זְרֻבָּבֶ֨ל

H2216

of Zerubbabel

zerubbabel, an israelite

בֶּן

H1121

the son

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

שַׁלְתִּיאֵ֜ל

H7597

of Shealtiel

shealtiel, an israelite

פַּחַ֣ת

H6346

governor

a prefect (of a city or small district)

יְהוּדָ֗ה

H3063

of Judah

jehudah (or judah), the name of five israelites; also of the tribe descended from the first, and of its territory

#10

וְאֶת

H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

#11

ר֔וּחַ

H7307

and the spirit

wind; by resemblance breath, i.e., a sensible (or even violent) exhalation; figuratively, life, anger, unsubstantiality; by extension, a region of the

#12

יְהוֹשֻׁ֤עַ

H3091

of Joshua

jehoshua (i.e., joshua), the jewish leader

#13

בֶּן

H1121

the son

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

#14

יְהוֹצָדָק֙

H3087

of Josedech

jehotsadak, an israelite

#15

הַכֹּהֵ֣ן

H3548

priest

literally one officiating, a priest; also (by courtesy) an acting priest (although a layman)

#16

הַגָּד֔וֹל

H1419

the high

great (in any sense); hence, older; also insolent

#17

וְֽאֶת

H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

#18

ר֔וּחַ

H7307

and the spirit

wind; by resemblance breath, i.e., a sensible (or even violent) exhalation; figuratively, life, anger, unsubstantiality; by extension, a region of the

#19

כֹּ֖ל

H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

#20

שְׁאֵרִ֣ית

H7611

of all the remnant

a remainder or residual (surviving, final) portion

#21

הָעָ֑ם

H5971

of the people

a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock

#22

וַיָּבֹ֙אוּ֙

H935

and they came

to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

#23

וַיַּעֲשׂ֣וּ

H6213

and did

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

#24

מְלָאכָ֔ה

H4399

work

properly, deputyship, i.e., ministry; generally, employment (never servile) or work (abstractly or concretely); also property (as the result of labor)

#25

בְּבֵית

H1004

in the house

a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)

#26

יְהוָ֥ה

H3068

And the LORD

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

#27

צְבָא֖וֹת

H6635

of hosts

a mass of persons (or figuratively, things), especially reg. organized for war (an army); by implication, a campaign, literally or figuratively (speci

#28

אֱלֹהֵיהֶֽם׃

H430

their God

gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of

Analysis

Within the broader context of Haggai, this passage highlights salvation through universal language and absolute statements. The theological weight of divine sovereignty connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine sovereignty, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by establishing foundational concepts crucial to Haggai's theological argument.

Historical Context

The literary and historical milieu of the literary conventions and historical circumstances of biblical literature shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of salvation within the theological tradition of Haggai Understanding the ancient worldview that shaped the author's theological expression helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes divine sovereignty in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

How does the salvation theme in this verse connect to the overarching narrative of Scripture, and what does this reveal about God's character and purposes?
How might the original audience's understanding of divine sovereignty differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?
In what ways does this verse's emphasis on divine sovereignty address religious pluralism and questions about the necessity of Christ, and how should the church respond?