Haggai 1:5

Authorized King James Version

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Now therefore thus saith the LORD of hosts; Consider your ways.

Original Language Analysis

וְעַתָּ֕ה H6258
וְעַתָּ֕ה
Strong's: H6258
Word #: 1 of 9
at this time, whether adverb, conjunction or expletive
כֹּ֥ה H3541
כֹּ֥ה
Strong's: H3541
Word #: 2 of 9
properly, like this, i.e., by implication, (of manner) thus (or so); also (of place) here (or hither); or (of time) now
אָמַ֖ר Now therefore thus saith H559
אָמַ֖ר Now therefore thus saith
Strong's: H559
Word #: 3 of 9
to say (used with great latitude)
יְהוָ֣ה the LORD H3068
יְהוָ֣ה the LORD
Strong's: H3068
Word #: 4 of 9
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
צְבָא֑וֹת of hosts H6635
צְבָא֑וֹת of hosts
Strong's: H6635
Word #: 5 of 9
a mass of persons (or figuratively, things), especially reg. organized for war (an army); by implication, a campaign, literally or figuratively (speci
שִׂ֥ימוּ Consider H7760
שִׂ֥ימוּ Consider
Strong's: H7760
Word #: 6 of 9
to put (used in a great variety of applications, literal, figurative, inferentially, and elliptically)
לְבַבְכֶ֖ם H3824
לְבַבְכֶ֖ם
Strong's: H3824
Word #: 7 of 9
the heart (as the most interior organ)
עַל H5921
עַל
Strong's: H5921
Word #: 8 of 9
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
דַּרְכֵיכֶֽם׃ your ways H1870
דַּרְכֵיכֶֽם׃ your ways
Strong's: H1870
Word #: 9 of 9
a road (as trodden); figuratively, a course of life or mode of action, often adverb

Analysis & Commentary

Now therefore thus saith the LORD of hosts; Consider your ways (וְעַתָּה כֹּה־אָמַר יְהוָה צְבָאוֹת שִׂימוּ לְבַבְכֶם עַל־דַּרְכֵיכֶם/ve'attah koh-amar YHWH Tzeva'ot simu levavkhem al-darkhekem)—after exposing their misplaced priorities (v.4), God commands self-examination. 'Consider' (שִׂימוּ לְבַבְכֶם/simu levavkhem) literally means 'set your heart upon'—not casual thought but serious reflection. 'Your ways' (דַּרְכֵיכֶם/darkhekem) encompasses their entire pattern of life: choices, priorities, values, actions.

The LORD of hosts (יְהוָה צְבָאוֹת/YHWH Tzeva'ot)—this title emphasizes God's sovereignty over heavenly and earthly armies. The One commanding self-examination is the Almighty, not a peer offering suggestions. His authority demands response. The command to 'consider your ways' appears twice (v.5, v.7), framing the diagnosis of their futility (v.6). God first calls for self-examination, then provides analysis, then repeats the call—ensuring they cannot avoid honest assessment.

Historical Context

Self-examination was necessary because the people had grown accustomed to their situation. Sixteen years of neglecting the temple while pursuing personal prosperity had dulled spiritual sensitivity. They didn't recognize the connection between their futility (v.6) and their priorities (v.4). God's call to 'consider your ways' invited them to trace effects back to causes: their economic struggles stemmed from spiritual disobedience. This principle operates throughout Scripture—prosperity divorced from obedience leads to emptiness (Deuteronomy 28, Proverbs 3:9-10, Malachi 3:8-12). Jesus similarly warned against storing earthly treasures while neglecting heavenly treasure (Matthew 6:19-21).

Questions for Reflection