Haggai 2:20
And again the word of the LORD came unto Haggai in the four and twentieth day of the month, saying,
Original Language Analysis
וַיְהִ֨י
H1961
וַיְהִ֨י
Strong's:
H1961
Word #:
1 of 10
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
דְבַר
the word
H1697
דְבַר
the word
Strong's:
H1697
Word #:
2 of 10
a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause
יְהוָ֤ה׀
of the LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֤ה׀
of the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
3 of 10
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
שֵׁנִית֙
And again
H8145
שֵׁנִית֙
And again
Strong's:
H8145
Word #:
4 of 10
properly, double, i.e., second; also adverbially, again
Historical Context
Receiving two distinct messages on the same day suggests an intensive period of prophetic revelation. Haggai's brief ministry (four messages over four months, August-December 520 BC) packed extraordinary theological content addressing holiness, blessing, eschatology, and messianic hope. This fourth message would be Haggai's final recorded prophecy, climaxing with God's promise to Zerubbabel as His chosen signet ring—a remarkable conclusion pointing to Christ.
Questions for Reflection
- How does God's willingness to speak multiple times on the same day demonstrate His desire to communicate fully with His people?
- What does it mean to remain receptive to God's word throughout the day, expecting Him to speak through Scripture, circumstances, and the Spirit?
- How do you distinguish between different messages God may be communicating simultaneously—corporate truth and personal calling, immediate obedience and future hope?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
And again the word of the LORD came unto Haggai in the four and twentieth day of the month (וַיְהִי דְבַר־יְהוָה שֵׁנִית אֶל־חַגַּי בְּעֶשְׂרִים וְאַרְבָּעָה לַחֹדֶשׁ/vayehi debar-YHWH shenit el-Chaggai be'esrim ve'arba'ah lachodesh)—God's word came again (שֵׁנִית/shenit, a second time) on the same day (December 18, 520 BC). Haggai received two messages on this date: the third message (2:10-19) addressed the community's holiness and promised blessing; this fourth message (2:20-23) addresses Zerubbabel specifically with messianic promise. Both were necessary—corporate encouragement and specific hope for Davidic leadership.
The repetition of the word of the LORD came (דְבַר־יְהוָה/debar-YHWH) emphasizes prophetic authority. What follows isn't Haggai's speculation but divine revelation. God's multiple messages to the same person on the same day demonstrate that He has much to say to His people—not just one truth but multifaceted revelation addressing different needs and perspectives.