Haggai 2:21

Authorized King James Version

Speak to Zerubbabel, governor of Judah, saying, I will shake the heavens and the earth;

Word-by-Word Analysis

לֵאמֹ֑ר

H559

Speak

to say (used with great latitude)

אֶל

H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

זְרֻבָּבֶ֥ל

H2216

to Zerubbabel

zerubbabel, an israelite

פַּֽחַת

H6346

governor

a prefect (of a city or small district)

יְהוּדָ֖ה

H3063

of Judah

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

לֵאמֹ֑ר

H559

Speak

to say (used with great latitude)

אֲנִ֣י

H589

מַרְעִ֔ישׁ

H7493

I will shake

to undulate (as the earth, the sky, etc.; also a field of grain), particularly through fear; specifically, to spring (as a locust)

אֶת

H853

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

#10

הַשָּׁמַ֖יִם

H8064

the heavens

the sky (as aloft; the dual perhaps alluding to the visible arch in which the clouds move, as well as to the higher ether where the celestial bodies r

#11

וְאֶת

H853

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

#12

הָאָֽרֶץ׃

H776

and the earth

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

Analysis

The salvation theme here intersects with the metanarrative of redemption running from Genesis to Revelation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of a unified storyline from the promise in Genesis 3:15 to its fulfillment in Christ. The phrase emphasizing divine revelation contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's saving work from the Exodus to the cross.

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 revelation in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

How does this passage contribute to our understanding of from physical deliverance in the Old Testament to spiritual redemption in the New, and what implications does this have for Christian discipleship?
In what ways does this verse's emphasis on divine revelation address religious pluralism and questions about the necessity of Christ, and how should the church respond?
How does this verse's literary context within Haggai chapter 2 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?