Haggai 2:4

Authorized King James Version

Yet now be strong, O Zerubbabel, saith the LORD; and be strong, O Joshua, son of Josedech, the high priest; and be strong, all ye people of the land, saith the LORD, and work: for I am with you, saith the LORD of hosts:

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וְעַתָּ֣ה
H6258
at this time, whether adverb, conjunction or expletive
#2
וַחֲזַ֨ק
H2388
Yet now be strong
to fasten upon; hence, to seize, be strong (figuratively, courageous, causatively strengthen, cure, help, repair, fortify), obstinate; to bind, restra
#3
זְרֻבָּבֶ֣ל׀
H2216
O Zerubbabel
zerubbabel, an israelite
#4
נְאֻ֖ם
H5002
for I am with you saith
an oracle
#5
יְהוָ֥ה
H3068
the LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#6
וַחֲזַ֨ק
H2388
Yet now be strong
to fasten upon; hence, to seize, be strong (figuratively, courageous, causatively strengthen, cure, help, repair, fortify), obstinate; to bind, restra
#7
יְהוֹשֻׁ֣עַ
H3091
O Joshua
jehoshua (i.e., joshua), the jewish leader
#8
בֶּן
H1121
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
#9
יְהוֹצָדָק֩
H3087
of Josedech
jehotsadak, an israelite
#10
הַכֹּהֵ֨ן
H3548
priest
literally one officiating, a priest; also (by courtesy) an acting priest (although a layman)
#11
הַגָּד֜וֹל
H1419
the high
great (in any sense); hence, older; also insolent
#12
וַחֲזַ֨ק
H2388
Yet now be strong
to fasten upon; hence, to seize, be strong (figuratively, courageous, causatively strengthen, cure, help, repair, fortify), obstinate; to bind, restra
#13
כָּל
H3605
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#14
עַ֥ם
H5971
all ye people
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
#15
הָאָ֛רֶץ
H776
of the land
the earth (at large, or partitively a land)
#16
נְאֻ֖ם
H5002
for I am with you saith
an oracle
#17
יְהוָ֥ה
H3068
the LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#18
וַֽעֲשׂ֑וּ
H6213
and work
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
#19
כִּֽי
H3588
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
#20
אֲנִ֣י
H589
i
#21
אִתְּכֶ֔ם
H854
properly, nearness (used only as a preposition or an adverb), near; hence, generally, with, by, at, among, etc
#22
נְאֻ֖ם
H5002
for I am with you saith
an oracle
#23
יְהוָ֥ה
H3068
the LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#24
צְבָאֽוֹת׃
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

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 building upon previous themes while advancing the overall message of Haggai.

Historical Context

The historical context of the biblical period relevant to this book's composition provides crucial background for understanding this verse. The historical and cultural milieu of the biblical world informed the author's theological expression and the audience's understanding. The the cultural context of the biblical world would have shaped how the original audience understood divine sovereignty. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection