Zechariah 1:9
Then said I, O my lord, what are these? And the angel that talked with me said unto me, I will shew thee what these be.
Original Language Analysis
מָה
H4100
מָה
Strong's:
H4100
Word #:
2 of 14
properly, interrogative what? (including how? why? when?); but also exclamation, what! (including how!), or indefinitely what (including whatever, and
הַמַּלְאָךְ֙
what are these And the angel
H4397
הַמַּלְאָךְ֙
what are these And the angel
Strong's:
H4397
Word #:
7 of 14
a messenger; specifically, of god, i.e., an angel (also a prophet, priest or teacher)
הַדֹּבֵ֣ר
that talked
H1696
הַדֹּבֵ֣ר
that talked
Strong's:
H1696
Word #:
8 of 14
perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue
אַרְאֶ֖ךָּ
unto me I will shew
H7200
אַרְאֶ֖ךָּ
unto me I will shew
Strong's:
H7200
Word #:
11 of 14
to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)
Cross References
Zechariah 5:5Then the angel that talked with me went forth, and said unto me, Lift up now thine eyes, and see what is this that goeth forth.Zechariah 2:3And, behold, the angel that talked with me went forth, and another angel went out to meet him,Zechariah 1:19And I said unto the angel that talked with me, What be these? And he answered me, These are the horns which have scattered Judah, Israel, and Jerusalem.
Historical Context
Ancient prophetic visions frequently included interpreting figures (cf. Daniel's visions). This pedagogical approach—vision followed by explanation—ensured prophets understood messages accurately. The angel's promise 'I will shew thee' emphasizes divine initiative in granting understanding. Post-exilic prophecy increasingly featured angelic mediators, perhaps emphasizing divine transcendence while maintaining accessibility through intermediaries.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Zechariah's asking for interpretation model our need to seek divine understanding of Scripture rather than relying solely on human insight?
- What does God's provision of an interpreting angel teach us about His commitment to making revelation understandable?
Analysis & Commentary
Zechariah's response: 'Then said I, O my lord, what are these? And the angel that talked with me said unto me, I will shew thee what these be.' The prophet's humble inquiry ('O my lord') shows proper reverence. His question demonstrates that visions require interpretation; symbolic revelation isn't self-evident but needs divine explanation. The interpreting angel functions as guide, showing that God provides understanding alongside revelation. This models proper response to Scripture's difficult passages—ask for divine illumination.