Zechariah 4:11

Authorized King James Version

Then answered I, and said unto him, What are these two olive trees upon the right side of the candlestick and upon the left side thereof?

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וָאַ֖עַן
Then answered
properly, to eye or (generally) to heed, i.e., pay attention; by implication, to respond; by extension to begin to speak; specifically to sing, shout,
#2
וָאֹמַ֣ר
I and said
to say (used with great latitude)
#3
אֵלָ֑יו
near, with or among; often in general, to
#4
מַה
properly, interrogative what? (including how? why? when?); but also exclamation, what! (including how!), or indefinitely what (including whatever, and
#5
שְּׁנֵ֤י
unto him What are these two
two; also (as ordinal) twofold
#6
הַזֵּיתִים֙
olive trees
an olive (as yielding illuminating oil), the tree, the branch or the berry
#7
הָאֵ֔לֶה
these or those
#8
עַל
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#9
יְמִ֥ין
upon the right
the right hand or side (leg, eye) of a person or other object (as the stronger and more dexterous); locally, the south
#10
הַמְּנוֹרָ֖ה
side of the candlestick
a chandelier
#11
וְעַל
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#12
שְׂמֹאולָֽהּ׃
and upon the left
properly, dark (as enveloped), i.e., the north; hence (by orientation), the left hand

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Zechariah. The concept of divine revelation reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The literary structure and word choice here contribute to biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness, advancing the author's theological argument. The original language emphasizes careful word choice that would have carried specific theological weight for the original audience, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

Historical Context

This passage must be understood within the political and social structures of the biblical period. The author writes to address believers seeking to understand God's will and purposes, making the emphasis on salvation particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection