Zechariah 4:13
And he answered me and said, Knowest thou not what these be? And I said, No, my lord.
Original Language Analysis
הֲל֥וֹא
H3808
הֲל֥וֹא
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
4 of 10
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
יָדַ֖עְתָּ
Knowest
H3045
יָדַ֖עְתָּ
Knowest
Strong's:
H3045
Word #:
5 of 10
to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o
מָה
H4100
מָה
Strong's:
H4100
Word #:
6 of 10
properly, interrogative what? (including how? why? when?); but also exclamation, what! (including how!), or indefinitely what (including whatever, and
Historical Context
Apocalyptic visions like Zechariah's (and Daniel's, Ezekiel's, and John's Revelation) intentionally use symbolism requiring interpretation. The visions aren't self-evident but demand both meditation and divine explanation. This forces dependence on God while also stimulating careful thought. The pattern continues in Jesus's parables—obscure enough to require seeking, clear enough to reward the seeker (Matthew 13:10-17).
Questions for Reflection
- When has admitting 'I don't know' led to deeper spiritual understanding than pretending comprehension?
- How do you balance careful study of Scripture with humble dependence on the Spirit's illumination?
- Why might God sometimes expect us to discern meaning ('Knowest thou not?') before providing direct explanation?
Analysis & Commentary
And he answered me and said, Knowest thou not what these be?—The angel's mild rebuke: hălō' yāḏa'tā māh-'ēlleh (הֲלוֹא יָדַעְתָּ מָה־אֵלֶּה, 'Do you not know what these are?'). The question implies Zechariah should have discerned the symbolism from previous revelation or the vision's internal logic. Yet there's no harshness—the angel proceeds to explain. This gentle correction teaches that while God reveals truth, He also expects us to meditate on revelation, connecting scriptural dots rather than demanding instant explanations for everything.
And I said, No, my lord—Zechariah's humble honesty: lō' 'ădōnī (לֹא אֲדֹנִי, 'No, my lord'). He doesn't pretend comprehension but admits need for instruction. The address 'my lord' ('ădōnī) shows respect for the interpreting angel as God's authorized spokesman. This models proper response to Scripture: earnest inquiry, willingness to admit ignorance, and submission to revealed explanation rather than imposing our interpretations. The exchange demonstrates the balance between human responsibility to study Scripture carefully and humble dependence on divine illumination. 'If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God' (James 1:5)—but asking requires first admitting we don't know. Zechariah's 'No, my lord' is more spiritual than false confidence.