Zechariah 4:5

Then the angel that talked with me answered and said unto me, Knowest thou not what these be? And I said, No, my lord.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וַ֠יַּעַן

H6030

with me 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,

הַמַּלְאָ֞ךְ

H4397

Then the angel

a messenger; specifically, of god, i.e., an angel (also a prophet, priest or teacher)

הַדֹּבֵ֥ר

H1696

that talked

perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue

בִּי֙

וָאֹמַ֖ר

H559

and said

to say (used with great latitude)

אֵלַ֔י

H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

הֲל֥וֹא

H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

יָדַ֖עְתָּ

H3045

unto me Knowest

to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o

מָה

H4100

properly, interrogative what? (including how? why? when?); but also exclamation, what! (including how!), or indefinitely what (including whatever, and

#10

הֵ֣מָּה

H1992

they (only used when emphatic)

#11

אֵ֑לֶּה

H428

these or those

#12

וָאֹמַ֖ר

H559

and said

to say (used with great latitude)

#13

לֹ֥א

H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

#14

אֲדֹנִֽי׃

H113

No my lord

sovereign, i.e., controller (human or divine)

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 sovereignty 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 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

How does the salvation theme in this verse connect to the overarching narrative of Scripture, and what does this reveal about God's character and purposes?
What practical applications emerge from understanding salvation as presented in this verse, particularly in light of addressing questions of religious pluralism and the exclusivity of Christ?
How might the original audience's understanding of divine sovereignty differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?