Zechariah 4:6

Authorized King James Version

Then he answered and spake unto me, saying, This is the word of the LORD unto Zerubbabel, saying, Not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit, saith the LORD of hosts.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וַיַּ֜עַן

H6030

Then he 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,

אָמַ֖ר

H559

and spake

to say (used with great latitude)

אֵלַי֙

H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

אָמַ֖ר

H559

and spake

to say (used with great latitude)

זֶ֚ה

H2088

the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that

דְּבַר

H1697

This is the word

a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause

יְהוָ֥ה

H3068

of the LORD

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

אֶל

H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

זְרֻבָּבֶ֖ל

H2216

unto Zerubbabel

zerubbabel, an israelite

#10

אָמַ֖ר

H559

and spake

to say (used with great latitude)

#11

לֹ֤א

H3808

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

#12

בְחַ֙יִל֙

H2428

Not by might

probably a force, whether of men, means or other resources; an army, wealth, virtue, valor, strength

#13

וְלֹ֣א

H3808

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

#14

בְכֹ֔חַ

H3581

nor by power

vigor, literally (force, in a good or a bad sense) or figuratively (capacity, means, produce)

#15

כִּ֣י

H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

#16

אִם

H518

used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not

#17

בְּרוּחִ֔י

H7307

but by my spirit

wind; by resemblance breath, i.e., a sensible (or even violent) exhalation; figuratively, life, anger, unsubstantiality; by extension, a region of the

#18

אָמַ֖ר

H559

and spake

to say (used with great latitude)

#19

יְהוָ֥ה

H3068

of the LORD

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

#20

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

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Zechariah. The concept of divine sovereignty reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The divine name or title here functions within biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness to establish theological authority and covenantal relationship. The original language emphasizes the covenant name Yahweh, emphasizing God's faithfulness to His promises, 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

How does this verse's literary context within Zechariah chapter 4 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?
In what ways does understanding divine sovereignty in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about salvation?
In what ways does this verse's emphasis on divine sovereignty address religious pluralism and questions about the necessity of Christ, and how should the church respond?