Zechariah 4:8
Moreover the word of the LORD came unto me, saying,
Original Language Analysis
וַיְהִ֥י
H1961
וַיְהִ֥י
Strong's:
H1961
Word #:
1 of 5
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
דְבַר
Moreover the word
H1697
דְבַר
Moreover the word
Strong's:
H1697
Word #:
2 of 5
a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause
Historical Context
Repeated prophetic confirmation was essential for a discouraged community doubting whether temple completion was possible. Haggai had prophesied similarly (Haggai 2:3-9), and now Zechariah receives overlapping confirmation. God's redundancy demonstrates pastoral care—when His people struggle with doubt, He multiplies assurances. The historical Zerubbabel needed this; human resolve wavers, but divine word stands firm (Isaiah 40:8).
Questions for Reflection
- Why does God sometimes repeat and reinforce promises rather than stating them once?
- How do the 'moreover' moments in Scripture (additional revelations) strengthen faith?
- When have you experienced God's redundant confirmation during seasons of doubt?
Analysis & Commentary
Moreover the word of the LORD came unto me, saying—A second divine oracle interrupts the vision interpretation, underscoring the importance of what follows. The formula vayəhī dəḇar-Yahweh 'ēlay lē'mōr (וַיְהִי דְּבַר־יְהוָה אֵלַי לֵאמֹר, 'and the word of the LORD came to me saying') marks authoritative revelation. God doesn't want Zechariah or the people to miss the point, so He restates and elaborates the promise.
This verse serves as a hinge between vision (vv. 1-6a) and interpretation (vv. 6b-10), then this second word (vv. 8-10) provides additional confirmation. The repetition emphasizes certainty—God stakes His reputation on Zerubbabel completing the temple. The interruption also highlights the personal nature of prophecy: God doesn't merely transmit information but engages His prophet in dialogue. The phrase anticipates verses 9-10 which will declare that Zerubbabel's hands will finish the temple, proving that Zechariah spoke truly by divine commission. The cumulative effect—vision, interpretation, then divine oath—builds unshakable confidence that what God promises, He performs, regardless of opposing mountains.