Zechariah 1:20

King James Version:

(The Lord speaking is red text)

And the LORD shewed me four carpenters.

Complete Jewish Bible:

Next, ADONAI showed me four artisans.

Berean Standard Bible:

Then the LORD showed me four craftsmen.

American Standard Version:

And Jehovah showed me four smiths.

KJV with Strong’s Numbers:

And the LORD{H3068} shewed{H7200} me four{H702} carpenters{H2796}.

Cross-References (KJV):

Zechariah 10:3

  • Mine anger was kindled against the shepherds, and I punished the goats: for the LORD of hosts hath visited his flock the house of Judah, and hath made them as his goodly horse in the battle.

Zechariah 10:5

  • ¶ And they shall be as mighty [men], which tread down [their enemies] in the mire of the streets in the battle: and they shall fight, because the LORD [is] with them, and the riders on horses shall be confounded.

Zechariah 9:12

  • ¶ Turn you to the strong hold, ye prisoners of hope: even to day do I declare [that] I will render double unto thee;

Zechariah 9:16

  • And the LORD their God shall save them in that day as the flock of his people: for they [shall be as] the stones of a crown, lifted up as an ensign upon his land.

Zechariah 12:2

  • Behold, I will make Jerusalem a cup of trembling unto all the people round about, when they shall be in the siege both against Judah [and] against Jerusalem.

Zechariah 12:6

  • In that day will I make the governors of Judah like an hearth of fire among the wood, and like a torch of fire in a sheaf; and they shall devour all the people round about, on the right hand and on the left: and Jerusalem shall be inhabited again in her own place, [even] in Jerusalem.

Deuteronomy 33:25

  • Thy shoes [shall be] iron and brass; and as thy days, [so shall] thy strength [be].

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Commentary for Zechariah 1:20

Zechariah 1:20 is part of the Old Testament and is found within the book named after the prophet Zechariah, who was a contemporary of the prophet Haggai. Both prophets were active during the post-exilic period, after the Jewish people had returned from Babylonian captivity. This verse is situated within a series of visions that Zechariah received concerning the rebuilding of the Temple in Jerusalem and the restoration of the Jewish community.

In Zechariah 1:20, the verse states, "And the LORD showed me four carpenters." This verse is succinct and symbolic within the broader context of Zechariah's visions. The four carpenters are generally interpreted as representing God's agents or instruments of judgment and restoration. In the historical context, these figures could symbolize the empowerment given to the Jews to rebuild their Temple and their nation. The number four might signify completeness or the four corners of the earth, indicating that God's plans encompass the whole world.

The theme of this verse is closely tied to the idea of divine intervention and assistance. It suggests that God is actively involved in the restoration of His people and their holy city, providing the necessary resources and craftsmen to accomplish His purposes. The vision reassures the people that just as God had brought judgment upon their enemies and allowed the Temple to be destroyed due to their disobedience, He would now also provide the means for its reconstruction and the restoration of their worship and national life.

In summary, Zechariah 1:20 reflects the themes of divine guidance, restoration, and empowerment during a pivotal time in Jewish history. It emphasizes God's provision of the skilled labor needed to rebuild the Temple, symbolizing His commitment to the physical and spiritual restoration of His covenant people.

*This commentary is produced by Microsoft/WizardLM-2-8x22B AI model

Strong's Numbers and Definitions:

Note: H = Hebrew (OT), G = Greek (NT)

  1. Strong's Number: H3068
    There are 5521 instances of this translation in the Bible
    Lemma: יְהֹוָה
    Transliteration: Yᵉhôvâh
    Pronunciation: yeh-ho-vaw'
    Description: from הָיָה; (the) self-Existent or Eternal; Jehovah, Jewish national name of God; Jehovah, the Lord. Compare יָהּ, יְהֹוִה.
  2. Strong's Number: H7200
    There are 1212 instances of this translation in the Bible
    Lemma: רָאָה
    Transliteration: râʼâh
    Pronunciation: raw-aw'
    Description: a primitive root; to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative); advise self, appear, approve, behold, [idiom] certainly, consider, discern, (make to) enjoy, have experience, gaze, take heed, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] joyfully, lo, look (on, one another, one on another, one upon another, out, up, upon), mark, meet, [idiom] be near, perceive, present, provide, regard, (have) respect, (fore-, cause to, let) see(-r, -m, one another), shew (self), [idiom] sight of others, (e-) spy, stare, [idiom] surely, [idiom] think, view, visions.
  3. Strong's Number: H702
    There are 383 instances of this translation in the Bible
    Lemma: אַרְבַּע
    Transliteration: ʼarbaʻ
    Pronunciation: ar-bah'
    Description: masculine אַרְבָּעָה; from רָבַע; four; four.
  4. Strong's Number: H2796
    There are 32 instances of this translation in the Bible
    Lemma: חָרָשׁ
    Transliteration: chârâsh
    Pronunciation: khaw-rawsh'
    Description: from חָרַשׁ; a fabricator or any material; artificer, ([phrase]) carpenter, craftsman, engraver, maker, [phrase] mason, skilful, ([phrase]) smith, worker, workman, such as wrought.