Haggai 2:3

KJV

Who [is] left among you that saw this house in her first glory? and how do ye see it now? [is it] not in your eyes in comparison of it as nothing?

KJV (with Strong's)

Who is left {H7604} among you that saw {H7200} this house {H1004} in her first {H7223} glory {H3519}? and how do ye see {H7200} it now? is it not in your eyes {H5869} in comparison {H3644} of it as nothing?

Complete Jewish Bible

'"Who among you is left that saw this house in its former glory? And how does it look to you now? It seems like nothing to you, doesn't it?

Berean Standard Bible

‘Who is left among you who saw this house in its former glory? How does it look to you now? Does it not appear to you like nothing in comparison?’

American Standard Version

Who is left among you that saw this house in its former glory? and how do ye see it now? is it not in your eyes as nothing?

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Haggai 2:3 captures the poignant lament of the Jewish remnant who had returned from Babylonian exile, confronting the stark contrast between the newly rebuilding Second Temple and the magnificent First Temple of Solomon. Through a series of rhetorical questions, the Lord, via the prophet Haggai, directly addresses the deep discouragement and despair felt by the older generation who remembered the former glory, highlighting their perception that the present structure was "as nothing" in comparison. This verse sets the stage for God's subsequent encouragement and promise of a greater future glory for the humble edifice.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within Haggai's second prophetic message, delivered on the twenty-first day of the seventh month (Tishri), approximately one month after his initial call to rebuild the Temple (Haggai 1:1-11). Following the people's obedience and renewed commitment to the work (Haggai 1:12-15), God immediately addresses a significant obstacle: the profound discouragement among those who remembered the splendor of Solomon's Temple. The questions posed in [Haggai 2:3](/haggai/2-3 "Haggai 2:3 - The Question of Former Glory") directly challenge their disheartened perspective, preparing them for the powerful words of encouragement and promise that follow in [Haggai 2:4-9](/haggai/2-4-9 "Haggai 2:4-9 - God's Promise of Greater Glory"), where God reassures them of His presence and the ultimate, surpassing glory of the latter house.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The historical setting is approximately 520 BC, during the early post-exilic period. Sixteen years prior, a first wave of Jewish exiles had returned to Jerusalem under the leadership of Zerubbabel (governor) and Joshua (high priest), empowered by Cyrus's decree to rebuild the Temple ([Ezra 1:1-4](/ezra/1-1-4 "Ezra 1:1-4 - Cyrus's Decree")). While the altar was rebuilt and foundations laid ([Ezra 3:1-13](/ezra/3-1-13 "Ezra 3:1-13 - Rebuilding the Altar and Foundation")), opposition and self-interest led to a prolonged cessation of work ([Ezra 4:1-24](/ezra/4-1-24 "Ezra 4:1-24 - Opposition to Rebuilding")). Haggai's ministry spurred the people to resume building. However, the modest scale and materials of the new Temple, often called Zerubbabel's Temple, stood in stark contrast to the legendary opulence of Solomon's Temple, which had been destroyed by the Babylonians in 586 BC ([2 Kings 25:8-10](/2_kings/25-8-10 "2 Kings 25:8-10 - Destruction of the Temple")). This visual disparity deeply affected the older generation, leading to a pervasive sense of inadequacy and disappointment, which Haggai 2:3 directly confronts.
* **Key Themes:** [Haggai 2:3](/haggai/2-3 "Haggai 2:3 - The Temple's Diminished Glory") contributes to several significant themes within the book of Haggai and broader biblical theology. Firstly, it highlights the theme of **human perception versus divine reality**, illustrating how human eyes, focused on outward appearances and past grandeur, can miss God's present work and future plans. Secondly, it underscores the **challenge of discouragement and despair** in the face of seemingly humble beginnings, a common human experience when comparing present efforts to past achievements or ideal visions. Thirdly, the verse implicitly introduces the theme of **God's ultimate glory and presence** as the true measure of a sanctuary's worth, foreshadowing the promise in [Haggai 2:9](/haggai/2-9 "Haggai 2:9 - The Greater Glory to Come") that the latter house's glory will surpass the former, not necessarily in material splendor, but through divine presence and peace. Finally, it touches on the theme of **faithfulness in humble obedience**, urging the people to persevere in the work God has called them to, regardless of its initial perceived insignificance.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **House (Hebrew, _bayith'_):** Refers to the Temple, specifically the physical structure of God's dwelling place. H1004 encompasses a wide range of applications from a literal dwelling to a family, household, or even a palace or temple. In this context, it emphasizes the architectural and symbolic significance of the sanctuary as the center of Israel's worship and national identity. The contrast is between Solomon's magnificent "house" and the current, humble "house."
* **Glory (Hebrew, _kâbôwd'_):** From the root meaning "weight," this word (H3519) figuratively denotes splendor, honor, or copiousness. It describes the magnificence and renown of Solomon's First Temple, which was renowned for its rich materials and divine presence. The question "Who is left among you that saw this house in her first glory?" evokes a memory of unparalleled splendor, setting up the profound disappointment felt by the older generation regarding the current, less impressive structure.
* **Comparison (Hebrew, _kᵉmôw'_):** This word (H3644) functions as a preposition meaning "as," "like," or "in comparison of." In the phrase "in comparison of it as nothing," it highlights the subjective evaluation made by the people. Their perception of the new Temple's inadequacy is framed as a direct comparison to the former, leading them to conclude that it is utterly insignificant, or "as nothing." This word underscores the judgmental and disheartened perspective of the observers.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Who [is] left among you that saw this house in her first glory?"**: This opening rhetorical question directly addresses the older generation who had personally witnessed the grandeur of Solomon's First Temple before its destruction. It acknowledges their unique perspective and the weight of their memory, setting the stage for the painful comparison that follows. The question is designed to elicit an affirmative, albeit sorrowful, response, confirming the presence of those who could attest to the former glory.
* **"and how do ye see it now?"**: This second question immediately shifts the focus to the present reality. It challenges the hearers to articulate their current perception of the newly rebuilding Temple. The implied answer is one of disappointment and dismay, as the modest scale of the new structure would have been a stark contrast to their vivid memories of the First Temple's opulence and majesty.
* **"[is it] not in your eyes in comparison of it as nothing?"**: This final, climactic question confirms the deep discouragement. It is framed as a leading question, expecting an affirmative response. The phrase "in your eyes" emphasizes the subjective nature of their perception, while "as nothing" powerfully conveys the depth of their disappointment, suggesting utter insignificance and worthlessness when measured against the remembered splendor. This profound sense of inadequacy is the spiritual and emotional hurdle Haggai must help the people overcome.

#### Literary Devices
Haggai 2:3 masterfully employs several literary devices to convey its message and evoke a response. The most prominent is **Rhetorical Question**, as the entire verse is composed of a series of questions posed not for information, but to provoke thought, acknowledge a shared sentiment, and set up a divine counter-argument. This technique directly engages the audience, forcing them to confront their own feelings of disappointment. Secondly, **Juxtaposition** or **Contrast** is central to the verse's impact, as it starkly places the "first glory" of Solomon's Temple against the current, perceived "nothingness" of the rebuilding structure. This sharp contrast highlights the emotional chasm between past memory and present reality. Finally, the verse utilizes **Pathos** or an appeal to emotion, by tapping into the genuine grief and discouragement of the people. By acknowledging their pain ("is it not in your eyes... as nothing?"), Haggai validates their feelings before moving to God's message of hope and future glory.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Haggai 2:3 highlights a profound theological truth: God's measure of glory often differs from human perception. While the people focused on external grandeur and material splendor, God was preparing to reveal a glory that transcended physical appearance, rooted in His presence and future redemptive purposes. This verse underscores that true value in God's kingdom is not determined by human aesthetics or comparisons to past achievements, but by divine purpose and the Spirit's work. It challenges believers to look beyond perceived limitations and trust in God's ability to imbue even the most humble beginnings with His surpassing glory.

* [Haggai 2:9](/haggai/2-9 "Haggai 2:9 - The Greater Glory of the Latter House"): "The glory of this latter house shall be greater than of the former, saith the LORD of hosts: and in this place will I give peace, saith the LORD of hosts."
* [Zechariah 4:10](/zechariah/4-10 "Zechariah 4:10 - Not Despising Small Beginnings"): "For who hath despised the day of small things? for they shall rejoice, and shall see the plummet in the hand of Zerubbabel with those seven; they are the eyes of the LORD, which run to and fro through the whole earth."
* [1 Corinthians 1:27-29](/1_corinthians/1-27-29 "1 Corinthians 1:27-29 - God Chooses the Weak"): "But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty; And base things of the world, and things which are despised, hath God chosen, yea, and things which are not, to bring to nought things that are: That no flesh should glory in his presence."

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Haggai 2:3 serves as a timeless mirror for our own spiritual journeys and communal endeavors. We often fall into the trap of comparing our present efforts, ministries, or even personal spiritual growth to past "glories" – whether our own, or those of others, or idealized visions. This comparison can lead to deep discouragement, causing us to despise "small beginnings" and lose sight of God's active presence in the seemingly insignificant. This verse calls us to shift our perspective from human standards of grandeur to God's standard of faithfulness and purpose. It reminds us that God often works powerfully through humble means, and His presence is the ultimate measure of true glory. Therefore, we are encouraged to persevere in obedience, trusting that God can take our modest efforts and infuse them with His divine power and ultimate glory, far surpassing our limited expectations. Our task is to be faithful, not to achieve a humanly defined "greatness."

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life or ministry do you find yourself comparing your present efforts to past "glories" or idealized visions, leading to discouragement?**
* **How does focusing on outward appearances or perceived lack hinder your ability to see God's work in humble beginnings?**
* **What does "glory" truly mean in a spiritual context, and how might our understanding of it need to be re-calibrated by God's perspective?**
* **What practical steps can you take to cultivate a spirit of perseverance and trust in God's presence, even when the results seem "as nothing" in your own eyes?**

### FAQ

**Why were the people so discouraged by the new Temple?**

Answer: The people, especially the older generation, were profoundly discouraged because the newly rebuilding Temple was significantly smaller and less ornate than Solomon's First Temple, which had been destroyed decades earlier. They remembered the immense wealth, lavish materials, and grand scale of the original structure, described in books like [1 Kings 6](/1_kings/6 "1 Kings 6 - Solomon Builds the Temple") and [2 Chronicles 3](/2_chronicles/3 "2 Chronicles 3 - Solomon's Temple Details"). The new Temple, built by a struggling post-exilic community with limited resources, simply could not compare in terms of physical splendor, leading them to perceive it "as nothing" in their eyes.

**What was the "first glory" of the Temple that the people remembered?**

Answer: The "first glory" refers to the magnificent Temple built by King Solomon, completed around 960 BC. This Temple was renowned throughout the ancient world for its architectural grandeur, the precious materials used (cedar, gold, costly stones), and its symbolic significance as the dwelling place of God's presence, particularly when the glory of the Lord filled it upon its dedication ([1 Kings 8:10-11](/1_kings/8-10-11 "1 Kings 8:10-11 - The Glory of the Lord Fills the Temple")). The older generation in Haggai's time had either seen this Temple before its destruction in 586 BC or had grown up hearing vivid accounts of its unparalleled splendor, making the comparison to the modest new structure particularly disheartening.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Haggai 2:3, with its lament over the diminished glory of the rebuilding Temple, finds its ultimate and profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. While the people yearned for a return to the physical grandeur of Solomon's Temple, God's promise of a "greater glory" for the latter house ([Haggai 2:9](/haggai/2-9 "Haggai 2:9 - The Greater Glory to Come")) was not primarily about material splendor but about the very presence of God. This promise was supremely fulfilled in the incarnation of Jesus, who declared, "Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up," referring to [the temple of his body](/john/2-19-21 "John 2:19-21 - Jesus, the True Temple"). In Christ, God's glory was not confined to a building but dwelt among humanity in flesh and blood ([John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh")). The true and eternal Temple is no longer a structure of stone, but Christ himself, and through Him, believers are built into a spiritual house, a holy temple in the Lord, where God dwells by His Spirit ([Ephesians 2:19-22](/ephesians/2-19-22 "Ephesians 2:19-22 - Believers as a Holy Temple")). The New Covenant, inaugurated by Christ, far surpasses the Old Covenant in glory, as it is a ministry of the Spirit and righteousness ([2 Corinthians 3:7-11](/2_corinthians/3-7-11 "2 Corinthians 3:7-11 - The Greater Glory of the New Covenant")). Thus, the "nothingness" perceived by human eyes in Haggai's day gives way to the immeasurable glory of God revealed in the person and work of Christ, the true and eternal dwelling place of God's presence, whose glory will ultimately fill the New Jerusalem ([Revelation 21:22-23](/revelation/21-22-23 "Revelation 21:22-23 - God and the Lamb as the Temple")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Ezra 3:12

But many of the priests and Levites and chief of the fathers, [who were] ancient men, that had seen the first house, when the foundation of this house was laid before their eyes, wept with a loud voice; and many shouted aloud for joy:

Ezekiel 7:20

As for the beauty of his ornament, he set it in majesty: but they made the images of their abominations [and] of their detestable things therein: therefore have I set it far from them.

Luke 21:5

¶ And as some spake of the temple, how it was adorned with goodly stones and gifts, he said,

Luke 21:6

[As for] these things which ye behold, the days will come, in the which there shall not be left one stone upon another, that shall not be thrown down.

Zechariah 4:9

The hands of Zerubbabel have laid the foundation of this house; his hands shall also finish it; and thou shalt know that the LORD of hosts hath sent me unto you.

Zechariah 4:10

For who hath despised the day of small things? for they shall rejoice, and shall see the plummet in the hand of Zerubbabel [with] those seven; they [are] the eyes of the LORD, which run to and fro through the whole earth.

Haggai 2:9

The glory of this latter house shall be greater than of the former, saith the LORD of hosts: and in this place will I give peace, saith the LORD of hosts.