Haggai 2:4

KJV

Yet now be strong, O Zerubbabel, saith the LORD; and be strong, O Joshua, son of Josedech, the high priest; and be strong, all ye people of the land, saith the LORD, and work: for I [am] with you, saith the LORD of hosts:

KJV (with Strong's)

Yet now be strong {H2388}, O Zerubbabel {H2216}, saith {H5002} the LORD {H3068}; and be strong {H2388}, O Joshua {H3091}, son {H1121} of Josedech {H3087}, the high {H1419} priest {H3548}; and be strong {H2388}, all ye people {H5971} of the land {H776}, saith {H5002} the LORD {H3068}, and work {H6213}: for I am with you, saith {H5002} the LORD {H3068} of hosts {H6635}:

Complete Jewish Bible

Nevertheless, Z'rubavel, take courage now," says ADONAI; "and take courage, Y'hoshua the son of Y'hotzadak, the cohen hagadol; and take courage, all you people of the land," says ADONAI; "and get to work! For I am with you," says ADONAI-Tzva'ot.

Berean Standard Bible

But now be strong, O Zerubbabel, declares the LORD. Be strong, O Joshua son of Jehozadak, the high priest. And be strong, all you people of the land, declares the LORD. Work! For I am with you, declares the LORD of Hosts.

American Standard Version

Yet now be strong, O Zerubbabel, saith Jehovah; and be strong, O Joshua, son of Jehozadak, the high priest; and be strong, all ye people of the land, saith Jehovah, and work: for I am with you, saith Jehovah of hosts,

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Haggai 2:4 delivers a powerful divine imperative to the disheartened post-exilic community in Jerusalem, urging both their civil and spiritual leaders, Zerubbabel and Joshua, along with all the people, to be strong and diligently work on rebuilding the Temple. This command is grounded in the unwavering promise of God's abiding presence and omnipotence, assuring them that the sovereign "LORD of hosts" is actively with them in their endeavors, providing both the motivation and the means for their perseverance.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Haggai 2:4 is a pivotal command within Haggai's second prophetic message, delivered on the twenty-first day of the seventh month (Tishri), following the Feast of Tabernacles. This timing is significant, as it occurs just a month after the initial call to rebuild the Temple in [Haggai 1](/haggai/1 "Haggai 1 - The Call to Rebuild the Temple"), and the people had already begun the work. However, the preceding verses, particularly [Haggai 2:1-3](/haggai/2-1-3 "Haggai 2:1-3 - The Lord's Word to the Remnant"), reveal a profound wave of discouragement, especially among the older generation who remembered the magnificent Solomonic Temple and now viewed the modest foundation of the new structure as "nothing" in comparison. This verse directly confronts that despair, shifting from a lament over perceived inadequacy to a forceful, divinely-backed call for renewed strength and continued labor. It sets the stage for the subsequent promises of future glory for this very Temple in [Haggai 2:6-9](/haggai/2-6-9 "Haggai 2:6-9 - The Future Glory of the Temple"), providing the ultimate basis for their perseverance.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The historical backdrop for Haggai 2:4 is approximately 520 BC, during the second year of King Darius I's reign in Persia. The Jewish exiles, having returned to Judah from Babylonian captivity under the decree of Cyrus the Great, had initially commenced rebuilding the Temple around 536 BC. However, their efforts had stalled for about sixteen years due to a combination of factors: severe economic hardship, a prolonged drought (which Haggai attributes to their misplaced priorities in [Haggai 1:9-11](/haggai/1-9-11 "Haggai 1:9-11 - Consequences of Neglect")), and significant opposition from surrounding peoples, notably the Samaritans, who actively sought to hinder their progress ([Ezra 4:4-5](/ezra/4-4-5 "Ezra 4:4-5 - Opposition to Rebuilding")). Culturally, the people were demoralized, struggling with a sense of national insignificance and the daunting task of rebuilding a central symbol of their faith and identity with limited resources and external hostility. This context makes God's direct, repeated command to "be strong" particularly poignant and necessary.
* **Key Themes:** Haggai 2:4 powerfully encapsulates several core theological and narrative themes central to the book of Haggai and the broader post-exilic prophetic message. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Divine Sovereignty and Initiative**, as the command to "be strong" originates directly from the "LORD of hosts," not from human leaders. Secondly, it highlights **Corporate Responsibility and Unified Leadership**, explicitly addressing both the civil governor Zerubbabel and the high priest Joshua, alongside "all ye people of the land," emphasizing that the work of God requires the diligent and united effort of the entire community. Thirdly, the verse directly confronts **Discouragement and Apathy**, calling the people to active "work" despite their feelings of inadequacy or the magnitude of the task. Finally, and most fundamentally, it establishes **God's Enduring Presence and Faithfulness** as the ultimate source of strength and success, reiterating the covenant promise, "I am with you." This assurance of divine companionship is a recurring motif throughout biblical history, from [God's promise to Moses](/exodus/3-12 "Exodus 3:12 - God's Promise to Moses") to His charge to [Joshua as he led Israel into the Promised Land](/joshua/1-9 "Joshua 1:9 - God's Charge to Joshua").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Strong (Hebrew, _châzaq'_):** This word (H2388) is a primitive root with a broad semantic range. While it can mean physical strength, its primary sense here is to be firm, courageous, resolute, or to lay hold of something with tenacity. It implies not just a passive state but an active, steadfast resolve to overcome fear, apathy, and discouragement. The repeated imperative "be strong" calls for mental and spiritual fortitude, a firm grip on the divine command, and perseverance in the face of overwhelming odds.
* **LORD (Hebrew, _Yᵉhôvâh'_):** This (H3068) is the sacred, personal, covenantal name of God, often transliterated as Yahweh or Jehovah. Its repeated use in "saith the LORD" throughout the verse underscores the divine authority and unwavering faithfulness of the one issuing the command. It reminds the people that the source of their strength and the guarantor of their success is the self-existent, eternal God who keeps His promises.
* **Hosts (Hebrew, _tsâbâʼ'_):** As part of the title "LORD of hosts" (H6635), this term refers to armies, companies, or masses, often implying the celestial armies of angels or the entire created order. This title emphasizes God's omnipotence and supreme authority as the commander of all heavenly and earthly forces. For the discouraged post-exilic community, this title served as a powerful reassurance that the God who was with them was not a weak deity but the all-powerful Ruler of the universe, capable of overcoming any opposition and bringing His purposes to fruition.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Yet now be strong, O Zerubbabel, saith the LORD;":** This opening clause directly addresses Zerubbabel, the civil governor, calling him to courage and resolute action. The phrase "saith the LORD" immediately establishes the divine origin and absolute authority of the command, emphasizing that this is not merely human encouragement but a direct word from God Himself.
* **"and be strong, O Joshua, son of Josedech, the high priest;":** The imperative to "be strong" is then extended to Joshua, the high priest, highlighting the crucial role of both civil and spiritual leadership in the community's restoration. The repetition of the command underscores its urgency and importance for these key figures.
* **"and be strong, all ye people of the land, saith the LORD, and work:":** The divine command is broadened to encompass the entire community, emphasizing that the responsibility for God's work is not confined to leaders but extends to every individual. The additional imperative "and work" provides a concrete action point, urging them to move beyond passive discouragement to active, diligent labor in rebuilding the Temple.
* **"for I [am] with you, saith the LORD of hosts:":** This concluding phrase serves as the foundational promise and ultimate motivation for their strength and work. God's unwavering presence ("I am with you") is the absolute guarantee of success, and the powerful title "LORD of hosts" underscores His supreme power and ability to fulfill His promise, assuring them that no obstacle is too great for Him.

#### Literary Devices
Haggai 2:4 masterfully employs several literary devices to convey its message with divine authority and impact. **Repetition** is a prominent feature, with the phrase "be strong" (Hebrew: *châzaq*) appearing three times, first addressing Zerubbabel, then Joshua, and finally "all ye people of the land." This triple iteration serves to emphasize the urgency, universality, and divine imperative of the command, driving home the point that strength and courage are required from every segment of the community. The repeated phrase "saith the LORD" functions as a **Divine Oracle Formula**, lending absolute authority and certainty to the prophetic message, reminding the hearers that these are not Haggai's words but God's. Furthermore, the verse exhibits a form of **Chiasm** or **Inclusio**, where the divine voice ("saith the LORD") frames the human call to action, reinforcing that God's presence and command are the ultimate source and enabler of their strength and work, culminating in the powerful declaration of "the LORD of hosts" being with them.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Haggai 2:4 powerfully articulates the biblical principle that divine commands are always accompanied by divine enablement. The call to "be strong" and "work" is not a demand for self-reliance but an invitation to participate in God's redemptive plan, empowered by His very presence. This verse highlights the covenantal faithfulness of God, who does not abandon His people in their weakness or discouragement but actively intervenes with words of assurance and promises of partnership. It underscores that true strength for ministry and kingdom work flows from an active awareness of God's sovereign presence, transforming human inability into divine possibility. This divine partnership is a recurring theme throughout salvation history, assuring believers that God is not just a distant observer but an active participant in their struggles and triumphs, providing the strength and resources necessary to fulfill His purposes.

* [Deuteronomy 31:6](/deuteronomy/31-6 "Deuteronomy 31:6 - Be Strong and Courageous")
* [Isaiah 41:10](/isaiah/41-10 "Isaiah 41:10 - Do Not Fear, For I Am With You")
* [Philippians 4:13](/philippians/4-13 "Philippians 4:13 - I Can Do All Things Through Christ")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Haggai 2:4 offers profound and timeless encouragement for contemporary believers facing daunting tasks, spiritual weariness, or the temptation to abandon God-given callings. Just as the post-exilic community was disheartened by the magnitude of rebuilding the Temple and the apparent insignificance of their efforts, we too can feel overwhelmed by the challenges of living faithfully in a broken world, pursuing ministry, or simply navigating the complexities of daily life. This verse reminds us that our strength for the journey does not originate from our own willpower, talent, or resources, but fundamentally from the explicit command and empowering presence of the "LORD of hosts." It challenges us to move beyond discouragement and apathy, to actively engage in the "work" God has set before us—whether it's serving in our communities, raising our families, pursuing our vocations with integrity, or sharing the Gospel—trusting that His "I am with you" promise is the ultimate guarantee of our perseverance and ultimate success. Our call is to courageous obedience and diligent effort, knowing that the sovereign God, who commands all creation, is intimately involved in our lives and empowers us for His purposes.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "work" or calling has God placed before you that currently feels overwhelming or discouraging?**
* **In what specific areas of your life or ministry do you most need to "be strong" and courageous right now?**
* **How does the promise "I am with you" personally encourage and empower you to face your current challenges and persevere?**
* **How might acknowledging God as "the LORD of hosts" change your perspective on the obstacles or opposition you encounter?**

### FAQ
**Why did God need to tell them to "be strong" multiple times?**

Answer: The repetition of "be strong" (Hebrew: *châzaq*) in [Haggai 2:4](/haggai/2-4 "Haggai 2:4 - Be Strong and Work") underscores the profound level of discouragement, apathy, and perhaps even fear that had gripped the Jewish community. They had ceased rebuilding the Temple for about sixteen years, partly due to external opposition and partly due to their own misplaced priorities and lack of faith. The older generation, in particular, was deeply disheartened by the humble appearance of the new foundation compared to Solomon's glorious Temple ([Haggai 2:3](/haggai/2-3 "Haggai 2:3 - The Temple's Appearance")). God's repeated command was a direct, divine imperative, a forceful call to overcome their despondency and inaction. It served to infuse courage into both the civil leader Zerubbabel and the high priest Joshua, and to stir the entire populace to renewed resolve and diligent labor. The repetition emphasizes that their strength would come from His presence and command, not from their own diminished resources or willpower.

**What is the significance of the title "LORD of hosts"?**

Answer: The title "LORD of hosts" (Hebrew: *Yahweh Sabaoth*) is highly significant. The word "hosts" (Hebrew: *tsâbâʼ*) refers to armies, companies, or masses, often implying the celestial armies of angels or the entire created order. When God is called the "LORD of hosts," it portrays Him as the supreme, sovereign Commander of all heavenly and earthly forces. In the context of [Haggai 2:4](/haggai/2-4 "Haggai 2:4 - The LORD of Hosts is With You"), this title serves as a powerful reassurance to a small, struggling, and discouraged community. It reminds them that the God who is with them is not weak or limited, but possesses infinite power and authority. This truth was meant to dispel their fears, bolster their faith, and assure them that the One who commanded them to work was fully capable of overcoming any opposition and bringing His promises to fruition. It emphasizes God's omnipotence and His ability to accomplish His will through His people, regardless of their perceived weakness or the magnitude of the task.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Haggai 2:4 finds its ultimate and profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The divine imperative to "be strong" and "work" in the face of discouragement, empowered by God's presence, foreshadows the New Covenant reality where believers are called to participate in a greater, spiritual temple, the Church, built upon Christ Himself as the cornerstone ([Ephesians 2:19-22](/ephesians/2-19-22 "Ephesians 2:19-22 - Christ as the Cornerstone")). Jesus, the true Zerubbabel and Joshua, the ultimate King and High Priest, perfectly embodied strength and diligent work, fulfilling all righteousness and accomplishing the Father's will even unto death on the cross ([John 19:30](/john/19-30 "John 19:30 - It is Finished")). His life and ministry were characterized by unwavering resolve and tireless labor, always empowered by the Father's presence. His final command to His disciples, "Go ye therefore, and teach all nations... and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world" ([Matthew 28:19-20](/matthew/28-19-20 "Matthew 28:19-20 - The Great Commission and Christ's Presence")), echoes Haggai's promise, assuring believers that the same omnipotent God who empowered the exiles is present through the Holy Spirit to empower His Church for the greater work of building His spiritual kingdom. Our strength to "work" and persevere in faith comes not from our own might, but from the indwelling Christ, who enables us to do all things through Him who strengthens us ([Philippians 4:13](/philippians/4-13 "Philippians 4:13 - Strength in Christ")). Thus, Haggai 2:4 points to the Messiah who not only commands strength but embodies and imparts it to His people.

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

1 Chronicles 28:20

And David said to Solomon his son, Be strong and of good courage, and do [it]: fear not, nor be dismayed: for the LORD God, [even] my God, [will be] with thee; he will not fail thee, nor forsake thee, until thou hast finished all the work for the service of the house of the LORD.

Zechariah 8:9

¶ Thus saith the LORD of hosts; Let your hands be strong, ye that hear in these days these words by the mouth of the prophets, which [were] in the day [that] the foundation of the house of the LORD of hosts was laid, that the temple might be built.

Joshua 1:9

Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the LORD thy God [is] with thee whithersoever thou goest.

2 Samuel 5:10

And David went on, and grew great, and the LORD God of hosts [was] with him.

Deuteronomy 31:23

And he gave Joshua the son of Nun a charge, and said, Be strong and of a good courage: for thou shalt bring the children of Israel into the land which I sware unto them: and I will be with thee.

2 Timothy 2:1

¶ Thou therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus.

1 Chronicles 22:13

Then shalt thou prosper, if thou takest heed to fulfil the statutes and judgments which the LORD charged Moses with concerning Israel: be strong, and of good courage; dread not, nor be dismayed.