Haggai 2:5

KJV

[According to] the word that I covenanted with you when ye came out of Egypt, so my spirit remaineth among you: fear ye not.

KJV (with Strong's)

According to the word {H1697} that I covenanted {H3772} with you when ye came {H3318} out of Egypt {H4714}, so my spirit {H7307} remaineth {H5975} among {H8432} you: fear {H3372} ye not.

Complete Jewish Bible

"This is in keeping with the word that I promised in a covenant with you when you came out of Egypt, and my Spirit remains with you, so don't be afraid!"

Berean Standard Bible

This is the promise I made to you when you came out of Egypt. And My Spirit remains among you; do not be afraid.”

American Standard Version

according to the word that I covenanted with you when ye came out of Egypt, and my Spirit abode among you: fear ye not.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Haggai 2:5 serves as a profound divine assurance to the post-exilic community, connecting God's unwavering faithfulness from the time of the Exodus to His abiding presence in their present task of rebuilding the temple. It declares that the same covenantal commitment and empowering Spirit that guided Israel in their past liberation remain actively among them, thereby providing a powerful basis for them to overcome fear and persevere in their divinely appointed work.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Haggai 2:5 is situated within a series of prophetic oracles delivered by Haggai to the returned Jewish exiles in Jerusalem around 520 BC. The immediate context is one of discouragement and comparison, as many of the older generation who had seen Solomon's glorious temple were disheartened by the humble appearance of the newly laid foundation for the Second Temple ([Haggai 2:3](/haggai/2-3 "Haggai 2:3 - Comparison of Temple Glories")). In response, God repeatedly calls the leaders (Zerubbabel and Joshua) and the entire remnant to "Be strong and work" ([Haggai 2:4](/haggai/2-4 "Haggai 2:4 - Be Strong and Work")). Verse 5 then provides the theological bedrock for this command, assuring them that their strength comes from God's consistent covenant fidelity and His enduring spiritual presence, which will culminate in a future, even greater glory for the temple ([Haggai 2:6-9](/haggai/2-6-9 "Haggai 2:6-9 - The Future Glory of the Temple")).
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The historical backdrop is the early post-exilic period following the decree of Cyrus the Great in 538 BC, which allowed the Jews to return from Babylonian captivity. While a remnant had returned, they faced immense challenges: economic hardship, opposition from surrounding peoples, and internal apathy. The work on the temple had stalled for approximately 16 years. Culturally, the memory of the first temple's destruction was still vivid, and the people were struggling to reconcile their grand theological expectations with their current impoverished reality. The reference to "when ye came out of Egypt" serves as a powerful historical anchor, reminding them of God's miraculous deliverance and covenant establishment at the very inception of their nation, a foundational event that shaped Israel's identity and understanding of God's faithfulness.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in Haggai and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **God's Unwavering Covenant Faithfulness**. By explicitly referencing the Exodus, Haggai reminds the people that God's commitment to His promises is not contingent on their circumstances or even their past obedience, but on His unchanging character, as seen in the establishment of the [Mosaic Covenant](/exodus/19 "Exodus 19 - The Mosaic Covenant"). Secondly, it highlights the **Abiding Presence of God's Spirit**. The assurance that "my spirit remaineth among you" emphasizes that God's active, empowering presence, the very `rûwach` that hovered over creation ([Genesis 1:2](/genesis/1-2 "Genesis 1:2 - Spirit of God over the Waters")) and empowered leaders like Bezalel ([Exodus 31:3](/exodus/31-3 "Exodus 31:3 - Spirit of God Fills Bezalel")), had not departed from His people. This divine presence is the source of their strength and ability to complete the work. Finally, the imperative "fear ye not" addresses the pervasive theme of **Overcoming Discouragement and Fear**. This command is not a mere platitude but a logical consequence of God's faithfulness and presence, echoing similar divine assurances given throughout Israel's history, such as to Joshua upon entering the Promised Land ([Joshua 1:9](/joshua/1-9 "Joshua 1:9 - Be Strong and Courageous")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **covenanted (Hebrew, _kârath'_):** This verb literally means "to cut (off, down or asunder)." Its use in the context of a covenant (Hebrew: `bĕrît`) refers to the ancient practice of cutting animals in half and parties walking between the pieces, symbolizing a solemn, binding agreement where the cutting represented the fate of the party who broke the covenant. Thus, "I covenanted" emphasizes the absolute, unbreakable nature of God's solemn commitment to His people, rooted in a historical act of divine initiation. It signifies a profound, self-binding promise.
* **spirit (Hebrew, _rûwach'_):** This multifaceted word can mean "wind," "breath," or "spirit." In this context, it refers to the divine, animating, and empowering presence of God. It is not merely an abstract concept but the active, dynamic power of God at work among His people, sustaining them, enabling them, and guiding them. The `rûwach` of God is the source of life, wisdom, and strength, and its continued presence is the guarantee of their success.
* **fear (Hebrew, _yârêʼ'_):** This verb means "to fear," but also "to revere" or "to be afraid." In the imperative "fear ye not," it addresses the human emotion of dread, apprehension, and discouragement that was paralyzing the people. It is a command to cast off paralyzing terror and instead embrace a reverential awe of God that leads to trust and obedience, rather than a debilitating fear of circumstances or enemies.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"[According to] the word that I covenanted with you when ye came out of Egypt":** This opening clause establishes the foundational premise for God's present assurance. It explicitly links God's current commitment to His ancient, solemn promise made to Israel at the Exodus, specifically the Mosaic Covenant at Mount Sinai. This is a powerful appeal to God's historical faithfulness, reminding the people that His character is immutable and His promises are enduring. The Exodus event is the paradigmatic act of divine deliverance and covenant establishment, serving as the benchmark for God's relationship with His people.
* **"so my spirit remaineth among you":** This is the central affirmation of the verse. The conjunction "so" (or "and") indicates a direct continuity and consequence: because God covenanted with them in the past, His active, empowering Spirit continues to reside and operate among them in the present. The verb "remaineth" (Hebrew: `ʻâmad`) implies a steadfast, enduring presence, not a fleeting visit. This is a profound assurance of God's immanence and active involvement in their lives and work, providing the necessary divine energy and guidance for their daunting task.
* **"fear ye not.":** This is the direct, imperative command and the practical application of the preceding theological truths. It is a divine antidote to the discouragement, anxiety, and fear that had gripped the people. Because God is faithful to His covenant and His Spirit remains powerfully present among them, there is no legitimate reason for them to be afraid of their circumstances, their enemies, or the magnitude of the task. This command is a call to trust and courage, grounded in the reality of God's unchanging character and active presence.

#### Literary Devices
Haggai 2:5 employs several potent literary devices to convey its message. **Allusion** is central, as the verse directly references the Exodus, a foundational event in Israel's history, immediately evoking the memory of God's miraculous power and covenant fidelity. This serves as a powerful reminder that the God who delivered them from Egypt is the same God who is with them now. The phrase "fear ye not" is a direct **Imperative**, a command that is frequently repeated throughout the biblical narrative, particularly in times of national crisis or personal doubt, functioning as a divine antidote to human anxiety. The verse also utilizes **Covenant Language**, particularly with "covenanted," which emphasizes the binding and enduring nature of God's relationship with His people. Furthermore, there is an implicit **Parallelism** between God's past action ("when ye came out of Egypt") and His present reality ("so my spirit remaineth among you"), highlighting the continuity of His character and power across generations.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Haggai 2:5 encapsulates a core theological truth: God's faithfulness is not merely a historical fact but an ongoing reality, powerfully expressed through the enduring presence of His Spirit among His people. This verse bridges the Old Testament understanding of God's covenant with Israel and the promise of His indwelling Spirit, providing a profound basis for trust and perseverance. It teaches that divine presence is the ultimate antidote to human fear and discouragement, empowering believers to fulfill God's purposes even when circumstances seem overwhelming. This principle resonates throughout Scripture, affirming that God's past acts of salvation are a guarantee of His future reliability and His active work in the present.

* [Deuteronomy 31:6](/deuteronomy/31-6 "Deuteronomy 31:6 - Be Strong and Courageous")
* [Isaiah 41:10](/isaiah/41-10 "Isaiah 41:10 - Fear Not, for I Am With You")
* [Zechariah 4:6](/zechariah/4-6 "Zechariah 4:6 - Not by Might, Nor by Power, but by My Spirit")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Haggai 2:5 speaks powerfully to believers today, offering profound encouragement in the face of daunting challenges, personal anxieties, or spiritual weariness. Just as the post-exilic community was called to remember God's past faithfulness and rely on His present Spirit to complete the temple, we are called to remember God's redemptive work in Christ and to lean into the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit for every task and trial. This verse reminds us that our strength and courage do not originate from our own resources or abilities, but from the unchanging character of God and the dynamic power of His Spirit at work within us. When the task before us seems too great, or when the world around us causes fear, we are to fix our gaze not on our limitations or the obstacles, but on the God who covenanted with us and whose Spirit remains steadfastly among us. This divine assurance empowers us to move forward with confidence, knowing that He is both able and willing to complete what He has begun through us.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What past acts of God's faithfulness in your life or in biblical history can you draw upon to strengthen your faith today?**
* **How does the understanding of God's Spirit "remaining among you" practically impact your daily walk and your approach to challenges?**
* **What specific fears or discouragements are you facing, and how can the command "fear ye not" rooted in God's presence help you overcome them?**

### FAQ
**What does "the word that I covenanted with you when ye came out of Egypt" refer to?**

Answer: This phrase refers primarily to the Mosaic Covenant established at Mount Sinai, shortly after Israel's miraculous deliverance from slavery in Egypt. This covenant, detailed in books like [Exodus](/exodus/19 "Exodus 19 - The Covenant at Sinai") and [Deuteronomy](/deuteronomy/5 "Deuteronomy 5 - Review of the Covenant"), laid out God's laws, promises, and expectations for His people. It was a foundational agreement that defined Israel's identity as God's chosen nation and guaranteed His presence and protection as long as they remained faithful. Haggai reminds the returned exiles that the God who made and kept that ancient, powerful covenant is the same God actively present with them now.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Haggai 2:5 finds its ultimate and most glorious fulfillment in Jesus Christ and the New Covenant inaugurated through Him. The promise that God's Spirit "remaineth among you" foreshadows the far greater outpouring and indwelling of the Holy Spirit in the New Testament era. While the Spirit was present and active in the Old Covenant, empowering specific individuals for specific tasks, the New Covenant promises a universal indwelling of the Spirit for all believers, making them temples of the Holy Spirit ([1 Corinthians 6:19](/1_corinthians/6-19 "1 Corinthians 6:19 - Your Body is a Temple of the Holy Spirit")). Jesus Himself promised the coming of the Comforter, the Spirit of Truth, who would abide with His disciples forever ([John 14:16-17](/john/14-16-17 "John 14:16-17 - Promise of the Holy Spirit")). This promise was dramatically fulfilled at Pentecost, when the Spirit descended upon the believers, empowering them to bear witness to Christ and build His church ([Acts 2:1-4](/acts/2-1-4 "Acts 2:1-4 - The Day of Pentecost")). Therefore, the "fear ye not" imperative takes on new depth for the Christian, grounded not just in God's historical covenant with Israel, but in the finished work of Christ on the cross, His resurrection, and His sending of the Holy Spirit to permanently indwell every believer. We are now part of a new, eternal covenant in Christ's blood ([Luke 22:20](/luke/22-20 "Luke 22:20 - The New Covenant in My Blood")), and the Spirit of God truly remains *within* us, empowering us to live fearlessly in a fallen world, confident in our identity as God's children and His unfailing presence.

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

Exodus 34:10

¶ And he said, Behold, I make a covenant: before all thy people I will do marvels, such as have not been done in all the earth, nor in any nation: and all the people among which thou [art] shall see the work of the LORD: for it [is] a terrible thing that I will do with thee.

Nehemiah 9:20

Thou gavest also thy good spirit to instruct them, and withheldest not thy manna from their mouth, and gavest them water for their thirst.

Exodus 29:45

And I will dwell among the children of Israel, and will be their God.

Exodus 29:46

And they shall know that I [am] the LORD their God, that brought them forth out of the land of Egypt, that I may dwell among them: I [am] the LORD their God.

Isaiah 41:13

For I the LORD thy God will hold thy right hand, saying unto thee, Fear not; I will help thee.

Zechariah 8:13

And it shall come to pass, [that] as ye were a curse among the heathen, O house of Judah, and house of Israel; so will I save you, and ye shall be a blessing: fear not, [but] let your hands be strong.

Exodus 33:12

¶ And Moses said unto the LORD, See, thou sayest unto me, Bring up this people: and thou hast not let me know whom thou wilt send with me. Yet thou hast said, I know thee by name, and thou hast also found grace in my sight.