Zechariah 4:10

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

For who hath despised {H936} the day {H3117} of small things {H6996}? for they shall rejoice {H8055}, and shall see {H7200} the plummet {H68}{H913} in the hand {H3027} of Zerubbabel {H2216} with those seven {H7651}; they are the eyes {H5869} of the LORD {H3068}, which run to and fro {H7751} through the whole earth {H776}.

Complete Jewish Bible

For even someone who doesn't think much of a day when such minor events take place will rejoice at seeing the plumbline in the hand of Z'rubavel. So these seven are the eyes of ADONAI that range about over all the earth."

Berean Standard Bible

For who has despised the day of small things? But these seven eyes of the LORD, which scan the whole earth, will rejoice when they see the plumb line in the hand of Zerubbabel.”

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Zechariah 4:10 delivers a profound message of divine encouragement and assurance to the post-exilic community, particularly to Zerubbabel, who was leading the rebuilding of the Second Temple. It challenges the human tendency to undervalue humble beginnings and seemingly insignificant efforts, asserting God's active, all-seeing involvement and ultimate commitment to bringing His purposes to fruition, even when the initial stages appear small or unimpressive. The verse promises joy and completion for those who persevere, undergirded by the omniscient and omnipresent Spirit of the Lord.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Zechariah 4:10 is embedded within a series of eight nocturnal visions granted to the prophet Zechariah, which serve to encourage the returned Jewish exiles in Jerusalem. This particular vision (Zechariah 4:1-10) centers on a golden lampstand and two olive trees, symbolizing God's Spirit empowering Zerubbabel and Joshua (the high priest) to complete the Temple. The preceding verses emphasize that the Temple's completion will be "not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit" ([Zechariah 4:6](/zechariah/4-6 "Zechariah 4:6 - Not by Might, Nor by Power")), directly addressing the challenges of limited resources and opposition. Verse 10 specifically addresses the potential for discouragement over the modest scale of the new Temple compared to Solomon's glorious original, reassuring the builders that God's perspective on "small things" is vastly different from human judgment. The rhetorical question at the beginning of the verse directly confronts this human tendency to despise humble beginnings.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The historical backdrop for Zechariah's prophecy is the post-exilic period, roughly 520 BC, following the return of the first wave of Jewish exiles from Babylon under the decree of Cyrus the Great. The initial enthusiasm for rebuilding the Temple quickly waned due to Samaritan opposition, internal apathy, and economic hardship, leading to a fifteen-year cessation of work (cf. [Ezra 4:1-5](/ezra/4-1-5 "Ezra 4:1-5 - Opposition to Rebuilding")). Prophets Haggai and Zechariah were raised up by God to stir the people and their leaders, Zerubbabel (the civil governor, a descendant of David) and Joshua (the high priest), to resume and complete the Temple project. The Second Temple, when its foundation was laid, was visibly inferior to Solomon's magnificent structure, causing some of the older generation who remembered the former glory to weep, while others shouted for joy ([Ezra 3:12-13](/ezra/3-12-13 "Ezra 3:12-13 - Mixed Reactions to the Temple Foundation")). This verse directly addresses the disappointment and contempt felt by some regarding the "smallness" of the new Temple. The "plummet" was a common builder's tool, signifying precision and the ongoing, assured progress of construction.
* **Key Themes:** Zechariah 4:10 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in Zechariah and broader biblical theology. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Divine Sovereignty and Providence**, demonstrating that God is actively involved in His people's endeavors, overseeing even the most minute details and ensuring the completion of His purposes, regardless of human limitations or perceptions of insignificance. Secondly, it highlights the theme of **God's Empowerment through His Spirit**, reinforcing the message of [Zechariah 4:6](/zechariah/4-6 "Zechariah 4:6 - Not by Might, Nor by Power"), where the work is accomplished "not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit." The "seven eyes" are often interpreted as representing the fullness and perfection of God's Spirit, emphasizing His omnipresence and omniscience in guiding the rebuilding. Thirdly, the verse challenges the human tendency to **Despise Humble Beginnings**, teaching that God often initiates His greatest works through seemingly small or insignificant means, valuing faithfulness and perseverance over outward grandeur. This theme resonates with the broader biblical narrative of God choosing the weak and humble to accomplish His mighty plans, as seen in the call of Abraham or the birth of Christ in Bethlehem ([Micah 5:2](/micah/5-2 "Micah 5:2 - Bethlehem, Though Small")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **despised (Hebrew, _bûwz'_):** From H936, this primitive root means "to disrespect; contemn, despise, [idiom] utterly." In this context, it refers to the act of looking down upon, showing contempt for, or regarding as worthless or insignificant. It captures the human tendency to judge the value of something based on its outward appearance or initial modest scale, rather than its potential or divine backing.
* **day (Hebrew, _yôwm'_):** From H3117, this word refers to "a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an associated term)." Here, "day" is used figuratively to denote a period or stage, specifically the "day of small things," signifying a time characterized by humble beginnings, limited resources, or seemingly slow and unimpressive progress.
* **small things (Hebrew, _qâṭân'_):** From H6996, this word means "abbreviated, i.e. diminutive, literally (in quantity, size or number) or figuratively (in age or importance); least, less(-er), little (one), small(-est, one, quantity, thing), young(-er, -est)." When combined with "day," it vividly describes a period marked by modesty, insignificance in human eyes, or a lack of grandeur, directly contrasting with the glorious First Temple.
* **plummet (Hebrew, _ʼeben bᵉdîyl'_):** This phrase combines H68 (_ʼeben_), meaning "a stone," and H913 (_bᵉdîyl_), meaning "alloy (because removed by smelting); by analogy, tin; [phrase] plummet." Together, it refers to a "stone of tin" or "stone of lead," which was a plumb line or plummet used by builders to ensure vertical accuracy. Its presence in Zerubbabel's hand signifies that the work is not only progressing but is being done with divine precision and assurance of completion, under God's watchful eye.
* **eyes (Hebrew, _ʻayin'_):** From H5869, this word primarily means "an eye (literally or figuratively); by analogy, a fountain." Here, used figuratively in the plural ("eyes of the LORD"), it denotes God's perfect knowledge, constant vigilance, comprehensive oversight, and omnipresent awareness. It speaks to His all-seeing nature, ensuring that no detail of His work or His people's efforts goes unnoticed or unguided.
* **LORD (Hebrew, _Yᵉhôvâh'_):** From H3068, this is the sacred, self-existent, and eternal name of God, Jehovah. Its use here emphasizes that the "eyes" belong to the covenant-keeping, sovereign God, whose power and presence guarantee the fulfillment of His promises, despite the perceived "smallness" of the human endeavor.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"For who hath despised the day of small things?"**: This is a rhetorical question that powerfully challenges the human tendency to undervalue or dismiss efforts and beginnings that appear humble, insignificant, or lacking in grandeur. It implies that such contempt is misguided and reflects a lack of understanding of God's ways. The "day of small things" refers to the modest scale and slow progress of the Temple rebuilding, which was a source of discouragement and even scorn for some.
* **"for they shall rejoice, and shall see the plummet in the hand of Zerubbabel"**: This clause provides the counter-argument and promise. Despite the initial humble appearance, those who have persevered will ultimately "rejoice" because they will witness the completion of the work. The "plummet in the hand of Zerubbabel" symbolizes the assured progress and ultimate completion of the Temple under his leadership, guided by divine precision. It signifies that the work is not abandoned but is actively being measured and brought to its proper conclusion.
* **"[with] those seven; they [are] the eyes of the LORD, which run to and fro through the whole earth."**: This final phrase reveals the divine agency behind the assured completion. "Those seven" refers to the "seven eyes" mentioned, which are explicitly identified as "the eyes of the LORD." This imagery conveys God's perfect omniscience, omnipresence, and active vigilance over all the earth. These "seven eyes" are often understood as representing the fullness of God's Spirit (cf. [Revelation 5:6](/revelation/5-6 "Revelation 5:6 - The Lamb with Seven Eyes")), signifying that God's Spirit is actively surveying, empowering, and ensuring the success of His plans, including the seemingly small work of rebuilding.

#### Literary Devices
Zechariah 4:10 is rich in **Symbolism** and **Imagery**. The "day of small things" is a powerful symbol for humble beginnings and modest endeavors, particularly the Second Temple's construction, which lacked the splendor of Solomon's. The "plummet in the hand of Zerubbabel" symbolizes divine precision, assured progress, and the guarantee of completion for God's work, even when it seems slow or insignificant. The most striking imagery is "the eyes of the LORD, which run to and fro through the whole earth." This vivid **Anthropomorphism** (attributing human characteristics, like eyes, to God) conveys God's absolute **Omniscience** and **Omnipresence**. The "seven eyes" further symbolize divine perfection and the fullness of God's Spirit, actively surveying and superintending all creation. The verse also opens with a **Rhetorical Question** ("For who hath despised the day of small things?"), which serves to challenge the audience's perspective and underscore the folly of underestimating God's work based on its initial appearance.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Zechariah 4:10 offers a profound theological statement about God's perspective on human endeavors and His method of working in the world. It teaches that God often chooses to work through humble means and small beginnings, valuing faithfulness and perseverance over immediate grandeur or human strength. This challenges the common human tendency to judge success by visible scale or immediate impact, redirecting focus to God's sovereign oversight and ultimate completion. The verse underscores God's omnipresence and omniscience, assuring believers that no effort, however small, goes unnoticed by the all-seeing eyes of the Lord, who actively ensures the fulfillment of His purposes. It is a powerful affirmation of divine providence, reminding us that God's power is perfected in weakness and His plans will prevail, regardless of initial appearances.

* [1 Corinthians 1:27-29](/1_corinthians/1-27-29 "1 Corinthians 1:27-29 - God Chooses the Weak")
* [Matthew 13:31-32](/matthew/13-31-32 "Matthew 13:31-32 - Parable of the Mustard Seed")
* [Philippians 1:6](/philippians/1-6 "Philippians 1:6 - God Will Complete His Work")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Zechariah 4:10 offers timeless encouragement for believers navigating periods of small beginnings, discouragement, or seemingly slow progress in their lives, ministries, or any God-given task. It serves as a powerful antidote to the temptation to despise humble efforts or to become disheartened when the results don't immediately match grand expectations. The verse reminds us that God's perspective is vastly different from our own; what appears insignificant to human eyes is often precisely where God is at work, laying foundational stones for something much larger. Our faithfulness in the "small things" is not only seen but valued by an all-seeing God, who is actively superintending every detail and will bring His purposes to fruition. This should inspire patience, perseverance, and unwavering trust in God's ability to complete the good work He begins, regardless of how modest or challenging the initial stages may appear. It calls us to embrace the process, to serve diligently in obscurity, and to find joy in God's ultimate faithfulness rather than in immediate, visible success.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life or ministry are you tempted to "despise the day of small things"?**
* **How does the knowledge of God's "seven eyes" running to and fro through the whole earth encourage you in your current endeavors, especially those that feel insignificant?**
* **What practical steps can you take to cultivate patience and perseverance when facing slow progress or humble beginnings in a task God has given you?**

### FAQ
**What does "the day of small things" refer to in Zechariah 4:10?**

Answer: "The day of small things" refers to a period characterized by humble beginnings, limited resources, or modest scale. In the immediate context of Zechariah 4:10, it specifically refers to the rebuilding of the Second Temple in Jerusalem after the Babylonian exile. This new Temple was much less grand than Solomon's original, causing some of the older generation to lament and others to despise its modest appearance. The phrase serves as a reminder that God's work often begins in ways that seem insignificant to human eyes, but are nonetheless crucial and divinely ordained.

**Who is Zerubbabel, and what is the significance of the "plummet in his hand"?**

Answer: Zerubbabel was the civil governor of Judah during the post-exilic period and a key leader in the rebuilding of the Second Temple. He was a descendant of King David and thus a figure of messianic expectation. The "plummet in his hand" is a symbolic image. A plummet (or plumb line) is a builder's tool used to ensure vertical accuracy in construction. Its presence in Zerubbabel's hand signifies that the Temple project, though started humbly, was progressing with divine precision and would certainly be completed under his leadership. It assures the people that God was overseeing the work and guaranteeing its success, despite the challenges. This imagery reinforces the promise of [Zechariah 4:7](/zechariah/4-7 "Zechariah 4:7 - Zerubbabel Will Finish the Temple").

**What are "those seven" and "the eyes of the LORD" that run to and fro through the whole earth?**

Answer: "Those seven" refers to the "seven eyes of the LORD." This is a powerful symbolic representation of God's absolute omniscience, omnipresence, and active vigilance. The number seven often signifies perfection or completeness in biblical numerology. These "eyes" symbolize God's perfect and complete knowledge, His constant watchfulness over all creation, and His active involvement in the affairs of humanity. Many theologians interpret these "seven eyes" as representing the fullness of the Holy Spirit (cf. [Revelation 5:6](/revelation/5-6 "Revelation 5:6 - The Lamb with Seven Eyes"), where the Lamb has "seven eyes, which are the seven spirits of God sent out into all the earth"), signifying that God's Spirit is actively surveying, empowering, and ensuring the fulfillment of His divine plans, even in seemingly small or challenging circumstances.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Zechariah 4:10 finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ, who perfectly embodies the themes of humble beginnings, divine oversight, and the Spirit's empowering work. Jesus himself came into the world not with earthly power or grandeur, but in the "day of small things"—born in a humble stable in Bethlehem ([Luke 2:7](/luke/2-7 "Luke 2:7 - Jesus Born in a Manger")), raised in the obscure town of Nazareth ([John 1:46](/john/1-46 "John 1:46 - Can Anything Good Come from Nazareth?")), and ministering through seemingly insignificant acts of compassion and teaching. His earthly ministry, though initially small and often despised by the religious elite, was perfectly guided by the "plummet" of God's divine will, leading to the ultimate completion of His redemptive work on the cross ([John 19:30](/john/19-30 "John 19:30 - It is Finished")). The "seven eyes of the LORD, which run to and fro through the whole earth" find their supreme manifestation in Christ, who is the Lamb with seven eyes, representing the fullness of the Holy Spirit sent into all the earth ([Revelation 5:6](/revelation/5-6 "Revelation 5:6 - The Lamb with Seven Eyes")). Through Christ, God's all-seeing presence and Spirit empower His new Temple, the Church, to grow from small beginnings (a handful of disciples) into a global movement ([Acts 1:8](/acts/1-8 "Acts 1:8 - You Will Be My Witnesses")), assuring believers that no act of faith, however small, is overlooked by the omnipresent and omniscient Lord, who will bring His Kingdom to its glorious completion.

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

Job 8:7

Though thy beginning was small, yet thy latter end should greatly increase.

1 Corinthians 1:28

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:

1 Corinthians 1:29

That no flesh should glory in his presence.

2 Chronicles 16:9

For the eyes of the LORD run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to shew himself strong in the behalf of [them] whose heart [is] perfect toward him. Herein thou hast done foolishly: therefore from henceforth thou shalt have wars.

Haggai 2:3

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?

Matthew 13:31

Another parable put he forth unto them, saying, The kingdom of heaven is like to a grain of mustard seed, which a man took, and sowed in his field:

Matthew 13:33

Another parable spake he unto them; The kingdom of heaven is like unto leaven, which a woman took, and hid in three measures of meal, till the whole was leavened.