TRV
Translation
King James Version
¶ Then answered I, and said unto him, What are these two olive trees upon the right side of the candlestick and upon the left side thereof?
Complete Jewish Bible
I replied by asking him, "What are those two olive trees on the right and left sides of the menorah?"
Berean Standard Bible
Then I asked the angel, “What are the two olive trees on the right and left of the lampstand?”
American Standard Version
Then answered I, and said unto him, What are these two olive-trees upon the right side of the candlestick and upon the left side thereof?
World English Bible Messianic
Then I asked him, “What are these two olive trees on the right side of the lamp stand and on the left side of it?”
Geneva Bible (1599)
Then answered I, and said vnto him, What are these two oliue trees vpon the right and vpon the left side thereof?
Young's Literal Translation
And I answer and say unto him, `What are these two olive-trees, on the right of the candlestick, and on its left?'
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Commentary on Zechariah 4 verses 11–14
11 ¶ Then answered I, and said unto him, What are these two olive trees upon the right side of the candlestick and upon the left side thereof?
12 And I answered again, and said unto him, What be these two olive branches which through the two golden pipes empty the golden oil out of themselves?
13 And he answered me and said, Knowest thou not what these be? And I said, No, my lord.
14 Then said he, These are the two anointed ones, that stand by the Lord of the whole earth.
Enough is said to Zechariah to encourage him, and to enable him to encourage others, with reference to the good work of building the temple which they were now about, and that was the principal intention of the vision he saw; but still he is inquisitive about the particulars, which we will ascribe, not to any vain curiosity, but to the value he had for divine discoveries and the pleasure he took in acquainting himself with them. Those that know much of the things of God cannot but have a humble desire to know more. Now observe,
I. What his enquiry was. He understood the meaning of the candlestick with its lamps: It is Jerusalem, it is the temple, and their salvation that is to go forth as a lamp that burns; but he wants to know what are these two olive-trees (Zac 4:11), these two olive-branches? Zac 4:12. Observe here, 1. He asked. Note, Those that would be acquainted with the things of God must be inquisitive concerning those things. Ask, and you shall be told. 2. He asked twice, his first question having no reply given to it. Note, If satisfactory answers be not given to our enquiries and requests quickly, we must renew them, and repeat them, and continue instant and importunate in them, and the vision shall at length speak, and not lie. 3. His second query varied somewhat from the former. He first asked, What are these two olive-trees, but afterwards, What are these two olive-branches? that is, those boughs of the tree that hung over the bowl and distilled oil into it. When we enquire concerning the grace of God, it must be rather as it is communicated to us by the fruitful boughs of the word and ordinances (for that is one of the things revealed, which belong to us and to our children) than as it is resident in the good olive where all our springs are, for that is one of the secret things, which belong not to us. 4. In his enquiry he mentioned the observations he had made upon the vision; he took notice not only of what was obvious at first sight, that the two olive-trees grew, one on the right side and the other on the left side of the candlestick (so nigh, so ready, is divine grace to the church), but he observed further, upon a more narrow inspection, that the two olive-branches, from which in particular the candlestick did receive of the root and fatness of the olive (as the apostle says of the church, Rom 11:17), did empty the golden oil (that is, the clear bright oil, the best in its kind, and of great value, as if it were aurum potabile - liquid gold) out of themselves through the two golden pipes, or (as the margin reads it) which by the hand of the two golden pipes empty out of themselves oil into the gold, that is, into the golden bowl on the head of the candlestick. Our Lord Jesus emptied himself, to fill us; his precious blood is the golden oil in which we are supplied with all we need.
II. What answer was given to his enquiry. Now again the angel obliged him expressly to own his ignorance, before he informed him (Zac 4:13): "Knowest thou not what these are? If thou knowest the church to be the candlestick, canst thou think the olive-trees, that supply it with oil, to be any other than the grace of God?" But he owned he either did not fully understand it or was afraid he did not rightly understand it: I said, No, my Lord, how should I, except some one guide me? And then he told him (Zac 4:14): These are the two sons of oil (so it is in the original), the two anointed ones (so we read it), rather, the two oily ones. That which we read (Isa 5:1) a very fruitful hill is in the original the horn of the son of oil, a fat and fattening soil. 1. If by the candlestick we understand the visible church, particularly that of the Jews at that time, for whose comfort it was primarily intended, these sons of oil, that stand before the Lord of the whole earth, are the two great ordinances and offices of the magistracy and ministry, at that time lodged in the hands of those two great and good men Zerubbabel and Joshua. Kings and priests were anointed; this prince, this priest, were oily ones, endued with the gifts and graces of God's Spirit, to qualify them for the work to which they were called. They stood before the Lord of the whole earth, to minister to him, and to receive direction from him; and a great influence they had upon the affairs of the church at that time. Their wisdom, courage, and zeal, were continually emptying themselves into the golden bowl, to keep the lamps burning; and, when they are gone, others shall be raised up to carry on the same work; Israel shall no longer be without prince and priest. Good magistrates and good ministers that are themselves anointed with the grace of God and stand by the Lord of the whole earth, as faithful adherents to his cause, contribute very much to the maintaining and advancing of religion and the shining forth of the word of life. 2. If by the candlestick we understand the church of the first-born, of true believers, these sons of oil may be meant of Christ and the Spirit, the Redeemer and the Comforter. Christ is not only the Messiah, the Anointed One himself, but he is the good olive to his church; and from his fulness we receive, Joh 1:16. And the Holy Spirit is the unction or anointing which we have received, Jo1 2:20, Jo1 2:27. From Christ, the olive tree, by the Spirit, the olive branch, all the golden oil of grace is communicated to believers, which keeps their lamps burning, and without a constant supply of which they would soon go out. They stand by the Lord of the whole earth, who is in a special manner the church's Lord; for the Son was to be sent by the Father, and so was the Holy Ghost, in the time appointed, and they stand by him ready to go.
Matthew Henry (1662–1714) — Commentary on the Whole Bible. This section covers verses 11–14. Public domain.
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JeromeAD 420
Commentary on Zechariah
(Verse 11 and following) And I answered and said to him, 'What are these two olive trees on the right and the left side of the lampstand?' And I answered the second time and said to him, 'What are these two olive branches which are beside the two golden pipes, from which the golden oil pours out?' And he said to me, 'Do you not know what these are?' And I said, 'No, my lord.' And he said, 'These are the two anointed ones who stand beside the Lord of the whole earth.' LXX: And I answered and said to him, 'What are these two olive trees on the right side of the lampstand and on its left side?' And I answered a second time and said to him, 'What are the two olive branches which are beside the two golden pipes, which pour out the golden fluid from themselves?' And he said to me, 'Do you not know what these are?' And I said, 'No, my Lord.' Then he said, 'These are the two sons of fatness who stand before the Lord of the entire earth.' Asking the prophet what the two olive trees meant, one of which stood at the right side of the lampstand and the other at the left, the Lord or the angel of the Lord refused to answer. When the prophet understood this, he inquires a second time, saying: What are these two branches of the olive trees or two golden pipes, which in Hebrew are called Sinthoroth (in Greek, μυξωτῆρες), and which are themselves the two μυξωτῆρες upon which the two branches or two olive trees are placed, made of the purest gold. And when the prophet asked about the two branches, and was again questioned by the angel whether he knew what the two branches signified, and he said, 'No, Lord,' the angel of the Lord answered: 'These are two sons of oil, as Symmachus wished, or of splendor, as Aquila interpreted, that is, of brightness, or of richness, as the Septuagint translated, or of clarity, as Theodotion rendered: they stand before the Ruler of all the earth.' We read above about the two olive trees that were on the right and left of the lampstand. And therefore, the one who now asks about them, does not deserve to hear, because he does not remember the previous things, or because what was said there is obscure, he desires to hear more clearly here, or surely the silence of the angels confutes his stubbornness, because he claims to know greater things, although the Hebrews confirm that when he asked about the olive trees, he heard nothing, because he did not ask properly, nor did he inquire about everything he should have known. Finally, afterwards he inquires more fully, adding the olive branches or sprigs, about which he had remained silent above; for there he said: What are these two olive trees? here he asks; What are these two olive sprigs? metaphorically because, just as straight tree trunks are like ear heads, so these are covered by a certain wall of branches and leaves and rise up on high. Some of our people interpret the two olive trees as the Son and the Holy Spirit, and the middle lamp as God the Father. But I do not know how, without blasphemy, they accept one on the right, the other on the left. The branches or the clusters of olives also point to the incarnation of the Savior and the likeness of the dove of the Holy Spirit, because we cannot see the whole olives, but only a certain part and, so to speak, the little branches of the incarnation of Christ and the manifestation of the Holy Spirit shown to us. Others understand the two Testaments, the Gospel on the right, the Law on the left, because in the former there is a spiritual meaning, in the latter a physical one; and because we cannot explain the whole Gospel or the whole Law, and now we know in part and prophesy in part (1 Cor. 13:9), and we are not yet able to understand what is perfect. There are those who interpret the two branches of olives or the two ears of grain as representing the priesthood and the Law, which bring joy to the whole earth. Others believe that Enoch and Elijah, one of whom pleased God in uncircumcision and the other in circumcision, were taken up to heaven with their bodies (Genesis 5 and 1 Samuel 2). As for splendor, oil, fatness, and brightness, in Hebrew we read 'Isaar' (according to what is written in the Psalms about the joy and happiness of the saints: 'They shall be satisfied with the fatness of your house' - Psalm 36:8). The word 'πιότης' (or 'πιότητος') in Greek signifies more fatness than abundance. We have spoken these things as best we could and as far as the powers of our talent allowed, briefly touching upon the various opinions of the Hebrews and our own. If anyone should speak better or rather more truly, we willingly defer to them.
Source: Quotations drawn from early Church Fathers and historical Christian theologians (AD 100–1500). Some quotes address the surrounding passage context rather than this verse alone.
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SUMMARY
Zechariah 4:11 records the prophet Zechariah's direct inquiry to the interpreting angel, seeking clarification on the identity and significance of the two mysterious olive trees he has just seen in his vision. These trees are depicted as standing prominently on either side of the golden lampstand, continuously supplying it with oil. This pivotal question highlights Zechariah's earnest desire for understanding the divine revelation and sets the stage for the angel's subsequent explanation, which unveils the symbolic representation of God's chosen leaders empowered by His Spirit.
CONTEXT
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
Zechariah 4:11 primarily employs Symbolism, where the "two olive trees" and the "candlestick" are not merely literal objects but represent deeper spiritual realities. The menorah symbolizes God's presence and the light of Israel, while the olive trees represent the source of divine anointing and power. The continuous flow of oil from the trees to the lampstand is a symbolic depiction of supernatural provision and empowerment by the Holy Spirit. The verse also utilizes Interrogation, as Zechariah's direct question serves as a rhetorical device to draw the reader's attention to the central mystery of the vision and to build anticipation for the angelic explanation. This dialogue format, where the prophet asks and the angel answers, is a common feature in prophetic literature, facilitating the revelation of divine truth.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Zechariah 4:11, by posing the question about the identity of the two olive trees, sets the stage for a profound theological truth: God's work is accomplished not by human strength or political power, but by His Spirit operating through His chosen vessels. The continuous supply of oil from the trees to the lampstand symbolizes the unending, supernatural anointing and empowerment of the Holy Spirit, enabling God's people and His leaders to fulfill His purposes. This vision assures the post-exilic community that despite their weakness and the daunting task of rebuilding the Temple, divine resources are limitless and readily available to those God appoints. It underscores the principle that true spiritual fruitfulness and effective service flow from a constant reliance on God's Spirit, rather than human effort or might.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Zechariah's earnest question in this verse serves as a powerful model for believers today: a posture of humble inquiry and a desire for deeper understanding of God's truth. In a world often characterized by superficiality and quick answers, Zechariah reminds us of the importance of wrestling with spiritual mysteries, seeking clarity from the divine Interpreter, the Holy Spirit. For us, this means engaging thoughtfully with Scripture, praying for wisdom, and being open to God's revelation in our lives. The vision's emphasis on divine provision through the olive trees reminds us that whatever God calls us to do, He also provides the necessary resources and empowerment. We are not expected to accomplish His work in our own strength, but through the continuous supply of His Spirit. This encourages us to trust in His sufficiency, especially when facing overwhelming tasks or feeling inadequate. Our "light" (our witness, our service) can only shine brightly and consistently as we remain connected to the divine source of "oil"—the Holy Spirit.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
What is the significance of Zechariah's question in this verse?
Answer: Zechariah's question is highly significant because it demonstrates his active engagement with the divine vision and his earnest desire to understand its meaning. It transitions the narrative from observation to interpretation, prompting the angel to reveal the symbolic identity of the two olive trees. This question is crucial for the reader as well, as it focuses attention on the central mystery of the vision, which is then explained in the subsequent verses, revealing the importance of divine empowerment for leadership.
Why are there "two" olive trees specifically?
Answer: The specificity of "two" olive trees is key to the vision's interpretation. As revealed later in Zechariah 4:14, these two trees represent "the two anointed ones" (literally, "sons of oil" or "sons of fresh oil") who stand by the Lord of the whole earth. In the immediate historical context, these are understood to be Zerubbabel, the civil governor, and Joshua, the high priest, the two divinely appointed leaders responsible for rebuilding the Temple. Their duality signifies the complementary roles of righteous governance and spiritual leadership, both empowered by God's Spirit.
How does this vision relate to the rebuilding of the Temple?
Answer: This vision directly relates to the rebuilding of the Temple by providing divine assurance and encouragement to the struggling post-exilic community. The continuous supply of oil to the lampstand, without human intervention, symbolized that the Temple's completion would not depend on human might or power, but "by my spirit, saith the LORD of hosts" (Zechariah 4:6). The olive trees, representing Zerubbabel and Joshua, signified that God would supernaturally empower His chosen leaders to overcome all obstacles and bring the Temple project to a successful completion.
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Zechariah 4:11 and the subsequent explanation primarily concern the anointing of Old Testament leaders, its imagery finds profound Christ-centered fulfillment. Jesus Christ is the ultimate "anointed one," the Messiah, upon whom the Spirit of the Lord rests without measure (John 3:34). He is the true source of all spiritual anointing and the light of the world, as He Himself declared in John 8:12). Just as the olive trees provided continuous oil for the lampstand, Christ, through His finished work on the cross and His ascension, poured out the Holy Spirit upon His disciples (Acts 2:33), empowering them to be His witnesses to the ends of the earth. He is the ultimate "candlestick" (or lampstand), the embodiment of God's presence and light, and He empowers His Church, His body, to shine that light in the world through the indwelling Spirit. The "two anointed ones" of Zechariah foreshadow Christ's dual role as both King and Priest (Hebrews 7:17), the one through whom all divine provision and spiritual authority flow to His people.