TRV
Zechariah 4:12
Bible Versions
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?
Then I asked the question again: "What are those two olive branches discharging gold[-colored oil] through the two gold spouts?"
And I questioned him further, “What are the two olive branches beside the two gold pipes from which the golden oil pours?”
And I answered the second time, and said unto him, What are these two olive-branches, which are beside the two golden spouts, that empty the golden oil out of themselves?
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Revelation 11:4
These are the two olive trees, and the two candlesticks standing before the God of the earth. -
Matthew 20:23
And he saith unto them, Ye shall drink indeed of my cup, and be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with: but to sit on my right hand, and on my left, is not mine to give, but [it shall be given to them] for whom it is prepared of my Father. -
Haggai 1:1
¶ In the second year of Darius the king, in the sixth month, in the first day of the month, came the word of the LORD by Haggai the prophet unto Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel, governor of Judah, and to Joshua the son of Josedech, the high priest, saying,
Zechariah 4:12 is a pivotal verse within one of the prophet Zechariah's most significant visions, where he seeks further clarification on the mysterious imagery presented to him. This verse records Zechariah's third question to the interpreting angel, focusing specifically on the identity and function of the "two olive branches" and their role in continuously supplying "golden oil" to the lampstand.
Context of the Vision
This verse is part of the fourth of eight nocturnal visions granted to Zechariah following the return of the Jewish exiles from Babylon. The overarching theme of Zechariah chapter 4 concerns the rebuilding of the Temple in Jerusalem and the divine empowerment of the leaders responsible for this task, primarily Zerubbabel, the governor, and Joshua, the high priest. The vision features a golden lampstand (representing Israel) continuously supplied with oil from two olive trees, signifying God's unceasing provision. Zechariah's repeated questions, culminating in verse 12, highlight his desire to fully grasp the spiritual significance of these symbols.
Key Themes and Messages
Linguistic Insights
The phrase "golden oil" underscores the preciousness, purity, and divine origin of the spiritual anointing it represents. The term "anointed ones" (Hebrew: beney yitshar, literally "sons of fresh oil" or "sons of shining oil") used in Zechariah 4:14 for the two figures reinforces their status as divinely chosen and empowered individuals, consecrated for service by the Spirit of God.
Related Scriptures
The concept of two "anointed ones" or "olive trees" reappears in Revelation 11:4, referring to the "two witnesses" who are also described as "the two olive trees, and the two candlesticks standing before the God of the earth." This connection suggests a recurring pattern of God raising up empowered individuals to testify and serve Him in critical times.
Practical Application
Zechariah 4:12 reminds believers today that all true spiritual life and service flow from God's Spirit. Just as Zerubbabel and Joshua were empowered to rebuild the temple, we are enabled by the Holy Spirit for our tasks and ministries. It encourages reliance not on human ability or resources, but on the continuous, divine supply of God's Spirit. This verse also highlights the importance of God-appointed leaders who are channels of His grace and power to the community.