Zechariah 4:4

KJV

So I answered and spake to the angel that talked with me, saying, What [are] these, my lord?

KJV (with Strong's)

So I answered {H6030} and spake {H559} to the angel {H4397} that talked {H1696} with me, saying {H559}, What are these, my lord {H113}?

Complete Jewish Bible

I then asked the angel speaking with me, "What are these, my Lord?" The angel speaking with me said,

Berean Standard Bible

“What are these, my lord?” I asked the angel who was speaking with me.

American Standard Version

And I answered and spake to the angel that talked with me, saying, What are these, my lord?

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Zechariah 4:4 captures a pivotal moment in the prophet's fourth vision, where he directly addresses the interpreting angel, expressing his earnest desire for understanding regarding the mysterious imagery of the golden lampstand and two olive trees. This verse highlights Zechariah's humble posture and active engagement in seeking divine clarity, setting the stage for the angel's subsequent explanation of God's sovereign work in rebuilding the temple and restoring His people.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Zechariah 4:4 immediately follows Zechariah's description of a profound vision in [Zechariah 4:1-3](/zechariah/4-1-3 "Zechariah's Vision of the Golden Lampstand and Olive Trees"). The prophet has just seen a golden lampstand, complete with a bowl on top, seven lamps, and seven pipes, flanked by two olive trees. While the imagery is rich with spiritual significance, its meaning is not immediately apparent to Zechariah. His question in verse 4, "What are these, my lord?", serves as a natural and necessary transition, signaling the prophet's need for divine interpretation and preparing the reader for the angel's revelatory explanation that begins in [Zechariah 4:5](/zechariah/4-5 "The Angel's Response to Zechariah's Question") and continues through the chapter. This direct interaction between prophet and angel is a common literary device in apocalyptic literature, facilitating the transmission of complex divine messages.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The visions of Zechariah were given during a crucial post-exilic period, approximately 520 BC, when the Jewish exiles had returned to Jerusalem from Babylon. They faced immense challenges in rebuilding the Temple, which lay in ruins, and re-establishing their community. The work was slow, fraught with opposition, and often discouraging, leading to a sense of despair among the people. Leaders like Zerubbabel (the governor) and Joshua (the High Priest) were tasked with monumental responsibilities. The visions in Zechariah, including this one, were intended to provide divine encouragement, assurance, and direction to these leaders and the people, reminding them of God's presence, power, and ultimate plan for their restoration, despite the formidable obstacles they faced. The imagery of light (lampstand) and sustenance (olive trees) would have resonated deeply with a community struggling in darkness and desolation.

* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes to several key themes prevalent in the book of Zechariah and broader prophetic literature. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Divine Revelation and Human Comprehension**, emphasizing that God communicates His truths, but often in symbolic ways that require divine interpretation. Zechariah's question models a humble and earnest desire to comprehend God's will, a theme echoed in passages like [Jeremiah 29:13](/jeremiah/29-13 "Jeremiah 29:13 - Seeking God with All Your Heart"). Secondly, the verse highlights the **Role of Angelic Mediation**, where heavenly messengers serve as conduits for divine communication, bridging the gap between God's mysteries and human understanding, a common feature in prophetic and apocalyptic books, as seen in [Daniel 8:15-16](/daniel/8-15-16 "Daniel 8:15-16 - Gabriel Interprets Daniel's Vision"). Thirdly, it subtly introduces the theme of **God's Sovereign Work**, as Zechariah's inquiry sets the stage for the angel's profound declaration in [Zechariah 4:6](/zechariah/4-6 "Zechariah 4:6 - Not by Might, Nor by Power, But by My Spirit"), which reveals that the rebuilding of the Temple would be accomplished not by human strength, but by the power of God's Spirit.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **answered (Hebrew, _ʻânâh'_):** From H6030, this primitive root properly means "to eye" or "to heed," implying attention, and by extension, "to respond" or "to begin to speak." In this context, it signifies Zechariah's active and immediate vocal response to the vision, demonstrating his engagement and earnest desire for understanding, rather than a passive reception of the divine imagery. It suggests a turning of the mind and voice towards the source of revelation.
* **angel (Hebrew, _mălʼâk'_):** Derived from H4397, this term refers to a "messenger" or "deputy," and specifically, when referring to God's messenger, an "angel." This highlights the divine nature of the interaction. The angel is not merely a figure in the vision but an active participant, divinely appointed to convey and interpret God's message to the prophet, serving as an intermediary between the heavenly realm and human comprehension.
* **lord (Hebrew, _ʼâdôwn'_):** From H113, this word means "sovereign," "controller," "master," or "owner." When used in address, as here, it is a term of profound respect and deference, acknowledging the higher status and authority of the one being spoken to. Zechariah's use of "my lord" to the angel underscores his humble posture, his recognition of the angel's divine commission, and his earnest submission to the authority from which the revelation originates.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"So I answered and spake to the angel that talked with me, saying,"**: This clause establishes the direct, active dialogue between Zechariah and the interpreting angel. The repetition of "answered and spake" emphasizes the prophet's immediate and verbal initiative. He is not merely observing but is actively engaging with the divine messenger, indicating his readiness to receive and understand the revelation. The phrase "the angel that talked with me" identifies the specific angelic figure who has been guiding Zechariah through previous visions, reinforcing the ongoing nature of their interaction and the angel's consistent role as a divine guide and interpreter.
* **"What [are] these, my lord?"**: This is Zechariah's direct and humble interrogation. The Hebrew is concise, simply "What these, my lord?" The KJV's supplied "[are]" clarifies the interrogative nature. Zechariah's question expresses a genuine bewilderment and a sincere desire for clarity regarding the symbolic elements of the vision (the lampstand, its components, and the two olive trees). His address "my lord" is a respectful acknowledgment of the angel's authority and a plea for divine insight, demonstrating a teachable spirit and a recognition of his own limitations in discerning spiritual truths without heavenly aid.

#### Literary Devices
Zechariah 4:4 primarily employs **Dialogue** as its central literary device, capturing the direct verbal exchange between the prophet and the interpreting angel. This dialogue is initiated by an **Interrogation**, as Zechariah poses a direct question ("What are these, my lord?"). This question serves not only to advance the narrative but also to model a humble and inquisitive approach to divine revelation. The verse also subtly uses **Foreshadowing**, as Zechariah's question sets the stage for the angel's subsequent interpretive explanation, which will reveal profound theological truths about God's Spirit-empowered work. While not explicitly a device within this verse, the entire context of Zechariah 4 relies heavily on **Symbolism**, and Zechariah's question is a direct response to the symbolic nature of the vision he has just witnessed.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Zechariah 4:4 serves as a powerful reminder of the human need for divine illumination and the gracious provision of God in revealing His truth. Just as Zechariah sought understanding of a complex vision, believers are called to actively pursue knowledge of God's Word, recognizing that spiritual truths often require divine interpretation. This verse underscores the principle that God desires to be known and understood by His people, and He often uses appointed messengers or the Holy Spirit to clarify His purposes. The prophet's humble inquiry models a teachable spirit, essential for spiritual growth and for receiving deeper insights into God's plans and character.

* [Jeremiah 33:3](/jeremiah/33-3 "Jeremiah 33:3 - Call to Me and I will answer")
* [Daniel 10:11-12](/daniel/10-11-12 "Daniel 10:11-12 - Daniel's Prayer and Angelic Response")
* [1 Corinthians 2:10](/1_corinthians/2-10 "1 Corinthians 2:10 - The Spirit Reveals Deep Things")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Zechariah 4:4 offers a profound lesson for every believer: the journey of faith is not merely about passively receiving information, but actively engaging with divine revelation. Zechariah's question, "What are these, my lord?", is a model of humble curiosity and earnest desire for understanding. In our own lives, when we encounter passages of Scripture that are challenging, symbolic, or difficult to grasp, our first response should be to humbly seek divine clarity. This involves diligent study of God's Word, prayerful reliance on the Holy Spirit to illuminate truth, and seeking wisdom from trusted spiritual mentors or sound theological resources. Just as the angel was sent to interpret for Zechariah, God has provided His Spirit to guide us into all truth ([John 16:13](/john/16-13 "John 16:13 - The Spirit of Truth Guides into All Truth")) and has given us teachers in the church ([Ephesians 4:11](/ephesians/4-11 "Ephesians 4:11 - Gifts for the Church")). Our spiritual growth is often catalyzed by the questions we dare to ask and the earnestness with which we pursue God's answers, trusting that He desires to reveal Himself to those who genuinely seek Him.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **When faced with difficult or confusing passages in Scripture, what is your typical first response?**
* **How does Zechariah's humble inquiry challenge or affirm your own approach to seeking divine understanding?**
* **In what ways do you actively seek clarification and deeper insight into God's Word in your daily life?**

### FAQ

**Why did Zechariah need an angel to interpret the vision for him?**

Answer: Zechariah, like many prophets, received visions that were rich in symbolism and often apocalyptic in nature. These visions were not always immediately clear to the human recipient. The interpreting angel served as God's appointed messenger to bridge the gap between the divine mysteries and human comprehension. This angelic mediation ensured that the precise meaning and theological significance of the vision were accurately conveyed, not only to Zechariah but through him to the people of Israel. It emphasizes that divine revelation, while given by God, often requires divine illumination or interpretation to be fully grasped, as seen in other prophetic books like [Daniel](/daniel/1 "The Book of Daniel").

**What is the significance of Zechariah addressing the angel as "my lord"?**

Answer: Zechariah's address of the angel as "my lord" (Hebrew: *ʼâdôwn*) is a term of profound respect and deference. It signifies his recognition of the angel's superior status and divine authority as a messenger from God. This humble posture is crucial for receiving divine revelation. It's not a demand for information but a respectful plea for understanding, acknowledging that the angel speaks on behalf of a higher power. This respectful address sets a tone of submission and teachability, which is essential for grasping spiritual truths.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Zechariah 4:4 focuses on the prophet's interaction with an interpreting angel, its underlying theme of seeking and receiving divine understanding finds its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ. In the Old Testament, angels often served as intermediaries for God's revelation, but in the New Covenant, Christ Himself is the supreme and final revelation of God ([Hebrews 1:1-2](/hebrews/1-1-2 "Hebrews 1:1-2 - God Has Spoken by His Son")). Zechariah's earnest question, "What are these, my lord?", foreshadows the human longing for ultimate truth, a longing fully satisfied in Christ, who is "the way, the truth, and the life" ([John 14:6](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Life")). He is the one who perfectly reveals the Father ([John 1:18](/john/1-18 "John 1:18 - No One Has Seen God, Except the Son")) and illuminates the mysteries of God's kingdom ([Matthew 13:11](/matthew/13-11 "Matthew 13:11 - The Mysteries of the Kingdom")). Furthermore, the Holy Spirit, sent by Christ, is now the ultimate interpreter of God's Word, guiding believers into all truth and revealing the deep things of God ([John 16:13](/john/16-13 "John 16:13 - The Spirit of Truth Guides into All Truth"); [1 Corinthians 2:10-16](/1_corinthians/2-10-16 "1 Corinthians 2:10-16 - The Spirit Reveals God's Wisdom")). Thus, Zechariah's humble quest for clarity ultimately points to Christ as the source of all wisdom and the Spirit as the divine interpreter for all who seek to know God.

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

Zechariah 1:9

Then said I, O my lord, what [are] these? And the angel that talked with me said unto me, I will shew thee what these [be].

Zechariah 6:4

Then I answered and said unto the angel that talked with me, What [are] these, my lord?

Zechariah 1:19

And I said unto the angel that talked with me, What [be] these? And he answered me, These [are] the horns which have scattered Judah, Israel, and Jerusalem.

Zechariah 5:6

And I said, What [is] it? And he said, This [is] an ephah that goeth forth. He said moreover, This [is] their resemblance through all the earth.

Matthew 13:36

Then Jesus sent the multitude away, and went into the house: and his disciples came unto him, saying, Declare unto us the parable of the tares of the field.

Daniel 12:8

And I heard, but I understood not: then said I, O my Lord, what [shall be] the end of these [things]?

Revelation 7:13

¶ And one of the elders answered, saying unto me, What are these which are arrayed in white robes? and whence came they?