Zechariah 4:5

KJV

Then the angel that talked with me answered and said unto me, Knowest thou not what these be? And I said, No, my lord.

KJV (with Strong's)

Then the angel {H4397} that talked {H1696} with me answered {H6030} and said {H559} unto me, Knowest {H3045} thou not what these be? And I said {H559}, No, my lord {H113}.

Complete Jewish Bible

"Don't you know what these are?" I said, "No, my Lord."

Berean Standard Bible

“Do you not know what they are?” replied the angel. “No, my lord,” I answered.

American Standard Version

Then the angel that talked with me answered and said unto me, Knowest thou not what these are? And I said, No, my lord.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Zechariah 4:5 marks a crucial turning point in the prophet's fourth vision, where the interpreting angel directly challenges Zechariah's understanding of the symbolic lampstand and olive trees. Zechariah's honest and humble admission of ignorance, "No, my lord," serves as the necessary prelude for the divine interpreter to unveil the profound message of God's empowering Spirit for Zerubbabel and the post-exilic community, emphasizing that spiritual revelation often requires divine explanation and a teachable human heart.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Zechariah 4:5 is situated within the fourth of Zechariah's eight night visions, specifically following the detailed description of the golden lampstand with its seven lamps and two olive trees (Zechariah 4:2-3). The preceding verses establish the visual imagery, presenting a complex symbolic tableau that, while divinely revealed, is not immediately self-explanatory to the prophet. This verse acts as the hinge, transitioning from the presentation of the vision to its divine interpretation. The angel's question, "Knowest thou not what these be?" (Zechariah 4:5), directly prompts Zechariah's confession of incomprehension, setting the stage for the pivotal declaration in Zechariah 4:6, "Not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit, saith the LORD of hosts." This interaction underscores the necessity of divine illumination for understanding God's profound truths, even for a prophet.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The visions of Zechariah were granted around 520 BC, during the critical post-exilic period when the Jewish exiles had returned to Jerusalem under the leadership of Zerubbabel (civil governor) and Joshua (High Priest). This era was marked by immense challenges: the city lay in ruins, the Temple rebuilding project faced significant opposition from surrounding peoples (Ezra 4:1-5) and internal discouragement among the returned exiles. The people were weary, impoverished, and struggling to believe in God's continued favor and power. Zechariah's prophecies, alongside Haggai's, were specifically designed to re-ignite hope, encourage perseverance in the Temple construction, and assure the leaders and the people that God was with them and would empower them to complete the task, despite the overwhelming odds. The vision of the lampstand and olive trees, explained in the subsequent verses, directly addresses Zerubbabel's role in this rebuilding effort.
* **Key Themes:** Zechariah 4:5 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the book of Zechariah and the broader prophetic literature. One prominent theme is **Divine Revelation and Human Understanding**, highlighting that God initiates communication, but His profound truths often require divine interpretation, as seen in Zechariah's initial lack of comprehension regarding the vision of the [golden lampstand and olive trees](/zechariah/4-2-3 "Zechariah 4:2-3 - The Vision of the Lampstand and Olive Trees"). This leads to the theme of **Humility in Seeking Knowledge**, as Zechariah's honest admission, "No, my lord," exemplifies the teachable spirit necessary to receive God's wisdom. Furthermore, the angel's presence and proactive questioning emphasize **God's Initiative in Explaining His Will**, assuring the prophet and, by extension, God's people, that He desires for them to grasp His purposes and promises, particularly those related to the restoration of Jerusalem and the Temple, which is a central focus of [Zechariah's prophetic ministry](/zechariah/1 "Zechariah 1 - Call to Repentance and Early Visions").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **angel (Hebrew, _mălʼâk'_):** (H4397) This term denotes a "messenger" or "deputy," specifically referring here to a divine messenger of God. In Zechariah's visions, this angel serves as the primary interpreter, bridging the gap between divine revelation and human comprehension. The angel is not merely a passive observer but an active participant, guiding the prophet through the visions and providing necessary explanations.
* **talked (Hebrew, _dâbar'_):** (H1696) This primitive root means "to arrange" or, figuratively, "to speak." Here, it emphasizes the ongoing dialogue and communication between the angel and Zechariah. It's not a one-time pronouncement but an interactive process of revelation and inquiry, indicating the angel's role as a divine spokesperson who articulates God's message.
* **Knowest (Hebrew, _yâdaʻ'_):** (H3045) This root is rich in meaning, encompassing "to ascertain by seeing," "to know," "to comprehend," or "to be aware." The angel's question, using this verb, probes Zechariah's intellectual and spiritual understanding of the complex symbolism he has just witnessed. It's a rhetorical question designed to elicit an admission of ignorance, thereby preparing Zechariah for the divine instruction that follows.
* **lord (Hebrew, _ʼâdôwn'_)::** (H113) This word signifies "sovereign," "controller," "master," or "owner," applicable to both human and divine authority. Zechariah's use of "my lord" is a respectful acknowledgment of the angel's superior status and authority as a divine messenger, demonstrating his humility and readiness to submit to the angel's teaching.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Then the angel that talked with me answered and said unto me":** This clause highlights the continuity of the divine-human dialogue that characterizes Zechariah's visions. The interpreting angel, who has been communicating with Zechariah throughout the preceding visions, takes the initiative to speak again, signaling a new phase in the revelation process – a transition from mere observation to direct instruction.
* **"Knowest thou not what these be?":** This is a rhetorical question posed by the angel. It is not intended to rebuke Zechariah but to prompt him to acknowledge his lack of understanding regarding the complex symbolism of the lampstand and olive trees. This question is crucial as it creates the necessary space for divine explanation, emphasizing that spiritual truths are not always self-evident and often require God's own illumination.
* **"And I said, No, my lord.":** Zechariah's response is an immediate, humble, and honest admission of his ignorance. His respectful address, "my lord," underscores his recognition of the angel's authority as a divine messenger. This candid confession is vital, demonstrating a teachable spirit that is open to receiving and embracing God's deeper truths, setting the stage for the profound message that is about to be revealed.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device at play in Zechariah 4:5 is **Dialogue**, which structures the interaction between the prophet and the interpreting angel. This direct exchange serves to advance the narrative and theological purpose of the passage. The angel employs a **Rhetorical Question** ("Knowest thou not what these be?"), which is not asked for information but to elicit a specific response – Zechariah's admission of ignorance. This rhetorical strategy effectively highlights the gap between human perception and divine revelation, underscoring the necessity of divine interpretation. Zechariah's response, "No, my lord," demonstrates **Humility** and **Submission**, which are character traits essential for receiving prophetic revelation. The entire interaction functions as a **Framing Device**, preparing the reader for the subsequent, crucial explanation of the vision's meaning, particularly the powerful declaration about the Spirit's role in the rebuilding of the Temple.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Zechariah 4:5 profoundly illustrates the principle that divine revelation, while freely given, often requires divine interpretation and a humble, receptive human heart. God desires to communicate His will and purposes to His people, but our natural human understanding is often insufficient to grasp the depths of His spiritual truths. Zechariah's honest admission of ignorance is not a sign of weakness but a testament to his teachability, which God honors by providing the necessary illumination through His messenger. This dynamic underscores our dependence on God not only for the initial revelation but also for the spiritual discernment required to comprehend it fully. It reminds us that true wisdom begins with acknowledging our limitations and seeking God's insight.

* [1 Corinthians 2:14](/1_corinthians/2-14 "1 Corinthians 2:14 - The Natural Person Does Not Accept Spiritual Truths")
* [James 1:5](/james/1-5 "James 1:5 - Asking God for Wisdom")
* [Proverbs 3:5-6](/proverbs/3-5-6 "Proverbs 3:5-6 - Trust in the Lord")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Zechariah 4:5 serves as a powerful reminder for every believer of the essential posture we must adopt when approaching God's Word and His will for our lives. Just as Zechariah, a prophet, did not automatically comprehend the divine vision, we too must recognize that spiritual truths are not always accessible through mere intellectual effort or human reasoning. This verse calls us to cultivate a spirit of profound humility, readily admitting when we do not understand, rather than pretending to grasp what remains obscure. It encourages us to lean into our dependence on the Holy Spirit, who is our divine interpreter, to illuminate the Scriptures and reveal God's purposes for us. Our honest "No, my lord" opens the door for God to teach us, guiding us into deeper understanding and equipping us for His service. It's a call to continuous learning, always seeking God's wisdom with a teachable heart, trusting that He delights in revealing Himself to those who humbly seek Him.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life or understanding of Scripture do you need to humbly admit, "No, my lord," and seek divine illumination?**
* **How does Zechariah's honest admission encourage you to be more vulnerable about your spiritual questions or uncertainties?**
* **What practical steps can you take to cultivate a more teachable spirit and rely more on the Holy Spirit for understanding God's Word?**
* **How does the angel's initiative to explain the vision assure you of God's desire to communicate clearly with His people today?**

### FAQ

**Why didn't Zechariah, a prophet, automatically understand the vision?**

Answer: Zechariah, despite being a prophet, did not automatically understand the vision because divine revelation often involves complex symbolism and profound truths that require supernatural insight to fully grasp. God's ways and thoughts are higher than ours (Isaiah 55:8-9), and even His chosen messengers need His Spirit's illumination to comprehend His deeper mysteries. This highlights the principle that spiritual discernment is a gift from God, not an inherent human ability, emphasizing our dependence on Him for understanding His Word and His will. The angel's question serves to underscore this very point, preparing Zechariah for the divine explanation that follows in [Zechariah 4:6](/zechariah/4-6 "Zechariah 4:6 - Not by Might, Nor by Power").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Zechariah 4:5, with its emphasis on the need for divine interpretation of God's revelation, finds its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ, who is the perfect and final revealer of God. Just as the angel served as the messenger and interpreter for Zechariah, Jesus is the very Word of God made flesh, the one through whom God has spoken most fully and clearly. The Old Testament visions and prophecies, often veiled in symbolism, pointed forward to a time when God would speak definitively through His Son (Hebrews 1:1-2). Jesus Himself declared, "No one knows the Father except the Son and anyone to whom the Son chooses to reveal Him" (Matthew 11:27). Furthermore, the need for an interpreter is met by the Holy Spirit, whom Christ sent to guide believers into all truth (John 16:13). The Spirit illuminates the Scriptures, revealing the person and work of Christ, enabling us to understand the mysteries of God that were once hidden (1 Corinthians 2:10-13). Thus, Zechariah's humble "No, my lord" anticipates the greater "Yes" of God's complete self-disclosure in Christ, and the ongoing work of the Spirit in opening our eyes to His glorious truth (2 Corinthians 4:6).

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 4:13

And he answered me and said, Knowest thou not what these [be]? And I said, No, my lord.

Genesis 41:16

And Joseph answered Pharaoh, saying, [It is] not in me: God shall give Pharaoh an answer of peace.

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].

Daniel 2:30

But as for me, this secret is not revealed to me for [any] wisdom that I have more than any living, but for [their] sakes that shall make known the interpretation to the king, and that thou mightest know the thoughts of thy heart.

1 Corinthians 2:12

Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God.

1 Corinthians 2:15

But he that is spiritual judgeth all things, yet he himself is judged of no man.

Mark 4:13

And he said unto them, Know ye not this parable? and how then will ye know all parables?