Zechariah 4:6

KJV

Then he answered and spake unto me, saying, This [is] the word of the LORD unto Zerubbabel, saying, Not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit, saith the LORD of hosts.

KJV (with Strong's)

Then he answered {H6030} and spake {H559} unto me, saying {H559}, This is the word {H1697} of the LORD {H3068} unto Zerubbabel {H2216}, saying {H559}, Not by might {H2428}, nor by power {H3581}, but by my spirit {H7307}, saith {H559} the LORD {H3068} of hosts {H6635}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Then he answered me, "This is the word of ADONAI to Z'rubavel: 'Not by force, and not by power, but by my Spirit,' says ADONAI-Tzva'ot.

Berean Standard Bible

So he said to me, “This is the word of the LORD to Zerubbabel: Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit, says the LORD of Hosts.

American Standard Version

Then he answered and spake unto me, saying, This is the word of Jehovah unto Zerubbabel, saying, Not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit, saith Jehovah of hosts.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Zechariah 4:6 delivers a profound divine declaration to Zerubbabel, the governor leading the post-exilic temple rebuilding in Jerusalem. This verse asserts that the success of God's redemptive work, despite overwhelming human obstacles and limitations, is not achieved through human strength, military might, or worldly resources, but solely through the enabling and sovereign power of the Holy Spirit. It serves as a timeless principle affirming divine enablement over human effort in accomplishing God's purposes.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Zechariah 4:6 is the pivotal interpretive statement within Zechariah's fourth vision (Zechariah 4:1-10), which features a golden lampstand flanked by two olive trees. The prophet, confused by the vision's meaning, asks the interpreting angel for clarification. The angel's response in verse 6, "Not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit, saith the LORD of hosts," directly explains the source of power for the completion of the temple, symbolized by the continuous supply of oil to the lampstand. This declaration sets the stage for the subsequent verses, which promise that the "great mountain" of obstacles before Zerubbabel will be made a plain, and he will lay the capstone of the temple with shouts of "Grace, grace unto it!" ([Zechariah 4:7](/zechariah/4-7 "Zechariah 4:7 - The Mountain Becomes a Plain")). The vision and its interpretation provide divine assurance and encouragement to Zerubbabel regarding his daunting task.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The prophecy of Zechariah was given around 520 BC, during the early post-exilic period. The Jewish people had returned to Jerusalem from seventy years of Babylonian captivity, a remnant under the leadership of Zerubbabel, the civil governor, and Joshua, the high priest. Their primary task was to rebuild the Temple, which had been destroyed by Nebuchadnezzar. This endeavor was fraught with challenges: severe economic hardship, internal apathy and discouragement ([Haggai 1:2-11](/haggai/1-2-11 "Haggai 1:2-11 - Indifference to Rebuilding")), and fierce opposition from surrounding peoples who actively sought to hinder the work ([Ezra 4:4-5](/ezra/4-4-5 "Ezra 4:4-5 - Adversaries Oppose the Work")). The scale of the project, especially when compared to the grandeur of Solomon's original Temple, likely made the task feel insurmountable, leading to a sense of inadequacy and despair among the returnees. It is into this atmosphere of human weakness and overwhelming odds that God sends this powerful message of divine empowerment.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully articulates several foundational themes central to Zechariah and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it underscores **Divine Empowerment Over Human Effort**, asserting that God's work is accomplished not by human strength or ingenuity, but by His Spirit. This directly addresses the discouragement of the people and the perceived impossibility of rebuilding the temple. Secondly, it highlights **God's Sovereignty** through the title "LORD of hosts" (*Yahweh Sabaoth*), emphasizing His absolute dominion over all creation, armies, and circumstances, assuring Zerubbabel that the ultimate success rests with God. Thirdly, it reveals the **Indispensable Role of the Holy Spirit** as the active agent of God's power in the world, enabling His people to overcome seemingly insurmountable obstacles, symbolized by the "great mountain" in [Zechariah 4:7](/zechariah/4-7 "Zechariah 4:7 - The Mountain Becomes a Plain"). Finally, it promotes **Faith and Dependence**, calling Zerubbabel and the people to shift their reliance from their limited human capabilities to the boundless power of God.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **might (Hebrew, _chayil'_):** This word (H2428) refers to force, whether of men, means, or other resources. It can denote military strength, physical vigor, wealth, or even an army. In this context, it encompasses all human-derived capabilities, including military power, political influence, and material resources that Zerubbabel might have relied upon.
* **power (Hebrew, _kôach'_):** This word (H3581) signifies vigor, strength, or ability. It speaks to human capacity, physical or mental prowess, and the inherent force or energy an individual or group possesses. Together with *chayil*, it forms a comprehensive rejection of any human-centric means for accomplishing God's work.
* **spirit (Hebrew, _rûwach'_):** This word (H7307) primarily means "wind" or "breath," but figuratively it refers to life, anger, or, as here, the spirit of a rational being, specifically God's Spirit. It denotes God's active, divine presence and power, His animating force that moves and works among His people, enabling them to achieve what is humanly impossible.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Then he answered and spake unto me, saying, This is the word of the LORD unto Zerubbabel, saying":** This opening clause establishes the divine origin and specific recipient of the message. The "he" refers to the interpreting angel, who is conveying a direct message from God (the "word of the LORD") to Zerubbabel. The repetition of "saying" emphasizes the authoritative and direct nature of this divine communication, leaving no doubt about its source or intended audience.
* **"Not by might, nor by power":** This is a powerful negation, emphatically dismissing human-derived means as the basis for success in God's work. "Might" (chayil) refers to external resources, armies, wealth, or political influence, while "power" (koach) refers to internal human strength, ability, or inherent force. The double negation ("not... nor") underscores that absolutely no human capability, whether external or internal, is the determining factor.
* **"but by my spirit, saith the LORD of hosts":** This clause provides the affirmative and singular source of enablement. In stark contrast to human limitations, God declares that His work will be accomplished by "my spirit" – the Holy Spirit, God's active, empowering presence. The concluding phrase, "saith the LORD of hosts," reinforces God's absolute sovereignty and omnipotence. The title "LORD of hosts" (Yahweh Sabaoth) signifies God's command over all heavenly and earthly armies, highlighting His supreme authority and the limitless resources at His disposal, assuring Zerubbabel that the one who speaks this word is fully capable of fulfilling it.

#### Literary Devices
Zechariah 4:6 is rich in literary devices that amplify its profound message. The most prominent is **Antithesis**, which creates a sharp contrast between two opposing ideas: "Not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit." This juxtaposition powerfully highlights the divine source of enablement by explicitly rejecting human alternatives. The use of **Repetition** in the phrase "saying" (H559) emphasizes the direct and authoritative nature of the divine message delivered through the angel to Zerubbabel. Furthermore, the **Divine Title** "**LORD of hosts**" (*Yahweh Sabaoth*) serves as a powerful theological statement. This title underscores God's sovereignty, His control over all creation and armies, and His limitless power, lending immense weight and assurance to the promise that His Spirit will accomplish the task. The entire verse functions as a concise **Proverbial Statement**, encapsulating a timeless truth about God's method of working through His people.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Zechariah 4:6 articulates a fundamental theological principle that permeates the entire biblical narrative: God's work is accomplished not by human strength or ingenuity, but by His divine power. This truth applies not only to the rebuilding of the temple in Zerubbabel's day but to every endeavor undertaken for God's glory throughout history. It is a profound declaration of God's sovereignty and His commitment to fulfilling His purposes through means that often defy human logic, ensuring that the glory belongs to Him alone. This principle calls believers to humble dependence, recognizing that true effectiveness in spiritual matters flows from divine enablement rather than self-reliance or worldly resources. It is a constant reminder that God delights in working through the weak to display His strength.

* [2 Corinthians 12:9](/2_corinthians/12-9 "2 Corinthians 12:9 - God's Strength in Weakness"): "And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me."
* [Acts 1:8](/acts/1-8 "Acts 1:8 - Power for Witness"): "But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth."
* [Galatians 5:22-23](/galatians/5-22-23 "Galatians 5:22-23 - The Fruit of the Spirit"): "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law."

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Zechariah 4:6 offers profound encouragement and a vital reorientation for believers navigating the challenges of life and ministry today. In a world that often values self-sufficiency, strategic planning, and measurable outcomes, this verse calls us to a radical dependence on God's Spirit. When faced with seemingly insurmountable obstacles—whether in personal struggles, the daunting task of evangelism, the complexities of church planting, or the pursuit of justice—our natural inclination might be to rely on our own intellect, resources, or sheer willpower. However, this verse reminds us that true spiritual success and lasting impact stem not from our "might" or "power," but from the enabling presence of God's Spirit. It fosters humility, prompting us to acknowledge our limitations and to pray earnestly for the Spirit's leading and empowerment. This truth liberates us from the burden of striving in our own strength and invites us to participate in God's work with faith, knowing that He will accomplish His purposes through us, often in ways that highlight His glory and not our own.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "mountains" or seemingly impossible tasks are you facing in your life or ministry that feel beyond your own "might" or "power"?**
* **How does this verse challenge your natural tendency to rely on your own abilities or external resources rather than on God's Spirit?**
* **In what practical ways can you cultivate a greater dependence on the Holy Spirit in your daily life and service?**
* **How might a deeper understanding of "the LORD of hosts" impact your confidence and perseverance when facing opposition or discouragement?**

### FAQ
**What do "might" and "power" specifically refer to in this verse, and why are they contrasted with "my spirit"?**

Answer: In Zechariah 4:6, "might" (Hebrew: *chayil*) broadly refers to external human resources, such as military strength, wealth, political influence, or a large workforce. "Power" (Hebrew: *koach*) refers to internal human capabilities, such as physical strength, intellectual prowess, skill, or inherent ability. The contrast with "my spirit" (Hebrew: *ruach*) is crucial. It signifies that the success of God's work is not dependent on any human-derived capacity, whether tangible resources or innate talent. Instead, it is solely by the Holy Spirit—God's active, divine presence and enabling force—that His purposes are achieved. This highlights God's sovereignty and ensures that all glory for the accomplishment belongs to Him, not to human effort.

**Does Zechariah 4:6 imply that human effort is unnecessary or that we should be passive in God's work?**

Answer: No, Zechariah 4:6 does not advocate for passivity or negate human effort. Zerubbabel was actively engaged in the monumental task of rebuilding the temple; he wasn't idle. The verse rather redefines the *source* of effectiveness. It teaches that while human effort is required (God works through people), the *power* that makes that effort fruitful and overcomes obstacles comes from God's Spirit, not from human strength or resources alone. It's a call to work *in reliance* on the Spirit, recognizing that our efforts are insufficient without divine enablement. As [Philippians 2:12-13](/philippians/2-12-13 "Philippians 2:12-13 - Working Out Salvation") states, we are to "work out your own salvation with fear and trembling; for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure." Our effort is the channel; God's Spirit is the power.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Zechariah 4:6 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ, and subsequently in the church empowered by His Spirit. Jesus' entire earthly ministry was characterized by dependence on the Father and empowerment by the Holy Spirit. He declared His mission, saying, "The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor" ([Luke 4:18](/luke/4-18 "Luke 4:18 - Jesus' Mission Statement")). His miracles, teachings, and even His endurance of the cross were not by His human "might" or "power" alone, but by the Spirit of God working through Him. The "mountain" of sin and death, which no human strength could overcome, was made a plain through Christ's sacrifice and resurrection, accomplished by the power of the Spirit ([Romans 8:11](/romans/8-11 "Romans 8:11 - Spirit Raises Christ")). Furthermore, the promise of the Spirit in Zechariah 4:6 foreshadows the outpouring of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost, where the early church received "power" to be Christ's witnesses ([Acts 1:8](/acts/1-8 "Acts 1:8 - Power for Witness")). The new spiritual temple, the church, is being built not by human strength or programs, but by the indwelling and empowering Spirit of God, with Christ Himself as the chief "cornerstone" ([Ephesians 2:20-22](/ephesians/2-20-22 "Ephesians 2:20-22 - Christ the Cornerstone and the Church as a Temple")). Thus, Zechariah 4:6 points us to the Spirit-empowered life of Christ and the Spirit-driven mission of His body, the church, ensuring that God's redemptive purposes are fulfilled through divine, not human, strength.

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

2 Chronicles 32:7

Be strong and courageous, be not afraid nor dismayed for the king of Assyria, nor for all the multitude that [is] with him: for [there be] more with us than with him:

2 Chronicles 32:8

With him [is] an arm of flesh; but with us [is] the LORD our God to help us, and to fight our battles. And the people rested themselves upon the words of Hezekiah king of Judah.

2 Corinthians 10:4

(For the weapons of our warfare [are] not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;)

2 Corinthians 10:5

Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;

1 Corinthians 2:4

And my speech and my preaching [was] not with enticing words of man's wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power:

1 Corinthians 2:5

That your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God.

Psalms 33:16

There is no king saved by the multitude of an host: a mighty man is not delivered by much strength.