Zechariah 4:6

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.

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}.

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.

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.

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.

Zechariah 4:6 is a profound declaration of divine empowerment, delivered by an angelic interpreter to the prophet Zechariah for the governor Zerubbabel. This verse stands as a powerful antidote to human discouragement and a timeless principle for all who undertake God's work.

Historical and Cultural Context

The setting for this prophecy is the post-exilic period, around 520 BC. The Jewish people had returned from seventy years of Babylonian captivity, and under the leadership of Zerubbabel and the high priest Joshua, they had begun the monumental task of rebuilding the Second Temple in Jerusalem. This was no easy feat. They faced significant opposition from surrounding peoples (Ezra 4:4), economic hardship, and internal weariness. The scale of the project, compared to the grandeur of Solomon's Temple, likely felt overwhelming. It is in this context of human limitation and daunting challenges that God sends this message of assurance.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Divine Empowerment Over Human Effort: The central message is unequivocally stated: "Not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit, saith the LORD of hosts." This emphasizes that the success of God's redemptive plans and the completion of His work are not dependent on human strength, military prowess, political influence, or vast resources. Instead, they are accomplished solely through the enabling power of God's Holy Spirit.
  • Overcoming Obstacles: For Zerubbabel, who faced a "great mountain" of obstacles (Zechariah 4:7), this was a direct promise that the mountain would become a plain. It assures that no barrier is too great for God's Spirit to overcome.
  • God's Sovereignty: The title "LORD of hosts" (Yahweh Sabaoth) underscores God's absolute dominion over all creation, armies, and circumstances. It reinforces that the work is ultimately His, and He has the power to bring it to fruition.
  • The Role of the Holy Spirit: This verse is a foundational text for understanding the indispensable role of the Holy Spirit in empowering God's people for His purposes. It points to a spiritual energy and capacity far beyond anything humans can generate themselves.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew words for "might" (חַיִל - chayil) and "power" (כֹּחַ - koach) are significant. Chayil often refers to military strength, physical vigor, or even wealth and resources. Koach speaks to human ability, strength, or force. By contrasting these with "my spirit" (רוּחַ - ruach), the verse sharply distinguishes between human-derived capabilities and divine enablement. The Spirit here is God's active, divine presence and power, moving and working among His people.

Related Scriptures

This principle resonates throughout Scripture. We see similar themes in:

  • God's Strength in Weakness: Paul reiterates this truth in the New Testament, declaring that God's "strength is made perfect in weakness" (2 Corinthians 12:9).
  • Empowerment for Witness: Jesus promised His disciples that they would receive "power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you" to be His witnesses (Acts 1:8).
  • Spiritual Growth: The Holy Spirit is the agent of transformation and growth in the believer's life, enabling them to bear spiritual fruit (Galatians 5:22-23).

Practical Application

For believers today, Zechariah 4:6 serves as a powerful reminder and encouragement. When faced with seemingly insurmountable challenges in personal life, ministry, or evangelism, this verse calls us to shift our reliance from our own limited abilities, intellect, or resources to the boundless power of God's Spirit. It teaches humility, dependence, and faith that God will accomplish His purposes through us, not because of us. It encourages us to pray for and yield to the Holy Spirit's leading, knowing that true spiritual success is always a result of divine enablement.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • 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.

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