Zechariah 4:7

KJV

Who [art] thou, O great mountain? before Zerubbabel [thou shalt become] a plain: and he shall bring forth the headstone [thereof with] shoutings, [crying], Grace, grace unto it.

KJV (with Strong's)

Who art thou, O great {H1419} mountain {H2022}? before {H6440} Zerubbabel {H2216} thou shalt become a plain {H4334}: and he shall bring forth {H3318} the headstone {H68}{H7222} thereof with shoutings {H8663}, crying, Grace {H2580}, grace {H2580} unto it.

Complete Jewish Bible

'What are you, you big mountain? Before Z'rubavel you will become a plain; and he will put the capstone in place, as everyone shouts, "It's beautiful! Beautiful!"'

Berean Standard Bible

What are you, O great mountain? Before Zerubbabel you will become a plain. Then he will bring forth the capstone accompanied by shouts of ‘Grace, grace to it!’”

American Standard Version

Who art thou, O great mountain? before Zerubbabel thou shalt become a plain; and he shall bring forth the top stone with shoutings of Grace, grace, unto it.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Zechariah 4:7 is a powerful prophetic declaration affirming God's sovereign power to overcome any obstacle, no matter how formidable, in order to accomplish His divine purposes. Spoken to Zerubbabel, the governor tasked with rebuilding the Second Temple, the verse promises that the "great mountain" of challenges will be leveled into a "plain," enabling him to complete the project with a final, celebratory shout recognizing God's abundant grace.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is embedded within a series of eight night visions granted to the prophet Zechariah (chapters 1-6), designed to encourage the post-exilic Jewish community in Jerusalem. Specifically, it forms part of the fourth vision, which features a golden lampstand flanked by two olive trees. The immediate preceding verse, [Zechariah 4:6](/zechariah/4-6 "Zechariah 4:6 - Not by might, nor by power"), provides the foundational principle for this verse's promise: "Not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit, saith the LORD of hosts." Zechariah 4:7 then applies this principle directly to Zerubbabel, the civil leader responsible for the Temple's reconstruction, assuring him that divine power, not human effort, will ensure the project's completion despite all opposition. The rhetorical question "Who art thou, O great mountain?" directly confronts the perceived impossibility of the task.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The historical setting is the post-exilic period, roughly 520 BC, following the return of the Jewish exiles from Babylonian captivity under the decree of Cyrus the Great. Governor Zerubbabel and High Priest Joshua led the first wave of returnees. While the foundation of the Second Temple had been laid shortly after their return, work had stalled for approximately sixteen years due due to various factors, including Samaritan opposition (as detailed in [Ezra 4](/ezra/4 "Ezra 4 - Opposition to Rebuilding")), economic hardship, and the people's spiritual apathy, which led them to prioritize building their own homes over God's house. Zechariah, alongside the prophet Haggai, was raised up by God to stir the people and their leaders to resume and complete the Temple. The "great mountain" vividly symbolizes the immense, seemingly insurmountable obstacles—political, economic, and psychological—that stood in the way of the Temple's completion.

* **Key Themes:** Zechariah 4:7 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the book of Zechariah and broader biblical theology. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Divine Sovereignty and Overcoming Obstacles**, asserting that no human or spiritual opposition can thwart God's plans. The transformation of a "mountain" into a "plain" is a vivid metaphor for God's ability to remove all impediments. Secondly, it highlights the theme of **Divine Enablement and Completion**, demonstrating that God not only initiates His work but also empowers His chosen instruments (like Zerubbabel) to bring it to fruition. The "headstone" signifies the successful and glorious completion of the project. This theme is intrinsically linked to the declaration in [Zechariah 4:6](/zechariah/4-6 "Zechariah 4:6 - Not by might, nor by power") that success comes "by my spirit." Finally, the repeated cry of "Grace, grace" emphasizes **God's Unmerited Favor and Provision**, revealing that the entire accomplishment is a testament to His benevolent power and not human merit. This theme resonates throughout the prophetic books, pointing to God's faithfulness to His covenant people.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **great (Hebrew, _gâdôwl'_):** This word (H1419) denotes something large, mighty, or significant in any sense. When applied to the "mountain," it amplifies the sense of the obstacle's formidable nature, its overwhelming size, and its perceived insolence in standing against God's purposes. It emphasizes the magnitude of the challenge Zerubbabel faced.
* **mountain (Hebrew, _har'_):** The term (H2022) literally refers to a mountain or range of hills. Here, it is used figuratively to represent an immense, seemingly immovable, and defiant obstacle or opposition. It encapsulates all the difficulties—political, physical, and spiritual—that hindered the rebuilding of the Temple.
* **grace (Hebrew, _chên'_):** This word (H2580) signifies favor, kindness, or graciousness. Its repetition in "Grace, grace" serves as an emphatic declaration, underscoring the abundant, overwhelming, and unmerited nature of God's favor and benevolent provision that enabled the completion of the work and is worthy of joyous recognition and praise.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Who art thou, O great mountain?":** This is a powerful rhetorical question, a divine challenge directly addressed to the "great mountain." This "mountain" symbolizes all the formidable obstacles and opposition—whether physical, political, or spiritual—that stood in the way of Zerubbabel and the people as they sought to rebuild the Temple. The question implies that in the face of God's omnipotence, no obstacle, however great, holds any real power or significance.
* **"before Zerubbabel thou shalt become a plain:":** This clause declares God's decree and promise. The "great mountain" will be transformed into a "plain," signifying the complete removal of all hindrances and the leveling of all difficulties. It assures Zerubbabel that God Himself will clear the path, making the seemingly impossible task of rebuilding the Temple simple and achievable for His chosen servant.
* **"and he shall bring forth the headstone thereof with shoutings,":** This part of the verse promises that Zerubbabel will not only begin but also successfully complete the Temple project. The "headstone" (or capstone) is the final, crowning stone that completes a building, symbolizing its glorious finish and perfection. The "shoutings" indicate a joyous, triumphant acclamation and celebration that will accompany the Temple's completion, marking the end of a long and challenging endeavor.
* **"crying, Grace, grace unto it.":** This final phrase reveals the content of the celebratory shouts. The emphatic repetition of "Grace" (Hebrew: *chen*) underscores that the entire accomplishment—the leveling of the mountain, the completion of the Temple—is not due to human strength, ingenuity, or merit, but entirely to God's unmerited favor, enabling power, and benevolent provision. It is a resounding declaration that God's grace alone saw the project through.

#### Literary Devices
Zechariah 4:7 is rich in literary devices that amplify its message of divine power and grace. The most prominent device is **Personification**, where the "great mountain" is addressed as if it were a sentient being ("Who art thou, O great mountain?"). This rhetorical address imbues the obstacle with a sense of defiant presence, only to immediately diminish its power in the face of God's decree. Closely related is **Metaphor**, as the "great mountain" serves as a powerful metaphor for any immense, seemingly insurmountable obstacle or opposition that stands against God's purposes, while its transformation into a "plain" metaphorically represents the complete removal of these hindrances and the ease of completion. The phrase "Grace, grace" employs **Repetition** (specifically, epizeuxis), an emphatic reiteration that underscores the abundance, centrality, and overwhelming nature of God's unmerited favor as the sole reason for the project's success and the object of the people's joyous acclamation. Finally, the opening "Who art thou, O great mountain?" functions as a **Rhetorical Question**, designed not to elicit an answer but to challenge and dismiss the perceived power of the obstacle in light of God's omnipotence and unwavering commitment to His plans.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Zechariah 4:7 serves as a profound theological statement on God's absolute sovereignty over all creation and His unwavering faithfulness to His covenant promises. It asserts that divine work is accomplished not by human strength or ingenuity, but by divine power, specifically the Spirit of God. The leveling of the "great mountain" into a "plain" illustrates God's capacity to remove any impediment to His will, demonstrating that no obstacle is too large for Him to overcome. This principle extends beyond the physical rebuilding of the Temple to encompass all of God's redemptive purposes, highlighting His commitment to bringing His plans to glorious completion. The joyous shout of "Grace, grace" underscores that every divine accomplishment, including the overcoming of immense challenges, is ultimately a testament to God's unmerited favor and enabling power, prompting humanity to respond with grateful praise.

* [Isaiah 40:4](/isaiah/40-4 "Isaiah 40:4 - Every valley shall be exalted")
* [Matthew 21:21](/matthew/21-21 "Matthew 21:21 - Faith to move mountains")
* [Ephesians 2:20](/ephesians/2-20 "Ephesians 2:20 - Christ as the cornerstone")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Zechariah 4:7 offers timeless encouragement and profound practical application for believers facing daunting challenges in their lives and ministries today. Just as Zerubbabel encountered a "great mountain" of opposition and discouragement in rebuilding the Temple, we too face seemingly insurmountable obstacles—whether personal struggles, spiritual battles, relational conflicts, or large-scale ministry endeavors. This verse reminds us that our hope and strength are not found in our own abilities or resources, but in the omnipotent Spirit of God. It calls us to shift our perspective from the magnitude of the problem to the majesty of our God, trusting that He can and will make the crooked places straight and the rough places plain. Our role is to persevere in faith and obedience, knowing that God will provide the necessary grace and power to bring His purposes to completion through us. When breakthroughs occur and victories are won, this verse compels us to humbly and joyfully attribute all success to God's abundant grace, crying out, "Grace, grace!"

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "great mountains" are you currently facing in your life, family, or ministry that seem insurmountable?**
* **How does Zechariah 4:7 encourage you to view these challenges through the lens of God's power and unmerited favor?**
* **In what areas do you need to surrender your own "might and power" and instead rely entirely on God's Spirit to bring forth the "headstone" of completion?**

### FAQ
**What is the significance of the "headstone" in Zechariah 4:7?**

Answer: The "headstone" (or capstone) is the final, topmost stone that completes a building, often sealing its structure and signifying its completion and architectural perfection. In the context of Zechariah 4:7, it symbolizes the successful and divinely-ordained completion of the Second Temple by Zerubbabel. This concept is deeply significant because it points to God's faithfulness in bringing His plans to fruition, even when human efforts seem insufficient or obstacles appear overwhelming. It assures Zerubbabel and the people that despite their struggles, God would ensure the Temple's glorious finish. The headstone also carries rich theological implications, foreshadowing the ultimate "headstone" or [cornerstone](/ephesians/2-20 "Ephesians 2:20 - Christ as the cornerstone") of God's spiritual temple, the Church, which is Jesus Christ Himself.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Zechariah 4:7 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. Zerubbabel, a descendant of David and the one chosen to rebuild the physical Temple, serves as a type of Christ, the true builder of God's ultimate spiritual Temple, the Church. The "great mountain" that stood before Zerubbabel foreshadows the infinitely greater mountains of sin, death, and the power of Satan that stood between humanity and God. Christ, through His perfect life, atoning death on the cross, and victorious resurrection, confronted and utterly leveled these mountains, making a "plain" and accessible way for all who believe to come to God. He is the true [headstone](/ephesians/2-20 "Ephesians 2:20 - Christ as the cornerstone") and [cornerstone](/1_peter/2-6-7 "1 Peter 2:6-7 - Christ, the living stone") of God's new spiritual dwelling, uniting Jew and Gentile into one body. The "shoutings, crying, Grace, grace unto it" upon the Temple's completion resonate with the joyous acclamation of salvation through Christ, whose entire work is an outpouring of God's [unmerited favor](/romans/5-2 "Romans 5:2 - Access by faith into grace"). It is by His Spirit, promised to believers in [John 14:26](/john/14-26 "John 14:26 - The Helper, the Holy Spirit"), that we are empowered to overcome spiritual "mountains" in our lives, living out the reality of God's triumphant grace in every circumstance.

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

Jeremiah 51:25

Behold, I [am] against thee, O destroying mountain, saith the LORD, which destroyest all the earth: and I will stretch out mine hand upon thee, and roll thee down from the rocks, and will make thee a burnt mountain.

Micah 4:1

¶ But in the last days it shall come to pass, [that] the mountain of the house of the LORD shall be established in the top of the mountains, and it shall be exalted above the hills; and people shall flow unto it.

Zechariah 4:9

The hands of Zerubbabel have laid the foundation of this house; his hands shall also finish it; and thou shalt know that the LORD of hosts hath sent me unto you.

Psalms 114:4

The mountains skipped like rams, [and] the little hills like lambs.

Psalms 118:22

The stone [which] the builders refused is become the head [stone] of the corner.

1 Peter 2:7

Unto you therefore which believe [he is] precious: but unto them which be disobedient, the stone which the builders disallowed, the same is made the head of the corner,

Haggai 2:21

Speak to Zerubbabel, governor of Judah, saying, I will shake the heavens and the earth;