Zechariah 6:12

KJV

And speak unto him, saying, Thus speaketh the LORD of hosts, saying, Behold the man whose name [is] The BRANCH; and he shall grow up out of his place, and he shall build the temple of the LORD:

KJV (with Strong's)

And speak {H559} unto him, saying {H559}, Thus speaketh {H559} the LORD {H3068} of hosts {H6635}, saying {H559}, Behold the man {H376} whose name {H8034} is The BRANCH {H6780}; and he shall grow up {H6779} out of his place, and he shall build {H1129} the temple {H1964} of the LORD {H3068}:

Complete Jewish Bible

and tell him, 'ADONAI-Tzva'ot says: "There is coming a man whose name is Tzemach [Sprout]. He will sprout up from his place and rebuild the temple of ADONAI.

Berean Standard Bible

And you are to tell him that this is what the LORD of Hosts says: ‘Here is a man whose name is the Branch, and He will branch out from His place and build the temple of the LORD.

American Standard Version

and speak unto him, saying, Thus speaketh Jehovah of hosts, saying, Behold, the man whose name is the Branch: and he shall grow up out of his place; and he shall build the temple of Jehovah;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Zechariah 6:12 is a profound Messianic prophecy, delivered by the LORD of hosts, that identifies a future individual called "The BRANCH." This figure is foretold to emerge from humble origins, "grow up out of his place," and undertake the monumental task of building "the temple of the LORD." The verse points beyond the immediate post-exilic context of physical temple reconstruction to a greater, spiritual reality, anticipating the person and work of Jesus Christ as the ultimate builder of God's dwelling place among humanity.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Zechariah 6:12 is situated within a series of eight night visions given to the prophet Zechariah, culminating in a symbolic act of coronation. Chapters 1-6 contain these visions, which serve to encourage the returned exiles in their task of rebuilding the temple and to assure them of God's continued presence and future plans. Specifically, chapter 6 begins with the vision of four chariots, signifying God's sovereign control over the earth and His righteous judgment. Immediately preceding verse 12, Zechariah is commanded to take silver and gold from the returned exiles (Heldai, Tobijah, and Jedaiah) and make crowns, placing them on the head of Joshua the high priest (Zechariah 6:11). This symbolic coronation of Joshua, who represents the priestly office, directly sets the stage for the prophecy concerning "The BRANCH," who will combine both priestly and kingly functions. The prophecy thus transitions from a symbolic act involving a contemporary figure to a direct declaration about the coming Messiah.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The prophecy in Zechariah 6:12 was given around 520 BC, during the early post-exilic period. The Jewish people had returned from Babylonian captivity to a devastated Jerusalem. Their immediate task was to rebuild the temple, a project that had stalled due to opposition and discouragement. Zerubbabel, the governor, was leading the physical reconstruction, while Joshua was the high priest. The people were looking for signs of God's favor and the restoration of their nation and the Davidic monarchy. In this climate of rebuilding and expectation, the prophecy of "The BRANCH" would have offered immense hope, pointing to a future leader who would not only complete the temple but also usher in a new era of divine presence and righteous rule. The concept of a "branch" or "shoot" was a familiar Messianic motif, rooted in the promise of a perpetual Davidic dynasty, even when it seemed withered.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several key themes within Zechariah and the broader prophetic tradition. A prominent theme is **Messianic Expectation**, as "The BRANCH" serves as a crucial title for the coming Deliverer, linking back to prophecies in [Isaiah 4:2](/isaiah/4-2 "Isaiah 4:2 - The Branch of the LORD"), [Jeremiah 23:5](/jeremiah/23-5 "Jeremiah 23:5 - A Righteous Branch for David"), and [Zechariah 3:8](/zechariah/3-8 "Zechariah 3:8 - My Servant the Branch"). Another central theme is **Divine Building and Restoration**, where the focus shifts from a physical temple to a spiritual one. While Zerubbabel was building the second temple, the prophecy looks beyond this to a greater, ultimate builder and a more enduring "temple of the LORD," hinting at a new covenant reality. This theme underscores God's commitment to dwelling among His people. Finally, the idea of **Humble Origins Leading to Glorious Exaltation** is implicit in the phrase "he shall grow up out of his place," suggesting that the Messiah's emergence would be unexpected or from an unheralded background, yet leading to supreme authority and accomplishment.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **BRANCH (Hebrew, _tsemach'_):** From H6779 (tsâmach), meaning "a sprout (usually concrete), literal or figurative; branch, bud, that which (where) grew (upon), spring(-ing)." This term is a significant Messianic title, emphasizing new growth, vitality, and the continuity of the Davidic line, even when it appeared cut off or dormant. It conveys the idea of a new shoot emerging from a seemingly dead stump, symbolizing renewal and the unexpected emergence of God's chosen one.
* **grow up (Hebrew, _tsâmach'_):** From H6779 (tsâmach), a primitive root meaning "to sprout (transitive or intransitive, literal or figurative); bear, bring forth, (cause to, make to) bud (forth), (cause to, make to) grow (again, up), (cause to) spring (forth, up)." This verb reinforces the imagery of the "Branch" as something that naturally springs forth and develops, suggesting an organic, divinely ordained growth and progression from an initial, perhaps humble, state to full maturity and prominence. It implies a natural, yet supernatural, unfolding of the Messiah's work.
* **build (Hebrew, _bânâh'_):** From H1129 (bânâh), a primitive root meaning "to build (literally and figuratively); (begin to) build(-er), obtain children, make, repair, set (up), [idiom] surely." This verb is crucial, as it indicates the primary action of "The BRANCH." While it can refer to physical construction, its use in a Messianic prophecy, especially concerning "the temple of the LORD," strongly suggests a spiritual and metaphorical building, signifying the establishment and consolidation of God's people as His dwelling place.
* **temple (Hebrew, _hêykâl'_):** From H1964 (hêykâl), probably from יָכֹל (in the sense of capacity); a large public building, such as a palace or temple; palace, temple. In this context, "the temple of the LORD" refers to God's dwelling place. While it could literally mean the physical temple in Jerusalem, in the Messianic context of Zechariah 6:12, it points to a spiritual reality—the community of God's people (the Church) in whom God dwells. This spiritual temple is built by the Messiah himself, signifying a new and more profound way for God to be present among His people.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And speak unto him, saying, Thus speaketh the LORD of hosts, saying,"**: This opening phrase establishes the divine authority and origin of the prophecy. It is not merely Zechariah's words, but a direct oracle from "the LORD of hosts" (Yahweh Sabaoth), emphasizing God's omnipotence and sovereign control over all creation and armies, both earthly and heavenly. The repetition of "saying" underscores the solemnity and certainty of the message.
* **"Behold the man whose name is The BRANCH;"**: This is the core identification of the Messianic figure. "Behold" (Hebrew: *hinneh*) draws immediate attention to the subject. The term "man" (Hebrew: *ʼîysh*) highlights his humanity, while "The BRANCH" (Hebrew: *Tzemach*) serves as his unique, prophetic title. This title signifies his connection to the Davidic line and his role as a new shoot of hope and life, emerging from a seemingly barren lineage.
* **"and he shall grow up out of his place,"**: This clause describes the manner of the Branch's emergence. "Grow up" (Hebrew: *tsâmach*) reinforces the organic, natural development of a plant. "Out of his place" suggests a humble, perhaps obscure or unexpected origin, rather than a grand, established setting. This foreshadows the Messiah's unpretentious beginnings, contrasting with the expectations of a king from a prominent royal court.
* **"and he shall build the temple of the LORD:"**: This final clause declares the primary mission of "The BRANCH." The act of "building" (Hebrew: *bânâh*) the "temple of the LORD" (Hebrew: *hêykâl*) is central. While Zerubbabel was building the physical temple, this prophecy points to a greater, spiritual temple—the community of God's people, the Church, where God truly dwells by His Spirit. This signifies the Messiah's role in establishing a new covenant relationship and gathering God's people into a living, spiritual dwelling place.

#### Literary Devices
Zechariah 6:12 employs several potent literary devices to convey its profound message. **Prophecy** is the overarching device, as the verse foretells a future event and person, specifically the Messiah. The use of **Symbolism** is prominent, with "The BRANCH" serving as a powerful symbol for the Messiah, representing new life, growth, and the continuation of the Davidic line from a seemingly withered root. This imagery evokes hope and divine faithfulness. Furthermore, the "temple of the LORD" is symbolic, moving beyond a literal physical structure to represent a spiritual dwelling place—the community of believers. The phrase "grow up out of his place" uses **Metaphor** to describe the Messiah's humble, yet divinely ordained, emergence, akin to a plant sprouting from the ground. The declaration "Thus speaketh the LORD of hosts" is an instance of **Divine Oracle**, lending irrefutable authority and certainty to the prophetic utterance, emphasizing that this is God's own word and plan.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Zechariah 6:12 is a cornerstone Messianic prophecy that profoundly shapes our understanding of God's redemptive plan. It reveals God's faithfulness to His covenant promises, particularly the Davidic covenant, by foretelling a future king who would emerge as "The BRANCH." This figure is not merely a political leader but one with a divine mandate to "build the temple of the LORD," signifying a spiritual work far grander than any physical edifice. Theologically, it points to the ultimate dwelling of God not in a building made with human hands, but in and among His people, brought together and indwelt by His Spirit through the work of the Messiah. This prophecy anticipates the New Covenant reality where believers become the living stones of God's spiritual house, with Christ as the chief cornerstone.

* [Isaiah 11:1](/isaiah/11-1 "Isaiah 11:1 - A Shoot from the Stump of Jesse")
* [Jeremiah 33:15](/jeremiah/33-15 "Jeremiah 33:15 - A Righteous Branch for David")
* [Ephesians 2:19-22](/ephesians/2-19-22 "Ephesians 2:19-22 - Built on the Foundation of Apostles and Prophets")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Zechariah 6:12 offers profound hope and a powerful reminder of God's meticulous plan for redemption. It encourages us to look beyond immediate circumstances, even those of rebuilding and struggle, to the greater, spiritual work that God is accomplishing through His chosen Messiah. For believers today, this verse affirms that Jesus Christ is indeed "The BRANCH," the promised one who perfectly fulfills ancient prophecies. It reminds us that Christ is not only our King, who rules with righteousness and authority, but also the divine architect and builder of God's spiritual dwelling place—the Church. As members of this spiritual temple, we are called to live as part of God's holy habitation, reflecting His glory and participating in His ongoing work in the world. This truth should inspire us to live lives worthy of our calling, recognizing our identity as "living stones" in God's house, continually being built up in faith and love. It also encourages us to trust in God's sovereign plan, knowing that even from humble beginnings, He brings forth glorious and eternal realities.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the imagery of "The BRANCH" resonate with your understanding of Jesus's origins and mission?**
* **In what ways do you see the Church today fulfilling the prophecy of being the "temple of the LORD" built by Christ?**
* **What does it mean for you personally to be a "living stone" in God's spiritual temple?**
* **How does this prophecy encourage you to trust in God's long-term, sovereign plan even when current circumstances seem challenging or obscure?**

### FAQ

**What is the significance of the title "The BRANCH" in Zechariah 6:12?**

Answer: The title "The BRANCH" (Hebrew: *Tzemach*) is a significant Messianic title that appears in several Old Testament prophecies. It literally means "a sprout" or "a shoot." Its significance lies in its connection to the Davidic covenant, which promised a perpetual dynasty for King David ([2 Samuel 7:12-16](/2_samuel/7-12-16 "2 Samuel 7:12-16 - The Davidic Covenant")). By the time of Zechariah, the Davidic monarchy had been cut off, and the royal line seemed withered. The "Branch" imagery signifies new life and growth emerging from this seemingly dead stump, symbolizing a new, righteous king who would arise from David's lineage to restore God's kingdom and fulfill His promises. It points directly to Jesus Christ as the promised descendant of David who would bring forth salvation and righteous rule.

**How does "building the temple of the LORD" relate to Jesus Christ?**

Answer: While Zechariah's contemporaries were rebuilding a physical temple in Jerusalem, the prophecy in Zechariah 6:12 points to a deeper, spiritual reality. When the prophecy states that "The BRANCH" shall "build the temple of the LORD," it refers not to a literal stone structure, but to the spiritual temple—the Church, which is the community of believers. Jesus Himself declared, "I will build my church" ([Matthew 16:18](/matthew/16-18 "Matthew 16:18 - Jesus Builds His Church")). The New Testament teaches that believers are "living stones" built into a spiritual house, with Christ as the chief cornerstone ([1 Peter 2:5](/1_peter/2-5 "1 Peter 2:5 - Living Stones in a Spiritual House"); [Ephesians 2:20-22](/ephesians/2-20-22 "Ephesians 2:20-22 - Christ the Cornerstone")). This spiritual temple is where God's Spirit dwells among His people, fulfilling the ultimate purpose of a temple—to be the place of God's presence.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Zechariah 6:12 finds its ultimate and profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. He is "The BRANCH" (Hebrew: *Tzemach*), the long-awaited Messianic figure who emerged from the humble, seemingly withered Davidic line, just as prophesied. His earthly origins in Nazareth, a place of no particular renown, perfectly align with the phrase "he shall grow up out of his place" ([John 1:46](/john/1-46 "John 1:46 - Can anything good come out of Nazareth?")). More significantly, Jesus is the one who truly "shall build the temple of the LORD." This is not a physical edifice, but the spiritual temple of God, which is His Church. Jesus declared His intention to build His Church in [Matthew 16:18](/matthew/16-18 "Matthew 16:18 - Jesus Builds His Church"), and through His atoning death and resurrection, He became the chief cornerstone upon which this new spiritual dwelling is founded ([Ephesians 2:20](/ephesians/2-20 "Ephesians 2:20 - Christ the Cornerstone")). Believers, united in Him, become "living stones" in this glorious, Spirit-indwelt temple ([1 Peter 2:5](/1_peter/2-5 "1 Peter 2:5 - Living Stones")). Thus, Zechariah 6:12 powerfully anticipates Jesus' dual role as both the King from David's lineage and the divine architect who establishes God's ultimate dwelling place among humanity, making Him the central figure of God's redemptive plan and the very presence of God with His people ([John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word became flesh and dwelt among us")).

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 3:8

¶ Hear now, O Joshua the high priest, thou, and thy fellows that sit before thee: for they [are] men wondered at: for, behold, I will bring forth my servant the BRANCH.

Jeremiah 33:15

In those days, and at that time, will I cause the Branch of righteousness to grow up unto David; and he shall execute judgment and righteousness in the land.

Isaiah 11:1

¶ And there shall come forth a rod out of the stem of Jesse, and a Branch shall grow out of his roots:

Jeremiah 23:5

Behold, the days come, saith the LORD, that I will raise unto David a righteous Branch, and a King shall reign and prosper, and shall execute judgment and justice in the earth.

Isaiah 4:2

¶ In that day shall the branch of the LORD be beautiful and glorious, and the fruit of the earth [shall be] excellent and comely for them that are escaped of Israel.

Isaiah 53:2

For he shall grow up before him as a tender plant, and as a root out of a dry ground: he hath no form nor comeliness; and when we shall see him, [there is] no beauty that we should desire him.

Acts 17:31

Because he hath appointed a day, in the which he will judge the world in righteousness by [that] man whom he hath ordained; [whereof] he hath given assurance unto all [men], in that he hath raised him from the dead.