Zechariah 4:6
King James Version (1769)
Other translations
| Verse | KJV | BSB | ASV |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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. | 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. |
In context
AI-assisted, sourcedZechariah sees a gold candlestick fed by two olive trees and asks what it means. The angel answers with a message for Zerubbabel, the governor leading the rebuilding of the temple: the work will succeed not by might or power but by the LORD's spirit. The next verses promise that a great mountain will become a plain before him and that his hands will finish the house he began. Zechariah 4:2Zechariah 4:3Zechariah 4:4Zechariah 4:5Zechariah 4:6Zechariah 4:7Zechariah 4:9Zechariah overviewZechariah 4:12
Commonly taken out of context
How it’s often usedOften quoted to mean that human effort, planning or work does not matter, and believers should simply wait for God to act.
In contextIn context, Zerubbabel still works. His hands laid the foundation and his hands will finish the house, and he holds the plummet. The verse is about where success comes from, God's spirit, not a call to stop working. Zechariah 4:6Zechariah 4:9Zechariah 4:10
SpeakingThe angel who talked with Zechariah speaks, but he passes on "the word of the LORD" from the LORD of hosts. Zechariah 4:5Zechariah 4:6
ToThe prophet Zechariah hears it, and the message is addressed to Zerubbabel. Zerubbabel was a man of Judah, grandson of king Jehoiachin, who led the first group of exiles home from Babylon. Zechariah 4:6Strong's H2216Zechariah overview
Also involvedThe people of Judah back from exile, who had stopped and then restarted building the temple under Zerubbabel and Joshua the high priest. Zechariah overviewZechariah 4:9
God tells Zerubbabel that the temple will be finished, and that the LORD's spirit will do it rather than might or power. A great mountain will become a plain before him, and he will bring forth the headstone with shouts of "Grace, grace unto it." Zechariah 4:6Zechariah 4:7Zechariah 4:9Zechariah overview
The message was given in Jerusalem, among the exiles who had returned to Judah to rebuild the temple. Zechariah overview
The eventsThe book's dated messages run from the second year of Darius king of Persia, about 520 BC, to his fourth year, about 518 BC. Work on the temple had stopped under opposition, and in Darius's second year Haggai and Zechariah stirred the people to build again. The temple was finished in Darius's sixth year. Zechariah overview
WrittenTraditional view: Zechariah wrote the book, with dated messages from about 520 to 518 BC. Scholarly view: most scholars agree chapters 1-8, including this verse, come from Zechariah in 520-518 BC, though many assign chapters 9-14 to a later writer or writers. Zechariah overview
HereThe verse encourages a leader facing a big, unfinished job. It tells him that success depends on God's spirit, so the day of small things should not be despised. Zechariah 4:6Zechariah 4:9Zechariah 4:10Zechariah overview
In the whole of ScriptureOne of the book's main themes is that God's work is done by his Spirit, not by human might. Other Scripture says the same: a king is not saved by a large army (Psalm 33:16), and Hezekiah told Judah that Assyria had "an arm of flesh" while they had the LORD to fight for them (2 Chronicles 32:8). Zechariah overviewPsalms 33:162 Chronicles 32:72 Chronicles 32:8
For readersPaul makes the same point about his own work. His preaching came "in demonstration of the Spirit and of power" so that faith would rest "in the power of God" (1 Corinthians 2:4-5), and the weapons of his warfare were "not carnal, but mighty through God" (2 Corinthians 10:4). 1 Corinthians 2:41 Corinthians 2:52 Corinthians 10:42 Corinthians 10:5
- mightחַ֫יִל
The word's meanings include strength, ability, wealth, and force or army. So "might" covers more than muscle; it includes resources and military force. Strong's H2428G
- powerכֹּחַ
The word means strength or power, and its first listed sense is human strength. Placed beside "might," it sets aside human strength as the source of the work's success. Strong's H3581BZechariah 4:6
- spiritרוּחַ
The word can mean wind, breath or spirit. Here it is "my spirit," the LORD's own spirit, set against might and power. Isaiah 11:2 likewise speaks of "the spirit of the LORD" resting "upon him," including "the spirit of counsel and might." Strong's H7307GZechariah 4:6Isaiah 11:2
- of hostsצָבָא
"Hosts" is part of a name of the LORD. The verse sets aside human might while naming God as the LORD of hosts. Strong's H6635BZechariah 4:6
Takeaway
God promised Zerubbabel that the temple would be finished by his spirit, not by might or power. Zerubbabel still did the work with his own hands, but the success belonged to God. Other Scripture confirms that God's work rests on his power, not on human strength. Zechariah 4:6Zechariah 4:9Psalms 33:161 Corinthians 2:5
Drafted by AI from the Scripture and data shown under “Show sources,” then checked automatically and by a second AI pass. Updated 2026-10-28.
The world around the text
Behind this verse
- Zerubbabel, governor of judah
- A descendant of David who led the rebuilding. "The hands of Zerubbabel have laid the foundation of this house; his hands shall also finish it." Zechariah 4:6-10Haggai 1:1Ezra 3:8
About 520-518 BC. King of Persia: Darius I (522-486 BC). Where Zechariah prophesied. A small, poor community was rebuilding the temple among the ruins of the city Babylon had burned.
Who ruled
- King of PersiaDarius I522-486 BC
Zechariah dates his messages by the years of Darius. Darius confirmed Cyrus's decree and ordered the temple work to go on at royal expense. Zechariah 1:1Zechariah 7:1Ezra 6:1-12Haggai 1:1Behistun Inscription
- Governor of JudahZerubbabelc. 520 BC
A descendant of David who led the rebuilding. "The hands of Zerubbabel have laid the foundation of this house; his hands shall also finish it." Zechariah 4:6-10Haggai 1:1Ezra 3:8
- High priestJoshua the high priestc. 520 BC
Called Jeshua in Ezra. He stands in Zechariah's vision clothed in filthy garments, which are taken away, and later receives crowns as a sign. Zechariah 3:1-10Zechariah 6:11Haggai 1:1Ezra 3:2
- Persian governor "on this side the river"Tattenaic. 520 BC
The governor of the province west of the Euphrates. He asked who had allowed the building, wrote to Darius, and was told to let the work go on. Ezra 5:3-6Ezra 6:6-13
What was happening, 539 BC to 332 BC
- 539 BCWarBabylon falls to Cyrus
Cyrus king of Persia took Babylon, ending the empire that had destroyed Jerusalem. Daniel 5:30-31Nabonidus Chronicle (ABC 7)Cyrus Cylinder
- 538 BCGod's peopleThe first return
Cyrus let the exiles go home to build the LORD's house. About fifty thousand returned with Zerubbabel and Jeshua. Ezra 1:1-4Ezra 2:1-2Ezra 2:64-65
- c. 536 BCGod's peopleThe foundation is laid, then the work stops
The returned exiles laid the temple's foundation with shouting and weeping. Opposition from their neighbors stopped the work until the second year of Darius. Ezra 3:10-13Ezra 4:4-5Ezra 4:24
- 525 BCWarPersia conquers Egypt
Cyrus's son Cambyses invaded and took Egypt, bringing the whole region from the Nile to the Indus under one king. Herodotus, Histories 3.1-16
- 522-521 BCWarDarius crushes the revolts
When Darius took the throne, provinces across the empire rebelled, Babylon twice. By 520 he had put them all down. Compare the riders' report in Zechariah's first vision: "all the earth sitteth still, and is at rest." Behistun InscriptionHerodotus, Histories 3.150-159Zechariah 1:11
- 520 BCGod's peopleHaggai and Zechariah stir the people to build
In Darius's second year the two prophets urged the people to take up the temple work again, and Zerubbabel and Jeshua began to build. Ezra 5:1-2Haggai 1:1-15Zechariah 1:1
- c. 520-519 BCRulersDarius confirms Cyrus's decree
Tattenai questioned the building. A search found Cyrus's decree at Achmetha, and Darius ordered the work to continue and be paid for from royal taxes. Ezra 5:3-6:12
- 515 BCBuildingThe second temple is finished
The temple was finished on the third day of Adar in Darius's sixth year and dedicated with joy. Ezra 6:14-18Zechariah 4:9
- 490-479 BCWarPersia's wars with Greece
Persia invaded Greece twice and was turned back at Marathon (490), Salamis (480) and Plataea (479). Greece, which Zechariah names in 9:13, was becoming Persia's great rival. Herodotus, Histories 6.102-117Herodotus, Histories 8.40-96Herodotus, Histories 9.1-89Zechariah 9:13
- 445 BCBuildingNehemiah rebuilds Jerusalem's walls
Under the Persian king Artaxerxes, Nehemiah came from Shushan and rebuilt the walls in fifty-two days. Nehemiah 2:1-8Nehemiah 6:15
- 332 BCWarAlexander takes Tyre and Gaza
Alexander the Great besieged island Tyre for seven months and then Gaza for two, on his way to Egypt. Zechariah 9 speaks of Tyre's "strong hold" and of Gaza, Ashkelon, Ekron and Ashdod. Arrian, Anabasis of Alexander 2.15-27Zechariah 9:3-7
The full picture: places, culture and daily life. Scripture first, then ancient records (the Behistun Inscription, the Cyrus Cylinder, the Babylonian Chronicles) and ancient writers (Herodotus, Arrian, Josephus). Drafted by Claude and not yet reviewed by a person.
Original Hebrew words
| English | Hebrew | Say it | Strong's | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| and he answered | וַיַּ֜עַן | vai-YA-'an | H6030B | to answerעָנָה (a.nah) 1) to answer, respond, testify, speak, shout 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to answer, respond to 1a2) to testify, respond as a witness 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to make answer 1b2) to be answered, receive answer Aramaic equivalent: a.nah (עֲנָה "to answer" H6032) |
| and he said | וַיֹּ֤אמֶר | vai-YO-mer | H0559 | to sayאָמַר (a.mar) 1) to say, speak, utter 1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend 1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called 1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly 1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560) |
| to me | אֵלַי֙ | 'e-LAI | H0413 | to(wards)אֶל (el) 1) to, toward, unto (of motion) 2) into (limit is actually entered) 2a) in among 3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion) 4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character) 5) in addition to, to 6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of 7) according to (rule or standard) 8) at, by, against (of one's presence) 9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to) |
| to saying | לֵאמֹ֔ר | le-MOR | H0559 | to sayאָמַר (a.mar) 1) to say, speak, utter 1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend 1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called 1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly 1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560) |
| this | זֶ֚ה | zeh | H2088 | thatדִּי (di) part of relation 1) who, which, that mark of genitive 2) that of, which belongs to, that conj 3) that, because |
| [is] [the] word of | דְּבַר־ | de-var- | H1697G | wordדָּבָר (da.var) : word/speech/command 1) speech, word, speaking, thing 1a) speech 1b) saying, utterance 1c) word, words 1d) business, occupation, acts, matter, case, something, manner (by extension) |
| Yahweh | יְהוָ֔ה | YAH-weh | H3068G | Lordאֲדֹנָי (a.do.nai) Lord - a title, spoken in place of Yahweh in Jewish display of reverence Another name of ye.ho.vah (יהוה "LORD" H3068G) |
| to | אֶל־ | 'el- | H0413 | to(wards)אֶל (el) 1) to, toward, unto (of motion) 2) into (limit is actually entered) 2a) in among 3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion) 4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character) 5) in addition to, to 6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of 7) according to (rule or standard) 8) at, by, against (of one's presence) 9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to) |
| Zerubbabel | זְרֻבָּבֶ֖ל | ze-ru-ba-VEL | H2216 | Zerubbabelזְרֻבָּבֶ֫ל (ze.rub.ba.vel) A man of the tribe of Judah living at the time of Exile and Return, first mentioned at 1Ch.3.19; son of: Pedaiah (H6305H); brother of: Shimei (H8096J); father of: Meshullam (H4918H), Hananiah (H2608L), Shelomith (H8019I), Hashubah (H2807), Ohel (H0169), Berechiah (H1296), Hasadiah (H2619), Jushab-hesed (H3142) and Abiud (G0010); also called Sheshbazzar at Ezr.1.8,11; 5.14,16; KJV: Zorobabel at Mat.1.12,13; § Zerubbabel = "sown in Babylon" the grandson of king Jehoiachin and leader of the first group of returning exiles from Babylon |
| to saying | לֵאמֹ֑ר | le-MOR | H0559 | to sayאָמַר (a.mar) 1) to say, speak, utter 1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend 1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called 1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly 1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560) |
| not | לֹ֤א | lo' | H3808 | notלֹא (lo) 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809) |
| by strength | בְחַ֙יִל֙ | ve-CHA-yil | H2428G | strength: soldiersחַ֫יִל (cha.yil) : soldiers/army 1) strength, might, efficiency, wealth, army 1a) strength 1b) ability, efficiency 1c) wealth 1d) force, army |
| and not | וְלֹ֣א | ve-LO' | H3808 | notלֹא (lo) 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809) |
| by power | בְכֹ֔חַ | ve-KHO-ach | H3581B | strengthכֹּחַ (ko.ach) 1) strength, power, might 1a) human strength 1b) strength (of angels) 1c) power (of God) 1d) strength (of animals) 1e) strength, produce, wealth (of soil) |
| that | כִּ֣י | ki | H3588B | that if: exceptכִּי [אם] (ki im) 1) except if 1a) but if 1b) even though |
| except | אִם־ | 'im- | H0518B | if: except[כִּי] אם (ki im) 1) except if 1a) but if |
| by spirit my | בְּרוּחִ֔י | be-ru-CHI | H7307G | spiritרוּחַ (ru.ach) : spirit 1) wind, breath, mind, spirit 1a) breath 1b) wind 1b1) of heaven 1b2) quarter (of wind), side 1b3) breath of air 1b4) air, gas 1b5) vain, empty thing 1c) spirit (as that which breathes quickly in animation or agitation) 1c1) spirit, animation, vivacity, vigour 1c2) courage 1c3) temper, anger 1c4) impatience, patience 1c5) spirit, disposition (as troubled, bitter, discontented) 1c6) disposition (of various kinds), unaccountable or uncontrollable impulse 1c7) prophetic spirit 1d) spirit (of the living, breathing being in man and animals) … |
| he says | אָמַ֖ר | 'a-MAR | H0559 | to sayאָמַר (a.mar) 1) to say, speak, utter 1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend 1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called 1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly 1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560) |
| Yahweh | יְהוָ֥ה | YAH-weh | H3068G | Lordאֲדֹנָי (a.do.nai) Lord - a title, spoken in place of Yahweh in Jewish display of reverence Another name of ye.ho.vah (יהוה "LORD" H3068G) |
| of hosts | צְבָאֽוֹת׃ | tze-va-'ot | H6635B | Hostsצָבָא (tsa.va) The Hosts (of the Lord) Another name of ye.ho.vah (יהוה "LORD" H3068G) |
Words and meanings from STEPBible data (Tyndale House, Cambridge, CC BY 4.0). The capitalized syllable is the stressed one.