King James Version

What Does Haggai 1:2 Mean?

Haggai 1:2 in the King James Version says “Thus speaketh the LORD of hosts, saying, This people say, The time is not come, the time that the LORD'S house should be...” — study this verse from Haggai chapter 1 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Thus speaketh the LORD of hosts, saying, This people say, The time is not come, the time that the LORD'S house should be built.”

Haggai 1:2 · KJV

Context

1

In the second year of Darius the king, in the sixth month, in the first day of the month, came the word of the LORD by Haggai the prophet unto Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel, governor of Judah, and to Joshua the son of Josedech, the high priest, saying, by: Heb. by the hand of governor: or, captain

2

Thus speaketh the LORD of hosts, saying, This people say, The time is not come, the time that the LORD'S house should be built.

3

Then came the word of the LORD by Haggai the prophet, saying,

4

Is it time for you, O ye, to dwell in your cieled houses, and this house lie waste?

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The Hebrew phrase 'eth ha-am ha-zeh' ('this people,' not 'My people') signals divine displeasure with Israel's spiritual apathy. Their claim 'the time has not come' (lo eth bo) reveals rationalization—prioritizing personal comfort over God's house. This mirrors the human tendency to delay obedience when immediate sacrifice is required. Theologically, this demonstrates how unbelief manifests not through direct denial but through procrastination and misplaced priorities. The Israelites returned from exile 16 years earlier but ceased temple rebuilding due to opposition and self-interest, showing how easily spiritual fervor wanes when challenged.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Written circa 520 BC during Darius I's reign, Haggai addressed Jews who returned from Babylonian exile under Zerubbabel and Joshua. Temple rebuilding began in 536 BC but halted due to Samaritan opposition (Ezra 4:24). For 16 years the foundation lay unfinished while people built their own homes. Economic hardship (drought, crop failure) and fear of Persian authority contributed to their hesitancy. Haggai's prophecy, delivered in four messages over four months, galvanized the community to resume work, which they completed in 516 BC.

Reflection Questions

  1. What areas of obedience am I postponing with rationalizations like 'the time is not right'?
  2. How do I prioritize my comfort over God's purposes, and what would genuine reprioritization require?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 15 words
כֹּ֥ה1 of 15
H3541

properly, like this, i.e., by implication, (of manner) thus (or so); also (of place) here (or hither); or (of time) now

אָֽמְר֔וּ2 of 15

“Thus speaketh”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

יְהוָ֖ה3 of 15

“that the LORD'S”

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

צְבָא֖וֹת4 of 15

“of hosts”

H6635

a mass of persons (or figuratively, things), especially reg. organized for war (an army); by implication, a campaign, literally or figuratively (speci

אָֽמְר֔וּ5 of 15

“Thus speaketh”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

הָעָ֤ם6 of 15

“This people”

H5971

a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock

הַזֶּה֙7 of 15
H2088

the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that

אָֽמְר֔וּ8 of 15

“Thus speaketh”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

לֹ֥א9 of 15
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

עֶת10 of 15

“The time”

H6256

time, especially (adverb with preposition) now, when, etc

בֹּ֛א11 of 15

“is not come”

H935

to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

עֶת12 of 15

“The time”

H6256

time, especially (adverb with preposition) now, when, etc

בֵּ֥ית13 of 15

“house”

H1004

a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)

יְהוָ֖ה14 of 15

“that the LORD'S”

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

לְהִבָּנֽוֹת׃15 of 15

“should be built”

H1129

to build (literally and figuratively)

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Haggai. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Haggai 1:2 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Haggai 1:2 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Ezra 4:23-5:2Nehemiah 4:10Ecclesiastes 9:10Ecclesiastes 11:4Numbers 13:31Song of Solomon 5:2-3

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