King James Version

What Does Haggai 1:3 Mean?

Haggai 1:3 in the King James Version says “Then came the word of the LORD by Haggai the prophet, saying,” — study this verse from Haggai chapter 1 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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

Haggai 1:3 · 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?

5

Now therefore thus saith the LORD of hosts; Consider your ways. Consider: Heb. Set your heart on your ways

Read Haggai 1 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Then came the word of the LORD by Haggai the prophet (וַיְהִי דְבַר־יְהוָה בְּיַד־חַגַּי הַנָּבִיא/vayehi devar-YHWH beyad-Chagay hannavi)—the formulaic phrase 'word of the LORD came' (דְבַר־יְהוָה/devar-YHWH) authenticates prophetic authority. This isn't Haggai's opinion but divine revelation. The repetition of this phrase throughout the book (1:1, 1:3, 2:1, 2:10, 2:20) emphasizes that what follows is God's direct speech, demanding response.

The brief verse functions as transition between verse 2 (the people's excuse) and verse 4 (God's penetrating question). God doesn't remain silent when His people rationalize disobedience. He confronts through prophetic word, exposing self-deception and calling to account. This demonstrates God's covenant faithfulness—even in judgment, He speaks, warns, and calls His people to repentance rather than abandoning them to their folly.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Prophetic intervention was necessary because the returned exiles had settled into comfortable complacency. Sixteen years of neglecting God's house while building their own had become normalized. Without divine word breaking through, this pattern would continue indefinitely. Haggai's prophecy demonstrates God's active governance: when His people drift, He raises up prophets to confront, correct, and redirect. This pattern continues throughout Scripture—God never leaves His people to stumble in darkness but provides revelation, correction, and guidance through His word.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does God use His word to confront rationalizations and self-deception in believers' lives?
  2. What role does prophetic confrontation (through Scripture, preaching, godly counsel) play in keeping Christians accountable?
  3. How should believers respond when God's word exposes areas of compromise or misplaced priorities?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 7 words
וַֽיְהִי֙1 of 7
H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

דְּבַר2 of 7

“Then came the word”

H1697

a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause

יְהוָ֔ה3 of 7

“of the LORD”

H3068

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

בְּיַד4 of 7

“by”

H3027

a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v

חַגַּ֥י5 of 7

“Haggai”

H2292

chaggai, a hebrew prophet

הַנָּבִ֖יא6 of 7

“the prophet”

H5030

a prophet or (generally) inspired man

לֵאמֹֽר׃7 of 7

“saying”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

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 1:3 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 1:3 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Ezra 5:1Zechariah 1:1

Test Your Knowledge

Haggai 1 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterHaggai Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

Continue Your Study

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