King James Version

What Does Haggai 2:10 Mean?

Haggai 2:10 in the King James Version says “In the four and twentieth day of the ninth month, in the second year of Darius, came the word of the LORD by Haggai the ...” — study this verse from Haggai chapter 2 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“In the four and twentieth day of the ninth month, in the second year of Darius, came the word of the LORD by Haggai the prophet, saying,”

Haggai 2:10 · KJV

Context

8

The silver is mine, and the gold is mine, saith the LORD of hosts.

9

The glory of this latter house shall be greater than of the former, saith the LORD of hosts: and in this place will I give peace, saith the LORD of hosts.

10

In the four and twentieth day of the ninth month, in the second year of Darius, came the word of the LORD by Haggai the prophet, saying,

11

Thus saith the LORD of hosts; Ask now the priests concerning the law, saying,

12

If one bear holy flesh in the skirt of his garment, and with his skirt do touch bread, or pottage, or wine, or oil, or any meat, shall it be holy? And the priests answered and said, No.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
In the four and twentieth day of the ninth month, in the second year of Darius, came the word of the LORD by Haggai the prophet—This date (December 18, 520 BC) marks Haggai's third and fourth messages, delivered on the same day. Three months had passed since work resumed (1:15, September 21), and two months since his second message about the temple's glory (2:1, October 17). The people were actively building, but God had more to teach them about holiness, blessing, and messianic hope.

The precise dating emphasizes that God's word comes at specific historical moments addressing real circumstances. Biblical prophecy isn't timeless philosophy but divine revelation spoken into concrete situations. The repetition of came the word of the LORD (הָיָה דְבַר־יְהוָה/hayah debar-YHWH) authenticates what follows as God's authoritative message, not Haggai's personal opinion. Every word that follows carries the weight of divine truth demanding response.

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Historical & Cultural Context

By this date, the temple rebuilding had been underway for three months. The people had obeyed God's call, resumed construction, and were laboring faithfully. Yet spiritual maturity required understanding not just that obedience matters but why—the theological principles underlying covenant relationship. Haggai's third message (2:10-19) addresses holiness and blessing; his fourth (2:20-23) addresses messianic hope through Zerubbabel. Both were necessary for sustaining faithful work over the remaining years until completion (516 BC).

Reflection Questions

  1. How does God's timing in delivering His word demonstrate His attentiveness to your specific circumstances and spiritual needs?
  2. What difference does it make that Scripture addresses real historical people in concrete situations rather than offering abstract principles?
  3. How do you cultivate receptivity to God's word when it comes, recognizing it as divine authority requiring response?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 13 words
בְּעֶשְׂרִ֤ים1 of 13

“and twentieth”

H6242

twenty; also (ordinal) twentieth

וְאַרְבָּעָה֙2 of 13

“In the four”

H702

four

לַתְּשִׁיעִ֔י3 of 13

“day of the ninth”

H8671

ninth

בִּשְׁנַ֥ת4 of 13

“year”

H8141

a year (as a revolution of time)

שְׁתַּ֖יִם5 of 13

“month in the second”

H8147

two; also (as ordinal) twofold

לְדָרְיָ֑וֶשׁ6 of 13

“of Darius”

H1867

darejavesh, a title (rather than name) of several persian kings

הָיָה֙7 of 13
H1961

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

דְּבַר8 of 13

“came the word”

H1697

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

יְהוָ֔ה9 of 13

“of the LORD”

H3068

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

אֶל10 of 13
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

חַגַּ֥י11 of 13

“Haggai”

H2292

chaggai, a hebrew prophet

הַנָּבִ֖יא12 of 13

“the prophet”

H5030

a prophet or (generally) inspired man

לֵאמֹֽר׃13 of 13

“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 2:10 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 2:10 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Haggai 2:20Haggai 1:1Haggai 1:15-2:1

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