King James Version

What Does Haggai 2:11 Mean?

Haggai 2:11 in the King James Version says “Thus saith the LORD of hosts; Ask now the priests concerning the law, saying,” — study this verse from Haggai chapter 2 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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

Haggai 2:11 · KJV

Context

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.

13

Then said Haggai, If one that is unclean by a dead body touch any of these, shall it be unclean? And the priests answered and said, It shall be unclean.

Read Haggai 2 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Thus saith the LORD of hosts; Ask now the priests concerning the law (כֹּה־אָמַר יְהוָה צְבָאוֹת שְׁאַל־נָא אֶת־הַכֹּהֲנִים תּוֹרָה/koh-amar YHWH Tzeva'ot she'al-na et-hakohanim torah)—God commands Haggai to ask (שָׁאַל/sha'al) the priests (כֹּהֲנִים/kohanim) concerning the law (תּוֹרָה/torah). The priests were responsible for teaching God's law, particularly regulations about clean and unclean (Leviticus 10:10-11, Deuteronomy 33:10, Malachi 2:7). God uses their expertise to establish a theological principle about holiness and defilement.

This pedagogical approach—asking questions to elicit knowledge—engages the learner actively rather than merely receiving information passively. Jesus frequently used this Socratic method (Matthew 21:23-27, 22:41-46), forcing His audience to think, reason, and draw conclusions. Here, God establishes the principle through the priests' own theological knowledge, making the application in verse 14 undeniable.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The priests had returned from exile and reestablished sacrificial worship even before the temple was rebuilt (Ezra 3:2-6). They functioned as teachers of the law, answering questions about ritual purity, sacrificial procedures, and covenant obedience. Haggai's public questioning served to refresh the community's understanding of fundamental holiness principles that had implications for their temple-building project and their covenant relationship with God.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does God use teachers, pastors, and biblical instruction to shape your understanding of holiness and righteousness?
  2. What role does asking questions—both receiving and asking them—play in spiritual growth and theological understanding?
  3. How do you engage actively with Scripture and teaching rather than passively consuming information?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 10 words
כֹּ֥ה1 of 10
H3541

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

לֵאמֹֽר׃2 of 10

“Thus saith”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

יְהוָ֣ה3 of 10

“the LORD”

H3068

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

צְבָא֑וֹת4 of 10

“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

שְׁאַל5 of 10

“Ask”

H7592

to inquire; by implication, to request; by extension, to demand

נָ֧א6 of 10
H4994

'i pray', 'now', or 'then'; added mostly to verbs (in the imperative or future), or to interjections, occasionally to an adverb or conjunction

אֶת7 of 10
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

הַכֹּהֲנִ֛ים8 of 10

“now the priests”

H3548

literally one officiating, a priest; also (by courtesy) an acting priest (although a layman)

תּוֹרָ֖ה9 of 10

“concerning the law”

H8451

a precept or statute, especially the decalogue or pentateuch

לֵאמֹֽר׃10 of 10

“Thus saith”

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 2:11 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 2:11 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Leviticus 10:10-11Malachi 2:7Deuteronomy 33:10Deuteronomy 17:8-11Ezekiel 44:23-24Titus 1:9

Test Your Knowledge

Haggai 2 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterHaggai Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

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