King James Version

What Does Zechariah 1:11 Mean?

Zechariah 1:11 in the King James Version says “And they answered the angel of the LORD that stood among the myrtle trees, and said, We have walked to and fro through t...” — study this verse from Zechariah chapter 1 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And they answered the angel of the LORD that stood among the myrtle trees, and said, We have walked to and fro through the earth, and, behold, all the earth sitteth still, and is at rest.”

Zechariah 1:11 · KJV

Context

9

Then said I, O my lord, what are these? And the angel that talked with me said unto me, I will shew thee what these be.

10

And the man that stood among the myrtle trees answered and said, These are they whom the LORD hath sent to walk to and fro through the earth.

11

And they answered the angel of the LORD that stood among the myrtle trees, and said, We have walked to and fro through the earth, and, behold, all the earth sitteth still, and is at rest.

12

Then the angel of the LORD answered and said, O LORD of hosts, how long wilt thou not have mercy on Jerusalem and on the cities of Judah, against which thou hast had indignation these threescore and ten years?

13

And the LORD answered the angel that talked with me with good words and comfortable words.

Read Zechariah 1 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The angels' report: 'We have walked to and fro through the earth, and, behold, all the earth sitteth still, and is at rest.' This describes world conditions circa 520 BC—Persia had stabilized after Darius suppressed rebellions. Yet this 'rest' is problematic; Israel remains weak under foreign rule while their oppressors enjoy peace. The report sets up the question: when will God judge nations and restore Israel? The angels' report creates tension between present reality (Gentile prosperity) and prophetic promise (Israel's restoration).

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Historical & Cultural Context

Darius I's early reign (522-520 BC) saw widespread revolts throughout the Persian Empire. By 520 BC, he had suppressed these, bringing enforced peace. The Jewish remnant hoped these upheavals signaled messianic restoration, but instead Persia stabilized. This disappointed eschatological expectations, prompting God's reassurance through Zechariah that restoration would come on His timeline, not theirs.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the tension between Gentile peace and Israel's weakness challenge us to trust God's timing when circumstances seem contrary to promises?
  2. What does this report teach us about God's sovereignty over international affairs, not merely spiritual matters?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 15 words
וַֽיַּעֲנ֞וּ1 of 15

“And they answered”

H6030

properly, to eye or (generally) to heed, i.e., pay attention; by implication, to respond; by extension to begin to speak; specifically to sing, shout,

אֶת2 of 15
H853

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

מַלְאַ֣ךְ3 of 15

“the angel”

H4397

a messenger; specifically, of god, i.e., an angel (also a prophet, priest or teacher)

יְהוָ֗ה4 of 15

“of the LORD”

H3068

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

הָֽעֹמֵד֙5 of 15

“that stood”

H5975

to stand, in various relations (literal and figurative, intransitive and transitive)

בֵּ֣ין6 of 15
H996

between (repeated before each noun, often with other particles); also as a conjunction, either...or

הַהֲדַסִּ֔ים7 of 15

“among the myrtle trees”

H1918

the myrtle

וַיֹּאמְר֖וּ8 of 15

“and said”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

הִתְהַלַּ֣כְנוּ9 of 15

“We have walked to and fro”

H1980

to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)

הָאָ֖רֶץ10 of 15

“and behold all the earth”

H776

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

וְהִנֵּ֥ה11 of 15
H2009

lo!

כָל12 of 15
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

הָאָ֖רֶץ13 of 15

“and behold all the earth”

H776

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

יֹשֶׁ֥בֶת14 of 15

“sitteth still”

H3427

properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry

וְשֹׁקָֽטֶת׃15 of 15

“and is at rest”

H8252

to repose (usually figurative)

Study Guide

Historical Context

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

Theological Significance

Zechariah 1:11 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 Zechariah 1:11 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Zechariah 1:10Psalms 103:20-21Zechariah 1:8Matthew 24:30-31Zechariah 1:15Matthew 25:31

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