King James Version

What Does Zechariah 2:2 Mean?

Zechariah 2:2 in the King James Version says “Then said I, Whither goest thou? And he said unto me, To measure Jerusalem, to see what is the breadth thereof, and what...” — study this verse from Zechariah chapter 2 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Then said I, Whither goest thou? And he said unto me, To measure Jerusalem, to see what is the breadth thereof, and what is the length thereof.”

Zechariah 2:2 · KJV

Context

1

I lifted up mine eyes again, and looked, and behold a man with a measuring line in his hand.

2

Then said I, Whither goest thou? And he said unto me, To measure Jerusalem, to see what is the breadth thereof, and what is the length thereof.

3

And, behold, the angel that talked with me went forth, and another angel went out to meet him,

4

And said unto him, Run, speak to this young man, saying, Jerusalem shall be inhabited as towns without walls for the multitude of men and cattle therein:

Read Zechariah 2 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Then said I, Whither goest thou? And he said unto me, To measure Jerusalem, to see what is the breadth thereof, and what is the length thereof. Zechariah's inquiry reveals the man's purpose: measuring Jerusalem's rochbah (רָחְבָּהּ, breadth/width) and orkhah (אָרְכָּהּ, length). This architectural assessment determines building parameters—how large will restored Jerusalem be? Can it accommodate returning exiles? Will it rival pre-exilic glory?

The measuring activity represents human planning and assessment. In ancient Near Eastern construction, careful measurement preceded building—architects calculated dimensions, materials needed, workforce required. The man's measuring suggests methodical, practical preparation for Jerusalem's restoration. Yet God's subsequent intervention (v. 4-5) reveals that human measurements cannot contain divine purposes.

The question "what is the breadth...and...length" reflects natural human concern for tangible, measurable restoration. The exiles wanted to know: how much progress? How large? When complete? But God redirects focus from physical dimensions to His supernatural presence and protection. True restoration isn't measured in cubits but in divine glory dwelling among His people.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Pre-exilic Jerusalem covered approximately 125 acres within walls. After Babylon's destruction, much remained uninhabited rubble. Returned exiles numbered perhaps 50,000—far fewer than pre-exilic population. Would Jerusalem ever be rebuilt to former size and glory? The measuring man represents these practical concerns.

God's response (v. 4-5) promises Jerusalem inhabited as unwalled villages—so populous that walls cannot contain them, yet so protected that walls prove unnecessary because God Himself surrounds them. This prophecy had partial fulfillment in later Jewish population growth but points ultimately to the New Jerusalem (Revelation 21:16), which has walls (for glory) but needs no sun or temple because God's presence fills it completely.

Reflection Questions

  1. When you assess spiritual progress or church health, do you focus on measurable metrics or on God's presence and glory?
  2. How does this vision challenge the tendency to evaluate God's work solely by visible, quantifiable results?
  3. What does the man's measuring activity teach about the legitimacy of planning and assessment while remaining open to God's exceeding purposes?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 14 words
וַיֹּ֣אמֶר1 of 14

“Then said”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

אָ֖נָה2 of 14
H575

where?; hence, whither?, when?; also hither and thither

אַתָּ֣ה3 of 14
H859

thou and thee, or (plural) ye and you

הֹלֵ֑ךְ4 of 14

“I Whither goest”

H1980

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

וַיֹּ֣אמֶר5 of 14

“Then said”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

אֵלַ֗י6 of 14
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

לָמֹד֙7 of 14

“unto me To measure”

H4058

properly, to stretch; by implication, to measure (as if by stretching a line); figuratively, to be extended

אֶת8 of 14
H853

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

יְר֣וּשָׁלִַ֔ם9 of 14

“Jerusalem”

H3389

jerushalaim or jerushalem, the capital city of palestine

לִרְא֥וֹת10 of 14

“to see”

H7200

to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)

וְכַמָּ֥ה11 of 14

“what”

H4100

properly, interrogative what? (including how? why? when?); but also exclamation, what! (including how!), or indefinitely what (including whatever, and

רָחְבָּ֖הּ12 of 14

“is the breadth”

H7341

width (literally or figuratively)

וְכַמָּ֥ה13 of 14

“what”

H4100

properly, interrogative what? (including how? why? when?); but also exclamation, what! (including how!), or indefinitely what (including whatever, and

אָרְכָּֽהּ׃14 of 14

“thereof and what is the length”

H753

length

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 2:2 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 Zechariah 2:2 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Ezekiel 45:6Jeremiah 31:39Revelation 21:15-17Ezekiel 48:15-17Zechariah 5:10Revelation 11:1

Places in This Verse

JerusalemSettlement · Modern: Jerusalem · 31.78°N, 35.23°E955 verses across 37 books
View all places in Zechariah 2 →

Test Your Knowledge

Zechariah 2 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterZechariah Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

Continue Your Study

Read Zechariah 2 with CommentaryAll Zechariah ChaptersComplete Zechariah QuizBible CharactersNave's Topical BibleAll Bible Quizzes