King James Version

What Does Zechariah 4:10 Mean?

Zechariah 4:10 in the King James Version says “For who hath despised the day of small things? for they shall rejoice, and shall see the plummet in the hand of Zerubbab... — study this verse from Zechariah chapter 4 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

For who hath despised the day of small things? for they shall rejoice, and shall see the plummet in the hand of Zerubbabel with those seven; they are the eyes of the LORD, which run to and fro through the whole earth. for they: or, since the seven eyes of the Lord shall rejoice plummet: Heb. stone of tin

Zechariah 4:10 · KJV


Context

8

Moreover the word of the LORD came unto me, saying,

9

The hands of Zerubbabel have laid the foundation of this house; his hands shall also finish it; and thou shalt know that the LORD of hosts hath sent me unto you.

10

For who hath despised the day of small things? for they shall rejoice, and shall see the plummet in the hand of Zerubbabel with those seven; they are the eyes of the LORD, which run to and fro through the whole earth. for they: or, since the seven eyes of the Lord shall rejoice plummet: Heb. stone of tin

11

Then answered I, and said unto him, What are these two olive trees upon the right side of the candlestick and upon the left side thereof?

12

And I answered again, and said unto him, What be these two olive branches which through the two golden pipes empty the golden oil out of themselves? through: Heb. by the hand empty: or, empty out of themselves oil into the gold the golden oil: Heb. the gold


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
For who hath despised the day of small things?—Rhetorical question rebuking those who scorned the modest scale of the Second Temple. The Hebrew mī bāz ləyōm qətannōt (מִי בָז לְיוֹם קְטַנּוֹת, 'who has despised the day of small things') addresses the discouragement voiced when the foundation was laid: 'Many of the priests and Levites and chief of the fathers, who were ancient men, that had seen the first house, when the foundation of this house was laid before their eyes, wept with a loud voice' (Ezra 3:12). Compared to Solomon's temple, this structure seemed pathetic (Haggai 2:3).

For they shall rejoice, and shall see the plummet in the hand of Zerubbabel with those seven; they are the eyes of the LORD, which run to and fro through the whole earth—But God doesn't measure by human metrics. The 'eḇen habəḏīl (אֶבֶן הַבְּדִיל, 'plummet stone/measuring line') in Zerubbabel's hand proves the building's alignment and progress. The 'seven eyes' (from v. 2, the seven lamps) represent the Spirit's omniscient oversight. Hēmmāh 'ēynē Yahweh hamməshōṭəṭīm (הֵמָּה עֵינֵי יְהוָה הַמְּשֹׁטְטִים, 'they are the eyes of the LORD running to and fro') echoes 2 Chronicles 16:9, depicting God's complete knowledge surveying all earth. God watches Zerubbabel's small work with the same eyes that oversee nations. Heaven celebrates 'small things' accomplished by faith, not grand achievements built by pride.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The Second Temple, completed in 516 BC, stood for nearly 500 years until Herod's renovations began (20 BC). Though modest compared to Solomon's glory, it witnessed the return of Jewish worship, the Maccabean rededication, and ultimately the Messiah's teaching and cleansing. Jesus Himself ministered in this 'despised' temple, proving that God's presence, not architectural magnificence, determines a building's significance (Matthew 21:12-13; John 2:13-22).

Reflection Questions

  1. What 'small things' in your spiritual life do you despise that God may celebrate?
  2. How does knowing God's 'seven eyes' watch your faithfulness change your perspective on 'small' obedience?
  3. Why is human comparison (this temple versus Solomon's) a faithless metric versus God's pleasure?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 20 words
כִּ֣י1 of 20
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

מִ֣י2 of 20
H4310

who? (occasionally, by a peculiar idiom, of things); also (indefinitely) whoever; often used in oblique construction with prefix or suffix

בַז֮3 of 20

For who hath despised

H936

to disrespect

לְי֣וֹם4 of 20

the day

H3117

a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso

קְטַנּוֹת֒5 of 20

of small things

H6996

abbreviated, i.e., diminutive, literally (in quantity, size or number) or figuratively (in age or importance)

וְשָׂמְח֗וּ6 of 20

for they shall rejoice

H8055

probably to brighten up, i.e., (figuratively) be (causatively, make) blithe or gleesome

וְרָא֞וּ7 of 20

and shall see

H7200

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

אֶת8 of 20
H853

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

הָאֶ֧בֶן9 of 20

the plummet

H68

a stone

הַבְּדִ֛יל10 of 20
H913

alloy (because removed by smelting); by analogy, tin

בְּיַ֥ד11 of 20

in the hand

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

זְרֻבָּבֶ֖ל12 of 20

of Zerubbabel

H2216

zerubbabel, an israelite

שִׁבְעָה13 of 20

with those seven

H7651

seven (as the sacred full one); also (adverbially) seven times; by implication, a week; by extension, an indefinite number

אֵ֑לֶּה14 of 20
H428

these or those

עֵינֵ֣י15 of 20

they are the eyes

H5869

an eye (literally or figuratively); by analogy, a fountain (as the eye of the landscape)

יְהוָ֔ה16 of 20

of the LORD

H3068

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

הֵ֥מָּה17 of 20
H1992

they (only used when emphatic)

מְשׁוֹטְטִ֖ים18 of 20

which run to and fro

H7751

properly, to push forth; (but used only figuratively) to lash, i.e., (the sea with oars) to row; by implication, to travel

בְּכָל19 of 20
H3605

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

הָאָֽרֶץ׃20 of 20

through the whole earth

H776

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)


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 4:10 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 Zechariah 4:10 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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