King James Version

What Does Zechariah 4:13 Mean?

Zechariah 4:13 in the King James Version says “And he answered me and said, Knowest thou not what these be? And I said, No, my lord.” — study this verse from Zechariah chapter 4 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And he answered me and said, Knowest thou not what these be? And I said, No, my lord.”

Zechariah 4:13 · KJV

Context

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

13

And he answered me and said, Knowest thou not what these be? And I said, No, my lord.

14

Then said he, These are the two anointed ones, that stand by the Lord of the whole earth. anointed: Heb. sons of oil

Read Zechariah 4 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And he answered me and said, Knowest thou not what these be?—The angel's mild rebuke: hălō' yāḏa'tā māh-'ēlleh (הֲלוֹא יָדַעְתָּ מָה־אֵלֶּה, 'Do you not know what these are?'). The question implies Zechariah should have discerned the symbolism from previous revelation or the vision's internal logic. Yet there's no harshness—the angel proceeds to explain. This gentle correction teaches that while God reveals truth, He also expects us to meditate on revelation, connecting scriptural dots rather than demanding instant explanations for everything.

And I said, No, my lord—Zechariah's humble honesty: lō' 'ădōnī (לֹא אֲדֹנִי, 'No, my lord'). He doesn't pretend comprehension but admits need for instruction. The address 'my lord' ('ădōnī) shows respect for the interpreting angel as God's authorized spokesman. This models proper response to Scripture: earnest inquiry, willingness to admit ignorance, and submission to revealed explanation rather than imposing our interpretations. The exchange demonstrates the balance between human responsibility to study Scripture carefully and humble dependence on divine illumination. 'If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God' (James 1:5)—but asking requires first admitting we don't know. Zechariah's 'No, my lord' is more spiritual than false confidence.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Apocalyptic visions like Zechariah's (and Daniel's, Ezekiel's, and John's Revelation) intentionally use symbolism requiring interpretation. The visions aren't self-evident but demand both meditation and divine explanation. This forces dependence on God while also stimulating careful thought. The pattern continues in Jesus's parables—obscure enough to require seeking, clear enough to reward the seeker (Matthew 13:10-17).

Reflection Questions

  1. When has admitting 'I don't know' led to deeper spiritual understanding than pretending comprehension?
  2. How do you balance careful study of Scripture with humble dependence on the Spirit's illumination?
  3. Why might God sometimes expect us to discern meaning ('Knowest thou not?') before providing direct explanation?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 10 words
וָאֹמַ֖ר1 of 10

“And he answered”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

אֵלַי֙2 of 10
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

וָאֹמַ֖ר3 of 10

“And he answered”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

הֲל֥וֹא4 of 10
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

יָדַ֖עְתָּ5 of 10

“Knowest”

H3045

to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o

מָה6 of 10
H4100

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

אֵ֑לֶּה7 of 10
H428

these or those

וָאֹמַ֖ר8 of 10

“And he answered”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

לֹ֥א9 of 10
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

אֲדֹנִֽי׃10 of 10

“No my lord”

H113

sovereign, i.e., controller (human or divine)

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 4:13 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 4:13 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Zechariah 4:5Hebrews 5:11-12

Test Your Knowledge

Zechariah 4 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterZechariah Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

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