King James Version

What Does Zechariah 4:14 Mean?

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

Context

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

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

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

Read full chapter →

Commentary

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**10. his sons--**the two sons of the king of the north, Seleucus Callinicus, upon his death by a fall from his horse, namely, Seleucus Ceraunus and Antiochus the Great. **one shall ... come--**Ceraunus having died, Antiochus alone prosecuted the war with Ptolemy Philopater, Euergetes' son, until he had recovered all the parts of Syria subjugated by Euergetes. **pass through--**like an "overflowing" torrent (Da 11:22, 26, 40; Is 8:8). Antiochus penetrated to Dura (near Cæsarea), where he gave Ptolemy a four months' truce. **return--**renew the war at the expiration of the truce (so Da 11:13). **even to his fortress--**Ptolemy's; Raphia, a border-fortress of Egypt against incursions by way of Edom and Arabia-Petræa, near Gaza; here Antiochus was vanquished.

Robert Jamieson, A.R. Fausset, David Brown. Public Domain.

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 4:14 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.