King James Version
What Does Zechariah 4:6 Mean?
“Then he answered and spake unto me, saying, This is the word of the LORD unto Zerubbabel, saying, Not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit, saith the LORD of hosts. might: or, army”
Context
4
So I answered and spake to the angel that talked with me, saying, What are these, my lord?
5
Then the angel that talked with me answered and said unto me, Knowest thou not what these be? And I said, No, my lord.
6
Then he answered and spake unto me, saying, This is the word of the LORD unto Zerubbabel, saying, Not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit, saith the LORD of hosts. might: or, army
7
Who art thou, O great mountain? before Zerubbabel thou shalt become a plain: and he shall bring forth the headstone thereof with shoutings, crying, Grace, grace unto it.
8
Moreover the word of the LORD came unto me, saying,
Topics in This Verse
Commentary
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary**2. three kings in Persia--**Cambyses, Pseudo-Smerdis, and Darius Hystaspes. (Ahasuerus, Artaxerxes, and Darius, in Ezr 4:6, 7, 24). The Ahasuerus of Esther (see on Da 9:1) is identified with Xerxes, both in Greek history and in Scripture, appearing proud, self-willed, careless of contravening Persian customs, amorous, facile, and changeable (Da 11:2).
**fourth ... riches ... against ... Grecia--**Xerxes, whose riches were proverbial. Persia reached its climax and showed its greatest power in his invasion of Greece, 480 B.C. After his overthrow at Salamis, Persia is viewed as politically dead, though it had an existence. Therefore, Da 11:3, without noticing Xerxes' successors, proceeds at once to Alexander, under whom, first, the third world kingdom, Grecia, reached its culmination, and assumed an importance as to the people of God.
**stir up all--**Four years were spent in gathering his army out of all parts of his vast empire, amounting to two millions six hundred and forty-one thousand men. [Prideaux, Connexion, 1.4. l. 410].
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 4:6 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 4:6
2 Chronicles 32:7-8
→2 Corinthians 10:4-5
→1 Corinthians 2:4-5
→Psalms 33:16
→Isaiah 11:2-4
→Psalms 20:6-8
→Cross-references from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge