King James Version

What Does Zechariah 4:7 Mean?

Zechariah 4:7 in the King James Version says “Who art thou, O great mountain? before Zerubbabel thou shalt become a plain: and he shall bring forth the headstone ther...” — study this verse from Zechariah chapter 4 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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.”

Zechariah 4:7 · KJV

Grace

Context

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,

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.

Read Zechariah 4 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Who art thou, O great mountain? before Zerubbabel thou shalt become a plain—Following the famous 'not by might nor by power' declaration (v. 6), God addresses the obstacles facing temple-builder Zerubbabel. The har haggādōl (הַר הַגָּדוֹל, 'great mountain') symbolizes massive opposition—political resistance from Samaritan adversaries (Ezra 4), economic hardship, discouragement, and the seemingly impossible task of completing the temple with meager resources. God mocks the mountain: mī-'attāh (מִי־אַתָּה, 'who are you?')—what are you compared to My Spirit?

Before Zerubbabel thou shalt become a plain—Lemīshōr (לְמִישׁוֹר, 'into level ground') promises divinely-flattened terrain. What human strength couldn't budge, God's Spirit levels effortlessly. And he shall bring forth the headstone thereof with shoutings, crying, Grace, grace unto it—Vehōtsī et-hā'eḇen hārōshāh (וְהוֹצִיא אֶת־הָאֶבֶן הָרֹאשָׁה, 'and he shall bring out the top/capstone'). The 'eḇen rōshāh is the final, crowning stone completing the building. Zerubbabel who laid the foundation (v. 9) will place the capstone. The shouting chēn chēn lāh (חֵן חֵן לָהּ, 'Grace! Grace to it!') celebrates that grace alone accomplished what seemed impossible. This anticipates Christ the cornerstone rejected by builders yet chosen by God (Psalm 118:22; 1 Peter 2:6-7).

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Historical & Cultural Context

Temple work had been halted for 16 years (536-520 BC) due to opposition documented in Ezra 4:1-5, 24. The obstacles seemed insurmountable. Zerubbabel faced enemy accusations to Persian authorities, lack of resources, popular discouragement, and skeptics who despised the modest scale ('day of small things,' v. 10). Yet God promised: the mountain will become a plain, and Zerubbabel will finish what he started. The temple was completed in 516 BC (Ezra 6:15), four years after this prophecy.

Reflection Questions

  1. What 'great mountains' in your life seem immovable apart from God's Spirit?
  2. How does the shouting of 'Grace, grace!' reframe obstacles from achievements earned to gifts received?
  3. Why is it significant that the same person (Zerubbabel) lays the foundation and places the capstone?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 15 words
מִֽי1 of 15
H4310

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

אַתָּ֧ה2 of 15
H859

thou and thee, or (plural) ye and you

הַֽר3 of 15

“mountain”

H2022

a mountain or range of hills (sometimes used figuratively)

הַגָּד֛וֹל4 of 15

“Who art thou O great”

H1419

great (in any sense); hence, older; also insolent

לִפְנֵ֥י5 of 15

“before”

H6440

the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi

זְרֻבָּבֶ֖ל6 of 15

“Zerubbabel”

H2216

zerubbabel, an israelite

לְמִישֹׁ֑ר7 of 15

“thou shalt become a plain”

H4334

a level, i.e., a plain (often used (with the article prefix) as a proper name of certain districts); figuratively, concord; also straightness, i.e., (

וְהוֹצִיא֙8 of 15

“and he shall bring forth”

H3318

to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim

אֶת9 of 15
H853

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

הָאֶ֣בֶן10 of 15

“the headstone”

H68

a stone

הָרֹאשָׁ֔ה11 of 15
H7222

the head

תְּשֻׁא֕וֹת12 of 15

“thereof with shoutings”

H8663

a crashing or loud clamor

חֵ֖ן13 of 15

“crying Grace”

H2580

graciousness, i.e., subjective (kindness, favor) or objective (beauty)

חֵ֖ן14 of 15

“crying Grace”

H2580

graciousness, i.e., subjective (kindness, favor) or objective (beauty)

לָֽהּ׃15 of 15
H0

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 4:7 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 4:7 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Jeremiah 51:25Zechariah 4:9Micah 4:1Psalms 118:22Psalms 114:41 Peter 2:7

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