Hebrew Word Reference — Zechariah 4:12
This verb means to sing or make music, but also to respond or give an answer. In the Bible, it is used to describe praising God in song or responding to a question. The KJV translates it as 'sing' or 'answer'.
Definition: (Qal) to dwell
Usage: Occurs in 316 OT verses. KJV: give account, afflict (by mistake for H6031 (עָנָה)), (cause to, give) answer, bring low (by mistake for H6031 (עָנָה)), cry, hear, Leannoth, lift up, say, [idiom] scholar, (give a) shout, sing (together by course), speak, testify, utter, (bear) witness. See also H1042 (בֵּית עֲנוֹת), H1043 (בֵּית עֲנָת). See also: Genesis 18:27; 2 Samuel 14:19; Job 40:2.
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means second or again, like when Moses went up Mount Sinai a second time in Exodus 24:15-18. It can also mean another or something distinct.
Definition: 1) second 1a) second (the ordinal number) 1b) again (a second time) 1c) another, other (something as distinct from something else)
Usage: Occurs in 152 OT verses. KJV: again, either (of them), (an-) other, second (time). See also: Genesis 1:8; 1 Kings 6:1; Isaiah 11:11.
This Hebrew word means to say or speak, and it's used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to command, promise, or think, and it's translated in the KJV as 'answer', 'appoint', or 'command'.
Definition: 1) to say, speak, utter 1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend 1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called 1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly 1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)
Usage: Occurs in 4337 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet. See also: Genesis 1:3; Genesis 18:23; Genesis 25:32.
This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.
Definition: 1) to, toward, unto (of motion) 2) into (limit is actually entered) 2a) in among 3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion) 4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character) 5) in addition to, to 6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of 7) according to (rule or standard) 8) at, by, against (of one's presence) 9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)
Usage: Occurs in 4205 OT verses. KJV: about, according to, after, against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and, by, concerning, for, from, [idiom] hath, in(-to), near, (out) of, over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether, with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:9; Genesis 21:14; Genesis 31:13.
This Hebrew word means what or how, often used to ask questions or express surprise, like in Genesis when God asks Adam what he has done. It can also mean why or when, and is used in various ways throughout the Old Testament. It appears in many KJV translations, including how or what.
Definition: interr pron 1) what, how, of what kind 1a) (interrogative) 1a1) what? 1a2) of what kind 1a3) what? (rhetorical) 1a4) whatsoever, whatever, what 1b) (adverb) 1b1) how, how now 1b2) why 1b3) how! (exclamation) 1c) (with prep) 1c1) wherein?, whereby?, wherewith?, by what means? 1c2) because of what? 1c3) the like of what? 1c3a) how much?, how many?, how often? 1c3b) for how long? 1c4) for what reason?, why?, to what purpose? 1c5) until when?, how long?, upon what?, wherefore? indef pron 2) anything, aught, what may
Usage: Occurs in 655 OT verses. KJV: how (long, oft, (-soever)), (no-) thing, what (end, good, purpose, thing), whereby(-fore, -in, -to, -with), (for) why. See also: Genesis 2:19; Numbers 21:5; 1 Samuel 19:5.
The Hebrew word for the number two appears in Genesis and Exodus, describing pairs and dualities. It can also mean double or twice. In the Bible, it is often used to describe things that come in twos, like two witnesses or two tablets.
Definition: 1) two 1a) two (the cardinal number) 1a1) two, both, double, twice 1b) second (the ordinal number) 1c) in combination with other numbers 1d) both (a dual number)
Usage: Occurs in 646 OT verses. KJV: both, couple, double, second, twain, [phrase] twelfth, [phrase] twelve, [phrase] twenty (sixscore) thousand, twice, two. See also: Genesis 1:16; Exodus 30:4; Numbers 13:23.
Shibboleth is a Hebrew word that means a flowing stream or an ear of grain. It was also used as a password to distinguish between different groups of people, as in the story of the Gileadites and Ephraimites.
Definition: means: growing ear (of grain), flowing stream used as a password
Usage: Occurs in 16 OT verses. KJV: branch, channel, ear (of corn), (water-)flood, Shibboleth. Compare H5451 (סִבֹּלֶת). See also: Genesis 41:5; Judges 12:6; Psalms 69:3.
The Hebrew word for olive tree or olive berry, often associated with oil and light. In Deuteronomy 8:8, the olive tree is listed as one of the blessings of the Promised Land, and in Matthew 24:3, Jesus teaches on the Mount of Olives.
Definition: 1) olive, olive tree 1a) olive tree 1b) olives 2) mountain facing Jerusalem on the east side
Usage: Occurs in 36 OT verses. KJV: olive (tree, -yard), Olivet. See also: Genesis 8:11; Nehemiah 5:11; Psalms 52:10.
This Hebrew word is a conjunction that connects ideas and events in the Bible, like in the book of Genesis, where it's used to describe the relationship between God and His creation.
Definition: A: 1) (relative part.) 1a) which, who 1b) that which 2) (conj) 2a) that (in obj clause) 2b) when 2c) since 2d) as 2e) conditional if B: Beth+ 1) in (that) which 2) (adv) 2a) where 3) (conj) 3a) in that, inasmuch as 3b) on account of C: Mem+ 1) from (or than) that which 2) from (the place) where 3) from (the fact) that, since D: Kaph+ 1) (conj.), according as, as, when 1a) according to that which, according as, as 1b) with a causal force: in so far as, since 1c) with a temporal force: when
Usage: Occurs in 4440 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, [idiom] alike, as (soon as), because, [idiom] every, for, [phrase] forasmuch, [phrase] from whence, [phrase] how(-soever), [idiom] if, (so) that ((thing) which, wherein), [idiom] though, [phrase] until, [phrase] whatsoever, when, where ([phrase] -as, -in, -of, -on, -soever, -with), which, whilst, [phrase] whither(-soever), who(-m, -soever, -se). As it is indeclinable, it is often accompanied by the personal pronoun expletively, used to show the connection. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 20:9; Genesis 31:16.
In the Bible, 'yad' refers to an open hand, symbolizing power or direction. It can also mean strength or a part of something, like a side or a share. The word is used in many contexts, including anatomy and everyday life.
Definition: : hand/arm[anatomy] 1) hand 1a) hand (of man) 1b) strength, power (fig.) 1c) side (of land), part, portion (metaph.) (fig.) 1d) (various special, technical senses) 1d1) sign, monument 1d2) part, fractional part, share 1d3) time, repetition 1d4) axle-trees, axle 1d5) stays, support (for laver) 1d6) tenons (in tabernacle) 1d7) a phallus, a hand (meaning unsure) 1d8) wrists
Usage: Occurs in 1446 OT verses. KJV: ([phrase] be) able, [idiom] about, [phrase] armholes, at, axletree, because of, beside, border, [idiom] bounty, [phrase] broad, (broken-) handed, [idiom] by, charge, coast, [phrase] consecrate, [phrase] creditor, custody, debt, dominion, [idiom] enough, [phrase] fellowship, force, [idiom] from, hand(-staves, -y work), [idiom] he, himself, [idiom] in, labour, [phrase] large, ledge, (left-) handed, means, [idiom] mine, ministry, near, [idiom] of, [idiom] order, ordinance, [idiom] our, parts, pain, power, [idiom] presumptuously, service, side, sore, state, stay, draw with strength, stroke, [phrase] swear, terror, [idiom] thee, [idiom] by them, [idiom] themselves, [idiom] thine own, [idiom] thou, through, [idiom] throwing, [phrase] thumb, times, [idiom] to, [idiom] under, [idiom] us, [idiom] wait on, (way-) side, where, [phrase] wide, [idiom] with (him, me, you), work, [phrase] yield, [idiom] yourselves. See also: Genesis 3:22; Exodus 7:19; Leviticus 14:22.
The Hebrew word for the number two appears in Genesis and Exodus, describing pairs and dualities. It can also mean double or twice. In the Bible, it is often used to describe things that come in twos, like two witnesses or two tablets.
Definition: 1) two 1a) two (the cardinal number) 1a1) two, both, double, twice 1b) second (the ordinal number) 1c) in combination with other numbers 1d) both (a dual number)
Usage: Occurs in 646 OT verses. KJV: both, couple, double, second, twain, [phrase] twelfth, [phrase] twelve, [phrase] twenty (sixscore) thousand, twice, two. See also: Genesis 1:16; Exodus 30:4; Numbers 13:23.
This word refers to a pipe or tube, like those that feed oil to lamps. The KJV translates it as 'pipe'.
Definition: 1) pipe 1a) pipes feeding lamps with oil
Usage: Occurs in 1 OT verses. KJV: pipe. See also: Zechariah 4:12.
Gold is a valuable metal, also used to describe something yellow or brilliant, like oil or a clear sky. It is often mentioned in the Bible as a precious resource.
Definition: 1) gold 1a) as precious metal 1b) as a measure of weight 1c) of brilliance, splendour (fig.) Aramaic equivalent: de.hav (דְּהַב "gold" H1722)
Usage: Occurs in 336 OT verses. KJV: gold(-en), fair weather. See also: Genesis 2:11; Numbers 7:26; 1 Chronicles 28:17.
To empty or pour out, whether physically or figuratively, as in the pouring out of one's heart to God in Psalm 62:8. This verb can also mean to keep something empty or to cast something out. It is often used to describe a sense of abandonment or rejection.
Definition: 1) to make empty, empty out 1a) (Hiphil) 1a1) to empty, keep empty or hungry 1a2) to pour out or down 1a3) to empty out 1b) (Hophal) to be emptied out
Usage: Occurs in 19 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] arm, cast out, draw (out), (make) empty, pour forth (out). See also: Genesis 14:14; Jeremiah 48:11; Psalms 18:43.
This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.
Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)
Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.
Gold is a valuable metal, also used to describe something yellow or brilliant, like oil or a clear sky. It is often mentioned in the Bible as a precious resource.
Definition: 1) gold 1a) as precious metal 1b) as a measure of weight 1c) of brilliance, splendour (fig.) Aramaic equivalent: de.hav (דְּהַב "gold" H1722)
Usage: Occurs in 336 OT verses. KJV: gold(-en), fair weather. See also: Genesis 2:11; Numbers 7:26; 1 Chronicles 28:17.
Context — The Vision of the Lampstand and Olive Trees
Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) |
| 1 |
Revelation 11:4 |
These witnesses are the two olive trees and the two lampstands that stand before the Lord of the earth. |
| 2 |
Matthew 20:23 |
“You will indeed drink My cup,” Jesus said. “But to sit at My right or left is not Mine to grant. These seats belong to those for whom My Father has prepared them.” |
| 3 |
Haggai 1:1 |
In the second year of the reign of Darius, on the first day of the sixth month, the word of the LORD came through Haggai the prophet to Zerubbabel son of Shealtiel, governor of Judah, and to Joshua son of Jehozadak, the high priest, stating |
Zechariah 4:12 Summary
In Zechariah 4:12, the prophet is asking about the two olive branches and the two gold pipes that pour out golden oil, which represent God's Spirit and provision. This verse reminds us that God's power and guidance are essential for our lives and ministries, as seen in Zechariah 4:6, where it says 'Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit.' Just as the olive branches are nourished by the golden oil, we can trust in God's abundant provision and empower us to serve Him and others, as described in Isaiah 58:11 and Matthew 25:40.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the two olive branches mentioned in Zechariah 4:12?
The two olive branches are likely symbolic of the two anointed ones, or leaders, who serve the Lord of all the earth, as mentioned in Zechariah 4:14, and are nourished by the golden oil that pours from the two gold pipes, representing the Holy Spirit's provision and empowerment, similar to the concept in Acts 1:8.
What do the two gold pipes represent in Zechariah 4:12?
The two gold pipes are likely symbolic of the channels through which God's provision and blessing flow, as seen in the golden oil that pours from them, representing the abundance and richness of God's Spirit, as described in John 7:38-39 and Ephesians 3:16.
Why is the prophet Zechariah questioning the angel in Zechariah 4:12?
The prophet Zechariah is questioning the angel to gain a deeper understanding of the vision he is receiving, seeking clarity on the symbolic elements, such as the olive branches and gold pipes, to better comprehend God's message and plan, as seen in other prophetic encounters, like Daniel 7:15-16 and Revelation 7:13-14.
How does Zechariah 4:12 relate to the larger context of the book of Zechariah?
Zechariah 4:12 is part of a larger vision in Zechariah 4, which emphasizes the importance of God's Spirit and provision in the rebuilding of the temple and the restoration of God's people, as seen in Zechariah 4:6-10 and Haggai 1:14, highlighting the need for dependence on God's power and guidance.
Reflection Questions
- What are the ways in which I am seeking to be nourished and empowered by God's Spirit in my own life, and how can I trust in His provision and guidance?
- How do I respond when I encounter things I do not understand, and what can I learn from Zechariah's example of seeking clarification and wisdom from God?
- What are the 'gold pipes' in my life through which God's blessing and provision flow, and how can I cultivate a deeper awareness and appreciation of His abundance?
- In what ways can I, like the two anointed ones in Zechariah 4:14, serve the Lord of all the earth and be a conduit of His love and light to those around me?
Gill's Exposition on Zechariah 4:12
And I answered again, and said unto him,.... Before he could have an answer to the former question, he puts the following, as being of the same import: What [be these] two olive branches; which grew
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Zechariah 4:12
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? What are these two olive trees?
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Zechariah 4:12
I answered; I went on to discourse, which is the signification of the Hebrew phrase here used. Again, Heb. a second time. Said unto him, the angel that talked with the prophet. What be these two olive branches? two principal branches, one in each tree, fuller of berries, higher than the rest, and hanging over the golden pipes. Which through the two golden pipes: these were fastened to the golden bowl, on each side one, with a hole through the sides of the bowl, to let the oil that distilled into them from those olive branches run into the bowl, and out of that bowl it was, through so many golden pipes, conveyed into the seven lamps. Empty; freely, without any violence offered, drop the oil out of themselves, yet so that still they are full of oil for perpetual supply to the lamps. Golden oil, because of its preciousness, or from its colour. Out of themselves: a supernatural work, and, emblem of supernatural grace: these branches, filled from the true olive tree, ever empty themselves, and are ever full; so are the gospel ordinances, filled by Christ, always filling his members, true Christians, and ever full for all believers.
Trapp's Commentary on Zechariah 4:12
Zechariah 4:12 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?Ver. 12. What be these two olive branches, &c.]
Ellicott's Commentary on Zechariah 4:12
(12) Olive branches.—Better, bunches of olives. Two important points in the vision are here incidentally introduced for the first time: viz., the bunch of fruits on each olive-tree, and the “two golden pipes,” or rather, spouts.Which through . . . themselves.—Better, Which are resting in the two golden spouts, which pour out from themselves the gold [en oil]. The meaning appears to be that on each side of the golden bowl at the top of the candlestick was a golden spout turned upwards, into which the two clusters of olives poured their oil spontaneously, and from which the oil flowed into the bowl, and thence through the forty-nine pipes to the seven lamps. “The gold” stands for pure bright oil. Though the word which we render “resting in” (LXX., ἐνταῖςχερσὶ, “in the hands “) might mean “through”—i.e., “by means of”—the rendering of the English version is inadmissible, because the definite article (equivalent here to the relative) is prefixed to the participle, “empty,” or “pour out.” LXX., τῶνἐπιχεόντωνκαὶὰπαναγόντωνταςἐπαρυστρίδαςτὰςχρυσᾶς, “which pour into, and lead up into the golden funnels,” taking the words “from themselves as” an active participle, and understanding “the gold” as “golden funnels,” and not “golden oil,” as we do.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Zechariah 4:12
Verse 12. What be these two olive branches] That is, two boughs laden with branches of olive berries.
Cambridge Bible on Zechariah 4:12
12. olive branches] Having seen the vision (1–3), and received a general explanation of it (4–10), Zechariah now desires a further explanation of one particular feature (11–14). What, he asks, are the two olive trees (11)? and then, immediately recasting his question in more exact terms, the two olive branches? The word is allied to, if not identical with, that used for “ears of corn.” It may refer to the pointed shape of the twigs of the olive tree, or to the fact that these branches were studded thick with berries, like the grains in an ear of corn. (Kimchi.) pipes] Rather tubes, or spouts; the word being different from that translated “pipes,” Zechariah 4:2. Which are beside the two golden spouts, that empty, &c. R. V.
Barnes' Notes on Zechariah 4:12
What are the two spikes of the olive? - Comparing the extreme branches of the olive-tree, laden with their fruit, to the ears of corn, which “were by or in the hand of the golden pipes, which empty
Whedon's Commentary on Zechariah 4:12
11-14. The two olive trees are still a mystery to the prophet; he therefore asks his companion to explain their significance. Answered — See on Zechariah 1:10.
Sermons on Zechariah 4:12
| Sermon | Description |
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(Through the Bible) Zephaniah & Haggai
by Chuck Smith
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In this sermon, the preacher discusses the book of Zechariah, specifically chapter four. The preacher describes a vision in which an angel wakes him up and shows him a golden candl |
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The New Temple & Two Witnesses
by Danny Bond
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In this sermon, the preacher discusses a passage from the book of Revelation that describes a powerful event where believers are taken up to heaven. The preacher emphasizes the fea |
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Matthew 20:20-28.the Request of the Mother and Sons of Zebedee.
by Favell Lee Mortimer
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Favell Lee Mortimer delves into the story of the sons of Zebedee and their request to sit at the right and left hand of Jesus in His glory, highlighting the natural desire for grea |
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Pursuing God's Presence
by Jim Shaddix
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In this sermon, the preacher addresses the problem of people living in excess while neglecting God's presence. He refers to Haggai 1:3, where God questions why people are dwelling |
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(Haggai) Real Revival
by Willie Mullan
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In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the theme of real revival. He begins by discussing the results of the reproof given by the Prophet in the previous message. The reputation o |
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(Haggai) Discouragement and Encouragement
by Willie Mullan
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In this sermon, the preacher discusses a message that was preached on the first day of the sixth month in the second year of God yesterday. The message resulted in the people obeyi |
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(Haggai) the Blessing of God
by Willie Mullan
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In this sermon, the preacher begins by emphasizing the importance of preaching and being taught the word of God. He refers to a specific passage in the book of Haggai, where the pr |