Zechariah 4:13
Zechariah 4:13 in Multiple Translations
“Do you not know what these are?” he inquired. “No, my lord,” I replied.
And he answered me and said, Knowest thou not what these be? And I said, No, my lord.
And he answered me and said, Knowest thou not what these are? And I said, No, my lord.
And he said in answer to me, Have you no knowledge what these are? And I said, No, my lord.
“Don't you know?” the angel replied. “No, my lord,” I responded.
And hee answered me, and saide, Knowest thou not what these bee? And I sayde, No, my Lord.
And he speaketh unto me, saying, 'Hast thou not known what these [are]?' And I say, 'No, my lord.'
He answered me, “Don’t you know what these are?” I said, “No, my lord.”
And he answered me and said, Knowest thou not what these are ? And I said, No, my lord.
And he spoke to me, saying: Knowest thou not what these are? And I said: No, my lord.
He replied, “Surely [RHQ] you know what they are?” I replied, “No, sir, I do not know.”
Berean Amplified Bible — Zechariah 4:13
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Zechariah 4:13 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יֹּ֤אמֶר
אֵלַ/י֙
לֵ/אמֹ֔ר
הֲ/ל֥וֹא
יָדַ֖עְתָּ
מָה
אֵ֑לֶּה
וָ/אֹמַ֖ר
לֹ֥א
אֲדֹנִֽ/י
וַ/יֹּ֤אמֶר
ʼâmar
H559
to say
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
אֵלַ/י֙
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Prep | Suff
לֵ/אמֹ֔ר
ʼâmar
H559
to say
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
הֲ/ל֥וֹא
lôʼ
H3808
not
Part | Part
יָדַ֖עְתָּ
yâdaʻ
H3045
to know
V-Qal-Perf-2ms
מָה
mâh
H4100
what?
Part
אֵ֑לֶּה
ʼêl-leh
H428
these
Pron
וָ/אֹמַ֖ר
ʼâmar
H559
to say
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-1cs
לֹ֥א
lôʼ
H3808
not
Part
אֲדֹנִֽ/י
ʼâdôwn
H113
lord
N-ms | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Zechariah 4:13
וַ/יֹּ֤אמֶר
ʼâmar
H559
"to say"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
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.
אֵלַ/י֙
ʼêl
H413
"to(wards)"
Prep | Suff
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.
לֵ/אמֹ֔ר
ʼâmar
H559
"to say"
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
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.
הֲ/ל֥וֹא
lôʼ
H3808
"not"
Part | Part
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.
יָדַ֖עְתָּ
yâdaʻ
H3045
"to know"
V-Qal-Perf-2ms
The Hebrew word for to know means to ascertain by seeing, and is used in many senses, including to learn, perceive, and recognize, as seen in various KJV translations.
Definition: 1) to know 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to know 1a1a) to know, learn to know 1a1b) to perceive 1a1c) to perceive and see, find out and discern 1a1d) to discriminate, distinguish 1a1e) to know by experience 1a1f) to recognise, admit, acknowledge, confess 1a1g) to consider 1a2) to know, be acquainted with 1a3) to know (a person carnally) 1a4) to know how, be skilful in 1a5) to have knowledge, be wise 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be made known, be or become known, be revealed 1b2) to make oneself known 1b3) to be perceived 1b4) to be instructed 1c) (Piel) to cause to know 1d) (Poal) to cause to know 1e) (Pual) 1e1) to be known 1e2) known, one known, acquaintance (participle) 1f) (Hiphil) to make known, declare 1g) (Hophal) to be made known 1h) (Hithpael) to make oneself known, reveal oneself Aramaic equivalent: ye.da (יְדַע "to know" H3046)
Usage: Occurs in 874 OT verses. KJV: acknowledge, acquaintance(-ted with), advise, answer, appoint, assuredly, be aware, (un-) awares, can(-not), certainly, comprehend, consider, [idiom] could they, cunning, declare, be diligent, (can, cause to) discern, discover, endued with, familiar friend, famous, feel, can have, be (ig-) norant, instruct, kinsfolk, kinsman, (cause to let, make) know, (come to give, have, take) knowledge, have (knowledge), (be, make, make to be, make self) known, [phrase] be learned, [phrase] lie by man, mark, perceive, privy to, [idiom] prognosticator, regard, have respect, skilful, shew, can (man of) skill, be sure, of a surety, teach, (can) tell, understand, have (understanding), [idiom] will be, wist, wit, wot. See also: Genesis 3:5; Leviticus 5:4; Judges 21:12.
מָה
mâh
H4100
"what?"
Part
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.
אֵ֑לֶּה
ʼêl-leh
H428
"these"
Pron
This Hebrew word is used to point out specific people or things, like saying 'these' or 'those'. It appears in the book of Genesis, where God says 'let there be light' and separates the light from the darkness.
Definition: 1) these 1a) used before antecedent 1b) used following antecedent Aramaic equivalent: el.leh (אֵלֶּה "these" H0429)
Usage: Occurs in 697 OT verses. KJV: an-(the) other; one sort, so, some, such, them, these (same), they, this, those, thus, which, who(-m). See also: Genesis 2:4; Exodus 35:1; Deuteronomy 1:35.
וָ/אֹמַ֖ר
ʼâmar
H559
"to say"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-1cs
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.
לֹ֥א
lôʼ
H3808
"not"
Part
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.
אֲדֹנִֽ/י
ʼâdôwn
H113
"lord"
N-ms | Suff
The Hebrew word ʼâdôwn refers to a lord or master, and can be used to describe human leaders or God. It emphasizes the person's power and control over others or things, and is often translated as lord or master.
Definition: 1) firm, strong, lord, master 1a) lord, master 1a1) reference to men 1a1a) superintendent of household, of affairs 1a1b) master 1a1c) king 1a2) reference to God 1a2a) the Lord God 1a2b) Lord of the whole earth 1b) lords, kings 1b1) reference to men 1b1a) proprietor of hill of Samaria 1b1b) master 1b1c) husband 1b1d) prophet 1b1e) governor 1b1f) prince 1b1g) king 1b2) reference to God 1b2a) Lord of lords (probably = "thy husband, Yahweh") 1c) my lord, my master 1c1) reference to men 1c1a) master 1c1b) husband 1c1c) prophet 1c1d) prince 1c1e) king 1c1f) father 1c1g) Moses 1c1h) priest 1c1i) theophanic angel 1c1j) captain 1c1k) general recognition of superiority 1c2) reference to God 1c2a) my Lord, my Lord and my God 1c2b) Adonai (parallel with Yahweh)
Usage: Occurs in 281 OT verses. KJV: lord, master, owner. Compare also names beginning with 'Adoni-'. See also: Genesis 18:3; 1 Samuel 25:30; 2 Kings 6:5.
Study Notes — Zechariah 4:13
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Zechariah 4:13 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Zechariah 4:13
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Zechariah 4:13
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Zechariah 4:13
- Trapp's Commentary on Zechariah 4:13
- Whedon's Commentary on Zechariah 4:13
- Sermons on Zechariah 4:13
Context — The Vision of the Lampstand and Olive Trees
11Then I asked the angel, “What are the two olive trees on the right and left of the lampstand?”
12And I questioned him further, “What are the two olive branches beside the two gold pipes from which the golden oil pours?”
13“Do you not know what these are?” he inquired. “No, my lord,” I replied.
14So he said, “These are the two anointed ones who are standing beside the Lord of all the earth.”Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Zechariah 4:5 | “Do you not know what they are?” replied the angel. “No, my lord,” I answered. |
| 2 | Hebrews 5:11–12 | We have much to say about this, but it is hard to explain, because you are dull of hearing. Although by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to reteach you the basic principles of God’s word. You need milk, not solid food! |
Zechariah 4:13 Summary
[In Zechariah 4:13, Zechariah is having a conversation with an angel who is helping him understand a vision he received from God. The angel asks Zechariah if he knows what certain symbols in the vision represent, and Zechariah humbly admits that he doesn't know. This verse shows us the importance of being humble and willing to learn, even when we think we know something, as encouraged in Proverbs 3:5-6. By acknowledging our limitations and seeking guidance, we can gain a deeper understanding of God's truth, just like Zechariah did in this verse.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of the conversation between Zechariah and the angel in Zechariah 4:13?
The conversation highlights Zechariah's humility and willingness to learn, as he admits his lack of understanding and seeks clarification from the angel, much like the apostle Paul's humility in 1 Corinthians 13:12.
Why does the angel ask Zechariah if he knows what the olive trees and branches represent?
The angel's question serves as a teaching moment, allowing Zechariah to demonstrate his humility and willingness to learn, and also allowing the angel to provide further insight and revelation, similar to the way Jesus taught his disciples in Matthew 13:10-17.
What can we learn from Zechariah's response to the angel's question?
Zechariah's response, 'No, my lord,' demonstrates his humility and recognition of his limitations, and serves as a model for us to approach God's Word with a similar attitude of humility and openness to learning, as encouraged in Proverbs 1:7.
How does this verse relate to the broader context of Zechariah's vision?
This verse is part of a larger vision in which Zechariah is receiving revelation about the restoration of Israel and the role of the two anointed ones, and his conversation with the angel helps to clarify the meaning of the vision, much like the way Daniel's visions were interpreted by angels in the book of Daniel 7:15-16.
Reflection Questions
- What are some areas in my life where I need to acknowledge my lack of understanding and seek God's guidance, just like Zechariah did in this verse?
- How can I cultivate a humble and teachable spirit, like Zechariah, in my daily interactions with others and in my pursuit of God's truth?
- What are some ways I can apply the principle of humility and openness to learning in my own spiritual journey, as modeled by Zechariah in this verse?
- How can I balance my desire for knowledge and understanding with a recognition of my limitations and a willingness to learn from others, as Zechariah did in this conversation with the angel?
Gill's Exposition on Zechariah 4:13
And he answered me, and said,.... That is, the angel answered to the prophet's questions: Knowest thou not what these be? And I said, No, my lord; [See comments on Zechariah 4:5].
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Zechariah 4:13
And he answered me and said, Knowest thou not what these be? And I said, No, my lord. And he answered me and said, Knowest thou not what these be? God would awaken his people to zeal in learning His truth.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Zechariah 4:13
See .
Trapp's Commentary on Zechariah 4:13
Zechariah 4:13 And he answered me and said, Knowest thou not what these [be]? And I said, No, my lord.Ver. 13. Knowest thou not what, &c.]
Whedon's Commentary on Zechariah 4:13
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 4:13
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
(Deeper Spiritual Life): Deeper Spiritual Life - What Is It? by A.W. Tozer | In this sermon, the preacher describes a group of people who are hungry for a deeper relationship with God. These individuals are not interested in false doctrines or extreme excit |
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Wrong Revival Principles - Part 3 by Jonathan Edwards | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of prudence and caution when introducing new things into the church. He warns against being influenced by indiscreet zeal and |
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Studies in the Gospel of John 06 - Spirit as a Teacher by Alden Gannett | The sermon transcript discusses the issue of being dull of hearing and the need for believers to continually grow in their understanding of God's word. The writer emphasizes the im |
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(Through the Bible) Hebrews 5-6 by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, the speaker addresses a group of believers who have not progressed in their spiritual growth. He emphasizes that they should have been at a stage where they could t |
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(The Church Needs to Know) 3. God and Music by Miki Hardy | In this sermon, the speaker addresses the issue of young Christians being influenced by worldly music and entertainment. He emphasizes the importance of resisting the temptation to |
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Shuffling Saints by Bill McLeod | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of being free and loose in our lives. He uses the analogy of a calf being let loose from a stall and running and kicking its h |
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Hebrews 6:1-12 by Don McClure | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of interpreting Bible verses in their proper context. He shares a humorous story about someone randomly opening the Bible and |