Zechariah 4:3
Zechariah 4:3 in Multiple Translations
There are also two olive trees beside it, one on the right side of the bowl and the other on its left.”
And two olive trees by it, one upon the right side of the bowl, and the other upon the left side thereof.
and two olive-trees by it, one upon the right side of the bowl, and the other upon the left side thereof.
And two olive-trees by it, one on the right side of the cup and one on the left.
I also see olive trees, one to the right and one to the left of the bowl.”
And two oliue trees ouer it, one vpon the right side of the bowle, and the other vpon the left side thereof.
and two olive-trees [are] by it, one on the right of the bowl, and one on its left.'
and two olive trees by it, one on the right side of the bowl, and the other on the left side of it.”
And two olive-trees by it, one upon the right side of the bowl, and the other upon the left side .
And two olive trees over it: one upon the right side of the lamp, and the other upon the left side thereof.
Furthermore, I see two olive trees, one at the right side of the lampstand and one at the left side.”
Berean Amplified Bible — Zechariah 4:3
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 4:3 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וּ/שְׁנַ֥יִם
זֵיתִ֖ים
עָלֶ֑י/הָ
אֶחָד֙
מִ/ימִ֣ין
הַ/גֻּלָּ֔ה
וְ/אֶחָ֖ד
עַל
שְׂמֹאלָֽ/הּ
וּ/שְׁנַ֥יִם
shᵉnayim
H8147
two
Conj | Adj
זֵיתִ֖ים
zayith
H2132
olive
N-mp
עָלֶ֑י/הָ
ʻal
H5921
upon
Prep | Suff
אֶחָד֙
ʼechâd
H259
one
Adj
מִ/ימִ֣ין
yâmîyn
H3225
Ben]jamin
Prep | N-fs
הַ/גֻּלָּ֔ה
gullâh
H1543
bowl
Art | N-fs
וְ/אֶחָ֖ד
ʼechâd
H259
one
Conj | Adj
עַל
ʻal
H5921
upon
Prep
שְׂמֹאלָֽ/הּ
sᵉmôʼwl
H8040
left
N-ms | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
Use ← → arrow keys to navigate between words.
Hebrew Word Reference — Zechariah 4:3
וּ/שְׁנַ֥יִם
shᵉnayim
H8147
"two"
Conj | Adj
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.
זֵיתִ֖ים
zayith
H2132
"olive"
N-mp
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.
עָלֶ֑י/הָ
ʻal
H5921
"upon"
Prep | Suff
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.
אֶחָד֙
ʼechâd
H259
"one"
Adj
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means one or united, and is used to describe something that is single or unique. It is often translated as one, first, or alone. For example, in Genesis 1:5, God calls the light day and the darkness night, and separates them into one thing from another.
Definition: 1) one (number) 1a) one (number) 1b) each, every 1c) a certain 1d) an (indefinite article) 1e) only, once, once for all 1f) one...another, the one...the other, one after another, one by one 1g) first 1h) eleven (in combination), eleventh (ordinal)
Usage: Occurs in 739 OT verses. KJV: a, alike, alone, altogether, and, any(-thing), apiece, a certain, (dai-) ly, each (one), [phrase] eleven, every, few, first, [phrase] highway, a man, once, one, only, other, some, together, See also: Genesis 1:5; Exodus 36:26; Numbers 7:70.
מִ/ימִ֣ין
yâmîyn
H3225
"Ben]jamin"
Prep | N-fs
Benjamin was a son of Israel and Rachel, and the brother of Joseph, mentioned in Genesis 35:18. The name also refers to the right hand or south direction.
Definition: A man of the tribe of Benjamin living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.35.18; son of: Israel (H3478) and Rachel (H7354); brother of: Joseph (H3130); half-brother of: Reuben (H7205), Simeon (H8095), Levi (H3878), Judah (H3063), Dan (H1835H), Naphtali (H5321), Gad (H1410), Asher (H0836), Issachar (H3485), Zebulun (H2074) and Dinah (H1783); father of: Bela (H1106A), Becher (H1071), Ashbel (H0788), Gera (H1617), Naaman (H5283), Ehi (H0278), Rosh (H7220), Muppim (H4649), Huppim (H2650H), Ard (H0714), Ahiram (H0297) and Jediael (H3043); also called Jamin at 1Sa.9.1,4; 22.7; 1x Another name of bin.ya.min (בִּנְיָמִין "Benjamin" H1144G)
Usage: Occurs in 134 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] left-handed, right (hand, side), south. See also: Genesis 13:9; Psalms 18:36; Psalms 16:8.
הַ/גֻּלָּ֔ה
gullâh
H1543
"bowl"
Art | N-fs
This word refers to a round container, like a bowl or a fountain. It's used to describe the shape of objects, including the bases of pillars in the temple. In the Bible, it's used to describe everyday objects and architectural features.
Definition: 1) bowl, spring, basin 1a) basin 1b) bowl 1b1) of a lamp 1b2) of bowl shaped portion of capitals of pillars of the temple Also means: gol (גֹּל "bowl" H1531)
Usage: Occurs in 9 OT verses. KJV: bowl, pommel, spring. See also: Joshua 15:19; 2 Chronicles 4:12; Zechariah 4:3.
וְ/אֶחָ֖ד
ʼechâd
H259
"one"
Conj | Adj
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means one or united, and is used to describe something that is single or unique. It is often translated as one, first, or alone. For example, in Genesis 1:5, God calls the light day and the darkness night, and separates them into one thing from another.
Definition: 1) one (number) 1a) one (number) 1b) each, every 1c) a certain 1d) an (indefinite article) 1e) only, once, once for all 1f) one...another, the one...the other, one after another, one by one 1g) first 1h) eleven (in combination), eleventh (ordinal)
Usage: Occurs in 739 OT verses. KJV: a, alike, alone, altogether, and, any(-thing), apiece, a certain, (dai-) ly, each (one), [phrase] eleven, every, few, first, [phrase] highway, a man, once, one, only, other, some, together, See also: Genesis 1:5; Exodus 36:26; Numbers 7:70.
עַל
ʻal
H5921
"upon"
Prep
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.
שְׂמֹאלָֽ/הּ
sᵉmôʼwl
H8040
"left"
N-ms | Suff
This word means 'left' or 'north', referring to the left hand or side, as seen in KJV translations. It describes direction or orientation.
Definition: 1) the left, the left hand, the left side 1a) left 1b) left hand 1c) north (as one faces east)
Usage: Occurs in 53 OT verses. KJV: left (hand, side). See also: Genesis 13:9; 1 Kings 22:19; Proverbs 3:16.
Study Notes — Zechariah 4:3
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Zechariah 4:3 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Zechariah 4:3
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Zechariah 4:3
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Zechariah 4:3
- Trapp's Commentary on Zechariah 4:3
- Cambridge Bible on Zechariah 4:3
- Whedon's Commentary on Zechariah 4:3
- Sermons on Zechariah 4:3
Context — The Vision of the Lampstand and Olive Trees
1Then the angel who was speaking with me returned and woke me, as a man is awakened from his sleep.
2“What do you see?” he asked. “I see a solid gold lampstand,” I replied, “with a bowl at the top and seven lamps on it, with seven spouts to the lamps.
3There are also two olive trees beside it, one on the right side of the bowl and the other on its left.”
4“What are these, my lord?” I asked the angel who was speaking with me. 5“Do you not know what they are?” replied the angel. “No, my lord,” I answered.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 | Zechariah 4:14 | So he said, “These are the two anointed ones who are standing beside the Lord of all the earth.” |
| 3 | Romans 11:17 | Now if some branches have been broken off, and you, a wild olive shoot, have been grafted in among the others to share in the nourishment of the olive root, |
| 4 | Zechariah 4:11–12 | Then I asked the angel, “What are the two olive trees on the right and left of the lampstand?” And I questioned him further, “What are the two olive branches beside the two gold pipes from which the golden oil pours?” |
| 5 | Judges 9:9 | But the olive tree replied, ‘Should I stop giving my oil that honors both God and man, to hold sway over the trees?’ |
| 6 | Romans 11:24 | For if you were cut from a wild olive tree, and contrary to nature were grafted into one that is cultivated, how much more readily will these, the natural branches, be grafted into their own olive tree! |
Zechariah 4:3 Summary
The verse Zechariah 4:3 describes two olive trees standing beside a golden lampstand, one on the right and one on the left. These olive trees represent God's presence and anointing in our lives, providing us with the oil we need to shine for Him, just as the lampstand shines with the oil from the trees (as seen in Matthew 5:16). The image reminds us to trust in God's provision and empowerment, and to strive for balance and harmony in our lives, as we seek to love and serve Him (as taught in Matthew 22:37-40). By reflecting on this verse, we can deepen our understanding of God's presence and provision in our lives.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the olive trees in Zechariah 4:3?
The olive trees in Zechariah 4:3 are symbolic of the anointing and presence of God, as seen in other passages like Exodus 30:22-33, where olive oil is used for anointing and consecration.
Why are the olive trees on the right and left side of the bowl?
The placement of the olive trees on the right and left side of the bowl may signify balance and harmony, reflecting the biblical principle of balance in our lives, as seen in Matthew 22:37-40, where Jesus teaches about the importance of loving God and our neighbors.
How do the olive trees relate to the lampstand in Zechariah 4:2-3?
The olive trees are likely the source of oil for the lampstand, symbolizing the provision and empowerment of God for His people, much like the promise in Isaiah 40:31, where those who wait on God will renew their strength.
What can we learn from the image of the olive trees in Zechariah 4:3?
The image of the olive trees teaches us about the importance of God's presence and anointing in our lives, as well as the need for balance and harmony, as we strive to live according to biblical principles like those found in Psalms 1:1-3.
Reflection Questions
- What does the image of the olive trees evoke in my heart, and how can I apply the symbolism to my own life?
- How can I cultivate a deeper sense of balance and harmony in my walk with God, as reflected in the placement of the olive trees?
- In what ways can I trust in God's provision and empowerment, just as the olive trees provide oil for the lampstand?
- How can I allow the presence and anointing of God to guide me, as symbolized by the olive trees in Zechariah 4:3?
- What are some areas in my life where I need to wait on God and trust in His strength, as promised in Isaiah 40:31?
Gill's Exposition on Zechariah 4:3
And the two olive trees by it,.... Which are explained in, [See comments on Zechariah 4:14]: one upon the right [side] of the bowl, and the other upon the left [side] thereof; in Zechariah 4:11 they
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Zechariah 4:3
And two olive trees by it, one upon the right side of the bowl, and the other upon the left side thereof. And two olive trees by it - supplying oil to the bowl.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Zechariah 4:3
Two olive trees; some say branches; better trees, which, well rooted, will continue, and perpetually supply the bowls, and that will supply the lamps. One; not more, or fewer than two. Upon the right side of the bowl, and the other upon the left side thereof; so placed that the candlestick stood between them, and each tree stood at distance from the candlestick, on the right and left hand thereof, that they might distil their oil into the bason or bowl: all which is an emblem of the church, both what it is made of, pure gold; what made for, to be light in the world; to shine as lamps that continually burn, maintained with pure oil, distilled from the olive trees, not pressed out by man, but continually, freely, and abundantly dropping or flowing from these olive trees.
Trapp's Commentary on Zechariah 4:3
Zechariah 4:3 And two olive trees by it, one upon the right [side] of the bowl, and the other upon the left [side] thereof.Ver. 3. And two olive trees by it] The two chief branches whereof through the two golden pipes empty the golden oil out of themselves, Zechariah 4:12, that is, the Spirit of grace infuseth all precious graces (much more precious than gold that perisheth, though it be tried in the fire) into the Church. Hence grace is called the fruits of the Spirit, Galatians 5:22, yea, Spirit, Galatians 5:25. Danaeus’ s note here is, though from these two olive trees there was continual oil poured into that burning candlestick that it should never dry up or be put out, yet are not these olives said to be pressed by any man, which notwithstanding, among us, must needs after an ordinary manner be done, that the oil may flow or run from them. Neither is this oil said to flow, nor with toil and labour to be carried from one part or place into another, that there may be always oil for the candlestick; but there stand these olive trees growing, and dropping down oil into the bowl, and this of themselves, without the help or service of any men or oil mills; to show, saith another interpreter, that God’ s grace only is sufficient for his Church, to repair and maintain the same without all other means, against all opposition of man; and this is the scope of this vision.
Cambridge Bible on Zechariah 4:3
3. two olive trees] We learn afterwards (Zechariah 4:11-12) that each of these had a fruit-bearing “branch,” which “emptied itself” (its oil) by a golden tube into the oil-bowl of the candlestick. Human agency is again set aside. The berries become oil without the aid of man.
Whedon's Commentary on Zechariah 4:3
1. In this vision the interpreting angel appears first. Came again — The angel seems to have withdrawn temporarily; in the fourth vision he appears — if at all — only in Zechariah 3:1.
Sermons on Zechariah 4:3
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
The New Temple & Two Witnesses by Danny Bond | 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 |
|
(Through the Bible) Zephaniah & Haggai by Chuck Smith | 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 |
|
Recovery Through the Prophets: Isaiah by Stephen Kaung | In this sermon on Zechariah chapter 4, the speaker emphasizes the importance of relying on the Holy Spirit rather than human might or power in building the house of God and maintai |
|
Reform or Revival, Which Shall It Be by Richard Sipley | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the book of Zechariah, specifically chapter 4. He highlights three important questions asked in this chapter: "Who art thou a great mountain |
|
Two Olive Trees by David Davis | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the increasing number of Jews and Arabs getting saved, comparing it to the early days of the church in the Book of Acts. He urges the audienc |
|
Studies in Zechariah 04 Zechariah 4: by John W. Bramhall | In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the book of Zechariah and specifically the fifth vision in the second section of the book. The previous visions depicted the inner cleansing |
|
Resurrection of the Dry Bones by Art Katz | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of understanding the predicament that Israel is facing and why the news is tightening for them. He explains that God is the au |