Zechariah 6:4

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Zechariah 6:4 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

So I inquired of the angel who was speaking with me, “What are these, my lord?”

King James Version KJV

Then I answered and said unto the angel that talked with me, What are these, my lord?

American Standard Version ASV

Then I answered and said unto the angel that talked with me, What are these, my lord?

Bible in Basic English BBE

And I made answer and said to the angel who was talking to me, What are these, my lord?

Free Bible Version FBV

“My lord, what are these?” I asked the angel I was talking to.

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

Then I answered, and saide vnto the Angell that talked with mee, What are these, my Lord?

Young's Literal Translation YLT

And I answer and say unto the messenger who is speaking with me, 'What [are] these, my lord?'

World English Bible WEB

Then I asked the angel who talked with me, “What are these, my lord?”

Noah Webster Bible WBS

Then I answered and said to the angel that talked with me, What are these, my lord?

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

And I answered, and said to the angel that spoke in me: What are these, my lord?

Translation for Translators T4T

I asked the angel who had been speaking to me, “Sir, what do those chariots mean?”

Study Highlights

Key words in the translations above are automatically highlighted. Names of God and Jesus are marked in purple, the Holy Spirit in orange, divine action verbs are underlined, and repeated key words are highlighted in yellow.

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Berean Amplified Bible — Zechariah 6:4

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 6:4 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB

HEB וָ/אַ֨עַן֙ וָֽ/אֹמַ֔ר אֶל הַ/מַּלְאָ֖ךְ הַ/דֹּבֵ֣ר בִּ֑/י מָה אֵ֖לֶּה אֲדֹנִֽ/י

וָ/אַ֨עַן֙ ʻânâh H6030 to dwell Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-1cs

וָֽ/אֹמַ֔ר ʼâmar H559 to say Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-1cs

אֶל ʼêl H413 to(wards) Prep

הַ/מַּלְאָ֖ךְ mălʼâk H4397 messenger Art | N-ms

הַ/דֹּבֵ֣ר dâbar H1696 to speak Art | V-Qal

בִּ֑/י Prep | Suff

מָה mâh H4100 what? Part

אֵ֖לֶּה ʼêl-leh H428 these Pron

אֲדֹנִֽ/י ʼâdôwn H113 lord N-ms | Suff

Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — Zechariah 6:4

וָ/אַ֨עַן֙ ʻânâh H6030 "to dwell" Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-1cs

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.

וָֽ/אֹמַ֔ר 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.

אֶל ʼêl H413 "to(wards)" Prep

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.

הַ/מַּלְאָ֖ךְ mălʼâk H4397 "messenger" Art | N-ms

A messenger or representative, often of God, like an angel, prophet, or priest, as seen in Isaiah 42:19 and Haggai 1:13, carrying out God's will.

Definition: : messenger 1) messenger, representative 1a) messenger 1b) angel 1c) the theophanic angel

Usage: Occurs in 196 OT verses. KJV: ambassador, angel, king, messenger. See also: Genesis 16:7; 2 Samuel 24:16; Psalms 34:8.

הַ/דֹּבֵ֣ר dâbar H1696 "to speak" Art | V-Qal

To speak or communicate, like God speaking to Moses in Exodus or a king commanding his people. It can also mean to promise or warn someone.

Definition: : speak/tell/command 1) to speak, declare, converse, command, promise, warn, threaten, sing 1a) (Qal) to speak 1b) (Niphal) to speak with one another, talk 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to speak 1c2) to promise 1d) (Pual) to be spoken 1e) (Hithpael) to speak 1f) (Hiphil) to lead away, put to flight

Usage: Occurs in 1049 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, bid, command, commune, declare, destroy, give, name, promise, pronounce, rehearse, say, speak, be spokesman, subdue, talk, teach, tell, think, use (entreaties), utter, [idiom] well, [idiom] work. See also: Genesis 8:15; Exodus 12:25; Leviticus 23:9.

בִּ֑/י "" Prep | Suff

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.

אֵ֖לֶּה 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.

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 6:4

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Context
Cross References
Zechariah 6:4 Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Reflection Questions
Gill's Exposition on Zechariah 6:4
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Zechariah 6:4
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Zechariah 6:4
Trapp's Commentary on Zechariah 6:4
Whedon's Commentary on Zechariah 6:4
Sermons on Zechariah 6:4

Context — The Vision of the Four Chariots

2The first chariot had red horses, the second black horses, 3the third white horses, and the fourth dappled horses—all of them strong.

4So I inquired of the angel who was speaking with me, “What are these, my lord?”

5And the angel told me, “These are the four spirits of heaven, going forth from their station before the Lord of all the earth. 6The one with the black horses is going toward the land of the north, the one with the white horses toward the west, and the one with the dappled horses toward the south.”

Cross References

	Reference	Text (BSB)
1	Zechariah 1:9	“What are these, my lord?” I asked. And the angel who was speaking with me replied, “I will show you what they are.”
2	Zechariah 5:10	“Where are they taking the basket?” I asked the angel who was speaking with me.
3	Zechariah 1:19–21	So I asked the angel who was speaking with me, “What are these?” And he told me, “These are the horns that have scattered Judah, Israel, and Jerusalem.” Then the LORD showed me four craftsmen. “What are these coming to do?” I asked. And He replied, “These are the horns that scattered Judah so that no one could raise his head; but the craftsmen have come to terrify them and throw down these horns of the nations that have lifted up their horns against the land of Judah to scatter it.”
4	Zechariah 5:5–6	Then the angel who was speaking with me came forward and told me, “Now lift up your eyes and see what is approaching.” “What is it?” I asked. And he replied, “A measuring basket is going forth.” Then he continued, “This is their iniquity in all the land.”

Zechariah 6:4 Summary

[Zechariah 6:4 shows us that it's okay to ask questions when we don't understand something. Zechariah saw a vision of chariots and horses and asked the angel what they meant. This verse teaches us to be humble and seek God's guidance, just like Zechariah did. As it says in Psalm 25:9, God guides the humble in what is right and teaches them His way.]

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the significance of the conversation between Zechariah and the angel in Zechariah 6:4?

The conversation between Zechariah and the angel in Zechariah 6:4 shows Zechariah's humility and desire to understand the visions given to him by God, much like the prophets in Ezekiel 1:1 and Daniel 7:15-16 who also sought clarification on their visions.

Why did Zechariah ask the angel about the chariots and horses in Zechariah 6:4?

Zechariah asked the angel about the chariots and horses because he wanted to understand the meaning behind the vision, which is a pattern seen throughout the Bible where prophets seek understanding of God's messages, as in Daniel 8:15-27.

What can we learn from Zechariah's inquiry of the angel in Zechariah 6:4?

We can learn the importance of seeking guidance and wisdom from God, as Zechariah did, and being humble enough to ask questions when we do not understand, as encouraged in Proverbs 1:7 and James 1:5.

How does Zechariah's question in Zechariah 6:4 relate to our own lives?

Zechariah's question reminds us to seek God's perspective and understanding in our lives, especially when faced with uncertain or confusing circumstances, as seen in Psalm 119:105 where the psalmist seeks God's word as a lamp to his feet.

Reflection Questions

What are the 'chariots and horses' in my life that I need to ask God about for understanding and guidance?
How can I, like Zechariah, cultivate a humble heart that seeks God's perspective in all things?
In what ways can I apply the principle of seeking wisdom and guidance from God, as seen in Zechariah 6:4, to my daily life and decisions?
What are some areas in my life where I need to ask God for clarification or guidance, and how can I practically seek His wisdom?

Gill's Exposition on Zechariah 6:4

Then I answered and said unto the angel that talked with me,.... After he had seen the chariots come out, and had observed the different colours of the horses in them: what [are] these, my lord? that is, what do they signify?

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Zechariah 6:4

Then I answered and said unto the angel that talked with me, What are these, my lord? What are these, my lord? The prophet humbly and teachably seeks instruction from God, and therefore seeks not in vain.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Zechariah 6:4

See 5:6.

Trapp's Commentary on Zechariah 6:4

Zechariah 6:4 Then I answered and said unto the angel that talked with me, What [are] these, my lord?Ver. 4. What are these, my lord?] Difficulty doth but whet desire in heroic spirits; the harder the vision the more earnest was the prophet’ s inquisition: he was restless till better resolved; and therefore applieth himself again to his angel tutor, rather than Tutelar, whom, for honour’ s sake, he called My lord; and take notice of the truth of St Peter’ s assertion concerning the prophetic scrutiny, with greatest sagacity and sedulity.

Whedon's Commentary on Zechariah 6:4

4-7. The prophet, failing to understand the vision, appeals to his companion, who supplies the desired information. The four spirits of the heavens — R.V., “the four winds” (compare Jeremiah 49:36). If the R.V.

Sermons on Zechariah 6:4

	Sermon	Description
	(Through the Bible) Zechariah by Zac Poonen	This sermon delves into the visions and messages received by the prophet Zechariah, emphasizing the importance of teamwork, the new covenant fellowship, the need for young and old