Lexical Summary tsanteroth: Lances, spears Original Word: צַנְתָּרָה Strong's Exhaustive Concordance pipe Probably from the same as tsinnuwr; a tube -- pipe. see HEBREW tsinnuwr NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom the same as tsinnor Definition pipes NASB Translation pipes (1). Brown-Driver-Briggs צַנְתְּרוֺת noun masculine plural construct pipes feeding lamps with oil Zechariah 4:12 (in vision) (formation by inserting ת according to Bö§ 300 b Köii.1.201). Topical Lexicon Term Overview The word designates a “pipe” or “conduit,” something fashioned to channel and direct a flow. It appears only once in the Old Testament, giving it a sharply defined function within Scripture: to portray the means by which a sacred supply moves from its source to its destination. Context in Zechariah’s Vision In Zechariah 4 the prophet is shown a golden lampstand flanked by two olive trees. The angel explains that the scene concerns the rebuilding of the post-exilic temple under Zerubbabel and the accompanying ministry of the high priest Joshua. Verse 12 supplies the unique term: “Again I asked him, ‘What are the two branches of the olive trees beside the two gold pipes from which the golden oil pours?’” (Zechariah 4:12). Here the pipes conduct unceasing oil from the olive branches straight into the lampstand, ensuring its light never falters. The imagery advances the earlier declaration, “Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit,’ says the LORD of Hosts” (Zechariah 4:6). Oil, lamp, and pipe together dramatize divine sufficiency for the daunting work assigned to the remnant. Symbolic Significance of the Pipes 1. Uninterrupted Supply – The continuous flow stresses that the Spirit’s provision is both abundant and unhindered. The pipe is the antithesis of a clogged channel; it embodies God’s resolve that His purpose will not be starved of resources. Relation to Temple Worship and Priestly Ministry The post-exilic community lacked the splendor of Solomon’s temple, yet the vision assured them that heavenly logistics were already in place. The pipes correspond to the intricate plumbing of tabernacle and temple lavers (1 Kings 7:38-39) and to the menorah’s own filigreed channels. By featuring only two pipes, the scene underlines its focused purpose: God’s covenant people, represented by Joshua and Zerubbabel, are the Spirit’s select conduits. Their leadership would restore worship and re-establish priestly intercession in Jerusalem. Christological and Eschatological Implications Revelation 11:3-4 recalls the “two olive trees” as witnesses empowered during history’s final convulsions. The single supply line of Zechariah thus blossoms into a global testimony in Revelation, but the principle remains: heaven equips its servants. Ultimately the perfect Mediator is Jesus Christ, the true Temple (John 2:19-21) and the Light of the World (John 8:12). On Pentecost the believers became living lampstands as the Spirit was poured out “from on high” (Isaiah 32:15). Each disciple now stands downstream of an inexhaustible pipeline. Practical Application for Believers • Dependence – Ministry thrives when saints, like Joshua and Zerubbabel, trust the Spirit’s flow rather than human ingenuity. Though the word appears but once, it conveys a truth that courses through all of Scripture: God Himself furnishes the power to accomplish what He commands, and He does so through chosen, cleansed, and consecrated vessels. Forms and Transliterations צַנְתְּר֣וֹת צנתרות ṣan·tə·rō·wṯ ṣantərōwṯ tzanteRotLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Zechariah 4:12 HEB: בְּיַ֗ד שְׁנֵי֙ צַנְתְּר֣וֹת הַזָּהָ֔ב הַֽמְרִיקִ֥ים NAS: golden pipes, which empty KJV: the two golden pipes empty the golden INT: are beside the two pipes golden empty 1 Occurrence |
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