Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version He replied, “Do you not know what these are?” “No, my lord,” I said. New Living Translation “Don’t you know?” he asked. “No, my lord,” I replied. English Standard Version He said to me, “Do you not know what these are?” I said, “No, my lord.” Berean Standard Bible “Do you not know what these are?” he inquired. “No, my lord,” I replied. King James Bible And he answered me and said, Knowest thou not what these be? And I said, No, my lord. New King James Version Then he answered me and said, “Do you not know what these are?” And I said, “No, my lord.” New American Standard Bible So he answered me, saying, “Do you not know what these are?” And I said, “No, my lord.” NASB 1995 So he answered me, saying, “Do you not know what these are?” And I said, “No, my lord.” NASB 1977 So he answered me saying, “Do you not know what these are?” And I said, “No, my lord.” Legacy Standard Bible So he spoke to me, saying, “Do you not know what these are?” And I said, “No, my lord.” Amplified Bible And he answered me, “Do you not know what these are?” And I said, “No, my lord.” Christian Standard Bible Then he inquired of me, “Don’t you know what these are? ” “No, my lord,” I replied. Holman Christian Standard Bible Then he inquired of me, “Don’t you know what these are?"” No, my lord,” I replied.” American Standard Version And he answered me and said, Knowest thou not what these are? And I said, No, my lord. Contemporary English Version "Don't you know?" he asked. "No sir, I don't," was my answer. English Revised Version And he answered me and said, Knowest thou not what these be? And I said, No, my lord. GOD'S WORD® Translation He asked me, "Don't you know what these things mean?" "No, sir," I answered. Good News Translation He asked me, "Don't you know?" "No, I don't, sir," I answered. International Standard Version The angel replied, "You don't know what these are, do you?" I responded to him, "No, sir." NET Bible He replied, "Don't you know what these are?" And I said, "No, sir." New Heart English Bible He answered me, "Do you not know what these are?" I said, "No, my lord." Webster's Bible Translation And he answered me and said, Knowest thou not what these are? And I said, No, my lord. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard Bible“Do you not know what these are?” he inquired. “No, my lord,” I replied. World English Bible He answered me, “Don’t you know what these are?” I said, “No, my lord.” Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionAnd he speaks to me, saying, “Have you not known what these [are]?” And I say, “No, my lord.” Young's Literal Translation And he speaketh unto me, saying, 'Hast thou not known what these are?' And I say, 'No, my lord.' Smith's Literal Translation And he will say to me, saying, Knewest thou not what these are? And saying, No, my lord. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleAnd he spoke to me, saying: Knowest thou not what these are? And I said: No, my lord. Catholic Public Domain Version And he spoke to me, saying, “Do you not know what these are?” And I said, “No, my lord.” New American Bible He said to me, “Do you not know what these are?” I answered, “No, my lord.” New Revised Standard Version He said to me, “Do you not know what these are?” I said, “No, my lord.” Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleAnd he said to me, Do you not know what these are? And I said, No, my lord. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated And he said to me: Do you not know what these are? And I said: “No, my Lord.” OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917And he answered me and said: 'Knowest thou not what these are?' And I said: 'No, my lord.' Brenton Septuagint Translation And he said to me, Knowest thou not what these are? and I said, No, my lord. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context The Vision of the Lampstand and Olive Trees…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 Revelation 11:3-4 And I will empower my two witnesses, and they will prophesy for 1,260 days, clothed in sackcloth.” / These witnesses are the two olive trees and the two lampstands that stand before the Lord of the earth. Revelation 1:20 This is the mystery of the seven stars you saw in My right hand and of the seven golden lampstands: The seven stars are the angels of the seven churches, and the seven lampstands are the seven churches. Revelation 4:5 From the throne came flashes of lightning, rumblings, and peals of thunder. Before the throne burned seven torches of fire. These are the seven spirits of God. Matthew 5:14-16 You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. / Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a basket. Instead, they set it on a stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. / In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven. John 8:12 Once again, Jesus spoke to the people and said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows Me will never walk in the darkness, but will have the light of life.” John 15:5 I am the vine and you are the branches. The one who remains in Me, and I in him, will bear much fruit. For apart from Me you can do nothing. Romans 11:17-24 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, / do not boast over those branches. If you do, remember this: You do not support the root, but the root supports you. / You will say then, “Branches were broken off so that I could be grafted in.” ... 1 Corinthians 3:16 Do you not know that you yourselves are God’s temple, and that God’s Spirit dwells in you? Ephesians 2:20-22 built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus Himself as the cornerstone. / In Him the whole building is fitted together and grows into a holy temple in the Lord. / And in Him you too are being built together into a dwelling place for God in His Spirit. 1 Peter 2:5 you also, like living stones, are being built into a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. Isaiah 42:6 “I, the LORD, have called you for a righteous purpose, and I will take hold of your hand. I will keep you and appoint you to be a covenant for the people and a light to the nations, Isaiah 60:1-3 Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the LORD rises upon you. / For behold, darkness covers the earth, and thick darkness is over the peoples; but the LORD will rise upon you, and His glory will appear over you. / Nations will come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your dawn. Jeremiah 1:11-12 And the word of the LORD came to me, asking, “Jeremiah, what do you see?” “I see a branch of an almond tree,” I replied. / “You have observed correctly,” said the LORD, “for I am watching over My word to accomplish it.” Ezekiel 37:1-14 The hand of the LORD was upon me, and He brought me out by His Spirit and set me down in the middle of the valley, and it was full of bones. / He led me all around among them, and I saw a great many bones on the floor of the valley, and indeed, they were very dry. / Then He asked me, “Son of man, can these bones come to life?” “O Lord GOD,” I replied, “only You know.” ... Daniel 12:3 Then the wise will shine like the brightness of the heavens, and those who lead many to righteousness will shine like the stars forever and ever. Treasury of Scripture And he answered me and said, Know you not what these be? And I said, No, my lord. Knowest. Zechariah 4:5 Then the angel that talked with me answered and said unto me, Knowest thou not what these be? And I said, No, my lord. Hebrews 5:11,12 Of whom we have many things to say, and hard to be uttered, seeing ye are dull of hearing… Jump to Previous SpeakethJump to Next SpeakethZechariah 4 1. By the golden candlestick is foreshown the good success of Zerubbabel's foundation;11. by the two olive trees the two anointed ones. “Do you not know what these are?” This question is posed by the angel to Zechariah, highlighting the importance of understanding divine visions. In the context of Zechariah 4, the vision involves a golden lampstand and two olive trees, symbolizing God's provision and the anointing of His leaders. The question emphasizes the need for spiritual insight and discernment, which is a recurring theme in prophetic literature. This mirrors other instances in Scripture where God or His messengers ask questions to provoke thought and deeper understanding, such as in Genesis 3:9 when God asks Adam, "Where are you?" It underscores the importance of seeking wisdom and understanding from God, as seen in James 1:5. he inquired. “No, my lord,” I replied. Persons / Places / Events 1. ZechariahA prophet of the post-exilic period, Zechariah is the recipient of visions and messages from God, intended to encourage the Jewish people during the rebuilding of the temple. 2. The Angel A divine messenger who communicates God's visions to Zechariah, guiding him through the symbolic imagery and ensuring he understands the messages. 3. The Vision This particular vision involves a golden lampstand and two olive trees, symbolizing God's provision and the anointing of His Spirit. 4. The Temple The context of Zechariah's visions is the rebuilding of the temple in Jerusalem, a central place of worship and a symbol of God's presence among His people. 5. Zerubbabel Although not directly mentioned in this verse, Zerubbabel is a key figure in the surrounding passages, representing leadership and the empowerment of God's Spirit to accomplish His purposes. Teaching Points Understanding God's SymbolsJust as Zechariah needed guidance to understand the vision, we too should seek divine wisdom and guidance to comprehend God's messages in our lives. The Role of the Holy Spirit The vision emphasizes the importance of the Holy Spirit's empowerment in accomplishing God's work, reminding us that spiritual endeavors require divine strength. God's Encouragement in Difficult Times Zechariah's visions were meant to encourage the Israelites during a challenging period. Similarly, we can find hope and motivation in God's promises during our own trials. The Importance of Obedience Zechariah's willingness to admit his lack of understanding and seek clarification is a model of humility and obedience, encouraging us to seek God's wisdom in our uncertainties. The Continuity of God's Plan The connection between Zechariah's vision and other scriptures highlights the continuity of God's redemptive plan throughout history, encouraging us to trust in His sovereign purposes. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of Zechariah 4:13?2. How does Zechariah 4:13 encourage reliance on God's Spirit over human strength? 3. What does Zechariah 4:13 reveal about God's communication through visions and symbols? 4. How can Zechariah 4:13's message be applied to modern church leadership? 5. Connect Zechariah 4:13 with other scriptures emphasizing God's Spirit in accomplishing tasks. 6. How does understanding Zechariah 4:13 deepen our trust in God's divine plans? 7. What is the significance of the olive trees in Zechariah 4:13? 8. How does Zechariah 4:13 relate to the concept of divine anointing? 9. Why are the two olive branches important in Zechariah 4:13? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Zechariah 4? 11. What does it mean to truly know God? 12. What are the key teachings and events in Luke? 13. If God is all-knowing, why would Zechariah 7:5-6 question whether the people were sincerely fasting for Him? 14. Is your heart troubled by unnecessary worries? What Does Zechariah 4:13 Mean Do you not knowThe angel’s opening question exposes the gap between what Zechariah sees and what he understands. Throughout Scripture the Lord often begins revelation with a probing question, inviting the listener to admit need and hunger for truth. • Genesis 3:9 shows God calling, “Where are you?” to draw Adam into honest dialogue. • In John 3:10 Jesus asks Nicodemus, “Are you the teacher of Israel and yet you do not understand these things?”—a gentle nudge toward deeper insight. • Daniel 12:8–9 records Daniel confessing, “I heard, but I did not understand,” prompting further clarification from the angel. By starting with “Do you not know,” God signals that revelation is relational: understanding grows as we acknowledge our limits and lean on Him. what these are? The phrase centers on the specific symbols of the golden lampstand and two olive trees (Zechariah 4:2–3). The question presses Zechariah to consider their meaning rather than settle for mere observation. • Zechariah had previously asked about rider-mounted horses (1:9), echoing Jeremiah 24:3, where the prophet inquires about two baskets of figs. • Revelation 7:13-14 shows an elder asking John, “Who are these…?” encouraging reflection before explanation. God delights to unfold mysteries, but He first engages the prophet’s reason and faith, reinforcing that every vision has practical, covenant-anchored significance. he inquired. The angel’s persistence underscores divine patience and personal attention. Heaven wants the prophet—and by extension the people of Judah—to grasp God’s encouragement for rebuilding the temple. • Judges 6:12-14 pictures the Angel of the LORD repeatedly speaking to Gideon, confirming his calling. • Luke 1:19 portrays Gabriel engaging Zacharias in extended dialogue about John the Baptist’s birth. The repeated inquiry models discipleship: God does not merely deliver information; He shepherds hearts until truth is embraced. "No, my lord," Zechariah’s respectful admission models humility. He neither pretends understanding nor shrinks from asking for help. • Proverbs 3:34 promises grace to the humble; Zechariah positions himself to receive it. • In Acts 10:4 Cornelius addresses the angel with similar respect, “What is it, Lord?”—opening the door to instruction. • 2 Kings 6:15-17 records Elisha’s servant first confessing fear, then witnessing God’s greater reality. Saying “No” is not failure; it is the honest surrender that invites fuller revelation. I replied. The prophet actively engages, showing that divine encounters are a dialogue, not a monologue. • 1 Samuel 3:10 demonstrates young Samuel responding, “Speak, for Your servant is listening,” illustrating the posture God honors. • Habakkuk 2:1-2 shows the prophet standing at his watch to “see what He will say,” then writing down the vision. Zechariah’s reply sets the stage for verses 14-10, where the angel unveils the famous declaration, “‘Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit,’ says the LORD of Hosts” (4:6). His willingness to converse becomes the conduit for a message that strengthens Zerubbabel and fuels the restoration of worship. summary Zechariah 4:13 captures the gracious rhythm of revelation: God questions, the prophet confesses ignorance, and deeper truth follows. The angel’s probing “Do you not know?” invites humble dependence; Zechariah’s “No, my lord” models teachability. When we, like him, admit our need and engage the Lord in conversation, He gladly unfolds His purposes, empowering us—then and now—to accomplish His work by His Spirit. Verse 13. - Knowest thou not? (comp. ver. 5). The angel wishes to impress upon the prophet whence came the power of the theocracy and the Divine order manifested therein.Parallel Commentaries ... Hebrew “Do you notהֲל֥וֹא (hă·lō·w) Adverb - Negative particle Strong's 3808: Not, no know יָדַ֖עְתָּ (yā·ḏa‘·tā) Verb - Qal - Perfect - second person masculine singular Strong's 3045: To know what מָה־ (māh-) Interrogative Strong's 4100: What?, what!, indefinitely what these are?” אֵ֑לֶּה (’êl·leh) Pronoun - common plural Strong's 428: These, those he inquired. וַיֹּ֤אמֶר (way·yō·mer) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 559: To utter, say “No, לֹ֥א (lō) Adverb - Negative particle Strong's 3808: Not, no my lord,” אֲדֹנִֽי׃ (’ă·ḏō·nî) Noun - masculine singular construct | first person common singular Strong's 113: Sovereign, controller I replied. וָאֹמַ֖ר (wā·’ō·mar) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - first person common singular Strong's 559: To utter, say Links Zechariah 4:13 NIVZechariah 4:13 NLT Zechariah 4:13 ESV Zechariah 4:13 NASB Zechariah 4:13 KJV Zechariah 4:13 BibleApps.com Zechariah 4:13 Biblia Paralela Zechariah 4:13 Chinese Bible Zechariah 4:13 French Bible Zechariah 4:13 Catholic Bible OT Prophets: Zechariah 4:13 He answered me Don't you know what (Zech. 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