Zechariah 4:6
New International Version
So he said to me, “This is the word of the LORD to Zerubbabel: ‘Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit,’ says the LORD Almighty.

New Living Translation
Then he said to me, “This is what the LORD says to Zerubbabel: It is not by force nor by strength, but by my Spirit, says the LORD of Heaven’s Armies.

English Standard Version
Then he said to me, “This is the word of the LORD to Zerubbabel: Not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit, says the LORD of hosts.

Berean Standard Bible
So he said to me, “This is the word of the LORD to Zerubbabel: Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit, says the LORD of Hosts.

King James Bible
Then he answered and spake unto me, saying, This is the word of the LORD unto Zerubbabel, saying, Not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit, saith the LORD of hosts.

New King James Version
So he answered and said to me: “This is the word of the LORD to Zerubbabel: ‘Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit,’ Says the LORD of hosts.

New American Standard Bible
Then he said to me, “This is the word of the LORD to Zerubbabel, saying, ‘Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit,’ says the LORD of armies.

NASB 1995
Then he said to me, “This is the word of the LORD to Zerubbabel saying, ‘Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit,’ says the LORD of hosts.

NASB 1977
Then he answered and said to me, “This is the word of the LORD to Zerubbabel saying, ‘Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit,’ says the LORD of hosts.

Legacy Standard Bible
Then he answered and spoke to me, saying, “This is the word of Yahweh to Zerubbabel, saying, ‘Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit,’ says Yahweh of hosts.

Amplified Bible
Then he said to me, “This [continuous supply of oil] is the word of the LORD to Zerubbabel [prince of Judah], saying, ‘Not by might, nor by power, but by My Spirit [of whom the oil is a symbol],’ says the LORD of hosts.

Christian Standard Bible
So he answered me, “This is the word of the LORD to Zerubbabel: ‘Not by strength or by might, but by my Spirit,’ says the LORD of Armies.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
So he answered me, “This is the word of the LORD to Zerubbabel: ‘Not by strength or by might, but by My Spirit,’ says the LORD of Hosts.

American Standard Version
Then he answered and spake unto me, saying, This is the word of Jehovah unto Zerubbabel, saying, Not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit, saith Jehovah of hosts.

Contemporary English Version
So the angel explained that it was the following message of the LORD to Zerubbabel: I am the LORD All-Powerful. So don't depend on your own power or strength, but on my Spirit.

English Revised Version
Then he answered and spake unto me, saying, This is the word of the LORD unto Zerubbabel, saying, Not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit, saith the LORD of hosts.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
Then he replied, "This is the word the LORD spoke to Zerubbabel: You won't [succeed] by might or by power, but by my Spirit, says the LORD of Armies.

Good News Translation
The angel told me to give Zerubbabel this message from the LORD: "You will succeed, not by military might or by your own strength, but by my spirit.

International Standard Version
Then he replied to me, "This is this message from the LORD to Zerubbabel: 'Not by valor nor by strength, but only by my Spirit,' says the LORD of the Heavenly Armies.

Majority Standard Bible
So he said to me, ?This is the word of the LORD to Zerubbabel: Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit, says the LORD of Hosts.

NET Bible
Therefore he told me, "These signify the word of the LORD to Zerubbabel: 'Not by strength and not by power, but by my Spirit,' says the LORD who rules over all."

New Heart English Bible
Then he answered and spoke to me, saying, "This is the word of the LORD to Zerubbabel, saying, 'Not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit,' says the LORD of hosts.

Webster's Bible Translation
Then he answered and spoke to me, saying, This is the word of the LORD to Zerubbabel, saying, Not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit, saith the LORD of hosts.

World English Bible
Then he answered and spoke to me, saying, “This is Yahweh’s word to Zerubbabel, saying, ‘Not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit,’ says Yahweh of Armies.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
And he answers and speaks to me, saying, “This [is] a word of YHWH to Zerubbabel, saying, "" Not by a force, nor by power, "" But—by My Spirit, said YHWH of Hosts.

Young's Literal Translation
And he answereth and speaketh unto me, saying: 'This is a word of Jehovah unto Zerubbabel, saying: Not by a force, nor by power, But -- by My Spirit, said Jehovah of Hosts.

Smith's Literal Translation
And he will answer And say to me, saying, This the word of Jehovah to Zerubbabel, saying, Not by strength, not by power, but by my spirit, said Jehovah of armies.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
And he answered, and spoke to me, saying: This is the word of the Lord to Zorobabel, saying: Not with an army, nor by might, but by my spirit, saith the Lord of hosts.

Catholic Public Domain Version
And he answered and spoke to me, saying: This is the word of the Lord to Zerubbabel, saying: Not by an army, nor by might, but in my spirit, says the Lord of hosts.

New American Bible
Then he said to me: “This is the word of the LORD to Zerubbabel: Not by might, and not by power, but by my spirit, says the LORD of hosts.

New Revised Standard Version
He said to me, “This is the word of the LORD to Zerubbabel: Not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit, says the LORD of hosts.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
Then he said to me, This is the word of the LORD to Zerubbabel, saying, Not by power nor by might, but by my Spirit, says the LORD of hosts.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And he said to me: ”This is the word of LORD JEHOVAH to Zorobabel: ‘not by power and not by strength but only by The Spirit, says LORD JEHOVAH of Hosts’
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
Then he answered and spoke unto me, saying: 'This is the word of the LORD unto Zerubbabel, saying: Not by might, nor by power, but by My spirit, saith the LORD of hosts.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And he answered and spoke to me, saying, This is the word of the Lord to Zorobabel, saying, not by mighty power, nor by strength, but by my Spirit, saith the Lord Almighty.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
The Vision of the Lampstand and Olive Trees
5“Do you not know what they are?” replied the angel. “No, my lord,” I answered. 6So he said to me, “This is the word of the LORD to Zerubbabel: Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit, says the LORD of Hosts. 7What are you, O great mountain? Before Zerubbabel you will become a plain. Then he will bring forth the capstone accompanied by shouts of ‘Grace, grace to it!’ ”…

Cross References
Acts 1:8
But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you, and you will be My witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”

2 Corinthians 12:9
But He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is perfected in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly in my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest on me.

Ephesians 3:16
I ask that out of the riches of His glory He may strengthen you with power through His Spirit in your inner being,

Philippians 4:13
I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength.

Romans 15:13
Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you believe in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.

1 Corinthians 2:4-5
My message and my preaching were not with persuasive words of wisdom, but with a demonstration of the Spirit’s power, / so that your faith would not rest on men’s wisdom, but on God’s power.

Galatians 3:3
Are you so foolish? After starting in the Spirit, are you now finishing in the flesh?

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.

1 John 4:4
You, little children, are from God and have overcome them, because greater is He who is in you than he who is in the world.

Romans 8:9
You, however, are controlled not by the flesh, but by the Spirit, if the Spirit of God lives in you. And if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he does not belong to Christ.

Isaiah 11:2
The Spirit of the LORD will rest on Him—the Spirit of wisdom and understanding, the Spirit of counsel and strength, the Spirit of knowledge and fear of the LORD.

Isaiah 40:29-31
He gives power to the faint and increases the strength of the weak. / Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall. / But those who wait upon the LORD will renew their strength; they will mount up with wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not faint.

Isaiah 41:10
Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be afraid, for I am your God. I will strengthen you; I will surely help you; I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.

Isaiah 42:1
“Here is My Servant, whom I uphold, My Chosen One, in whom My soul delights. I will put My Spirit on Him, and He will bring justice to the nations.

Isaiah 44:3
For I will pour water on the thirsty land, and currents on the dry ground. I will pour out My Spirit on your descendants, and My blessing on your offspring.


Treasury of Scripture

Then he answered and spoke to me, saying, This is the word of the LORD to Zerubbabel, saying, Not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit, said the LORD of hosts.

Not.

Zechariah 9:13-15
When I have bent Judah for me, filled the bow with Ephraim, and raised up thy sons, O Zion, against thy sons, O Greece, and made thee as the sword of a mighty man…

Numbers 27:16
Let the LORD, the God of the spirits of all flesh, set a man over the congregation,

2 Chronicles 14:11
And Asa cried unto the LORD his God, and said, LORD, it is nothing with thee to help, whether with many, or with them that have no power: help us, O LORD our God; for we rest on thee, and in thy name we go against this multitude. O LORD, thou art our God; let not man prevail against thee.

might.

2 Chronicles 32:7,8
Be strong and courageous, be not afraid nor dismayed for the king of Assyria, nor for all the multitude that is with him: for there be more with us than with him: …

Psalm 20:6-8
Now know I that the LORD saveth his anointed; he will hear him from his holy heaven with the saving strength of his right hand…

Psalm 33:16,20,21
There is no king saved by the multitude of an host: a mighty man is not delivered by much strength…

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Zechariah 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.














So he said to me
This phrase indicates a direct communication from God through the angel to the prophet Zechariah. The Hebrew root for "said" is "אָמַר" (amar), which is often used in the Old Testament to denote divine speech. This emphasizes the authority and authenticity of the message. In the context of Zechariah, a post-exilic prophet, this communication underscores the importance of divine guidance during the rebuilding of the temple and the restoration of Jerusalem.

This is the word of the LORD
The phrase "word of the LORD" is significant in the Hebrew Bible, often denoting a divine revelation or command. The Hebrew term for "word" is "דָּבָר" (dabar), which can mean a matter, thing, or speech. This highlights the power and effectiveness of God's word, as seen throughout Scripture, where God's word accomplishes His purposes (Isaiah 55:11). For Zerubbabel, the governor of Judah, this word was a source of encouragement and direction.

to Zerubbabel
Zerubbabel was a key leader in the Jewish community during the return from Babylonian exile. His name means "seed of Babylon," reflecting his birth during the exile. As a descendant of David, Zerubbabel's leadership was crucial in the rebuilding of the temple. This historical context emphasizes the continuity of God's promises to David's line and the hope of restoration for Israel.

Not by might
The Hebrew word for "might" is "חַיִל" (chayil), which can refer to strength, efficiency, or wealth. This phrase suggests that human resources, whether military, economic, or social, are insufficient for accomplishing God's purposes. In the context of rebuilding the temple, it was a reminder that success would not come through human effort alone.

nor by power
The term "power" in Hebrew is "כֹּחַ" (koach), often associated with physical strength or force. This reinforces the idea that human ability, no matter how formidable, cannot achieve divine objectives. The historical backdrop of opposition from surrounding nations and internal challenges highlights the need for reliance on something greater than human power.

but by My Spirit
The Hebrew word for "Spirit" is "רוּחַ" (ruach), which can mean breath, wind, or spirit. This phrase is central to the verse, emphasizing the role of the Holy Spirit in empowering and guiding God's people. In the broader biblical narrative, the Spirit is the agent of creation, inspiration, and empowerment. For Zerubbabel and the returning exiles, this was a promise of divine assistance and presence.

says the LORD of Hosts
The title "LORD of Hosts" (YHWH Sabaoth) underscores God's sovereignty and command over the heavenly armies. It is a reminder of His ultimate authority and power. In the context of Zechariah, it reassures the people of God's control over the cosmic and earthly realms, providing confidence that His purposes will prevail despite opposition.

Verse 6. - This is the word of the Lord unto Zerubbabel. The Lord's message unto Zerubbabel is the purport of the vision, viz. that his work will be accomplished through the grace of God alone. Not by might. Septuagint, "not by great might;" but the Vulgate, "not by an army." The word is almost synonymous with the following, translated power; and the two together mean that the effect is to be produced, not by any human means, however potent. Doubtless Zerubbabel was dispirited when he thought how much there was to do, how feeble the means at his disposal (Nehemiah 4:2), and how formidable the opposition; and nothing could better reassure him than the promise of Divine aid. But by my Spirit. The angel does not say expressly what is to be done; but the purpose that filled the minds of Zechariah and Zerubbabel applied the word. The operations of the Spirit are manifold, and his aid alone could bring these mighty things to pass. The oil is a figure of the grace of the Holy Spirit; and as the lamps are not supplied by human hands, but directly from the olives, so the good work now undertaken shall be supported by Divine means (see on ver. 14).

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
So he said to me,
וַיַּ֜עַן (way·ya·‘an)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 6030: To answer, respond

“This
זֶ֚ה (zeh)
Pronoun - masculine singular
Strong's 2088: This, that

is the word
דְּבַר־ (də·ḇar-)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 1697: A word, a matter, thing, a cause

of the LORD
יְהוָ֔ה (Yah·weh)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3068: LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel

to
אֵלַי֙ (’ê·lay)
Preposition | first person common singular
Strong's 413: Near, with, among, to

Zerubbabel:
זְרֻבָּבֶ֖ל (zə·rub·bā·ḇel)
Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 2216: Zerubbabel -- 'begotten in Babylon', a leader of returning Israelite exiles

Not
לֹ֤א (lō)
Adverb - Negative particle
Strong's 3808: Not, no

by might
בְחַ֙יִל֙ (ḇə·ḥa·yil)
Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 2428: A force, an army, wealth, virtue, valor, strength

nor
וְלֹ֣א (wə·lō)
Conjunctive waw | Adverb - Negative particle
Strong's 3808: Not, no

by power,
בְכֹ֔חַ (ḇə·ḵō·aḥ)
Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 3581: A small reptile (of unknown species)

but
כִּ֣י (kî)
Conjunction
Strong's 3588: A relative conjunction

by My Spirit,
בְּרוּחִ֔י (bə·rū·ḥî)
Preposition-b | Noun - common singular construct | first person common singular
Strong's 7307: Wind, breath, exhalation, life, anger, unsubstantiality, a region of the sky, spirit

says
וַיֹּ֤אמֶר (way·yō·mer)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 559: To utter, say

the LORD
יְהוָ֥ה (Yah·weh)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3068: LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel

of Hosts.
צְבָאֽוֹת׃ (ṣə·ḇā·’ō·wṯ)
Noun - common plural
Strong's 6635: A mass of persons, reg, organized for, war, a campaign


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OT Prophets: Zechariah 4:6 Then he answered and spoke to me (Zech. Zec Zc)
Zechariah 4:5
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