Zechariah 4:11
Zechariah 4:11 in Multiple Translations
Then I asked the angel, “What are the two olive trees on the right and left of the lampstand?”
¶ Then answered I, and said unto him, What are these two olive trees upon the right side of the candlestick and upon the left side thereof?
Then answered I, and said unto him, What are these two olive-trees upon the right side of the candlestick and upon the left side thereof?
And I made answer and said to him, What are these two olive-trees on the right side of the light-support and on the left?
Then I asked the angel, “What are the two olive trees that stand to the right and the left of the lampstand?”
Then answered I, and said vnto him, What are these two oliue trees vpon the right and vpon the left side thereof?
And I answer and say unto him, 'What [are] these two olive-trees, on the right of the candlestick, and on its left?'
Then I asked him, “What are these two olive trees on the right side of the lamp stand and on the left side of it?”
Then I answered, and said to him, What are these two olive-trees upon the right side of the candlestick and upon its left side ?
And I answered, and said to him: What are these two olive trees upon the right side of the candlestick, and upon the left side thereof?
Then I asked the angel, “What is the meaning of the two olive trees, one on each side of the lampstand?
Berean Amplified Bible — Zechariah 4:11
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 4:11 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וָ/אַ֖עַן
וָ/אֹמַ֣ר
אֵלָ֑י/ו
מַה
שְּׁנֵ֤י
הַ/זֵּיתִים֙
הָ/אֵ֔לֶה
עַל
יְמִ֥ין
הַ/מְּנוֹרָ֖ה
וְ/עַל
שְׂמֹאולָֽ/הּ
וָ/אַ֖עַן
ʻânâh
H6030
to dwell
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-1cs
וָ/אֹמַ֣ר
ʼâmar
H559
to say
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-1cs
אֵלָ֑י/ו
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Prep | Suff
מַה
mâh
H4100
what?
Part
שְּׁנֵ֤י
shᵉnayim
H8147
two
Adj
הַ/זֵּיתִים֙
zayith
H2132
olive
Art | N-mp
הָ/אֵ֔לֶה
ʼêl-leh
H428
these
Art | Pron
עַל
ʻal
H5921
upon
Prep
יְמִ֥ין
yâmîyn
H3225
Ben]jamin
N-fs
הַ/מְּנוֹרָ֖ה
mᵉnôwrâh
H4501
lampstand
Art | N-fs
וְ/עַל
ʻal
H5921
upon
Conj | Prep
שְׂמֹאולָֽ/הּ
sᵉmôʼwl
H8040
left
N-ms | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Zechariah 4:11
וָ/אַ֖עַן
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.
וָ/אֹמַ֣ר
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.
אֵלָ֑י/ו
ʼêl
H413
"to(wards)"
Prep | Suff
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.
מַה
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.
שְּׁנֵ֤י
shᵉnayim
H8147
"two"
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.
הַ/זֵּיתִים֙
zayith
H2132
"olive"
Art | 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.
הָ/אֵ֔לֶה
ʼêl-leh
H428
"these"
Art | 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.
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.
יְמִ֥ין
yâmîyn
H3225
"Ben]jamin"
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/מְּנוֹרָ֖ה
mᵉnôwrâh
H4501
"lampstand"
Art | N-fs
The Hebrew word for lampstand, often translated as candlestick, refers to a chandelier or lamp stand, like those found in the Temple. It appears in Exodus 25:31 and 37:17. In the Bible, lampstands symbolize God's presence.
Definition: lamp stand
Usage: Occurs in 31 OT verses. KJV: candlestick. See also: Exodus 25:31; Exodus 40:24; Jeremiah 52:19.
וְ/עַל
ʻal
H5921
"upon"
Conj | 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.
שְׂמֹאולָֽ/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 4:11
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Zechariah 4:11 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Zechariah 4:11
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Zechariah 4:11
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Zechariah 4:11
- Trapp's Commentary on Zechariah 4:11
- Ellicott's Commentary on Zechariah 4:11
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Zechariah 4:11
- Barnes' Notes on Zechariah 4:11
- Whedon's Commentary on Zechariah 4:11
- Sermons on Zechariah 4:11
Context — The Vision of the Lampstand and Olive Trees
9“The hands of Zerubbabel have laid the foundation of this house, and his hands will complete it. Then you will know that the LORD of Hosts has sent me to you.
10For who has despised the day of small things? But these seven eyes of the LORD, which scan the whole earth, will rejoice when they see the plumb line in the hand of Zerubbabel.”
11Then I asked the angel, “What are the two olive trees on the right and left of the lampstand?”
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.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Zechariah 4:3 | There are also two olive trees beside it, one on the right side of the bowl and the other on its left.” |
| 2 | Revelation 11:4 | These witnesses are the two olive trees and the two lampstands that stand before the Lord of the earth. |
Zechariah 4:11 Summary
In Zechariah 4:11, the prophet Zechariah is asking about a vision he received from God, which includes two olive trees and a lampstand. The lampstand represents God's presence and light, and the olive trees symbolize the anointed ones who serve Him. This verse reminds us that God is the source of all light and understanding, and that we can seek wisdom and guidance from Him, as seen in Psalm 119:105. Just like Zechariah, we can ask God for understanding and trust in His plan, as encouraged in Jeremiah 29:11.
Frequently Asked Questions
What do the two olive trees in Zechariah 4:11 represent?
The two olive trees in Zechariah 4:11 represent the two anointed ones who stand before the Lord of all the earth, as explained in Zechariah 4:14, and are often seen as a symbol of the priestly and kingly offices in Israel, with cross-references to Exodus 29:7 and 1 Samuel 10:1 for anointing in the Old Testament context.
Why is the prophet Zechariah inquiring about the olive trees and the lampstand?
The prophet Zechariah is inquiring about the olive trees and the lampstand because he is seeking understanding about the vision given to him by God, similar to the inquiries made by the prophet in Zechariah 4:4 and Zechariah 4:12, demonstrating his humility and desire to know God's plans as seen in Proverbs 1:7.
What is the significance of the lampstand in Zechariah 4:11?
The lampstand in Zechariah 4:11 is a symbol of the presence and light of God, as seen in Exodus 25:31-40, where the lampstand is part of the tabernacle, and in Revelation 1:20, where Jesus Christ is the true lampstand, providing light to the world.
How does Zechariah 4:11 relate to the rest of the chapter?
Zechariah 4:11 is part of a larger vision given to the prophet Zechariah, as seen in Zechariah 4:1-14, which emphasizes the importance of God's presence and power in the rebuilding of the temple and the restoration of Israel, with connections to Zechariah 4:6-10 and the role of Zerubbabel in the rebuilding process.
Reflection Questions
- What does it mean for you to be a source of light in a dark world, as symbolized by the lampstand in Zechariah 4:11?
- How can you, like Zechariah, seek understanding and wisdom from God in times of uncertainty, as encouraged in Proverbs 3:5-6?
- What role do you think the two olive trees play in the larger story of God's plan for His people, and how does this relate to your own life and purpose?
- In what ways can you, like the prophet Zechariah, demonstrate humility and a desire to know God's plans, as seen in Psalm 25:4-5?
Gill's Exposition on Zechariah 4:11
Then answered I, and said unto him,.... To the angel that talked with him, Zechariah 4:1: What [are] these two olive trees upon the right [side] of the candlestick, and upon the [left] side thereof?
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Zechariah 4:11
Then answered I, and said unto him, What are these two olive trees upon the right side of the candlestick and upon the left side thereof? What are these two olive trees?
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Zechariah 4:11
In this verse the prophet proposeth a question to which no answer is given, but he doth immediately proceed to ask one more question, though somewhat, yet not much, different from the former, and in the answer of this latter question the prophet acquiesceth. The explication of this verse you have .
Trapp's Commentary on Zechariah 4:11
Zechariah 4:11 Then answered I, and said unto him, What [are] these two olive trees upon the right [side] of the candlestick and upon the left [side] thereof?Ver. 11. Then answered I, and said unto him] No mean measure of understanding would content the prophet; but he is still inquiring and encroaching upon the angel. So doth Moses upon God, Exodus 33:18-23 He had not been long out of the mount, but he is asking God to show him his glory; which when he had seen, yet he resteth not satisfied, but must have more, and yet more: so David, though deep learned, is ever and anon at it, Teach me thy statutes. Spiritual learning is infused by degrees; our hearts are as narrow mouthed vessels, and God delights often to hear us. Whither I go thou canst not come now; but thou shalt afterwards, John 13:7. Then shall ye know, if ye follow on to know, Hosea 6:3; provided that ye beg and dig, Proverbs 2:3-5, and beat, as the fowl doth the shell to get out the fish; and be discontentedly contented till ye come to see as ye are seen, a spe ad speciem, &c. from faith to sight.
Ellicott's Commentary on Zechariah 4:11
(11) Then answered I . . .—The prophet is not yet quite satisfied as to the meaning of the vision; he desires to know why there are two olive-trees. For as yet only Zerubbabel has been mentioned, and he could hardly be represented by two olive-trees.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Zechariah 4:11
Verse 11. What are these two olive trees] See on Zechariah 4:2.
Barnes' Notes on Zechariah 4:11
And I answered and said - The vision, as a whole, had been explained to him. The prophet asks as to subordinate parts, which seemed perhaps inconsistent with the whole.
Whedon's Commentary on Zechariah 4:11
11-14. The two olive trees are still a mystery to the prophet; he therefore asks his companion to explain their significance. Answered — See on Zechariah 1:10.
Sermons on Zechariah 4:11
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
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 |
|
A Fresh Vision for Church by Brian Long | In this sermon on Zechariah chapter four, the speaker describes a vision where an angel shows the prophet a lampstand of solid gold with seven lamps and two olive trees. The angel |
|
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 |