Zechariah 4:6

Context

The people of Judah who returned from the Babylonian exile began rebuilding the temple, but opposition from surrounding peoples and economic hardship halted the work for a long time. During this period the prophets Haggai and Zechariah encouraged the people. Chapter 4 records Zechariah's fifth vision, in which he sees a lampstand of pure gold with an olive tree on either side. In explaining the vision, the angel delivers verse 6 as a word to the governor Zerubbabel: "Not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit, saith the LORD of hosts." The passage then promises that the great mountain will become a plain and that, as the hands of Zerubbabel laid the foundation of the temple, his hands will also finish it (Zechariah 4:7-9).

Interpretation

• Historical reading: The verse is a promise that the returned community, lacking both military strength and political backing, could complete the temple only by the Spirit of God.
• Extended reading as the work of the Holy Spirit: The vision of oil supplied without interruption to the lampstand is taken to represent the provision of the Holy Spirit, and the verse is applied as a principle that all the ministry of the church is accomplished not by human ability but by the Spirit.
• The two olive trees: Verse 14 calls the two olive trees "the two anointed ones." They are generally understood to refer to the governor Zerubbabel and the high priest Joshua of that time, and some interpreters connect them with the two witnesses of Revelation 11:4.

Controversies

In Korea, the vision of the two olive trees has at times been used to present particular individuals as messianic figures. The founder of Cheonbugyo (formerly known as the Jeondogwan) is reported to have presented himself as the "olive tree." Major Korean denominations have criticized this as a heretical interpretation, pointing out that the text refers to leaders of Zechariah's own day. Others have objected to the use of verse 6 as a slogan to justify large building projects or business plans, noting that the verse in fact warns against relying on human strength and scale.

In Korean Churches

In Korean Protestant churches, the verse is frequently chosen as the sermon text for church-planting services, groundbreaking and dedication ceremonies, and missionary commissioning services. It is also commonly displayed as a church motto and on framed wall hangings.

Related Passages

• Haggai 2:4-5
• Zechariah 4:9-10
• Revelation 11:4
• 1 Corinthians 2:4-5