Zechariah 4:6
Bible verses · Also called: Zech. 4:6, Zechariah 4.6, Not by might, nor by power, But by my spirit, Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit
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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.
The text is the New Korean Revised Version (1998), shown under a licence from the Korean Bible Society. Wording may differ slightly from the Korean Revised Version and the Revised New Korean Standard Version. Read in the Korean Revised Version
The verse "Not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit" was addressed to Zerubbabel, who was charged with rebuilding the temple after the return from exile. It is widely used as a motto for church planting, building projects, and ministry.
Context
The people of Judah who returned from the Babylonian exile began rebuilding the temple, but opposition from surrounding peoples and economic hardship brought the work to a standstill for many years. 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 flanked by two olive trees. In explaining the vision, the angel delivers verse 6 as a word to the governor Zerubbabel. The passage goes on to promise that the great mountain will become a plain and that, as Zerubbabel's hands laid the foundation of the temple, his hands will also finish it (Zechariah 4:7-9).
Interpretation
- Historical reading: The verse promises that the returned community, which had neither military strength nor 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 unceasingly 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," and the major denominations have criticized this as a heretical interpretation, noting that the text refers to leaders of Zechariah's own day. Some have also objected to the use of verse 6 as a slogan to justify large building projects or business ventures, observing that the verse actually warns against relying on human strength and scale.
In the Korean Church
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
See also 5
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