Zechariah – Chapter 4

Old Testament14 Verses

Chapter Summary

Chapter 4 of Zechariah begins: "And the angel that spoke in me came again: and he waked me, as a man that is wakened out of his sleep." Zerubbabel stands at the center of this chapter. Across its 14 verses, two threads run through the text: family and covenant relationships and the work of the Spirit. Read slowly, this chapter rewards the kind of prayerful attention the Church calls lectio divina.

1And the angel that spoke in me came again: and he waked me, as a man that is wakened out of his sleep.

2And he said to me: What seest thou? And I said: I have looked, and behold a candlestick all of gold, and its lamp upon the top of it: and the seven lights thereof upon it: and seven funnels for the lights that were upon the top thereof.

3And two olive trees over it: one upon the right side of the lamp, and the other upon the left side thereof.

4And I answered, and said to the angel that spoke in me, saying: What are these things, my lord?

5And the angel that spoke in me answered, and said to me: Knowest thou not what these things are? And I said: No, my lord.

6And 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.

7Who art thou, O great mountain, before Zorobabel? thou shalt become a plain: and he shall bring out the chief stone, and shall give equal grace to the grace thereof.

8And the word of the Lord came to me, saying:

9The hands of Zorobabel have laid the foundations of this house, and his hands shall finish it: and you shall know that the Lord of hosts hath sent me to you.

10For who hath despised little days? and they shall rejoice, and shall see the tin plummet in the hand of Zorobabel. These are the seven eyes of the Lord, that run to and fro through the whole earth.

11And 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 ?

12And I answered again, and said to him: What are the two olive branches, that are by the two golden beaks, in which are the funnels of gold?

13And he spoke to me, saying: Knowest thou not what these are? And I said: No, my lord.

14And he said: These are two sons of oil who stand before the Lord of the whole earth.

Important Verses in Zechariah 4

And the angel that spoke in me came again: and he waked me, as a man that is wakened out of his sleep.

Zechariah 4:1

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.

Zechariah 4:6

The hands of Zorobabel have laid the foundations of this house, and his hands shall finish it: and you shall know that the Lord of hosts hath sent me to you.

Zechariah 4:9

And he said: These are two sons of oil who stand before the Lord of the whole earth.

Zechariah 4:14

Historical Context

Zechariah belongs to the Old Testament and was composed for the post-exilic community, and all who would recognize the Messiah's coming. Chapter 4 of 14 belongs to the early movement of the book, where the narrative or argument is still unfolding. It is a prophetic oracle addressed to Israel in a moment of covenant crisis or renewal with 14 verses in the Douay-Rheims translation. Historical attention falls on Zerubbabel, the principal figures named in this chapter. The chapter begins: "And the angel that spoke in me came again: and he waked me, as a man that is wakened out of his sleep." The final verse reads: "And he said: These are two sons of oil who stand before the Lord of the whole earth. " In terms of historical background, A contemporary of Haggai, Zechariah encouraged the Temple's rebuilding through eight night visions, then looked far beyond it: a king coming 'humble and riding on a donkey' (9:9), the shepherd sold for thirty pieces of… Catholic tradition dates the book to the period described in its introduction: Beginning in 520 BC; later chapters possibly added by his school.

Who Wrote It

The prophet Zechariah, son of Berechiah

When It Was Written

Beginning in 520 BC; later chapters possibly added by his school

Catholic Commentary

The prophetic discourse in this chapter speaks to a community facing the consequences of its choices before God. A pivotal line is verse 1: "And the angel that spoke in me came again: and he waked me, as a man that is wakened out of his sleep." The passage repeatedly touches on family and covenant relationships.

According to Catholic interpretation, this chapter contributes to the book's portrait of messianic visions and the coming king. Zechariah's prophecies are fulfilled in Christ's passion (CIC 557). The Catechism and the liturgy frequently draw on such passages to nourish faith and moral life (CIC 385).

The moral and spiritual import remains timely: The family is the first school of faith, where love, obedience, and forgiveness are learned.. St. Jerome insisted that ignorance of Scripture is ignorance of Christ; this chapter offers material for meditation, examination of conscience, and deeper love of God.

Main Teachings

  • The family is the first school of faith, where love, obedience, and forgiveness are learned.
  • The Holy Spirit is the giver of life who animates creation, the prophets, and the Church.

People in This Chapter

Zerubbabel4 mentions

Reflection for Today

In Zechariah Chapter 4, the Church invites us to listen attentively to God's Word within the broader narrative of messianic visions and the coming king.

The Second Vatican Council reminded the faithful that Scripture should permeate Catholic spirituality (Dei Verbum, 21-26). Zechariah Chapter 4 supports that call by drawing attention to humility before the mystery of God within the wider message that Behold, your king comes to you, humble and riding on a donkey.

If this passage raises questions, seek the Church's teaching through the Catechism, a faithful priest, or sound Catholic commentaries. Private interpretation must remain in harmony with the Magisterium (CIC 265).

💡Catholic Reflection • Church Teachings

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Zechariah Chapter 4 about?

Zechariah 4 contains 14 verses. It opens with "And the angel that spoke in me came again: and he waked me, as a man that is wakened out of his sleep." and closes with "And he said: These are two sons of oil who stand before the Lord of the whole earth. ". The book as a whole is prophetic visions and messianic oracles.

What is a key verse in Zechariah 4?

One of the most significant verses is verse 1: "And the angel that spoke in me came again: and he waked me, as a man that is wakened out of his sleep." It is often cited in Catholic teaching and preaching.

Who appears in Zechariah Chapter 4?

This chapter mentions Zerubbabel.

Who wrote Zechariah and when?

The prophet Zechariah, son of Berechiah. Beginning in 520 BC; later chapters possibly added by his school.

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