Zechariah 4:13

“And he answered me and said, Knowest thou not what these be? And I said, No, my lord.”

And he answered me and said, Knowest thou not what these be? And I said, No, my lord. Zechariah 4:13 (KJV)

Zechariah 4:13 is part of a larger passage that describes Zechariah’s vision of a golden lampstand, commonly referred to as the “golden candlestick” or “golden lamp.” In this vision, Zechariah sees a unique feature of the lampstand, two olive trees on either side of it, which have pipes that supply oil directly to the lamps. Zechariah is perplexed by this sight and asks for clarification.

Let’s examine the verse in its broader context to gain a better understanding:

Verse 12 provides the setting: “And I answered again, and said unto him, What be these two olive branches which through the two golden pipes empty the golden oil out of themselves?” Here, Zechariah inquires about the significance of the olive branches and the golden pipes.

In response to Zechariah’s question, verse 13 states, “And he answered me and said, Knowest thou not what these be? And I said, No, my lord.” This verse reveals Zechariah’s admission of his lack of understanding. He acknowledges his limited knowledge and seeks further insight from the Lord or the angelic messenger who is communicating with him.

It is essential to note that in the subsequent verses, the angel proceeds to explain the meaning behind the symbolism in Zechariah’s vision, offering further clarification and insight.

Zechariah’s humility and willingness to seek understanding are notable in this passage. As a prophet, he had encountered divine visions before, but he did not assume he understood every aspect of the present vision. Instead, he honestly admitted his lack of knowledge and sought enlightenment from the Lord.

This passage can serve as a reminder to us that it is acceptable to admit when we don’t have all the answers. Sometimes, we encounter situations, symbols, or mysteries that we do not immediately comprehend. In those moments, it is wise to turn to God and seek His guidance and revelation.

Additionally, this verse highlights the importance of being teachable and receptive to instruction from the Lord. It is a humble response to acknowledge our limitations and rely on God’s wisdom and understanding to gain clarity in our spiritual journey.

In summary, Zechariah 4:13 portrays Zechariah’s admission of his lack of knowledge and his openness to receive further understanding. This verse reminds us to approach God with humility and seek His guidance when faced with mysteries or questions that surpass our understanding.