Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version “Who dares despise the day of small things, since the seven eyes of the LORD that range throughout the earth will rejoice when they see the chosen capstone in the hand of Zerubbabel?” New Living Translation Do not despise these small beginnings, for the LORD rejoices to see the work begin, to see the plumb line in Zerubbabel’s hand.” (The seven lamps represent the eyes of the LORD that search all around the world.) English Standard Version For whoever has despised the day of small things shall rejoice, and shall see the plumb line in the hand of Zerubbabel. “These seven are the eyes of the LORD, which range through the whole earth.” Berean Standard Bible For 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.” King James Bible For who hath despised the day of small things? for they shall rejoice, and shall see the plummet in the hand of Zerubbabel with those seven; they are the eyes of the LORD, which run to and fro through the whole earth. New King James Version For who has despised the day of small things? For these seven rejoice to see The plumb line in the hand of Zerubbabel. They are the eyes of the LORD, Which scan to and fro throughout the whole earth.” New American Standard Bible For who has shown contempt for the day of small things? But these seven will rejoice when they see the plumb line in the hand of Zerubbabel—they are the eyes of the LORD roaming throughout the earth.” NASB 1995 “For who has despised the day of small things? But these seven will be glad when they see the plumb line in the hand of Zerubbabel— these are the eyes of the LORD which range to and fro throughout the earth.” NASB 1977 “For who has despised the day of small things? But these seven will be glad when they see the plumb line in the hand of Zerubbabel—these are the eyes of the LORD which range to and fro throughout the earth.” Legacy Standard Bible For who has despised the day of small things? But these seven will be glad when they see the plumb line in the hand of Zerubbabel—these are the eyes of Yahweh which roam to and fro throughout the earth.” Amplified Bible Who [with reason] despises the day of small things (beginnings)? For these seven [eyes] shall rejoice when they see the plumb line in the hand of Zerubbabel. They are the eyes of the LORD which roam throughout the earth.” Christian Standard Bible For who despises the day of small things? These seven eyes of the LORD, which scan throughout the whole earth, will rejoice when they see the ceremonial stone in Zerubbabel’s hand.” Holman Christian Standard Bible For who scorns the day of small things? These seven eyes of the LORD, which scan throughout the whole earth, will rejoice when they see the plumb line in Zerubbabel’s hand.” American Standard Version For who hath despised the day of small things? for these seven shall rejoice, and shall see the plummet in the hand of Zerubbabel; these are the eyes of Jehovah, which run to and fro through the whole earth. Contemporary English Version Those who have made fun of this day of small beginnings will celebrate when they see Zerubbabel holding this important stone. Those seven lamps represent my eyes--the eyes of the LORD--and they see everything on this earth. English Revised Version For who hath despised the day of small things? for they shall rejoice, and shall see the plummet in the hand of Zerubbabel, even these seven, which are the eyes of the LORD; they run to and fro through the whole earth. GOD'S WORD® Translation Who despised the day when little things began to happen? They will be delighted when they see the plumb line in Zerubbabel's hand. (These seven eyes of the LORD roam over all the earth.)" International Standard Version For who has despised the time of insignificant things? They will rejoice to see the plumb line in the hand of Zerubbabel. These seven lights represent the eyes of the LORD, which are looking throughout all of the earth." Majority Standard Bible For 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.? NET Bible For who dares make light of small beginnings? These seven eyes will joyfully look on the tin tablet in Zerubbabel's hand. (These are the eyes of the LORD, which constantly range across the whole earth.) New Heart English Bible Indeed, who despises the day of small things? For these seven shall rejoice, and shall see the plumb line in the hand of Zerubbabel. These are the eyes of the LORD, which run back and forth through the whole earth." Webster's Bible Translation For who hath despised the day of small things? for they shall rejoice, and shall see the plummet in the hand of Zerubbabel with those seven; they are the eyes of the LORD, which run to and fro through the whole earth. World English Bible Indeed, who despises the day of small things? For these seven shall rejoice, and shall see the plumb line in the hand of Zerubbabel. These are Yahweh’s eyes, which run back and forth through the whole earth.” Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionFor who trampled on the day of small things, "" They have rejoiced, "" And seen the tin weight in the hand of Zerubbabel, "" These seven [are] the eyes of YHWH, "" They are going to and fro in all the land.” Young's Literal Translation For who trampled on the day of small things, They have rejoiced, And seen the tin weight in the hand of Zerubbabel, These seven are the eyes of Jehovah, They are going to and fro in all the land.' Smith's Literal Translation For who despised the day of small things? and they rejoiced, and they saw the stone of tin in the hand of Zerubbabel, these seven; they the eyes of Jehovah running to and fro in all the earth. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleFor 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. Catholic Public Domain Version For who has despised the little days? And they will rejoice and will see the silver and lead stone in the hand of Zerubbabel. These are the seven eyes of the Lord, which roam quickly through all the earth. New American Bible For whoever has scorned such a day of small things will rejoice to see the capstone in the hand of Zerubbabel. “These seven are the eyes of the LORD that range over the whole earth.” New Revised Standard Version For whoever has despised the day of small things shall rejoice, and shall see the plummet in the hand of Zerubbabel. “These seven are the eyes of the LORD, which range through the whole earth.” Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleFor who has despised the day of small things? For they shall look and shall see the plummet in the hands of Zerubbabel. These are the seven eyes of the LORD, which look over the whole earth. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated For who has despised the small days, and they shall look and they shall see the Stone of discrimination in the hands of Zorobabel; these are the seven eyes of LORD JEHOVAH which gaze in all the Earth OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917For who hath despised the day of small things? even they shall see with joy the plummet in the hand of Zerubbabel, even these seven, which are the eyes of the LORD, that run to and fro through the whole earth.' Brenton Septuagint Translation For who has despised the small days? surely they shall rejoice, and shall see the plummet of tin in the hand of Zorobabel: these are the seven eyes that look upon all the earth. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible 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?”… Cross References Matthew 13:31-32 He put before them another parable: “The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed that a man took and planted in his field. / Although it is the smallest of all seeds, yet it grows into the largest of garden plants and becomes a tree, so that the birds of the air come and nest in its branches.” 1 Corinthians 1:27-29 But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. / He chose the lowly and despised things of the world, and the things that are not, to nullify the things that are, / so that no one may boast in His presence. Luke 16:10 Whoever is faithful with very little will also be faithful with much, and whoever is dishonest with very little will also be dishonest with much. 1 Samuel 16:7 But the LORD said to Samuel, “Do not consider his appearance or height, for I have rejected him; the LORD does not see as man does. For man sees the outward appearance, but the LORD sees the heart.” Isaiah 60:22 The least of you will become a thousand, and the smallest a mighty nation. I am the LORD; in its time I will accomplish it quickly. Job 8:7 Though your beginnings were modest, your latter days will flourish. Matthew 25:21 His master replied, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Enter into the joy of your master!’ Haggai 2:3-9 ‘Who is left among you who saw this house in its former glory? How does it look to you now? Does it not appear to you like nothing in comparison?’ / But now be strong, O Zerubbabel, declares the LORD. Be strong, O Joshua son of Jehozadak, the high priest. And be strong, all you people of the land, declares the LORD. Work! For I am with you, declares the LORD of Hosts. / This is the promise I made to you when you came out of Egypt. And My Spirit remains among you; do not be afraid.” ... 1 Corinthians 3:6-7 I planted the seed and Apollos watered it, but God made it grow. / So neither he who plants nor he who waters is anything, but only God, who makes things grow. Mark 4:30-32 Then He asked, “To what can we compare the kingdom of God? With what parable shall we present it? / It is like a mustard seed, which is the smallest of all seeds sown upon the earth. / But after it is planted, it grows to be the largest of all garden plants and puts forth great branches, so that the birds of the air nest in its shade.” 2 Corinthians 12:9-10 But He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is perfected in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly in my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest on me. / That is why, for the sake of Christ, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong. Psalm 118:22-23 The stone the builders rejected has become the cornerstone. / This is from the LORD, and it is marvelous in our eyes. 1 Kings 18:44 On the seventh time the servant reported, “There is a cloud as small as a man’s hand rising from the sea.” And Elijah replied, “Go and tell Ahab, ‘Prepare your chariot and go down before the rain stops you.’” James 1:9-10 The brother in humble circumstances should exult in his high position. / But the one who is rich should exult in his low position, because he will pass away like a flower of the field. Jeremiah 29:11 For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, to give you a future and a hope. Treasury of Scripture For who has despised the day of small things? for they shall rejoice, and shall see the plummet in the hand of Zerubbabel with those seven; they are the eyes of the LORD, which run to and fro through the whole earth. despised. Ezra 3:12,13 Nehemiah 4:2-4 Job 8:7 for they, etc. Isaiah 66:11,14 Luke 15:5-10,32 and shall. Amos 7:7,8 plummet. Zechariah 3:9 Revelation 8:2 they are. Zechariah 1:10,11 2 Chronicles 16:9 Proverbs 15:3 Jump to Previous Despised Despises Earth Eyes Forth Fro Glad Hand Indeed Joy Line Measuring-Line Opinion Plumb Plummet Poor Range Rejoice Run Seven Small Throughout Weighted Whole Zerubbabel Zerub'babelJump to Next Despised Despises Earth Eyes Forth Fro Glad Hand Indeed Joy Line Measuring-Line Opinion Plumb Plummet Poor Range Rejoice Run Seven Small Throughout Weighted Whole Zerubbabel Zerub'babelZechariah 4 1. By the golden candlestick is foreshown the good success of Zerubbabel's foundation;11. by the two olive trees the two anointed ones. For who has despised the day of small things? This phrase challenges the reader to reconsider the value of humble beginnings. The Hebrew root for "despised" is "בָּזָה" (baza), which means to hold in contempt or to scorn. Historically, this reflects the attitude of those who underestimated the rebuilding efforts of the Second Temple. In a broader spiritual context, it serves as a reminder that God often works through small, seemingly insignificant beginnings to accomplish His grand purposes. This is a call to faithfulness and patience, trusting that God sees the potential in what appears small to human eyes. These seven eyes of the LORD which scan to and fro throughout the earth will rejoice when they see the plumb line in Zerubbabel’s hand Persons / Places / Events 1. ZechariahA prophet who received visions from God to encourage the Israelites during the rebuilding of the temple. 2. Zerubbabel The governor of Judah and a key leader in the rebuilding of the temple after the Babylonian exile. 3. The Seven Eyes of the LORD Symbolic of God's omniscience and His watchful presence over the earth. 4. The Plumb Line A tool used in construction to ensure structures are upright, symbolizing the standard of God's work and righteousness. 5. The Day of Small Things Refers to the seemingly insignificant beginnings of the temple rebuilding project, which should not be despised. Teaching Points Value in Small BeginningsGod often starts His work in small, humble ways. We should not despise or underestimate these beginnings, as they are part of His divine plan. God's Omniscience and Sovereignty The seven eyes of the LORD remind us that God sees everything and is in control. We can trust His oversight in our lives and endeavors. Faithfulness in Obedience Like Zerubbabel, we are called to be faithful in the tasks God gives us, even when they seem small or insignificant. God's Standards and Righteousness The plumb line symbolizes God's standards. We should align our lives and work with His righteousness and truth. Encouragement in God's Promises God's promise to rejoice in the completion of His work encourages us to persevere, knowing that He is with us and will bring His plans to fruition.Verse 10. - For who hath despised the day of small things? The "small things" are the weak and poor beginning of the temple (Haggai 2:3); as the Targum glosses, "on account of the edifice, because it was small." Small as the present work was, it was a pledge of the full completion, and was therefore not to be despised. So the question is equivalent to, "Can any one, after these promises and prophecies, presume to be doubtful about the future?" For they shall rejoice, etc. The subject of the verbs is that which comes last in position, the seven eyes of Jehovah; and the verse is best translated thus: "For (i.e. seeing that) these seven eyes of Jehovah, which run through all the earth, behold with joy the plummet in the hand of Zerubbabel." The work is not contemptible, since the Lord regards it with favour, watches, and directs it. The LXX. and Vulgate (followed nearly by the Authorized Version) make the despisers the subject of the verbs, and lamely dissociate the final clause entirely from the preceding. The version given above is in accordance with the Masoretic accentuation. The plummet; literally, the stone, the tin; τὸν λίθον τὸν κασσιτέρινον (Septuagint); lapidem stanneum, "the stone of tin" (Vulgate). Tin is not found in Palestine; it was imported by the Phoenicians in great abundance, and from them the Jews obtained it. The supply must have come from Spain or Britain. With those seven. The preposition is an interpolation of the Authorized Version. It should be, "even these seven," explaining who are "they" at the head of the clause. The eyes of the Lord. The "seven eyes" have been already mentioned (Zechariah 3:9, where see note). They are expressive of God's watchful providence and care. Which run to and fro. This clause further enforces the previous image (2 Chronicles 16:9; Proverbs 15:3). Parallel Commentaries ... Hebrew Forכִּ֣י (kî) Conjunction Strong's 3588: A relative conjunction who מִ֣י (mî) Interrogative Strong's 4310: Who?, whoever, in oblique construction with prefix, suffix has despised בַז֮ (ḇaz) Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 937: Disrespect the day לְי֣וֹם (lə·yō·wm) Preposition-l | Noun - masculine singular Strong's 3117: A day of small things? קְטַנּוֹת֒ (qə·ṭan·nō·wṯ) Adjective - feminine plural Strong's 6996: Small, young, unimportant But these אֵ֑לֶּה (’êl·leh) Pronoun - common plural Strong's 428: These, those seven שִׁבְעָה־ (šiḇ·‘āh-) Number - masculine singular Strong's 7651: Seven, seven times, a week, an indefinite number eyes עֵינֵ֣י (‘ê·nê) Noun - cdc Strong's 5869: An eye, a fountain of the LORD, יְהוָ֔ה (Yah·weh) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 3068: LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel which הֵ֥מָּה (hêm·māh) Pronoun - third person masculine plural Strong's 1992: They scan מְשׁוֹטְטִ֖ים (mə·šō·wṭ·ṭîm) Verb - Piel - Participle - masculine plural Strong's 7751: To push forth, to lash, to row, to travel the whole בְּכָל־ (bə·ḵāl) Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular construct Strong's 3605: The whole, all, any, every earth, הָאָֽרֶץ׃ (hā·’ā·reṣ) Article | Noun - feminine singular Strong's 776: Earth, land will rejoice וְשָׂמְח֗וּ (wə·śā·mə·ḥū) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - third person common plural Strong's 8055: To brighten up, be, blithe, gleesome when they see וְרָא֞וּ (wə·rā·’ū) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - third person common plural Strong's 7200: To see the plumb line הָאֶ֧בֶן (hā·’e·ḇen) Article | Noun - feminine singular Strong's 68: A stone in Zerubbabel’s זְרֻבָּבֶ֖ל (zə·rub·bā·ḇel) Noun - proper - feminine singular Strong's 2216: Zerubbabel -- 'begotten in Babylon', a leader of returning Israelite exiles hand.” בְּיַ֥ד (bə·yaḏ) Preposition-b | Noun - feminine singular construct Strong's 3027: A hand Links Zechariah 4:10 NIVZechariah 4:10 NLT Zechariah 4:10 ESV Zechariah 4:10 NASB Zechariah 4:10 KJV Zechariah 4:10 BibleApps.com Zechariah 4:10 Biblia Paralela Zechariah 4:10 Chinese Bible Zechariah 4:10 French Bible Zechariah 4:10 Catholic Bible OT Prophets: Zechariah 4:10 Indeed who despises the day of small (Zech. Zec Zc) |