Zechariah 4:6-10
“Not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit, saith the LORD of hosts. Who art thou, O great mountain? before Zerubbabel thou shalt become a plain... For who hath despised the day of small things?”
King James Version
The word to Zerubbabel — the temple will be finished 'not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit' — and the call not to despise the day of small things.
Fulfillment References
Ezra 6:14-15 Haggai 2:1-9 Zechariah 4:14 Revelation 11:4
How Traditions Read This Prophecy
Apostolic (Oneness) PentecostalGod's house is built 'by my Spirit' — the same Spirit poured out at Acts 2:38 — building the people of the one God not by human power but by His own.
JewishEncouragement that the Second Temple would be completed by God's Spirit, not human strength; the two olive trees as the anointed leaders (priest and governor).
CatholicGod's work accomplished by the Spirit, not human power — a principle fulfilled supremely in the Church's life.
ProtestantA beloved text: God's purposes advance 'by my Spirit'; applied to ministry and the building of God's house.
OrthodoxThe Spirit's empowering of God's work, not human might.
DispensationalHistorically fulfilled in the Second Temple's completion; the two olive trees often linked to Revelation 11's witnesses.
AcademicScholars read the vision in its 520-516 BC restoration setting, the 'two anointed ones' (v.14) as Joshua and Zerubbabel, the priestly and royal leaders.
Open the full interactive entry →
Cross-references, Hebrew/Greek, Dead Sea Scrolls notes, study tools and multi-tradition analysis in the interactive explorer.
Bible Prophecy Explorer · based on J. Barton Payne’s Encyclopedia of Biblical Prophecy catalogue · an openly Apostolic (Oneness) Pentecostal study resource — all traditions presented fairly. Pastor: C. Myles Young, PhD · Bishop: Nathaniel J. Wilson, Ed.D.