Haggai 2:4 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.

◄ Haggai 2:4 ►

New International Version
But now be strong, Zerubbabel,’ declares the LORD. ‘Be strong, Joshua son of Jozadak, the high priest. Be strong, all you people of the land,’ declares the LORD, ‘and work. For I am with you,’ declares the LORD Almighty.

New Living Translation
But now the LORD says: Be strong, Zerubbabel. Be strong, Jeshua son of Jehozadak, the high priest. Be strong, all you people still left in the land. And now get to work, for I am with you, says the LORD of Heaven’s Armies.

English Standard Version
Yet now be strong, O Zerubbabel, declares the LORD. Be strong, O Joshua, son of Jehozadak, the high priest. Be strong, all you people of the land, declares the LORD. Work, for I am with you, declares the LORD of hosts,

Berean Standard Bible
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.

King James Bible
Yet now be strong, O Zerubbabel, saith the LORD; and be strong, O Joshua, son of Josedech, the high priest; and be strong, all ye people of the land, saith the LORD, and work: for I am with you, saith the LORD of hosts:

New King James Version
Yet now be strong, Zerubbabel,’ says the LORD; ‘and be strong, Joshua, son of Jehozadak, the high priest; and be strong, all you people of the land,’ says the LORD, ‘and work; for I am with you,’ says the LORD of hosts.

New American Standard Bible
But now take courage, Zerubbabel,’ declares the LORD, ‘take courage also, Joshua son of Jehozadak, the high priest, and all you people of the land take courage,’ declares the LORD, ‘and work; for I am with you,’ declares the LORD of armies.

NASB 1995
‘But now take courage, Zerubbabel,’ declares the LORD, ‘take courage also, Joshua son of Jehozadak, the high priest, and all you people of the land take courage,’ declares the LORD, ‘and work; for I am with you,’ declares the LORD of hosts.

NASB 1977
‘But now take courage, Zerubbabel,’ declares the LORD, ‘take courage also, Joshua son of Jehozadak, the high priest, and all you people of the land take courage,’ declares the LORD, ‘and work; for I am with you,’ says the LORD of hosts.

Legacy Standard Bible
But now, be strong, Zerubbabel,’ declares Yahweh, ‘be strong also, Joshua son of Jehozadak, the high priest, and all you people of the land, be strong,’ declares Yahweh, ‘and work; for I am with you,’ declares Yahweh of hosts.

Amplified Bible
But now be courageous, Zerubbabel,’ declares the LORD, ‘be courageous also, Joshua the son of Jehozadak, the high priest, and be courageous, all you people of the land,’ declares the LORD, ‘and work; for I am with you,’ declares the LORD of hosts.

Christian Standard Bible
Even so, be strong, Zerubbabel—this is the LORD’s declaration. Be strong, Joshua son of Jehozadak, high priest. Be strong, all you people of the land—this is the LORD’s declaration. Work! For I am with you —the declaration of the LORD of Armies.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
Even so, be strong, Zerubbabel"—this is the LORD’s declaration. “Be strong, Joshua son of Jehozadak, high priest. Be strong, all you people of the land"—this is the LORD’s declaration. “Work! For I am with you"—the declaration of the LORD of Hosts. “

American Standard Version
Yet now be strong, O Zerubbabel, saith Jehovah; and be strong, O Joshua, son of Jehozadak, the high priest; and be strong, all ye people of the land, saith Jehovah, and work: for I am with you, saith Jehovah of hosts,

Contemporary English Version
But cheer up! Because I, the LORD All-Powerful, will be here to help you with the work,

English Revised Version
Yet now be strong, O Zerubbabel, saith the LORD; and be strong, O Joshua, son of Jehozadak, the high priest; and be strong, all ye people of the land, saith the LORD, and work: for I am with you, saith the LORD of hosts,

GOD'S WORD® Translation
"But now, Zerubbabel, be strong," declares the LORD. "Chief Priest Joshua (son of Jehozadak), be strong. Everyone in the land, be strong," declares the LORD. "Work, because I am with you," declares the LORD of Armies.

Good News Translation
But now don't be discouraged, any of you. Do the work, for I am with you.

International Standard Version
Now be strong, Zerubbabel,' declares the LORD, 'and be strong, Joshua son of Jehozadak, the high priest, and be strong, all you people of the land,' declares the LORD. 'Go to work, because I am with you,' declares the LORD of the Heavenly Armies.

Majority Standard Bible
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.

NET Bible
Even so, take heart, Zerubbabel,' says the LORD. 'Take heart, Joshua son of Jehozadak, the high priest, and all you citizens of the land,' says the LORD, 'and begin to work. For I am with you,' says the LORD who rules over all.

New Heart English Bible
Yet now be strong, Zerubbabel,' says the LORD. 'Be strong, Joshua, son of Jehozadak, the high priest. Be strong, all you people of the land,' says the LORD, 'and work, for I am with you,' says the LORD of hosts.

Webster's Bible Translation
Yet now be strong, O Zerubbabel, saith the LORD; and be strong, O Joshua, son of Josedech, the high priest; and be strong, all ye people of the land, saith the LORD, and work: for I am with you, saith the LORD of hosts:

World English Bible
Yet now be strong, Zerubbabel,’ says Yahweh. ‘Be strong, Joshua son of Jehozadak, the high priest. Be strong, all you people of the land,’ says Yahweh, ‘and work, for I am with you,’ says Yahweh of Armies.

Literal Translations

Literal Standard Version
And now, be strong, O Zerubbabel,” "" A declaration of YHWH, "" “And be strong, O Joshua, son of Josedech, the high priest, "" And be strong, all you people of the land,” "" A declaration of YHWH, "" “And do, for I [am] with you,” "" A declaration of YHWH of Hosts.

Young's Literal Translation
And now, be strong, O Zerubbabel, An affirmation of Jehovah, And be strong, O Joshua, son of Josedech, the high priest, And be strong, all ye people of the land, An affirmation of Jehovah, And do ye -- (for I am with you, An affirmation of Jehovah of Hosts) --

Smith's Literal Translation
And now be strong, O Zerubbabel, says Jehovah; and be strong, O Joshua, son of Josedeck the great priest; and be strong, O all people of the land, says Jehovah, and do, for I am with you, says Jehovah of armies.

Catholic Translations

Douay-Rheims Bible
Yet now take courage, O Zorobabel, saith the Lord, and take courage, O Jesus the son of Josedec the high priest, and take courage, all ye people of the land, saith the Lord of hosts: and perform (for I am with you, saith the Lord of hosts)

Catholic Public Domain Version
And now be strengthened, Zerubbabel, says the Lord. And be strengthened, Jesus the son of Jehozadak, the high priest. And be strengthened, all people of the land, says the Lord of hosts. For I am with you, says the Lord of hosts.

New American Bible
Now be strong, Zerubbabel—oracle of the LORD— be strong, Joshua, son of Jehozadak, high priest, Be strong, all you people of the land—oracle of the LORD— and work! For I am with you—oracle of the LORD of hosts.

New Revised Standard Version
Yet now take courage, O Zerubbabel, says the LORD; take courage, O Joshua, son of Jehozadak, the high priest; take courage, all you people of the land, says the LORD; work, for I am with you, says the LORD of hosts,

Translations from Aramaic

Lamsa Bible
Yet now be strong, O Zerubbabel, says the LORD; and be strong, O Joshua, son of Josedech, the high priest; and be strong, all you people of the land, says the LORD, and work; for I am with you, says the LORD of hosts.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
Therefore, be strong, Zorobabel, says LORD JEHOVAH, and be strong, Yeshua, son of Yozedeq, High Priest, and be strengthened, all people of the land, says LORD JEHOVAH, and work because I am with you, says LORD JEHOVAH of Hosts!

OT Translations

JPS Tanakh 1917
Yet now be strong, O Zerubbabel, saith the LORD; and be strong, O Joshua, son of Jehozadak, the high priest; and be strong, all ye people of the land, saith the LORD, and work; for I am with you, saith the LORD of hosts.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
Yet now be strong, O Zorobabel, saith the Lord; and strengthen thyself, O Jesus the high priest, the son of Josedec; and let all the people of the land strengthen themselves, saith the Lord, and work, for I am with you, saith the Lord Almighty;

Additional Translations ...

Audio Bible

Context

Greater Glory in the New Temple
…3‘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?’ 4But 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. 5This is the promise I made to you when you came out of Egypt. And My Spirit remains among you; do not be afraid.”…

Berean Standard Bible · Download

Cross References

Zechariah 8:9
This is what the LORD of Hosts says: “Let your hands be strong, you who now hear these words spoken by the prophets who were present when the foundations were laid to rebuild the temple, the house of the LORD of Hosts.

Ezra 5:1-2
Later, the prophets Haggai and Zechariah son of Iddo prophesied to the Jews in Judah and Jerusalem in the name of the God of Israel, who was over them. / Then Zerubbabel son of Shealtiel and Jeshua son of Jozadak rose up and began to rebuild the house of God in Jerusalem. And the prophets of God were with them, helping them.

1 Chronicles 28:20
David also said to Solomon his son, “Be strong and courageous, and do it. Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the LORD God, my God, is with you. He will neither fail you nor forsake you before all the work for the service of the house of the LORD is finished.

Joshua 1:6-9
Be strong and courageous, for you shall give these people the inheritance of the land that I swore to their fathers I would give them. / Above all, be strong and very courageous. Be careful to observe all the law that My servant Moses commanded you. Do not turn from it to the right or to the left, so that you may prosper wherever you go. / This Book of the Law must not depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. For then you will prosper and succeed in all you do. ...

Isaiah 41:10
Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be afraid, for I am your God. I will strengthen you; I will surely help you; I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.

2 Chronicles 15:7
But as for you, be strong; do not be discouraged, for your work will be rewarded.”

Isaiah 43:5
Do not be afraid, for I am with you; I will bring your offspring from the east and gather you from the west.

Deuteronomy 31:6-8
Be strong and courageous; do not be afraid or terrified of them, for it is the LORD your God who goes with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you.” / Then Moses called for Joshua and said to him in the presence of all Israel, “Be strong and courageous, for you will go with this people into the land that the LORD swore to their fathers to give them, and you shall give it to them as an inheritance. / The LORD Himself goes before you; He will be with you. He will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid or discouraged.”

1 Corinthians 15:58
Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast and immovable. Always excel in the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.

Philippians 2:13
For it is God who works in you to will and to act on behalf of His good purpose.

2 Timothy 2:1
You therefore, my child, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus.

1 Corinthians 16:13
Be on the alert. Stand firm in the faith. Be men of courage. Be strong.

Ephesians 6:10
Finally, be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power.

Hebrews 13:5-6
Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, for God has said: “Never will I leave you, never will I forsake you.” / So we say with confidence: “The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?”

Matthew 28:20
and teaching them to obey all that I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”

Treasury of Scripture

Yet now be strong, O Zerubbabel, said the LORD; and be strong, O Joshua, son of Josedech, the high priest; and be strong, all you people of the land, said the LORD, and work: for I am with you, said the LORD of hosts:

now.

Deuteronomy 31:23
And he gave Joshua the son of Nun a charge, and said, Be strong and of a good courage: for thou shalt bring the children of Israel into the land which I sware unto them: and I will be with thee.

Joshua 1:6,9
Be strong and of a good courage: for unto this people shalt thou divide for an inheritance the land, which I sware unto their fathers to give them…

1 Chronicles 22:13
Then shalt thou prosper, if thou takest heed to fulfil the statutes and judgments which the LORD charged Moses with concerning Israel: be strong, and of good courage; dread not, nor be dismayed.

for.

Haggai 1:13
Then spake Haggai the LORD'S messenger in the LORD'S message unto the people, saying, I am with you, saith the LORD.

Exodus 3:12
And he said, Certainly I will be with thee; and this shall be a token unto thee, that I have sent thee: When thou hast brought forth the people out of Egypt, ye shall serve God upon this mountain.

Judges 2:18
And when the LORD raised them up judges, then the LORD was with the judge, and delivered them out of the hand of their enemies all the days of the judge: for it repented the LORD because of their groanings by reason of them that oppressed them and vexed them.

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Haggai 2

1. He encourages the people to the work,
4. by promise of greater glory to the second temple than was in the first.
10. In the type of holy things and unclean he shows their sins hindered the work.
20. God's promise to Zerubbabel.

Berean Study Bible

But now
This phrase marks a transition from the previous verses, where God acknowledges the discouragement among the people due to the temple's unimpressive beginnings. The Hebrew word for "now" (עַתָּה, 'attah) signifies an immediate call to action, urging the people to shift their focus from past disappointments to present responsibilities.

be strong
The Hebrew word used here is חֲזַק (chazaq), which means to be firm, resolute, or courageous. This command is repeated three times, emphasizing its importance. In the context of the rebuilding of the temple, it is a call to spiritual and physical fortitude, encouraging the leaders and the people to persevere despite challenges.

O Zerubbabel
Zerubbabel was the governor of Judah and a descendant of David. His leadership was crucial in the rebuilding efforts. The mention of his name highlights the continuity of the Davidic line and God's faithfulness to His covenant promises. Zerubbabel's role is both political and spiritual, symbolizing hope for the restoration of Israel.

declares the LORD
This phrase underscores the authority and assurance of the message. The Hebrew word for "declares" (נְאֻם, ne'um) is often used in prophetic literature to convey the certainty of God's word. It reassures the people that the command to be strong is not merely human encouragement but divine instruction.

Be strong, O Joshua son of Jehozadak, the high priest
Joshua, as the high priest, represents the spiritual leadership of the community. His strength is vital for the religious and moral guidance of the people. The mention of his lineage, "son of Jehozadak," connects him to the priestly heritage, emphasizing the continuity of worship and the importance of spiritual integrity.

Be strong, all you people of the land
This call extends beyond the leaders to include every individual in the community. The phrase "all you people" (כָּל־עַם, kol-am) signifies collective responsibility and unity. It is a reminder that the work of God requires the participation and commitment of the entire community.

Work
The Hebrew word עֲשׂוּ (asu) is an imperative, urging the people to action. It is a call to diligence and perseverance in the task of rebuilding the temple. This command highlights the partnership between divine promise and human effort, where faith is demonstrated through action.

for I am with you
This assurance is central to the message. The presence of God (אִתְּכֶם, 'itchem) is a recurring theme in the Bible, providing comfort and confidence to His people. It echoes the covenant promise that God will dwell among His people, reinforcing the idea that their labor is not in vain because it is undergirded by divine support.

declares the LORD of Hosts
The title "LORD of Hosts" (יְהוָה צְבָאוֹת, Yahweh Tseva'ot) emphasizes God's sovereignty and power. It portrays Him as the commander of heavenly armies, capable of accomplishing His purposes. This title reassures the people that the God who commands them to be strong and work is also the one who has the power to ensure the success of their endeavors.

Pulpit Commentary

Verse 4. - Be strong. This is repeated three times for emphasis' sake. The same exhortation was given by David to Solomon before the building of the first temple (1 Chronicles 28:10; comp. Joshua 1:6, 7, 9). Haggai seems to suggest comfort in the thought that such admonition was needed at that time as well as now when they are so depressed (comp. Zechariah 8:9). And work; literally, and do; ποιεῖτε: facite, The word is used absolutely, as often (camp. Isaiah 44:23; Amos 3:6, and note there). Here it means, "Work on bravely, finish what you have begun." I am with you (see Haggai 1:13, and note there). The consciousness of God's presence gives confidence and strength.

Parallel Commentaries ...

Hebrew

But now
וְעַתָּ֣ה (wə·‘at·tāh)
Conjunctive waw | Adverb
Strong's 6258: At this time

take courage,
חֲזַ֣ק (ḥă·zaq)
Verb - Qal - Imperative - masculine singular
Strong's 2388: To fasten upon, to seize, be strong, obstinate, to bind, restrain, conquer

O Zerubbabel,
זְרֻבָּבֶ֣ל ׀ (zə·rub·bā·ḇel)
Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 2216: Zerubbabel -- 'begotten in Babylon', a leader of returning Israelite exiles

declares
נְאֻם־ (nə·’um-)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 5002: An oracle

the LORD.
יְהוָ֡ה (Yah·weh)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3068: LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel

Be strong,
וַחֲזַ֣ק (wa·ḥă·zaq)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Imperative - masculine singular
Strong's 2388: To fasten upon, to seize, be strong, obstinate, to bind, restrain, conquer

O Joshua
יְהוֹשֻׁ֣עַ (yə·hō·wō·šu·a‘)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3091: Joshua -- 'the LORD is salvation', Moses' successor, also the name of a number of Israelites

son
בֶּן־ (ben-)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 1121: A son

of Jehozadak,
יְהוֹצָדָק֩ (yə·hō·w·ṣā·ḏāq)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3087: Jehozadak -- 'the LORD is righteous', father of Joshua the high priest

the high
הַגָּד֜וֹל (hag·gā·ḏō·wl)
Article | Adjective - masculine singular
Strong's 1419: Great, older, insolent

priest.
הַכֹּהֵ֨ן (hak·kō·hên)
Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 3548: Priest

And be strong,
וַחֲזַ֨ק (wa·ḥă·zaq)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Imperative - masculine singular
Strong's 2388: To fasten upon, to seize, be strong, obstinate, to bind, restrain, conquer

all
כָּל־ (kāl-)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 3605: The whole, all, any, every

you people
עַ֥ם (‘am)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 5971: A people, a tribe, troops, attendants, a flock

of the land,
הָאָ֛רֶץ (hā·’ā·reṣ)
Article | Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 776: Earth, land

declares
נְאֻם־ (nə·’um-)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 5002: An oracle

the LORD.
יְהוָ֖ה (Yah·weh)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3068: LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel

Work!
וַֽעֲשׂ֑וּ (wa·‘ă·śū)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Imperative - masculine plural
Strong's 6213: To do, make

For
כִּֽי־ (kî-)
Conjunction
Strong's 3588: A relative conjunction

I
אֲנִ֣י (’ă·nî)
Pronoun - first person common singular
Strong's 589: I

am with you,
אִתְּכֶ֔ם (’it·tə·ḵem)
Preposition | second person masculine plural
Strong's 854: Nearness, near, with, by, at, among

declares
נְאֻ֖ם (nə·’um)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 5002: An oracle

the LORD
יְהוָ֥ה (Yah·weh)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3068: LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel

of Hosts.
צְבָאֽוֹת׃ (ṣə·ḇā·’ō·wṯ)
Noun - common plural
Strong's 6635: A mass of persons, reg, organized for, war, a campaign

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OT Prophets: Haggai 2:4 Yet now be strong Zerubbabel' says Yahweh (Hagg. Hag. Hg)