Zechariah 1:9
New International Version
I asked, “What are these, my lord?” The angel who was talking with me answered, “I will show you what they are.”

New Living Translation
I asked the angel who was talking with me, “My lord, what do these horses mean?” “I will show you,” the angel replied.

English Standard Version
Then I said, ‘What are these, my lord?’ The angel who talked with me said to me, ‘I will show you what they are.’

Berean Standard Bible
“What are these, my lord?” I asked. And the angel who was speaking with me replied, “I will show you what they are.”

King James Bible
Then said I, O my lord, what are these? And the angel that talked with me said unto me, I will shew thee what these be.

New King James Version
Then I said, “My lord, what are these?” So the angel who talked with me said to me, “I will show you what they are.

New American Standard Bible
Then I said, “What are these, my lord?” And the angel who was speaking with me said to me, “I will show you what these are.”

NASB 1995
Then I said, “My lord, what are these?” And the angel who was speaking with me said to me, “I will show you what these are.”

NASB 1977
Then I said, “My lord, what are these?” And the angel who was speaking with me said to me, “I will show you what these are.”

Legacy Standard Bible
Then I said, “My lord, what are these?” And the angel who was speaking with me said to me, “I will show you what these are.”

Amplified Bible
Then I said, “O my lord, what are these?” And the angel who was speaking with me said, “I will show you what these are.”

Christian Standard Bible
I asked, “What are these, my lord? ” The angel who was talking to me replied, “I will show you what they are.”

Holman Christian Standard Bible
I asked, “What are these, my lord?” The angel who was talking to me replied, “I will show you what they are.”

American Standard Version
Then said I, O my lord, what are these? And the angel that talked with me said unto me, I will show thee what these are.

Contemporary English Version
An angel was there to explain things to me, and I asked, "Sir, who are these riders?" "I'll tell you," the angel answered.

English Revised Version
Then said I, O my lord, what are these? And the angel that talked with me said unto me, I will shew thee what these be.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
"What do these horses mean, sir?" I asked. The angel who was speaking with me answered, "I will show you what they mean."

Good News Translation
I asked him, "Sir, what do these horses mean?" He answered, "I will show you what they mean.

International Standard Version
Then I asked, "Who are these, sir?" The messenger who was talking to me answered, "I will tell you who these are."

Majority Standard Bible
?What are these, my lord?? I asked. And the angel who was speaking with me replied, ?I will show you what they are.?

NET Bible
Then I asked one nearby, "What are these, sir?" The angelic messenger who replied to me said, "I will show you what these are."

New Heart English Bible
Then I asked, 'My lord, what are these?'" The angel who talked with me said to me, "I will show you what these are."

Webster's Bible Translation
Then said I, O my lord, what are these? And the angel that talked with me said to me, I will show thee what these are.

World English Bible
Then I asked, ‘My lord, what are these?’” The angel who talked with me said to me, “I will show you what these are.”
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
And I say, “What [are] these, my lord?” And the messenger who is speaking with me says to me, “I show you what these [are].”

Young's Literal Translation
And I say, 'What are these, my lord?' And the messenger who is speaking with me saith unto me, 'I -- I do shew thee what these are.'

Smith's Literal Translation
And saying, What these, my lord? And the messenger speaking with me, will say to me, I will cause thee to see what these are?
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
And I said: What are these, my Lord ? and the angel that spoke in me, said to me: I will shew thee what these are:

Catholic Public Domain Version
And I said, “What are these, my lord?” And the angel, who was speaking with me, said to me, “I will reveal to you what these are.”

New American Bible
I asked, “What are these, my lord?” Then the angel who spoke with me answered, “I will show you what these are.”

New Revised Standard Version
Then I said, “What are these, my lord?” The angel who talked with me said to me, “I will show you what they are.”
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
Then I said, O my LORD, what are these? And the angel that talked with me said to me, I will show you what they are.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And I said, ”What are these, my Lord?” The Angel who spoke with me answered and said to me: “I shall show you what these are.”
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
Then said I: 'O my lord, what are these?' And the angel that spoke with me said unto me: 'I will show thee what these are.'

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And I said, What are these, my lord? And the angel spoke with me said to me, I will shew thee what these things are.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
The Vision of the Horses
8I looked out into the night and saw a man riding on a red horse. He was standing among the myrtle trees in the hollow, and behind him were red, sorrel, and white horses. 9“What are these, my lord?” I asked. And the angel who was speaking with me replied, “I will show you what they are.” 10Then the man standing among the myrtle trees explained, “They are the ones the LORD has sent to patrol the earth.”…

Cross References
Revelation 6:1-8
Then I watched as the Lamb opened one of the seven seals, and I heard one of the four living creatures say in a voice like thunder, “Come!” / So I looked and saw a white horse, and its rider held a bow. And he was given a crown, and he rode out to overcome and conquer. / And when the Lamb opened the second seal, I heard the second living creature say, “Come!” ...

Daniel 7:16
I approached one of those who were standing there, and I asked him the true meaning of all this. So he told me the interpretation of these things:

Revelation 4:6-8
And before the throne was something like a sea of glass, as clear as crystal. In the center, around the throne, were four living creatures, covered with eyes in front and back. / The first living creature was like a lion, the second like a calf, the third had a face like a man, and the fourth was like an eagle in flight. / And each of the four living creatures had six wings and was covered with eyes all around and within. Day and night they never stop saying: “Holy, Holy, Holy, is the Lord God Almighty, who was and is and is to come!”

Ezekiel 1:5-14
and within it was the form of four living creatures. And this was their appearance: They had a human form, / but each had four faces and four wings. / Their legs were straight, and the soles of their feet were like the hooves of a calf, gleaming like polished bronze. ...

Revelation 5:5-6
Then one of the elders said to me, “Do not weep! Behold, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has triumphed to open the scroll and its seven seals.” / Then I saw a Lamb who appeared to have been slain, standing in the center of the throne, encircled by the four living creatures and the elders. The Lamb had seven horns and seven eyes, which represent the seven spirits of God sent out into all the earth.

Daniel 8:15-17
While I, Daniel, was watching the vision and trying to understand it, there stood before me one having the appearance of a man. / And I heard the voice of a man calling from between the banks of the Ulai: “Gabriel, explain the vision to this man.” / As he came near to where I stood, I was terrified and fell facedown. “Son of man,” he said to me, “understand that the vision concerns the time of the end.”

Revelation 19:11-14
Then I saw heaven standing open, and there before me was a white horse. And its rider is called Faithful and True. With righteousness He judges and wages war. / He has eyes like blazing fire, and many royal crowns on His head. He has a name written on Him that only He Himself knows. / He is dressed in a robe dipped in blood, and His name is The Word of God. ...

Ezekiel 10:9-14
Then I looked and saw four wheels beside the cherubim, one wheel beside each cherub. And the wheels gleamed like a beryl stone. / As for their appearance, all four had the same form, like a wheel within a wheel. / When they moved, they would go in any of the four directions, without turning as they moved. For wherever the head faced, the cherubim would go in that direction, without turning as they moved. ...

Revelation 1:1
This is the revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave Him to show His servants what must soon come to pass. He made it known by sending His angel to His servant John,

Daniel 10:5-6
I lifted up my eyes, and behold, there was a certain man dressed in linen, with a belt of fine gold from Uphaz around his waist. / His body was like beryl, his face like the brilliance of lightning, his eyes like flaming torches, his arms and legs like the gleam of polished bronze, and his voice like the sound of a multitude.

Revelation 22:8-9
And I, John, am the one who heard and saw these things. And when I had heard and seen them, I fell down to worship at the feet of the angel who had shown me these things. / But he said to me, “Do not do that! I am a fellow servant with you and your brothers the prophets, and with those who keep the words of this book. Worship God!”

Ezekiel 40:3-4
So He took me there, and I saw a man whose appearance was like bronze. He was standing in the gateway with a linen cord and a measuring rod in his hand. / “Son of man,” he said to me, “look with your eyes, hear with your ears, and pay attention to everything I am going to show you, for that is why you have been brought here. Report to the house of Israel everything you see.”

Revelation 17:7
“Why are you so amazed?” said the angel. “I will tell you the mystery of the woman and of the beast that carries her, which has the seven heads and ten horns.

Daniel 12:8-9
I heard, but I did not understand. So I asked, “My lord, what will be the outcome of these things?” / “Go on your way, Daniel,” he replied, “for the words are closed up and sealed until the time of the end.

Revelation 10:7
But in the days of the voice of the seventh angel, when he begins to sound his trumpet, the mystery of God will be fulfilled, just as He proclaimed to His servants the prophets.”


Treasury of Scripture

Then said I, O my lord, what are these? And the angel that talked with me said to me, I will show you what these be.

what.

Zechariah 1:19
And I said unto the angel that talked with me, What be these? And he answered me, These are the horns which have scattered Judah, Israel, and Jerusalem.

Zechariah 4:4,11
So I answered and spake to the angel that talked with me, saying, What are these, my lord? …

Zechariah 6:4
Then I answered and said unto the angel that talked with me, What are these, my lord?

the angel.

Zechariah 2:3
And, behold, the angel that talked with me went forth, and another angel went out to meet him,

Zechariah 4:5
Then the angel that talked with me answered and said unto me, Knowest thou not what these be? And I said, No, my lord.

Zechariah 5:5
Then the angel that talked with me went forth, and said unto me, Lift up now thine eyes, and see what is this that goeth forth.

Jump to Previous
Angel Clear Messenger Shew Show Speaking Talked Talking What
Jump to Next
Angel Clear Messenger Shew Show Speaking Talked Talking What
Zechariah 1
1. Zechariah exhorts to repentance.
7. The vision of the horses.
12. At the prayer of the angel comfortable promises are made to Jerusalem.
18. The vision of the four horns and the four carpenters.














“What are these, my lord?” I asked.
Zechariah, a prophet during the post-exilic period, is having a vision. This question reflects his desire for understanding and clarity regarding the vision he is witnessing. The term "my lord" indicates respect and recognition of authority, often used in addressing angels or divine messengers. This scene is part of a series of visions given to Zechariah to encourage the Jewish people rebuilding the temple in Jerusalem. The question signifies the human need for divine interpretation and guidance, a theme prevalent throughout the prophetic books.

And the angel who was speaking with me replied,
Angels often serve as intermediaries between God and humans in the Bible, delivering messages and providing explanations. This particular angel is a guide for Zechariah, similar to the role of angels in the visions of Daniel and John in Revelation. The presence of the angel underscores the divine origin of the vision and the importance of the message being conveyed. It also highlights the accessibility of divine wisdom through God's appointed messengers.

“I will show you what they are.”
The angel's response promises revelation and understanding, emphasizing God's willingness to reveal His plans to those who seek Him. This assurance of explanation is a common motif in prophetic literature, where God provides insight into His purposes and future events. The phrase suggests a progressive revelation, where understanding unfolds as God deems appropriate. It also points to the role of prophecy in unveiling divine mysteries, a theme that resonates throughout the Bible, from the Old Testament prophets to the New Testament revelations.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Zechariah
A prophet of the post-exilic period, Zechariah is the author of the book and the one receiving the visions. His role is to encourage the Israelites in rebuilding the temple and to offer hope for the future.

2. The Angel
A divine messenger who communicates God's revelations to Zechariah. The angel serves as an interpreter of the visions Zechariah receives.

3. The Vision
This is part of a series of night visions given to Zechariah. These visions are symbolic and require interpretation to understand their meaning for Israel and God's plans.

4. The Lord
Referred to indirectly in the passage, the Lord is the ultimate source of the vision and the one who sends the angel to communicate with Zechariah.

5. The Context
The vision occurs during a time when the Israelites are returning from exile and are in the process of rebuilding Jerusalem and the temple. It is a period of renewal and hope, but also of uncertainty and challenge.
Teaching Points
The Role of Divine Messengers
Angels serve as interpreters of God's will, reminding us that God provides guidance and clarity through His appointed messengers.

Seeking Understanding
Zechariah's question, "What are these, my lord?" demonstrates the importance of seeking understanding in our spiritual journey. We should not hesitate to ask God for wisdom and clarity.

God's Communication
God communicates in various ways, including visions and dreams. We should be open to the different ways God might speak to us, always testing them against Scripture.

Encouragement in Uncertainty
Just as Zechariah received encouragement during a time of uncertainty, we too can find hope and direction in God's promises when facing challenges.

The Importance of Context
Understanding the historical and cultural context of biblical passages enriches our comprehension and application of Scripture.Verse 9. - O my lord. The prophet speaks to the angel of the Lord, who answers briefly, and is succeeded by the interpreting angel. What are these? Not "who," but "what;" i.e. what do they signify? (comp. Amos 7:8). That talked with me; literally, as the LXX. and Vulgate, that spake in me. So vers. 13, 14, and in the following visions. Hence some regard the expression as intimating a communication berne inwardly to the soul without the aid of external organs, or that the angel overpowered and influenced the prophet as the evil spirit possessed the demoniac. But the same term is used, as Dr. Wright points out, in the sense of to commune with a person (Numbers 12:6, 8; 1 Samuel 25:39), and to speak to a person (Hosea 1:2; and perhaps Habakkuk 2:1). It may, however, be that the angel of the Lord presented matters objectively, and the prophet's own angel interpreted subjectively. But the Authorized Version is probably correct. I will show thee. This he does through the chief angel (ver. 10).

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
“What
מָה־ (māh-)
Interrogative
Strong's 4100: What?, what!, indefinitely what

are these,
אֵ֣לֶּה (’êl·leh)
Pronoun - common plural
Strong's 428: These, those

my lord?”
אֲדֹנִ֑י (’ă·ḏō·nî)
Noun - masculine singular construct | first person common singular
Strong's 113: Sovereign, controller

I asked.
וָאֹמַ֖ר (wā·’ō·mar)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - first person common singular
Strong's 559: To utter, say

And the angel
הַמַּלְאָךְ֙ (ham·mal·’āḵ)
Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 4397: A messenger, of God, an angel

who was speaking
הַדֹּבֵ֣ר (had·dō·ḇêr)
Article | Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular
Strong's 1696: To arrange, to speak, to subdue

with me
בִּ֔י (bî)
Preposition | first person common singular
Strong's Hebrew

replied,
וַיֹּ֣אמֶר (way·yō·mer)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 559: To utter, say

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

will show
אַרְאֶ֖ךָּ (’ar·’e·kā)
Verb - Hifil - Imperfect - first person common singular | second person masculine singular
Strong's 7200: To see

you what
מָה־ (māh-)
Interrogative
Strong's 4100: What?, what!, indefinitely what

they are.”
הֵ֥מָּה (hêm·māh)
Pronoun - third person masculine plural
Strong's 1992: They


Links
Zechariah 1:9 NIV
Zechariah 1:9 NLT
Zechariah 1:9 ESV
Zechariah 1:9 NASB
Zechariah 1:9 KJV

Zechariah 1:9 BibleApps.com
Zechariah 1:9 Biblia Paralela
Zechariah 1:9 Chinese Bible
Zechariah 1:9 French Bible
Zechariah 1:9 Catholic Bible

OT Prophets: Zechariah 1:9 Then I asked 'My lord what (Zech. Zec Zc)
Zechariah 1:8
Top of Page
Top of Page