New International VersionAlso there are two olive trees by it, one on the right of the bowl and the other on its left.”
New Living TranslationAnd I see two olive trees, one on each side of the bowl.”
English Standard VersionAnd there are two olive trees by it, one on the right of the bowl and the other on its left.”
Berean Standard BibleThere are also two olive trees beside it, one on the right side of the bowl and the other on its left.”
King James BibleAnd two olive trees by it, one upon the right side of the bowl, and the other upon the left side thereof.
New King James VersionTwo olive trees are by it, one at the right of the bowl and the other at its left.”
New American Standard Biblealso two olive trees by it, one on the right side of the bowl and the other on its left side.”
NASB 1995also two olive trees by it, one on the right side of the bowl and the other on its left side.”
NASB 1977also two olive trees by it, one on the right side of the bowl and the other on its left side.”
Legacy Standard Biblealso two olive trees by it, one on the right side of the bowl and the other on its left side.”
Amplified BibleAnd there are two olive trees by it, one on the right side of the bowl and the other on its left side [supplying it continuously with oil].”
Christian Standard BibleThere are also two olive trees beside it, one on the right of the bowl and the other on its left.”
Holman Christian Standard BibleThere are also two olive trees beside it, one on the right of the bowl and the other on its left.”
American Standard Versionand two olive-trees by it, one upon the right side of the bowl, and the other upon the left side thereof.
Contemporary English VersionOne olive tree is on the right side and another on the left of the oil container.
English Revised Versionand two olive trees by it, one upon the right side of the bowl, and the other upon the left side thereof.
GOD'S WORD® TranslationThere are also two olive trees beside it, one on the right of the bowl and the other on its left."
Good News TranslationThere are two olive trees beside the lampstand, one on each side of it."
International Standard VersionTwo olive trees are near it, one on the right side of the bowl and one on the left."
NET BibleThere are also two olive trees beside it, one on the right of the receptacle and the other on the left."
New Heart English Bibleand two olive trees by it, one on the right side of the bowl, and the other on the left side of it."
Webster's Bible TranslationAnd two olive-trees by it, one upon the right side of the bowl, and the other upon the left side. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleThere are also two olive trees beside it, one on the right side of the bowl and the other on its left.”
World English Bibleand two olive trees by it, one on the right side of the bowl, and the other on the left side of it.” Literal Translations Literal Standard Versionand two olive-trees [are] by it, one on the right of the bowl and one on its left.”
Young's Literal Translation and two olive-trees are by it, one on the right of the bowl, and one on its left.'
Smith's Literal TranslationAnd two olive trees upon it, one from the right of the bowl and one from its left. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleAnd two olive trees over it: one upon the right side of the lamp, and the other upon the left side thereof.
Catholic Public Domain VersionAnd there were two olive trees upon it: one to the right of the lamp, and one to its left.”
New American BibleAnd beside it are two olive trees, one on the right of the bowl and one to its left.”
New Revised Standard VersionAnd by it there are two olive trees, one on the right of the bowl and the other on its left.” Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleAnd two olive trees by it, one on the right side of the bowl and the other on its left side.
Peshitta Holy Bible TranslatedAnd two olive trees are over it, one at the right of the bowl and one at its left” OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917and two olive-trees by it, one upon the right side of the bowl, and the other upon the left side thereof.'
Brenton Septuagint Translationand two olive-trees above it, one on the right of the bowl, and one on the left.
Additional Translations ... Audio Bible
Context The Vision of the Lampstand and Olive Trees… 2“What do you see?” he asked. “I see a solid gold lampstand,” I replied, “with a bowl at the top and seven lamps on it, with seven spouts to the lamps. 3There are also twoolive treesbeside it,oneon the right sideof the bowland the otheronits left.”4“What are these, my lord?” I asked the angel who was speaking with me.…
Cross References Revelation 11:4These witnesses are the two olive trees and the two lampstands that stand before the Lord of the earth.
Exodus 25:31-40Then you are to make a lampstand of pure, hammered gold. It shall be made of one piece, including its base and shaft, its cups, and its buds and petals. / Six branches are to extend from the sides of the lampstand—three on one side and three on the other. / There are to be three cups shaped like almond blossoms on the first branch, each with buds and petals, three on the next branch, and the same for all six branches that extend from the lampstand. ...
1 Kings 7:49the lampstands of pure gold in front of the inner sanctuary, five on the right side and five on the left; the gold flowers, lamps, and tongs;
Revelation 1:12-13Then I turned to see the voice that was speaking with me. And having turned, I saw seven golden lampstands, / and among the lampstands was One like the Son of Man, dressed in a long robe, with a golden sash around His chest.
Revelation 1:20This is the mystery of the seven stars you saw in My right hand and of the seven golden lampstands: The seven stars are the angels of the seven churches, and the seven lampstands are the seven churches.
Revelation 2:1“To the angel of the church in Ephesus write: These are the words of Him who holds the seven stars in His right hand and walks among the seven golden lampstands.
Exodus 37:17-24Then he made the lampstand out of pure hammered gold, all of one piece: its base and shaft, its cups, and its buds and petals. / Six branches extended from the sides, three on one side and three on the other. / There were three cups shaped like almond blossoms on the first branch, each with buds and petals, three on the next branch, and the same for all six branches that extended from the lampstand. ...
Numbers 8:2-4“Speak to Aaron and tell him: ‘When you set up the seven lamps, they are to light the area in front of the lampstand.’” / And Aaron did so; he set up the lamps facing toward the front of the lampstand, just as the LORD had commanded Moses. / This is how the lampstand was constructed: it was made of hammered gold from its base to its blossoms, fashioned according to the pattern the LORD had shown Moses.
1 Kings 6:23-28In the inner sanctuary he made two cherubim, each ten cubits high, out of olive wood. / One wing of the first cherub was five cubits long, and the other wing was five cubits long as well. So the full wingspan was ten cubits. / The second cherub also measured ten cubits; both cherubim had the same size and shape, ...
2 Chronicles 4:20the lampstands of pure gold and their lamps, to burn in front of the inner sanctuary as prescribed;
Matthew 5:14-16You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. / Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a basket. Instead, they set it on a stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. / In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.
John 8:12Once again, Jesus spoke to the people and said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows Me will never walk in the darkness, but will have the light of life.”
John 15:5I am the vine and you are the branches. The one who remains in Me, and I in him, will bear much fruit. For apart from Me you can do nothing.
Romans 11:17-24Now if some branches have been broken off, and you, a wild olive shoot, have been grafted in among the others to share in the nourishment of the olive root, / do not boast over those branches. If you do, remember this: You do not support the root, but the root supports you. / You will say then, “Branches were broken off so that I could be grafted in.” ...
Ephesians 5:8-9For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light, / for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness, and truth.
Treasury of Scripture And two olive trees by it, one on the right side of the bowl, and the other on the left side thereof. Zechariah 4:11,12,14 Then answered I, and said unto him, Whatare these two olive trees upon the rightside of the candlestick and upon the leftside thereof? … Judges 9:9 But the olive tree said unto them, Should I leave my fatness, wherewith by me they honour God and man, and go to be promoted over the trees? Romans 11:17,24 And if some of the branches be broken off, and thou, being a wild olive tree, wert graffed in among them, and with them partakest of the root and fatness of the olive tree; … Jump to Previous BowlCupOliveOlive-TreesRightSideThereofTreesJump to Next BowlCupOliveOlive-TreesRightSideThereofTreesZechariah 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.There are also two olive trees beside itThe imagery of olive trees is significant in biblical symbolism, often representing peace, prosperity, and the presence of the Holy Spirit. Olive oil was used in anointing rituals, signifying the consecration of kings and priests. In the context of Zechariah, the two olive trees are often interpreted as representing Joshua the high priest and Zerubbabel the governor, who were instrumental in the rebuilding of the temple. This imagery connects to the vision of the lampstand, symbolizing God's provision and the continuous supply of His Spirit to His people. The olive trees' presence beside the lampstand emphasizes the divine support and sustenance provided to Israel during the post-exilic period. one on the right side of the bowl
The right side in biblical literature often signifies a place of honor and authority. The positioning of one olive tree on the right side of the bowl may indicate a special role or function, possibly highlighting the leadership of Zerubbabel in the restoration efforts. The bowl, which collects oil from the trees, can be seen as a symbol of God's abundant provision and the central role of divine grace in empowering His servants. This imagery underscores the theme of divine empowerment and guidance, as seen in other scriptures such asPsalm 110:1, where the right hand is associated with power and authority. and the other on its left.
The left side, while not as prominently featured as the right, still holds significance in the balance and symmetry of the vision. The presence of the second olive tree on the left complements the one on the right, suggesting a partnership or dual role in the fulfillment of God's purposes. This can be seen as a representation of the dual leadership of Joshua and Zerubbabel, working together under God's guidance. The balanced placement of the trees may also reflect the harmonious operation of God's Spirit in both religious and civic spheres, as seen in the collaboration between priestly and royal functions throughout Israel's history. This duality can be linked to the New Testament concept of the church as a royal priesthood (1 Peter 2:9), where believers are called to serve in both spiritual and practical capacities. Persons / Places / Events 1. ZechariahA prophet who received visions from God to encourage the Jewish people during the rebuilding of the temple after the Babylonian exile. 2. Two Olive TreesSymbolic figures in Zechariah's vision, representing anointed ones or sources of divine provision and blessing. 3. The LampstandCentral to the vision, symbolizing the presence and light of God, often associated with the temple and worship. 4. The BowlPart of the vision, serving as a reservoir for oil, indicating a continuous supply of God's Spirit. 5. The TempleThe physical place being rebuilt, representing the center of worship and God's dwelling among His people. Teaching Points Divine ProvisionThe vision of the olive trees and the lampstand emphasizes God's provision. Just as the lampstand is supplied with oil, believers are sustained by the Holy Spirit. Trust in God's continuous provision in your spiritual journey. Anointing and EmpowermentThe olive trees symbolize anointing. As believers, we are called to be vessels of God's Spirit, empowered to fulfill His purposes. Seek to live a life that reflects God's anointing in your daily actions. The Centrality of WorshipThe lampstand's presence in the temple highlights the importance of worship. Make worship a central part of your life, recognizing it as a means to experience God's presence and guidance. Unity and CooperationThe two olive trees work together to supply the lampstand. In the body of Christ, unity and cooperation are essential. Work together with fellow believers to accomplish God's work. Hope and EncouragementZechariah's vision was given to encourage the people during a time of rebuilding. In times of challenge, look to God's promises and visions for hope and encouragement. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1.What is the meaning of Zechariah 4:3?
2.How do the "two olive trees" symbolize God's provision in Zechariah 4:3?
3.What role do the olive trees play in God's plan for His people?
4.How does Zechariah 4:3 connect with Revelation 11:4's depiction of the olive trees?
5.How can we rely on God's Spirit, as symbolized by the olive trees?
6.What does Zechariah 4:3 teach about God's continuous support in our lives?
7.What do the two olive trees symbolize in Zechariah 4:3?
8.How does Zechariah 4:3 relate to the concept of divine anointing?
9.What historical context surrounds the imagery in Zechariah 4:3?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Zechariah 4?
11.How can modern readers confirm the authenticity of prophetic claims in Zechariah 4 when similar apocalyptic visions in other texts are often disputed?
12.What visions and messages did Zechariah receive from God?
13.What are the key themes in Zechariah's prophecies?
14.What is the biblical significance of the olive tree?What Does Zechariah 4:3 Mean there are alsoZechariah’s wording signals that the olive trees are an integral part of the vision, not optional accessories. • The scene already includes the golden lampstand and the bowl (Zechariah 4:2). Now, in addition, come the trees. • This “also” shows God’s thorough provision—He doesn’t merely light a lamp; He supplies the continual source of oil. • Similar divine completeness is seen when the LORD provides manna and quail together for Israel (Exodus 16:12-15), or when Jesus feeds the crowd with both bread and fish (Mark 6:41-43).
two olive treesThe number two is deliberate and purposeful. •Deuteronomy 19:15 establishes “two witnesses” for a matter to be confirmed. The trees will later be called “the two anointed ones” who stand by the Lord (Zechariah 4:14). •Revelation 11:4 echoes this vision: “These are the two olive trees and the two lampstands that stand before the Lord of the earth,” tying Zechariah’s imagery to the end-times witnesses. • Olive trees naturally produce oil, reinforcing a literal supply line that pictures the Holy Spirit’s unceasing flow (Zechariah 4:6;Isaiah 61:1).
beside itPlacement matters. The trees stand next to the lampstand, not at a distance. • Proximity shows direct, unhindered provision—no middlemen, no delay. •Psalm 1:3 portrays the righteous “like a tree planted by streams of water,” where nearness assures nourishment. • God positions His resources exactly where His people need them; Zerubbabel will rebuild the temple through power immediately at hand (Zechariah 4:7-9).
one on the right side of the bowlRight-hand positioning in Scripture speaks of honor and strength. • Jesus sits at the right hand of God (Hebrews 1:3). • The “right side” olive tree underscores the honorable, authoritative source of supply for the lamp. • For Zerubbabel, the message is personal: heaven’s power stands at his right, empowering his leadership (Haggai 2:4-5).
and the other on its leftBalance completes the picture. • With oil flowing from both sides, there is no point of vulnerability; supply is symmetrical and secure. • In Solomon’s temple, lampstands were set on the right and left of the sanctuary (1 Kings 7:49), hinting that God’s order is always balanced. • The dual flow reassures every believer that God’s Spirit is never lopsided or scarce (John 7:38-39).
summaryZechariah 4:3 paints a literal vision of two olive trees flanking the lampstand’s bowl, underscoring God’s complete, balanced, and authoritative provision of the Spirit’s power. The right-side tree highlights honor and strength; the left-side tree confirms stability and sufficiency. Together they guarantee an endless flow of oil so that Zerubbabel—and all who serve God—can accomplish divine work “not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit,” says the LORD (Zechariah 4:6). Verse 3. - Two olive trees. These, as explained in ver. 12, discharged the oil from their fruit-bearing branches into conduits which led to the central reservoir. Without man's agency the oil is separated from the berry and keeps the lamps constantly supplied (comp. Revelation 2:4).
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew There are also twoוּשְׁנַ֥יִם(ū·šə·na·yim)Conjunctive waw | Number - md
Strong's 8147:Two (a cardinal number)olive treesזֵיתִ֖ים(zê·ṯîm)Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 2132:An olive, the tree, the branch, the berrybeside it,עָלֶ֑יהָ(‘ā·le·hā)Preposition | third person feminine singular
Strong's 5921:Above, over, upon, againstoneאֶחָד֙(’e·ḥāḏ)Number - masculine singular
Strong's 259:United, one, firston the rightמִימִ֣ין(mî·mîn)Preposition-m | Noun - feminine singular construct
Strong's 3225:The right hand, side, the southof the bowlהַגֻּלָּ֔ה(hag·gul·lāh)Article | Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 1543:A fountain, bowl, globeand the otherוְאֶחָ֖ד(wə·’e·ḥāḏ)Conjunctive waw | Number - masculine singular
Strong's 259:United, one, firstonעַל־(‘al-)Preposition
Strong's 5921:Above, over, upon, againstits left.”שְׂמֹאלָֽהּ׃(śə·mō·lāh)Noun - masculine singular construct | third person feminine singular
Strong's 8040:Dark, the north, the left hand
Links Zechariah 4:3 NIVZechariah 4:3 NLTZechariah 4:3 ESVZechariah 4:3 NASBZechariah 4:3 KJV
Zechariah 4:3 BibleApps.comZechariah 4:3 Biblia ParalelaZechariah 4:3 Chinese BibleZechariah 4:3 French BibleZechariah 4:3 Catholic Bible
OT Prophets: Zechariah 4:3 And two olive trees by it one (Zech. Zec Zc) |
