Old Testament
Haggai 1:14
The Clear Bible Translation matches the King James Version, written at a 10th-grade reading level in plain English
At a Glance
In Haggai 1:14, God inspires key leaders and the people of Judah to take action in rebuilding the temple.
- Author
- Haggai the prophet
- Written
- Around 520 BC
- Genre
- Prophecy
- Original Audience
- Post-exilic Jews rebuilding the temple
The LORD stirred up the spirit of Zerubbabel son of Shealtiel, the governor of Judah, and the spirit of Joshua son of Josedech, the high priest, and the spirit of all the remnant of the people. They came and worked on the house of the LORD of hosts, their God.
And the LORD stirred up the spirit of Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel, governor of Judah, and the spirit of Joshua the son of Josedech, the high priest, and the spirit of all the remnant of the people; and they came and did work in the house of the LORD of hosts, their God,
Verse Analysis
Plain-English insight for readers
In Haggai 1:14, God inspires key leaders and the people of Judah to take action in rebuilding the temple. Zerubbabel, the governor, and Joshua, the high priest, represent both political and spiritual leadership. Their spirits are stirred, indicating a divine motivation to restore worship and community identity. The remnant of the people, who had returned from exile, also feel compelled to participate in this important task. This verse highlights the importance of collective effort in fulfilling God's purposes and the role of divine encouragement in motivating individuals to act. The rebuilding of the temple symbolizes a renewed commitment to God and His presence among His people. It serves as a reminder that when God stirs our hearts, we are called to respond actively in faith and service, working together to fulfill His plans.
Related Bible verses
How to apply Haggai 1:14 to your life
When we feel stirred by God, we should take action in our communities. This can mean serving others, participating in church activities, or supporting initiatives that promote spiritual growth. Collective efforts can lead to significant change and restoration.
Curated for this public verse page. Haggai Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Haggai 1:14 mean?
Haggai 1:14 means that God inspired key leaders, Zerubbabel and Joshua, along with the people of Judah, to rebuild the temple. This verse emphasizes the importance of divine motivation in collective efforts to restore worship and community identity.
What is the significance of Zerubbabel and Joshua in Haggai 1:14?
Zerubbabel and Joshua represent both political and spiritual leadership in Judah. Their involvement shows how God can stir the hearts of leaders to inspire the community to take action in fulfilling His purposes.
How does Haggai 1:14 relate to community action?
Haggai 1:14 highlights the importance of collective action in fulfilling God's plans. It shows that when individuals feel inspired by God, they can come together to make significant changes in their community.
What themes are present in Haggai 1:14?
Key themes in Haggai 1:14 include divine inspiration, leadership, community action, rebuilding, faithfulness, restoration, and worship. These themes illustrate the collaborative effort required to restore the temple and strengthen the community's relationship with God.

The Book of Haggai
Haggai 1: Command to Build the LORD's House
In the second year of Darius the king, the word of the LORD comes through Haggai the prophet to Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel, governor of Judah, and to Joshua the son of Josedech, the high priest. The LORD says that the people claim the time has not come to build His house, yet they live in finished houses while His house lies waste. He tells them to consider their ways. They sow much but harvest little, eat but are not satisfied, drink but are not filled, clothe themselves but are not warm, and earn wages that disappear quickly. The LORD commands them to go up to the mountain, bring wood, and build the house so that He may take pleasure in it. He explains that because His house remains in ruins, He withholds dew and calls for drought on the land, crops, livestock, and all their labor.
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