Old Testament

Haggai 1:6

The Clear Bible Translation matches the King James Version, written at a 10th-grade reading level in plain English

At a Glance

In Haggai 1:6, the prophet highlights the struggles of the people who have been working hard but not seeing the results they desire.

Author: Haggai the prophet
Written: Around 520 BC
Genre: Prophecy
Original Audience: Post-exilic Jews rebuilding the temple

CBTClear Bible Translation

You've planted plenty of seed but harvested almost nothing. You eat, but you're never full. You drink, but you're still thirsty. You put on clothes, but you can't get warm. And whoever earns wages is putting them into a bag with holes.

KJVKing James Version

Ye have sown much, and bring in little; ye eat, but ye have not enough; ye drink, but ye are not filled with drink; ye clothe you, but there is none warm; and he that earneth wages earneth wages to put it into a bag with holes.

Verse Analysis

Plain-English insight for readers

In Haggai 1:6, the prophet highlights the struggles of the people who have been working hard but not seeing the results they desire. They have planted seeds but are not reaping a good harvest. Despite their efforts to eat and drink, they remain unsatisfied and unfulfilled. The imagery of putting wages into a bag with holes suggests that their earnings are wasted and do not provide for their needs. This verse serves as a reminder that without prioritizing God and His work, our efforts may feel futile. The people are encouraged to reflect on their priorities and consider how their neglect of God's house has led to their dissatisfaction. The message emphasizes the importance of aligning one's life with God's purposes to experience true fulfillment and abundance. Explore related consequences.

Key themes

Consequences of disobedience

Related Bible verses

How to apply Haggai 1:6 to your life

To apply this verse, evaluate your priorities and consider if you are putting God first in your life. Reflect on areas where you may be working hard but not seeing the desired results. Make adjustments to focus on spiritual growth and service to God, which can lead to true satisfaction.

Curated for this public verse page. Haggai Summary

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick, clear answers about this verse

What does Haggai 1:6 mean?

Haggai 1:6 means that despite the people's hard work, they are not seeing the results they expect. It highlights their dissatisfaction and unfulfilled needs, suggesting that neglecting God's priorities leads to a lack of true fulfillment.

What is the significance of 'putting wages into a bag with holes' in Haggai 1:6?

The phrase 'putting wages into a bag with holes' signifies that the people's earnings are wasted and do not meet their needs. It illustrates the futility of their efforts when they do not prioritize God and His work.

What does Haggai 1:6 teach about priorities?

Haggai 1:6 teaches that prioritizing God is essential for true satisfaction and fulfillment. The verse encourages individuals to reflect on their priorities and consider how neglecting spiritual matters can lead to dissatisfaction in life.

How can I apply the message of Haggai 1:6 to my life?

To apply Haggai 1:6, evaluate your life to see if you are prioritizing God. Consider areas where you are working hard but not seeing results, and make adjustments to focus on spiritual growth and service.

Book Summary

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.

Zerubbabel, Joshua, and the remnant of the people obey the voice of the LORD and fear Him. The LORD speaks again through Haggai, saying, "I am with you." He stirs the spirit of Zerubbabel, Joshua, and the remnant, and they come and work on the house of the LORD of hosts their God on the twenty-fourth day of the sixth month. Haggai 2: The Latter Glory and Zerubbabel Chosen On the twenty-first day of the seventh month, the word of the LORD comes again through Haggai to Zerubbabel, Joshua, and the remnant. He asks who remembers the former glory of the house and how it appears now. He tells Zerubbabel, Joshua, and all the people to be strong and work, for He is with them. He says His Spirit remains among them. The LORD declares that He will shake the heavens, the earth, the sea, and the dry land, and the desire of all nations will come. He says the silver and gold belong to Him and that the glory of this latter house will be greater than the former, and in this place He will give peace. On the twenty-fourth day of the ninth month, the LORD speaks again. He asks the priests about holiness and uncleanness, and they answer that uncleanness spreads but holiness does not transfer. He says the people and their work have been unclean, and He has struck their crops with blight and hail. He calls them to consider from this day forward, from the day the foundation of the LORD's temple is laid, and promises that from this day He will bless them. The word of the LORD comes again to Haggai for Zerubbabel, saying He will shake the heavens and earth, overthrow kingdoms, and destroy strength. He says He will take Zerubbabel and make him like a signet, for He has chosen him.

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