Old Testament
Haggai 1:8
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
Go up to the mountain, bring wood, and build the house; then I will take pleasure in it and be glorified, says the LORD.
Compare translations
Go up to the mountain, and bring wood, and build the house; and I will take pleasure in it, and I will be glorified, saith the LORD.
What Haggai 1:8 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In Haggai 1:8, God instructs His people to take action by going to the mountains to gather wood for the construction of His house, which refers to the temple. This command emphasizes the importance of prioritizing God's work and presence among them. By building the temple, the people would not only fulfill a divine command but also create a place where God could dwell and be honored. The phrase 'I will take pleasure in it and be glorified' indicates that God desires a dwelling place that reflects His glory and significance. This verse serves as a reminder that God values our efforts to create spaces for worship and community, and He delights in our obedience and dedication to His purposes. The call to action is clear: the people must actively participate in the restoration of their relationship with God through tangible efforts, symbolized by the physical act of building. This reflects a broader theme of commitment to faith and the importance of prioritizing spiritual responsibilities over personal interests.
How to apply Haggai 1:8 to your life
This verse encourages us to actively participate in our spiritual growth and community. We should prioritize our relationship with God by engaging in activities that honor Him, such as serving others, participating in church, and contributing to the needs of our community. Our actions can reflect our commitment to God.
Curated for this public verse page. Haggai Summary
Explore more of the Bible
Learn the Bible through its people and places
Get to know the people in Scripture through illustrated stories, and explore the places where they lived and traveled.

Illustrated scene from David's story: Samuel Anoints David (1 Samuel 16:1–13)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
David

Photo: Photochrom print, Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division (LCCN 2002724987). License: Public domain in the United States; Library of Congress states no known restrictions on publication. Source. Location: Hebron, West Bank; print preserved by the Library of Congress. Resized for the web.
Explore the places of the Bible
See where biblical events happened, why each place matters, and what archaeology helps us understand.
Hebron
Where Abraham lived and buried Sarah, and where David was first made king.
Get full access with one subscription
Explore the people and places of the Bible. Read summaries of every book, with images and clear explanations covering every chapter. Access all these features and our Bible study tools with one subscription.
See PlansAsk AI about Haggai 1:8
Ask a question about this verse and get a clear answer, with Bible references you can read for yourself.
Every Bible book, explained chapter by chapter
Explore summaries of every book of the Bible, with images and easy-to-understand explanations covering every chapter.
Keep studying Haggai 1:8
Related Bible verses
Key themes
Related topics
At a Glance — the Book of Haggai
- Author
- Haggai the prophet
- Written
- Around 520 BC
- Genre
- Prophecy
- Original Audience
- Post-exilic Jews rebuilding the temple
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Haggai 1:8 mean?
Haggai 1:8 means that God is urging His people to take action by gathering materials to build the temple. This reflects the importance of prioritizing God's work and creating a space for His presence.
What is the significance of building the house in Haggai 1:8?
Building the house in Haggai 1:8 signifies the restoration of worship and community among God's people. It emphasizes the need for a physical place where God can dwell and be honored.
What does 'I will take pleasure in it and be glorified' mean in Haggai 1:8?
The phrase 'I will take pleasure in it and be glorified' indicates that God desires a dwelling place that reflects His glory. It shows that God values the efforts made to honor Him through worship.
How can we apply Haggai 1:8 to our lives today?
We can apply Haggai 1:8 by actively engaging in our spiritual growth and community service. Prioritizing our relationship with God through actions that honor Him is essential.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.