Old Testament
Haggai 2:4
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
"But take courage, Zerubbabel," says the LORD. "Take courage, Joshua son of Josedech, high priest. Take courage, all you people of the land," says the LORD. "Get to work, because I am with you," declares the LORD of hosts.
Compare translations
Yet now be strong, O Zerubbabel, saith the LORD; and be strong, O Joshua, son of Josedech, the high priest; and be strong, all ye people of the land, saith the LORD, and work: for I am with you, saith the LORD of hosts:
What Haggai 2:4 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In Haggai 2:4, God encourages Zerubbabel, Joshua, and the people of Israel to be strong and courageous as they rebuild the temple. This message emphasizes the importance of perseverance and faith in the face of challenges. God reassures them of His presence, stating that He is with them, which serves as a powerful motivator to take action. The call to 'get to work' highlights the necessity of not just waiting for divine intervention but actively participating in the fulfillment of God's plans. This verse reflects God's commitment to His people and His desire for them to trust in His support as they undertake significant tasks. The repetition of 'take courage' underscores the emotional and spiritual strength needed to overcome obstacles. Overall, this passage serves as a reminder that with God's presence, believers can find the strength to accomplish their goals, even when the circumstances seem daunting.
How to apply Haggai 2:4 to your life
When facing challenges, remember that God is with you. Take courage and actively engage in the tasks before you, trusting that His support will empower you to overcome obstacles. Your efforts matter in fulfilling God's plans.
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 Esther's story: Esther Becomes Queen (Esther 2:1–18)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
Esther
Photo: Deror Avi, via Wikimedia Commons. License: CC BY-SA 4.0. Source. Location: Tel Shiloh archaeological site, West Bank. 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.
Shiloh
Where Israel set up the tabernacle, and where God called the boy Samuel.
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 2:4
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 2:4
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 2:4 mean?
Haggai 2:4 conveys God's encouragement to Zerubbabel, Joshua, and the people of Israel to be strong and courageous as they rebuild the temple. It emphasizes the importance of perseverance and faith, assuring them that God is with them during their efforts.
What is the meaning of 'take courage' in Haggai 2:4?
In Haggai 2:4, 'take courage' is a call for emotional and spiritual strength. It encourages the leaders and people to remain steadfast and motivated in their work, reminding them that God supports them.
How does Haggai 2:4 apply to my life?
Haggai 2:4 encourages you to face challenges with courage, knowing that God is with you. It reminds you to actively engage in your tasks and trust that your efforts contribute to fulfilling God's purposes.
Why does God tell them to 'get to work' in Haggai 2:4?
God tells them to 'get to work' to emphasize the importance of taking action rather than waiting for divine intervention. It highlights that their participation is crucial in the process of rebuilding and fulfilling His plans.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.