Old Testament
Zechariah 4:14
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
He said, "These are the two anointed ones who stand by the LORD of the whole earth."
Compare translations
Then said he, These are the two anointed ones, that stand by the LORD of the whole earth.
What Zechariah 4:14 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In Zechariah 4:14, the phrase "two anointed ones" refers to two significant figures chosen by God to fulfill His purposes. These individuals are often interpreted as Zerubbabel, the governor, and Joshua, the high priest, who played crucial roles in the rebuilding of the temple after the Babylonian exile. The verse emphasizes their special status as anointed leaders, indicating that they are empowered by God to lead His people. The mention of them standing "by the LORD of the whole earth" signifies their close relationship with God and their authority under His guidance. This passage reassures the people that God is actively involved in their restoration and that He has appointed leaders to guide them in His plans. It highlights the importance of divine support in leadership and the fulfillment of God's promises to His people.
How to apply Zechariah 4:14 to your life
This verse encourages us to recognize and support the leaders God has placed in our lives. It reminds us that God empowers individuals for specific tasks and that we should trust in His guidance. We can also reflect on how we can be anointed to serve others in our communities.
Curated for this public verse page. Zechariah 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 Noah's story: Noah Is Born (Genesis 5:28–32)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
Noah

Photo: Photochrom print, Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division (LCCN 2002725043). License: Public domain in the United States; Library of Congress states no known restrictions on publication. Source. Location: Nablus and Mount Gerizim, 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.
Shechem
Where God promised the land to Abram, and where Joshua led Israel to renew the covenant.
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 Zechariah 4:14
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 Zechariah 4:14
Related Bible verses
Key themes
Related topics
At a Glance — the Book of Zechariah
- Author
- Zechariah the prophet
- Written
- Around 520-480 BC
- Genre
- Prophecy and apocalyptic
- Original Audience
- Post-exilic Jews
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Zechariah 4:14 mean?
Zechariah 4:14 refers to two significant leaders, often identified as Zerubbabel and Joshua, who were chosen by God to help restore His people and rebuild the temple after the Babylonian exile. The verse highlights their special anointing and authority under God's guidance.
Who are the two anointed ones in Zechariah 4:14?
The two anointed ones mentioned in Zechariah 4:14 are typically understood to be Zerubbabel, the governor, and Joshua, the high priest. They represent God's appointed leaders during the restoration of Israel.
What is the significance of standing by the LORD in Zechariah 4:14?
Standing by the LORD signifies a close relationship with God and the authority given to the leaders. It emphasizes that they are empowered by God to fulfill His purposes on earth.
How does Zechariah 4:14 relate to divine leadership?
Zechariah 4:14 illustrates the concept of divine leadership by showing that God appoints specific individuals to lead His people. It reassures believers that God is actively involved in guiding and supporting their leaders.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.