And I called for a drought upon the land, and upon the mountains, and upon the corn, and upon the new wine, and upon the oil, and upon that which the ground bringeth forth, and upon men, and upon cattle, and upon all the labour of the hands.

HAGGAI 1:11KJV
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Haggai 1:11 (KJV)

What does Haggai 1:11 mean?

Haggai 1:11 describes God declaring that He has summoned a drought to affect every part of the land—fields, mountains, crops, wine, oil, everything the ground produces, as well as people, animals, and all human labor. This verse shows that the hardship is not random but a direct result of God's decision, affecting every aspect of daily life.

The prophet Haggai is speaking to the people of Judah after their return from exile, relaying God's message about why they are experiencing such severe shortages. The people had neglected rebuilding God's temple, focusing instead on their own homes, and God is making it clear that the drought is a consequence of their misplaced priorities.

The Hebrew behind Haggai 1:11

  • "Drought" (חֹרֶב, ḥōrev): This word means dryness or drought, emphasizing a severe lack of water. Its use here highlights that the hardship is not just a minor inconvenience but a deep, widespread crisis.
  • "Labour" (יְגִיעַ, yəgi‘a): This word refers to the product of hard work or toil. By including this, the verse stresses that even the results of human effort are affected, showing the total reach of the drought.
  • "Hands" (כַּף, kaf): Literally meaning "palm" or "hand," it points to personal labor and work. The verse underscores that every kind of effort, not just crops or livestock, is impacted by the drought.

Why Haggai 1:11 matters

  • Haggai 1:11 clarifies that the drought is not a natural accident but a purposeful act from God, meant to get the people's attention and call them back to their responsibilities.
  • The verse lists every area affected—land, crops, people, animals, and labor—to show that no part of life is untouched when the people ignore God's priorities.
  • This verse connects directly to the wider message of Haggai: the people's spiritual choices have real, practical consequences in their everyday lives.

Where else these words appear

“drought” Hebrew H2721 · used in 15 verses

  • Genesis 31:40 Thus I was; in the day the drought consumed me, and the frost by night; and my sleep departed from mine eyes.
  • Job 30:30 My skin is black upon me, and my bones are burned with heat.
  • Jeremiah 36:30 Therefore thus saith the LORD of Jehoiakim king of Judah; He shall have none to sit upon the throne of David: and his dead body shall be cast out in the day to the heat, and in the night to the frost.

“labour” Hebrew H3018 · used in 16 verses

  • Genesis 31:42 Except the God of my father, the God of Abraham, and the fear of Isaac, had been with me, surely thou hadst sent me away now empty. God hath seen mine affliction and the labour of my hands, and rebuked thee yesternight.
  • Job 39:16 She is hardened against her young ones, as though they were not hers: her labour is in vain without fear;
  • Isaiah 55:2 Wherefore do ye spend money for that which is not bread? and your labour for that which satisfieth not? hearken diligently unto me, and eat ye that which is good, and let your soul delight itself in fatness.

“oil” Hebrew H3323 · used in 23 verses

  • Numbers 18:12 All the best of the oil, and all the best of the wine, and of the wheat, the firstfruits of them which they shall offer unto the LORD, them have I given thee.
  • 2 Kings 18:32 Until I come and take you away to a land like your own land, a land of corn and wine, a land of bread and vineyards, a land of oil olive and of honey, that ye may live, and not die: and hearken not unto Hezekiah, when he persuadeth you, saying, The LORD will deliver us.
  • Nehemiah 13:12 Then brought all Judah the tithe of the corn and the new wine and the oil unto the treasuries.

“wine” Hebrew H8492 · used in 38 verses

  • Genesis 27:28 Therefore God give thee of the dew of heaven, and the fatness of the earth, and plenty of corn and wine:
  • 2 Chronicles 31:5 And as soon as the commandment came abroad, the children of Israel brought in abundance the firstfruits of corn, wine, and oil, and honey, and of all the increase of the field; and the tithe of all things brought they in abundantly.
  • Isaiah 65:8 Thus saith the LORD, As the new wine is found in the cluster, and one saith, Destroy it not; for a blessing is in it: so will I do for my servants' sakes, that I may not destroy them all.