And the LORD stirred up the spirit of Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel, governor of Judah, and the spirit of Joshua the son of Josedech, the high priest, and the spirit of all the remnant of the people; and they came and did work in the house of the LORD of hosts, their God,

HAGGAI 1:14KJV
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Haggai 1:14 (KJV)

What does Haggai 1:14 mean?

Haggai 1:14 describes how the LORD motivated Zerubbabel, Joshua, and the rest of the people to begin working on rebuilding the temple. The verse shows that God actively stirred up their spirits, leading them to take action together on the house of the LORD.

The prophet Haggai is speaking to the people of Judah after their return from exile. The leaders named—Zerubbabel (the governor) and Joshua (the high priest)—along with the remnant of the people, had been hesitant to rebuild the temple. This verse highlights a turning point, where God’s direct influence gives them the energy and unity needed to start the work.

The Hebrew behind Haggai 1:14

  • "stirred up" (עור, ʿur): This word means to awaken or rouse someone from inactivity. Here, it emphasizes that the renewed motivation and courage did not come from the people themselves, but from God’s initiative.
  • "spirit" (רוּחַ, ruach): This word often means wind, breath, or spirit. In this verse, it refers to the inner drive or attitude of the leaders and people, showing that God affected their inner resolve, not just their outward actions.
  • "remnant" (שְׁאֵרִית, she’erit): This term refers to those who survived exile and returned. The use of this word highlights that the group was small and vulnerable, making God’s intervention even more significant.

Why Haggai 1:14 matters

  • Haggai 1:14 clarifies that the rebuilding of the temple was not just a human decision, but a response to God’s prompting, showing His ongoing involvement with His people.
  • The verse connects the leaders and the people, showing that God’s work included everyone, not just those in authority.
  • This moment marks a shift in the book of Haggai, from rebuke for neglecting the temple to unified action, setting the stage for the restoration of worship in Jerusalem.

Where else these words appear

“Josedech” Hebrew H3087 · used in 8 verses

  • 1 Chronicles 6:14 And Azariah begat Seraiah, and Seraiah begat Jehozadak,
  • Haggai 1:1 In the second year of Darius the king, in the sixth month, in the first day of the month, came the word of the LORD by Haggai the prophet unto Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel, governor of Judah, and to Joshua the son of Josedech, the high priest, saying,
  • Haggai 2:2 Speak now to Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel, governor of Judah, and to Joshua the son of Josedech, the high priest, and to the residue of the people, saying,

“Shealtiel” Hebrew H7597 · used in 9 verses

  • 1 Chronicles 3:17 And the sons of Jeconiah; Assir, Salathiel his son,
  • Ezra 3:8 Now in the second year of their coming unto the house of God at Jerusalem, in the second month, began Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel, and Jeshua the son of Jozadak, and the remnant of their brethren the priests and the Levites, and all they that were come out of the captivity unto Jerusalem; and appointed the Levites, from twenty years old and upward, to set forward the work of the house of the LORD.
  • Haggai 1:12 Then Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel, and Joshua the son of Josedech, the high priest, with all the remnant of the people, obeyed the voice of the LORD their God, and the words of Haggai the prophet, as the LORD their God had sent him, and the people did fear before the LORD.

“Zerubbabel” Hebrew H2216 · used in 20 verses

  • 1 Chronicles 3:19 And the sons of Pedaiah were, Zerubbabel, and Shimei: and the sons of Zerubbabel; Meshullam, and Hananiah, and Shelomith their sister:
  • Nehemiah 7:7 Who came with Zerubbabel, Jeshua, Nehemiah, Azariah, Raamiah, Nahamani, Mordecai, Bilshan, Mispereth, Bigvai, Nehum, Baanah. The number, I say, of the men of the people of Israel was this;
  • Haggai 2:4 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:

“governor” Hebrew H6346 · used in 27 verses

  • 1 Kings 10:15 Beside that he had of the merchantmen, and of the traffick of the spice merchants, and of all the kings of Arabia, and of the governors of the country.
  • Nehemiah 5:14 Moreover from the time that I was appointed to be their governor in the land of Judah, from the twentieth year even unto the two and thirtieth year of Artaxerxes the king, that is, twelve years, I and my brethren have not eaten the bread of the governor.
  • Jeremiah 51:28 Prepare against her the nations with the kings of the Medes, the captains thereof, and all the rulers thereof, and all the land of his dominion.