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:

HAGGAI 2:4KJV
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Haggai 2:4 (KJV)

What does Haggai 2:4 mean?

Haggai 2:4 is a message from God, spoken through the prophet Haggai, telling Zerubbabel, Joshua the high priest, and all the people to be strong and continue their work, because God is with them. The verse emphasizes encouragement and reassurance to leaders and people rebuilding the temple after returning from exile.

Haggai, as God’s messenger, addresses Zerubbabel (the governor), Joshua (the high priest), and the returned community during a discouraging time when rebuilding the temple seemed overwhelming. God’s repeated command to “be strong” and to “work” highlights both the need for courage and action, while the promise “I am with you” assures them of God’s ongoing support and presence.

The Hebrew behind Haggai 2:4

  • חֲזַק (ḥazaq, "strong", H2388): This word means to be strong, courageous, or resolute. The repetition (“be strong” three times) underlines the urgency and importance of inner resolve for each group addressed—leaders and people alike.
  • עֲשׂוּ (ʿasu, "work", H6213): This is a call to action, not just encouragement. God is telling them to get on with the practical task of rebuilding, not just to feel encouraged.
  • יְהוָה צְבָאוֹת (YHWH tseva’ot, "LORD of hosts", H3068, H6635): This title for God, meaning “LORD of armies,” stresses God’s power and authority, reminding the people that the one backing them is mighty and commands heavenly armies.

Why Haggai 2:4 matters

  • Haggai 2:4 clears up the idea that spiritual encouragement is only about feelings; it shows God expects both courage and practical effort.
  • The verse connects to the wider passage by repeating God’s promise of presence, which is a key theme throughout Haggai—God is not distant, but actively with His people as they rebuild.
  • The repeated address to leaders and all the people highlights that everyone, not just officials, is responsible for the work and receives God’s encouragement.

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 1:14 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,

“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 2:2 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,