And the angel that talked with me came again, and waked me, as a man that is wakened out of his sleep,

ZECHARIAH 4:1KJV
Know the Bible

Zechariah 4:1 (KJV)

What does Zechariah 4:1 mean?

Zechariah 4:1 describes how the angel who had been speaking with Zechariah returned and woke him up, like someone rousing a person from sleep. The verse shows Zechariah being brought to alertness so he can receive a new vision or message.

The setting is Zechariah’s series of visions during the night, where an angel acts as his guide and interpreter. Here, the angel’s action of waking Zechariah suggests that the prophet may have been in a state of deep reflection, spiritual stillness, or even literal sleep, and now needs to be fully attentive for what is about to be revealed next.

The Hebrew behind Zechariah 4:1

  • The word for "angel" is מַלְאָךְ (mal’akh), meaning "messenger." This highlights that the figure is not acting on his own but is sent with a purpose, guiding Zechariah through his visions.
  • "Waked" and "wakened" both come from עוּר (ʿur), which means "to rouse" or "to awaken." The repetition emphasizes a sudden shift from passivity or unawareness to alertness, preparing Zechariah for a significant revelation.
  • The word for "sleep" is שֵׁנָה (shenah), which refers to literal sleep but can also suggest a state of spiritual dullness or unawareness. The comparison to a man awakened from sleep underlines the need for Zechariah to be fully attentive.

Why Zechariah 4:1 matters

  • This verse clears up that Zechariah’s visions are not continuous but come in stages, with moments of pause or reflection in between, showing the human side of prophetic experience.
  • The emphasis on being "wakened" suggests that spiritual insight sometimes requires a deliberate shift from passivity to attentiveness, even for prophets.
  • The verse sets the stage for the next vision, highlighting the importance of readiness and alertness when receiving messages from God.

Where else these words appear

“sleep” Hebrew H8142 · used in 23 verses

  • Genesis 28:16 And Jacob awaked out of his sleep, and he said, Surely the LORD is in this place; and I knew it not.
  • Psalms 90:5 Thou carriest them away as with a flood; they are as a sleep: in the morning they are like grass which groweth up.
  • Proverbs 20:13 Love not sleep, lest thou come to poverty; open thine eyes, and thou shalt be satisfied with bread.

“waked” Hebrew H5782 · used in 65 verses

  • Deuteronomy 32:11 As an eagle stirreth up her nest, fluttereth over her young, spreadeth abroad her wings, taketh them, beareth them on her wings:
  • Psalms 73:20 As a dream when one awaketh; so, O Lord, when thou awakest, thou shalt despise their image.
  • Isaiah 51:17 Awake, awake, stand up, O Jerusalem, which hast drunk at the hand of the LORD the cup of his fury; thou hast drunken the dregs of the cup of trembling, and wrung them out.