Zechariah 6:14 (KJV)

What does Zechariah 6:14 mean?

Zechariah 6:14 says that the crowns made earlier in the chapter are to be kept in the temple of the LORD as a memorial, belonging to Helem, Tobijah, Jedaiah, and Hen the son of Zephaniah. This verse marks the crowns as lasting reminders of these men’s participation in a special event connected to the temple.

Zechariah, a prophet speaking to the returned exiles in Jerusalem, is describing a symbolic act where certain men bring silver and gold to make crowns. These crowns are not just for immediate use but are set aside in the temple as a memorial—meaning they serve as a sign or reminder of God’s work through these individuals and the hope for a coming priest-king.

The Hebrew behind Zechariah 6:14

• "crowns" (עֲטָרוֹת, atarot): This word is plural, showing that more than one crown was made, which fits the symbolic and communal nature of the act.
• "memorial" (זִכָּרוֹן, zikkaron): This word means a remembrance or reminder. Here, it means the crowns are not for wearing but for keeping in the temple as a visible sign of what happened.
• "temple" (הֵיכָל, heikal): This word refers to the sanctuary or main building of the LORD’s house, emphasizing that the crowns are kept in a sacred, central place.
• "LORD" (יְהוָה, YHWH): This is the personal name of God in the Hebrew Bible, underlining that the memorial is dedicated to the God of Israel.

Why Zechariah 6:14 matters

• Zechariah 6:14 clarifies that the crowns are not just ceremonial objects but are meant to be lasting reminders in the temple, connecting the people’s present actions to God’s ongoing promises.
• The verse highlights the involvement of specific individuals, showing that their faith and generosity are honored in a public and enduring way.
• By placing the crowns in the temple, the verse ties the hope for a future priest-king (introduced in the surrounding verses) to the real, historical community and their worship.