12 And I answered again, and said unto him, What be these two olive branches which through [1] the two golden pipes empty the golden oil out of themselves?

Other Translations of Zechariah 4:12

New International Version

12 Again I asked him, "What are these two olive branches beside the two gold pipes that pour out golden oil?"

English Standard Version

12 And a second time I answered and said to him, "What are these two branches of the olive trees, which are beside the two golden pipes from which the golden oilHebrew lacks oil is poured out?"

The Message

12 And while you're at it, the two branches of the olive trees that feed oil to the lamps - what do they mean?"

New King James Version

12 And I further answered and said to him, "What are these two olive branches that drip into the receptacles of the two gold pipes from which the golden oil drains?"

New Living Translation

12 and what are the two olive branches that pour out golden oil through two gold tubes?"

Matthew Henry's Commentary on Zechariah 4:12

Commentary on Zechariah 4:11-14

(Read Zechariah 4:11-14)

Zechariah desires to know what are the two olive trees. Zerubbabel and Joshua, this prince and this priest, were endued with the gifts and graces of God's Spirit. They lived at the same time, and both were instruments in the work and service of God. Christ's offices of King and Priest were shadowed forth by them. From the union of these two offices in his person, both God and man, the fullness of grace is received and imparted. They built the temple, the church of God. So does Christ spiritually. Christ is not only the Messiah, the Anointed One himself, but he is the Good Olive to his church; and from his fulness we receive. And the Holy Spirit is the unction or anointing which we have received. From Christ the Olive Tree, by the Spirit the Olive Branch, all the golden oil of grace flows to believers, which keeps their lamps burning. Let us seek, through the intercession and bounty of the Saviour, supplies from that fulness which has hitherto sufficed for all his saints, according to their trials and employments. Let us wait on him in his ordinances, desiring to be sanctified wholly in body, soul, and spirit.