Definition: Then he answered and spake unto me, saying, This [is] the word of the LORD unto Zerubbabel, saying, Not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit, saith the LORD of hosts.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Zechariah 4:6. It’s a really important and slightly mysterious passage in the Bible! Here's what it means in simple terms: The Basic Idea: This verse is essentially saying God is speaking to someone – likely Zerubbabel, who was a prominent leader in rebuilding the Temple in Jerusalem – with a message of hope and encouragement. Let’s unpack it piece by piece: “Then he answered…” : This means that God didn't just say something; He actively responded to someone. “…and spake unto me…” : “Spake” is a fancy word for "said" or "communicated." It suggests a direct, personal conversation. “Saying, This [is] the word of the LORD unto Zerubbabel…” : This is the core of the verse. Zechariah was a leader who was responsible for rebuilding the Temple in Jerusalem. This verse means God is giving him a message – a specific instruction or truth – about what he needs to do. “…saying, Not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit…” : This is the really important part! God isn’t going to rely on strength or force (like armies or powerful magic). He's choosing to communicate through His spirit . What does this mean in practice? It’s about God’s guidance: It suggests that God will guide and lead us, even when we don't understand what He's doing. It’s about faith and trust: It encourages us to trust in God's plan and to rely on His power – even if we can't see it directly. It’s a gentle reminder of God’s presence: The phrase “my spirit” emphasizes that God is actively involved and working for our benefit. In short, the verse is saying that God wants to communicate with us through His personal spirit, rather than through force or power. It's a message of hope and encouragement, reminding us that God is in control and will guide us along the way. --- Do you want me to: Explain any part of this verse in more detail? Relate it to a specific story or event in the Bible? Give you some context about the time and place this verse was written?