Haggai 2:23
New International Version
“’On that day,’ declares the LORD Almighty, ‘I will take you, my servant Zerubbabel son of Shealtiel,’ declares the LORD, ‘and I will make you like my signet ring, for I have chosen you,’ declares the LORD Almighty.”

New Living Translation
“But when this happens, says the LORD of Heaven’s Armies, I will honor you, Zerubbabel son of Shealtiel, my servant. I will make you like a signet ring on my finger, says the LORD, for I have chosen you. I, the LORD of Heaven’s Armies, have spoken!”

English Standard Version
On that day, declares the LORD of hosts, I will take you, O Zerubbabel my servant, the son of Shealtiel, declares the LORD, and make you like a signet ring, for I have chosen you, declares the LORD of hosts.”

Berean Standard Bible
On that day, declares the LORD of Hosts, I will take you, My servant, Zerubbabel son of Shealtiel, declares the LORD, and I will make you like My signet ring, for I have chosen you, declares the LORD of Hosts.”

King James Bible
In that day, saith the LORD of hosts, will I take thee, O Zerubbabel, my servant, the son of Shealtiel, saith the LORD, and will make thee as a signet: for I have chosen thee, saith the LORD of hosts.

New King James Version
‘In that day,’ says the LORD of hosts, ‘I will take you, Zerubbabel My servant, the son of Shealtiel,’ says the LORD, ‘and will make you like a signet ring; for I have chosen you,’ says the LORD of hosts.”

New American Standard Bible
‘On that day,’ declares the LORD of armies, ‘I will take you, Zerubbabel, son of Shealtiel, My servant,’ declares the LORD, ‘and I will make you like a signet ring, for I have chosen you,’” declares the LORD of armies.

NASB 1995
On that day,’ declares the LORD of hosts, ‘I will take you, Zerubbabel, son of Shealtiel, My servant,’ declares the LORD, ‘and I will make you like a signet ring, for I have chosen you,’” declares the LORD of hosts.

NASB 1977
‘On that day,’ declares the LORD of hosts, ‘I will take you, Zerubbabel, son of Shealtiel, My servant,’ declares the LORD, ‘and I will make you like a signet ring, for I have chosen you,’” declares the LORD of hosts.

Legacy Standard Bible
‘On that day,’ declares Yahweh of hosts, ‘I will take you, Zerubbabel, son of Shealtiel, My servant,’ declares Yahweh, ‘and I will make you like a signet ring, for I have chosen you,’” declares Yahweh of hosts.

Amplified Bible
On that day,’ declares the LORD of hosts, ‘I will take you, Zerubbabel, the son of Shealtiel, My servant,’ declares the LORD, ‘and I will make you [through the Messiah, your descendant] like a signet ring, for I have chosen you [as the one with whom to renew My covenant to David’s line],’” declares the LORD of hosts.

Christian Standard Bible
On that day”—this is the declaration of the LORD of Armies—“I will take you, Zerubbabel son of Shealtiel, my servant”—this is the LORD’s declaration—“and make you like my signet ring, for I have chosen you.” This is the declaration of the LORD of Armies.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
On that day"—this is the declaration of the LORD of Hosts—"I will take you, Zerubbabel son of Shealtiel, My servant"—this is the LORD’s declaration—"and make you like My signet ring, for I have chosen you.” This is the declaration of the LORD of Hosts.

American Standard Version
In that day, saith Jehovah of hosts, will I take thee, O Zerubbabel, my servant, the son of Shealtiel, saith Jehovah, and will make thee as a signet; for I have chosen thee, saith Jehovah of hosts.

Contemporary English Version
But tell my servant Zerubbabel that I, the LORD All-Powerful, have chosen him, and he will rule in my name.

English Revised Version
In that day, saith the LORD of hosts, will I take thee, O Zerubbabel, my servant, the son of Shealtiel, saith the LORD, and will make thee as a signet: for I have chosen thee, saith the LORD of hosts.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
On that day, declares the LORD of Armies, I will take you, my servant Zerubbabel (son of Shealtiel), declares the LORD. I will make you like a signet ring, because I have chosen you, declares the LORD of Armies.'"

Good News Translation
On that day I will take you, Zerubbabel my servant, and I will appoint you to rule in my name. You are the one I have chosen." The LORD Almighty has spoken.

International Standard Version
On that day,' declares the LORD of the Heavenly Armies, 'I will take you, my servant Zerubbabel son of Shealtiel,' declares the LORD, 'and I will set you in place like a signet ring. For I have chosen you,' declares the LORD of the Heavenly Armies."

Majority Standard Bible
On that day, declares the LORD of Hosts, I will take you, My servant, Zerubbabel son of Shealtiel, declares the LORD, and I will make you like My signet ring, for I have chosen you, declares the LORD of Hosts.”

NET Bible
On that day,' says the LORD who rules over all, 'I will take you, Zerubbabel son of Shealtiel, my servant,' says the LORD, 'and I will make you like a signet ring, for I have chosen you,' says the LORD who rules over all."

New Heart English Bible
In that day, says the LORD of hosts, will I take you, Zerubbabel, my servant, the son of Shealtiel,' says the LORD, 'and will make you as a signet, for I have chosen you,' says the LORD of hosts."

Webster's Bible Translation
In that day, saith the LORD of hosts, will I take thee, O Zerubbabel, my servant, the son of Shealtiel, saith the LORD, and will make thee as a signet; for I have chosen thee, saith the LORD of hosts.

World English Bible
In that day, says Yahweh of Armies, I will take you, Zerubbabel my servant, the son of Shealtiel,’ says Yahweh, ‘and will make you like a signet ring, for I have chosen you,’ says Yahweh of Armies.”
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
In that day,” a declaration of YHWH of Hosts, "" “I take you, Zerubbabel, son of Shealtiel, My servant,” "" A declaration of YHWH, "" “And have set you as a signet, "" For I have fixed on you,” "" A declaration of YHWH of Hosts!

Young's Literal Translation
In that day -- an affirmation of Jehovah of Hosts, I take thee, Zerubbabel, son of Shealtiel, My servant -- an affirmation of Jehovah, And have set thee as a signet, for on thee I have fixed, An affirmation of Jehovah of Hosts!

Smith's Literal Translation
In that day, says Jehovah of armies, I will take thee, O Zerubbabel, son of Shealtiel, my servant, says Jehovah, and I set thee as a seal; for I chose in thee, says Jehovah of armies.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
In that day, saith the Lord of hosts, I will take thee, O Zorobabel the son of Salathiel, my servant, saith the Lord, and will make thee as a signet, for I have chosen thee, saith the Lord of hosts.

Catholic Public Domain Version
In that day, says the Lord of hosts, I will take you, Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel, my servant, says the Lord, and will set you like a seal, for I have chosen you, says the Lord of hosts.

New American Bible
On that day—oracle of the LORD of hosts—I will take you, my servant, Zerubbabel, son of Shealtiel—oracle of the LORD—and I will make you like a signet ring, for I have chosen you—oracle of the LORD of hosts.

New Revised Standard Version
On that day, says the LORD of hosts, I will take you, O Zerubbabel my servant, son of Shealtiel, says the LORD, and make you like a signet ring; for I have chosen you, says the LORD of hosts.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
On that day, says the LORD of hosts, I will take you, O Zerubbabel, my servant, the son of Shealtiel, says the LORD, and I will make you as a signet; for I have chosen you, says the LORD of hosts.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
In that day, says LORD JEHOVAH of Hosts, I shall take you, Zorobabel, son of Salathiel my Servant, says LORD JEHOVAH: I shall set you as a seal, because I have chosen you, says LORD JEHOVAH of Hosts.
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
In that day, saith the LORD of hosts, will I take thee, O Zerubbabel, My servant, the son of Shealtiel, saith the LORD, and will make thee as a signet; for I have chosen thee, saith the LORD of hosts.'

Brenton Septuagint Translation
In that day, saith the Lord Almighty, I will take thee, O Zorobabel, the son of Salathiel, my servant, saith the Lord, and will make thee as a seal: for I have chosen thee, saith the Lord Almighty.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Zerubbabel the LORD's Signet Ring
22I will overturn royal thrones and destroy the power of the kingdoms of the nations. I will overturn chariots and their riders; horses and their riders will fall, each by the sword of his brother. 23On that day, declares the LORD of Hosts, I will take you, My servant, Zerubbabel son of Shealtiel, declares the LORD, and I will make you like My signet ring, for I have chosen you, declares the LORD of Hosts.”

Cross References
Zechariah 4:6-10
So he said to me, “This is the word of the LORD to Zerubbabel: Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit, says the LORD of Hosts. / What are you, O great mountain? Before Zerubbabel you will become a plain. Then he will bring forth the capstone accompanied by shouts of ‘Grace, grace to it!’” / Then the word of the LORD came to me, saying, ...

Jeremiah 22:24
“As surely as I live,” declares the LORD, “even if you, Coniah son of Jehoiakim king of Judah, were a signet ring on My right hand, I would pull you off.

Matthew 1:12-16
After the exile to Babylon: Jeconiah was the father of Shealtiel, Shealtiel the father of Zerubbabel, / Zerubbabel the father of Abiud, Abiud the father of Eliakim, and Eliakim the father of Azor. / Azor was the father of Zadok, Zadok the father of Achim, and Achim the father of Eliud. ...

2 Samuel 7:12-16
And when your days are fulfilled and you rest with your fathers, I will raise up your descendant after you, who will come from your own body, and I will establish his kingdom. / He will build a house for My Name, and I will establish the throne of his kingdom forever. / I will be his Father, and he will be My son. When he does wrong, I will discipline him with the rod of men and with the blows of the sons of men. ...

Isaiah 42:1
“Here is My Servant, whom I uphold, My Chosen One, in whom My soul delights. I will put My Spirit on Him, and He will bring justice to the nations.

Revelation 3:7
To the angel of the church in Philadelphia write: These are the words of the One who is holy and true, who holds the key of David. What He opens no one can shut, and what He shuts no one can open.

Jeremiah 33:20-22
“This is what the LORD says: If you can break My covenant with the day and My covenant with the night, so that day and night cease to occupy their appointed time, / then My covenant may also be broken with David My servant and with My ministers the Levites who are priests, so that David will not have a son to reign on his throne. / As the hosts of heaven cannot be counted and as the sand on the seashore cannot be measured, so too will I multiply the descendants of My servant David and the Levites who minister before Me.”

Matthew 28:18
Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Me.

Isaiah 49:8
This is what the LORD says: “In the time of favor I will answer You, and in the day of salvation I will help You; I will keep You and appoint You to be a covenant for the people, to restore the land, to apportion its desolate inheritances,

Luke 1:32-33
He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David, / and He will reign over the house of Jacob forever. His kingdom will never end!”

Ezekiel 37:24-25
My servant David will be king over them, and there will be one shepherd for all of them. They will follow My ordinances and keep and observe My statutes. / They will live in the land that I gave to My servant Jacob, where your fathers lived. They will live there forever with their children and grandchildren, and My servant David will be their prince forever.

Revelation 5:5
Then one of the elders said to me, “Do not weep! Behold, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has triumphed to open the scroll and its seven seals.”

Isaiah 9:6-7
For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given, and the government will be upon His shoulders. And He will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. / Of the increase of His government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on the throne of David and over his kingdom, to establish and sustain it with justice and righteousness from that time and forevermore. The zeal of the LORD of Hosts will accomplish this.

Romans 1:3-4
regarding His Son, who was a descendant of David according to the flesh, / and who through the Spirit of holiness was declared with power to be the Son of God by His resurrection from the dead: Jesus Christ our Lord.

1 Chronicles 17:11-14
And when your days are fulfilled and you go to be with your fathers, I will raise up your descendant after you, one of your own sons, and I will establish his kingdom. / He will build a house for Me, and I will establish his throne forever. / I will be his Father, and he will be My son. And I will never remove My loving devotion from him as I removed it from your predecessor. ...


Treasury of Scripture

In that day, said the LORD of hosts, will I take you, O Zerubbabel, my servant, the son of Shealtiel, said the LORD, and will make you as a signet: for I have chosen you, said the LORD of hosts.

O Zerubbabel.

and will.

Song of Solomon 8:6
Set me as a seal upon thine heart, as a seal upon thine arm: for love is strong as death; jealousy is cruel as the grave: the coals thereof are coals of fire, which hath a most vehement flame.

Jeremiah 22:24
As I live, saith the LORD, though Coniah the son of Jehoiakim king of Judah were the signet upon my right hand, yet would I pluck thee thence;

John 6:27
Labour not for the meat which perisheth, but for that meat which endureth unto everlasting life, which the Son of man shall give unto you: for him hath God the Father sealed.

for.

Isaiah 42:1
Behold my servant, whom I uphold; mine elect, in whom my soul delighteth; I have put my spirit upon him: he shall bring forth judgment to the Gentiles.

Isaiah 43:10
Ye are my witnesses, saith the LORD, and my servant whom I have chosen: that ye may know and believe me, and understand that I am he: before me there was no God formed, neither shall there be after me.

Isaiah 49:1-3
Listen, O isles, unto me; and hearken, ye people, from far; The LORD hath called me from the womb; from the bowels of my mother hath he made mention of my name…

Jump to Previous
Affirmation Armies Chosen Declares Fixed Hosts Jewelled Ring Servant Shealtiel She-Al'ti-El Signet Zerubbabel Zerub'babel
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Affirmation Armies Chosen Declares Fixed Hosts Jewelled Ring Servant Shealtiel She-Al'ti-El Signet Zerubbabel Zerub'babel
Haggai 2
1. He encourages the people to the work,
4. by promise of greater glory to the second temple than was in the first.
10. In the type of holy things and unclean he shows their sins hindered the work.
20. God's promise to Zerubbabel.














On that day
This phrase refers to a specific time of divine intervention and fulfillment of prophecy. In the context of Haggai, it points to a future moment when God's promises will be realized. Theologically, it signifies a day of the Lord, a time when God acts decisively in history. This phrase encourages believers to anticipate God's timing and trust in His sovereign plan.

declares the LORD of Hosts
The title "LORD of Hosts" emphasizes God's supreme authority and command over the heavenly armies. It underscores His power and ability to accomplish His purposes. The repetition of this declaration throughout the verse reinforces the certainty and divine origin of the message. It assures believers of God's omnipotence and His active role in the affairs of the world.

I will take you, Zerubbabel son of Shealtiel
Zerubbabel, a descendant of David, is a central figure in the post-exilic community. His lineage connects him to the Davidic covenant, highlighting the continuity of God's promises. The phrase "I will take you" suggests a personal selection and divine appointment, indicating God's special purpose for Zerubbabel. This choice reflects God's faithfulness to His covenant and His plan to restore His people.

My servant
The term "servant" denotes a position of honor and responsibility. In the Hebrew context, it often refers to someone chosen by God for a specific mission. By calling Zerubbabel "My servant," God affirms his role in the divine plan, aligning him with other notable servants like Moses and David. This designation inspires believers to embrace their calling and serve God faithfully.

and I will make you like a signet ring
A signet ring symbolizes authority, identity, and authenticity. In ancient times, it was used to seal documents, representing the owner's power and approval. By likening Zerubbabel to a signet ring, God is bestowing upon him a position of authority and a role in His redemptive plan. This imagery reassures believers of their identity in Christ and their role in God's kingdom.

for I have chosen you
The act of choosing signifies God's sovereign election and purpose. It reflects His grace and initiative in selecting individuals for His divine purposes. This choice of Zerubbabel is a testament to God's unwavering commitment to His promises and His people. It encourages believers to find confidence in their identity as God's chosen and to live out their calling with assurance.

declares the LORD of Hosts
The repetition of this phrase at the end of the verse serves as a divine seal of authenticity and authority. It emphasizes the reliability and unchanging nature of God's word. For believers, it is a reminder of God's faithfulness and the certainty of His promises, encouraging them to trust in His ultimate plan and purpose.

(23) Signet.--On the figure of the signet-ring applied to one on whom confidence and affection are bestowed, see Song of Solomon 8:6; Jeremiah 22:24.

Verse 23. - In that day. When the heathen nations of the earth are overthrown, Israel shall be safe, and be the more exalted by the Divine favour and protection. Will I take. The verb simply serves to introduce the following act as one of importance, and does not signify, "take under my protection" (comp. Deuteronomy 4:20; 2 Kings 14:21; Keil). My servant. An honourable title used especially of David (1 Kings 11:13, etc.; Jeremiah 33:21, etc.), and his future successors (Ezekiel 34:23, etc.; Ezekiel 37:24). Make thee as a signet. I will make thee most precious in my sight (comp. Song of Solomon 8:6). Among Orientals the signet ring was an article of great importance and value (see Revelation 5:1; Revelation 9:4; and 'Dict. of the Bible,' art. "Seal"). The allusion is particularly appropriate here, because Zerubbabel is set at the head of the nation in the place of his grandfather (?) Jeconiah, whose rejection from the monarchy had been couched in these terms: "As I live, saith the Lord, though Coniah the son of Jehoiakim King of Judah were the signet upon my right hand, yet would I pluck thee thence" (Jeremiah 22:24). The Son of Sirach, in his praise of great men, refers to this premise," How shall we magnify Zorobabel? even he was as a signet on the right hand" (Ecclus. 49:11). The signet, too, is the sign of authority (Genesis 41:42; Esther 3:10); so Zerubbabel has authority delegated to him from God, the type of him who said, "All things are delivered unto me of my Father" (Matthew 11:27). "The true Zerubbabel, i.e. Christ, the Son and Antitype of Zerubbabel, is the signet in the hand of the Father, both passively and actively, whereby God impresses his own majesty, thought, and words, and his own image, on men, angels, and all creatures" (Corn. a Lapide ap. Pusey). I have chosen thee. This is not a personal assurance only to Zerubbabel, for neither he nor his natural seed reigned in Jerusalem, or rose to any special eminence in the kingdoms of this world. The fulfilment must be looked for in his spiritual progeny and in Christ. Promises are often made in Scripture to individuals which are accomplished only in their descendants; witness those made to Abraham and the other patriarchs, the prophecies of Jacob to his sons, and many others of a similar nature in the Old Testament, Those large promises made to David in old time, that his seed should endure forever, that hie throne should be as the sun before God (Psalm 89:36, 37; 2 Samuel 7:16), were now passed on to Zerubbabel and to his line, because of him was to spring Messiah, in whom alone these wide predictions find their fulfilment, "He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest: and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David: and he shall reign over the house of Jacob forever; and of his kingdom there shall be no end" (Luke 1:32, 33).



Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
On that
הַה֣וּא (ha·hū)
Article | Pronoun - third person masculine singular
Strong's 1931: He, self, the same, this, that, as, are

day,
בַּיּ֣וֹם (bay·yō·wm)
Preposition-b, Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 3117: A day

declares
נְאֻם־ (nə·’um-)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 5002: An oracle

the LORD
יְהוָ֣ה (Yah·weh)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3068: LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel

of Hosts,
צְבָא֡וֹת (ṣə·ḇā·’ō·wṯ)
Noun - common plural
Strong's 6635: A mass of persons, reg, organized for, war, a campaign

I will take you,
אֶ֠קָּחֲךָ (’eq·qā·ḥă·ḵā)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - first person common singular | second person masculine singular
Strong's 3947: To take

My servant,
עַבְדִּי֙ (‘aḇ·dî)
Noun - masculine singular construct | first person common singular
Strong's 5650: Slave, servant

Zerubbabel
זְרֻבָּבֶ֨ל (zə·rub·bā·ḇel)
Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 2216: Zerubbabel -- 'begotten in Babylon', a leader of returning Israelite exiles

son
בֶּן־ (ben-)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 1121: A son

of Shealtiel,
שְׁאַלְתִּיאֵ֤ל (šə·’al·tî·’êl)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 7597: Shealtiel -- 'I have asked of God', an Israelite name

declares
נְאֻם־ (nə·’um-)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 5002: An oracle

the LORD,
יְהוָ֔ה (Yah·weh)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3068: LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel

and I will make you
וְשַׂמְתִּ֖יךָ (wə·śam·tî·ḵā)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - first person common singular | second person masculine singular
Strong's 7760: Put -- to put, place, set

like My signet ring,
כַּֽחוֹתָ֑ם (ka·ḥō·w·ṯām)
Preposition-k, Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 2368: A seal, signet ring

for
כִּֽי־ (kî-)
Conjunction
Strong's 3588: A relative conjunction

I have chosen you,
בָחַ֔רְתִּי (ḇā·ḥar·tî)
Verb - Qal - Perfect - first person common singular
Strong's 977: To try, select

declares
נְאֻ֖ם (nə·’um)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 5002: An oracle

the LORD
יְהוָ֥ה (Yah·weh)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3068: LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel

of Hosts.”
צְבָאֽוֹת׃ (ṣə·ḇā·’ō·wṯ)
Noun - common plural
Strong's 6635: A mass of persons, reg, organized for, war, a campaign


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OT Prophets: Haggai 2:23 In that day says Yahweh of Armies (Hagg. Hag. Hg)
Haggai 2:22
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