Haggai 2:1-9 · Bible study
Haggai 2:1-9 Commentary: The Greater Glory
Hebrew · 11 what the commentators say
Meaning in one sentence
God’s promise of a greater glory for the temple encourages the discouraged at the Feast of Tabernacles.
Research Summary
- Meaning: God encourages discouraged temple builders with a promise of greater glory through his presence, the shaking of nations, and the coming Messiah.
- Key words: Kabod (glory/honour), ra‘ash (shake), shalom (peace).
- Main debate: Does “the desire of all nations” (v. 7) refer to the personal coming of Christ or to the collective treasures of the Gentiles?
- Theological theme: God’s presence, not material splendour, constitutes the true glory of his house.
- Best use: Encouragement for any individual or congregation that feels their efforts for God are small or disappointing.
Translation Comparison
BSB Berean Standard Bible 2020
1On the twenty-first day of the seventh month, the word of the LORD came through Haggai the prophet, saying:
2“Speak to Zerubbabel son of Shealtiel, governor of Judah, and to Joshua son of Jehozadak, the high priest, and also to the remnant of the people. Ask them,
3‘Who is left among you who saw this house in its former glory? How does it look to you now? Does it not appear to you like nothing in comparison?’
4But now be strong, O Zerubbabel, declares the LORD. Be strong, O Joshua son of Jehozadak, the high priest. And be strong, all you people of the land, declares the LORD. Work! For I am with you, declares the LORD of Hosts.
5This is the promise I made to you when you came out of Egypt. And My Spirit remains among you; do not be afraid.”
6For this is what the LORD of Hosts says: “Once more, in a little while, I will shake the heavens and the earth, the sea and the dry land.
7I will shake all the nations, and they will come with all their treasures, and I will fill this house with glory, says the LORD of Hosts.
8The silver is Mine, and the gold is Mine, declares the LORD of Hosts.
9The latter glory of this house will be greater than the former, says the LORD of Hosts. And in this place I will provide peace, declares the LORD of Hosts.”
WEB World English Bible 2000
1In the seventh month, in the twenty-first day of the month, Yahweh’s word came by Haggai the prophet, saying,
2“Speak now to Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel, governor of Judah, and to Joshua the son of Jehozadak, the high priest, and to the remnant of the people, saying,
3‘Who is left among you who saw this house in its former glory? How do you see it now? Isn’t it in your eyes as nothing?
4Yet now be strong, Zerubbabel,’ says Yahweh. ‘Be strong, Joshua son of Jehozadak, the high priest. Be strong, all you people of the land,’ says Yahweh, ‘and work, for I am with you,’ says Yahweh of Armies.
5This is the word that I covenanted with you when you came out of Egypt, and my Spirit lived among you. ‘Don’t be afraid.’
6For this is what Yahweh of Armies says: ‘Yet once more, it is a little while, and I will shake the heavens, the earth, the sea, and the dry land;
7and I will shake all nations. The treasure of all nations will come, and I will fill this house with glory, says Yahweh of Armies.
8The silver is mine, and the gold is mine,’ says Yahweh of Armies.
9‘The latter glory of this house will be greater than the former,’ says Yahweh of Armies; ‘and in this place I will give peace,’ says Yahweh of Armies.”
KJV King James Version 1769
1In the seventh month, in the one and twentieth day of the month, came the word of the Lord by the prophet Haggai, saying,
2Speak now to Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel, governor of Judah, and to Joshua the son of Josedech, the high priest, and to the residue of the people, saying,
3Who is left among you that saw this house in her first glory? and how do ye see it now? is it not in your eyes in comparison of it as nothing?
4Yet now be strong, O Zerubbabel, saith the Lord; and be strong, O Joshua, son of Josedech, the high priest; and be strong, all ye people of the land, saith the Lord, and work: for I am with you, saith the Lord of hosts:
5According to the word that I covenanted with you when ye came out of Egypt, so my spirit remaineth among you: fear ye not.
6For thus saith the Lord of hosts; Yet once, it is a little while, and I will shake the heavens, and the earth, and the sea, and the dry land;
7And I will shake all nations, and the desire of all nations shall come: and I will fill this house with glory, saith the Lord of hosts.
8The silver is mine, and the gold is mine, saith the Lord of hosts.
9The glory of this latter house shall be greater than of the former, saith the Lord of hosts: and in this place will I give peace, saith the Lord of hosts.
ASV American Standard Version 1901
1In the seventhmonth, in the one and twentiethdayof the month, came the word of Jehovah by Haggai the prophet, saying,
2Speak now to Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel, governor of Judah, and to Joshua the son of Jehozadak, the high priest, and to the remnant of the people, saying,
3Who is left among you that saw this house in its former glory? and how do ye see it now? is it not in your eyes as nothing?
4Yet now be strong, O Zerubbabel, saith Jehovah; and be strong, O Joshua, son of Jehozadak, the high priest; and be strong, all ye people of the land, saith Jehovah, and work: for I am with you, saith Jehovah of hosts,
5according to the word that I covenanted with you when ye came out of Egypt, and my Spirit abode among you: fear ye not.
6For thus saith Jehovah of hosts: Yet once, it is a little while, and I will shake the heavens, and the earth, and the sea, and the dry land;
7and I will shake all nations; and the precious things of all nations shall come; and I will fill this house with glory, saith Jehovah of hosts.
8The silver is mine, and the gold is mine, saith Jehovah of hosts.
9The latter glory of this house shall be greater than the former, saith Jehovah of hosts; and in this place will I give peace, saith Jehovah of hosts.
YLT Young's Literal Translation 1898
1In the seventh month , in the twenty and first of the month, hath a word of Jehovah been by the hand of Haggai the prophet, saying:
2`Speak, I pray thee, unto Zerubbabel son of Shealtiel, governor of Judah, and unto Joshua, son of Josedech, the high priest, and unto the remnant of the people, saying:
3Who among you hath been left that saw this house in its former honour? And what are ye seeing it now? Is it not, compared with it, as nothing in your eyes?
4And now, be strong, O Zerubbabel, An affirmation of Jehovah, And be strong, O Joshua, son of Josedech, the high priest, And be strong, all ye people of the land, An affirmation of Jehovah, And do ye--(for I am with you, An affirmation of Jehovah of Hosts) --
5The thing that I covenanted with you, In your coming forth from Egypt, And My Spirit is remaining in your midst, fear not.
6For thus said Jehovah of Hosts: Yet once more--it is a little, And I am shaking the heavens and the earth, And the sea, and the dry land,
7And I have shaken all the nations, And they have come to the desire of all the nations, And I have filled this house with honour, Said Jehovah of Hosts.
8Mine is the silver, and Mine the gold, An affirmation of Jehovah of Hosts.
9Greater is the honour of this latter house, Than of the former, said Jehovah of Hosts, And in this place do I give peace, An affirmation of Jehovah of Hosts.'
Darby Darby Bible 1890
1In the seventh [month], on the one and twentieth [day] of the month, came the word of Jehovah by the prophet Haggai, saying,
2Speak now to Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel, governor of Judah, and to Joshua the son of Jehozadak, the high priest, and to the remnant of the people, saying,
3Who is left among you that saw this house in its former glory? and how do ye see it now? Is it not as nothing in your eyes?
4But now be strong, Zerubbabel, saith Jehovah; and be strong, Joshua son of Jehozadak, the high priest; and be strong, all ye people of the land, saith Jehovah, and work: for I am with you, saith Jehovah of hosts.
5The word that I covenanted with you when ye came out of Egypt, and my Spirit, remain among you: fear ye not.
6For thus saith Jehovah of hosts: Yet once, it is a little while, and I will shake the heavens, and the earth, and the sea, and the dry [land];
7and I will shake all nations, and the desire of all nations shall come; and I will fill this house with glory, saith Jehovah of hosts.
8The silver is mine, and the gold is mine, saith Jehovah of hosts.
9The latter glory of this house shall be greater than the former, saith Jehovah of hosts; and in this place will I give peace, saith Jehovah of hosts.
Douay-Rheims Douay-Rheims Bible 1899
1In the four and twentieth day of the month, in the sixth month, in the second year of Darius the king, they began.
2And in the seventh month, the word of the Lord came by the hand of Haggai the prophet, saying:
3Speak to Zorobabel the son of Salathiel the governor of Juda, and to Jesus the son of Josedec the high priest, and to the rest of the people, saying:
4Who is left among you, that saw this house in its first glory? and how do you see it now? is it not in comparison to that as nothing in your eyes?
5Yet now take courage, O Zorobabel, saith the Lord, and take courage, Jesus the son of Josedec the high priest, and take courage, all ye people of the land, saith the Lord of hosts: and perform (for I am with you, saith the Lord of hosts)
6The word that I covenanted with you when you came out of the land of Egypt: and my spirit shall be in the midst of you: fear not.
7For thus saith the Lord of hosts: Yet one little while, and I will move the heaven and the earth, and the sea, and the dry land.
8And I will move all nations: AND THE DESIRED OF ALL NATIONS SHALL COME: and I will fill this house with glory: saith the Lord of hosts.
9The silver is mine, and the gold is mine, saith the Lord of hosts.
Verse in Context
Original Language (Biblical Hebrew)
Old Testament · Biblical Hebrew · Haggai 2:1
Source: STEPBible TAGNT/TEHB (CC-BY 4.0). Click or tap a morphology code to see the full parsing.
Scholars' Consensus
Commentators agree that Haggai’s second prophecy was delivered at the Feast of Tabernacles (seventh month, twenty‑first day) to address the people’s discouragement. The older generation who remembered Solomon’s temple wept when they saw the modest foundations of the new temple (Ezra 3:12). Haggai’s message reframes their perspective: God is with them (v. 4), his Spirit remains (v. 5), and a greater glory is coming. Barnes notes that the repetition of “be strong” echoes David’s exhortation to Solomon (1 Chronicles 28:10,20). Calvin emphasizes that God’s presence, not the building’s size, constitutes true glory. The promise of shaking heavens and earth (v. 6) connects to the giving of the law at Sinai and, as the author of Hebrews applies it (Hebrews 12:26‑28), points to the eschatological kingdom. Matthew Henry concludes that the “latter glory” of this house surpasses the former because the Messiah himself would honour it with his presence. Across traditions, the passage is read as a gospel promise: God builds his house, not by human might, but by his Spirit and his Son.
How settled is the interpretation?
Interpretive difficulty: Medium
Main views:
- Messianic reading: The singular ‘desire’ in context of temple glory and peace suggests a personal coming, supported by the NT application to Christ (Hebrews 12:26‑28) and early church tradition.
- Treasure reading: The plural verb may imply collective offerings from the nations; silver and gold being God’s (v. 8) suggests material tribute, and ‘precious things’ fits the parallel in Isaiah 60.
What is clear: God promises that the present temple will receive a glory surpassing its former splendour, that this glory involves his own action (shaking heaven and earth), and that it culminates in peace given ‘in this place.’
What Scholars Agree and Debate
| Topic | Agreed | Debated |
|---|---|---|
| Interpretation of “desire of all nations” (v. 7) | All traditions agree the text promises that something precious will come to the temple, filling it with glory. | Some (Barnes, Calvin, Matthew Henry) see a direct prophecy of the Messiah; others (Keil & Delitzsch, many moderns) read it as the collective treasures of the nations brought by their conversion. |
| Timing of the prophecy (Feast of Tabernacles) | The date is the seventh day of the Feast of Tabernacles, and Haggai intentionally speaks during this feast. | Some emphasize the feast context as one of covenant renewal and joy; others see it as a moment of contrast, the feast of God’s presence held in an unfinished house. |
| Nature of the “shaking” (vv. 6‑7) | The shaking is God’s action that leads to the filling of the house with glory, and Hebrews 12:26‑28 applies it eschatologically. | Wesley and others point to political upheavals from Persia to Rome; the Cambridge Bible sees it as a “general shaking” before Christ; others see a still‑future cosmic earthquake. |
| The “greater glory” of the latter house (v. 9) | Christians agree the second temple received a glory greater than Solomon’s because of Jesus’ presence and teaching there. | Catholic and Orthodox traditions emphasize Christ’s physical presence and the liturgical life of the temple; some Protestant readings stress the spread of the gospel from that location as its true glory. |
Historical & Cultural Context
The prophecy is dated to the seventh month, the twenty‑first day, the seventh day of the Feast of Tabernacles (Leviticus 23:34,36,40‑42). This feast commemorated God’s provision and presence during the wilderness wandering, when Israel lived in booths. The people had just resumed rebuilding the temple after a sixteen‑year pause (Haggai 1:14‑15). For the older generation, the new temple’s foundation, laid fifty‑three years after the destruction of Solomon’s temple, looked like “nothing” in comparison (Ezra 3:12). The treasury lacked silver and gold. Politically, Judah remained a Persian province under Governor Zerubbabel and High Priest Joshua.
The timing is not accidental. During a feast that celebrated God dwelling with his people, Haggai reminds them that God’s Spirit still “stands” among them (v. 5). The Hebrew verb ‘omedet (standing) implies a settled, ongoing presence. Just as God led Israel through the wilderness, he now abides with this discouraged remnant. The promise to “shake the heavens and the earth” (v. 6) recalls the theophany at Sinai (Exodus 19:18) and anticipates a new act of deliverance. What looks like a poor beginning is actually the start of something far grander.
Textual Notes
The supplied sources note no significant manuscript variants for Haggai 2:1‑9. The Masoretic Text is stable. One grammatical difficulty occurs in verse 7: the Hebrew reads u·va·'u chem·dat kol ha·gō·yim, literally “and they will come, desire of all nations.” The verb bau (they will come) is plural, while chemdat (desire) is feminine singular, which has led some to suggest emending to chemdot (desirable things, plural). Clarke discusses this issue but notes that no manuscript supports such a change. The reading is widely retained as it stands.
Reception History
Early Christian writers, including Eusebius and Jerome, read verse 7 as a clear prophecy of Christ’s coming to the temple, “the desired of all nations.” The Vulgate translation ( veniet desideratus cunctis gentibus ) reinforced this messianic interpretation throughout the medieval Latin church. During the Reformation, Calvin and Luther continued to see the passage as a promise of the incarnation, though they downplayed allegorical temple readings. In modern times, the passage has been used to encourage church building and renewal movements across many traditions. The phrase “the latter glory of this house will be greater than the former” has provided hope for communities facing decline, reminding them that God’s presence, not human effort, determines a church’s true splendour.
Preaching This Verse
Three‑point outline
- From discouragement to strength (vv. 3‑4). God does not dismiss the people’s feelings; he meets them with a command: “Be strong … and work.” The strength does not come from the building’s appearance but from his presence.
- From presence to glory (vv. 5‑7). The same Spirit who was with Israel at the Exodus remains. God will shake the nations so that the riches of the world, or the world’s true desire, will flow into his house.
- From little to greater (vv. 8‑9). Silver and gold are already God’s. The final glory will surpass any previous splendour, and peace will be given “in this place.”
Five‑point outline
- God sees the discouragement (v. 3).
- God commands courage, not complaint (v. 4).
- God promises his abiding presence (v. 5).
- God will shake the nations to fill his house (vv. 6‑8).
- God gives a greater glory and lasting peace (v. 9).
Illustration hooks
- A child’s drawing pinned beside a master painting. The child’s work seems crude, but to a parent it is priceless. God sees the seed of glory in a humble start.
- A church plant meeting in a school gymnasium. The first Sunday feels small and makeshift. Yet some of the world’s most vibrant congregations began in rented rooms.
- A family restoring a dilapidated house. Every board and nail is a declaration that they believe a home will rise again.
Questions your congregation is asking
- Why does our worship space or church feel so inadequate compared to what we remember?
- If God is with us, why does our work still seem so small and hard?
- What does “the glory of the latter house” mean for believers today who don’t have a physical temple?
Leading a Discussion
This passage meets a people caught between a glorious past and a meagre present. Haggai does not tell them to pretend the contrast doesn’t hurt. Instead, he reframes their vision: the true glory of God’s house is not in what human hands can build, but in what God himself will bring. His presence, his Spirit, his shaking of the nations, and finally his peace, these are the realities that make a temple great.
Discussion questions
- Why do you think the date of this prophecy (the Feast of Tabernacles) was significant for the message Haggai delivered?
- What does the repeated command “Be strong” (v. 4) tell us about the emotional state of the builders? How does God address that state?
- Verse 5 recalls the Exodus covenant. In what ways does remembering God’s past faithfulness help when the present looks disappointing?
- How do you understand the “shaking” of heaven, earth, sea, and nations in verses 6‑7? What does this shaking accomplish?
- The phrase “the desire of all nations” (v. 7) has been interpreted as the Messiah and as the treasures of the nations. Which reading do you find more convincing, and why?
- Verse 9 promises peace “in this place.” What kind of peace is God offering, merely the absence of war, or something deeper?
- How does this passage encourage you when the work you are doing for God seems small or unimpressive?
Word Study
The key original-language words in this verse. Select any word for its full lexicon entry — meaning, every occurrence in Scripture, and related words.
Cross-References
Source: Treasury of Scripture Knowledge (TSK, public domain)
| Haggai 1:1 | In the second year of Darius the king, in the sixth month, in the first day of the month, Yahweh’s word came by Haggai the prophet, to Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel, governor of Judah, and to Joshua the son of Jehozadak, the high priest, saying, |
| Haggai 1:15 | in the twenty-fourth day of the month, in the sixth month, in the second year of Darius the king. |
| Haggai 2:10 | In the twenty-fourth day of the ninth month, in the second year of Darius, Yahweh’s word came by Haggai the prophet, saying, |
| Haggai 2:20 | Yahweh’s word came the second time to Haggai in the twenty-fourth day of the month, saying, |
| II Peter 1:21 | For no prophecy ever came by the will of man, but holy men of God spoke, being moved by the Holy Spirit. |
| Ezra 1:8 | even those, Cyrus king of Persia brought out by the hand of Mithredath the treasurer, and counted them out to Sheshbazzar the prince of Judah. |
| Ezra 2:63 | The governor told them that they should not eat of the most holy things until a priest stood up to serve with Urim and with Thummim. |
| Nehemiah 8:9 | Nehemiah, who was the governor, Ezra the priest and scribe, and the Levites who taught the people said to all the people, “Today is holy to Yahweh your God. Don’t mourn, nor weep.” For all the people wept when they heard the words of the law. |
Interlinear and lexical data from STEPBible (CC BY 4.0). Cross-reference data from OpenBible.info (CC BY 4.0). Commentaries are public domain.
For personal reflection
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What the Commentators Say
11 public-domain commentaries, condensed into plain language.
Adam Clarke's Commentary Methodist/Wesleyan 1826
Clarke notes the temple’s future glory will surpass Solomon’s because it will display the full plan of human salvation. He believes this house holds greater honor than the first since it reveals the price paid for a lost world.
Barnes' Notes on the Bible Protestant 1832
Barnes insists the greater glory promised for the second temple is not about material splendor or a future third temple. He argues the glory is Christ himself, the Desire of all nations, who would come and fill the house with divine presence that far surpasses any amount of gold or silver.
Calvin's Commentaries Reformed 1564
Calvin notes that the people’s lack of enthusiasm came from thinking the new temple was less impressive than the old one. He also says God promised to soon fill the temple with glory even though it still appeared small.
Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges Anglican 1880
The Cambridge Bible argues that "the desire of all nations" does not refer to Christ as a person. The grammar is problematic:
Geneva Bible Notes Reformed 1599
Geneva Bible Notes notes that the Lord compares the ruined temple to something worthless in the people’s eyes. He promises to be with them and fill the temple with glory soon.
Gill's Exposition of the Bible Baptist 1748
Gill insists that the "desire of all nations" in verse 7 is the Messiah himself, not gold or silver. The second temple's greater glory comes entirely from Christ's physical presence in it, not from its structure or wealth. He also highlights that God the Word and the Holy Spirit were present with the builders.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Commentary Protestant 1871
JFB argues that the second temple's true glory comes not from gold or silver but from the presence of Messiah, the desire of all nations. The shaking of nations beforehand prepares for His coming, and this spiritual glory far exceeds any material splendor of the first temple.
Keil & Delitzsch OT Commentary Protestant 1876
Keil and Delitzsch insist the promised shaking of heaven and earth is a literal, cosmic event that began soon after Haggai and continues until the end of the age. They reject a purely spiritual interpretation and argue the "desire of all nations" refers to the treasures of the heathen, not the Messiah, since the verb is plural.
Lange's Commentary Reformed 1857
Lange notes that Jehovah compares the new temple to nothing else seen before so that those who remember its former glory may feel their disappointment is natural. He also says the Spirit remains with the people to give them strength and hope.
Matthew Henry's Commentary Reformed/Presbyterian 1710
Henry notes that the Lord compares the current ruined temple to nothing compared to its former glory. He also says the future temple will have greater glory than the first and bring peace to that place.
Wesley's Explanatory Notes Methodist/Wesleyan 1754
Wesley notes that the shaking described in the verse happened at Christ’s birth death and resurrection. He also says the promise of a new temple’s glory is a heavenly kind coming from Christ himself.