What does Zechariah 1:11 mean?
"And they answered the angel of the LORD that stood among the myrtle trees, and said, We have walked to and fro through the earth, and, behold, all the earth sitteth still, and is at rest." - Zechariah 1:11

Zechariah 1:11 in the King James Version of the Bible reads, "And they answered the angel of the Lord that stood among the myrtle trees, and said, We have walked to and fro through the earth, and, behold, all the earth sitteth still, and is at rest."
This verse is part of a larger vision that the prophet Zechariah receives from an angel of the Lord. The context of the vision is important in understanding the meaning of this verse. Zechariah was one of the twelve minor prophets of the Old Testament, and he prophesied during the time when the Israelites had returned from their exile in Babylon and were rebuilding the temple in Jerusalem. The vision he received was given to encourage the people of Israel to continue rebuilding the temple and to turn back to God.
In this verse, the angel of the Lord speaks to the other angels who were standing among the myrtle trees. The myrtle tree is a symbol of beauty and righteousness, and it is often associated with peace and prosperity. The fact that the angels are standing among the myrtle trees signifies that they are in a place of peace and restoration. This is important because the message that the angels convey is a message of peace and reassurance to the people of Israel.
The angels report to the angel of the Lord that they have walked to and fro through the earth, observing the state of the world. They note that "all the earth sitteth still, and is at rest." This can be understood in a couple of ways. On one hand, the angels are reporting that the nations of the earth are at peace and in a state of rest. This could have been comforting to the Israelites, who were living in a time of relative peace and stability. It could have been a sign to them that God's favor was on them and that they were in a season of rest and tranquility.
On the other hand, this report could also be seen as a critique of the nations of the earth. The angels may be observing that the earth is at rest, but it is a false and temporary rest. The world may appear peaceful on the surface, but there is unrest and turmoil beneath the surface. This interpretation would have been a warning to the Israelites not to become complacent in their faith and to remember that true peace and rest can only be found in God.
The themes present in this verse include peace, rest, and the watchfulness of the angels. The context of the verse also points to the theme of encouragement and reassurance for the people of Israel. The symbolism of the myrtle trees as a place of peace and the report of the angels add depth and richness to the meaning of the verse.
In summary, Zechariah 1:11 in the King James Version of the Bible conveys a message of peace and rest, but it also carries a warning not to become complacent in faith. The verse is part of a larger vision given to encourage and reassure the people of Israel during a time of rebuilding and restoration. It is a powerful reminder that true peace and rest can only be found in God, and that we should not be deceived by the false peace of the world.
Have questions about Zechariah 1:11?
Dive deeper into this scripture with Bible Chat — an AI-powered tool for exploring God's Word through conversation. Ask questions, get context, and grow in your understanding of the Bible.
Get Our Apps
Zechariah 1:11 Artwork
Zechariah 1:11 - "And they answered the angel of the LORD that stood among the myrtle trees, and said, We have walked to and fro through the earth, and, behold, all the earth sitteth still, and is at rest."
"And they answered the angel of the LORD that stood among the myrtle trees, and said, We have walked to and fro through the earth, and, behold, all the earth sitteth still, and is at rest." - Zechariah 1:11
Zechariah 1:1-6
Zechariah 11:1 - "Open thy doors, O Lebanon, that the fire may devour thy cedars."
Luke 1:11-12
1 Chronicles 26:11 - "Hilkiah the second, Tebaliah the third, Zechariah the fourth: all the sons and brethren of Hosah were thirteen."
Luke 1:11-12
Zechariah 11:11 - "And it was broken in that day: and so the poor of the flock that waited upon me knew that it was the word of the LORD."
"Open thy doors, O Lebanon, that the fire may devour thy cedars." - Zechariah 11:1
Acts 1:1-11
Acts 1:1-11
Zechariah 11:4 - "Thus saith the LORD my God; Feed the flock of the slaughter;"
Ezra 8:11 - "And of the sons of Bebai; Zechariah the son of Bebai, and with him twenty and eight males."
Zechariah 12:11 - "In that day shall there be a great mourning in Jerusalem, as the mourning of Hadadrimmon in the valley of Megiddon."
Zechariah 1:1 - "In the eighth month, in the second year of Darius, came the word of the LORD unto Zechariah, the son of Berechiah, the son of Iddo the prophet, saying,"
Zechariah 7:11 - "But they refused to hearken, and pulled away the shoulder, and stopped their ears, that they should not hear."
Zechariah 8:11 - "But now I will not be unto the residue of this people as in the former days, saith the LORD of hosts."
Zechariah 11:15 - "¶ And the LORD said unto me, Take unto thee yet the instruments of a foolish shepherd."
"Hilkiah the second, Tebaliah the third, Zechariah the fourth: all the sons and brethren of Hosah were thirteen." - 1 Chronicles 26:11
Zechariah 14:11 - "And men shall dwell in it, and there shall be no more utter destruction; but Jerusalem shall be safely inhabited."
Zechariah 11:3 - "¶ There is a voice of the howling of the shepherds; for their glory is spoiled: a voice of the roaring of young lions; for the pride of Jordan is spoiled."
Zechariah 7:1 - "And it came to pass in the fourth year of king Darius, that the word of the LORD came unto Zechariah in the fourth day of the ninth month, even in Chisleu;"
Zechariah 6:11 - "Then take silver and gold, and make crowns, and set them upon the head of Joshua the son of Josedech, the high priest;"
Revelation 1:11
"And it was broken in that day: and so the poor of the flock that waited upon me knew that it was the word of the LORD." - Zechariah 11:11
Isaiah 11:1
Zechariah 11:14 - "Then I cut asunder mine other staff, even Bands, that I might break the brotherhood between Judah and Israel."
Zechariah 9:11 - "As for thee also, by the blood of thy covenant I have sent forth thy prisoners out of the pit wherein is no water."
Zechariah 5:11 - "And he said unto me, To build it an house in the land of Shinar: and it shall be established, and set there upon her own base."
Revelation 1:11