Haggai study section
Haggai word studies
A handful of Hebrew words carry the theology of Haggai. Tap the speaker next to any word to hear it pronounced.
Key words
שִׂים לֵב (sim lev): “To Set the Heart, Consider”
Usage: Haggai 1:5, 7; 2:15, 18
Meaning: Literally “set your heart upon your ways”; to consider carefully, reflect, take to heart.
Theological Significance: God’s repeated call to “consider your ways” summons His people to honest self-examination that leads to repentance. It anticipates the searching self-examination the gospel calls for, that we might turn and honor Christ (Haggai 1:7; 2 Corinthians 13:5).
רוּחַ (ruach): “Spirit”
Usage: Haggai 1:14; 2:5
Meaning: Spirit, breath. God “stirred up the spirit” of the leaders and people, and His Spirit “remains in your midst.”
Theological Significance: God moves His people to obey by stirring their spirits and abides among them by His Spirit. This work is fulfilled in the Spirit given through Christ, who empowers His people for every good work (Haggai 1:14; 2:5; Philippians 2:13).
כָּבוֹד (kavod): “Glory”
Usage: Haggai 2:7, 9
Meaning: Glory, weight, splendor, honor. “The latter glory of this house shall be greater than the former.”
Theological Significance: The promised greater glory of the house is fulfilled in Christ, “greater than the temple,” in whom the glory of God dwells and through whom His people become His temple (Haggai 2:9; Matthew 12:6; John 1:14).
שָׁלוֹם (shalom): “Peace”
Usage: Haggai 2:9
Meaning: Peace, wholeness, welfare, well-being. “In this place I will give peace.”
Theological Significance: God’s promise of peace in His house is fulfilled in Christ, “our peace,” who reconciles us to God and to one another and grants the peace the world cannot give (Haggai 2:9; Ephesians 2:14; John 14:27).
חוֹתָם (chotam): “Signet Ring”
Usage: Haggai 2:23
Meaning: A signet ring, the seal bearing authority and belonging, worn on the hand of a king.
Theological Significance: God’s making Zerubbabel His signet ring reverses the judgment on Jehoiachin and preserves the Davidic line, pointing to Christ, the promised Son of David who bears God’s full authority (Haggai 2:23; Jeremiah 22:24; Matthew 1:12).
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