Zerubbabel in the Bible — Governor Who Rebuilt the Temple

Zerubbabel was the grandson of King Jehoiachin and the political governor of Judah who led the first wave of returning Jewish exiles from Babylon in 537 BC. Together with the high priest Joshua son of Jozadak, he began the task of rebuilding the Temple. When opposition stalled the work for 14 years, the prophets Haggai and Zechariah came with divine encouragement. Zechariah's famous word to Zerubbabel: 'Not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit, saith the LORD of hosts.' The Temple was completed in 516 BC. Below are 6 key passages from the King James Version (KJV) on this theme.

What does the Bible say about zerubbabel?

Who is Zerubbabel in the Bible? The governor of Judah who led the first return of Jewish exiles from Babylon and directed the rebuilding of the Temple in Jerusalem — promised by the prophets Haggai and Zechariah: 'Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit.'

6 Bible Verses About Zerubbabel (KJV)

“Then stood up Jeshua the son of Jozadak, and his brethren the priests, and Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel, and his brethren, and builded the altar of the God of Israel, to offer burnt offerings thereon, as it is written in the law of Moses the man of God.”

Ezra 3:2 KJV — The Fiery Furnace Read Ezra chapter 3 →

“Now in the second year of their coming unto the house of God at Jerusalem, in the second month, began Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel, and Jeshua the son of Jozadak, and the remnant of their brethren the priests and the Levites, and all they that were come out of the captivity unto Jerusalem; and appointed the Levites, from twenty years old and upward, to set forward the work of the house of the Lord.”

Ezra 3:8 KJV — The Fiery Furnace Read Ezra chapter 3 →

“Yet 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:”

Haggai 2:4 KJV — I Am the Rose of Sharon Read Haggai chapter 2 →

“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.”

Zechariah 4:6 KJV Read Zechariah chapter 4 →

“The hands of Zerubbabel have laid the foundation of this house; his hands shall also finish it; and thou shalt know that the Lord of hosts hath sent me unto you.”

Zechariah 4:9 KJV Read Zechariah chapter 4 →

“And after they were brought to Babylon, Jechonias begat Salathiel; and Salathiel begat Zorobabel;”

Matthew 1:12 KJV Read Matthew chapter 1 →