Haggai 1:14
“And the LORD stirred up the spirit of Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel, governor of Judah, and the spirit of Joshua the son of Josedech, the high priest, and the spirit of all the remnant of the people; and they came and did work in the house of the LORD of hosts, their God,”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →The LORD stirs up the spirit of Zerubbabel, Joshua, and all the remnant, and they come and work on the house of the LORD of hosts.
What Does Haggai 1:14 Mean?
Having promised His presence, God now moves within His people. He ‘stirred up the spirit’ of the leaders and the whole remnant, and the result is that they actually take up tools and build. Their earlier obedience (v. 12) now becomes sustained labor. The verse shows God working both through the prophet's word and within the people's hearts.
Here is the gracious mystery of obedience: the people genuinely choose to build, yet it is God who stirs them to do it. Human willing and divine prompting move together, neither cancelling the other. The Lord who calls us to work also awakens the desire and supplies the strength to begin. When we find ourselves moved to do His will, we may give thanks—for the same God who commands the work is at work in us, kindling the very zeal He asks for.
In the Original Language
vayya'ar (וַיָּעַר), “stirred up” — to rouse or awaken, as one is roused from sleep; God awakens the will to act.