Zechariah 6:13 Meaning and Explanation
“Even he shall build the temple of the LORD; and he shall bear the glory, and shall sit and rule upon his throne; and he shall be a priest upon his throne: and the counsel of peace shall be between them both.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Verse 13 gives the fullest description of the Branch in this sign-act. It answers how God's temple will be connected with lasting leadership and peace: the promised builder bears glory and joins throne and priesthood in a way the chapter treats as God's own design.
The Branch will build the LORD's temple, receive glory, rule from his throne, and serve as priest upon his throne. His royal and priestly work brings the counsel of peace into God's purpose.
The Context of Zechariah 6:13
Following the command to crown Joshua the high priest, Zechariah announces the coming Branch in verse 12. Verse 13 repeats that the Branch will build the temple of the LORD, then adds royal and priestly language. The phrase about the counsel of peace concludes the oracle's central description. In verse 14 the crowns are placed in the temple as a memorial to the donors and to Hen. Verse 15 looks outward to those who are far off, who will come and build in the temple, and it closes with a call to diligent obedience. The chapter therefore joins God's promised future work with the present response of the returned community.
What Does Zechariah 6:13 Mean?
"Even he" gives emphasis: the Branch himself will build the temple of the LORD. The repetition from verse 12 confirms the certainty and importance of that calling. He "shall bear the glory," receiving the honor that belongs with the task God gives him. He will then "sit and rule upon his throne," language of settled and rightful kingship rather than a passing display of power. The verse adds, "he shall be a priest upon his throne." Priesthood concerns service before God and care for the holy things entrusted by God; the throne speaks of rule. In the Branch, these responsibilities are held together under the LORD's appointment.
The crowning of Joshua creates the immediate setting for words that reach beyond a normal division of offices in Israel. Joshua is a high priest, yet the prophecy speaks of a throne and a coming builder who bears glory. The chapter does not explain every detail of the phrase, "the counsel of peace shall be between them both." Its setting strongly connects peace with the harmonious relation of the royal and priestly roles described in the verse. We can therefore speak carefully: God promises a peaceable purpose in which rule and priestly service are not rivals. The temple is built under that purpose, and the next verses show a memorial and a people gathered into its work.
Psalm 110 holds together a kingly Lord and an enduring priesthood, providing an important biblical pattern for Zechariah's promise. The New Testament applies that pattern to Jesus, who is both exalted ruler and high priest. Hebrews especially draws on Psalm 110 to explain his priestly ministry. Zechariah 6:13 does not set aside the temple or its holiness. Instead, it looks toward the Branch whose authority and priestly service secure peace around the LORD's house. Christ's rule is therefore presented in relation to God's dwelling, worship, and the gathering of a people who belong to him.
Bible Verses Related to Zechariah 6:13
“The LORD said unto my Lord, Sit thou at my right hand, until I make thine enemies thy footstool. The LORD shall send the rod of thy strength out of Zion: rule thou in the midst of thine enemies. Thy people shall be willing in the day of thy power, in the beauties of holiness from the womb of the morning: thou hast the dew of thy youth. The LORD hath sworn, and will not repent, Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchizedek.”
- Psalm 110:1-4
“For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice from henceforth even for ever. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will perform this.”
- Isaiah 9:6-7
“And inasmuch as not without an oath he was made priest: (For those priests were made without an oath; but this with an oath by him that said unto him, The Lord sware and will not repent, Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec:) By so much was Jesus made a surety of a better testament. And they truly were many priests, because they were not suffered to continue by reason of death: But this man, because he continueth ever, hath an unchangeable priesthood. Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them. For such an high priest became us, who is holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners, and made higher than the heavens; Who needeth not daily, as those high priests, to offer up sacrifice, first for his own sins, and then for the people’s: for this he did once, when he offered up himself. For the law maketh men high priests which have infirmity; but the word of the oath, which was since the law, maketh the Son, who is consecrated for evermore.”
- Hebrews 7:20-28
“And I saw no temple therein: for the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are the temple of it. And the city had no need of the sun, neither of the moon, to shine in it: for the glory of God did lighten it, and the Lamb is the light thereof. And the nations of them which are saved shall walk in the light of it: and the kings of the earth do bring their glory and honour into it.”
- Revelation 21:22-24
Where Zechariah 6:13 Echoes in Scripture
Hebrews 7:1-3 develops the biblical pattern of Melchizedek as both king and priest, then Hebrews 7:17 cites Psalm 110 concerning an enduring priesthood. Zechariah's Branch is likewise described as ruling on a throne and serving as priest. Hebrews applies the larger royal-priestly pattern to Jesus, helping readers see why Zechariah's joined offices carry such weight.
How to Apply Zechariah 6:13 Today
The Branch's peace encourages a form of life in which authority serves God's holy purposes. In homes, congregations, workplaces, and communities, we often feel the strain between leadership, service, worship, and practical work. This verse directs our attention to the one whose rule and priestly care are united without conflict. We can bring our divided motives and strained relationships before him, asking for the counsel of peace to shape our decisions. It also invites reverence for the gathered worship of God's people and for the labor that supports it. Peace grows where honor is given to God's appointed King and service is offered faithfully before God.
Reflection & Prayer
What part of our life needs the Branch's counsel of peace: our use of authority, our service, our worship, or a relationship under strain? We might pray: "LORD, establish your peace among us. Teach us to honor your King, serve you with clean hearts, and seek the good of those entrusted to our care."