Zechariah 2:11 - Jehovah Sends Jehovah?

It is being claimed that Zechariah 2:11 is proof that Jehovah sends Himself, and that thus, Jehovah is more than one person. Actually, as we will demonstrate, our trinitarian neighbors have to add to this and read into this their trinitarian philosophies.

We should note that the ancient Hebrew did not have punctuation. We have to be careful in understanding who is saying what. Any punctuation found in copies or translations has been supplied by men. Once one understands who is speaking which words, one can properly add quote marks to these verses. We believe the verses involved should be punctuated as follows:

Zechariah 2:8 For this is what Jehovah of hosts says (for glory he has sent me to the nations which plunder you, for he who touches you touches the apple of his eye):
Zechariah 2:9 "Behold, I will shake my hand against them, and they will become spoil for their servants." Then you will know that Jehovah of hosts has sent me.
Zechariah 2:10 "Sing and rejoice, O daughter of Zion! For behold, I am coming and I will dwell in your midst," says Jehovah.
Zechariah 2:11 Many nations will be joined to Jehovah in that day, and they will become my people. And I will dwell in your midst. Then you will know that Jehovah of hosts has sent me to you.

Thus the angel is the one who says: "Then you will know that Jehovah of hosts has sent me." This statement is sandwiched between two quotes from Jehovah, one before: "For surely I will shake my hand against them, and they will become spoil for their servants," and the other after: "Sing and rejoice, O daughter of Zion! For behold, I am coming and I will dwell in your midst."

Earlier we see that an angel of Jehovah is speaking and then another angel appears who begins to speak. (Zechariah 1:12; 2:1,3) It is this angel that is speaking in verses 8 through 11. He speaks of himself as being sent by Jehovah in verse 11. Many Bible Students believe that this angel is Jesus -- or, at least, represents Jesus typically.

The New American Catholic Bible renders these verses this way (without identifying exactly who is saying what, except for the parenthetical phrase):

For thus said the LORD of hosts (after he had already sent me) concerning the nations that have plundered you: Whoever touches you touches the apple of my eye. See I wave my hand over them; they become plunder for their slaves. Thus you shall know that the LORD of hosts has sent me. Sing and rejoice, O daugher of Zion! See, I am coming to dwell among you, says the LORD. Many nations shall join themselves to the LORD on that day, and they shall be his people, and he will dwell among you, and you shall know that the LORD of hosts has sent me to you.

Note that this is speaking of when many nations are joined to Jehovah which takes place in the millennial age, when Satan deceives the nations no more. (Revelation 20:3; Isaiah 25:7,8; 2:2,3) This is done through Jesus. (Acts 17:31) At that time also the New Jerusalem will belong to Jesus and be his people; Jesus will dwell in the midst of New Jerusalem, even as Jehovah will also dwell with New Jerusalem and all mankind. (Revelation 21:1-5) God's Kingdom with Jesus ruling as King will be enlarged to include all nations, not merely Israel. -- Jeremiah 12:14-17; Romans 4:13; Zechariah 8:20-21; Isaiah 2:3; Micah 4:2.

"Jehovah your God is one Jehovah." -- Deuteronomy 6:4

He is not two or three Jehovahs, as though there can be one Jehovah who sends another Jehovah.

The one Jehovah (the Father, the only true God -- John 17:1,3) says to the Lord of David: Sit at my right hand until I make your enemies a footstool for your feet. These scriptures in themselves prove that Jesus is NOT Jehovah. -- Psalm 110:1; Matt. 22:43-45; 26:64; Mark 12:35-37; Luke 20:41-44; Acts 2:34; 7:55: Romans 8:34; Colossians 3:1; Hebrews 1:13; 10:12,13; 1 Peter 3:22

Only if one runs all that is stated together without giving recognition to who is saying what could one read into the verses that Jehovah is sending Jehovah. Common sense should tell us that the angel is speaking and quotes Jehovah, and speaks of himself at other times. What we have presented is the default reasoning: that the angel is speaking and quoting Jehovah while he speaks. One can find quotes like this in Psalms and many times in the writings of the prophets, so it is nothing at all unusual. We are just called upon to use our common sense, and not be blinded by preconceived doctrine so as to read into the verses something that is not there.

For example, Isaiah 8:1-3. One could read verse three as a continuation of the quotation of Jehovah's words in verse one, thus making it appear that Jehovah is the one who went to the prophetess, but common sense tells us that Isaiah stopped quoting Jehovah and began referring to himself. Of course, if one were convinced that Isaiah was Jehovah himself, one could read this as saying that Jehovah went to the prophetess. Common sense tells us otherwise.

The second Psalm is another example. David, of course, is speaking, but he quotes both Jehovah and Jesus as speaking. If one were to run all these verses together without making proper qualifications as to who is speaking, one could even conclude that David is Jehovah. Of course, our common sense tell us that David speaks as himself at times, and then quotes Jehovah and Jesus, and many translations make this apparent by adding punctuation.

Likewise in Psalm 46. The Psalmist speaks, saying:

Psalm 46:9 He makes wars cease to the end of the earth. He breaks the bow, and cuts the spear apart. He burns the chariots in the fire.
Psalm 46:10 Be still, and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations. I will be exalted in the earth.
Psalm 46:11 Jehovah of Hosts is with us. The God of Jacob is our refuge.

If one wanted to believe that this Psalmist was God, one could disregard the fact that he is quoting Jehovah in verse 10, so as to claim that the Psalmist was himself speaking as God. *The World English* translation and many other translations do supply quotes for verse 10, thus designating these words are the Psalmist's quote of God.

What we do not find in Zechariah 2 is any reference to two or three persons in Jehovah, or that Jesus is one person of Jehovah who sent by another person of Jehovah. Such an idea has to be imagined, assumed and then read into what is being said.

Revelation 17:14 - Lord of Lords and King of Kings; Revelation 19:16

These will war against the Lamb, and the Lamb will overcome them, for he is Lord of lords, and King of kings. They also will overcome who are with him, called and chosen and faithful." -- Revelation 17:14.
He has on his garment and on his thigh a name written, "KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS." -- Revelation 19:16

World English Bible translation

Some object that the titles Lord of lords and King of kings only apply to Jehovah. Jehovah is spoken of a "Lord of lords" in Deuteronomy 10:17 and Psalm 136:3. The expression, "lord of lords" simply signifies one who is "lord" over others who are also "lords". In the case of Jehovah, however, he is the "Supreme" Lord who is lord over others who are also lords.

However, any one who is a Lord over others who are also lords can hold the title "Lord of lords." Another way of expressing "Lord of lords" is "overlord."
http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/overlord

Yes, there can be two and even many who can hold the title of "Lord of lords". It is similar to the title "King of kings." Anyone who is a king over others who are also kings can hold the title "King of kings."

Artaxerxes, king of kings, to Ezra the priest, the scribe of the law of the God of heaven, perfect and so forth. -- Ezra 7:12, World English

For thus says the Lord Yahweh [Jehovah]: Behold, I will bring on Tyre Nebuchadrezzar king of Babylon, king of kings, from the north, with horses, and with chariots, and with horsemen, and a company, and much people. -- Ezekiel 26:7, World English.

You, O king, are king of kings, to whom the God of heaven has given the kingdom, the power, and the strength, and the glory. -- Daniel 2:37, World English

Jesus is made "lord" by Jehovah, the only true God; He is made lord over the overcomers who also become lords (rulers) and kings, and thus he has the title "Lord of lords" and "King of kings". -- Psalm 2:6,8; Daniel 7:21,27; Acts 2:38; Ephesians 1:22; 2 Timothy 2:12; Hebrews 1:9; Revelation 3:21; 5:10; 20:6.

Likewise, it is Jehovah who makes Jesus "King" in Zion.  (Psalms 2:6; 45:6; Daniel 7:13,14; Isaiah 9:7; Matthew 28:18; Luke 1:32; Acts 2:34-36; 5:30,31; 1 Corinthians 15:27; Ephesians 1:3,17-26; Philippians 2:9-11) Jehovah is king because he is the Supreme Being, and no one has to install him as being King.

In the Bible, however, only the Most High, Jehovah, holds the title "God of gods".  (Deuteronomy 10:17; Psalm 136:2; Daniel 2:47: 11:36) Jehovah is God over others who are "gods", especially the "angels" (Psalm 8:5; Hebrews 2:7) and also the "gods" spoken of in Psalm 82:1,6; John 10:34,35.

The term "lord", of itself, is a more general term, and can be applied to many people who are in some way a ruler, teacher, etc, and even a more general way as respect for a man, such as with the meaning of "sir", or "mister".

Hebrew words for "lord" as found in the Masoretic text:

Adon:
https://studylight.org/lexicons/eng/hebrew/113.html

Adonai:

https://studylight.org/lexicons/eng/hebrew/136.html
Baal:

https://studylight.org/lexicons/eng/hebrew/1168.html

Mare':

https://studylight.org/lexicons/eng/hebrew/4756.html
Ceren:

https://studylight.org/lexicons/eng/hebrew/5633.html
Rab:

https://studylight.org/lexicons/eng/hebrew/7229.html

If these words are used in the New Testament, they are usually rendered under forms of the word Kurios. The problem in the New Testament, however, is that usually, in the manuscripts as we have them, the Holy Name of God has been changed to forms of the word Kurios, causing a confusion of the word "Kurios" with the Holy Name. In reality, the Holy Name of God does not mean the same thing as Kurios, and Jehovah never authorized anyone to change his name to Kurios. Nevertheless, many have misused this in their efforts to make the claim that Jesus is Jehovah.

1 Corinthians 12:3 - Jesus is Lord

Does this scripture mean that one with God's Holy Spirit identifies Jesus as Jehovah, the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob?

Therefore I make known to you that no man speaking by God's Spirit says, "Jesus is accursed." No one can say, "Jesus is Lord," but by the Holy Spirit. -- 1 Corinthians 12:3, World English.

This scripture is often misused to claim that Jesus is Jehovah, the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. Some claim that in the expression "Jesus is Lord", the word "Lord" means "Jehovah". Some note that Johann Christian Reichardt's translation of the New Testament into Hebrew has the tetragrammaton, thus making it appear to say, "Jesus is Jehovah." From that it is evidently assumed that Paul was saying that one can only say that Jesus is Jehovah by means of the Holy Spirit.

However, Reichardt's placement of the tetragrammaton into 1 Corinthians 12:3 was evidently deliberately done in order to make it appear that Jesus is Jehovah. Therefore, the whole basis is circular reasoning, in effect, saying that since we believe that Jesus is Jehovah, then we believe that "Lord" in 1 Corinthians 12:3 means "Jehovah", and therefore we believe that Paul said that unless you say that Jesus is Jehovah that you do not have God's spirit.

Some claim that forms of the Greek word transliterated "KURIOS" in the New Testament always means "Jehovah". And thus, from that reasoning, every time a form of the word "KURIOS" is used of Jesus in the Bible, they reason that Jesus is being called "Jehovah", the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. -- Exodus 3:14,15.

In reality, KURIOS does not mean Jehovah, although it can be used of Jehovah, as a translation of forms of the Hebrew word that is often transliterated as "Adon", meaning "Lord" or "Master". Additionally, in the extant NT Greek manuscripts, we find that the Holy Name has been changed to forms of "Kurios", but this does not mean that every time the word "Kurios" appears in the New Testament, that it means that is being used as a substitute for "Jehovah"..

Bullinger gives the following instances in which forms of "Kurios" are applied in the Gospels to others than Jehovah or Jesus:

With the Article (ho Kurios), emphasizing ownership. Occurs fourty-two times: twenty-one times in Matthew 10:24,25; 15:27; 18:25,27,31,32,34; 20:8; 21:40; 24:45,46,48,50; 25:18,19,21,21,23,23,26; twice in Mark 12:9; 13:35; sixteen times in Luke 12:36,37,42,43,45,46,47; 14:21,23; 16:3,5,5,8; 19:33; 20:13,15; three times in John 13:16; 15:15,20.

Without the Article (Kurios). Generally in courtesy, emphasizing superior relationship. Occ. Nineteen times. Rendered “Lord” fourteen times (Matthew 18:26; 25:11,11,20,22,24. Luke 13:8,25,25; 14:22; 19:16,18,20,25); “Master” twice (Matthew 6:24. Luke 16:13); “Sir” four times (Matthew 13:27; 21:30; 27:63. John 12:21).

https://nameofyah.blogspot.com/2016/09/nt-lord.html

So what is the importance of recognizing Jesus as "Lord"? How is it that Jesus is "Lord" if he is not Jehovah, the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob? We read that there is ONE who is unipersonally spoken of as the "one God" who has made Jesus both "Lord" and "Christ" (anointed one). (Acts 2:36; 1 Corinthians 8:6) Who is this ONE GOD that anointed Jesus? Prophetically, Jesus is quoted as stating, "Jehovah ... has anointed me." (Isaiah 61:1) It is thus the Lord Jehovah who anointed Jesus, and who has made Jesus both "Lord" and "Christ".

One cannot be a child of God if one does not recognize that Jesus is the one whom Jehovah has made lord; Jesus is the only way to the God and Father of Jesus. There is no other way. -- John 14:6; Acts 4:12; Ephesians 2:18.

Thus, it is imperative that we, if we would be sons of God (John 1:12), should recognize Jesus as our Lord, the one whom Jehovah appointed as our shepherd. (Ezekiel 34:23) This does not mean that we should be saying, "Jesus is Jehovah".

Jesus is Lord because the only true God (John 17:1,3) has made him lord. The only true God did not make Jesus the only true God. -- Psalm 45:7; Ezekiel 34:23,24; Isaiah 61:1; Acts 2:36; Hebrews 1:9.

The "one God" of the Christian is the God and Father of the Lord Jesus. -- 1 Corinthians 8:6; Ephesians 1:3; 4:6; 1 Timothy 2:5.

Deuteronomy 7:9 does not say "the Lord" whom God made Lord is God. It says: "Know therefore that Yahweh your God, he is God, the faithful God." (World English) It is this Yahweh (Jehovah), the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, who raised up Jesus as the prophet like Moses. -- Exodus 3:14,15; Deuteronomy 18:15-20; John 17:1,3; Acts 3:13-23; Hebrews 1:1,2.

Jesus worshiped and served Jehovah as his God. -- Deuteronomy 18:15-19; Matthew 4:4; Deuteronomy 8:3; Luke 4:4; Deuteronomy 6:16; Matthew 4:7; Matthew 4:10 [Exodus 20:3-5; 34:14; Deuteronomy 6:13,14; 10:20]; Luke 4:8; Genesis 1:27; Genesis 2:7,20-23; Matthew 22:29-40; Matthew 26:42; Matthew 27:46; Mark 10:6; Mark 14:36; 15:34; Luke 22:42; 5:30; 6:38; 17:1,3; 20:17; Romans 15:6; 2 Corinthians 1:3; 11:31; Ephesians 1:3,17; Hebrews 1:9; 10:7; 1 Peter 1:3; Revelation 2:7; 3:2,12.

"Most High" Scriptures

The following is a list of all Scriptures from the World English Bible translation that contain the phrase "Most High," demonstrating that the God of Jesus is the only "Most High," and Jesus is the Son of the Most High. Jesus is never called the "Most High", although Jesus is presented as the Son of the Most High. It is only used of the God and Father of Jesus, although Jesus is presented as the Son of the Most High.


The "Holy Name" is presented as "Yahweh" in the Old Testament of this version of the Bible.

Genesis 14:18 - Melchizedek king of Salem brought forth bread and wine: and he was priest of God Most High.

Ellicott states concerning this verse."In Melchizedek we have a type of Christ (Psalm 110:4; Hebrews 5:6; Hebrews 5:10; Hebrews 7:1-21)." Just as Melchizedek was priest of God Most High, so Jesus is the priest of God Most High. (Hebrews 2:17; 5:6-10; 6:20; 7:11-28) Thus, the default reasoning is that Jesus is not God Most High whom he serves as priest.

Genesis 14:19 - He blessed him, and said, "Blessed be Abram of God Most High, possessor of heaven and earth:

The expression "Blessed be Abram of God Most High" is speaking of Abram's being being blessed from, or by, God Most High. The thought of the Hebrew is that the blessing of Abram was to come from God Most High. Many translations do supply "by" rather than "of", or in some way make it understood that the blessing was to come from God Most High.

Abram here appears to be a type of those who put faith in Jesus. -- Galatians 3:9.  

Genesis 14:20 - and blessed be God Most High, who has delivered your enemies into your hand." Abram gave him a tenth of all. *** rest needs to be edited with comments.

Genesis 14:22 - Abram said to the king of Sodom, "I have lifted up my hand to Yahweh, God Most High, possessor of heaven and earth,

Numbers 24:16 - He says, who hears the words of God, Knows the knowledge of the Most High, Who sees the vision of the Almighty, Falling down, and having his eyes open:

Deuteronomy 32:8 - When the Most High gave to the nations their inheritance, When he separated the children of men, He set the bounds of the peoples According to the number of the children of Israel.

2 Samuel 22:14 - Yahweh thundered from heaven, The Most High uttered his voice.

Psalms 7:17 - I will give thanks to Yahweh according to his righteousness, And will sing praise to the name of Yahweh Most High.

Psalms 9:2 - I will be glad and rejoice in you. I will sing praise to your name, you Most High.

Psalms 18:13 - Yahweh also thundered in the sky, The Most High uttered his voice, Hailstones and coals of fire.

Psalms 21:7 - For the king trusts in Yahweh. Through the lovingkindness of the Most High, he shall not be moved.

Psalms 46:4 - There is a river, the streams of which make the city of God glad, The holy place of the tents of the Most High.

Psalms 47:2 - For Yahweh Most High is awesome. He is a great King over all the earth.

Psalms 50:14 - Offer to God the sacrifice of thanksgiving. Pay your vows to the Most High.

Psalms 57:2 - I cry out to God Most High, To God who accomplishes my requests for me.

Psalms 73:11 - They say, "How does God know? Is there knowledge in the Most High?"

Psalms 77:10 - Then I thought, "I will appeal to this: The years of the right hand of the Most High."

Psalms 78:17 - Yet they still went on to sin against him, To rebel against the Most High in the desert.

Psalms 78:35 - They remembered that God was their rock, The Most High God their redeemer.

Psalms 78:56 - Yet they tempted and rebelled against the Most High God, And didn't keep his testimonies;

Psalms 82:6 - I said, "You are gods, All of you are sons of the Most High.

Psalms 83:18 - That they may know that you alone, whose name is Yahweh, Are the Most High over all the earth.

Psalms 87:5 - Yes, of Zion it will be said, "This one and that one was born in her;" The Most High himself will establish her.

Psalms 91:1 - He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High Will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.

Psalms 91:9 - For you, Yahweh, are my refuge! You have made the Most High your habitation.

Psalms 92:1 - <> It is a good thing to give thanks to Yahweh, To sing praises to your name, Most High;

Psalms 97:9 - For you, Yahweh, are most high above all the earth. You are exalted far above all gods.

Psalms 107:11 - Because they rebelled against the words of God, And condemned the counsel of the Most High.

Isaiah 14:14 - I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will make myself like the Most High.

Lamentations 3:35 - To turn aside the right of a man before the face of the Most High,

Lamentations 3:38 - Doesn't evil and good come out of the mouth of the Most High?

Daniel 3:26 - Then Nebuchadnezzar came near to the mouth of the burning fiery furnace: he spoke and said, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego, you servants of the Most High God, come forth, and come here. Then Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego came forth out of the midst of the fire.

Daniel 4:2 - It has seemed good to me to show the signs and wonders that the Most High God has worked toward me.

Daniel 4:17 - The sentence is by the decree of the watchers, and the demand by the word of the holy ones; to the intent that the living may know that the Most High rules in the kingdom of men, and gives it to whoever he will, and sets up over it the lowest of men.

Daniel 4:24 - this is the interpretation, O king, and it is the decree of the Most High, which is come on my lord the king:

Daniel 4:25 - that you shall be driven from men, and your dwelling shall be with the animals of the field, and you shall be made to eat grass as oxen, and shall be wet with the dew of the sky, and seven times shall pass over you; until you know that the Most High rules in the kingdom of men, and gives it to whoever he will.

Daniel 4:32 - and you shall be driven from men; and they dwelling shall be with the animals of the field; you shall be made to eat grass as oxen; and seven times shall pass over you; until you know that the Most High rules in the kingdom of men, and gives it to whoever he will.

Daniel 4:34 - At the end of the days I, Nebuchadnezzar, lifted up my eyes to heaven, and my understanding returned to me, and I blessed the Most High, and I praised and honored him who lives forever; for his dominion is an everlasting dominion, and his kingdom from generation to generation.

Daniel 5:18 - You king, the Most High God gave Nebuchadnezzar your father the kingdom, and greatness, and glory, and majesty:

Daniel 5:21 - and he was driven from the sons of men, and his heart was made like the animals', and his dwelling was with the wild donkeys; he was fed with grass like oxen, and his body was wet with the dew of the sky; until he knew that the Most High God rules in the kingdom of men, and that he sets up over it whoever he will.

Daniel 7:18 - But the saints of the Most High shall receive the kingdom, and possess the kingdom forever, even forever and ever.

Daniel 7:22 - until the ancient of days came, and judgment was given to the saints of the Most High, and the time came that the saints possessed the kingdom.

Daniel 7:25 - He shall speak words against the Most High, and shall wear out the saints of the Most High; and he shall think to change the times and the law; and they shall be given into his hand until a time and times and half a time.

Daniel 7:27 - The kingdom and the dominion, and the greatness of the kingdoms under the whole the sky, shall be given to the people of the saints of the Most High: his kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and all dominions shall serve and obey him.

Hosea 7:16 - They return, but not to the Most High. They are like a faulty bow. Their princes will fall by the sword for the rage of their tongue. This will be their derision in the land of Egypt.

Hosea 11:7 - My people are determined to turn from me. Though they call to the Most High, He certainly won't exalt them.

Mark 5:7 - and crying out with a loud voice, he said, "What have I to do with you, Jesus, you Son of the Most High God? I adjure you by God, don't torment me."

Luke 1:32 - He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give to him the throne of his father, David,

Luke 1:35 - The angel answered her, "The Holy Spirit will come on you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. Therefore also the holy one which is born from you will be called the Son of God.

Luke 1:76 - And you, child, will be called a prophet of the Most High, For you will go before the face of the Lord to make ready his ways,

Luke 6:35 - But love your enemies, and do good, and lend, expecting nothing back; and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High; for he is kind toward the unthankful and evil.

Luke 8:28 - When he saw Jesus, he cried out, and fell down before him, and with a loud voice said, "What do I have to do with you, Jesus, you Son of the Most High God? I beg you, don't torment me!"

Acts 7:48 - However, the Most High doesn't dwell in temples made with hands, as the prophet says,

Acts 16:17 - The same, following after Paul and us, cried out, "These men are servants of the Most High God, who proclaim to us the way of salvation!"

Hebrews 7:1 - For this Melchizedek, king of Salem, priest of God Most High, who met Abraham returning from the slaughter of the kings and blessed him,

Isaiah 44:24 - Jehovah Alone Stretched Forth the Heavens

John 1:3 - The World Made Through the Logos

Trinity Definitions

Colossians 1:15, Revelation 3:14, and Jesus' Beginning