Haggai 1:9
Ye looked for much, and, lo, it came to little; and when ye brought it home, I did blow upon it. Why? saith the LORD of hosts. Because of mine house that is waste, and ye run every man unto his own house.
Haggai 1:9 · King James Version
Meaning
In this verse from the book of Haggai in the Bible, the prophet Haggai confronts the people of Israel for their lack of prosperity despite their efforts. He tells them that they have worked hard and invested much, yet they have little to show for it. The reason for their lack of success, according to Haggai, is because they have neglected God's house, instead focusing on their own homes and interests. By blowing on their efforts, God has thwarted their plans and withheld blessings from them. This verse serves as a reminder to prioritize God's kingdom above all else and to not neglect the things that are important to Him. It teaches us the importance of putting God first in our lives and the consequences of neglecting our spiritual responsibilities.
Theological Overview
One possible theological interpretation of this verse could focus on the idea of God's judgment and the consequences of neglecting His house. The verse speaks of a situation where the people had great expectations for their harvest, but it ended up being meager. This could be seen as a metaphor for their spiritual life and relationship with God. The blowing of God upon their harvest could symbolize His displeasure and the consequences of their negligence towards the temple, which represents His presence. The phrase "ye run every man unto his own house" could imply that the people were more concerned with their own interests and comfort rather than prioritizing God's house. This verse could serve as a reminder of the importance of putting God first and tending to His house, whether that be through worship, service, or caring for one another in the community of believers.
Haggai 1:9 in other translations
American Standard Version
Ye looked for much, and, lo, it came to little; and when ye brought it home, I did blow upon it. Why? saith Jehovah of hosts. Because of my house that lieth waste, while ye run every man to his own house.
World English Bible
“You looked for much, and, behold, it came to little; and when you brought it home, I blew it away. Why?” says Yahweh of Armies, “Because of my house that lies waste, while each of you is busy with his own house.
Douay-Rheims
You have looked for more, and behold it became less, and you brought it home, and I blowed it away: why, saith the Lord of hosts? because my house is desolate, and you make haste every man to his own house.
Geneva Bible (1599)
Ye looked for much, and lo, it came to litle: and when ye brought it home, I did blowe vpon it. And why, sayth the Lord of hostes? Because of mine House that is waste, and ye runne euery man vnto his owne house.