Zechariah 3:6 kjv
And the angel of the LORD protested unto Joshua, saying,
Zechariah 3:6 nkjv
Then the Angel of the LORD admonished Joshua, saying,
Zechariah 3:6 niv
The angel of the LORD gave this charge to Joshua:
Zechariah 3:6 esv
And the angel of the LORD solemnly assured Joshua,
Zechariah 3:6 nlt
Then the angel of the LORD spoke very solemnly to Jeshua and said,
Zechariah 3 6 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Zechariah 3:1-5 | The angel rebukes Satan and Joshua is cleansed. | OT (context of restoration) |
| Isaiah 54:17 | "No weapon formed against you shall prosper." | OT (divine protection) |
| Psalm 23:4 | "Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil..." | OT (presence and guidance) |
| Romans 8:33-34 | "Who shall bring any charge against God's elect?" | NT (Christ's advocacy) |
| Revelation 12:10 | Satan described as "the accuser of our brethren." | NT ( Satan's role identified) |
| John 1:29 | Jesus as the Lamb of God who takes away sin. | NT (ultimate atonement) |
| 1 Corinthians 1:30 | Christ our righteousness, sanctification, and redemption. | NT (Jesus' role as Redeemer) |
| Colossians 1:21-22 | Reconciled and presented holy. | NT (believer's status) |
| 1 John 1:9 | Confession leads to forgiveness and cleansing. | NT (continuous cleansing) |
| Matthew 3:10-12 | The baptism of repentance and coming judgment. | NT (foreshadowing purity) |
| Jeremiah 31:33-34 | New covenant for forgiveness of sins. | OT (future hope) |
| Psalm 103:12 | "As far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us." | OT (completeness of forgiveness) |
| Zechariah 1:16 | God will return to Jerusalem with mercy. | OT (God's desire to restore) |
| Leviticus 16:30 | Day of Atonement atonement for sins. | OT (ritual cleansing) |
| Hebrews 9:13-14 | Blood of Christ cleanses our conscience. | NT (superiority of Christ's blood) |
| Ephesians 1:7 | Redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins. | NT (redemption secured) |
| Titus 2:14 | Purchased for Himself a people for His own possession... zealous for good works. | NT (purpose of redemption) |
| 1 Peter 2:9 | A royal priesthood, a holy nation. | NT (identity of believers) |
| Revelation 20:10 | The accuser is ultimately cast into the lake of fire. | NT (final defeat of accuser) |
| Psalm 51:10 | Create in me a clean heart, O God. | OT (internal cleansing needed) |
| Romans 5:17-19 | Through Adam's disobedience, many became sinners; through obedience, many will be made righteous. | NT (righteousness by obedience) |
Zechariah 3 verses
Zechariah 3 6 Meaning
This verse marks a turning point in Zechariah's vision, shifting from the accusation against the high priest Joshua to divine pronouncement. It signifies restoration, a clean slate, and a new beginning for the purified remnant of Israel returning from exile.
Zechariah 3 6 Context
Zechariah's vision occurs during the post-exilic period, around 520 BC. The returned Judean community, rebuilding the temple, faced opposition and discouragement. Chapter 3 presents a judicial scene where Joshua, the high priest, represents the nation. He stands accused by Satan, symbolizing the continued presence of sin and the accusation of a holy God against a sinful people. The angel of the Lord's rebuke of Satan and the subsequent cleansing of Joshua signifies God's gracious intervention and purification of His chosen servants.
Zechariah 3 6 Word analysis
And: Connects the previous statement of Joshua's symbolic cleansing to the divine pronouncement that follows.
the angel: Refers to the angelic messenger present in the vision, acting as a mediator or spokesperson for God.
of the Lord: Indicates the supreme authority and divine origin of the angel's words.
said: The act of divine communication and pronouncement.
unto: A preposition indicating the recipient of the statement.
Joshua: The high priest, representing the entire priestly and Levitical order, and by extension, the people of Israel.
the high priest: Designates his sacred office and responsibility as intermediary.
Remove: Command to take away.
the filthy: Implies uncleanness, impurity, sinfulness, and shame.
garments: Symbolizes the priestly vestments and by extension, the sin and defilement covering Joshua and the nation.
from off him: Directly addressing Joshua and his state of impurity.
and unto: Connects the removal of the old to the bestowal of the new.
say unto him: A direct charge or commission given to the angel.
Behold: An exclamation to draw attention to a significant, transformative action.
I have caused: Attributes the action to God's sovereign initiative and power.
thine iniquity: Your sin, transgression, or guilt.
to pass: Indicates the complete removal or transcendence of the sin.
from thee: Emphasizes the personal and complete removal from Joshua.
and I will clothe: Denotes the bestowal of something new and righteous, replacing what was removed.
thee: Again, directly referring to Joshua.
with change of raiment: Literally "changes of garments." Implies a transition from disgrace to honor, from impurity to purity.
fine apparel: Literally "splendid robes," symbolizing purity, honor, and acceptability before God.
Garments of removal: "Filthy garments" are removed.
Divine removal and bestowal: "I have caused thine iniquity to pass from thee, and I will clothe thee." This is not self-cleansing but God's work.
Symbol of purity and honor: The "change of raiment" signifies a new status, favor, and righteous standing.
Zechariah 3 6 Bonus section
The imagery of "filthy garments" removed and replaced with "splendid robes" is potent. It resonates with the concept of the "garment of salvation" and "robe of righteousness" often used in Isaiah (e.g., Isaiah 61:10). This vision of Zechariah, alongside other prophetic visions, lays foundational groundwork for understanding the work of the Messiah as the ultimate cleanser and provider of righteousness, fulfilling these promises. The "change of raiment" prefigures the imputation of Christ's righteousness to believers. The specific term for the new garments can also evoke the high quality of linen associated with priestly attire, emphasizing renewed service and access to God. The removal of iniquity here directly corresponds to the New Testament concept of Christ bearing our sins on the cross, enabling us to be declared righteous.
Zechariah 3 6 Commentary
The pronouncement from the angel of the Lord is an immediate response to Joshua's acceptance of the Lord's rebuke of Satan. It declares God's action of removing Joshua's (and by extension, the nation's) sin. This isn't merely a legal pronouncement but a divinely executed act of purification. The "filthy garments" symbolize the accumulated sin and the shame that separation from God brings. Their removal signifies forgiveness. The "change of raiment" signifies restoration to favor, priestly service, and a new standing before God. This highlights that salvation and purification are initiated and accomplished by God. It underscores the transformative power of God's grace in providing a righteous standing for His people.
- Practical Application: We, like Joshua, can stand accused, but God provides a way for our sins to be removed and for us to be clothed in righteousness through Christ.