Zechariah 3 9

Zechariah 3:9 kjv

For behold the stone that I have laid before Joshua; upon one stone shall be seven eyes: behold, I will engrave the graving thereof, saith the LORD of hosts, and I will remove the iniquity of that land in one day.

Zechariah 3:9 nkjv

For behold, the stone That I have laid before Joshua: Upon the stone are seven eyes. Behold, I will engrave its inscription,' Says the LORD of hosts, 'And I will remove the iniquity of that land in one day.

Zechariah 3:9 niv

See, the stone I have set in front of Joshua! There are seven eyes on that one stone, and I will engrave an inscription on it,' says the LORD Almighty, 'and I will remove the sin of this land in a single day.

Zechariah 3:9 esv

For behold, on the stone that I have set before Joshua, on a single stone with seven eyes, I will engrave its inscription, declares the LORD of hosts, and I will remove the iniquity of this land in a single day.

Zechariah 3:9 nlt

Now look at the jewel I have set before Jeshua, a single stone with seven facets. I will engrave an inscription on it, says the LORD of Heaven's Armies, and I will remove the sins of this land in a single day.

Zechariah 3 verses

Zechariah 3 9 Meaning

Zechariah 3:9 proclaims a divine promise regarding a unique, divinely appointed "stone" that will bear specific characteristics and be the instrument through which the iniquity of the land will be decisively removed "in a single day." This verse looks forward to a singular, definitive act of redemption, orchestrated by God, which fully addresses the burden of sin for His people and land, establishing a pathway for complete cleansing and renewal. The stone is commonly understood to represent the coming Messiah, whose once-for-all atonement provides ultimate forgiveness.

Zechariah 3 9 Context

Zechariah 3:9 is part of a series of night visions granted to the prophet Zechariah following the return of Jewish exiles from Babylon to Judah around 520 BC. The immediate context of this verse is the vision concerning Joshua, the High Priest (Zechariah 3:1-7). In this vision, Joshua stands before the Angel of the LORD, accused by Satan, wearing filthy garments that symbolize the iniquity and defilement of the priesthood and the nation of Israel due to their past sins. God then sovereignly rebukes Satan, declares Joshua a brand plucked from the fire, and commands Joshua’s filthy garments to be replaced with rich robes, signifying his cleansing and restoration.

Verse 9, therefore, is God's direct declaration following Joshua's vindication. It provides the divine mechanism for the profound and complete cleansing of not just the High Priest, but of the entire "land" of its iniquity. Historically, the returned exiles faced the daunting task of rebuilding Jerusalem and the Temple, but their spiritual state and past sins remained a significant burden. This prophecy gives them hope beyond their own capacity for cleansing, pointing to a future, decisive divine intervention that will deal with the root of the problem—sin itself—once and for all. It elevates the restoration to a spiritual level far beyond mere physical reconstruction, connecting it to a future messianic provision.

Zechariah 3 9 Word analysis

• For behold (כִּי הִנֵּה, ki hinneh): This is an emphatic phrase used to draw immediate and special attention to a significant declaration or event. It signals a divine pronouncement of immense importance.
• on the stone (עַל הָאֶבֶן, ‘al ha’even): "Stone" is a loaded term in biblical prophecy and wisdom literature, often representing a foundation, strength, or, most profoundly, the Messiah (e.g., Ps 118:22, Isa 28:16). Its use here strongly anticipates a Messianic figure, upon whom divine action will occur and from whom blessing will flow. It implies a solid, permanent, and divinely established entity.
• that I have set before Joshua: This signifies God's direct involvement and intentional placement. The stone is not coincidental or human-made but divinely ordained and presented, specifically for the benefit or through the work associated with Joshua, who represents the purified priestly order and the nation of Israel. It indicates God’s sovereign control over redemptive history.
• on one stone (אֶבֶן אֶחָת, ’even ’echath): The phrase "one stone" emphasizes the uniqueness and singularity of this divine instrument. It distinguishes this stone from many others, underscoring its unparalleled significance, further hinting at the one, unique Redeemer, the Messiah.
• with seven eyes (שֶּׁבַע עֵינַיִם, sheva ‘enayim): "Seven" symbolizes completeness, perfection, and divine fullness in biblical symbolism. "Eyes" typically represent omniscience, comprehensive knowledge, and watchful providence. When combined, "seven eyes" speak of God’s perfect knowledge, divine watchfulness over all things, and full divine power or wisdom. In Rev 5:6, the Lamb (Christ) is described as having "seven eyes, which are the seven Spirits of God," linking this imagery directly to Christ and the fullness of the Holy Spirit. This detail indicates the divine and omniscient nature of the "stone's" work.
• behold, I will engrave its inscription (הִנֵּה אָנֹכִי מְפַתֵּחַ פִּתֻּחָהּ, hinneh ‘anokhi mephatteakh pittuchah): This is a decisive divine declaration. "Engrave" (פָּתַח, pathach) implies a precise, deliberate, and permanent marking, much like a seal or a chisel on stone. It speaks of divine authority, a definitive declaration of the stone's purpose, identity, or destiny. It could imply a divinely determined purpose or a revelation of its inherent nature, firmly established by God.
• ’declares the LORD of hosts’ (ne’um Yahweh Tseva’oth): This is a common prophetic formula affirming the divine origin, absolute certainty, and authority of the preceding statement. It emphasizes that this is a solemn, binding promise from the Almighty God, sovereign over all powers and armies, ensuring its fulfillment.
• and I will remove the iniquity of this land (וְהִמִּשְׁתִּי אֶת-עֲוֺן הָאָרֶץ הַהִיא, vehimmashtiy ’et-’avon ha’arets hahiy): "Remove" (mashah) means to lift, take away, or bear. "Iniquity" (עָוֹן, ‘avon) signifies guilt, sin, and the punishment due to it. This phrase proclaims the ultimate purpose of the "stone": the complete abolition of the guilt and consequences of sin for the land, encompassing the entire nation and its accumulated transgressions. This points to a radical and profound spiritual cleansing, moving beyond mere ceremonial purification to actual removal of sin's power and stain.
• in a single day (בְּיוֹם אֶחָד, beyom ‘echad): This is a pivotal phrase emphasizing the suddenness, completeness, and definitiveness of the sin removal. It implies a single, specific, monumental event, rather than a gradual process or repeated ritual. This looks forward to the singular, once-for-all atonement achieved by Christ on the cross, which permanently and sufficiently dealt with sin. This stands in stark contrast to the repetitive sacrifices of the Mosaic Law, which merely covered sins temporarily.

Zechariah 3 9 Bonus section

The promise of removing iniquity "in a single day" powerfully anticipates the finality and sufficiency of Christ's sacrifice. Unlike the Old Covenant sacrifices that required continuous repetition, the work prophesied here is a "once-for-all" act, marking a fundamental shift in humanity's relationship with sin and God. This truth forms the basis for the new covenant, where sin is genuinely dealt with, not just deferred. It ensures that the restoration of God's people and their worship is not reliant on their flawed efforts but on God's perfect provision through the Messiah. This verse serves as a crucial bridge connecting the symbolic purification of Joshua to the real, eschatological purification offered by Jesus Christ.

Zechariah 3 9 Commentary

Zechariah 3:9 is a profoundly Messianic prophecy embedded within a vision of priestly cleansing and national restoration. It moves beyond the immediate post-exilic concerns to unveil God's ultimate solution for humanity's deepest problem: sin. The "stone" symbolizes the Messiah, a foundational figure (Isa 28:16) unique in His redemptive mission ("one stone"). The "seven eyes" speak to His divine omniscience and the comprehensive presence of the Spirit of God upon Him, empowering His perfect work and overseeing all things. The "engraving" implies a divine decree, that God Himself designates and equips this Messiah for His singular task.

The central promise is the removal of the "iniquity of this land" "in a single day." This foretells Christ's atoning work on the cross, where, in one definitive event, He took upon Himself the sin of the world, satisfying divine justice and providing complete forgiveness (Heb 9:26; 10:10). This contrasts sharply with the annual Day of Atonement rituals which could only temporarily cover sins. The prophetic declaration reassures that God's plan for radical cleansing is certain and will be executed comprehensively through this divinely chosen means. It signifies not merely a physical return to the land, but a spiritual redemption that paves the way for genuine communion with a holy God.