Zechariah 5 11

Zechariah 5:11 kjv

And he said unto me, To build it an house in the land of Shinar: and it shall be established, and set there upon her own base.

Zechariah 5:11 nkjv

And he said to me, "To build a house for it in the land of Shinar; when it is ready, the basket will be set there on its base."

Zechariah 5:11 niv

He replied, "To the country of Babylonia to build a house for it. When the house is ready, the basket will be set there in its place."

Zechariah 5:11 esv

He said to me, "To the land of Shinar, to build a house for it. And when this is prepared, they will set the basket down there on its base."

Zechariah 5:11 nlt

He replied, "To the land of Babylonia, where they will build a temple for the basket. And when the temple is ready, they will set the basket there on its pedestal."

Zechariah 5 verses

Zechariah 5 11 Meaning

The verse describes the removal of a woman, representing wickedness, to a far-off land of Shinar. This signifies her permanent exile and the eradication of her influence from the land of Israel. The flying scroll represents a curse or judgment being dispatched.

Zechariah 5 11 Context

This verse appears in Zechariah chapter 5, a chapter detailing visions of judgment against sin. Specifically, it follows visions of a flying scroll and an ephah measure containing a woman. These visions are symbolic representations of the sin and wickedness prevalent in Judah and Jerusalem during Zechariah's time, following the Babylonian exile. The woman represents iniquity itself, or perhaps the personification of all forms of sin that had defiled the land and separated it from God’s presence. Her removal signifies God's judgment upon this pervasive wickedness and his desire to cleanse His people and His land. The exile to Shinar, the region of Babel, emphasizes the unnatural and destined place for such pervasive sin—far removed from God's holy dwelling.

Zechariah 5 11 Word Analysis

• And: Connects the previous action of placing the woman in the ephah to the subsequent action of her removal.
• he (and he): Refers back to the angel speaking with Zechariah, who is the agent of this action.
• lifted: Indicates a deliberate act of moving or raising something.
• up: Reinforces the action of lifting.
• the ephah: A Hebrew unit of dry measure. In this context, it's a container.
• and: Connects the ephah to its contents.
• behold: An interjection drawing attention to what is about to be revealed or described.
• woman: Symbolizes iniquity, sin, or the people embodying wickedness.
• in it: Within the ephah.
• the (i.e., the wicked element): The flying scroll's action highlights a curse.
• put: Placed or positioned.
• on the : Denotes the destination of the removal.
• wings of an eagle: Symbolizes swiftness, divine power, and the comprehensive scope of the judgment's movement. Eagles were often associated with rapid travel or messengers of God.
• and: Connects the lifting and carrying of the ephah.
• and he: The angelic agent.
• carried: Transported or conveyed.
• her: The woman, representing wickedness.
• to her (i.e., destination of exile/place appointed for her): The predetermined and destined location.
• place of (i.e., the land of construction/Babylon): "Shinar" is the ancient plain in Mesopotamia where the Tower of Babel was built, a symbol of human pride and rebellion against God.
• in (i.e., within that place/land): Within Shinar.
• there: The specified location.
• was a (i.e., dwelling/base established for her): She was placed firmly and permanently.
• and (i.e., it was fixed/built/established for her): The construction or establishment of her dwelling.

Group Analysis

• lifted up the ephah... and carried her: This phrase emphasizes the definitive removal of wickedness from the land of Israel by divine power, orchestrated by angelic agency. It's not a temporary relocation but a decisive expulsion.
• with wings of an eagle: The eagle imagery amplifies the speed and thoroughness of this removal. No hiding place remains for this personified iniquity. It's a complete carrying away to a distant, preordained place.
• to her place, to Shinar: The destination, Shinar, is significant. It represents a place of paganism, rebellion (Babel), and dispersion—the opposite of the holy land promised to Israel. This highlights the abhorrence of the sin being removed and its ultimate consequence.

Zechariah 5 11 Bonus Section

The vision's progression through Zechariah chapter 5 presents a stark picture of divine justice. The flying scroll is a curse that enters the house of thieves and swearers, bringing destruction. The ephah containing a woman with more iniquity emphasizes the measure of sin God has borne in His people. Their collective removal to Shinar underscores that sin's ultimate place is outside the sphere of God’s blessing and holiness. This echoes themes found throughout Scripture: God's abhorrence of sin, His judgment upon it, and His commitment to sanctify His people. The concept of sin being permanently removed is foundational for the New Testament’s understanding of atonement through Christ. Jesus himself prayed in John 17:15 for His followers, "I do not ask that you take them out of the world, but that you keep them from the evil one," signifying protection and removal of sin's ultimate power rather than physical removal from the earth. The removal to Shinar could also be seen as a foreshadowing of greater judgment, perhaps the Babylonian captivity itself, or even the final judgment on the cosmic forces of evil.

Zechariah 5 11 Commentary

Zechariah 5:11 seals the vision of judgment initiated by the flying scroll and the ephah. The woman within the ephah is not merely sin itself, but likely personifies all the iniquity that had accumulated in Jerusalem and the surrounding land. Her violent removal, aided by the swiftness symbolized by eagle's wings, signifies that God will not tolerate this wickedness within His sanctuary. The destination, Shinar, the land of Babel's rebellion, acts as a potent symbol. It is a place diametrically opposed to God's covenant promises for Israel, a land marked by proud opposition to God. This cleansing action by the angelic being ensures that the pervasive sin is not just hidden but permanently exiled. It speaks of God's ultimate victory over sin and His commitment to the purity of His people and His dwelling place. The swift, decisive nature of this removal promises a future purification of the land and a return to covenant fidelity.