Zechariah 5 8

Zechariah 5:8 kjv

And he said, This is wickedness. And he cast it into the midst of the ephah; and he cast the weight of lead upon the mouth thereof.

Zechariah 5:8 nkjv

then he said, "This is Wickedness!" And he thrust her down into the basket, and threw the lead cover over its mouth.

Zechariah 5:8 niv

He said, "This is wickedness," and he pushed her back into the basket and pushed its lead cover down on it.

Zechariah 5:8 esv

And he said, "This is Wickedness." And he thrust her back into the basket, and thrust down the leaden weight on its opening.

Zechariah 5:8 nlt

The angel said, "The woman's name is Wickedness," and he pushed her back into the basket and closed the heavy lid again.

Zechariah 5 verses

Zechariah 5 8 Meaning

This verse describes the uncovering of iniquity and the establishment of wickedness's finality. The wickedness, personified as a woman in a basket (ephah), is sealed and then taken to its designated place. The imagery signifies the removal of sin from the land and its consignment to a place of judgment.

Zechariah 5 8 Context

Zechariah 5 describes a series of visions revealed to the prophet Zechariah. These visions focus on the purification of the land of Israel and the judgment of its sins. Chapter 5 specifically presents two distinct visions: the flying scroll and the woman in the ephah. This particular verse, Zechariah 5:8, is part of the second vision concerning the woman in the basket. This vision symbolizes the removal of wickedness from the midst of the people. The historical context is the post-exilic period, when the people of Israel were returning from Babylonian captivity and seeking to re-establish their covenant relationship with God and rebuild Jerusalem and the Temple. The visions served as encouragement and instruction for them, assuring them of God's cleansing power and His ultimate justice against sin.

Zechariah 5 8 Word Analysis

• And: Connects this action to the previous.
• he: Refers to the angel who is guiding Zechariah.
• said: The angel speaks.
• This: Identifies the object being discussed.
• is: Indicates identity or presentation.
• the ephah: (Hebrew: אֵיפָה - 'eyphāh) - A Hebrew dry measure, often translated as a bushel or ephah, typically holding about ten to twelve gallons. Its presence signifies the container holding the accumulated sin.
• going forth: Describes the active movement and purpose of the basket.
• in the land: Refers specifically to the land of Israel, the context of God's people.
• of the (land): Definite article, specifying.
• of (Shinar): (Hebrew: שִׁינָעֵר - Shinar) - A region in Mesopotamia, historically associated with the Tower of Babel and a place of rebellion against God. Its inclusion implies that this wickedness is not merely local but originates from or is aligned with the corrupt spiritual influences of Babylon.
• and: Connects the descriptive phrase.
• behold: An interjection drawing attention.
• this: Refers back to the ephah and its contents.
• is: Identity.
• its (lid): (Hebrew: מַכְסֶה - makseh) - A cover, lid, or covering. Specifically refers to the leaden cover placed upon the ephah.
• leaden: (Hebrew: אֹ֫פֶרֶת - 'ōphereth) - Lead. A heavy, malleable metal, signifying the sealing and permanence of the judgment, preventing escape.
• laid upon (its opening): The lid is placed to seal the container.

Word Group Analysis:

• "This is the ephah going forth in the land of Shinar": This phrase identifies the symbolic basket as containing wickedness destined for the land of Shinar. Shinar is linked to rebellion and ungodliness in Scripture (Genesis 11), signifying that this sin has far-reaching consequences and connections to a spiritual source of opposition to God.
• "and behold, this is its leaden lid laid upon its opening": This part highlights the sealing of this contained sin. The leaden lid suggests a final, impenetrable, and irreversible sealing, ensuring the contained iniquity is transported to its appointed place of judgment without escape.

Zechariah 5 8 Bonus Section

The specific measurement of the "ephah" suggests a precision in God's judgment, accounting for every aspect of sin. The location of Shinar as the origin or destination of this wicked measure connects this purification to a broader cosmic conflict between God and the forces of rebellion, originating from historical centers of opposition like Babylon. The imagery of a sealed container is not unique; it mirrors divine acts of judgment and containment found elsewhere, like the sealing of Sodom and Gomorrah or the binding of Satan. This act assures a future of purity for God’s people, removing the obstacles to their spiritual well-being and restoration.

Zechariah 5 8 Commentary

The vision powerfully illustrates the removal and containment of sin from God's people and land. The ephah, a measure, suggests that the iniquity is specific and quantifiable. The land of Shinar emphasizes the origin or characteristic association with distant, rebellious powers. The leaden lid is crucial, representing an irrevocable divine judgment that seals sin, preventing its return or influence. This signifies that God's cleansing is complete, and the identified wickedness is permanently removed from His presence and people, being cast into a place of inescapable judgment, paralleling the fate of entrenched ungodliness described throughout Scripture.