What does Zechariah 5:2 mean?
"And he said unto me, What seest thou? And I answered, I see a flying roll; the length thereof is twenty cubits, and the breadth thereof ten cubits." - Zechariah 5:2
"Then said he unto me, This is the curse that goeth forth over the face of the whole earth: for every one that stealeth shall be cut off as on this side according to it; and every one that sweareth shall be cut off as on that side according to it."
The book of Zechariah is located in the old testament of the Bible and is filled with visions, prophecies, and messages from God. The verse in question, Zechariah 5:2, is a part of a vision that the prophet Zechariah receives from an angel. In this particular vision, he sees a flying scroll that is thirty feet long and fifteen feet wide. The angel explains to Zechariah that this scroll represents a curse that is going forth over the earth.
The imagery of the flying scroll is significant as it symbolizes the swift and unstoppable nature of God's judgment. This is a warning to the people that their sins have consequences and that God's justice will be carried out without delay. The size of the scroll also emphasizes the magnitude of the curse and the seriousness of the sins that have been committed.
The verse specifically mentions two sins that will result in being "cut off" - stealing and swearing falsely. This is a direct reference to the Ten Commandments, which includes the prohibitions against stealing and bearing false witness. The mention of these particular sins serves as a reminder to the people of Israel that they are called to live according to God's laws and that there are consequences for disobedience.
The phrase "cut off" is a term that is often used in the Bible to indicate being separated from God and his people. It signifies being removed from the blessings and protection of God and facing the punishment for one's sins. This further emphasizes the seriousness of the curse that is going forth over the earth.
The context of this verse is important to understand the broader message of the book of Zechariah. The prophet was speaking to the Jewish exiles who had returned to Jerusalem after their captivity in Babylon. The people were in the process of rebuilding the temple and restoring the city, but they were also facing opposition and struggles. The visions and prophecies in the book of Zechariah served as encouragement and warnings for the people as they worked to reestablish their relationship with God and fulfill their calling as his chosen people.
In terms of themes, Zechariah 5:2 touches on the themes of justice, obedience, and repentance. The verse serves as a reminder that God is just and that he will hold people accountable for their actions. It also emphasizes the importance of obedience to God's commandments and the need for repentance when one falls short. The consequences of sin are made clear in this verse, but there is also the implication that God's mercy is available to those who turn back to him.
Overall, Zechariah 5:2 is a powerful and sobering reminder of the consequences of sin and the necessity of living in obedience to God. It is a message that speaks to the people of Israel in Zechariah's time, but it also carries relevance for believers today. The imagery of the flying scroll and the warning of being "cut off" serve as a call to examine our own lives and ensure that we are living in accordance with God's will. It is a message of both warning and hope, as it reminds us of the seriousness of our choices but also points us towards the mercy and forgiveness of God.
Have questions about Zechariah 5:2?
Dive deeper into this scripture with Bible Chat — an AI-powered tool for exploring God's Word through conversation. Ask questions, get context, and grow in your understanding of the Bible.
Get Our Apps
Zechariah 5:2 Artwork
Zechariah 5:2 - "And he said unto me, What seest thou? And I answered, I see a flying roll; the length thereof is twenty cubits, and the breadth thereof ten cubits."
"And he said unto me, What seest thou? And I answered, I see a flying roll; the length thereof is twenty cubits, and the breadth thereof ten cubits." - Zechariah 5:2
Zechariah 2:5 - "For I, saith the LORD, will be unto her a wall of fire round about, and will be the glory in the midst of her."
2 Chronicles 26:5 - "And he sought God in the days of Zechariah, who had understanding in the visions of God: and as long as he sought the LORD, God made him to prosper."
"For I, saith the LORD, will be unto her a wall of fire round about, and will be the glory in the midst of her." - Zechariah 2:5
Zechariah 1:5 - "Your fathers, where are they? and the prophets, do they live for ever?"
"For I, saith the LORD, will be unto her a wall of fire round about, and will be the glory in the midst of her." - Zechariah 2:5
Zechariah 8:5 - "And the streets of the city shall be full of boys and girls playing in the streets thereof."
Zechariah 5:7 - "And, behold, there was lifted up a talent of lead: and this is a woman that sitteth in the midst of the ephah."
Zechariah 5:10 - "Then said I to the angel that talked with me, Whither do these bear the ephah?"
Zechariah 5:5 - "¶ Then the angel that talked with me went forth, and said unto me, Lift up now thine eyes, and see what is this that goeth forth."
Zechariah 5:1 - "Then I turned, and lifted up mine eyes, and looked, and behold a flying roll."
1 Chronicles 5:7 - "And his brethren by their families, when the genealogy of their generations was reckoned, were the chief, Jeiel, and Zechariah,"
Zechariah 12:5 - "And the governors of Judah shall say in their heart, The inhabitants of Jerusalem shall be my strength in the LORD of hosts their God."
Zechariah 5:8 - "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 4:5 - "Then the angel that talked with me answered and said unto me, Knowest thou not what these be? And I said, No, my lord."
Zechariah 1:2 - "The LORD hath been sore displeased with your fathers."
Zechariah 5:6 - "And I said, What is it? And he said, This is an ephah that goeth forth. He said moreover, This is their resemblance through all the earth."
Zechariah 5:11 - "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 2:7 - "Deliver thyself, O Zion, that dwellest with the daughter of Babylon."
"Your fathers, where are they? and the prophets, do they live for ever?" - Zechariah 1:5
Nehemiah 11:5 - "And Maaseiah the son of Baruch, the son of Col-hozeh, the son of Hazaiah, the son of Adaiah, the son of Joiarib, the son of Zechariah, the son of Shiloni."
Zechariah 13:5 - "But he shall say, I am no prophet, I am an husbandman; for man taught me to keep cattle from my youth."
Zechariah 6:5 - "And the angel answered and said unto me, These are the four spirits of the heavens, which go forth from standing before the Lord of all the earth."
2 Chronicles 29:13 - "And of the sons of Elizaphan; Shimri, and Jeiel: and of the sons of Asaph; Zechariah, and Mattaniah:"
Zechariah 6:2 - "In the first chariot were red horses; and in the second chariot black horses;"
Ezra 5:1 - "Then the prophets, Haggai the prophet, and Zechariah the son of Iddo, prophesied unto the Jews that were in Judah and Jerusalem in the name of the God of Israel, even unto them."
Zechariah 11:5 - "Whose possessors slay them, and hold themselves not guilty: and they that sell them say, Blessed be the LORD; for I am rich: and their own shepherds pity them not."
Zechariah 9:2 - "And Hamath also shall border thereby; Tyrus, and Zidon, though it be very wise."
Zechariah 10:5 - "¶ And they shall be as mighty men, which tread down their enemies in the mire of the streets in the battle: and they shall fight, because the LORD is with them, and the riders on horses shall be confounded."