What does Zechariah 5:3 mean?
"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." - Zechariah 5:3
Zechariah 5:3 (KJV) says, "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."
In order to deeply understand the meaning and context of this verse, it is important to examine the book of Zechariah as a whole, as well as the historical and cultural context in which it was written.
The book of Zechariah is one of the Minor Prophets in the Old Testament, and it was written during a time of great significance in the history of the Jewish people. The prophet Zechariah delivered his prophecies to the Jewish exiles who had returned to Jerusalem from Babylonian captivity, with the purpose of encouraging them to rebuild the temple and renew their faith in God.
The verse in question is part of a vision that Zechariah had received, in which he saw a flying scroll. The scroll represents a curse that is going forth over the entire earth. The imagery of a "flying scroll" suggests that this curse is swift and unstoppable, and it is meant to bring about justice for those who have violated God's laws.
The verse specifically mentions two types of transgressions: stealing and swearing falsely. These sins are not only seen as breaking the laws of society, but also as breaking the laws of God. In the Jewish tradition, stealing is considered a violation of the commandment "Thou shalt not steal" (Exodus 20:15), and swearing falsely is a violation of the commandment "Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbor" (Exodus 20:16).
The punishment for these sins is described as being "cut off" on either side of the curse. This phrase "cut off" is significant, as it implies a severe and final punishment. In the ancient Hebrew culture, being cut off from the community meant being separated from God's blessings and protection. It was a form of divine judgment, and it was seen as a fate worse than death.
In the broader context of the book of Zechariah, this vision of the flying scroll serves as a reminder of God's justice and righteousness. It emphasizes the importance of obeying God's commandments and living a morally upright life. The curse that goes forth over the whole earth is a warning to those who would engage in dishonest and dishonorable behavior, and it serves as a call to repentance and a return to God.
The symbolism in this verse is rich and multi-layered. The flying scroll represents the divine judgment of God, which is unstoppable and all-encompassing. The mention of stealing and swearing falsely reflects the importance of honesty and integrity in the eyes of God. The concept of being "cut off" on either side of the curse underscores the severity of the punishment for those who engage in such sins.
In conclusion, Zechariah 5:3 is a powerful reminder of the divine justice and righteousness of God. It serves as a warning to those who would violate God's commandments, and it emphasizes the importance of living a life of honesty and integrity. In its broader context, this verse is a call to repentance and a reminder of the consequences of disobedience. It is a timeless message that continues to resonate with believers today.
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Zechariah 5:3 Artwork
Zechariah 5:3 - "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."
"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." - Zechariah 5:3
Zechariah 3:3
Zechariah 3:5 - "And I said, Let them set a fair mitre upon his head. So they set a fair mitre upon his head, and clothed him with garments. And the angel of the LORD stood by."
Zechariah 4:3
Zechariah 3:3 - "Now Joshua was clothed with filthy garments, and stood before the angel."
Zechariah 3:5 And I said, “Let them put a clean turban on his head.” So they put a clean turban on his head, and they put the clothes on him. And the Angel of the LORD stood by.
Zechariah 1:5 - "Your fathers, where are they? and the prophets, do they live for ever?"
Zechariah 3:6 - "And the angel of the LORD protested unto Joshua, saying,"
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."
Zechariah 6:3 - "And in the third chariot white horses; and in the fourth chariot grisled and bay horses."
1 Chronicles 5:7 - "And his brethren by their families, when the genealogy of their generations was reckoned, were the chief, Jeiel, and Zechariah,"
"Now Joshua was clothed with filthy garments, and stood before the angel." - Zechariah 3:3
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."
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 3: 6 Then the Angel of the LORD admonished Joshua, saying,
Zechariah 3: 6 Then the Angel of the LORD admonished Joshua, saying,
Zechariah 11:3 - "¶ There is a voice of the howling of the shepherds; for their glory is spoiled: a voice of the roaring of young lions; for the pride of Jordan is spoiled."
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."
Ezra 8:3 - "Of the sons of Shechaniah, of the sons of Pharosh; Zechariah: and with him were reckoned by genealogy of the males an hundred and fifty."
Zechariah 2:3 - "And, behold, the angel that talked with me went forth, and another angel went out to meet him,"
Zechariah 14:3 - "Then shall the LORD go forth, and fight against those nations, as when he fought in the day of battle."
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 4:3 - "And two olive trees by it, one upon the right side of the bowl, and the other upon the left side thereof."
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."