Old Testament
Zechariah 13:1
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
On that day, a fountain will be opened for the house of David and the people of Jerusalem for sin and uncleanness.
Compare translations
In that day there shall be a fountain opened to the house of David and to the inhabitants of Jerusalem for sin and for uncleanness.
What Zechariah 13:1 means
Plain-English insight for readers
Zechariah 13:1 speaks of a significant moment when a fountain will be opened, symbolizing a source of cleansing and forgiveness for the people of Israel, particularly the house of David and the inhabitants of Jerusalem. This 'fountain' represents God's grace and mercy, providing a means to wash away sin and impurity. The imagery of a fountain suggests abundance and accessibility, indicating that anyone who seeks forgiveness can find it. This verse points to a future time of spiritual renewal and restoration, where the barriers of sin and uncleanness are removed, allowing for a renewed relationship with God. It emphasizes the hope of redemption and the promise of a fresh start for those who turn back to Him. This passage is often interpreted as a prophetic reference to the coming of the Messiah, who would ultimately provide the ultimate cleansing from sin through His sacrifice.
How to apply Zechariah 13:1 to your life
This verse encourages us to seek God's forgiveness and cleansing in our own lives. Just as the fountain symbolizes a source of renewal, we can approach God with our sins and impurities, trusting in His mercy. Regularly confessing and seeking spiritual renewal can lead to a deeper relationship with God.
Curated for this public verse page. Zechariah Summary
Explore more of the Bible
Learn the Bible through its people and places
Get to know the people in Scripture through illustrated stories, and explore the places where they lived and traveled.
Illustrated scene from Daniel's story: Faithful at the King's Table (Daniel 1:1–21)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
Daniel
Photo: Bukvoed, via Wikimedia Commons. License: CC BY 4.0. Source. Location: Burj Beitin, Beitin, Ramallah and al-Bireh Governorate, West Bank. Resized for the web.
Explore the places of the Bible
See where biblical events happened, why each place matters, and what archaeology helps us understand.
Bethel
Where Jacob dreamed of a stairway to heaven and met God.
Get full access with one subscription
Explore the people and places of the Bible. Read summaries of every book, with images and clear explanations covering every chapter. Access all these features and our Bible study tools with one subscription.
See PlansAsk AI about Zechariah 13:1
Ask a question about this verse and get a clear answer, with Bible references you can read for yourself.
Every Bible book, explained chapter by chapter
Explore summaries of every book of the Bible, with images and easy-to-understand explanations covering every chapter.
Keep studying Zechariah 13:1
Related Bible verses
Key themes
Related topics
At a Glance — the Book of Zechariah
- Author
- Zechariah the prophet
- Written
- Around 520-480 BC
- Genre
- Prophecy and apocalyptic
- Original Audience
- Post-exilic Jews
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Zechariah 13:1 mean?
Zechariah 13:1 refers to a time when a fountain will be opened for the house of David and the people of Jerusalem, symbolizing a source of cleansing and forgiveness from sin and impurity. It highlights God's grace and the promise of spiritual renewal.
What is the significance of the fountain in Zechariah 13:1?
The fountain in Zechariah 13:1 represents God's mercy and the means by which people can be cleansed from sin and uncleanness. It signifies abundance and accessibility, indicating that forgiveness is available to all who seek it.
How does Zechariah 13:1 relate to forgiveness?
Zechariah 13:1 directly connects to forgiveness by illustrating that the fountain opened for the people signifies a divine provision for cleansing from sin. It reassures believers that they can approach God for forgiveness.
What themes are present in Zechariah 13:1?
The themes in Zechariah 13:1 include cleansing, forgiveness, redemption, hope, and divine mercy. These themes highlight the promise of renewal and the opportunity for a fresh start with God.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.