Old Testament
Zechariah 5:7
The Clear Bible Translation matches the King James Version, written at a 10th-grade reading level in plain English
At a Glance
In Zechariah 5:7, a lead cover is lifted from a basket, revealing a woman inside.
- Author
- Zechariah the prophet
- Written
- Around 520-480 BC
- Genre
- Prophecy and apocalyptic
- Original Audience
- Post-exilic Jews
Then the lead cover on the basket was lifted up, and there inside it sat a woman.
And, behold, there was lifted up a talent of lead: and this is a woman that sitteth in the midst of the ephah.
Verse Analysis
Plain-English insight for readers
In Zechariah 5:7, a lead cover is lifted from a basket, revealing a woman inside. This imagery is significant as it symbolizes the presence of wickedness or sin. The woman represents the evil that is being contained and addressed. The use of lead, a heavy metal, suggests that this sin is burdensome and oppressive. The basket, or ephah, is a container used for measuring grain, indicating that this sin is not only present but also has a measure or extent. The vision illustrates God's intention to deal with sin and remove it from the land. The act of lifting the cover signifies the unveiling of hidden issues that need to be confronted. This passage serves as a reminder that God sees all and will ultimately address the wrongs in society, bringing justice and purification.
Related Bible verses
How to apply Zechariah 5:7 to your life
This verse encourages us to confront the hidden sins in our lives. Just as God reveals wickedness, we should seek to identify and address our own shortcomings. By doing so, we can pursue a path of righteousness and allow God to cleanse us from within.
Curated for this public verse page. Zechariah Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Zechariah 5:7 mean?
Zechariah 5:7 describes a vision where a lead cover is lifted from a basket, revealing a woman inside. This symbolizes the presence of wickedness that God intends to confront and remove from the land.
What is the significance of the woman in Zechariah 5:7?
The woman in Zechariah 5:7 represents evil or sin that is being contained. Her presence highlights the need for God to address and purify the community from hidden wickedness.
What does the lead cover symbolize in Zechariah 5:7?
The lead cover in Zechariah 5:7 symbolizes the weight and burden of sin. It suggests that the wickedness being revealed is oppressive and needs to be dealt with by God.
What is the context of Zechariah 5:7?
Zechariah 5:7 is part of a vision where God reveals the reality of sin in society. The passage illustrates God's intention to unveil and remove wickedness, emphasizing His role in bringing justice.

The Book of Zechariah
Zechariah 1: Call to Return and Vision of Horses
The word of the LORD comes to Zechariah the son of Berechiah, the son of Iddo, telling the people not to be like their fathers who refuse to listen to the earlier prophets. The LORD reminds them that their fathers experience the consequences of disobedience. The people acknowledge that the LORD deals with them according to their ways and actions.
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