Old Testament
Zechariah 5:8
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The angel said, "This woman is Wickedness." He shoved her back down into the ephah basket and slammed the heavy lead lid over its opening.
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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.
What Zechariah 5:8 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In Zechariah 5:8, the angel identifies a woman as "Wickedness," symbolizing the pervasive nature of sin and moral corruption. The woman is placed back into an ephah, a container used for measuring grain, which signifies that wickedness is being contained and judged. The heavy lead lid represents the weight and seriousness of sin, indicating that it cannot be ignored or overlooked. This imagery illustrates God's intention to deal with evil decisively, ensuring that it does not spread unchecked among His people. The act of sealing the wickedness away serves as a reminder of God's authority over sin and His commitment to purifying His people. This passage emphasizes the importance of recognizing and confronting wickedness in our lives and communities, as well as the hope that God will ultimately bring justice and righteousness.
How to apply Zechariah 5:8 to your life
This verse encourages us to confront and acknowledge the presence of wickedness in our lives and society. By recognizing sin for what it is, we can take steps to avoid its influence and seek God's help in pursuing righteousness. It reminds us that God is actively involved in addressing evil.
Curated for this public verse page. Zechariah Summary
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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 5:8 mean?
Zechariah 5:8 depicts a woman symbolizing wickedness being confined in an ephah, illustrating how sin and moral corruption are recognized and judged by God. The heavy lead lid signifies the seriousness of sin and God's intention to contain and address evil.
What is the significance of the woman in Zechariah 5:8?
In Zechariah 5:8, the woman represents Wickedness, highlighting the pervasive nature of sin. Her confinement in the ephah symbolizes God's judgment and the need to confront and contain evil.
What does the ephah represent in Zechariah 5:8?
The ephah in Zechariah 5:8 is a container used for measuring grain, symbolizing the containment of wickedness. It signifies that sin is being judged and held accountable by God.
What does the heavy lead lid symbolize in Zechariah 5:8?
The heavy lead lid in Zechariah 5:8 symbolizes the weight and seriousness of sin. It represents God's authority in sealing away wickedness to prevent its spread among His people.
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