Old Testament

Zechariah 5:8

The Clear Bible Translation matches the King James Version, written at a 10th-grade reading level in plain English

At a Glance

In Zechariah 5:8, the angel identifies a woman as "Wickedness," symbolizing the pervasive nature of sin and moral corruption.

Author
Zechariah the prophet
Written
Around 520-480 BC
Genre
Prophecy and apocalyptic
Original Audience
Post-exilic Jews
CBTClear Bible Translation

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.

KJVKing James Version

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.

Verse Analysis

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.

Key themes

Related topics

wickedness, judgment, sin

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

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.

The Book of Zechariah
Book Summary

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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