Old Testament
Zechariah 5:9
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I looked up again and saw 2 women emerging with the wind beneath their wings — they had wings like a stork's. They lifted the ephah basket up into the air between earth and the heavens.
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Then lifted I up mine eyes, and looked, and, behold, there came out two women, and the wind was in their wings; for they had wings like the wings of a stork: and they lifted up the ephah between the earth and the heaven.
What Zechariah 5:9 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In Zechariah 5:9, the prophet sees a vision of two women who have wings like storks. These women are depicted as being carried by the wind, symbolizing divine intervention or movement. They lift an ephah basket, which represents a measure of grain, into the air between the earth and the heavens. This imagery suggests a connection between the earthly realm and the divine, indicating that something significant is being transported or revealed. The stork is often associated with messages and transitions, hinting at the importance of what is contained in the basket. This vision can be interpreted as a representation of God's judgment or the removal of sin, as the ephah may symbolize iniquity being taken away. The act of lifting the basket into the air signifies the power of God to address issues on earth and the heavenly perspective on earthly matters.
How to apply Zechariah 5:9 to your life
This verse encourages us to recognize the divine influence in our lives. Just as the women lifted the ephah, we can trust that God is actively working to remove burdens and sin from our lives. We should remain open to His guidance and transformation.
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 5:9 mean?
Zechariah 5:9 describes a vision where two women with stork-like wings lift an ephah basket into the air. This imagery symbolizes divine intervention and the removal of sin, suggesting a connection between earthly issues and heavenly judgment.
What is the significance of the ephah in Zechariah 5:9?
In Zechariah 5:9, the ephah represents a measure of grain, which can symbolize iniquity or sin being taken away. The act of lifting the ephah basket signifies God's power to address and remove burdens from the earth.
What do the women in Zechariah 5:9 represent?
The two women in Zechariah 5:9 can symbolize divine agents or forces acting on behalf of God. Their wings and the wind beneath them indicate a supernatural movement, emphasizing the theme of divine intervention.
What does the stork symbolize in Zechariah 5:9?
In Zechariah 5:9, the stork is often associated with messages and transitions. Its presence in the vision highlights the importance of what is being transported, suggesting significant changes or revelations.
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