Zechariah 3:4

Zechariah 3:4 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

So the angel said to those standing before him, “Take off his filthy clothes!” Then he said to Joshua, “See, I have removed your iniquity, and I will clothe you with splendid robes.”

King James Version KJV

And he answered and spake unto those that stood before him, saying, Take away the filthy garments from him. And unto him he said, Behold, I have caused thine iniquity to pass from thee, and I will clothe thee with change of raiment.

American Standard Version ASV

And he answered and spake unto those that stood before him, saying, Take the filthy garments from off him. And unto him he said, Behold, I have caused thine iniquity to pass from thee, and I will clothe thee with rich apparel.

Bible in Basic English BBE

And he made answer and said to those who were there before him, Take the unclean robes off him, and let him be clothed in clean robes;

Free Bible Version FBV

The angel said to those standing there, “Take off his filthy clothes.” Then he said to Joshua, “See how I have taken away your sins from you, and now I am dressing you with fine clothes.”

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

And he answered and spake vnto those that stoode before him, saying, Take away the filthie garments from him. And vnto him hee saide, Behold, I haue caused thine iniquitie to depart from thee, and I wil clothe thee with change of raiment.

Young's Literal Translation YLT

And he answereth and speaketh unto those standing before him, saying: 'Turn aside the filthy garments from off him.' And he saith unto him, 'See, I have caused thine iniquity to pass away from off thee, so as to clothe thee with costly apparel.'

World English Bible WEB

He answered and spoke to those who stood before him, saying, “Take the filthy garments off him.” To him he said, “Behold, I have caused your iniquity to pass from you, and I will clothe you with rich clothing.”

Noah Webster Bible WBS

And he answered and spoke to those that stood before him, saying, Take away the filthy garments from him. And to him he said, Behold, I have caused thy iniquity to pass from thee, and I will clothe thee with change of raiment.

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

Who answered, and said to them that stood before him, saying: Take away the filthy garments from him. And he said to him: Behold I have taken away thy iniquity, and have clothed thee with change of garments.

Translation for Translators T4T

The angel said to those other angels who were standing in front of him, “Take off his filthy clothes!” After they did that, the angel said to Joshua, “Look! I have taken away the guilt of your sins, and I will put beautiful clothes on you.”

Study Highlights

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Berean Amplified Bible — Zechariah 3:4

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Word Study

Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.

Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.

Zechariah 3:4 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB

HEB וַ/יַּ֣עַן וַ/יֹּ֗אמֶר אֶל הָ/עֹמְדִ֤ים לְ/פָנָי/ו֙ לֵ/אמֹ֔ר הָסִ֛ירוּ הַ/בְּגָדִ֥ים הַ/צֹּאִ֖ים מֵ/עָלָ֑י/ו וַ/יֹּ֣אמֶר אֵלָ֗י/ו רְאֵ֨ה הֶעֱבַ֤רְתִּי מֵ/עָלֶ֨י/ךָ֙ עֲוֺנֶ֔/ךָ וְ/הַלְבֵּ֥שׁ אֹתְ/ךָ֖ מַחֲלָצֽוֹת

וַ/יַּ֣עַן ʻânâh H6030 to dwell Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms

וַ/יֹּ֗אמֶר ʼâmar H559 to say Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms

אֶל ʼêl H413 to(wards) Prep

הָ/עֹמְדִ֤ים ʻâmad H5975 to stand Art | V-Qal

לְ/פָנָי/ו֙ pânîym H6440 face Prep | N-cp | Suff

לֵ/אמֹ֔ר ʼâmar H559 to say Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a

הָסִ֛ירוּ çûwr H5493 to turn aside V-Hiphil-Impv-2mp

הַ/בְּגָדִ֥ים beged H899 treachery Art | N-mp

הַ/צֹּאִ֖ים tsôwʼ H6674 filthy Art | Adj

מֵ/עָלָ֑י/ו ʻal H5921 upon Prep | Prep | Suff

וַ/יֹּ֣אמֶר ʼâmar H559 to say Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms

אֵלָ֗י/ו ʼêl H413 to(wards) Prep | Suff

רְאֵ֨ה râʼâh H7200 Provider V-Qal-Impv-2ms

הֶעֱבַ֤רְתִּי ʻâbar H5674 to pass V-Hiphil-Perf-1cs

מֵ/עָלֶ֨י/ךָ֙ ʻal H5921 upon Prep | Prep | Suff

עֲוֺנֶ֔/ךָ ʻâvôn H5771 iniquity N-cs | Suff

וְ/הַלְבֵּ֥שׁ lâbash H3847 to clothe Conj | V-Hiphil-Ptc

אֹתְ/ךָ֖ ʼêth H853 Obj. DirObjM | Suff

מַחֲלָצֽוֹת machălâtsâh H4254 robe N-fp

Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — Zechariah 3:4

וַ/יַּ֣עַן ʻânâh H6030 "to dwell" Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms

This verb means to sing or make music, but also to respond or give an answer. In the Bible, it is used to describe praising God in song or responding to a question. The KJV translates it as 'sing' or 'answer'.

Definition: (Qal) to dwell

Usage: Occurs in 316 OT verses. KJV: give account, afflict (by mistake for H6031 (עָנָה)), (cause to, give) answer, bring low (by mistake for H6031 (עָנָה)), cry, hear, Leannoth, lift up, say, [idiom] scholar, (give a) shout, sing (together by course), speak, testify, utter, (bear) witness. See also H1042 (בֵּית עֲנוֹת), H1043 (בֵּית עֲנָת). See also: Genesis 18:27; 2 Samuel 14:19; Job 40:2.

וַ/יֹּ֗אמֶר ʼâmar H559 "to say" Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms

This Hebrew word means to say or speak, and it's used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to command, promise, or think, and it's translated in the KJV as 'answer', 'appoint', or 'command'.

Definition: 1) to say, speak, utter 1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend 1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called 1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly 1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)

Usage: Occurs in 4337 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet. See also: Genesis 1:3; Genesis 18:23; Genesis 25:32.

אֶל ʼêl H413 "to(wards)" Prep

This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.

Definition: 1) to, toward, unto (of motion) 2) into (limit is actually entered) 2a) in among 3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion) 4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character) 5) in addition to, to 6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of 7) according to (rule or standard) 8) at, by, against (of one's presence) 9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)

Usage: Occurs in 4205 OT verses. KJV: about, according to, after, against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and, by, concerning, for, from, [idiom] hath, in(-to), near, (out) of, over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether, with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:9; Genesis 21:14; Genesis 31:13.

הָ/עֹמְדִ֤ים ʻâmad H5975 "to stand" Art | V-Qal

Means 'to stand' in a strong sense, like in Exodus 17:12 where Moses stood with his arms up to help Israel win a battle.

Definition: : stand/stop/establish 1) to stand, remain, endure, take one's stand 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to stand, take one's stand, be in a standing attitude, stand forth, take a stand, present oneself, attend upon, be or become servant of 1a2) to stand still, stop (moving or doing), cease 1a3) to tarry, delay, remain, continue, abide, endure, persist, be steadfast 1a4) to make a stand, hold one's ground 1a5) to stand upright, remain standing, stand up, rise, be erect, be upright 1a6) to arise, appear, come on the scene, stand forth, appear, rise up or against 1a7) to stand with, take one's stand, be appointed, grow flat, grow insipid 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to station, set 1b2) to cause to stand firm, maintain 1b3) to cause to stand up, cause to set up, erect 1b4) to present (one) before (king) 1b5) to appoint, ordain, establish 1c) (Hophal) to be presented, be caused to stand, be stood before

Usage: Occurs in 497 OT verses. KJV: abide (behind), appoint, arise, cease, confirm, continue, dwell, be employed, endure, establish, leave, make, ordain, be (over), place, (be) present (self), raise up, remain, repair, [phrase] serve, set (forth, over, -tle, up), (make to, make to be at a, with-) stand (by, fast, firm, still, up), (be at a) stay (up), tarry. See also: Genesis 18:8; Joshua 21:44; 1 Chronicles 6:17.

לְ/פָנָי/ו֙ pânîym H6440 "face" Prep | N-cp | Suff

This word means face or presence, like being in front of someone or something. It's used in many contexts, like in Genesis, Exodus, and Psalms, to describe interactions and relationships.

Definition: : face 1) face 1a) face, faces 1b) presence, person 1c) face (of seraphim or cherubim) 1d) face (of animals) 1e) face, surface (of ground) 1f) as adv of loc/temp 1f1) before and behind, toward, in front of, forward, formerly, from beforetime, before 1g) with prep 1g1) in front of, before, to the front of, in the presence of, in the face of, at the face or front of, from the presence of, from before, from before the face of

Usage: Occurs in 1891 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] accept, a-(be-) fore(-time), against, anger, [idiom] as (long as), at, [phrase] battle, [phrase] because (of), [phrase] beseech, countenance, edge, [phrase] employ, endure, [phrase] enquire, face, favour, fear of, for, forefront(-part), form(-er time, -ward), from, front, heaviness, [idiom] him(-self), [phrase] honourable, [phrase] impudent, [phrase] in, it, look(-eth) (-s), [idiom] me, [phrase] meet, [idiom] more than, mouth, of, off, (of) old (time), [idiom] on, open, [phrase] out of, over against, the partial, person, [phrase] please, presence, propect, was purposed, by reason of, [phrase] regard, right forth, [phrase] serve, [idiom] shewbread, sight, state, straight, [phrase] street, [idiom] thee, [idiom] them(-selves), through ([phrase] -out), till, time(-s) past, (un-) to(-ward), [phrase] upon, upside ([phrase] down), with(-in, [phrase] -stand), [idiom] ye, [idiom] you. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 43:31; Exodus 30:16.

לֵ/אמֹ֔ר ʼâmar H559 "to say" Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a

הָסִ֛ירוּ çûwr H5493 "to turn aside" V-Hiphil-Impv-2mp

To turn aside or remove is the meaning of this verb, used in various forms throughout the Bible. It can mean to depart, avoid, or put something away, and is often used in the context of turning away from sin or wrongdoing, as seen in the actions of prophets and leaders in the Old Testament.

Definition: : remove 1) to turn aside, depart 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to turn aside, turn in unto 1a2) to depart, depart from way, avoid 1a3) to be removed 1a4) to come to an end 1b) (Polel) to turn aside 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to cause to turn aside, cause to depart, remove, take away, put away, depose 1c2) to put aside, leave undone, retract, reject, abolish 1d) (Hophal) to be taken away, be removed

Usage: Occurs in 284 OT verses. KJV: be(-head), bring, call back, decline, depart, eschew, get (you), go (aside), [idiom] grievous, lay away (by), leave undone, be past, pluck away, put (away, down), rebel, remove (to and fro), revolt, [idiom] be sour, take (away, off), turn (aside, away, in), withdraw, be without. See also: Genesis 8:13; 2 Samuel 6:10; Psalms 6:9.

הַ/בְּגָדִ֥ים beged H899 "treachery" Art | N-mp

In the Bible, this word refers to clothing or a covering, like a garment or robe. It appears in books like Genesis and Exodus, describing what people wore. The word is often translated as 'apparel' or 'raiment'.

Definition: treachery, deceit

Usage: Occurs in 190 OT verses. KJV: apparel, cloth(-es, ing), garment, lap, rag, raiment, robe, [idiom] very (treacherously), vesture, wardrobe. See also: Genesis 24:53; Judges 17:10; Psalms 22:19.

הַ/צֹּאִ֖ים tsôwʼ H6674 "filthy" Art | Adj

This adjective describes something as filthy or soiled, often in a literal sense, such as being covered in excrement. It is used to convey a sense of uncleanness or impurity in the Bible.

Definition: adj 1) (BDB) filthy n m 2) (CLBL) filth

Usage: Occurs in 2 OT verses. KJV: filthy. See also: Zechariah 3:3; Zechariah 3:4.

מֵ/עָלָ֑י/ו ʻal H5921 "upon" Prep | Prep | Suff

This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.

Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)

Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.

וַ/יֹּ֣אמֶר ʼâmar H559 "to say" Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms

אֵלָ֗י/ו ʼêl H413 "to(wards)" Prep | Suff

רְאֵ֨ה râʼâh H7200 "Provider" V-Qal-Impv-2ms

The Hebrew word for provider means to see or look after, and is used to describe God's care for his people. It appears in various forms throughout the Bible, including in Genesis and other books.

Definition: (Lord will) Provide, cause to be seen. This name means to see, look at, inspect, look after

Usage: Occurs in 1206 OT verses. KJV: advise self, appear, approve, behold, [idiom] certainly, consider, discern, (make to) enjoy, have experience, gaze, take heed, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] joyfully, lo, look (on, one another, one on another, one upon another, out, up, upon), mark, meet, [idiom] be near, perceive, present, provide, regard, (have) respect, (fore-, cause to, let) see(-r, -m, one another), shew (self), [idiom] sight of others, (e-) spy, stare, [idiom] surely, [idiom] think, view, visions. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 41:41; Exodus 33:13.

הֶעֱבַ֤רְתִּי ʻâbar H5674 "to pass" V-Hiphil-Perf-1cs

This verb can mean to cross over or transition from one thing to another, and is sometimes used to describe being arrogant or crossing a boundary.

Definition: 1) to pass over or by or through, alienate, bring, carry, do away, take, take away, transgress 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to pass over, cross, cross over, pass over, march over, overflow, go over 1a2) to pass beyond 1a3) to pass through, traverse 1a3a) passers-through (participle) 1a3b) to pass through (the parts of victim in covenant) 1a4) to pass along, pass by, overtake and pass, sweep by 1a4a) passer-by (participle) 1a4b) to be past, be over 1a5) to pass on, go on, pass on before, go in advance of, pass along, travel, advance 1a6) to pass away 1a6a) to emigrate, leave (one's territory) 1a6b) to vanish 1a6c) to perish, cease to exist 1a6d) to become invalid, become obsolete (of law, decree) 1a6e) to be alienated, pass into other hands 1b) (Niphal) to be crossed 1c) (Piel) to impregnate, cause to cross 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to cause to pass over, cause to bring over, cause to cross over, make over to, dedicate, devote 1d2) to cause to pass through 1d3) to cause to pass by or beyond or under, let pass by 1d4) to cause to pass away, cause to take away 1e) (Hithpael) to pass over

Usage: Occurs in 493 OT verses. KJV: alienate, alter, [idiom] at all, beyond, bring (over, through), carry over, (over-) come (on, over), conduct (over), convey over, current, deliver, do away, enter, escape, fail, gender, get over, (make) go (away, beyond, by, forth, his way, in, on, over, through), have away (more), lay, meddle, overrun, make partition, (cause to, give, make to, over) pass(-age, along, away, beyond, by, -enger, on, out, over, through), (cause to, make) [phrase] proclaim(-amation), perish, provoke to anger, put away, rage, [phrase] raiser of taxes, remove, send over, set apart, [phrase] shave, cause to (make) sound, [idiom] speedily, [idiom] sweet smelling, take (away), (make to) transgress(-or), translate, turn away, (way-) faring man, be wrath. See also: Genesis 8:1; Deuteronomy 27:2; 1 Samuel 25:19.

מֵ/עָלֶ֨י/ךָ֙ ʻal H5921 "upon" Prep | Prep | Suff

This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.

עֲוֺנֶ֔/ךָ ʻâvôn H5771 "iniquity" N-cs | Suff

In the Bible, this Hebrew word means moral evil or sin, like the kind God sees in people's hearts. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Psalms. This concept is key to understanding human nature.

Definition: : crime 1) perversity, depravity, iniquity, guilt or punishment of iniquity 1a) iniquity 1b) guilt of iniquity, guilt (as great), guilt (of condition) 1c) consequence of or punishment for iniquity

Usage: Occurs in 215 OT verses. KJV: fault, iniquity, mischeif, punishment (of iniquity), sin. See also: Genesis 4:13; Psalms 107:17; Psalms 18:24.

וְ/הַלְבֵּ֥שׁ lâbash H3847 "to clothe" Conj | V-Hiphil-Ptc

To clothe means to wrap something around or put on a garment. In the Bible, it can be used literally or figuratively, as in putting on clothes or being clothed with a certain attitude.

Definition: 1) to dress, wear, clothe, put on clothing, be clothed 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to put on clothes, be clothed, wear 1a2) to put on, be clothed with (fig.) 1b) (Pual) to be fully clothed 1c) (Hiphil) to clothe, array with, dress Aramaic equivalent: le.vash (לְבֵשׁ "to clothe" H3848)

Usage: Occurs in 102 OT verses. KJV: (in) apparel, arm, array (self), clothe (self), come upon, put (on, upon), wear. See also: Genesis 3:21; Job 27:17; Psalms 35:26.

אֹתְ/ךָ֖ ʼêth H853 "Obj." DirObjM | Suff

In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.

Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)

Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.

מַחֲלָצֽוֹת machălâtsâh H4254 "robe" N-fp

A robe or mantle that can be easily taken off, often referring to a royal or official garment, as seen in the Bible's description of luxurious clothing.

Definition: robe of state

Usage: Occurs in 2 OT verses. KJV: changeable suit of apparel, change of raiment. See also: Isaiah 3:22; Zechariah 3:4.

Study Notes — Zechariah 3:4

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Context
Cross References
Zechariah 3:4 Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Reflection Questions
Gill's Exposition on Zechariah 3:4
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Zechariah 3:4
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Zechariah 3:4
Trapp's Commentary on Zechariah 3:4
Ellicott's Commentary on Zechariah 3:4
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Zechariah 3:4
Cambridge Bible on Zechariah 3:4
Barnes' Notes on Zechariah 3:4
Whedon's Commentary on Zechariah 3:4
Sermons on Zechariah 3:4

Context — The Vision of Joshua the High Priest

2And the LORD said to Satan: “The LORD rebukes you, Satan! Indeed, the LORD, who has chosen Jerusalem, rebukes you! Is not this man a firebrand snatched from the fire?” 3Now Joshua was dressed in filthy garments as he stood before the angel.

4So the angel said to those standing before him, “Take off his filthy clothes!” Then he said to Joshua, “See, I have removed your iniquity, and I will clothe you with splendid robes.”

5Then I said, “Let them put a clean turban on his head.” So a clean turban was placed on his head, and they clothed him, as the angel of the LORD stood by. 6Then the angel of the LORD gave this charge to Joshua:

Cross References

	Reference	Text (BSB)
1	Luke 15:22	But the father said to his servants, ‘Quick! Bring the best robe and put it on him. Put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet.
2	Isaiah 61:10	I will rejoice greatly in the LORD, my soul will exult in my God; for He has clothed me with garments of salvation and wrapped me in a robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom wears a priestly headdress, as a bride adorns herself with her jewels.
3	Ezekiel 36:25	I will also sprinkle clean water on you, and you will be clean. I will cleanse you from all your impurities and all your idols.
4	Revelation 7:14	“Sir,” I answered, “you know.” So he replied, “These are the ones who have come out of the great tribulation; they have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.
5	Revelation 19:7–8	Let us rejoice and be glad and give Him the glory. For the marriage of the Lamb has come, and His bride has made herself ready. She was given clothing of fine linen, bright and pure.” For the fine linen she wears is the righteous acts of the saints.
6	Isaiah 43:25	I, yes I, am He who blots out your transgressions for My own sake and remembers your sins no more.
7	Isaiah 61:3	to console the mourners in Zion— to give them a crown of beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, and a garment of praise for a spirit of despair. So they will be called oaks of righteousness, the planting of the LORD, that He may be glorified.
8	Zechariah 3:7	“This is what the LORD of Hosts says: ‘If you walk in My ways and keep My instructions, then you will govern My house and will also have charge of My courts; and I will give you a place among these who are standing here.
9	Micah 7:18	Who is a God like You, who pardons iniquity and passes over the transgression of the remnant of His inheritance— who does not retain His anger forever, because He delights in loving devotion?
10	Hebrews 8:12	For I will forgive their iniquities and will remember their sins no more.”

Zechariah 3:4 Summary

[Zechariah 3:4 tells us that God can take away our sin and give us new, pure clothes to wear, which is a picture of what He does for us when we trust in Him, as seen in Psalm 103:12, where it says He removes our transgressions from us as far as the east is from the west. This means we don't have to be controlled by our past mistakes or feelings of guilt. God wants to give us a fresh start and make us clean and new, just like He did for Joshua. He wants to clothe us with His righteousness, which is a free gift to us, as described in Romans 5:17.]

Frequently Asked Questions

What do the filthy clothes represent in Zechariah 3:4?

The filthy clothes represent Joshua's sin and iniquity, which is a common biblical theme, as seen in Isaiah 64:6, where it says our righteous acts are like filthy rags.

How does God remove iniquity according to Zechariah 3:4?

According to Zechariah 3:4, God removes iniquity by taking away the filthy clothes, symbolizing the removal of sin, and then clothing the person with splendid robes, representing righteousness and purity, similar to what is described in Revelation 7:14.

What is the significance of the splendid robes in Zechariah 3:4?

The splendid robes signify God's righteousness and purity, which are imparted to Joshua, indicating his newfound status as a forgiven and restored priest, much like the promise in Isaiah 61:10, where God clothes us with garments of salvation and robes of righteousness.

How does this verse relate to the concept of salvation?

This verse illustrates the concept of salvation, where God removes our sin and clothes us with His righteousness, as seen in 2 Corinthians 5:21, where it says God made Jesus, who knew no sin, to be sin for us, so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God.

Reflection Questions

What are the 'filthy clothes' in my life that I need to let God remove, and how can I surrender them to Him?
How can I, like Joshua, experience the removal of my iniquity and be clothed with God's righteousness?
What does it mean for me to be clothed with 'splendid robes' in my daily life, and how can I reflect God's purity and righteousness to those around me?
In what ways can I, like the angel in Zechariah 3:4, be a minister of God's mercy and forgiveness to others, helping them to experience the removal of their iniquity?

Gill's Exposition on Zechariah 3:4

And he answered, and spake,.... That is, the Angel of the Lord, before whom Joshua stood, answered to the accusations of Satan, and the entreaties of Joshua: and spake unto those that stood before

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Zechariah 3:4

And he answered and spake unto those that stood before him, saying, Take away the filthy garments from him.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Zechariah 3:4

And he; the Lord Christ, who purifieth his church, who purgeth away her sin, and clothes her with rich and clean garments. Answered; so the Hebrew, and so this prophet speaks, though no question went before. It is an idiom of that language. Spake; commanded. Those that stood before him; some of the attendants, those ministerial angels, who were Christ’ s servants, and as such are represented standing before him. Take away the filthy garments; remove, or cause them to be removed, from him, as altogether unbecoming his person, office, and employments. These filthy garments those angels took away, but another hand takes away what is signified by this emblem. From him; from this high priest Joshua. He, Christ, the Lamb of God, said, Behold, I have caused thine iniquity to pass from thee: what angels could not take away, Christ did; he removed the filth of sin, the guilt and stain of it. I will clothe, adorn and beautify, thee, O Joshua, with change of raiment; clean and rich, emblem of graces and spiritual excellencies given to him.

Trapp's Commentary on Zechariah 3:4

Zechariah 3:4 And he answered and spake unto those that stood before him, saying, Take away the filthy garments from him. And unto him he said, Behold, I have caused thine iniquity to pass from thee, and I will clothe thee with change of raiment.Ver. 4. And he answered and spake to those that stood before him] i.e. To the angels that waited upon him. Est autem hoc humanitus dictum, saith Junius. This is spoken after the manner of men; for properly men are washed, justified, and sanctified by the merit and Spirit of Christ alone, 1 Corinthians 6:11. But the Lord Christ speaketh thus to the created angels, his ministers; to show that he who only hath power to forgive sins doth yet therein employ the holy ministry for an instrument. See 1 Corinthians 9:18 Job 33:23-24. Take away the filthy garments] Those symbols of his sinfulness, so his sins were pardoned in heaven. But because it is small comfort to a condemned person to have a pardon granted him unless he know it, and be assured of it, thereof it followeth, And unto him he said, Behold] By what thou hast seen in the angel’ s stripping of thee, I have caused thine iniquities to pass from thee] Transtuli peccatum, as he once said to David, I have taken away thy sin, I have transferred it upon myself: speaking to my Father for thee, as once Paul did to Philemon for his son Onesimus, "if he hath wronged thee, or oweth thee ought, put that on mine account, I will repay it," Philemon 1:18-19. This is the greatest happiness that can befall a man in this world, Psalms 32:1-2, and could not but be a singular comfort to these poor Jews, priest and people, amidst their manifold afflictions. A man that hath gotten his pardon is not troubled though he lose his glove, or handkerchief, nor though it should prove a rainy day. "Being justified by faith we glory in tribulation," Romans 5:1; Romans 5:3. Feri, Domino, feri nam a peccatis absolutus sum, saith Luther: Strike, Lord, strike, while thou wilt; my sins are pardoned. I thank thee, O Lord (said another, in his great extremity), for all my pain; and I beseech thee, if thou think good, to add to it a hundred fold. But behold a further honour; as mercies seldom come single. And I will clothe thee with change of raiment] i.e. I will change thy rags into robes, thy stained clouts into clean clothing. Thou shalt be arrayed with the righteousness of the saints, Revelation 19:8, that twofold righteousness, imputed and imparted; that of justification, and this other of sanctification; that as an undercoat, this as an upper; that clean and pure, this white and bright: both must be had from Christ, who is made unto us of God not only wisdom, but righteousness, sanctification, and redemption, 1 Corinthians 1:30 2 Corinthians 5:19.

Ellicott's Commentary on Zechariah 3:4

(4) Those that stood before him is an expression meaning courtiers and counsellors (1 Kings 13:6-8); and here, probably, means angels of inferior grade to the “angel of the Lord.” Thine iniquity—i.e., of thee, and of the people whose representative thou art. And I will clothe thee.—Better, and I clothe thee. The tense is “the aorist of immediate past.” (Comp. Gr. ἐδεξάμην, “I welcome.”) LXX. change the mood and person, and render καὶἐνδύσατεαὐτὸνποδήρη, “and clothe ye him with a long garment.” Change of raiment.—The word means simply different garments to the filthy ones in which he was clothed before: clean ones, in fact. (See next verse.) The figure seems to be borrowed from Isaiah 61:10 : “He hath clothed me with garments of salvation, He hath clothed me with a robe of righteousness.” That it does not mean “festal garments” is shown by the ordinary word for “garments” being used in Zechariah 3:5.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Zechariah 3:4

Verse 4. Take away the filthy garments] The Jews wore sackcloth in times of public calamity; probably the filthy garments refer to this. Let their clothing be changed. I have turned again their captivity; I will fully restore them, and blot out all their iniquities.

Cambridge Bible on Zechariah 3:4

4. he] i.e. the Angel of Jehovah. those that stood before him] Angels of inferior order, who though not previously mentioned were in attendance, as was fitting, upon the Angel of the Lord. Compare for the expression Genesis 41:46; Deuteronomy 1:38; Daniel 1:5. change of raiment] The Hebrew word here used only occurs beside in Isaiah 3:22, “changeable suits of apparel,” where number and variety, frequent changing, rather than costliness or magnificence, though that of course may be implied, appears to be the subject of rebuke. So here a change of dress, not necessarily different in kind, but pure instead of being defiled, is promised. The R. V. however, renders rich apparel here, and festival robes in Isaiah.

Barnes' Notes on Zechariah 3:4

And He spake to those who stood before Him - the ministering angels who had waited on the Angel of the Lord to do His bidding.

Whedon's Commentary on Zechariah 3:4

2. Permission is denied to the adversary to present his charges. Jehovah — Identical with “angel of Jehovah” in Zechariah 3:1 (see on Zechariah 1:11). Satan — As in Zechariah 3:1.

Sermons on Zechariah 3:4

	Sermon	Description
	Covering (Compilation) by Compilations	In this sermon, the preacher discusses the story of Adam and Eve being driven out of the Garden of Eden. He emphasizes the idea that in this world, we cannot find what we are looki
	A Brand Plucked From the Fire by David Mook	In this sermon, the preacher discusses the life of John Wesley, a prominent figure in English Christianity. The sermon begins by recounting a significant event from Wesley's childh
	Mid South Conference 1978-12 Zechariah's Visions by Bob Clark	In this sermon, the preacher discusses the concept of God's preparation conduct in relation to the imminent return of Jesus Christ. The sermon emphasizes the need for believers to
	Bible Survey - Zechariah by Peter Hammond	Peter Hammond preaches on the book of Zechariah, a young priest and prophet who, along with Haggai, encouraged the rebuilding of the Temple after the Babylonian exile. Zechariah's
	The Faithfulness of God Seen in His Ways With Balaam by John Nelson Darby	John Nelson Darby emphasizes the faithfulness of God as seen in His dealings with Balaam and Israel, illustrating how the enemy seeks to hinder God's people from entering the promi
	The Prodigal Son by John Alexander Dowie	In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the idea that as believers, we should not be slaves to Satan, sin, disease, death, or hell. The preacher tells a story of a prodigal son who
	Quote - Fatted Calf by Leonard Ravenhill	Leonard Ravenhill emphasizes the profound love of the father in the parable of the prodigal son, particularly focusing on the significance of the fatted calf, which symbolizes the