Zechariah 5:3

Zechariah 5:3 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

Then he told me, “This is the curse that is going out over the face of all the land, for according to one side of the scroll, every thief will be removed; and according to the other side, every perjurer will be removed.

King James Version KJV

Then said he unto me, This is the curse that goeth forth over the face of the whole earth: for every one that stealeth shall be cut off as on this side according to it; and every one that sweareth shall be cut off as on that side according to it.

American Standard Version ASV

Then said he unto me, This is the curse that goeth forth over the face of the whole land: for every one that stealeth shall be cut off on the one side according to it; and every one that sweareth shall be cut off on the other side according to it.

Bible in Basic English BBE

Then he said to me, This is the curse which goes out over the face of all the land: for long enough has every thief gone without punishment, and long enough has every taker of false oaths gone without punishment.

Free Bible Version FBV

He told me, “This is the curse that is going out to all the world. Anyone who steals will be purged from society, according to one side of the scroll. Anyone who swears lies under oath will be purged from society, according to the other side of the scroll.”

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

Then said he vnto me, This is the curse that goeth foorth ouer the whole earth: for euery one that stealeth, shalbe cut off aswell on this side, as on that: and euery one that sweareth, shall be cut off aswell on this side, as on that.

Young's Literal Translation YLT

And he saith unto me, 'This [is] the execration that is going forth over the face of all the land, for every one who is stealing, on the one side, according to it, hath been declared innocent, and every one who hath sworn, on the other side, according to it, hath been declared innocent.

World English Bible WEB

Then he said to me, “This is the curse that goes out over the surface of the whole land, for everyone who steals shall be cut off according to it on the one side; and everyone who swears falsely shall be cut off according to it on the other side.

Noah Webster Bible WBS

Then said he to me, This is the curse that goeth forth over the face of the whole earth: for every one that stealeth shall be cut off as on this side according to it; and every one that sweareth shall be cut off as on that side according to it.

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

And he said to me: This is the curse that goeth forth over the face of the earth: for every thief shall be judged as is there written: and every one that sweareth in like manner shall be judged by it.

Translation for Translators T4T

Then he said to me, “On this scroll is written the words that Yahweh is speaking to curse the entire country. On one side of the scroll it is written that every thief will be banished. On the other side it is written that everyone who tells a lie when he is solemnly promising to tell the truth will also be banished from the country.

Study Highlights

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Berean Amplified Bible — Zechariah 5:3

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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 5:3 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB

HEB וַ/יֹּ֣אמֶר אֵלַ֔/י זֹ֚את הָֽ/אָלָ֔ה הַ/יּוֹצֵ֖את עַל פְּנֵ֣י כָל הָ/אָ֑רֶץ כִּ֣י כָל הַ/גֹּנֵ֗ב מִ/זֶּה֙ כָּמ֣וֹ/הָ נִקָּ֔ה וְ/כָל הַ/נִּ֨שְׁבָּ֔ע מִ/זֶּ֖ה כָּמ֥וֹ/הָ נִקָּֽה

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

אֵלַ֔/י ʼêl H413 to(wards) Prep | Suff

זֹ֚את zôʼth H2063 this Pron

הָֽ/אָלָ֔ה ʼâlâh H423 oath Art | N-fs

הַ/יּוֹצֵ֖את yâtsâʼ H3318 to come out Art | V-Qal

עַל ʻal H5921 upon Prep

פְּנֵ֣י pânîym H6440 face N-cp

כָל kôl H3605 all N-ms

הָ/אָ֑רֶץ ʼerets H776 land Art | N-cs

כִּ֣י kîy H3588 for Conj

כָל kôl H3605 all N-ms

הַ/גֹּנֵ֗ב gânab H1589 to steal Art | V-Qal

מִ/זֶּה֙ zeh H2088 this Prep | Pron

כָּמ֣וֹ/הָ kᵉmôw H3644 like Prep | Suff

נִקָּ֔ה nâqâh H5352 to clear V-Niphal-Perf-3ms

וְ/כָל kôl H3605 all Conj | N-ms

הַ/נִּ֨שְׁבָּ֔ע shâbaʻ H7650 to swear Art | V-Niphal

מִ/זֶּ֖ה zeh H2088 this Prep | Pron

כָּמ֥וֹ/הָ kᵉmôw H3644 like Prep | Suff

נִקָּֽה nâqâh H5352 to clear V-Niphal-Perf-3ms

Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — Zechariah 5:3

וַ/יֹּ֣אמֶר 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.

אֵלַ֔/י ʼêl H413 "to(wards)" Prep | Suff

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.

זֹ֚את zôʼth H2063 "this" Pron

This Hebrew word means this or that, often used to point out something specific. It appears in various forms throughout the Old Testament.

Definition: 1) this, this one, here, which, this...that, the one...the other, such 1a) (alone) 1a1) this one 1a2) this...that, the one...the other, another 1b) (appos to subst) 1b1) this 1c) (as predicate) 1c1) this, such 1d) (enclitically) 1d1) then 1d2) who, whom 1d3) how now, what now 1d4) what now 1d5) wherefore now 1d6) behold here 1d7) just now 1d8) now, now already 1e) (poetry) 1e1) wherein, which, those who 1f) (with prefixes) 1f1) in this (place) here, then 1f2) on these conditions, herewith, thus provided, by, through this, for this cause, in this matter 1f3) thus and thus 1f4) as follows, things such as these, accordingly, to that effect, in like manner, thus and thus 1f5) from here, hence, on one side...on the other side 1f6) on this account 1f7) in spite of this, which, whence, how

Usage: Occurs in 570 OT verses. KJV: hereby (-in, -with), it, likewise, the one (other, same), she, so (much), such (deed), that, therefore, these, this (thing), thus. See also: Genesis 2:23; Numbers 7:88; Judges 1:27.

הָֽ/אָלָ֔ה ʼâlâh H423 "oath" Art | N-fs

In the Bible, this word refers to a promise or oath, often with serious consequences. It appears in Genesis 24:8 and Deuteronomy 29:12, describing agreements between God and people.

Definition: 1) oath 2) oath of covenant 3) curse 3a) from God 3b) from men 4) execration

Usage: Occurs in 32 OT verses. KJV: curse, cursing, execration, oath, swearing. See also: Genesis 24:41; Job 31:30; Psalms 10:7.

הַ/יּוֹצֵ֖את yâtsâʼ H3318 "to come out" Art | V-Qal

In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to go out or come out, and it's used in many different ways, like leaving a place or starting a new journey, as seen in Genesis and Exodus.

Definition: : come/go_out/escape 1) to go out, come out, exit, go forth 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to go or come out or forth, depart 1a2) to go forth (to a place) 1a3) to go forward, proceed to (to or toward something) 1a4) to come or go forth (with purpose or for result) 1a5) to come out of 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to cause to go or come out, bring out, lead out 1b2) to bring out of 1b3) to lead out 1b4) to deliver 1c) (Hophal) to be brought out or forth

Usage: Occurs in 991 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, appear, [idiom] assuredly, bear out, [idiom] begotten, break out, bring forth (out, up), carry out, come (abroad, out, thereat, without), [phrase] be condemned, depart(-ing, -ure), draw forth, in the end, escape, exact, fail, fall (out), fetch forth (out), get away (forth, hence, out), (able to, cause to, let) go abroad (forth, on, out), going out, grow, have forth (out), issue out, lay (lie) out, lead out, pluck out, proceed, pull out, put away, be risen, [idiom] scarce, send with commandment, shoot forth, spread, spring out, stand out, [idiom] still, [idiom] surely, take forth (out), at any time, [idiom] to (and fro), utter. See also: Genesis 1:12; Exodus 9:33; Leviticus 26:45.

עַל ʻal H5921 "upon" Prep

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.

פְּנֵ֣י pânîym H6440 "face" N-cp

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.

כָל kôl H3605 "all" N-ms

The Hebrew word for 'all' or 'everything' is used throughout the Bible, like in Genesis 1:31, where God sees all He has made as very good. It encompasses the entirety of something, whether people, things, or situations.

Definition: 1) all, the whole 1a) all, the whole of 1b) any, each, every, anything 1c) totality, everything Aramaic equivalent: kol (כֹּל "all" H3606)

Usage: Occurs in 4242 OT verses. KJV: (in) all (manner, (ye)), altogether, any (manner), enough, every (one, place, thing), howsoever, as many as, (no-) thing, ought, whatsoever, (the) whole, whoso(-ever). See also: Genesis 1:21; Genesis 17:10; Genesis 41:40.

הָ/אָ֑רֶץ ʼerets H776 "land" Art | N-cs

The land or earth refers to the soil or ground, and can also mean a country, territory, or region. In the Bible, it is used to describe the earth and its inhabitants, and is often translated as 'land' or 'country'.

Definition: : soil 1) land, earth 1a) earth 1a1) whole earth (as opposed to a part) 1a2) earth (as opposed to heaven) 1a3) earth (inhabitants) 1b) land 1b1) country, territory 1b2) district, region 1b3) tribal territory 1b4) piece of ground 1b5) land of Canaan, Israel 1b6) inhabitants of land 1b7) Sheol, land without return, (under) world 1b8) city (-state) 1c) ground, surface of the earth 1c1) ground 1c2) soil 1d) (in phrases) 1d1) people of the land 1d2) space or distance of country (in measurements of distance) 1d3) level or plain country 1d4) land of the living 1d5) end(s) of the earth 1e) (almost wholly late in usage) 1e1) lands, countries 1e1a) often in contrast to Canaan

Usage: Occurs in 2190 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] common, country, earth, field, ground, land, [idiom] natins, way, [phrase] wilderness, world. See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 18:18; Genesis 42:13.

כִּ֣י kîy H3588 "for" Conj

A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.

Definition: 1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since 1a) that 1a1) yea, indeed 1b) when (of time) 1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force) 1c) because, since (causal connection) 1d) but (after negative) 1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if 1f) but rather, but 1g) except that 1h) only, nevertheless 1i) surely 1j) that is 1k) but if 1l) for though 1m) forasmuch as, for therefore

Usage: Occurs in 3910 OT verses. KJV: and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-) as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al-) though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 26:16; Genesis 42:15.

כָל kôl H3605 "all" N-ms

Definition: 1) all, the whole 1a) all, the whole of 1b) any, each, every, anything 1c) totality, everything Aramaic equivalent: kol (כֹּל "all" H3606)

הַ/גֹּנֵ֗ב gânab H1589 "to steal" Art | V-Qal

To steal means to take something secretly, whether physically or by deceiving someone. This can happen in various ways, as described in different Bible stories.

Definition: 1) to steal, steal away, carry away 1a) (Qal) to steal 1b) (Niphal) to be stolen 1c) (Piel) to steal away 1d)(Pual) to be stolen away, be brought by stealth 1e) (Hithpael) to go by stealth, steal away

Usage: Occurs in 36 OT verses. KJV: carry away, [idiom] indeed, secretly bring, steal (away), get by stealth. See also: Genesis 30:33; Joshua 7:11; Proverbs 6:30.

מִ/זֶּה֙ zeh H2088 "this" Prep | Pron

This word is a pronoun meaning this or that, used to point out a specific person or thing. It appears in many contexts, including Genesis and Psalms, to indicate something specific. The KJV translates it as he, here, or it.

Definition: 1) this, this one, here, which, this...that, the one...the other, another, such 1a) (alone) 1a1) this one 1a2) this...that, the one...the other, another 1b) (appos to subst) 1b1) this 1c) (as predicate) 1c1) this, such 1d) (enclitically) 1d1) then 1d2) who, whom 1d3) how now, what now 1d4) what now 1d5) wherefore now 1d6) behold here 1d7) just now 1d8) now, now already 1e) (poetry) 1e1) wherein, which, those who 1f) (with prefixes) 1f1) in this (place) here, then 1f2) on these conditions, herewith, thus provided, by, through this, for this cause, in this matter 1f3) thus and thus 1f4) as follows, things such as these, accordingly, to that effect, in like manner, thus and thus 1f5) from here, hence, on one side...on the other side 1f6) on this account 1f7) in spite of this, which, whence, how

Usage: Occurs in 1061 OT verses. KJV: he, [idiom] hence, [idiom] here, it(-self), [idiom] now, [idiom] of him, the one...the other, [idiom] than the other, ([idiom] out of) the (self) same, such (a one) that, these, this (hath, man), on this side...on that side, [idiom] thus, very, which. Compare H2063 (זֹאת), H2090 (זֹה), H2097 (זוֹ), H2098 (זוּ). See also: Genesis 5:1; Exodus 10:17; Numbers 14:16.

כָּמ֣וֹ/הָ kᵉmôw H3644 "like" Prep | Suff

This word means like or as, used to compare things. It appears in the Bible to describe similarities or to make comparisons, such as in the book of Psalms.

Definition: adv 1) like, as, the like of which conj 2) when, according as, as it were

Usage: Occurs in 126 OT verses. KJV: according to, (such) as (it were, well as), in comparison of, like (as, to, unto), thus, when, worth. See also: Genesis 19:15; Job 40:17; Psalms 29:6.

נִקָּ֔ה nâqâh H5352 "to clear" V-Niphal-Perf-3ms

To be or make clean, either physically or morally, as seen in the book of Psalms where David asks God to cleanse him. This word is also used to describe being free from guilt or punishment. It appears in various forms throughout the Old Testament.

Definition: 1) to be empty, be clear, be pure, be free, be innocent, be desolate, be cut off 1a) (Qal) to be empty, be clean, be pure 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be cleaned out, be purged out 1b2) to be clean, be free from guilt, be innocent 1b3) to be free, be exempt from punishment 1b4) to be free, be exempt from obligation 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to hold innocent, acquit 1c2) to leave unpunished

Usage: Occurs in 33 OT verses. KJV: acquit [idiom] at all, [idiom] altogether, be blameless, cleanse, (be) clear(-ing), cut off, be desolate, be free, be (hold) guiltless, be (hold) innocent, [idiom] by no means, be quit, be (leave) unpunished, [idiom] utterly, [idiom] wholly. See also: Genesis 24:8; Psalms 19:14; Psalms 19:13.

וְ/כָל kôl H3605 "all" Conj | N-ms

Definition: 1) all, the whole 1a) all, the whole of 1b) any, each, every, anything 1c) totality, everything Aramaic equivalent: kol (כֹּל "all" H3606)

הַ/נִּ֨שְׁבָּ֔ע shâbaʻ H7650 "to swear" Art | V-Niphal

This Hebrew word means to swear an oath, like making a promise or vow. In the Bible, it is used when someone is making a serious promise, often with God as a witness. The KJV translates it as adjure or take an oath.

Definition: 1) to swear, adjure 1a) (Qal) sworn (participle) 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to swear, take an oath 1b2) to swear (of Jehovah by Himself) 1b3) to curse 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to cause to take an oath 1c2) to adjure

Usage: Occurs in 175 OT verses. KJV: adjure, charge (by an oath, with an oath), feed to the full (by mistake for H7646 (שָׂבַע)), take an oath, [idiom] straitly, (cause to, make to) swear. See also: Genesis 21:23; Judges 21:18; Psalms 15:4.

מִ/זֶּ֖ה zeh H2088 "this" Prep | Pron

כָּמ֥וֹ/הָ kᵉmôw H3644 "like" Prep | Suff

This word means like or as, used to compare things. It appears in the Bible to describe similarities or to make comparisons, such as in the book of Psalms.

Definition: adv 1) like, as, the like of which conj 2) when, according as, as it were

Usage: Occurs in 126 OT verses. KJV: according to, (such) as (it were, well as), in comparison of, like (as, to, unto), thus, when, worth. See also: Genesis 19:15; Job 40:17; Psalms 29:6.

נִקָּֽה nâqâh H5352 "to clear" V-Niphal-Perf-3ms

Study Notes — Zechariah 5:3

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Context — The Vision of the Flying Scroll

1Again I lifted up my eyes and saw before me a flying scroll. 2“What do you see?” asked the angel. “I see a flying scroll,” I replied, “twenty cubits long and ten cubits wide. ”

3Then he told me, “This is the curse that is going out over the face of all the land, for according to one side of the scroll, every thief will be removed; and according to the other side, every perjurer will be removed.

4I will send it out, declares the LORD of Hosts, and it will enter the house of the thief and the house of him who swears falsely by My name. It will remain inside his house and destroy it, down to its timbers and stones.” 5Then the angel who was speaking with me came forward and told me, “Now lift up your eyes and see what is approaching.”

Cross References

	Reference	Text (BSB)
1	Exodus 20:15	You shall not steal.
2	Isaiah 43:28	So I will disgrace the princes of your sanctuary, and I will devote Jacob to destruction and Israel to reproach.”
3	Isaiah 24:6	Therefore a curse has consumed the earth, and its inhabitants must bear the guilt; the earth’s dwellers have been burned, and only a few survive.
4	Isaiah 48:1	“Listen to this, O house of Jacob, you who are called by the name of Israel, who have descended from the line of Judah, who swear by the name of the LORD, who invoke the God of Israel— but not in truth or righteousness—
5	Jeremiah 26:6	then I will make this house like Shiloh, and I will make this city an object of cursing among all the nations of the earth.’”
6	Malachi 4:6	And he will turn the hearts of the fathers to their children, and the hearts of the children to their fathers. Otherwise, I will come and strike the land with a curse.”
7	Galatians 3:10–13	All who rely on works of the law are under a curse. For it is written: “Cursed is everyone who does not continue to do everything written in the Book of the Law.” Now it is clear that no one is justified before God by the law, because, “The righteous will live by faith.” The law, however, is not based on faith; on the contrary, “The man who does these things will live by them.” Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us. For it is written: “Cursed is everyone who is hung on a tree.”
8	Zechariah 5:4	I will send it out, declares the LORD of Hosts, and it will enter the house of the thief and the house of him who swears falsely by My name. It will remain inside his house and destroy it, down to its timbers and stones.”
9	James 5:12	Above all, my brothers, do not swear, not by heaven or earth or by any other oath. Simply let your “Yes” be yes, and your “No,” no, so that you will not fall under judgment.
10	Leviticus 19:12	You must not swear falsely by My name and so profane the name of your God. I am the LORD.

Zechariah 5:3 Summary

[Zechariah 5:3 tells us that God is sending a curse to remove evil from the land, specifically targeting thieves and perjurers. This curse represents God's judgment on those who disobey His commands, as seen in other Bible verses like Deuteronomy 19:16-19 and Revelation 21:8. In simple terms, this means that God is serious about justice and righteousness, and He will not tolerate dishonesty and wrongdoing. As we reflect on this verse, we can ask ourselves how we can promote truth and honesty in our own lives and trust in God's justice and judgment.]

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the curse being referred to in Zechariah 5:3?

The curse in Zechariah 5:3 refers to God's judgment on those who disobey His commands, specifically thieves and perjurers, as seen in the context of Zechariah 5:4, where it says the curse will enter the house of the thief and the house of him who swears falsely by God's name.

What is the significance of the flying scroll in Zechariah 5:3?

The flying scroll in Zechariah 5:3 represents God's Word and judgment, which will be spread out over all the land, as stated in Zechariah 5:1-2, where the prophet sees a flying scroll twenty cubits long and ten cubits wide.

How does this verse relate to other Bible teachings on judgment?

This verse is consistent with other Bible teachings on judgment, such as Deuteronomy 19:16-19, where it says that a false witness will be punished, and Revelation 21:8, where it says that all liars will be thrown into the lake of fire.

What is the purpose of the curse in Zechariah 5:3?

The purpose of the curse in Zechariah 5:3 is to remove evil from the land, as stated in the verse, where it says that every thief and perjurer will be removed, which is in line with God's desire for justice and righteousness, as seen in Isaiah 61:8.

Reflection Questions

How do I ensure that my actions and words are in line with God's commands, avoiding the curse of Zechariah 5:3?
What are some ways that I can promote truth and honesty in my own life and in the lives of those around me?
How can I trust in God's justice and judgment, even when it seems like evil is prevailing in the world?
What are some practical steps I can take to remove evil influences from my life and to seek God's righteousness?

Gill's Exposition on Zechariah 5:3

Then said he unto me, This [is] the curse,.... So the law of Moses is called, because it has curses written in it, Deuteronomy 27:15 which curse is not causeless, but is according to law and justice;

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Zechariah 5:3

Then said he unto me, This is the curse that goeth forth over the face of the whole earth: for every one that stealeth shall be cut off as on this side according to it; and every one that sweareth

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Zechariah 5:3

Then said he; the angel, which instructed the prophet. This is the curse; this roll or book containeth the curse, the menaced punishment due to sinners, of which too many were still among the Jews. That goeth forth; that goeth speedily, for it flieth. Over the face of the whole earth; either the whole land of Judea, or over all the world; wherever these sins are found, this curse will come upon the sinners, unless they repent. Every one that stealeth: theft is here first mentioned, a sin that had abounded among them, and front which they were not free then; they robbed one another, and they robbed God, they were sacrilegious. Shall be cut off; shall be punished with an extermination of his house, as well as with cutting off his life. According to it; according to the just threats of the law. Every one that sweareth, profanely, or falsely, the perjured person, shall be cut off too.

Trapp's Commentary on Zechariah 5:3

Zechariah 5:3 Then said he unto me, This [is] the curse that goeth forth over the face of the whole earth: for every one that stealeth shall be cut off [as] on this side according to it; and every one that sweareth shall be cut off [as] on that side according to it.Ver. 3. This is the curse] Or oath, with execration and cursing. Cursing men are cursed men, and God hath sworn that swearers shall not enter into his rest. That goeth forth] Yea, flieth, Zechariah 5:2, more swiftly than an eagle, an arrow, a flash of lightning. Or, if not, yet “ Poena venit gravior, quo mage sera venit. ” Over the face of the whole earth] Tribulation and anguish upon every soul of man that doth evil; but of the Jew first ( Ingentia beneficia flagitia, supplicia), who is therefore the worse, because he ought to have been better; and then of the Gentile also, Romans 2:9. Theodoret, Lyra, and Vatablus think that Judaea is hinted in the measure of the book (twenty cubits long, and ten broad) as being twice so long (and somewhat more) as it is broad: witness Jerome in his epistle to Dardanus (Epist. 129). But let the whole earth here be taken in its utmost latitude, since the Gentiles that sin without the law are yet liable to the punishments of the law. And some of them by the light of nature saw the evil of swearing; but all generally of stealing; but especially of perjury and sacrilege, here principally meant. Confer Malachi 3:8 Nehemiah 13:10. For every one that stealeth shall be cut off] By stealing understand all sins against the second table; as by swearing, all against the first; and so the sense is the same with that of the apostle, "Every transgression and disobedience receiveth a just recompence of reward," Hebrews 2:2. And "cursed is every one that continueth not in all things which are written in the book of the law to do them," Galatians 3:10. Howbeit because these two sins were more frequently and more impudently committed in those days, therefore are they, by a speciality, instanced. The Jews, coming poor out of Babylon, held it no great sin to steal for supply of their necessities; and then to forswear themselves for the better hiding of their theft. "Give me not poverty," said holy Agur, "lest, being poor, I steal, and" (as one sin draws on another) "I take the name of my God in vain," Proverbs 30:9. Hunger is an evil counsellor, necessity a hard weapon, a sore temptation, when it comes to this, Either I must steal or starve. But then to this must be opposed that of the law, Thou shalt in no case steal. Thou must rather die than do wickedly. Aut faciendum aut patiendum, Either obey the law or suffer the curse. As on this side according to it] i.e.

Ellicott's Commentary on Zechariah 5:3

(3) The whole earth.—Better, the whole land: viz., of Israel. For every one . . . on this side . . . on that side according to it—i.e., according to the curse written on this side and on that side of the scroll. But the Hebrew will hardly bear this interpretation. Koehler proposes to render, instead of “on this side” and “on that side,” “from hence” in both cases—viz., from the land. (Comp. Exodus 11:1). But the contrast, which is evidently implied here, precludes this interpretation. We prefer to render, For every one that stealeth, on the one hand, shall, in accordance therewith, be certainly destroyed; and every one that sweareth [falsely], on the other hand, shall, in accordance therewith, be certainly destroyed. Thieves are mentioned as a specimen of sinners against the second table of the Decalogue: viz., as false to man; and false swearers as sinners against the first table: viz., as false to God.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Zechariah 5:3

Verse 3. Every one that stealeth - and every one that sweareth] It seems that the roll was written both on the front and back: stealing and swearing are supposed to be two general heads of crimes; the former, comprising sins against men; the latter, sins against God. It is supposed that the roll contained the sins and punishments of the Chaldeans.

Cambridge Bible on Zechariah 5:3

3. earth] Rather land, i.e. the land of Judah. every one that stealeth] The breach of one commandment of each table of the law, every one that stealeth, and so breaks the eighth commandment in the second table, every one that sweareth (i.e. falsely by God’s name Zechariah 5:4), and so breaks the third commandment in the first table, is singled out, perhaps because these were then the most prevalent sins amongst the Jews, as typical of all transgression. “For whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all.” James 2:10-11. on this side according to it] If we retain this translation (or, on the one side, on the other side, R. V.) it will mean that the roll was written on both sides, and that on the one side was inscribed the curse against those who broke the first table of the law, and on the other side the curse against those who broke the second table. Some however translate for every thief shall be driven out hence (from hence, R. V. margin), i.e. from this land, according to it, and every swearer shall be driven out hence according to it. The objection to this is, that in the following verse we learn that the mission of the curse is not to expel sinners from the land, but to consume them in it. If with Pusey we take the word “cut off,” A. V. to mean “cleansed away” (purged out, R. V.), as something defiled and defiling, which has to be cleared away as offensive, the objection would be removed. The sinner is cleansed away from the land when he is utterly destroyed.

Barnes' Notes on Zechariah 5:3

Over the face of the whole earth - primarily land, since the perjured persons, upon whom the curse was to fall Zechariah 5:4, were those who swore falsely by the name of God: and this was in Judah only.

Whedon's Commentary on Zechariah 5:3

2. The interpreting angel calls the attention of the prophet to the new vision by means of a question (compare Zechariah 4:2, and see references there). The roll was unfolded, so that its immense size could be recognized.

Sermons on Zechariah 5:3

	Sermon	Description
	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
	Weighed in the Balance (Sermon Reading) by D.L. Moody	In this sermon, the preacher begins by describing a scene of chaos and destruction, emphasizing the importance of paying attention to the word "Tinkle." He then urges the congregat
	Preaching Prohibition by Billy Sunday	In this sermon, the speaker discusses the importance of truth and the consequences of lying. They emphasize that the United States seems to have lost sight of this, with corruption
	God Directs His Children [Part 1] by Bertha Smith	In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of making people feel at home and part of the church family. He discusses the commandment from God to work six days a week an
	A Rich Young Man by Bertha Smith	In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of facing one's sins and seeking deliverance from them. He instructs the congregation, including the young ones, to make a li
	Jesus Is the Light of the World - Part 1 by Joshua Daniel	This sermon by Joshua Daniel emphasizes the importance of recognizing Jesus as the light of the world and the need for transparency and integrity in our lives. He challenges listen
	Hot or Cold—take Your Pick by Stanley Fox	In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the danger of being lukewarm in one's faith. He references a verse in the book of Revelation where God says He will "spew out" those who are