King James Version:
(The Lord speaking is red text)
And it shall come to pass in that day, saith the LORD of hosts, [that] I will cut off the names of the idols out of the land, and they shall no more be remembered: and also I will cause the prophets and the unclean spirit to pass out of the land.
Complete Jewish Bible:
"When that day comes," says ADONAI-Tzva'ot, "I will cut off the very names of the idols from the land, so that no one even remembers them any more. I will also expel the [false] prophets and the spirit of uncleanness from the land;
Berean Standard Bible:
And on that day, declares the LORD of Hosts, I will erase the names of the idols from the land, and they will no longer be remembered. I will also remove the prophets and the spirit of impurity from the land.
American Standard Version:
And it shall come to pass in that day, saith Jehovah of hosts, that I will cut off the names of the idols out of the land, and they shall no more be remembered; and also I will cause the prophets and the unclean spirit to pass out of the land.
KJV with Strong’s Numbers:
And it shall come to pass in that day{H3117}, saith{H5002} the LORD{H3068} of hosts{H6635}, that I will cut off{H3772} the names{H8034} of the idols{H6091} out of the land{H776}, and they shall no more be remembered{H2142}: and also I will cause the prophets{H5030} and the unclean{H2932} spirit{H7307} to pass{H5674} out of the land{H776}.
Cross-References (KJV):
1 Kings 22:22
- And the LORD said unto him, Wherewith? And he said, I will go forth, and I will be a lying spirit in the mouth of all his prophets. And he said, Thou shalt persuade [him], and prevail also: go forth, and do so.
Jeremiah 23:14
- I have seen also in the prophets of Jerusalem an horrible thing: they commit adultery, and walk in lies: they strengthen also the hands of evildoers, that none doth return from his wickedness: they are all of them unto me as Sodom, and the inhabitants thereof as Gomorrah.
Jeremiah 23:15
- Therefore thus saith the LORD of hosts concerning the prophets; Behold, I will feed them with wormwood, and make them drink the water of gall: for from the prophets of Jerusalem is profaneness gone forth into all the land.
Hosea 2:17
- For I will take away the names of Baalim out of her mouth, and they shall no more be remembered by their name.
Exodus 23:13
- And in all [things] that I have said unto you be circumspect: and make no mention of the name of other gods, neither let it be heard out of thy mouth.
2 Corinthians 11:13
- For such [are] false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ.
2 Corinthians 11:15
- Therefore [it is] no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works.
Explore This Verse Across Other Resources:
Commentary for Zechariah 13:2
Zechariah 13:2 is part of a larger section of prophetic literature in the Hebrew Bible, specifically within the Book of Zechariah, which is attributed to the prophet Zechariah who lived during the post-exilic period, around the late 6th century BCE. This period marked the return of the Jews from Babylonian exile and the rebuilding of the Temple in Jerusalem.
The verse speaks to a future time ("in that day") when the Lord of hosts (a common designation for God in the prophetic books, emphasizing His power and sovereignty) will take decisive action against idolatry and false prophecy. The "cutting off the names of the idols" signifies a complete eradication of idolatrous practices and the obliteration of their memory from the land. This reflects a strong monotheistic theme, emphasizing the exclusive worship of Yahweh, the God of Israel, and the rejection of all other gods, which were often a temptation and a snare to the Israelites throughout their history.
Furthermore, the verse also addresses the issue of false prophets and the "unclean spirit," which likely refers to the influence of pagan practices and the demonic forces that were believed to inspire false prophecies. The promise that God will "cause the prophets and the unclean spirit to pass out of the land" indicates a purification of the religious life of the nation, ensuring that only true prophecy, aligned with the will and word of Yahweh, would remain.
Historically, this prophecy would have resonated with a people who had witnessed the consequences of idolatry and false worship, which had partly led to their exile. It also would have provided hope and encouragement for a future in which their relationship with God would be restored and purified, free from the corruption that had once compromised their spiritual integrity.
In summary, Zechariah 13:2 foretells a time of religious purification and renewal, where idolatry and false prophecy are eliminated, and the worship of the one true God is established in its purity. This verse reflects the broader biblical theme of the struggle between true and false worship and the ultimate triumph of God's sovereign will to be the sole object of His people's devotion.
*This commentary is produced by Microsoft/WizardLM-2-8x22B AI model
Strong's Numbers and Definitions:
Note: H = Hebrew (OT), G = Greek (NT)
- Strong's Number: H3117
There are 1931 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: יוֹם
Transliteration: yôwm
Pronunciation: yome
Description: from an unused root meaning to be hot; a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an associated term), (often used adverb); age, [phrase] always, [phrase] chronicals, continually(-ance), daily, ((birth-), each, to) day, (now a, two) days (agone), [phrase] elder, [idiom] end, [phrase] evening, [phrase] (for) ever(-lasting, -more), [idiom] full, life, as (so) long as (... live), (even) now, [phrase] old, [phrase] outlived, [phrase] perpetually, presently, [phrase] remaineth, [idiom] required, season, [idiom] since, space, then, (process of) time, [phrase] as at other times, [phrase] in trouble, weather, (as) when, (a, the, within a) while (that), [idiom] whole ([phrase] age), (full) year(-ly), [phrase] younger. - Strong's Number: H5002
There are 358 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: נְאֻם
Transliteration: nᵉʼum
Pronunciation: neh-oom'
Description: from נָאַם; an oracle; (hath) said, saith. - Strong's Number: H3068
There are 5521 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: יְהֹוָה
Transliteration: Yᵉhôvâh
Pronunciation: yeh-ho-vaw'
Description: from הָיָה; (the) self-Existent or Eternal; Jehovah, Jewish national name of God; Jehovah, the Lord. Compare יָהּ, יְהֹוִה. - Strong's Number: H6635
There are 463 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: צָבָא
Transliteration: tsâbâʼ
Pronunciation: tsaw-baw'
Description: or (feminine) צְבָאָה; from צָבָא; a mass of persons (or figuratively, things), especially reg. organized forwar (an army); by implication, a campaign, literally or figuratively (specifically, hardship, worship); appointed time, ([phrase]) army, ([phrase]) battle, company, host, service, soldiers, waiting upon, war(-fare). - Strong's Number: H3772
There are 280 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: כָּרַת
Transliteration: kârath
Pronunciation: kaw-rath'
Description: a primitive root; to cut (off, down or asunder); by implication, to destroy or consume; specifically, to covenant (i.e. make an alliance or bargain, originally by cutting flesh and passing between the pieces); be chewed, be con-(feder-) ate, covenant, cut (down, off), destroy, fail, feller, be freed, hew (down), make a league (covenant), [idiom] lose, perish, [idiom] utterly, [idiom] want. - Strong's Number: H8034
There are 771 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: שֵׁם
Transliteration: shêm
Pronunciation: shame
Description: a primitive word (perhaps rather from through the idea of definite and conspicuous position; compare שָׁמַיִם); an appellation, as amark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character; [phrase] base, (in-) fame(-ous), named(-d), renown, report. - Strong's Number: H6091
There are 17 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: עָצָב
Transliteration: ʻâtsâb
Pronunciation: aw-tsawb'
Description: from עָצַב; an (idolatrous) image; idol, image. - Strong's Number: H776
There are 2739 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: אֶרֶץ
Transliteration: ʼerets
Pronunciation: eh'-rets
Description: from an unused root probably meaning to be firm; the earth (at large, or partitively a land); [idiom] common, country, earth, field, ground, land, [idiom] natins, way, [phrase] wilderness, world. - Strong's Number: H2142
There are 223 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: זָכַר
Transliteration: zâkar
Pronunciation: zaw-kar'
Description: a primitive root; also as denominative from זָכָר; properly, to mark (so as to be recognized), i.e. to remember; by implication, to mention; to be male; [idiom] burn (incense), [idiom] earnestly, be male, (make) mention (of), be mindful, recount, record(-er), remember, make to be remembered, bring (call, come, keep, put) to (in) remembrance, [idiom] still, think on, [idiom] well. - Strong's Number: H5030
There are 288 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: נָבִיא
Transliteration: nâbîyʼ
Pronunciation: naw-bee'
Description: from נָבָא; a prophet or (generally) inspired man; prophecy, that prophesy, prophet. - Strong's Number: H2932
There are 31 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: טֻמְאָה
Transliteration: ṭumʼâh
Pronunciation: toom-aw'
Description: from טָמֵא; religious impurity; filthiness, unclean(-ness). - Strong's Number: H7307
There are 348 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: רוּחַ
Transliteration: rûwach
Pronunciation: roo'-akh
Description: from רוּחַ; wind; by resemblance breath, i.e. a sensible (or even violent) exhalation; figuratively, life, anger, unsubstantiality; by extension, a region of the sky; by resemblance spirit, but only of a rational being (including its expression and functions); air, anger, blast, breath, [idiom] cool, courage, mind, [idiom] quarter, [idiom] side, spirit(-ual), tempest, [idiom] vain, (whirl-) wind(-y). - Strong's Number: H5674
There are 493 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: עָבַר
Transliteration: ʻâbar
Pronunciation: aw-bar'
Description: a primitive root; to cross over; used very widely of any transition (literal or figurative; transitive, intransitive, intensive, causative); specifically, to cover (in copulation); 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.