The Hebrew word tsôwʼ, represented by H6674, means filthy or soiled, as if with excrement. Though it appears only 2 times in 2 unique verses, its usage provides a powerful and graphic illustration of spiritual defilement and the need for divine cleansing.
Both occurrences of H6674 are found in the vision of Joshua the high priest in the book of Zechariah. Joshua is seen standing before the angel of the Lord "clothed with filthy garments" Zechariah 3:3. These garments are not merely physically dirty; they represent his spiritual state. A divine command is then given to "Take away the filthy garments from him" Zechariah 3:4. This action is explicitly linked to the removal of sin, as the Lord immediately declares, "Behold, I have caused thine iniquity to pass from thee" Zechariah 3:4.
Several related words from the context of Zechariah 3 illuminate the meaning of H6674:
- H899 beged (garments): This word refers to the clothing that is described as filthy. Garments in scripture often symbolize a person's spiritual state, whether they are the "garments of salvation" Isaiah 61:10 or beautiful garments for Zion Isaiah 52:1.
- H5771 ʻâvôn (iniquity): This is what the filthy garments symbolize. It is defined as perversity or moral evil. The removal of the garments is equated with causing this iniquity to pass away from Joshua Zechariah 3:4.
- H5493 çûwr (Take away): This is the command to remove the defiled clothing. It means "to turn off" or remove, an action associated with putting away false gods 1 Samuel 7:3 or taking away a stony heart Ezekiel 36:26.
- H4254 machălâtsâh (change of raiment): This is what replaces the filthy garments. It is a "changeable suit of apparel" that signifies a complete transformation from defilement to a state of purity and honor Zechariah 3:4.
The theological weight of H6674 is concentrated in its powerful imagery:
- Representation of Sin: The filthy garments serve as a stark symbol of iniquity H5771, which makes one unfit to stand in God's presence. Joshua, the high priest, is shown in this state, illustrating that even the highest religious office cannot remove human defilement Zechariah 3:3.
- The Necessity of Divine Grace: Joshua is passive in his own cleansing. The purification is initiated entirely by a divine command to "Take away" H5493 the soiled clothing. This highlights the theme that redemption and the removal of sin are acts of God's grace, not human effort Zechariah 3:4.
- From Defilement to Restoration: The removal of what is filthy H6674 is immediately followed by a positive act of restoration. Joshua is clothed with a "change of raiment" H4254, signifying his forgiveness and renewed status. This act of being clothed by God points to a provided righteousness, as seen when God clothes his people with "garments of salvation" Isaiah 61:10.
In summary, H6674 tsôwʼ is a potent and visceral term for filthy. Despite its rare use, its appearance in Zechariah 3 provides a cornerstone image for the biblical doctrine of salvation. It vividly portrays the state of human sinfulness as a defilement that must be removed by God, who then graciously clothes the believer in purity and honor.
TRV