### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
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.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
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]].
### Related Words & Concepts
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]].
### Theological Significance
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]].
### Summary
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