Zechariah 13:1

¶ In that day there shall be a fountain opened to the house of David and to the inhabitants of Jerusalem for sin and for uncleanness.

In that day {H3117} there shall be a fountain {H4726} opened {H6605} to the house {H1004} of David {H1732} and to the inhabitants {H3427} of Jerusalem {H3389} for sin {H2403} and for uncleanness {H5079}.

When that day comes, a spring will be opened up for the house of David and the people living in Yerushalayim to cleanse them from sin and impurity.

“On that day a fountain will be opened to the house of David and the people of Jerusalem, to cleanse them from sin and impurity.

In that day there shall be a fountain opened to the house of David and to the inhabitants of Jerusalem, for sin and for uncleanness.

Zechariah 13:1 presents a profound prophetic promise of divine cleansing, a central theme in the book of Zechariah, which looks forward to the eschatological age.

Context

This verse is part of a larger prophetic section (chapters 12-14) in Zechariah, which focuses on the future restoration of Israel and the coming of the Messiah. The phrase "In that day" frequently signals a significant future event in prophetic literature, often referring to the end times, the Messianic era, or the establishment of God's kingdom. Here, it specifically points to a time when God will provide a radical solution for the deep-seated issues of sin and defilement among His people, the "house of David and to the inhabitants of Jerusalem," representing all of Israel.

Key Themes

  • Divine Provision for Cleansing: The core message is God's initiative to open a means of purification. This isn't something achieved by human effort or ritual alone, but a divinely ordained provision.
  • Comprehensive Forgiveness: The "fountain" is for both "sin" (chatta't, referring to transgression and moral guilt) and "uncleanness" (niddah, often referring to ritual impurity, moral defilement, or separation due to sin). This signifies a complete and all-encompassing purification for all forms of human brokenness and rebellion against God.
  • Messianic Fulfillment: Christian theology widely interprets this "fountain" as fulfilled in the person and work of Jesus Christ. His atoning sacrifice on the cross provides the ultimate and permanent cleansing for humanity's sin, making a way for reconciliation with God. This cleansing is accessible to all who believe, echoing the imagery of a fountain of living water.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "fountain" is maqor (מָקוֹר), meaning a spring or source. This imagery suggests a continuous, flowing, and abundant supply of cleansing, not a stagnant pool or a limited ritual. It contrasts with the repetitive and temporary nature of the Old Covenant sacrificial system, which could only cover sins, not permanently remove them. The term "uncleanness" (niddah) also carries connotations of defilement that made one ritually unclean and separated from the community and God's presence, highlighting the need for thorough purification.

Significance and Application

Zechariah 13:1 offers immense hope and comfort. It points forward to the day when God Himself would provide the ultimate solution for humanity's greatest problem: sin. For believers today, this prophecy is understood to be fulfilled in the atoning work of Jesus Christ. Through His shed blood, a spiritual "fountain" has been opened, providing cleansing for conscience and purification from all sin. This means we have direct and continuous access to forgiveness and renewal, enabling us to draw near to God without the burden of guilt or spiritual defilement. It underscores the truth that salvation and sanctification are God's gracious gifts, freely available to all who turn to Him.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Psalms 51:2

    Wash me throughly from mine iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin.

  • John 1:29

    ¶ The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith, Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world.

  • 1 Corinthians 6:11

    And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God.

  • Ezekiel 36:25

    ¶ Then will I sprinkle clean water upon you, and ye shall be clean: from all your filthiness, and from all your idols, will I cleanse you.

  • 1 John 5:6

    ¶ This is he that came by water and blood, [even] Jesus Christ; not by water only, but by water and blood. And it is the Spirit that beareth witness, because the Spirit is truth.

  • 1 John 1:7

    But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.

  • Revelation 7:13

    ¶ And one of the elders answered, saying unto me, What are these which are arrayed in white robes? and whence came they?
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