Zechariah 13:1

KJV

¶ 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.

KJV (with Strong's)

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}.

Complete Jewish Bible

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.

Berean Standard Bible

“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.

American Standard Version

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.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Zechariah 13:1 presents a profound prophetic vision of a future day when God will provide a radical and comprehensive means of purification for His people, the "house of David and the inhabitants of Jerusalem." This "fountain" will be opened to cleanse them from both moral transgression (sin) and ritual or spiritual defilement (uncleanness), signifying a complete divine initiative for restoration and reconciliation.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Zechariah 13:1 is situated within the latter portion of the book, specifically chapters 12-14, which comprise a distinct prophetic oracle concerning the eschatological future of Israel and the coming of the Messiah. Chapter 12 describes God's defense of Jerusalem against its enemies and the nation's repentance and mourning over the "one they have pierced" ([Zechariah 12:10](/zechariah/12-10 "Zechariah 12:10 - Mourning for the Pierced One")). Chapter 13 then immediately follows, providing the divine response to this repentance: a provision for cleansing. This verse sets the stage for the subsequent descriptions of the removal of idolatry and false prophecy ([Zechariah 13:2-6](/zechariah/13-2-6 "Zechariah 13:2-6 - Removal of Idolatry and False Prophets")) and the striking of the shepherd ([Zechariah 13:7](/zechariah/13-7 "Zechariah 13:7 - The Striking of the Shepherd")), all leading into the climactic events of the Lord's return and the establishment of His kingdom in chapter 14 ([Zechariah 14](/zechariah/14 "Zechariah 14 - The Day of the Lord")). Thus, Zechariah 13:1 serves as the foundational promise of purification that enables the full restoration and spiritual transformation of God's people in the Messianic age.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Zechariah prophesied to the Jewish community that had returned from Babylonian exile, a people struggling to rebuild their temple and their national identity. They were still grappling with the consequences of past sins that led to the exile, and the need for spiritual purity was paramount for their relationship with a holy God. The concepts of "sin" (moral transgression against God's law) and "uncleanness" (ritual impurity that separated one from the community and the temple, often associated with idolatry, bodily discharges, or contact with death) were central to Old Testament theology and daily life. The Mosaic Law provided various sacrifices and rituals for dealing with these issues, but they were largely provisional and temporary. The "house of David" represents the royal lineage and, by extension, the leadership and identity of the nation, while "inhabitants of Jerusalem" signifies the entire covenant community. The promise of a "fountain opened" speaks to a divine, permanent, and accessible solution that transcends the limitations of the existing sacrificial system, addressing the deep-seated spiritual defilement of a people who had repeatedly fallen into idolatry and disobedience.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several key themes within Zechariah and broader biblical theology. First, it highlights **Divine Provision for Cleansing**, emphasizing that God Himself initiates and provides the means for His people's purification, rather than human effort or ritual alone. This underscores God's grace and His commitment to restoring His covenant relationship. Second, it speaks to **Comprehensive Forgiveness and Purification**, as the "fountain" addresses both "sin" (moral guilt and rebellion) and "uncleanness" (ritual or spiritual defilement), indicating a holistic cleansing from all forms of human brokenness and alienation from God. This comprehensive nature contrasts with the limited scope of Old Covenant rituals. Third, the phrase "In that day" points to **Eschatological Hope and Messianic Fulfillment**. This prophetic marker consistently signals a future, decisive intervention by God, often tied to the coming of the Messiah and the establishment of His kingdom. The "fountain" imagery, therefore, implicitly points forward to the ultimate, once-for-all sacrifice that would truly cleanse God's people, a theme echoed in passages like [Jeremiah 31:31-34](/jeremiah/31-31-34 "Jeremiah 31:31-34 - The New Covenant") which speaks of a new covenant where sins are remembered no more.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **day (Hebrew, _yôwm'_):** This term, H3117, signifies a period of time, often used figuratively to denote a specific era or significant event. In prophetic literature, "in that day" frequently refers to an eschatological period, a decisive moment of divine intervention, often associated with the coming of the Messiah, the judgment of nations, or the establishment of God's kingdom. Here, it points to a future, divinely appointed time when the promised cleansing will occur.
* **fountain (Hebrew, _mâqôwr'_):** H4726, literally meaning "something dug" or a "source (of water)," a "spring," or a "well-spring." The imagery of a fountain suggests a continuous, flowing, and abundant supply of water, symbolizing life, refreshment, and purification. Unlike a stagnant pool or a limited cistern, a fountain provides an inexhaustible source, emphasizing the sufficiency and ongoing availability of the cleansing God will provide.
* **sin (Hebrew, _chaṭṭâʼâh'_):** H2403, denoting an "offence," "transgression," or "habitual sinfulness," along with its penalty, occasion, or expiation. This term covers moral guilt, rebellion against God's commands, and the inherent human condition of estrangement from God. It encompasses both specific acts of wrongdoing and the pervasive nature of humanity's fallen state.
* **uncleanness (Hebrew, _niddâh'_):** H5079, meaning "rejection" or "impurity," especially personal (like menstruation) or moral (like idolatry or incest). This term refers to ritual, ceremonial, or spiritual defilement that renders one unfit for worship or fellowship with God and His people. It highlights the pervasive nature of defilement that separated individuals from God's holy presence, emphasizing the need for comprehensive purification.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"In that day":** This phrase introduces a future, divinely appointed time, signaling a significant eschatological event. It points to a decisive moment in God's redemptive plan, distinct from the present reality, when a new and profound work of purification will commence.
* **"there shall be a fountain opened":** This powerful metaphor signifies a new, accessible, and abundant source of purification. The passive voice "opened" emphasizes that this is God's initiative and provision, not something achieved by human effort. The "fountain" imagery suggests a continuous, life-giving flow of cleansing, available to all who need it.
* **"to the house of David and to the inhabitants of Jerusalem":** This specifies the recipients of this divine provision. "The house of David" represents the royal line, leadership, and the continuity of God's covenant with Israel, while "the inhabitants of Jerusalem" signifies the entire covenant community, encompassing all of God's people. This indicates a comprehensive, national, and spiritual cleansing for all who belong to God's chosen people.
* **"for sin and for uncleanness":** This clarifies the purpose and scope of the fountain. "Sin" refers to moral transgressions and guilt, while "uncleanness" denotes ritual, ceremonial, or spiritual defilement. The dual mention underscores the comprehensive nature of the cleansing, addressing both the active rebellion against God's law and the pervasive defilement that separates humanity from a holy God.

#### Literary Devices
Zechariah 13:1 employs several powerful literary devices. The most prominent is **Metaphor**, where the "fountain" serves as a vivid image for a source of purification. This metaphor conveys the ideas of continuous flow, abundance, and accessibility, contrasting with the limited and temporary nature of Old Covenant purification rituals. The phrase "In that day" is a classic example of **Prophecy**, signaling a future, divinely determined event within an eschatological framework. This device creates anticipation and emphasizes the certainty of God's redemptive plan. The parallel structure of "for sin and for uncleanness" utilizes **Merism**, where two contrasting or complementary terms are used to express a totality. By mentioning both "sin" (moral transgression) and "uncleanness" (ritual/spiritual defilement), the prophet indicates a complete and all-encompassing purification that addresses every aspect of human defilement before God. The entire verse functions as a **Divine Promise**, offering hope and assurance of God's future redemptive work.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Zechariah 13:1 stands as a pivotal Old Testament prophecy, pointing to God's ultimate solution for humanity's profound problem of sin and defilement. It highlights God's unwavering commitment to restore His people to purity and fellowship, a theme that runs throughout the biblical narrative from the Fall in [Genesis 3](/genesis/3 "Genesis 3 - The Fall of Humanity") to the New Creation in [Revelation 21-22](/revelation/21-22 "Revelation 21-22 - New Heaven and New Earth"). The "fountain opened" signifies not merely a ritualistic cleansing but a deep, spiritual transformation, made possible by divine initiative. This promise anticipates a new covenant reality where forgiveness is complete and accessible, far surpassing the temporary efficacy of the Mosaic sacrificial system. It underscores the truth that true cleansing is always a gift of God's grace, flowing from His very nature as holy and merciful.

* [Psalm 51:7](/psalm/51-7 "Psalm 51:7 - Cleanse Me with Hyssop"): "Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean: wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow."
* [Ezekiel 36:25](/ezekiel/36-25 "Ezekiel 36:25 - Cleanse with Clean Water"): "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."
* [Joel 3:18](/joel/3-18 "Joel 3:18 - A Fountain from the House of the Lord"): "And it shall come to pass in that day, that the mountains shall drop down new wine, and the hills shall flow with milk, and all the rivers of Judah shall flow with waters, and a fountain shall come forth of the house of the LORD, and shall water the valley of Shittim."

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Zechariah 13:1 offers profound comfort and hope to all who recognize their need for cleansing from sin and uncleanness. It reminds us that our deepest spiritual defilement is not a barrier to God's grace, but rather the very condition for which He has provided a divine solution. This verse invites us to consider the source of our spiritual purity—not our own efforts, rituals, or good deeds, but God's sovereign and gracious initiative. For believers, this "fountain" is eternally open through the atoning work of Jesus Christ, providing continuous access to forgiveness, renewal, and a conscience cleansed from dead works. This truth should lead to humble gratitude, confident access to God, and a life lived in the freedom and purity that His provision enables. It calls us to regularly draw near to this spiritual fountain, acknowledging our ongoing need for His cleansing grace.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways do I recognize my own need for cleansing from "sin" and "uncleanness" in my daily life?**
* **How does the imagery of a "fountain opened" impact my understanding of God's grace and the accessibility of forgiveness?**
* **What practical steps can I take to more fully appropriate the cleansing offered by God through Christ in my life?**

### FAQ
**What does "In that day" refer to in Zechariah 13:1?**

Answer: "In that day" is a common prophetic phrase in the Old Testament, particularly in books like Zechariah, Joel, and Isaiah. It typically refers to a future, decisive period of divine intervention, often associated with the end times, the Messianic era, or the establishment of God's kingdom. In Zechariah 13:1, it specifically points to a future time when God will provide a unique and ultimate means of cleansing for His people, which Christian theology understands to be fulfilled in the redemptive work of Jesus Christ. This phrase signals a pivotal moment in God's unfolding plan of salvation.

**What is the significance of the "fountain" imagery in this verse?**

Answer: The "fountain" (Hebrew: *maqôwr*) is a powerful metaphor signifying a continuous, abundant, and accessible source of purification. In a land where water was precious and often scarce, a flowing spring represented life, refreshment, and cleansing. Unlike the temporary and limited nature of Old Covenant sacrifices and purification rites, this "fountain" suggests an inexhaustible supply of divine cleansing. It emphasizes that the provision for sin and uncleanness is not a one-time event but an ever-present reality, flowing from God's gracious initiative to restore His people to purity. It contrasts with the need for repeated sacrifices under the Law, pointing to a permanent solution.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Zechariah 13:1 finds its ultimate and profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The "fountain opened" is revealed to be the atoning sacrifice of Jesus on the cross, where His shed blood provides the complete and eternal cleansing for humanity's sin and uncleanness. Just as the prophet foretold, God Himself provided the means of purification, not through human effort or ritual, but through His Son. The blood of Christ, the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), is the inexhaustible source that cleanses us from all unrighteousness ([1 John 1:7](/1_john/1-7 "1 John 1:7 - Cleansing from All Sin")). This divine provision is not limited to a specific nation or era but is accessible to "whosoever believes in Him" ([John 3:16](/john/3-16 "John 3:16 - God So Loved the World")). Through Christ, we are washed, sanctified, and justified ([1 Corinthians 6:11](/1_corinthians/6-11 "1 Corinthians 6:11 - Washed, Sanctified, Justified")), allowing us to draw near to God with a clean conscience ([Hebrews 9:14](/hebrews/9-14 "Cleansing by Christ's Blood")). He is the living water that quenches spiritual thirst and purifies the soul, establishing a new covenant where sins are remembered no more ([Hebrews 8:12](/hebrews/8-12 "Hebrews 8:12 - Sins Remembered No More")). Thus, the prophetic imagery of Zechariah culminates in the glorious reality of Christ's finished work, making a way for all people to be reconciled to a holy God.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

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?