Zechariah 13:2

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

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}.

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.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Zechariah 13:2 delivers a potent divine declaration from the LORD of hosts, foretelling a future "day" of comprehensive spiritual purification for the land. In this eschatological period, God Himself pledges to utterly eradicate the memory and influence of idols, signifying a complete break from past idolatry. Furthermore, He promises to remove both the false prophets and the "unclean spirit" that inspires them, ensuring a thorough cleansing from spiritual deception and malevolent influences, thus paving the way for true worship and divine presence.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Zechariah 13:2 is situated within a significant prophetic block (chapters 12-14) that focuses on the eschatological "day of the LORD" and the ultimate restoration of Israel. Chapter 12 details the future siege of Jerusalem and the nation's mourning over the pierced One. Chapter 13 then transitions to the theme of national purification, beginning with the opening of a fountain for sin and uncleanness in [Zechariah 13:1](/zechariah/13-1 "Zechariah 13:1 - The Fountain for Sin and Uncleanness"). Verse 2 directly follows this promise of cleansing, specifying the removal of idols and false prophecy as key components of this purification. The subsequent verses in chapter 13 describe the rejection of false prophecy by the people themselves and the smiting of the Shepherd, leading to the purification of a remnant, as detailed in [Zechariah 13:7-9](/zechariah/13-7-9 "Zechariah 13:7-9 - The Smiting of the Shepherd and the Purified Remnant"). This immediate context highlights a divinely initiated, radical cleansing that prepares the nation for God's full redemptive purposes.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The post-exilic period, in which Zechariah prophesied, was marked by the return of a remnant to Judah and the rebuilding of the temple. While the overt idolatry that plagued pre-exilic Israel had largely diminished, the people still grappled with spiritual lethargy, social injustice, and the subtle influences of pagan practices and false religious leaders. The memory of past national sins, particularly the worship of foreign gods and the proliferation of false prophets who led the nation astray (e.g., during the time of Jeremiah and Ezekiel), loomed large. Culturally, idols were tangible representations of deities, often associated with fertility rites, political alliances, or personal protection. False prophets, on the other hand, claimed divine inspiration but spoke from their own imaginations or demonic influence, often prophesying peace when there was no peace, or encouraging practices contrary to God's law. Zechariah's prophecy speaks to a deep-seated need for a spiritual purge that would address both the external symbols of apostasy and the internal sources of deception, ensuring a pure covenant relationship with Yahweh.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within Zechariah and broader biblical theology. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Divine Sovereignty and Initiative** in purification; God Himself declares, "I will cut off" and "I will cause... to pass out," emphasizing that this profound cleansing is His work, not merely human effort. Secondly, it highlights the **Eradication of Idolatry and False Worship**, a recurring theme throughout the Old Testament, from the commands against other gods in [Exodus 20:3](/exodus/20-3 "Exodus 20:3 - No Other Gods Before Me") to the condemnation of idolaters in the prophets. The promise that idol names "shall no more be remembered" signifies a complete and lasting spiritual deliverance from the grip of false religion. Thirdly, the verse addresses the **Suppression of False Prophecy and Demonic Influence**, indicating God's commitment to protecting His people from spiritual deception. This aligns with the biblical emphasis on discerning spirits and testing prophets, as seen in [Deuteronomy 13:1-5](/deuteronomy/13-1-5 "Deuteronomy 13:1-5 - Testing False Prophets") and later in the New Testament's call to [test the spirits](/1_john/4-1 "1 John 4:1 - Test the Spirits"). Ultimately, the verse points to a future of **Holiness and True Worship**, where the land and its people are fully consecrated to the LORD, free from the defilement of sin and error.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **cut off (Hebrew, _kârath'_):** This primitive root means "to cut (off, down or asunder)." It implies destruction or consumption. Significantly, it is also used to mean "to covenant," referring to the ancient practice of cutting flesh and passing between pieces to ratify an agreement. In Zechariah 13:2, its use signifies a decisive, permanent, and often violent severance. God is not merely reducing the presence of idols; He is utterly severing their existence and influence, akin to a surgical removal or a complete destruction.
* **remembered (Hebrew, _zâkar'_):** Derived from a root meaning "to mark (so as to be recognized)," this word denotes remembering, mentioning, or calling to mind. When the text states idols "shall no more be remembered," it goes beyond mere physical removal. It implies a complete erasure from the collective consciousness, memory, and cultural practice. It's a profound spiritual cleansing where the very notion or concept of these false gods ceases to hold any sway or recognition among the people.
* **unclean (Hebrew, _ṭumʼâh'_):** This term refers to religious impurity or defilement, often associated with ritual uncleanness but extending to moral and spiritual filthiness. In the context of "unclean spirit," it denotes a spirit that is inherently defiling, corrupting, and contrary to God's holiness. It highlights the spiritual nature of false prophecy, indicating that it is not merely human error but often originates from a source of spiritual defilement.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And it shall come to pass in that day, saith the LORD of hosts":** This opening phrase sets the stage for a momentous, divinely ordained event. "In that day" is a common prophetic idiom referring to a future, often eschatological, period of decisive divine intervention. "Saith the LORD of hosts" (YHWH Sabaoth) emphasizes God's supreme authority, power, and ability to fulfill this grand prophecy, underscoring His sovereign control over all creation and historical events.
* **"that I will cut off the names of the idols out of the land, and they shall no more be remembered":** This clause declares God's direct and active role in eradicating idolatry. "Cut off the names of the idols" signifies not just the physical removal of idols but the obliteration of their very identity, reputation, and the memory associated with them. The phrase "shall no more be remembered" powerfully conveys a complete and permanent cessation of their influence and worship, indicating a profound spiritual transformation where the nation is entirely purged of its past apostasy.
* **"and also I will cause the prophets and the unclean spirit to pass out of the land":** This second part of God's promise extends the purification to the realm of spiritual deception. "The prophets" here refers to false prophets who misled the people with their lies and false teachings. The "unclean spirit" is the malevolent, defiling spiritual force that inspires such false prophecy, indicating that the problem is not merely human deception but a demonic influence. God pledges to cause both the human agents of deception and their spiritual source to "pass out of the land," ensuring a comprehensive cleansing from all forms of spiritual corruption.

#### Literary Devices
Zechariah 13:2 employs several powerful literary devices to convey its message of divine purification. The phrase "**in that day**" functions as a **Prophetic Marker**, signaling a future, pivotal moment of divine action, often with eschatological implications. The declaration "saith the LORD of hosts" is a **Divine Formula**, emphasizing the absolute authority and certainty of the prophecy, grounding it in the character of the omnipotent God. The statement that idol names "shall no more be remembered" utilizes **Hyperbole** to underscore the completeness and permanence of their eradication; it's not just that they will be gone, but their very memory will be expunged from the national consciousness. Furthermore, the verse exhibits **Parallelism** by linking the removal of "idols" with the removal of "prophets and the unclean spirit." This highlights that both external objects of false worship and internal sources of spiritual deception are equally targeted by God's cleansing work, demonstrating His comprehensive approach to purification.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Zechariah 13:2 profoundly illustrates God's unyielding commitment to holiness and His active role in purifying His people. It reveals that true spiritual restoration involves a radical removal of anything that competes with His exclusive worship, whether tangible idols or intangible spiritual deception. This divine initiative underscores God's covenant faithfulness, as He acts to bring His people back into a state of purity and singular devotion, fulfilling His promise to be their God and they His people. The prophecy points to a future where the spiritual landscape is utterly transformed, free from the defilement that historically plagued Israel.

* [Deuteronomy 13:1-5](/deuteronomy/13-1-5 "Deuteronomy 13:1-5 - Warning Against False Prophets")
* [Ezekiel 36:25-27](/ezekiel/36-25-27 "Ezekiel 36:25-27 - God's Promise of Cleansing and a New Heart")
* [Revelation 18:21-24](/revelation/18-21-24 "Revelation 18:21-24 - The Fall of Babylon and Eradication of Evil")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Zechariah 13:2 offers profound hope and a powerful challenge for believers today. It reminds us that God is actively at work, not only in the grand sweep of redemptive history but also in our personal lives, to purify and sanctify. Just as ancient Israel struggled with overt idolatry and the subtle influences of false prophets, so too do we face modern "idols"—anything that takes God's rightful place in our hearts, be it wealth, status, comfort, or even good causes pursued apart from Him. We also contend with various forms of "unclean spirits" and false teachings that seek to distort truth and lead us astray. This verse calls us to a radical commitment to spiritual purity, urging us to cooperate with God's cleansing work by identifying and repenting of our own idols and by diligently discerning truth from error. It assures us that God desires our complete freedom from spiritual bondage and deception, promising a future where His presence is unhindered by sin and falsehood. This hope should motivate us to pursue holiness and to stand firm against all forms of spiritual compromise, trusting in God's power to cleanse and restore.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "idols" (tangible or intangible) might be competing for God's rightful place in my heart or life today?**
* **How can I become more discerning of false teachings or "unclean spirits" that might seek to influence my beliefs or actions?**
* **In what ways does God's promise to "cut off" and "cause to pass out" encourage me about His power to cleanse and transform?**
* **How does the vision of a land free from idols and false prophets inspire me to pursue greater holiness in my own life and community?**

### FAQ

**What does "in that day" signify in this prophecy?**

Answer: "In that day" is a common prophetic idiom used throughout the Old Testament, particularly in the prophets, to refer to a future, decisive period of divine intervention. It often points to an eschatological time when God will act powerfully to judge evil, fulfill His promises, and establish His kingdom. In Zechariah, it frequently refers to the Messianic era or the end times, when God will bring about ultimate salvation and purification for His people, as seen in passages like [Zechariah 14:9](/zechariah/14-9 "Zechariah 14:9 - The LORD will be King over all the earth").

**How does God "cut off the names of the idols" and ensure they "shall no more be remembered"?**

Answer: This phrase signifies a complete and utter eradication of idolatry, going beyond mere physical destruction of statues. To "cut off the names" means to obliterate their identity, reputation, and the very memory associated with them. It implies a profound spiritual cleansing where the concept or influence of these false gods is entirely removed from the national consciousness and practice. This is a divine act, ensuring that the people will no longer be tempted or influenced by the worship of other deities, reflecting God's desire for exclusive devotion, as commanded in [Exodus 20:3](/exodus/20-3 "Exodus 20:3 - No Other Gods Before Me").

**What is the "unclean spirit" mentioned in Zechariah 13:2?**

Answer: The "unclean spirit" (Hebrew: *ruach tum'ah*) refers to a spirit of impurity or defilement, often associated with malevolent spiritual influences or demonic forces. In this context, it is the spiritual source that inspires false prophets and leads people into spiritual deception and moral corruption. It highlights that false prophecy is not merely human error but can originate from a supernatural, defiling power. God's promise to remove this spirit alongside the false prophets signifies a comprehensive cleansing from both the human agents and the spiritual forces of evil, ensuring a pure environment for true worship and divine revelation, echoing the New Testament's call to [test the spirits](/1_john/4-1 "1 John 4:1 - Test the Spirits").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Zechariah 13:2 finds its ultimate fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. While the Old Testament prophets looked forward to a "day" when God would cleanse His people, Christ's first advent inaugurated this era of radical purification. He, as the true Shepherd (foreshadowed in [Zechariah 13:7](/zechariah/13-7 "Zechariah 13:7 - The Smiting of the Shepherd")), came to deal decisively with sin and its spiritual consequences. Through His sacrificial death on the cross, Jesus became the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), providing the ultimate cleansing for all uncleanness, as symbolized by the fountain opened for sin and impurity in [Zechariah 13:1](/zechariah/13-1 "Zechariah 13:1 - The Fountain for Sin and Uncleanness"). Furthermore, Christ's ministry was characterized by His authority over "unclean spirits," casting out demons and silencing their lies, demonstrating His power to cause such forces to "pass out of the land" (e.g., [Mark 1:27](/mark/1-27 "Mark 1:27 - Jesus' Authority Over Unclean Spirits")). He is the embodiment of truth, exposing and overcoming all false prophecy and deception, establishing a new covenant where the Holy Spirit guides believers into all truth ([John 16:13](/john/16-13 "John 16:13 - The Spirit of Truth")). The complete eradication of idols and false spirits, though partially realized in Christ's first coming, awaits its final consummation at His glorious return, when all forms of evil and deception will be utterly abolished, and God's kingdom will be established in perfect purity ([Revelation 21:27](/revelation/21-27 "Revelation 21:27 - Nothing Unclean Shall Enter")).

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

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.