Zechariah 13:4

KJV

And it shall come to pass in that day, [that] the prophets shall be ashamed every one of his vision, when he hath prophesied; neither shall they wear a rough garment to deceive:

KJV (with Strong's)

And it shall come to pass in that day {H3117}, that the prophets {H5030} shall be ashamed {H954} every one {H376} of his vision {H2384}, when he hath prophesied {H5012}; neither shall they wear {H3847} a rough {H8181} garment {H155} to deceive {H3584}:

Complete Jewish Bible

When that day comes, each one of the prophets will be shamed by his vision when he prophesies. He will stop wearing a hair cloak to deceive people;

Berean Standard Bible

And on that day every prophet who prophesies will be ashamed of his vision, and he will not put on a hairy cloak in order to deceive.

American Standard Version

And it shall come to pass in that day, that the prophets shall be ashamed every one of his vision, when he prophesieth; neither shall they wear a hairy mantle to deceive:

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Zechariah 13:4 is a powerful prophetic declaration concerning the future exposure and disgrace of false prophets in Israel. It foretells a time, part of God's broader purification of His people, when those who have deceived with fabricated visions will be utterly shamed, abandoning their deceptive practices and the symbolic attire used to feign true prophetic authority. This verse underscores God's commitment to truth and the eradication of spiritual falsehood from His midst.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within the highly eschatological and prophetic section of Zechariah, specifically chapters 12-14, often referred to as "The Burden of the Word of the LORD concerning Israel." This segment vividly describes future events surrounding the end times, including the national repentance of Israel, the defeat of hostile nations, and the ultimate establishment of God's kingdom with the Messiah at its center. Zechariah 13 opens with the promise of a "fountain opened for sin and for uncleanness" [Zechariah 13:1](/zechariah/13-1 "Zechariah 13:1 - The Cleansing Fountain"), indicating a profound spiritual purification. The immediate verses preceding Zechariah 13:4 speak of the cutting off of idols and false prophets from the land [Zechariah 13:2](/zechariah/13-2 "Zechariah 13:2 - Eradication of Idols and False Prophets"), and even the rejection of a false prophet by his own parents [Zechariah 13:3](/zechariah/13-3 "Zechariah 13:3 - Parental Rejection of False Prophets"). Thus, Zechariah 13:4 continues this theme of divine cleansing, focusing specifically on the shame and cessation of false prophecy as a necessary step in preparing God's people for His righteous reign.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israel, prophets held a crucial role as divine messengers, speaking "thus says the LORD." However, alongside true prophets, there were always false prophets who claimed divine inspiration but spoke from their own imagination, for personal gain, or under the influence of other spirits. The Old Testament repeatedly warns against such deception (e.g., [Deuteronomy 13:1-5](/deuteronomy/13-1-5 "Deuteronomy 13:1-5 - Warning Against False Prophets") and [Jeremiah 14:14](/jeremiah/14-14 "Jeremiah 14:14 - False Prophecies")). True prophets, like Elijah and Elisha, were often distinguished by their simple, ascetic lifestyle, which sometimes included wearing a "rough garment" or "hairy cloak" as a symbol of their separation and dedication to God. This distinctive attire became associated with prophetic authority. False prophets would mimic this appearance to lend credibility to their deceitful messages, exploiting the people's reverence for genuine prophetic figures. Zechariah 13:4 addresses this specific cultural practice, prophesying an end to such outward masquerade for deceptive purposes.
* **Key Themes:** The overarching theme in this section of Zechariah is **Divine Purification and Restoration**. The exposure and removal of false prophets are integral to God's comprehensive plan to cleanse His people and land, making them fit for His presence and kingdom. This includes the eradication of idolatry and all forms of spiritual deception. Another prominent theme is **Truth vs. Deception**, highlighting God's absolute commitment to truth and His ultimate judgment against all falsehood. The verse also touches on **Authenticity and Authority**, contrasting the genuine authority that comes from God with the fabricated authority assumed by deceivers. The shame prophesied for the false prophets signifies the vindication of God's truth and the establishment of His righteous standards, ensuring that His people will no longer be led astray by those who speak "a vision of their own heart, and not from the mouth of the LORD" [Jeremiah 23:16](/jeremiah/23-16 "Jeremiah 23:16 - False Prophets Speak Their Own Vision").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Prophets (Hebrew, _nâbîyʼ_):** Derived from the root meaning "to prophesy," this term refers to an individual who speaks by divine inspiration. In the context of Zechariah 13:4, it specifically denotes those who claim to be God's spokespersons but are, in fact, false, delivering messages not from the Lord. Their shame signifies the public exposure of their fraudulent claims.
* **Ashamed (Hebrew, _bûwsh_):** This primitive root primarily means "to pale" or "to be ashamed." By implication, it conveys the idea of being disappointed, confounded, or put to confusion. The prophecy indicates a profound public humiliation for the false prophets, where their deceptive practices are revealed, leading to a deep sense of disgrace and regret over their false "visions."
* **Vision (Hebrew, _chizzâyôwn_):** This word refers to a revelation or an expectation, often experienced through a dream. In the prophetic context, it denotes the divine communication or insight that a prophet claims to receive. The verse states that the false prophets will be ashamed of "his vision," implying that the content of their supposed revelations will be proven false, empty, or self-serving, leading to their utter discrediting.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And it shall come to pass in that day,"**: This phrase, common in prophetic literature, points to a specific future time, often referring to the "Day of the Lord" or the eschatological period when God intervenes decisively in human history. Here, it signals the commencement of the divine purification and judgment described in Zechariah 12-14.
* **"that the prophets shall be ashamed every one of his vision, when he hath prophesied;"**: This clause prophesies the public disgrace of those who falsely claimed to speak for God. Their "vision" – the content of their false prophecies – will be exposed as fraudulent, leading to profound personal and public shame. The phrase "when he hath prophesied" underscores that their shame will be directly linked to the very acts of deception they committed.
* **"neither shall they wear a rough garment to deceive:"**: This part specifies a key aspect of their deception and its cessation. The "rough garment" (Hebrew: _'addereth sa'ar_, a mantle of hair) was the characteristic attire of true prophets (e.g., Elijah, John the Baptist), symbolizing their austere lifestyle and divine calling. False prophets adopted this attire to mimic authenticity and gain credibility. The prophecy states that in "that day," this deceptive practice will cease, as the shame of their exposure will prevent them from continuing their charade.

#### Literary Devices
Zechariah 13:4 effectively employs several literary devices to convey its powerful message. **Symbolism** is prominent, particularly with the "rough garment." This piece of clothing, historically associated with genuine prophets like Elijah, serves as a powerful symbol of prophetic authority and authenticity. The verse prophesies that this symbol will no longer be used as a tool for **Deception**, highlighting the end of a long-standing masquerade. There is an element of **Irony** in the fact that those who sought to gain honor and influence through false prophecy will ultimately be consumed by shame, and their very "visions" will be the source of their disgrace. The entire verse functions as **Prophecy**, a divine foretelling of future events, specifically God's decisive action to purify His people by exposing and silencing spiritual falsehood.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Zechariah 13:4 stands as a profound testament to God's unwavering commitment to truth and His ultimate judgment against all forms of spiritual deception. It reveals that the purification of His people involves not only cleansing from sin and idolatry but also the eradication of false teaching and fraudulent spiritual leadership. This divine act ensures that God's people are no longer led astray by voices that do not originate from Him, preparing them for a genuine relationship and worship. The shame prophesied for the false prophets underscores the severity with which God views those who misuse His name for their own ends, affirming that divine justice will always prevail and truth will ultimately be vindicated. This cleansing is essential for the establishment of God's righteous kingdom, where only His authentic voice will be heard and honored.

* [Deuteronomy 18:20-22](/deuteronomy/18-20-22 "Deuteronomy 18:20-22 - Testing a Prophet")
* [Jeremiah 23:30-32](/jeremiah/23-30-32 "Jeremiah 23:30-32 - God's Judgment on False Prophets")
* [Matthew 7:15-20](/matthew/7-15-20 "Matthew 7:15-20 - Recognizing False Prophets by Their Fruits")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Zechariah 13:4 offers timeless principles for believers navigating the spiritual landscape today. In an age saturated with diverse voices and claims of spiritual insight, the prophecy serves as a critical reminder of the pervasive nature of spiritual deception and the imperative for discernment. Just as false prophets in Zechariah's time mimicked true ones, contemporary deceptions often come clothed in appealing forms, making it crucial to look beyond outward appearances, charismatic personalities, or popular appeal. We are called to diligently test every spirit and every message against the unchanging standard of God's revealed Word, the Bible. This verse instills confidence that God is ultimately sovereign over all truth and falsehood, and He will indeed expose and shame all forms of spiritual fraud. This should motivate us to cling steadfastly to biblical truth, cultivate a spirit of discernment, and pray for wisdom to recognize and reject anything that deviates from Christ and His Gospel.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the shame of the false prophets in Zechariah 13:4 encourage you regarding God's justice and truth?**
* **What "rough garments" or deceptive appearances might false teachers or spiritual deceptions wear in our modern context?**
* **What practical steps can you take to cultivate greater discernment in your own life and in your community?**
* **How does this verse reinforce the importance of grounding your faith firmly in the clear teaching of Scripture?**

### FAQ

**What is the significance of the "rough garment" mentioned in this verse?**

Answer: The "rough garment" (Hebrew: _'addereth sa'ar_, literally "mantle of hair" or "hairy cloak") was a distinctive attire worn by genuine prophets in ancient Israel, notably Elijah [2_kings/1-8](/2_kings/1-8 "2 Kings 1:8 - Elijah's Hairy Garment") and later John the Baptist [Matthew/3-4](/matthew/3-4 "Matthew 3:4 - John the Baptist's Clothing"). It symbolized their ascetic lifestyle, separation unto God, and prophetic authority. False prophets, seeking to deceive the people and gain credibility, would adopt this same attire to mimic the appearance of true prophets. Zechariah 13:4 prophesies that in "that day," this deceptive practice will cease, as the shame of their exposed falsehood will prevent them from continuing their charade.

**How can we identify false prophets or teachers today, based on the principles in this verse?**

Answer: While the specific "rough garment" is no longer relevant, the underlying principle of deception through outward appearance or false claims remains. We can identify false teachers by examining their "fruit" [Matthew/7-15-20](/matthew/7-15-20 "Matthew 7:15-20 - Recognizing False Prophets by Their Fruits"), meaning their character, their lifestyle, and most importantly, the content of their message. True teaching will always align with the entirety of God's revealed Word, the Bible. False teaching often deviates from core biblical doctrines, promotes self-gain, leads people away from Christ, or fails to produce genuine spiritual transformation. We are exhorted to "test the spirits whether they are of God" [1_john/4-1](/1_john/4-1 "1 John 4:1 - Test the Spirits") by comparing what is taught to what is written in Scripture.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Zechariah 13:4, with its prophecy of the exposure and shame of false prophets, finds its ultimate fulfillment and deeper meaning in the person and work of Jesus Christ. He is the true Prophet, the very Word of God incarnate, who perfectly revealed the Father's will and spoke only truth [John/1-18](/john/1-18 "John 1:18 - No One Has Seen God"). His coming initiated the decisive "day" of God's intervention, bringing light to expose darkness and truth to dispel deception. Jesus Himself warned His disciples about false prophets who would come in sheep's clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves [Matthew/7-15](/matthew/7-15 "Matthew 7:15 - Warning Against False Prophets"). His ministry was characterized by confronting and silencing the religious hypocrisy and false teachings of His day, effectively shaming those who claimed spiritual authority but led the people astray. Through His atoning work on the cross, Christ provides the ultimate "fountain opened for sin and for uncleanness" [Zechariah/13-1](/zechariah/13-1 "Zechariah 13:1 - The Cleansing Fountain"), purifying His people from all defilement, including the spiritual pollution caused by false prophecy. Ultimately, the New Testament church is built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus Himself as the chief cornerstone [Ephesians/2-20](/ephesians/2-20 "Ephesians 2:20 - Christ, the Chief Cornerstone"), ensuring that the true prophetic voice, centered on Him, will prevail until His glorious return, when all hidden things will be brought to light [1_corinthians/4-5](/1_corinthians/4-5 "1 Corinthians 4:5 - God Will Bring to Light Hidden Things").

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

Micah 3:6

Therefore night [shall be] unto you, that ye shall not have a vision; and it shall be dark unto you, that ye shall not divine; and the sun shall go down over the prophets, and the day shall be dark over them.

Micah 3:7

Then shall the seers be ashamed, and the diviners confounded: yea, they shall all cover their lips; for [there is] no answer of God.

Matthew 3:4

And the same John had his raiment of camel's hair, and a leathern girdle about his loins; and his meat was locusts and wild honey.

Isaiah 20:2

At the same time spake the LORD by Isaiah the son of Amoz, saying, Go and loose the sackcloth from off thy loins, and put off thy shoe from thy foot. And he did so, walking naked and barefoot.

2 Kings 1:8

And they answered him, [He was] an hairy man, and girt with a girdle of leather about his loins. And he said, It [is] Elijah the Tishbite.

Revelation 11:3

¶ And I will give [power] unto my two witnesses, and they shall prophesy a thousand two hundred [and] threescore days, clothed in sackcloth.

Mark 1:6

And John was clothed with camel's hair, and with a girdle of a skin about his loins; and he did eat locusts and wild honey;