Zechariah 3:4

And he answered and spake unto those that stood before him, saying, Take away the filthy garments from him. And unto him he said, Behold, I have caused thine iniquity to pass from thee, and I will clothe thee with change of raiment.

And he answered {H6030} and spake {H559} unto those that stood {H5975} before {H6440} him, saying {H559}, Take away {H5493} the filthy {H6674} garments {H899} from him. And unto him he said {H559}, Behold {H7200}, I have caused thine iniquity {H5771} to pass {H5674} from thee, and I will clothe {H3847} thee with change of raiment {H4254}.

who said to those standing in front of him, "Take those filthy garments off of him." Then to him he said, "See, I am taking your guilt away. I will clothe you in fine robes."

So the angel said to those standing before him, “Take off his filthy clothes!” Then he said to Joshua, “See, I have removed your iniquity, and I will clothe you with splendid robes.”

And he answered and spake unto those that stood before him, saying, Take the filthy garments from off him. And unto him he said, Behold, I have caused thine iniquity to pass from thee, and I will clothe thee with rich apparel.

Context

Zechariah 3:4 is part of a prophetic vision given to the prophet Zechariah during the post-exilic period, roughly 520-518 BC. The vision centers on Joshua the High Priest, who stands before the Angel of the Lord, with Satan accusing him. In Zechariah 3:3, Joshua is depicted wearing "filthy garments," symbolizing the sin and guilt of both Joshua himself and the nation of Israel, which he represented. This scene unfolds in a divine courtroom, where the fate of the high priest and, by extension, the spiritual restoration of the returned exiles, is determined.

Key Themes

  • Divine Cleansing and Forgiveness: The verse powerfully illustrates God's initiative in removing sin. It's not Joshua's action, but God's declaration, "I have caused thine iniquity to pass from thee," that brings about purification. This highlights the sovereign and gracious nature of God's forgiveness.
  • Symbolism of Garments: The contrast between the "filthy garments" and the "change of raiment" is central. The filthy garments represent sin, defilement, and unworthiness, while the new, clean garments symbolize purification, righteousness, and restoration to a place of honor and service. This imagery resonates with the concept of being clothed with garments of salvation and robes of righteousness found elsewhere in prophecy.
  • Restoration and Reinstatement: Beyond forgiveness, the act of clothing Joshua with "change of raiment" signifies his full restoration to his priestly office. He is made fit to serve God once more, representing a promise of spiritual renewal for the entire community of Israel.

Linguistic Insights

  • The phrase "filthy garments" translates the Hebrew begadim tso'im (בְּגָדִים צֹאִים), which conveys a strong sense of soiled, defiled, or polluted clothing, unfit for sacred service.
  • "Iniquity" is from the Hebrew word 'avon (עָוֹן), referring not just to sin itself, but often to the guilt, punishment, or consequences associated with it. God's declaration that He has "caused thine iniquity to pass from thee" signifies a complete removal of guilt and its effects.
  • "Change of raiment" comes from machalatsot (מַחֲלָצוֹת), which refers to festal robes or splendid apparel, garments suitable for joyous occasions or high office, emphasizing the complete transformation from defilement to dignity.

Practical Application

Zechariah 3:4 offers profound comfort and insight for believers today. Just as Joshua stood accused with his filthy garments, humanity stands before a holy God with the "filthy garments" of sin. This verse beautifully illustrates God's willingness to forgive and cleanse. Through Christ's atoning sacrifice, our iniquity is removed, and we are clothed with His righteousness, not by our own merit, but by God's gracious declaration. This divine act enables us to serve Him with confidence and purity, just as Joshua was restored to his priestly function. It is a powerful reminder of God's grace and His desire to restore us to fellowship and purpose.

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.

  • Luke 15:22

    But the father said to his servants, Bring forth the best robe, and put [it] on him; and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on [his] feet:

  • Isaiah 61:10

    ¶ I will greatly rejoice in the LORD, my soul shall be joyful in my God; for he hath clothed me with the garments of salvation, he hath covered me with the robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom decketh [himself] with ornaments, and as a bride adorneth [herself] with her jewels.

  • Revelation 7:14

    And I said unto him, Sir, thou knowest. And he said to me, These are they which came out of great tribulation, and have washed their robes, and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.

  • 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.

  • Revelation 19:7

    Let us be glad and rejoice, and give honour to him: for the marriage of the Lamb is come, and his wife hath made herself ready.

  • Revelation 19:8

    And to her was granted that she should be arrayed in fine linen, clean and white: for the fine linen is the righteousness of saints.

  • Isaiah 43:25

    I, [even] I, [am] he that blotteth out thy transgressions for mine own sake, and will not remember thy sins.

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