Zechariah 3:4

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

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}.

Complete Jewish Bible

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."

Berean Standard Bible

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.”

American Standard Version

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.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Zechariah 3:4 presents a pivotal moment in a divine courtroom vision, where Joshua the High Priest, initially clothed in "filthy garments" symbolizing the sin and guilt of Israel, experiences a profound act of divine grace. The Angel of the Lord commands the removal of these defiled robes, declaring God's sovereign act of causing Joshua's iniquity to pass away, and immediately clothes him with "change of raiment," signifying complete cleansing, forgiveness, and restoration to a state of purity and fitness for priestly service. This verse powerfully illustrates God's unmerited favor in purifying His people and reinstating them to their intended purpose.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Zechariah 3:4 is central to the second of Zechariah's eight nocturnal visions, which span chapters [Zechariah 1-6](/zechariah/1-6 "Zechariah's Eight Night Visions"). This particular vision (Zechariah 3) focuses on Joshua the High Priest, a contemporary of Zerubbabel and a key leader in the post-exilic community. The vision opens with Joshua standing before the Angel of the Lord, with Satan standing at his right hand to accuse him ([Zechariah 3:1](/zechariah/3-1 "Zechariah 3:1 - Satan Accuses Joshua")). The Lord rebukes Satan, asserting His choice of Jerusalem ([Zechariah 3:2](/zechariah/3-2 "Zechariah 3:2 - The Lord Rebukes Satan")). Critically, [Zechariah 3:3](/zechariah/3-3 "Zechariah 3:3 - Joshua's Filthy Garments") reveals Joshua's condition: he is clothed in "filthy garments," which sets the stage for the divine intervention described in verse 4. The subsequent verses in [Zechariah 3](/zechariah/3 "Zechariah 3 - Cleansing and Commissioning of Joshua") detail Joshua's re-commissioning and the prophetic declaration of the Branch. This vision serves as a powerful assurance of God's commitment to cleanse and restore His people, enabling them to fulfill their covenantal role.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The visions of Zechariah occurred during the post-exilic period, specifically around 520-518 BC, when the Jewish exiles had returned from Babylon and were attempting to rebuild the Temple in Jerusalem. This was a challenging time marked by discouragement, opposition, and spiritual apathy. The High Priest, Joshua, represented the entire nation of Israel, and his spiritual condition was intrinsically linked to the nation's standing before God. In ancient Israel, the High Priest held a crucial role as mediator between God and the people, and his ritual purity, symbolized by his garments, was paramount for performing sacred duties. The "filthy garments" would have signified not just personal sin but the collective defilement and guilt accumulated during the exile and the subsequent struggles. The divine act of cleansing and re-clothing was therefore a profound statement of God's restoration of the nation's spiritual integrity and its ability to resume its covenant relationship and temple worship.
* **Key Themes:** Zechariah 3:4 powerfully articulates several crucial themes. Foremost is **Divine Cleansing and Forgiveness**, emphasizing that the removal of sin is entirely God's initiative and a sovereign act of grace, not earned by human merit. This aligns with themes seen in passages like [Psalm 32:1-2](/psalm/32-1-2 "Psalm 32:1-2 - Blessed is the One Whose Transgression is Forgiven"). Another significant theme is the **Symbolism of Garments**, where the "filthy garments" represent sin, defilement, and unworthiness, while the "change of raiment" signifies purification, righteousness, and restoration to honor. This imagery finds resonance in prophetic texts like [Isaiah 61:10](/isaiah/61-10 "Isaiah 61:10 - Garments of Salvation and Robes of Righteousness"), which speaks of being clothed with garments of salvation. Finally, the verse highlights **Restoration and Reinstatement**, as Joshua's re-clothing not only signifies forgiveness but also his full reinstatement to his priestly office, making him fit to serve God once more. This points to God's desire to restore His people to their proper function and relationship with Him, a theme central to the post-exilic prophetic message.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **filthy (Hebrew, _tsôwʼ'_ H6674):** From an unused root meaning to issue, this word describes something soiled, as if excrementitious. In the context of garments, it conveys a strong sense of defilement, impurity, and unsuitability for sacred use. It emphasizes the utterly unacceptable state of Joshua's spiritual condition before a holy God.
* **iniquity (Hebrew, _ʻâvôn'_ H5771):** This term refers to perversity, moral evil, fault, or sin, and often encompasses the guilt, punishment, or consequences associated with it. When God declares, "I have caused thine iniquity to pass from thee," it signifies a complete removal of the moral evil, the guilt, and the associated penalty, highlighting a comprehensive act of divine pardon.
* **change of raiment (Hebrew, _machălâtsâh'_ H4254):** Derived from a root meaning "to draw off," this word refers to a mantle or a changeable suit of apparel, often splendid or festal robes. It implies garments suitable for joyous occasions, high office, or honor. The contrast with "filthy garments" is stark, signifying a complete transformation from defilement to dignity, from unworthiness to a state of honor and fitness for service.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And he answered and spake unto those that stood before him, saying, Take away the filthy garments from him."**: This opening clause establishes the divine authority and initiative. "He" refers to the Angel of the Lord, who is speaking to other angelic beings or attendants. The command "Take away the filthy garments" is an immediate and decisive action, demonstrating God's sovereign power to remove the visible symbols of sin and defilement. It underscores that Joshua's cleansing is not a result of his own effort but a direct divine intervention.
* **"And unto him he said, Behold, I have caused thine iniquity to pass from thee,"**: Following the command to remove the garments, the Angel of the Lord directly addresses Joshua. The emphatic "Behold" draws attention to the profound declaration that follows. The phrase "I have caused thine iniquity to pass from thee" is a powerful statement of divine forgiveness and absolution. The Hebrew word for "pass" (H5674, `ʻâbar`) implies a complete removal or transition, signifying that the guilt and consequences of sin are entirely lifted and transferred away from Joshua. This is the core theological declaration of the verse.
* **"and I will clothe thee with change of raiment."**: This final clause completes the act of restoration. After the removal of sin, God promises to provide new, clean, and honorable garments. This is not merely a symbolic gesture but a declaration of a new status and identity. The "change of raiment" signifies purification, righteousness, and reinstatement to a place of honor and active service. It represents God's gracious provision of a new spiritual standing, enabling Joshua to fulfill his priestly duties without the hindrance of past defilement.

#### Literary Devices
Zechariah 3:4 is rich in **Symbolism**, primarily through the contrasting imagery of garments. The "filthy garments" vividly symbolize sin, guilt, and defilement, representing the spiritual state of Joshua and, by extension, the nation of Israel. Conversely, the "change of raiment" symbolizes divine cleansing, imputed righteousness, and restoration to purity and honor. The entire scene is framed as a **Courtroom Metaphor**, with Joshua as the accused, Satan as the accuser, and the Angel of the Lord as the judge and advocate. This legal setting underscores the seriousness of sin and the authority of God's declaration of pardon. The dialogue also employs **Direct Speech**, giving immediacy and force to the divine pronouncements. The phrase "Behold, I have caused thine iniquity to pass from thee" is an example of **Divine Fiat**, where God's spoken word directly brings about the reality it declares, emphasizing His absolute sovereignty and power in salvation.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Zechariah 3:4 is a profound theological statement on God's sovereign grace and initiative in salvation. It teaches that human beings, represented by Joshua in his "filthy garments," are inherently defiled by sin and incapable of cleansing themselves. True purification and forgiveness come solely from God's gracious declaration and action. The removal of the filthy garments and the bestowal of new raiment illustrate the concept of imputed righteousness, where God, through His own will, removes the guilt of sin and clothes the repentant with a righteousness that is not their own. This act not only pardons but also restores to a state of honor and fitness for service, highlighting God's desire for fellowship and purpose for His people. It foreshadows the ultimate provision for sin through a divine substitute.

* [Isaiah 61:10](/isaiah/61-10 "Isaiah 61:10 - Garments of Salvation and Robes of Righteousness")
* [Romans 3:21-26](/romans/3-21-26 "Romans 3:21-26 - Righteousness Through Faith")
* [2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ Our Righteousness")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Zechariah 3:4 offers immense comfort and a powerful reminder of the nature of God's grace for believers today. Just as Joshua stood accused and defiled, every person stands before a holy God with the "filthy garments" of their own sin and failures. This verse assures us that our cleansing and acceptance are not dependent on our ability to purify ourselves, but entirely on God's gracious and sovereign act. It invites us to humbly acknowledge our spiritual defilement and to receive the divine declaration of forgiveness. When God says, "I have caused thine iniquity to pass from thee," it means our guilt is truly removed, and we are clothed with a righteousness that enables us to stand confidently in His presence and serve Him with renewed purpose. This truth liberates us from the burden of past sins and empowers us to live in the freedom of our new identity in Christ, serving Him not out of obligation, but out of gratitude for His profound mercy and restoration.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life do you feel the weight of "filthy garments" (sin or guilt) that you need to surrender to God's cleansing grace?**
* **How does God's initiative in removing iniquity and clothing you with righteousness impact your sense of worth and purpose as a believer?**
* **What does Zechariah 3:4 teach us about the nature of God's grace and forgiveness in contrast to human effort or self-justification?**

### FAQ
**Who is Joshua the High Priest in this vision, and what is his significance?**

Answer: Joshua (or Jeshua) the High Priest was a historical figure, a contemporary of Zerubbabel, who led the Jewish exiles returning from Babylon in the task of rebuilding the Temple in Jerusalem. In Zechariah's vision, he serves as a representative figure for the entire nation of Israel. His defilement symbolizes the collective sin and guilt of the people, and his cleansing and re-clothing signify God's gracious act of purifying and restoring the nation to its covenant relationship and priestly role before Him. Joshua's role also foreshadows the ultimate High Priest, Jesus Christ.

**What do the "filthy garments" symbolize in Zechariah 3:4?**

Answer: The "filthy garments" worn by Joshua symbolize the sin, guilt, and defilement of Joshua himself and, more broadly, the entire nation of Israel whom he represents. In ancient Israel, priests had to be ritually pure and wear clean garments to perform their sacred duties. Joshua's soiled robes signify his and the nation's unworthiness and inability to stand before a holy God due to their moral and spiritual impurity. They represent the accumulated iniquity that makes them unfit for sacred service and deserving of accusation.

**How does this vision of Joshua's cleansing relate to the New Testament concept of righteousness?**

Answer: Zechariah 3:4 provides a powerful Old Testament foreshadowing of the New Testament concept of imputed righteousness. Just as Joshua's filthy garments were removed and he was clothed with new, clean raiment by divine decree, believers in the New Covenant are declared righteous not by their own merit or works, but by God's gracious act. Through faith in Christ, our sins are taken away, and we are clothed with His perfect righteousness ([2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ Our Righteousness")). This divine exchange enables us to stand blameless before God, much like Joshua was made fit for service. It highlights that salvation and justification are entirely God's work, freely given.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Zechariah 3:4 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Joshua, the high priest, stands as a type of Christ, yet his need for cleansing underscores his human limitations. Christ, however, is the true and perfect High Priest, "holy, innocent, unstained, separated from sinners, and exalted above the heavens" ([Hebrews 7:26](/hebrews/7-26 "Hebrews 7:26 - Christ, Our Perfect High Priest")). While Joshua's iniquity was *caused to pass from him* by divine decree, Christ *became* our iniquity, taking our "filthy garments" upon Himself at the cross. He "who knew no sin became sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God" ([2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ Our Righteousness")). The "change of raiment" given to Joshua prefigures the glorious robes of righteousness that Christ bestows upon all who believe in Him. He is the Lamb of God who truly "takes away the sin of the world" ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")), removing our guilt and clothing us with His perfect merit, enabling us to stand before God not merely forgiven, but declared righteous and fit for eternal service in His presence. This divine exchange is the heart of the Gospel, fulfilling the prophetic promise of cleansing and restoration far beyond what Joshua's experience could convey.

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

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.