Zechariah 3:9

KJV

For behold the stone that I have laid before Joshua; upon one stone [shall be] seven eyes: behold, I will engrave the graving thereof, saith the LORD of hosts, and I will remove the iniquity of that land in one day.

KJV (with Strong's)

For behold the stone {H68} that I have laid {H5414} before {H6440} Joshua {H3091}; upon one {H259} stone {H68} shall be seven {H7651} eyes {H5869}: behold, I will engrave {H6605} the graving {H6603} thereof, saith {H5002} the LORD {H3068} of hosts {H6635}, and I will remove {H4185} the iniquity {H5771} of that land {H776} in one {H259} day {H3117}.

Complete Jewish Bible

For look at the stone I have put in front of Y'hoshua: on one stone are seven eyes; I will engrave what is to be written on it,' says ADONAI-Tzva'ot; 'and I will remove the guilt of this land in one day.

Berean Standard Bible

See the stone I have set before Joshua; on that one stone are seven eyes. Behold, I will engrave on it an inscription, declares the LORD of Hosts, and I will remove the iniquity of this land in a single day.

American Standard Version

For, behold, the stone that I have set before Joshua; upon one stone are seven eyes: behold, I will engrave the graving thereof, saith Jehovah of hosts, and I will remove the iniquity of that land in one day.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Zechariah 3:9 unveils a profound prophetic vision centered on a mysterious "stone" laid before Joshua the High Priest, symbolizing a foundational element of God's redemptive plan. This stone, marked by "seven eyes" and divinely engraved, signifies God's perfect omniscience and deliberate action in bringing about a singular, decisive event that will completely remove the iniquity of the land. The verse powerfully foreshadows the coming Messiah and His atoning work, establishing a new era of spiritual cleansing and restoration for God's people.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Zechariah 3:9 immediately follows the dramatic vision of Joshua the High Priest standing before the Angel of the LORD, accused by Satan. In the preceding verses [Zechariah 3:1-5](/zechariah/3-1-5 "Zechariah 3:1-5 - Vision of Joshua the High Priest"), God intervenes decisively, rebuking Satan and commanding that Joshua's "filthy garments" be removed and replaced with "pure vestments" and a clean turban, symbolizing his cleansing and restoration to priestly office. This act of divine purification sets the stage for verse 9, which then introduces a "stone" as the means by which a broader, more profound removal of iniquity will occur, extending beyond Joshua's personal cleansing to the entire land. The vision then transitions in [Zechariah 4](/zechariah/4 "Zechariah 4 - The Golden Lampstand and Two Olive Trees") to Zerubbabel and the rebuilding of the Temple, suggesting a connection between the "stone" and the physical and spiritual restoration of Israel.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Zechariah prophesied during the early post-exilic period (c. 520-518 BC), alongside Haggai. The Jewish exiles had returned from Babylon to a desolate Jerusalem, facing immense challenges in rebuilding the Temple and their national life. Morale was low, and spiritual apathy was prevalent. The people struggled with their identity and purpose, often questioning God's faithfulness given their circumstances. In this context, Zechariah's visions served to encourage the community, assure them of God's continued presence and covenant faithfulness, and provide hope for a future messianic deliverance and restoration. The imagery of a "stone" and the removal of "iniquity" would have resonated deeply with a people burdened by the consequences of their past sins and longing for divine intervention to restore their land and their relationship with God.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several major themes in Zechariah and the broader prophetic literature. Firstly, it highlights the theme of **Divine Sovereignty and Initiative**, emphasizing that God Himself lays the stone and performs the engraving and the removal of iniquity, underscoring His active role in salvation. Secondly, it introduces a crucial **Messianic Theme**, with the "stone" widely interpreted as a prophetic reference to the coming Messiah, who would be the foundation of God's redemptive work, echoing themes found in [Isaiah 28:16](/isaiah/28-16 "Isaiah 28:16 - The Precious Cornerstone") and [Psalm 118:22](/psalm/118-22 "Psalm 118:22 - The Stone the Builders Rejected"). Thirdly, the promise to "remove the iniquity of that land in one day" points to the theme of **Atonement and Radical Cleansing**, signifying a complete and decisive act of purification from sin, which is central to God's covenant promises and finds its ultimate fulfillment in the New Testament, as seen in [Hebrews 9:26](/hebrews/9-26 "Hebrews 9:26 - Christ's Sacrifice to Put Away Sin").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Stone (Hebrew, _ʼeben'_):** This word (H68) refers to a literal stone, but in prophetic contexts, it often carries significant symbolic weight, representing a foundation, a test, or a person. Here, "the stone that I have laid" points to a divinely appointed and foundational entity, crucial to God's plan. Its placement "before Joshua" suggests its relevance to the priestly and redemptive work.
* **Eyes (Hebrew, _ʻayin'_):** The word (H5869) literally means "eye" but can also refer to a fountain or outward appearance. In the context of "seven eyes," it symbolizes perfect vision, complete knowledge, and divine omniscience. The number seven (H7651, _shebaʻ_) consistently denotes completeness and perfection in biblical numerology, indicating God's full and comprehensive oversight of this stone and its purpose.
* **Remove (Hebrew, _mûwsh'_):** This primitive root (H4185) means "to withdraw," "to depart," or "to take away." The active voice "I will remove" emphasizes God's direct and decisive action. Coupled with "iniquity" (H5771, _ʻâvôn'_), which signifies perversity, moral evil, or sin, it promises a complete and thorough eradication of the guilt and power of sin, not merely a covering or temporary pardon.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"For behold the stone that I have laid before Joshua":** This clause introduces the central image of the prophecy: a divinely chosen and placed "stone." The phrase "I have laid" emphasizes God's sovereign initiative and deliberate action. Its placement "before Joshua" links this foundational element directly to the high priestly office and the ongoing work of atonement and intercession, suggesting a connection to the spiritual restoration of Israel.
* **"upon one stone [shall be] seven eyes":** This highly symbolic phrase describes the stone as having "seven eyes." "One stone" (H259, _ʼechâd'_) underscores its singularity and uniqueness. The "seven eyes" represent God's perfect and complete knowledge, wisdom, and omnipresent watchfulness. It signifies that this stone and its purpose are under the full, discerning gaze of the Almighty, ensuring its perfect execution and fulfillment.
* **"behold, I will engrave the graving thereof, saith the LORD of hosts":** This declaration further emphasizes God's direct involvement. "Engrave the graving" (from H6605, _pâthach'_ and H6603, _pittûwach'_) implies meticulous design, divine purpose, and irreversible commitment. It suggests that the stone's ultimate function and identity are divinely inscribed, unalterable, and perfectly aligned with God's will. The authoritative declaration "saith the LORD of hosts" (H5002, _nᵉʼum'_ and H3068, _Yᵉhôvâh_ H6635, _tsâbâʼ'_) underscores the absolute certainty and power behind this divine promise.
* **"and I will remove the iniquity of that land in one day.":** This climactic promise reveals the ultimate purpose of the stone and God's work upon it. The "removal of iniquity" (H5771, _ʻâvôn'_) signifies a complete and decisive cleansing from sin, not just for individuals but for the entire "land" (H776, _ʼerets'_), representing the nation and its spiritual condition. The phrase "in one day" (H259, _ʼechâd'_ H3117, _yôwm'_) is crucial, pointing to a singular, monumental, and effective event that accomplishes this profound atonement, signifying the completeness and finality of God's redemptive act.

#### Literary Devices
Zechariah 3:9 is rich in **Symbolism**, with the "stone" being the most prominent example, representing a foundational element of God's redemptive plan, ultimately pointing to the Messiah. The "seven eyes" are also highly symbolic, embodying God's **Omniscience** and perfect oversight, often interpreted as the fullness of the Holy Spirit. The phrase "engrave the graving thereof" utilizes **Repetition** (a form of polyptoton) to emphasize the precision, intentionality, and divine craftsmanship involved in God's work on this stone, highlighting His unchangeable purpose. The concluding promise, "I will remove the iniquity of that land in one day," serves as a powerful **Prophetic Declaration**, delivering a future promise with divine authority and emphasizing the decisive and complete nature of God's redemptive act. The use of "behold" twice at the beginning of clauses acts as an **Interjection** or **Exclamatory Particle**, drawing the reader's immediate attention to the profound significance of the vision.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Zechariah 3:9 stands as a pivotal Old Testament prophecy, deeply embedded in the grand narrative of God's redemptive plan. The "stone" functions as a significant theological symbol, representing divine provision for salvation and restoration. Its connection to God's omniscience through the "seven eyes" underscores that this redemptive work is not arbitrary but perfectly conceived and executed by an all-knowing God. The ultimate promise of removing "iniquity... in one day" points directly to the core of biblical theology: atonement. This verse anticipates a singular, decisive event that would accomplish complete and final purification from sin, a concept foundational to both the Old Covenant sacrificial system and its ultimate fulfillment in the New Covenant. It highlights God's unwavering commitment to cleanse His people and restore them to a right relationship with Him, demonstrating His justice and His boundless mercy.

* [Isaiah 28:16](/isaiah/28-16 "Isaiah 28:16 - The Precious Cornerstone")
* [Psalm 118:22](/psalm/118-22 "Psalm 118:22 - The Stone the Builders Rejected")
* [Revelation 5:6](/revelation/5-6 "Revelation 5:6 - The Lamb with Seven Eyes")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Zechariah 3:9 offers profound hope and assurance to believers today. It reminds us that God has a sovereign, meticulously planned, and perfectly executed strategy for dealing with the pervasive problem of sin. The "stone" points to a divine provision that is utterly reliable and foundational. For us, this means that our cleansing and reconciliation with God are not dependent on our own imperfect efforts or rituals, but on God's decisive act. The promise of iniquity being removed "in one day" should fill us with immense gratitude and peace, knowing that the work of atonement is complete and effective. This verse calls us to trust in God's perfect wisdom and power, to rest in the finished work of salvation, and to live in light of the complete forgiveness and cleansing He has provided. It encourages us to look to Christ, the true "stone," as the source of our hope, purification, and ultimate restoration.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the imagery of God laying and engraving the "stone" strengthen your trust in His sovereign plan for your life and for the world?**
* **What does the promise of "seven eyes" on the stone reveal about God's character, and how does this affect your understanding of His oversight in your circumstances?**
* **Considering the promise to "remove the iniquity of that land in one day," how does this verse deepen your appreciation for the decisive and complete nature of God's atonement for sin?**

### FAQ
**What is the "stone" mentioned in Zechariah 3:9?**

Answer: The "stone" in Zechariah 3:9 is a rich prophetic symbol, widely understood to refer to the Messiah, Jesus Christ. While it may have had a partial, immediate fulfillment in Zerubbabel's role in laying the foundation of the second Temple [Zechariah 4:7-10](/zechariah/4-7-10 "Zechariah 4:7-10 - Zerubbabel and the Temple Foundation"), its ultimate and complete meaning points to Christ. He is the foundational cornerstone upon whom God builds His spiritual temple, the Church [Ephesians 2:20](/ephesians/2-20 "Ephesians 2:20 - Christ the Chief Cornerstone"), and the one through whom God's ultimate plan of salvation is enacted. This stone is divinely "laid," signifying its origin and purpose are from God Himself.

**What do the "seven eyes" on the stone represent?**

Answer: The "seven eyes" on the "one stone" symbolize God's perfect and complete omniscience, wisdom, and active oversight. The number seven in biblical numerology often signifies completeness or perfection. In later prophetic literature, particularly in [Revelation 5:6](/revelation/5-6 "Revelation 5:6 - The Lamb with Seven Eyes"), these "seven eyes" are explicitly identified with "the seven Spirits of God sent out into all the earth." This connection suggests that the "seven eyes" represent the fullness and perfection of the Holy Spirit, through whom God exercises His divine knowledge and power to accomplish His redemptive purposes concerning the Messiah. It assures us that God's plan for this stone is executed with absolute divine awareness and perfect insight.

**How can iniquity be removed "in one day"?**

Answer: The promise to "remove the iniquity of that land in one day" points to a singular, decisive, and complete act of atonement. This is a powerful prophetic foreshadowing of the work of Jesus Christ on the cross. On that "one day," through His sacrificial death, Jesus bore the sins of humanity, satisfying divine justice and making full and complete atonement for sin. His finished work on the cross provides a way for the complete removal of sin's guilt and power for all who believe, as highlighted in [Hebrews 9:26](/hebrews/9-26 "Hebrews 9:26 - Christ's Sacrifice to Put Away Sin"), where it states that Christ "has appeared once for all at the end of the ages to put away sin by the sacrifice of himself." This "one day" signifies the finality and efficacy of Christ's atoning sacrifice.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Zechariah 3:9 finds its ultimate and glorious fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The "stone that I have laid" is none other than Jesus, who is the [foundation and cornerstone](/1_peter/2-6 "1 Peter 2:6 - Christ the Cornerstone") of God's redemptive plan, rejected by human builders but chosen and precious in God's sight ([Psalm 118:22](/psalm/118-22 "Psalm 118:22 - The Stone the Builders Rejected"); [Matthew 21:42](/matthew/21-42 "Matthew 21:42 - The Stone the Builders Rejected")). The "seven eyes" upon this stone, representing divine omniscience and the fullness of the Holy Spirit, are explicitly linked to the [Lamb of God in Revelation](/revelation/5-6 "Revelation 5:6 - The Lamb with Seven Eyes"), Jesus Christ, who possesses all wisdom and knowledge to execute God's perfect will. Most profoundly, the promise "I will engrave the graving thereof... and I will remove the iniquity of that land in one day" points directly to Christ's atoning sacrifice. On the cross, in that singular, momentous "day," Jesus, the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), decisively and completely removed the guilt and penalty of sin. His death and resurrection accomplished what no human effort or ritual could, providing a [full and final cleansing from all iniquity](/hebrews/9-11-14 "Hebrews 9:11-14 - Christ's Blood Cleanses Conscience"), thereby inaugurating a new covenant of grace where sin is no longer merely covered but eternally removed for those who believe ([Romans 8:1-4](/romans/8-1-4 "Romans 8:1-4 - No Condemnation in Christ Jesus")). Thus, Zechariah 3:9 is a powerful Old Testament witness to the comprehensive, divine work of Christ in securing our salvation.

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

Zechariah 4:10

For who hath despised the day of small things? for they shall rejoice, and shall see the plummet in the hand of Zerubbabel [with] those seven; they [are] the eyes of the LORD, which run to and fro through the whole earth.

Jeremiah 50:20

In those days, and in that time, saith the LORD, the iniquity of Israel shall be sought for, and [there shall be] none; and the sins of Judah, and they shall not be found: for I will pardon them whom I reserve.

Isaiah 28:16

Therefore thus saith the Lord GOD, Behold, I lay in Zion for a foundation a stone, a tried stone, a precious corner [stone], a sure foundation: he that believeth shall not make haste.

Revelation 5:6

¶ And I beheld, and, lo, in the midst of the throne and of the four beasts, and in the midst of the elders, stood a Lamb as it had been slain, having seven horns and seven eyes, which are the seven Spirits of God sent forth into all the earth.

Psalms 118:22

The stone [which] the builders refused is become the head [stone] of the corner.

Romans 9:33

As it is written, Behold, I lay in Sion a stumblingstone and rock of offence: and whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed.

Jeremiah 31:34

And they shall teach no more every man his neighbour, and every man his brother, saying, Know the LORD: for they shall all know me, from the least of them unto the greatest of them, saith the LORD: for I will forgive their iniquity, and I will remember their sin no more.