Zechariah 5:10

KJV

Then said I to the angel that talked with me, Whither do these bear the ephah?

KJV (with Strong's)

Then said {H559} I to the angel {H4397} that talked {H1696} with me, Whither do these bear {H3212} the ephah {H374}?

Complete Jewish Bible

I asked the angel speaking with me, "Where are they taking the eifah?"

Berean Standard Bible

“Where are they taking the basket?” I asked the angel who was speaking with me.

American Standard Version

Then said I to the angel that talked with me, Whither do these bear the ephah?

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Zechariah 5:10 captures the prophet's direct inquiry to the interpreting angel, seeking clarity on the destination of the "ephah" (a large measuring basket) being carried away. This pivotal question highlights Zechariah's active engagement with the divine vision, underscoring his role as a mediator of God's message and his earnest desire to comprehend the profound implications of the removal of wickedness from the land for the post-exilic community.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Zechariah 5:10 is situated within the fifth of eight nocturnal visions granted to the prophet Zechariah, following immediately after the vision of the flying scroll ([Zechariah 5:1-4](/zechariah/5-1-4 "Zechariah 5:1-4 - The Flying Scroll")). While the flying scroll symbolized God's curse and judgment on sin pervasive throughout the land, the subsequent vision of the ephah ([Zechariah 5:5-11](/zechariah/5-5-11 "Zechariah 5:5-11 - The Vision of the Ephah")) shifts the focus from the *presence* of sin to its decisive *removal* and *exile*. Zechariah's question in verse 10 marks a crucial moment of interaction and clarification within this specific vision, allowing the angel to reveal the ultimate destination and purpose of this symbolic cleansing act.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** These visions were given to Zechariah around 520 BC, during the early post-exilic period. The Jewish exiles had returned from Babylon, and the community was engaged in the challenging task of rebuilding the Temple and re-establishing their lives in Jerusalem. This was a time of spiritual apathy, economic hardship, and external opposition. The visions, therefore, served as a powerful source of encouragement, reassurance, and divine instruction, aiming to revitalize the people's faith, motivate them to complete the Temple, and prepare them for a future of holiness and divine blessing. The "ephah" was a common dry measure in ancient Israel, familiar to the people, making its symbolic use as a container for wickedness culturally resonant.
* **Key Themes:** The vision of the ephah, culminating in Zechariah's question, contributes significantly to several overarching themes in the book of Zechariah. A primary theme is **Divine Purification and the Removal of Wickedness**. God is actively intervening to purge the land of Israel from the sin and idolatry that led to their exile, paving the way for a holy community. This is intrinsically linked to the theme of **God's Desire for a Holy Dwelling**, as the removal of wickedness is a prerequisite for God to dwell among His people in a pure and undefiled land, a concept that finds its ultimate fulfillment in the New Testament vision of the [New Jerusalem where nothing impure will enter](/revelation/21-27 "Revelation 21:27 - Purity of the New Jerusalem"). Furthermore, Zechariah's direct question highlights the theme of **Prophetic Inquiry and Divine Revelation**, demonstrating the prophet's role as one who seeks and receives understanding from God for the benefit of His people, ensuring the full comprehension of God's redemptive plan.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **said (Hebrew, _ʼâmar'_):** H559. This primitive root is used with great latitude, encompassing actions like answering, appointing, bidding, commanding, communing, declaring, demanding, and speaking. In Zechariah 5:10, it signifies Zechariah's direct verbal engagement with the angel, indicating a conscious and intentional act of seeking information and clarification, rather than a passive observation.
* **bear (Hebrew, _yâlak'_):** H3212. A primitive root meaning "to walk" (literally or figuratively), but causatively, it means "to carry" in various senses. Here, it describes the action of the two women "carrying" or "transporting" the ephah. This verb emphasizes the active and purposeful movement of the ephah, signifying the intentional removal and conveyance of its contents to a specific destination.
* **ephah (Hebrew, _ʼêyphâh'_):** H374. Of Egyptian derivation, this term refers to a common dry measure for grain, approximately 3/5 of a bushel or 22 liters. In this vision, it functions not as a measure of quantity but as a symbolic container. Its use here suggests that wickedness, though pervasive, is not immeasurable or uncontrollable; it can be contained, handled, and definitively removed by divine decree.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Then said I to the angel that talked with me,"**: This opening clause establishes a direct dialogue between the prophet Zechariah ("I") and the interpreting angel. The phrase "that talked with me" emphasizes the ongoing nature of their communication throughout the visions, highlighting the angel's role as God's messenger and interpreter of divine revelation to Zechariah. It signifies the prophet's active participation and his reliance on divine guidance to understand the complex symbolic imagery.
* **"Whither do these bear the ephah?"**: This is Zechariah's specific question, demonstrating his curiosity and desire for deeper understanding. He has just witnessed the sealing of "Wickedness" within the ephah and its subsequent elevation by two winged women. His inquiry about the destination ("Whither?") is crucial, as the location to which wickedness is transported reveals the ultimate purpose and completeness of its removal from the land of Judah. It underscores the prophet's role as one who seeks clarity for the benefit of God's people.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device in Zechariah 5:10 is **Dialogue**, as it records a direct question from the prophet Zechariah to the interpreting angel. This dialogue is crucial for the progression of the narrative, allowing for the explicit revelation of the vision's meaning, which would otherwise remain ambiguous. The question itself is an **Interrogative**, serving to propel the narrative forward and provide the angel an opportunity to offer further divine explanation. Furthermore, the broader vision, of which this verse is a part, is replete with **Symbolism**, where the "ephah" and the "woman" within it are not literal but represent abstract concepts (measure, wickedness) made tangible for prophetic understanding.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Zechariah 5:10, as part of the ephah vision, powerfully illustrates God's sovereign commitment to purifying His people and land from sin. It underscores the theological truth that God does not merely tolerate wickedness but actively orchestrates its removal, creating a space for holiness and His unhindered presence. This divine initiative reflects God's covenant faithfulness to restore His people to a state of purity, a necessary precursor for the full manifestation of His blessings and the establishment of His righteous kingdom. The vision's emphasis on the *removal* of sin, rather than just its judgment, points to a comprehensive work of sanctification.

* [Leviticus 16:20-22](/leviticus/16-20-22 "Leviticus 16:20-22 - The Scapegoat and Removal of Sin")
* [Psalm 103:12](/psalm/103-12 "Psalm 103:12 - God Removes Our Transgressions")
* [Isaiah 6:7](/isaiah/6-7 "Isaiah 6:7 - Isaiah's Cleansing from Sin")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Zechariah's earnest question, "Whither do these bear the ephah?", invites us to consider the profound implications of God's decisive action against wickedness. For believers today, this vision offers immense hope and a call to personal and corporate holiness. It reminds us that God is actively at work, not only judging sin but also removing its power and presence. This should inspire us to cooperate with His purifying work in our own lives, seeking to cast off every form of "wickedness" that would defile our hearts and hinder our walk with Him. Just as God desired a purified land for His presence in ancient Israel, He desires a pure dwelling place in the lives of His followers and in His church. This vision encourages us to anticipate the ultimate triumph of good over evil and to live in light of God's coming kingdom, where righteousness will prevail.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "ephahs" of wickedness might God be seeking to remove from your personal life or from your community?**
* **How does Zechariah's active inquiry encourage your own pursuit of understanding God's will and truth?**
* **In what ways can you actively participate in God's ongoing work of purification in the world around you?**

### FAQ

**What is the significance of the "ephah" in this vision?**

Answer: The "ephah" (Hebrew: *'ephah*) was a common dry measuring basket, but in Zechariah 5, it serves as a powerful symbol. It represents the contained and measurable nature of wickedness within the land. By sealing a woman personifying "Wickedness" inside this ephah, God demonstrates His ability to gather, contain, and ultimately remove the totality of national sin and idolatry. Its use as a container, rather than a measure of quantity, emphasizes the decisive and complete removal of evil from the land of Judah, paving the way for a restored and holy community.

**Who are "these" bearing the ephah, and why are they important?**

Answer: The "these" refer to the two winged women described in [Zechariah 5:9](/zechariah/5-9 "Zechariah 5:9 - The Two Women with Wings"). They are depicted with wings like a stork, symbolizing their swift and purposeful movement. Their role is to transport the ephah, containing "Wickedness," to its designated place of exile. While their exact identity is debated (some see them as angelic figures, others as symbolic representations of the forces that carry out divine judgment), their importance lies in their active participation in God's plan to remove sin. They are instruments of divine will, ensuring that wickedness is not merely judged but physically removed from the land, demonstrating the thoroughness of God's cleansing work.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Zechariah 5:10, and the broader vision of the ephah, finds its ultimate fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The prophet's question about the destination of wickedness points to a divine solution for sin that transcends mere judgment. Christ is the one through whom wickedness is not just contained but decisively conquered and ultimately exiled. His sacrificial death on the cross serves as the ultimate act of purification, bearing the sin of the world and removing its power and condemnation. As the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), Jesus fulfills the longing for a land cleansed of iniquity. Through His resurrection and ascension, He has established a new covenant where believers are progressively sanctified, being [cleansed from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit](/2_corinthians/7-1 "2 Corinthians 7:1 - Perfecting Holiness"). The vision's promise of a purified dwelling place for God is realized in the Church, the body of Christ, and will be perfectly consummated in the [New Heavens and New Earth where righteousness dwells](/2_peter/3-13 "2 Peter 3:13 - New Heavens and New Earth").

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.