Zechariah 5:11

KJV

And he said unto me, To build it an house in the land of Shinar: and it shall be established, and set there upon her own base.

KJV (with Strong's)

And he said {H559} unto me, To build {H1129} it an house {H1004} in the land {H776} of Shinar {H8152}: and it shall be established {H3559}, and set {H3240} there upon her own base {H4369}.

Complete Jewish Bible

He answered me, "To build it a shrine in the land of Shin'ar. When it's ready, [the eifah] will be set down there on its base."

Berean Standard Bible

“To build a house for it in the land of Shinar,” he told me. “And when it is ready, the basket will be set there on its pedestal.”

American Standard Version

And he said unto me, To build her a house in the land of Shinar: and when it is prepared, she shall be set there in her own place.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Zechariah 5:11 concludes the fifth of Zechariah's eight night visions, detailing the ultimate destination of "Wickedness" personified within an ephah basket. The angelic interpreter reveals that this embodiment of sin is to be transported to the "land of Shinar" where a permanent "house" will be built for it, ensuring its stable and lasting establishment far away from God's holy people and land. This verse powerfully signifies God's definitive and thorough act of removing all forms of idolatry and ungodliness from His covenant community, banishing them to their proper, unholy domain.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Zechariah 5:11 serves as the culmination of the vision of the ephah, which is itself the second of two closely related visions in Zechariah 5. Immediately preceding it is the vision of the flying scroll (Zechariah 5:1-4), which symbolizes the curse of God upon the land for widespread sin, particularly theft and false swearing. Following this, the ephah vision (Zechariah 5:5-11) shifts from the *curse* of sin to the *removal* of sin itself. The ephah, a large measuring basket, contains a woman identified as "Wickedness" ([Zechariah 5:8](/zechariah/5-8 "Zechariah 5:8 - The Woman in the Ephah")). Two winged women, resembling storks, lift the ephah and carry it away. This verse, [Zechariah 5:11](/zechariah/5-11 "Zechariah 5:11 - Destination of Wickedness"), explicitly states the purpose and destination of this removal, providing a definitive end to the narrative of wickedness within the land. Together, these two visions underscore God's commitment to purifying His people and land from all unrighteousness as part of His post-exilic restoration plan.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Zechariah prophesied to the Jewish community that had returned from Babylonian exile, around 520-518 BC. They were engaged in rebuilding the temple in Jerusalem, a task fraught with discouragement and opposition. The memory of the exile, understood as divine judgment for Israel's persistent idolatry and sin, was fresh. The "land of Shinar" ([Zechariah 5:11](/zechariah/5-11 "Zechariah 5:11 - Land of Shinar")) is the ancient name for Babylonia, specifically the plain where the Tower of Babel was built ([Genesis 11:2](/genesis/11-2 "Genesis 11:2 - The Tower of Babel")). It was the place of Israel's captivity and, biblically, a symbol of human rebellion against God, idolatry, and oppressive world systems. By sending "Wickedness" to Shinar, the vision evokes the historical reality of the exile and symbolically returns sin to its "homeland"—a place fundamentally opposed to God's holy presence and covenant. This would have resonated deeply with a people striving to live faithfully in a land recently defiled by their own sin and now being restored by God.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several major themes within Zechariah and broader biblical theology. Firstly, it highlights **God's Sovereignty and Judgment over Sin**. The Lord is actively involved in identifying, containing, and expelling wickedness from His people and land, demonstrating His absolute authority over evil. Secondly, it emphasizes **Divine Purification and Restoration**. The removal of wickedness is a necessary prerequisite for the full restoration of God's covenant community and the establishment of His dwelling among them. This aligns with the broader prophetic message of a purified remnant and a renewed Jerusalem, as seen in passages like [Zechariah 8](/zechariah/8 "Zechariah 8 - God's Promises to Jerusalem"). Thirdly, the choice of Shinar underscores the theme of **Idolatry and Rebellion's True Home**. By banishing wickedness to its symbolic origin, the vision declares that sin, particularly idolatry, has no place in God's holy dwelling but belongs to the realm of human rebellion and opposition to God. This foreshadows the ultimate judgment of all anti-God systems, a theme powerfully developed in the New Testament's portrayal of "Babylon" ([Revelation 18:2](/revelation/18-2 "Revelation 18:2 - The Fall of Babylon")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **build (Hebrew, _bânâh'_):** This primitive root means "to build" literally and figuratively. In [Zechariah 5:11](/zechariah/5-11 "Zechariah 5:11 - Building a House for Wickedness"), it signifies the active construction of a dwelling for "Wickedness." The choice of this verb implies not a temporary holding cell, but a deliberate and permanent establishment, as if wickedness is being given its own proper, stable abode. This emphasizes the definitive nature of its removal from God's holy land.
* **house (Hebrew, _bayith'_):** Derived from the root "to build," _bayith_ refers to a house in its broadest sense, including a dwelling, a family, or even a temple. Here, it denotes a permanent residence or a stable establishment. The idea of building a "house" for "Wickedness" in Shinar suggests that sin is being given a fixed, secure, and lasting place of residence *away* from God's people, reinforcing the idea of its complete and irreversible banishment.
* **established (Hebrew, _kûwn'_):** This primitive root means "to be erect," "to set up," "to confirm," or "to render sure/proper/prosperous." In [Zechariah 5:11](/zechariah/5-11 "Zechariah 5:11 - Wickedness Established"), it emphasizes the firmness, security, and permanence of the house built for Wickedness. It indicates that the removal and relocation of sin are not temporary or unstable but are fixed and unshakeable, signifying God's thorough and lasting cleansing.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And he said unto me,"**: This refers to the angel who is interpreting the vision for Zechariah. Throughout the night visions, an interpreting angel guides Zechariah, explaining the symbolic actions and their significance. This phrase emphasizes that the following declaration is a divine revelation, not Zechariah's own interpretation.
* **"To build it an house in the land of Shinar:"**: This clause reveals the explicit purpose for which "Wickedness" (contained within the ephah) is being transported. The "it" refers to the ephah, and by extension, the "Wickedness" it contains. The destination, "the land of Shinar," is highly symbolic, representing Babylon, the historical center of idolatry and rebellion against God. Building a "house" implies creating a permanent, stable dwelling place for this wickedness, signifying its definitive removal from the holy land and its permanent relocation to a realm antithetical to God's presence.
* **"and it shall be established,"**: This phrase emphasizes the permanence and security of this new dwelling for wickedness. The verb "established" (Hebrew: _kûwn_) denotes being firm, secure, or prepared. It signifies that the banishment of sin is not a temporary exile but a fixed and unshakeable arrangement. God ensures that wickedness will be securely settled in its own domain, unable to return and defile His people or land.
* **"and set there upon her own base."**: This final phrase reinforces the idea of stability and self-sufficiency for the banished wickedness. "Her own base" (Hebrew: _mᵉkunâh_) implies a solid foundation, a permanent stand. It suggests that wickedness will be firmly rooted and self-sustaining in its new, unholy dwelling place. This imagery underscores the thoroughness and finality of God's act of purification, ensuring that sin is not merely removed but permanently settled far away, on its own terms, in its own domain.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device in [Zechariah 5:11](/zechariah/5-11 "Zechariah 5:11 - The Destination of Wickedness") and the broader vision is **Symbolism**. The "ephah" symbolizes the accumulated sin and wickedness of the land, particularly in its commercial and idolatrous forms. The "woman" inside the ephah is a striking **Personification** of "Wickedness" (Hebrew: _rish'ah_), making an abstract concept tangible and subject to removal. The "land of Shinar" is a powerful symbol, representing not just a geographical location (Babylon) but the spiritual realm of rebellion, idolatry, and opposition to God. Sending wickedness there is a symbolic act of returning evil to its source or its natural, unholy habitat. The entire vision functions as an **Allegory**, where the narrative of the ephah's transport conveys a deeper theological truth about God's active and decisive purification of His people and land. The phrases "build it an house," "established," and "set there upon her own base" use **Figurative Language** to convey the permanence and stability of this divine act of banishment, assuring the post-exilic community of a lasting cleansing from the defilement that led to their previous judgment.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Zechariah 5:11 provides a profound theological statement about God's absolute intolerance for sin within His holy presence and His sovereign power to remove it. It assures the post-exilic community, still grappling with the remnants of idolatry and moral compromise, that God is committed to a thorough cleansing of His people and land. This vision speaks to the divine imperative for holiness and the ultimate separation of light from darkness. It is a prophetic declaration that God will not perpetually tolerate wickedness among those He calls His own, and that He has a plan for its definitive removal and permanent banishment to its proper, unholy domain. This act of purification is foundational for the establishment of His righteous kingdom and the full enjoyment of His covenant blessings.

* [Psalm 101:8](/psalm/101-8 "Psalm 101:8 - Destroying the Wicked")
* [Revelation 18:21](/revelation/18-21 "Revelation 18:21 - The Fall of Babylon")
* [2 Peter 3:13](/2_peter/3-13 "2 Peter 3:13 - New Heavens and New Earth")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Zechariah 5:11 offers a powerful assurance to believers today: God is ultimately victorious over sin and wickedness. This vision speaks not only to a historical purification but also to an ongoing spiritual reality. Just as God definitively removed corporate wickedness from His people's land, He works to purify the hearts of individual believers and His Church. We are called to participate in this divine work by actively confessing and repenting of sin, allowing the Holy Spirit to cleanse us from within. This verse reminds us that sin is not something to be tolerated or accommodated; it is an alien entity that God intends to banish. The permanence of "Wickedness" being "established" in Shinar signifies God's complete and final separation of evil from His holy domain. This should instill both a deep sense of security in God's ultimate triumph and a strong conviction to pursue personal and corporate holiness, knowing that our God is a God who purifies.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the imagery of "Wickedness" being transported to "Shinar" deepen your understanding of God's attitude towards sin?**
* **In what areas of your life or community do you see "wickedness" needing to be "built a house" and "established" far away?**
* **What practical steps can you take to align yourself with God's purifying work, both personally and within your sphere of influence?**
* **How does the promise of God's definitive removal of wickedness encourage you in the face of pervasive evil in the world today?**

### FAQ

**What does "the land of Shinar" symbolize in this verse?**

Answer: "The land of Shinar" is the ancient name for Babylonia, specifically the plain where the Tower of Babel was built ([Genesis 11:2](/genesis/11-2 "Genesis 11:2 - The Tower of Babel")). Biblically, it symbolizes a place of human rebellion against God, idolatry, and oppressive world systems. In [Zechariah 5:11](/zechariah/5-11 "Zechariah 5:11 - Destination of Wickedness"), its selection as the destination for "Wickedness" is highly symbolic. It represents the spiritual "homeland" of sin and rebellion, a realm fundamentally opposed to God's holiness. Sending wickedness there signifies its definitive banishment from God's holy land and people, returning it to its proper, unholy domain.

**Is the "house" built for wickedness a literal structure?**

Answer: No, the "house" in [Zechariah 5:11](/zechariah/5-11 "Zechariah 5:11 - A Permanent Dwelling for Wickedness") is not meant to be understood as a literal physical building. The entire vision of the ephah and the woman "Wickedness" is highly symbolic. The "house" represents a permanent, stable, and established dwelling place for sin. The imagery emphasizes the thoroughness and finality of God's act of removing wickedness from His people and land, ensuring it is securely settled in a place far removed from His holy presence, never to return and defile.

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

Answer: The "ephah" ([Zechariah 5:6](/zechariah/5-6 "Zechariah 5:6 - The Ephah Vision")) was a large measuring basket, often used for grain, and could symbolize the commercial activity and perhaps the economic injustices or greed prevalent in the land. The "woman" ([Zechariah 5:7-8](/zechariah/5-7-8 "Zechariah 5:7-8 - The Woman in the Ephah")) within the ephah is explicitly identified as "Wickedness" (Hebrew: _rish'ah_). She personifies the moral and spiritual corruption, particularly the idolatry and covenant unfaithfulness, that had pervaded Israel and led to their exile. Her containment within the ephah and subsequent removal symbolize God's decisive act of gathering up and expelling all forms of sin and ungodliness from His people and the land.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Zechariah 5:11, with its vivid imagery of wickedness being permanently banished, finds its ultimate fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. While the vision in Zechariah speaks to a corporate cleansing of the land and people, Christ's mission was to deal with the root of all wickedness: sin itself. He is the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), not merely banishing it but atoning for it through His sacrificial death. On the cross, Jesus bore the full weight of human sin, effectively "building a house" for it in the realm of His judgment, where it was "established" and "set upon its own base"—that is, utterly defeated and disarmed ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Powers")). Through His resurrection, Christ demonstrated His complete victory over sin and death, ensuring that for those who are in Him, sin no longer has dominion ([Romans 6:14](/romans/6-14 "Romans 6:14 - Sin Has No Dominion")). This prophetic vision of a purified people and land points forward to the new heavens and new earth, where righteousness dwells and nothing unclean will ever enter ([Revelation 21:27](/revelation/21-27 "Revelation 21:27 - Nothing Unclean Will Enter New Jerusalem")), a reality made possible only by Christ's finished work of putting away sin by the sacrifice of Himself ([Hebrews 9:26](/hebrews/9-26 "Hebrews 9:26 - Christ's Sacrifice to Put Away Sin")).

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

Genesis 11:2

And it came to pass, as they journeyed from the east, that they found a plain in the land of Shinar; and they dwelt there.

Genesis 10:10

And the beginning of his kingdom was Babel, and Erech, and Accad, and Calneh, in the land of Shinar.

Daniel 1:2

And the Lord gave Jehoiakim king of Judah into his hand, with part of the vessels of the house of God: which he carried into the land of Shinar to the house of his god; and he brought the vessels into the treasure house of his god.

Isaiah 11:11

And it shall come to pass in that day, [that] the Lord shall set his hand again the second time to recover the remnant of his people, which shall be left, from Assyria, and from Egypt, and from Pathros, and from Cush, and from Elam, and from Shinar, and from Hamath, and from the islands of the sea.

Genesis 14:1

¶ And it came to pass in the days of Amraphel king of Shinar, Arioch king of Ellasar, Chedorlaomer king of Elam, and Tidal king of nations;

Jeremiah 29:28

For therefore he sent unto us [in] Babylon, saying, This [captivity is] long: build ye houses, and dwell [in them]; and plant gardens, and eat the fruit of them.

Luke 21:24

And they shall fall by the edge of the sword, and shall be led away captive into all nations: and Jerusalem shall be trodden down of the Gentiles, until the times of the Gentiles be fulfilled.