Zechariah 5:3

KJV

Then said he unto me, This [is] the curse that goeth forth over the face of the whole earth: for every one that stealeth shall be cut off [as] on this side according to it; and every one that sweareth shall be cut off [as] on that side according to it.

KJV (with Strong's)

Then said {H559} he unto me, This is the curse {H423} that goeth forth {H3318} over the face {H6440} of the whole earth {H776}: for every one that stealeth {H1589} shall be cut off {H5352} as on this side according {H3644} to it; and every one that sweareth {H7650} shall be cut off {H5352} as on that side according {H3644} to it.

Complete Jewish Bible

Then he said to me, "This is the curse that goes out over the face of all the land; for [according to what is written] on one side, everyone who steals will be swept away; and [according to what is written] on the other side, everyone who swears will be swept away.

Berean Standard Bible

Then he told me, “This is the curse that is going out over the face of all the land, for according to one side of the scroll, every thief will be removed; and according to the other side, every perjurer will be removed.

American Standard Version

Then said he unto me, This is the curse that goeth forth over the face of the whole land: for every one that stealeth shall be cut off on the one side according to it; and every one that sweareth shall be cut off on the other side according to it.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Zechariah 5:3 unveils the prophet's fifth vision, featuring a colossal flying scroll that embodies a divine curse sweeping across the entire earth. This curse is a direct judgment against two specific and pervasive sins: theft and false swearing. The verse emphasizes God's unwavering commitment to justice and holiness, revealing that His moral law and its consequences are universal, bringing severe repercussions—being "cut off"—upon those who violate foundational principles of integrity and truthfulness.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Zechariah 5:3 is an integral part of the "flying scroll" vision (Zechariah 5:1-4), which immediately precedes the "ephah and the woman" vision (Zechariah 5:5-11). These two visions form a distinct pair within Zechariah's eight nocturnal visions (Zechariah 1:7-6:15), focusing on the purification of the land from wickedness. The scroll's immense dimensions (20 cubits long and 10 cubits wide, roughly 30 by 15 feet) are explicitly stated in [Zechariah 5:2](/zechariah/5-2 "Zechariah 5:2 - Dimensions of the Flying Scroll"), underscoring its comprehensive reach and the inescapable nature of the divine judgment it represents. This vision serves as a powerful reminder that while God is gracious in restoring His people, He is also righteous in judging sin, particularly as the community rebuilds and seeks to live in covenant faithfulness.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The visions of Zechariah occur during the early post-exilic period, approximately 520 BC, when the Jewish exiles had returned from Babylon to Jerusalem. The primary task was the rebuilding of the temple, a project that faced both external opposition and internal apathy and moral compromise. Despite the return to the land, the people still struggled with sin, evidenced by practices like stealing and false swearing, which undermined the social fabric and their covenant relationship with God. In ancient Near Eastern societies, oaths were incredibly serious, often invoking divine witness and consequences, and property rights were fundamental to communal stability. This vision, therefore, addresses the spiritual and moral state of the returned community, emphasizing that true restoration required not just physical rebuilding but also moral and spiritual purification in line with God's Law, preparing them for the coming messianic age.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in Zechariah and the broader prophetic corpus. Firstly, it highlights **Divine Judgment and Holiness**, asserting that God is actively involved in purging sin from His people and the earth, demonstrating His absolute purity and justice. Secondly, the phrase "over the face of the whole earth" underscores the **Universality of God's Law and Judgment**, indicating that God's moral standards are not confined to Israel but apply to all humanity, and the consequences for violating them are pervasive. Thirdly, the explicit mention of stealing and false swearing emphasizes the **Consequences of Sin**, particularly violations of the [Ten Commandments](/exodus/20 "Exodus 20 - The Ten Commandments"), which lead to being "cut off"—a severe divine punishment implying expulsion from the community, destruction, or removal from God's blessing. Finally, by targeting these specific sins, the vision champions the critical importance of **Integrity and Truthfulness** in all aspects of life, from commercial dealings to personal vows, reflecting a call for a renewed commitment to ethical living before God.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Curse (Hebrew, _ʼâlâh'_):** From H423, this word signifies an imprecation, a cursing, or an execration, but also carries the weight of an oath or sworn covenant. In Zechariah 5:3, it refers to a divinely ordained judgment that is sweeping across the land. It's not merely a verbal pronouncement but an active, pervasive force of divine consequence, implying that the very act of violating God's law brings about a self-executing judgment, much like a broken oath brings its own penalty.
* **Stealeth (Hebrew, _gânab'_):** From H1589, this primitive root means "to thieve," encompassing both literal and figurative theft, and by implication, to deceive or get by stealth. In this context, it refers to the direct violation of the eighth commandment, "You shall not steal" ([Exodus 20:15](/exodus/20-15 "Exodus 20:15 - The Eighth Commandment")). The inclusion of this sin highlights God's concern for justice, property rights, and honest dealings within society.
* **Sweareth (Hebrew, _shâbaʻ'_):** From H7650, this root means "to seven oneself," implying the solemnity of an oath, as if repeating a declaration seven times to make it binding. In the context of a curse and judgment, it specifically refers to false swearing, perjury, or taking God's name in vain. This directly contravenes the third commandment against misusing the Lord's name ([Exodus 20:7](/exodus/20-7 "Exodus 20:7 - The Third Commandment")), demonstrating a profound lack of reverence for God and a disregard for truth.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Then said he unto me, This [is] the curse that goeth forth over the face of the whole earth":** The angelic interpreter reveals the nature of the flying scroll. It is identified as a "curse" (Hebrew: _ʼâlâh_), not merely a pronouncement, but an active, pervasive divine judgment. The phrase "goeth forth" (Hebrew: _yâtsâʼ_) emphasizes its active movement and unavoidable reach, while "over the face of the whole earth" (Hebrew: _pânîym_ of _ʼerets_) signifies its universal scope. This curse is not limited to Israel but extends to all humanity, indicating God's sovereign authority and the universal application of His moral standards.
* **"for every one that stealeth shall be cut off [as] on this side according to it":** This clause specifies the first category of sin targeted by the curse: theft. "Every one that stealeth" (Hebrew: _gânab_) refers to anyone engaged in dishonest acquisition of property. The consequence is to "be cut off" (Hebrew: _nâqâh_), a severe judgment implying extirpation, removal, or being held guilty and unpunished by human means but punished by God. The phrase "on this side according to it" likely refers to one side of the scroll, which was inscribed with the curse against thieves, indicating the precise and targeted nature of the judgment.
* **"and every one that sweareth shall be cut off [as] on that side according to it."** This clause identifies the second category of sin: false swearing or perjury. "Every one that sweareth" (Hebrew: _shâbaʻ_) points to those who take false oaths, misuse God's name, or break solemn vows. Like the thief, they too "shall be cut off" (_nâqâh_). The parallel structure, "on that side according to it," suggests the other side of the scroll, inscribed with the curse against those who swear falsely. This dual focus on sins against property and sins against truthfulness and God's name highlights fundamental violations of the covenant and societal trust.

#### Literary Devices
Zechariah 5:3 employs several powerful **Literary Devices**. The most prominent is **Symbolism**, where the "flying scroll" itself is a potent symbol of divine judgment and the written Law of God, actively enforcing its decrees. Its immense size (mentioned in [Zechariah 5:2](/zechariah/5-2 "Zechariah 5:2 - Dimensions of the Flying Scroll")) further symbolizes the comprehensive and inescapable nature of this judgment. The phrase "goeth forth" could be seen as a subtle form of **Personification**, attributing active movement to an abstract concept like a curse, suggesting its pervasive and relentless pursuit of sin. The verse also utilizes clear **Parallelism** in its structure, presenting "every one that stealeth" and "every one that sweareth" as distinct but equally culpable categories, each leading to the same consequence of being "cut off" and associated with a specific side of the scroll. This parallel structure emphasizes the equal seriousness of both offenses in God's eyes. Finally, the phrase "over the face of the whole earth" employs **Hyperbole** to underscore the universal reach and inescapable nature of God's judgment, extending beyond Israel to all humanity.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Zechariah 5:3 serves as a profound theological statement on God's unwavering justice and holiness, demonstrating that He is not merely a passive observer but an active judge of human conduct. This vision underscores the seriousness of sin, particularly those that undermine covenant faithfulness and societal trust, such as theft and false swearing. It reveals that God's moral law, as encapsulated in the Decalogue, carries inherent consequences for disobedience, and these consequences are universal and inescapable. The "curse" here is not arbitrary but a righteous response to human rebellion, ultimately aimed at purifying the land and preparing a people for God's presence. It reminds us that true restoration and blessing are contingent upon adherence to divine standards of integrity and truth.

* [Deuteronomy 28:15](/deuteronomy/28-15 "Deuteronomy 28:15 - Curses for Disobedience") - This passage outlines the comprehensive curses that would befall Israel for disobedience to God's covenant, paralleling the concept of a divine curse for sin.
* [Exodus 20:7, 15](/exodus/20-7-15 "Exodus 20:7, 15 - The Third and Eighth Commandments") - These verses directly prohibit false swearing and stealing, the two specific sins targeted by the curse in Zechariah 5:3, highlighting their foundational nature in God's law.
* [Malachi 3:5](/malachi/3-5 "Malachi 3:5 - God's Judgment on Wickedness") - This later prophetic passage echoes Zechariah's concern for social justice, specifically mentioning God's swift judgment against sorcerers, adulterers, and "those who swear falsely."

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Zechariah 5:3 stands as a timeless and sobering reminder of the gravity of sin in the eyes of a holy God. For believers today, this passage calls for a profound examination of our own lives, urging us to live with unwavering integrity and truthfulness in every sphere. It challenges us to recognize that God's moral law is not arbitrary but foundational to human flourishing and our relationship with Him. We are called to be honest in all our dealings, respecting others' property and not engaging in any form of deceit or fraud, whether overt or subtle. Furthermore, our words must be reliable, our promises kept, and our commitments honored, reflecting a deep reverence for God's name and a commitment to truth. This means avoiding gossip, slander, exaggeration, and any form of speech that distorts reality or misrepresents God. The "cut off" consequence serves as a stark warning: while we are under grace, our actions still have spiritual repercussions, and a life of unrepentant sin separates us from God's full blessing and fellowship. This vision ultimately compels us to seek God's purifying work within us, aligning our lives with His righteous standards.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life might I be tempted to compromise on integrity or truthfulness, and how can I actively pursue greater honesty?**
* **How does the universality of God's judgment in this verse impact my understanding of His character and my responsibility to live righteously?**
* **What practical steps can I take to cultivate a deeper reverence for God's name in my daily speech and commitments?**
* **How does understanding the seriousness of sin in Zechariah 5:3 deepen my appreciation for the grace and forgiveness found in Christ?**

### FAQ
**What is the significance of the "flying scroll" and its large size?**

Answer: The "flying scroll" in [Zechariah 5:1-2](/zechariah/5-1-2 "Zechariah 5:1-2 - The Vision of the Flying Scroll") is a powerful symbol of God's written Law and His active judgment. Its immense size—20 cubits long and 10 cubits wide—is highly significant. Firstly, it indicates the comprehensive nature of the divine curse; it is not a partial or limited judgment, but one that covers all aspects of human life and reaches "over the face of the whole earth." Secondly, its size suggests the full scope of God's covenant requirements, implying that the Law's demands are extensive and inescapable. Thirdly, it might allude to the dimensions of the Holy Place in the Tabernacle ([Exodus 26:15-25](/exodus/26-15-25 "Exodus 26:15-25 - Dimensions of the Tabernacle")), symbolically linking the curse to violations of God's sacred presence and covenant. The scroll is not merely a passive record but an active agent, "going forth" to execute judgment, emphasizing God's dynamic involvement in upholding His righteousness.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Zechariah 5:3 vividly portrays a divine curse against specific sins, its ultimate fulfillment and resolution are found in Jesus Christ. The curse of the flying scroll, representing the inexorable judgment of God's Law against all unrighteousness, points to the universal reality of sin and its consequences for humanity. However, the New Testament reveals that Christ became the ultimate bearer of this curse. As [Galatians 3:13](/galatians/3-13 "Galatians 3:13 - Christ Redeemed Us from the Curse") declares, "Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us." Jesus, who knew no sin, was made to be sin for us ([2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ Became Sin for Us")), thereby absorbing the full penalty of God's righteous judgment that the flying scroll symbolized. Through His atoning sacrifice on the cross, He not only paid the price for sins like stealing and false swearing but also provided the means for humanity to be declared righteous before God ([Romans 3:21-26](/romans/3-21-26 "Romans 3:21-26 - Righteousness Through Faith")). Thus, the terrifying "cutting off" for sin is transformed into a glorious "cutting in" to God's family for those who believe in Christ. He is the one who purifies His people and ultimately eradicates all forms of wickedness, leading to a new heavens and new earth where nothing unclean or false will enter ([Revelation 21:27](/revelation/21-27 "Revelation 21:27 - No Unclean Thing Shall Enter")).

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

Exodus 20:15

Thou shalt not steal.

Isaiah 43:28

Therefore I have profaned the princes of the sanctuary, and have given Jacob to the curse, and Israel to reproaches.

Isaiah 24:6

Therefore hath the curse devoured the earth, and they that dwell therein are desolate: therefore the inhabitants of the earth are burned, and few men left.

Isaiah 48:1

¶ Hear ye this, O house of Jacob, which are called by the name of Israel, and are come forth out of the waters of Judah, which swear by the name of the LORD, and make mention of the God of Israel, [but] not in truth, nor in righteousness.

James 5:12

¶ But above all things, my brethren, swear not, neither by heaven, neither by the earth, neither by any other oath: but let your yea be yea; and [your] nay, nay; lest ye fall into condemnation.

Jeremiah 5:2

And though they say, The LORD liveth; surely they swear falsely.

Jeremiah 26:6

Then will I make this house like Shiloh, and will make this city a curse to all the nations of the earth.