Zechariah 5:5

KJV

¶ Then the angel that talked with me went forth, and said unto me, Lift up now thine eyes, and see what [is] this that goeth forth.

KJV (with Strong's)

Then the angel {H4397} that talked {H1696} with me went forth {H3318}, and said {H559} unto me, Lift up {H5375} now thine eyes {H5869}, and see {H7200} what is this that goeth forth {H3318}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Then the angel speaking with me went forward and said to me, "Now raise your eyes, and see what this thing is, passing by."

Berean Standard Bible

Then the angel who was speaking with me came forward and told me, “Now lift up your eyes and see what is approaching.”

American Standard Version

Then the angel that talked with me went forth, and said unto me, Lift up now thine eyes, and see what is this that goeth forth.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Zechariah 5:5 serves as a pivotal transition within the prophet's sequence of night visions, marking the divine instruction from the interpreting angel to Zechariah to prepare for a new, significant revelation. The verse emphasizes the necessity of focused observation as the angel directs Zechariah's attention to an object or event "going forth," thereby setting the stage for the subsequent vision of the flying scroll and the ephah, which symbolize the removal of wickedness and judgment from the land.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Zechariah 5:5 is strategically placed within the series of eight night visions granted to the prophet Zechariah, which span chapters 1-6. This verse acts as a bridge, concluding the first four visions (horses patrolling the earth, horns and craftsmen, the measuring line for Jerusalem, and Joshua's vindication) and introducing the fifth vision: the flying scroll, followed immediately by the sixth vision of the ephah. The interpreting angel, a consistent guide throughout these visions (e.g., [Zechariah 1:9](/zechariah/1-9 "Zechariah 1:9 - The Angel's Role")), once again intervenes to prompt the prophet's attention, signaling a shift in focus from the restoration and rebuilding of Jerusalem and its leadership to the purification and judgment necessary for the community's future. The repetitive command to "lift up now thine eyes, and see" highlights the visual nature of these divine communications and the importance of Zechariah's active reception of them.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The visions of Zechariah were given to the Jewish community in Jerusalem around 520-518 BC, a crucial period following their return from Babylonian exile. This was a time of significant challenges: the temple rebuilding project, initiated by Zerubbabel and Joshua, had stalled due to opposition and internal apathy ([Ezra 4:1-5](/ezra/4-1-5 "Ezra 4:1-5 - Opposition to Temple Rebuilding")). The people were discouraged, struggling with economic hardship and spiritual complacency. Zechariah, alongside Haggai, was commissioned by God to encourage the people, challenge their sin, and remind them of God's faithfulness and future plans for Jerusalem. The visions, therefore, address both immediate practical concerns (like the temple rebuilding) and long-term eschatological hopes, providing divine assurance and moral imperative in a post-exilic world still under Persian dominion, where the people felt small and vulnerable.
* **Key Themes:** Zechariah 5:5 contributes to several overarching themes in the book. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Divine Revelation and Communication**, as God actively communicates His will and future plans through angelic mediation to His prophet. Secondly, the imperative to "Lift up now thine eyes, and see" emphasizes **Spiritual Perception and Attentiveness**, highlighting the need for God's people to be spiritually awake and observant to His movements. Thirdly, as an introductory verse to the visions of the flying scroll and the ephah, it foreshadows the theme of **Divine Judgment and Purification**, indicating God's intent to remove wickedness and sin from the land, a necessary prerequisite for the full establishment of His kingdom and the flourishing of His people, as seen in the broader context of Zechariah's prophecies concerning a future messianic era and the cleansing of sin ([Zechariah 3:9](/zechariah/3-9 "Zechariah 3:9 - Removal of Iniquity") and [Zechariah 13:1](/zechariah/13-1 "Zechariah 13:1 - A Fountain Opened for Sin and Uncleanness")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **angel (Hebrew, _mălʼâk'_):** (H4397) This term, derived from a root meaning "to despatch as a deputy," refers to a messenger, specifically an angel of God. In Zechariah, this is consistently the interpreting angel, who serves as God's direct agent to reveal and explain the complex visions to the prophet. The angel is not merely a guide but an active participant in the divine communication, speaking on God's behalf and ensuring Zechariah's comprehension.
* **Lift up (Hebrew, _nâsâʼ'_):** (H5375) This primitive root signifies "to lift," "to raise," or "to bear." Here, it is used in an imperative sense, commanding Zechariah to physically and spiritually elevate his gaze. It implies an active, intentional engagement on the prophet's part, moving beyond passive observation to a deliberate act of seeking and perceiving what God is about to reveal. It's a call to readiness and focused attention.
* **goeth forth (Hebrew, _yâtsâʼ'_):** (H3318) This root means "to go out," "to come forth," or "to proceed." Its repetition in this verse (the angel "went forth" and "what is this that goeth forth") highlights the dynamic, active nature of the divine revelation. Something new and significant is emerging into the prophetic view, signifying a fresh phase of God's unfolding plan, specifically concerning the manifestation of judgment and purification.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Then the angel that talked with me went forth":** This clause emphasizes the active role of the interpreting angel, who has been Zechariah's consistent guide throughout the previous visions. The phrase "went forth" suggests a deliberate movement or re-engagement, indicating a new instruction or revelation is imminent. The angel is the divine intermediary, ensuring direct and clear communication from God to the prophet.
* **"and said unto me":** This simple phrase underscores the direct, personal nature of the divine communication. The angel is not merely present but actively speaking, providing verbal instructions and explanations that accompany the visual revelations. This auditory component ensures Zechariah's understanding and provides the narrative framework for the visions.
* **"Lift up now thine eyes, and see":** This is an imperative command, a common prophetic device used to draw the prophet's immediate and focused attention to a new visual element of the revelation. "Lift up now thine eyes" implies a need for alertness and spiritual readiness, while "and see" is a direct instruction to observe carefully, recognizing the significance of what is about to be presented. It prepares Zechariah for the next stage of divine insight.
* **"what [is] this that goeth forth":** This clause introduces an element of suspense and mystery. The angel points to something new, something actively "going forth" or emerging into view, without immediately identifying it. This creates anticipation for the subsequent verses, which will reveal the nature of this mysterious object – the flying scroll, symbolizing divine judgment against sin.

#### Literary Devices
Zechariah 5:5 employs several significant literary devices. The most prominent is **Dialogue**, as the verse presents a direct conversation between the interpreting angel and the prophet Zechariah, which is characteristic of the entire series of night visions. This dialogue facilitates the unfolding of the divine message and ensures Zechariah's comprehension. The use of the **Imperative Mood** in the command "Lift up now thine eyes, and see" is a powerful rhetorical device that conveys urgency and the necessity of immediate, focused attention from the prophet. It is a call to active engagement with the divine revelation. Furthermore, there is a subtle use of **Anticipation** or **Suspense** created by the angel's question, "what [is] this that goeth forth," which introduces a mysterious element without immediate identification, compelling the reader (and Zechariah) to continue reading to discover the nature of the emerging object. This technique effectively transitions the narrative to the subsequent vision.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Zechariah 5:5 highlights God's active and intentional engagement with His people through divine revelation, mediated by angelic messengers. It underscores the truth that God is not silent but consistently communicates His will, His plans, and His judgments to humanity, particularly to His chosen representatives. The command to "lift up" and "see" implies that spiritual perception is not always passive; it often requires an active, obedient posture of attentiveness and readiness on the part of the recipient. This verse, by introducing the vision of the flying scroll and the ephah, also connects to the broader biblical theme of God's holiness and His unwavering commitment to purify His people and land from wickedness, a necessary step for the establishment of His righteous kingdom.

* [Daniel 8:15-16](/daniel/8-15-16 "Daniel 8:15-16 - Gabriel Interprets Vision")
* [Revelation 1:10-11](/revelation/1-10-11 "Revelation 1:10-11 - John's Vision on Patmos")
* [Jeremiah 1:11-12](/jeremiah/1-11-12 "Jeremiah 1:11-12 - The Almond Branch Vision")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Zechariah 5:5 serves as a profound call to spiritual attentiveness for believers today. Just as the prophet was commanded to "lift up" his eyes and "see" what God was revealing, we too are invited to cultivate a posture of readiness and active observation in our spiritual lives. In a world filled with distractions, noise, and competing narratives, it is crucial to intentionally focus our spiritual gaze on what God is doing and saying. This involves diligently engaging with God's Word, seeking His guidance through prayer, and discerning His movements in our circumstances and in the broader world. We are called to be spiritually alert, not merely to passively receive information, but to actively perceive and understand divine truth. This verse reminds us that God is always at work, and He desires for us to be aware of His purposes, whether they involve personal transformation, the purification of the church, or the unfolding of His redemptive plan in history. Our ability to respond faithfully often hinges on our willingness to "lift up our eyes" and truly "see" what He is revealing.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life do you need to "lift up your eyes" and pay closer attention to God's activity or communication?**
* **How does Zechariah's immediate obedience to the angelic command challenge your own responsiveness to divine prompts?**
* **What distractions or spiritual blind spots might be preventing you from "seeing" what God is doing in your life or in the world around you?**
* **How can cultivating a posture of active spiritual observation deepen your faith and understanding of God's purposes?**

### FAQ

**Who is "the angel that talked with me" in Zechariah's visions?**

Answer: "The angel that talked with me" is typically referred to as the interpreting angel or the angel of the Lord's presence. This figure serves as Zechariah's primary guide and expositor throughout the series of eight night visions (Zechariah 1-6). He is distinct from other angels or the Lord of Hosts Himself, acting as an intermediary who explains the meaning and significance of the complex prophetic imagery to Zechariah. His role is crucial for Zechariah, and by extension, for the readers, to comprehend the divine messages concerning Jerusalem's restoration, God's judgment, and future plans for His people. This angelic guide is a consistent presence, appearing in various visions to provide clarity and direction, such as in [Zechariah 1:9](/zechariah/1-9 "Zechariah 1:9 - The Angel's Explanation") and [Zechariah 4:1](/zechariah/4-1 "Zechariah 4:1 - The Angel Awakens Zechariah").

**Why is the command "Lift up now thine eyes, and see" so frequent in prophetic books?**

Answer: The command "Lift up now thine eyes, and see" (or similar variations) is a recurring motif in prophetic literature because it emphasizes the visual nature of divine revelation and the active role required of the prophet. Prophets often received God's messages through visions, which were not merely mental images but powerful, divinely orchestrated spectacles. The command serves several purposes: it directs the prophet's attention to a specific, crucial element of the vision, signaling its importance; it implies that spiritual perception requires an intentional act of looking beyond the ordinary; and it prepares the prophet (and the audience) for a new, significant revelation that is about to unfold. This imperative underscores that understanding God's will often requires a focused, obedient, and spiritually attuned gaze, as seen in other prophetic contexts like [Jeremiah 1:11](/jeremiah/1-11 "Jeremiah 1:11 - Jeremiah's Vision of the Almond Branch") and [Ezekiel 8:5](/ezekiel/8-5 "Ezekiel 8:5 - The Vision of the Image of Jealousy").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Zechariah 5:5 itself is a command to observe a vision of judgment, it finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in several profound ways. The "going forth" of wickedness and the subsequent judgment, symbolized by the flying scroll and the ephah, point to the ultimate removal of sin and the establishment of righteousness, a work fully accomplished through Jesus Christ. He is the one through whom God's ultimate plan of purification is realized, as He came to "take away the sin of the world" ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")) and to "appear to put away sin by the sacrifice of himself" ([Hebrews 9:26](/hebrews/9-26 "Hebrews 9:26 - Christ's Sacrifice for Sin")). Furthermore, Christ is the ultimate revealer of God, making the invisible God known to humanity ([John 1:18](/john/1-18 "John 1:18 - No one has seen God, but the Son has made Him known")). The command to "lift up now thine eyes, and see" finds its deepest echo in the call to behold Christ, for in Him, "we have seen his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth" ([John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh")). The visions of Zechariah, including the purification of the land, ultimately anticipate the new heavens and new earth where righteousness dwells ([2 Peter 3:13](/2_peter/3-13 "2 Peter 3:13 - New Heavens and New Earth")), a reality inaugurated and perfected by the redemptive work of Christ, the true King and Priest who cleanses His people and establishes His eternal kingdom.

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 1:9

Then said I, O my lord, what [are] these? And the angel that talked with me said unto me, I will shew thee what these [be].

Zechariah 1:14

So the angel that communed with me said unto me, Cry thou, saying, Thus saith the LORD of hosts; I am jealous for Jerusalem and for Zion with a great jealousy.

Zechariah 4:5

Then the angel that talked with me answered and said unto me, Knowest thou not what these be? And I said, No, my lord.

Zechariah 2:3

And, behold, the angel that talked with me went forth, and another angel went out to meet him,

Zechariah 1:19

And I said unto the angel that talked with me, What [be] these? And he answered me, These [are] the horns which have scattered Judah, Israel, and Jerusalem.