Zechariah 5:6

KJV

And I said, What [is] it? And he said, This [is] an ephah that goeth forth. He said moreover, This [is] their resemblance through all the earth.

KJV (with Strong's)

And I said {H559}, What is it? And he said {H559}, This is an ephah {H374} that goeth forth {H3318}. He said {H559} moreover, This is their resemblance {H5869} through all the earth {H776}.

Complete Jewish Bible

I asked, "What is it?" He said, "This is the eifah-measure [a one-bushel dry-measure] passing by." Then he added, "This is their eye in all the land."

Berean Standard Bible

“What is it?” I asked. And he replied, “A measuring basket is going forth.” Then he continued, “This is their iniquity in all the land.”

American Standard Version

And I said, What is it? And he said, This is the ephah that goeth forth. He said moreover, This is their appearance in all the land

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Zechariah 5:6 introduces the fifth of Zechariah's eight night visions, where the prophet inquires about a mysterious object revealed to him. The interpreting angel identifies this object as an "ephah" that is "going forth," further clarifying that it represents the "resemblance" or "appearance" of the wickedness prevalent "through all the earth." This verse sets the stage for a profound symbolic act of divine judgment and the ultimate removal of sin from God's land and people.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Zechariah 5:6 is an integral part of a series of eight night visions granted to the prophet Zechariah, beginning in [Zechariah 1:7](/zechariah/1-7 "Zechariah 1:7 - The First Vision of the Horses"). These visions are strategically placed to encourage and instruct the post-exilic community in Jerusalem. Specifically, this verse initiates the fifth vision, which spans [Zechariah 5:5-11](/zechariah/5-5-11 "Zechariah 5:5-11 - The Vision of the Ephah"). It immediately follows the fourth vision of the high priest Joshua's cleansing ([Zechariah 3](/zechariah/3 "Zechariah 3 - Cleansing of Joshua the High Priest")) and the vision of the flying scroll ([Zechariah 5:1-4](/zechariah/5-1-4 "Zechariah 5:1-4 - The Flying Scroll")), both of which underscore God's commitment to holiness and His judgment against sin. The ephah vision, therefore, serves as a powerful visual representation of the active removal of iniquity from the land, building upon the themes of purification and divine judgment introduced earlier in the prophetic book.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The visions of Zechariah occurred around 520-518 BC, during the critical post-exilic period when the Jewish people had returned from Babylonian captivity and were engaged in the challenging task of rebuilding the Temple in Jerusalem. This was a time marked by spiritual apathy, economic hardship, and external opposition, making divine encouragement and clarity of purpose essential. The "ephah" was a common dry measure in ancient Israel, typically used for grain or other commodities, roughly equivalent to 22 liters or 5-6 gallons. Its cultural familiarity would have made its symbolic repurposing as a measure of wickedness particularly striking and understandable to Zechariah's audience, highlighting that God was taking account of the moral state of His people and the world. The vision's emphasis on the "earth" ([Zechariah 5:6](/zechariah/5-6 "Zechariah 5:6 - The Ephah Vision Introduced")) and its subsequent destination in Shinar ([Zechariah 5:11](/zechariah/5-11 "Zechariah 5:11 - The Ephah Carried to Shinar")) also connects to the historical reality of exile and the broader geopolitical landscape of the ancient Near East.

* **Key Themes:** This verse, within the broader context of [Zechariah 5](/zechariah/5 "Zechariah 5 - Visions of the Flying Scroll and the Ephah"), contributes significantly to several key themes. Firstly, it highlights **Divine Revelation and Communication**, as God continues to communicate His will and understanding through His interpreting angel to the prophet, demonstrating His active engagement with His people. Secondly, the vision powerfully portrays the **Symbolic Nature of Wickedness**, with the common ephah being transformed into a vessel containing and representing the accumulated sin and moral corruption. This emphasizes that wickedness is not merely abstract but has a measurable "weight" or "volume" in God's sight. Finally, the phrase "through all the earth" introduces the theme of the **Universal Scope of Judgment and Purification**, indicating that the problem of sin is pervasive, extending beyond Judah, and that God's ultimate plan involves a comprehensive removal of iniquity, setting the stage for a future of holiness.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **ephah (Hebrew, _ʼêyphâh'_):** This word (H374) refers to a standard dry measure, typically for grain, but here it is used symbolically. Its Egyptian derivation suggests its common use in the ancient world. In [Zechariah 5:6](/zechariah/5-6 "Zechariah 5:6 - The Ephah Vision Introduced"), the ephah is not merely a container but becomes the very embodiment or "measure" of iniquity, transforming a mundane object into a profound symbol of the accumulated sin and moral corruption that God observes and intends to remove.
* **goeth forth (Hebrew, _yâtsâʼ'_):** Derived from a primitive root (H3318), this verb signifies movement, appearing, or coming out. In the context of [Zechariah 5:6](/zechariah/5-6 "Zechariah 5:6 - The Ephah Vision Introduced"), the ephah "going forth" implies that this wickedness is not static or hidden but is actively manifesting and being revealed. It suggests a dynamic process of God bringing the hidden sin into the open, preparing it for judgment and removal, rather than it remaining concealed.
* **resemblance (Hebrew, _ʻayin'_):** This word (H5869), primarily meaning "eye," extends by analogy to "outward appearance," "sight," or "likeness." Here, "their resemblance" (often translated "their iniquity") indicates that the ephah itself is the very form or character of the people's pervasive wickedness. It's not just a container *for* wickedness, but it *is* the appearance or manifestation *of* it, making the symbol incredibly potent. The ephah presents the visible form of the moral corruption that has spread "through all the earth."

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And I said, What [is] it?"**: This opening clause highlights the prophetic dialogue, a common feature in Zechariah's visions. The prophet, confronted with a mysterious and unsettling sight, immediately seeks understanding from the interpreting angel. This emphasizes the need for divine revelation to comprehend God's actions and purposes, acknowledging the human inability to grasp spiritual realities without heavenly guidance.
* **"And he said, This [is] an ephah that goeth forth."**: The angel's direct response identifies the object as an "ephah," a familiar dry measure, but immediately adds the crucial descriptive "that goeth forth." This phrase signals that the ephah is not merely a static object but is active and moving, indicating a process of revelation and impending action related to the wickedness it represents. It is the initial, concise identification of the central symbol of the vision.
* **"He said moreover, This [is] their resemblance through all the earth."**: This second part of the angel's explanation deepens the meaning. The ephah is not just a measure but embodies "their resemblance," meaning the very form or character of the prevalent wickedness. The addition "through all the earth" expands the scope of this wickedness from merely Judah to a universal problem, signifying that God's concern and judgment are not limited to His people but extend to all human iniquity across the globe. This clause clarifies the symbolic nature and universal reach of the vision.

#### Literary Devices
Zechariah 5:6 employs several powerful literary devices to convey its message. **Symbolism** is central, as the common "ephah" is transformed into a potent representation of accumulated wickedness. This everyday object is imbued with profound theological meaning, making the abstract concept of sin tangible and measurable in God's sight. The phrase "goeth forth" also adds a dynamic element to this symbolism, suggesting that this wickedness is actively manifesting or being brought to light. **Dialogue** is another key device, as the interaction between Zechariah and the interpreting angel structures the revelation. Zechariah's question and the angel's explanation create a narrative flow that guides the reader through the unfolding vision, emphasizing the divine source of understanding. Furthermore, the vision uses **Metaphor** by equating the ephah with the "resemblance" or "appearance" of wickedness, implying that the ephah is not just a container but *is* the very embodiment of the pervasive iniquity. This metaphor extends the scope of the problem "through all the earth," highlighting the universal nature of sin and God's comprehensive awareness of it.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Zechariah 5:6 reveals a profound theological truth: God is not only aware of human sin but actively measures and accounts for its extent. The vision of the ephah underscores God's meticulous knowledge of iniquity, demonstrating that no amount of wickedness, whether individual or societal, escapes His notice. This divine awareness serves as a prelude to His righteous judgment and ultimate purification. The "going forth" of the ephah signifies that God is bringing hidden sin into the open, preparing for its decisive removal. This vision assures God's people that He will not tolerate sin indefinitely within His holy presence, providing both a warning against unrighteousness and a promise of future cleansing for His land and people.

* [Proverbs 11:1](/proverbs/11-1 "Proverbs 11:1 - Dishonest Scales"): "A false balance is abomination to the LORD: but a just weight is his delight."
* [Leviticus 19:35-36](/leviticus/19-35-36 "Leviticus 19:35-36 - Just Weights and Measures"): "Ye shall do no unrighteousness in judgment, in meteyard, in weight, or in measure. Just balances, just weights, a just ephah, and a just hin, shall ye have: I am the LORD your God, which brought you out of the land of Egypt."
* [Revelation 18:5](/revelation/18-5 "Revelation 18:5 - Babylon's Sins Piled Up"): "For her sins have reached unto heaven, and God hath remembered her iniquities."

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Zechariah 5:6 serves as a stark reminder that God is not indifferent to the moral state of humanity. The image of the ephah, a common measuring vessel repurposed to quantify wickedness, should prompt us to consider the "weight" and "volume" of sin in our own lives and in the world around us. This vision calls believers to a deeper commitment to personal holiness, recognizing that God meticulously observes and will ultimately deal with all unrighteousness. It challenges us to examine our hearts, confess our sins, and actively participate in the process of purification, both individually and corporately. Understanding that God desires to remove wickedness from His presence should inspire us to strive for purity and justice, aligning our lives with His righteous standards and anticipating the day when all iniquity will be fully banished.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the image of an "ephah that goeth forth" challenge your perception of sin's impact and God's awareness of it?**
* **In what ways might you be contributing to or tolerating "wickedness through all the earth" in your own sphere of influence?**
* **What practical steps can you take to pursue greater personal and corporate holiness in light of God's desire to remove all iniquity?**

### FAQ
**What exactly is an "ephah" in this context?**

Answer: An "ephah" (Hebrew: `ʼêyphâh`) was a common dry measure in ancient Israel, typically used for grain, equivalent to about 22 liters or 5-6 gallons. In [Zechariah 5:6](/zechariah/5-6 "Zechariah 5:6 - The Ephah Vision Introduced"), it is not used literally but symbolically. It represents the accumulated "measure" or "volume" of wickedness. The ephah is depicted as a container that holds or embodies the pervasive sin and moral corruption that God is observing and preparing to remove from the land.

**What does "their resemblance through all the earth" mean?**

Answer: The phrase "their resemblance" (Hebrew: `ʻayin`, meaning "eye" or "appearance") indicates that the ephah itself embodies the very form, character, or appearance of the wickedness. It's not just a container *for* sin, but it *is* the visible manifestation *of* the iniquity. The addition "through all the earth" signifies the universal scope of this wickedness. It means that the sin represented by the ephah is not confined to Judah but is a pervasive human problem, and God's judgment against it is universal, affecting all lands and peoples. This highlights the comprehensive nature of God's plan to deal with sin.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Zechariah 5:6, with its vision of the ephah representing pervasive wickedness "through all the earth" and its ultimate removal, finds its profound Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The Old Testament's recurring theme of God's judgment against sin and His desire for a purified people culminates in Christ, who is the ultimate solution to the problem of human iniquity. While the ephah symbolizes the *measurement* and *removal* of sin, Christ is the one who *takes away* sin. 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"), bearing the full weight and measure of human wickedness on the cross ([2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ Became Sin for Us")). Through His atoning sacrifice, Jesus effectively "carries away" the iniquity that the ephah represents, cleansing not just a land but the hearts of all who believe ([Hebrews 9:26](/hebrews/9-26 "Hebrews 9:26 - Christ's Sacrifice for Sin")). The vision's promise of a land purified from wickedness ultimately points to the new heavens and new earth, where righteousness dwells and "nothing impure will ever enter it" ([Revelation 21:27](/revelation/21-27 "Revelation 21:27 - No Unclean Thing in New Jerusalem")), a reality made possible by Christ's complete triumph over sin and death ([Colossians 2:13-14](/colossians/2-13-14 "Colossians 2:13-14 - Forgiveness and Victory in Christ")).

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

Amos 8:5

Saying, When will the new moon be gone, that we may sell corn? and the sabbath, that we may set forth wheat, making the ephah small, and the shekel great, and falsifying the balances by deceit?

Ezekiel 44:10

¶ And the Levites that are gone away far from me, when Israel went astray, which went astray away from me after their idols; they shall even bear their iniquity.

Ezekiel 44:11

Yet they shall be ministers in my sanctuary, [having] charge at the gates of the house, and ministering to the house: they shall slay the burnt offering and the sacrifice for the people, and they shall stand before them to minister unto them.