6:10 6:10

Zechariah 6:11

6:12 6:12

Bible Versions

Then take silver and gold, and make crowns, and set [them] upon the head of Joshua the son of Josedech, the high priest;
Then take {H3947} silver {H3701} and gold {H2091}, and make {H6213} crowns {H5850}, and set {H7760} them upon the head {H7218} of Joshua {H3091} the son {H1121} of Josedech {H3087}, the high {H1419} priest {H3548};
Take silver and gold; make crowns; put one on the head of Y'hoshua the son of Y'hotzadak, the cohen hagadol;
Take silver and gold, make an ornate crown, and set it on the head of the high priest, Joshua son of Jehozadak.
yea, take of them silver and gold, and make crowns, and set them upon the head of Joshua the son of Jehozadak, the high priest;

Zechariah 6:11 records a symbolic action commanded by God to the prophet Zechariah, involving the high priest Joshua. This verse is pivotal in understanding Messianic prophecy, as it depicts an unusual crowning ceremony for a priest, foreshadowing the coming Messiah who would hold both priestly and kingly offices.

Context

This verse is part of a series of visions given to Zechariah during the post-exilic period, roughly 520 BC. The Jewish people had returned from Babylonian captivity and were in the process of rebuilding the Temple in Jerusalem under the leadership of Zerubbabel, the governor, and Joshua, the high priest. The visions in Zechariah often serve to encourage the people, affirm God's presence, and provide prophetic insight into the future. Immediately preceding this, Zechariah saw visions of God's judgment and presence, and this particular command transitions into a significant prophecy about "the Man whose name is The BRANCH" (Zechariah 6:12).

Key Themes

  • The King-Priest Messiah: The most significant theme is the prophetic unification of the royal and priestly offices in one person. Historically, the kings came from the tribe of Judah (Davidic line), and priests from the tribe of Levi (Aaronic line). Crowning a high priest with silver and gold crowns was unprecedented and points directly to Jesus Christ, who fulfills both roles as our eternal King and High Priest.
  • Symbolism of Crowns: The instruction to "make crowns" (plural, ‘atarot in Hebrew) suggests either multiple crowns or a composite crown, emphasizing the dual nature of the authority to be conferred. Silver and gold signify purity, value, and divine glory, fitting for the one who would bear such offices.
  • Divine Appointment and Ordination: This act was not a human initiative but a direct command from the Lord, underscoring that the future King-Priest would be divinely appointed and established.
  • Foreshadowing "The Branch": This symbolic crowning of Joshua directly sets the stage for the subsequent prophecy of "The Branch," which clearly refers to the Messiah. Joshua, though a high priest, was imperfect and a mere shadow of the perfect, ultimate High Priest and King.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "crowns" is ‘atarot (עֲטָרוֹת), which is plural. This plurality is highly significant. While it could refer to a single elaborate crown made of multiple parts, it more likely emphasizes the distinct yet unified nature of the authority being represented – both royal and priestly. The name "Joshua" (יְהוֹשֻׁעַ, Yehoshua) is the same name as "Jesus" in Hebrew, meaning "Yahweh saves" or "Yahweh is salvation." This linguistic connection further strengthens the Messianic interpretation, as Joshua the high priest serves as a type or shadow of Jesus, the true Savior.

Related Scriptures

  • This verse flows directly into the prophecy of "The Branch" in Zechariah 6:12-13, where the one who builds the Temple will "bear the glory" and "sit and rule upon his throne; and he shall be a priest upon his throne."
  • The concept of a priest-king is prefigured in Melchizedek, King of Salem and priest of the Most High God, mentioned in Genesis and later emphasized in Psalm 110:4.
  • The New Testament book of Hebrews expounds greatly on Jesus' fulfillment of the high priestly office, particularly after the order of Melchizedek (e.g., Hebrews 7:17, Hebrews 4:14).
  • Jesus' kingship is affirmed throughout the Gospels and Revelation, where He is called "King of Kings, and Lord of Lords" (Revelation 19:16).

Practical Application

Zechariah 6:11 provides profound assurance of God's meticulous plan for salvation. It points us to Jesus Christ, who perfectly embodies the dual role of King and High Priest. As our King, He possesses ultimate authority and sovereignty, ensuring that His kingdom will prevail. As our High Priest, He has offered the perfect sacrifice for sins and continually intercedes for us before God (Hebrews 7:25). This unified office means that His reign is one of grace and His priestly work is backed by divine power. Believers find complete security and hope in His finished work and His ongoing reign and intercession.

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.

  • Zechariah 3:1

    ¶ And he shewed me Joshua the high priest standing before the angel of the LORD, and Satan standing at his right hand to resist him.

  • Psalms 21:3

    For thou preventest him with the blessings of goodness: thou settest a crown of pure gold on his head.

  • Song Of Solomon 3:11

    Go forth, O ye daughters of Zion, and behold king Solomon with the crown wherewith his mother crowned him in the day of his espousals, and in the day of the gladness of his heart.

  • Exodus 39:30

    And they made the plate of the holy crown [of] pure gold, and wrote upon it a writing, [like to] the engravings of a signet, HOLINESS TO THE LORD.

  • Leviticus 8:9

    And he put the mitre upon his head; also upon the mitre, [even] upon his forefront, did he put the golden plate, the holy crown; as the LORD commanded Moses.

  • Zechariah 3:5

    And I said, Let them set a fair mitre upon his head. So they set a fair mitre upon his head, and clothed him with garments. And the angel of the LORD stood by.

  • Haggai 1:1

    ¶ In the second year of Darius the king, in the sixth month, in the first day of the month, came the word of the LORD by Haggai the prophet unto Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel, governor of Judah, and to Joshua the son of Josedech, the high priest, saying,
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