Zechariah 6:11

KJV

Then take silver and gold, and make crowns, and set [them] upon the head of Joshua the son of Josedech, the high priest;

KJV (with Strong's)

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};

Complete Jewish Bible

Take silver and gold; make crowns; put one on the head of Y'hoshua the son of Y'hotzadak, the cohen hagadol;

Berean Standard Bible

Take silver and gold, make an ornate crown, and set it on the head of the high priest, Joshua son of Jehozadak.

American Standard Version

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;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Zechariah 6:11 records a divinely commanded symbolic act wherein the prophet Zechariah is instructed to take silver and gold, fashion crowns, and place them upon the head of Joshua, the high priest. This unusual ceremony, which crowns a priest rather than a king, serves as a profound prophetic tableau, pointing forward to the coming Messiah who would uniquely embody and unite the offices of both King and High Priest, establishing a new spiritual order and building the ultimate temple.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within a series of eight night visions granted to the prophet Zechariah (chapters 1-6), which serve to encourage the post-exilic community in Jerusalem as they rebuild the Temple. Following visions of God's judgment and protection (e.g., the four chariots in [Zechariah 6:1-8](/zechariah/6-1-8 "Zechariah's Vision of the Four Chariots")), this specific command transitions from visionary revelation to a concrete, symbolic action. Zechariah 6:11 acts as a direct prelude to the pivotal Messianic prophecy regarding "The Branch" in [Zechariah 6:12-13](/zechariah/6-12-13 "The Prophecy of The Branch"), establishing the identity and future role of the one who will bear the glory and sit as both priest and king.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The events described in Zechariah occurred around 520-518 BC, during the early post-exilic period. The Jewish people had returned from seventy years of Babylonian captivity under the decree of Cyrus the Great. Their primary task was the rebuilding of the Second Temple in Jerusalem, a project that faced significant opposition and discouragement. Leadership was divided between Zerubbabel, the civil governor from the Davidic royal line, and Joshua, the high priest from the Aaronic line. In ancient Israel, the roles of king and priest were strictly separated, belonging to the tribes of Judah and Levi respectively. The act of crowning a high priest was therefore an unprecedented and highly symbolic gesture, designed to convey a truth far beyond the immediate historical figures.
* **Key Themes:** Zechariah 6:11 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the book and broader biblical narrative. The most prominent theme is the **Messianic hope**, specifically the anticipation of a figure who would combine **royal and priestly authority**. This verse directly foreshadows the prophecy of "[The Branch](/zechariah/3-8 "Zechariah 3:8 - The Branch")," a clear title for the Messiah, who would not only rebuild the spiritual Temple but also rule upon a throne as a priest. The use of **silver and gold** symbolizes the preciousness, purity, and divine glory associated with this future office. Furthermore, the divine command underscores the theme of **God's sovereign initiative** in establishing His redemptive plan, ensuring that the ultimate King-Priest would be divinely appointed, not merely a human construct.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Joshua (Hebrew, _Yᵉhôwshûwaʻ'_):** H3091, meaning "Jehovah-saved" or "Jehovah is salvation." This name is profoundly significant as it is the Hebrew equivalent of "Jesus." In this context, Joshua the high priest serves as a type or foreshadowing of Jesus Christ, the ultimate Savior who embodies the very salvation of God. His name itself points to the divine purpose behind his symbolic crowning.
* **Crowns (Hebrew, _ʻăṭârâh'_):** H5850, meaning "a crown." The Hebrew word here is plural, _‘atarot_ (עֲטָרוֹת). This plurality is crucial. It could signify a single elaborate crown composed of multiple elements, or, more likely, it emphasizes the distinct yet unified nature of the two offices—kingship and priesthood—that would be combined in the future Messiah. It highlights the multifaceted glory and authority that will be vested in "The Branch."
* **Priest (Hebrew, _kôhên'_):** H3548, meaning "one officiating, a priest." Joshua's identity as the high priest is central to the verse's prophetic message. Historically, priests were from the tribe of Levi and performed Temple duties, while kings were from Judah and ruled. The crowning of a priest with royal insignia breaks this traditional separation, signaling a new order where these distinct functions would converge in one person.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Then take silver and gold":** This initial command specifies the precious materials to be used. Silver and gold are consistently associated with value, purity, and divine glory throughout Scripture. Their use here signifies the immense worth and sacredness of the symbolic act and the offices it represents.
* **"and make crowns":** The instruction to fashion "crowns" (plural) is the central action. As discussed in the key word analysis, the plurality suggests a dual authority or a composite symbol of combined offices, setting the stage for the unique King-Priest.
* **"and set [them] upon the head of Joshua the son of Josedech, the high priest;":** This is the culmination of the command, identifying the recipient of the crowns. The specific mention of Joshua as "the high priest" underscores the profound theological tension and prophetic significance of placing royal crowns on a priestly head, directly pointing to the future Messiah who would transcend the traditional separation of these roles.

#### Literary Devices
Zechariah 6:11 is rich in **Symbolism** and **Typology**. The **Symbolism** is evident in the materials used: **silver and gold** signify divine glory, purity, and the preciousness of the Messianic offices. The **crowns** themselves are potent symbols of royalty, authority, and honor. Placing them on the head of Joshua, the high priest, is a symbolic act that transcends its immediate historical context, pointing to a future reality. This act also embodies **Typology**, where Joshua, the high priest, serves as a "type" or foreshadowing of Jesus Christ. Joshua, whose name means "Yahweh is salvation," is an imperfect human figure who, through this divinely orchestrated ceremony, prefigures the perfect, ultimate King-Priest, Jesus, who truly embodies salvation and unites all authority. The entire scene functions as a dramatic **prophetic enactment**, visually communicating a profound theological truth about the coming Messiah.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Zechariah 6:11 stands as a pivotal Old Testament passage that profoundly shapes our understanding of the Messiah's dual nature as both King and Priest. In ancient Israel, these roles were strictly separated by tribal lineage and function: kings from Judah, priests from Levi. The divine command to crown the high priest Joshua with royal insignia shatters this established order, signaling the advent of a new covenant reality where these two essential offices would converge in one person. This unification is not merely administrative but speaks to the comprehensive nature of the Messiah's work: He reigns with sovereign authority over all creation, and He mediates between God and humanity through His perfect sacrifice and intercession. This passage thus provides a foundational theological framework for understanding Christ's unique identity and multifaceted ministry.

* [Zechariah 6:12-13](/zechariah/6-12-13 "The Branch, Priest and King") This passage immediately follows Zechariah 6:11, explicitly identifying "The Branch" as the one who will build the Temple, bear glory, and "sit and rule upon his throne; and he shall be a priest upon his throne."
* [Psalm 110:4](/psalms/110-4 "Psalm 110:4 - Melchizedekian Priesthood") "The Lord hath sworn, and will not repent, Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchizedek." This ancient prophecy speaks of a priest-king, prefiguring the Messiah's unique office.
* [Hebrews 7:17](/hebrews/7-17 "Hebrews 7:17 - Christ's Eternal Priesthood") "For he testifieth, Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec." The New Testament book of Hebrews extensively expounds on Jesus' fulfillment of the Melchizedekian priesthood, highlighting His eternal, superior high priestly office.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Zechariah 6:11 offers profound comfort and assurance to believers today, revealing the meticulous detail of God's redemptive plan throughout history. This ancient prophecy, culminating in the crowning of a priest with royal symbols, points us directly 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 against all opposition and that His purposes will never be thwarted. As our High Priest, He has offered the perfect, once-for-all sacrifice for sins and continually intercedes for us before God, making us righteous and granting us access to the Father. This unified office means that His reign is one of grace and justice, and His priestly work is backed by divine power and authority. Believers find complete security and hope in His finished work on the cross and His ongoing reign and intercession, knowing that our salvation is eternally secured by the one who is both sovereign King and compassionate High Priest.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the unique combination of kingly and priestly offices in Christ, foreshadowed in Zechariah 6:11, bring you comfort and assurance in your faith?**
* **In what ways does understanding Jesus as both King and High Priest impact your prayers and your daily walk with Him?**
* **How does the meticulous nature of God's prophetic plan, as seen in this verse, strengthen your trust in His faithfulness for your own life?**

### FAQ
**Why was Joshua, a priest, crowned in this passage, when kings and priests were traditionally separate?**

Answer: The crowning of Joshua, the high priest, with royal crowns in [Zechariah 6:11](/zechariah/6-11 "Zechariah 6:11 - Crowning of Joshua") was not an establishment of a new historical precedent for Israelite leadership but a profound symbolic act. It was a divinely commanded prophetic tableau designed to foreshadow the coming Messiah. In ancient Israel, the roles of king (from the tribe of Judah) and priest (from the tribe of Levi) were strictly distinct. By crowning a priest with symbols of kingship, God was visually communicating that the future "Branch"—the Messiah—would uniquely combine these two offices. This points to Jesus Christ, who is both our eternal King (from the line of David) and our perfect High Priest (after the order of Melchizedek, not Aaron), fulfilling both roles seamlessly.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Zechariah 6:11 finds its ultimate and glorious fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The unusual command to crown Joshua, the high priest, with royal crowns, directly prefigures the Messiah who would perfectly embody the dual roles of King and Priest. This concept, hinted at in the ancient figure of [Melchizedek](/genesis/14-18 "Genesis 14:18 - Melchizedek, King and Priest"), is fully realized in Jesus. As our King, Jesus holds all authority in heaven and on earth, reigning from His throne (as seen in [Matthew 28:18](/matthew/28-18 "Matthew 28:18 - All Authority Given to Jesus") and [Revelation 19:16](/revelation/19-16 "Revelation 19:16 - King of Kings and Lord of Lords")). As our High Priest, He offered Himself as the perfect, once-for-all sacrifice for sin ([Hebrews 9:26](/hebrews/9-26 "Hebrews 9:26 - Christ's Sacrifice Once for All")), and He continually intercedes for us before the Father ([Hebrews 7:25](/hebrews/7-25 "Hebrews 7:25 - Christ's Intercession")). The "crowns" placed on Joshua's head symbolize the glory and authority that belong to Jesus, who is the true "Branch" ([Zechariah 6:12](/zechariah/6-12 "Zechariah 6:12 - The Man Whose Name is The Branch")), the one who builds the spiritual Temple (His church, as in [Ephesians 2:20-22](/ephesians/2-20-22 "Ephesians 2:20-22 - Christ the Cornerstone")), and sits as a priest upon His throne, uniting redemption with sovereign rule.

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 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,