King James Version

What Does Zechariah 13:4 Mean?

Zechariah 13:4 in the King James Version says “And it shall come to pass in that day, that the prophets shall be ashamed every one of his vision, when he hath prophesi...” — study this verse from Zechariah chapter 13 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And it shall come to pass in that day, that the prophets shall be ashamed every one of his vision, when he hath prophesied; neither shall they wear a rough garment to deceive: a rough: Heb. a garment of hair deceive: Heb. lie”

Zechariah 13:4 · KJV

Context

2

And it shall come to pass in that day, saith the LORD of hosts, that I will cut off the names of the idols out of the land, and they shall no more be remembered: and also I will cause the prophets and the unclean spirit to pass out of the land.

3

And it shall come to pass, that when any shall yet prophesy, then his father and his mother that begat him shall say unto him, Thou shalt not live; for thou speakest lies in the name of the LORD: and his father and his mother that begat him shall thrust him through when he prophesieth.

4

And it shall come to pass in that day, that the prophets shall be ashamed every one of his vision, when he hath prophesied; neither shall they wear a rough garment to deceive: a rough: Heb. a garment of hair deceive: Heb. lie

5

But he shall say, I am no prophet, I am an husbandman ; for man taught me to keep cattle from my youth.

6

And one shall say unto him, What are these wounds in thine hands? Then he shall answer, Those with which I was wounded in the house of my friends.

Read Zechariah 13 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And it shall come to pass in that day, that the prophets shall be ashamed every one of his vision, when he hath prophesied; neither shall they wear a rough garment to deceive. This verse describes the exposure and shame awaiting false prophets. "The prophets shall be ashamed" (yevoshu ha-nevi'im, יֵבֹשׁוּ הַנְּבִיאִים) indicates they will be humiliated when their deceptions are revealed. The phrase "every one of his vision" (ish me-chezono, אִישׁ מֵחֶזְיֹנוֹ) refers to the false visions they claimed were from God—they will be ashamed of these lies.

"Neither shall they wear a rough garment to deceive" (velo yilbeshu aderet se'ar lema'an kachez, וְלֹא־יִלְבְּשׁוּ אַדֶּרֶת שֵׂעָר לְמַעַן כַּחֵשׁ). The "rough garment" or "hairy mantle" (aderet se'ar, אַדֶּרֶת שֵׂעָר) was characteristic prophetic attire worn by Elijah (2 Kings 1:8) and John the Baptist (Matthew 3:4). False prophets adopted this distinctive clothing "to deceive" (lema'an kachez, לְמַעַן כַּחֵשׁ)—using external symbols of prophetic office to lend credibility to their lies. Like modern frauds wearing clerical collars or religious garb to appear authoritative, they manipulated appearance to gain trust.

In the coming day of purification, false prophets will abandon even the pretense of prophetic calling. They'll be so thoroughly exposed and ashamed that they'll deny ever claiming prophetic office. This demonstrates that God's truth will ultimately triumph over all deception—lies cannot withstand the light of divine revelation.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Throughout Israel's history, false prophets mimicked true prophets' appearance and speech patterns to gain credibility. Jeremiah confronted false prophets who stole God's words from one another and claimed divine dreams (Jeremiah 23:30-32). Ezekiel condemned those who prophesied from their own imagination (Ezekiel 13:2-3). The 'rough garment' or hair cloak became so associated with prophets that wearing it signified prophetic office—making it a tool for deception when worn by frauds.

By Zechariah's time, Israel had experienced the consequences of heeding false prophets—exile and destruction came because they believed lies rather than truth (Jeremiah 27:9-10, 29:8-9). This prophecy envisions a future when such deception will be impossible—truth will be so clearly revealed that false prophets will voluntarily discard their deceptive garb rather than face exposure. Jesus warned that false prophets would come in sheep's clothing (Matthew 7:15), and Paul described those who masquerade as apostles of Christ (2 Corinthians 11:13-15). The principle remains: external religious appearance cannot substitute for genuine calling and truthful message.

Reflection Questions

  1. How can you discern between genuine spiritual leaders and those who merely adopt external markers of authority?
  2. What does this passage teach about the danger of judging spiritual authenticity by appearances (clothing, titles, credentials) rather than message and fruit?
  3. In what ways might modern Christian leaders be tempted to use 'rough garments' (external symbols of piety or authority) to lend credibility to self-generated rather than God-given messages?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 14 words
וְהָיָ֣ה׀1 of 14
H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

בַּיּ֣וֹם2 of 14

“And it shall come to pass in that day”

H3117

a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso

הַה֗וּא3 of 14
H1931

he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo

יֵבֹ֧שׁוּ4 of 14

“shall be ashamed”

H954

properly, to pale, i.e., by implication to be ashamed; also (by implication) to be disappointed or delayed

הַנְּבִיאִ֛ים5 of 14

“that the prophets”

H5030

a prophet or (generally) inspired man

אִ֥ישׁ6 of 14

“every one”

H376

a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)

מֵחֶזְיֹנ֖וֹ7 of 14

“of his vision”

H2384

a revelation, expectation by dream

בְּהִנָּֽבְאֹת֑וֹ8 of 14

“when he hath prophesied”

H5012

to prophesy, i.e., speak (or sing) by inspiration (in prediction or simple discourse)

וְלֹ֧א9 of 14
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

יִלְבְּשׁ֛וּ10 of 14

“neither shall they wear”

H3847

properly, wrap around, i.e., (by implication) to put on a garment or clothe (oneself, or another), literally or figuratively

אַדֶּ֥רֶת11 of 14

“garment”

H155

something ample (as a large vine, a wide dress)

שֵׂעָ֖ר12 of 14

“a rough”

H8181

hair (as if tossed or bristling)

לְמַ֥עַן13 of 14
H4616

properly, heed, i.e., purpose; used only adverbially, on account of (as a motive or an aim), teleologically, in order that

כַּחֵֽשׁ׃14 of 14

“to deceive”

H3584

to be untrue, in word (to lie, feign, disown) or deed (to disappoint, fail, cringe)

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Zechariah. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Zechariah 13:4 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Zechariah 13:4 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Matthew 3:4Micah 3:6-72 Kings 1:8Isaiah 20:2Revelation 11:3Mark 1:6

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