King James Version

What Does Zechariah 3:2 Mean?

Zechariah 3:2 in the King James Version says “And the LORD said unto Satan, The LORD rebuke thee, O Satan; even the LORD that hath chosen Jerusalem rebuke thee: is no...” — study this verse from Zechariah chapter 3 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And the LORD said unto Satan, The LORD rebuke thee, O Satan; even the LORD that hath chosen Jerusalem rebuke thee: is not this a brand plucked out of the fire?”

Zechariah 3:2 · KJV

Context

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. Satan: that is, an adversary to: Heb. to be his adversary

2

And the LORD said unto Satan, The LORD rebuke thee, O Satan; even the LORD that hath chosen Jerusalem rebuke thee: is not this a brand plucked out of the fire?

3

Now Joshua was clothed with filthy garments, and stood before the angel.

4

And he answered and spake unto those that stood before him, saying, Take away the filthy garments from him. And unto him he said, Behold, I have caused thine iniquity to pass from thee, and I will clothe thee with change of raiment.

Read Zechariah 3 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
In Zechariah's vision, the LORD rebukes Satan: 'And the LORD said unto Satan, The LORD rebuke thee, O Satan; even the LORD that hath chosen Jerusalem rebuke thee: is not this a brand plucked out of the fire?' Joshua the high priest stands before the Angel of the LORD (likely pre-incarnate Christ) while Satan accuses. God's double rebuke of Satan (yig'ar YHWH beka, repeated) asserts divine authority over the accuser. The basis: 'the LORD who has chosen Jerusalem' (ha-boher bi-Yerushalaim)—God's sovereign election trumps Satan's accusations. Joshua is 'a brand plucked from the fire' (ud mutzal me-esh)—barely rescued from destruction (Amos 4:11), symbolizing Israel's exile and narrow preservation. Despite defilement (v. 3: filthy garments), God graciously cleanses (v. 4-5). This previews Christ's advocacy: He rebukes our accuser and clothes us in His righteousness (Romans 8:33-34, Revelation 12:10).

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Historical & Cultural Context

This vision occurred in 520 BC during temple rebuilding. Joshua (Jeshua) the high priest led the post-exilic community with Zerubbabel. The filthy garments symbolize Israel's sin and defilement through exile. Satan's accusation had basis—they were guilty! Yet God's election and mercy override guilt through cleansing and re-robing. The New Testament develops this: Satan accuses believers (Revelation 12:10), but Christ our advocate answers (1 John 2:1), having removed our filthy rags and clothed us in His righteousness (Isaiah 61:10, 2 Corinthians 5:21). Jude 9 echoes this scene in Michael's dispute with Satan over Moses's body. God's sovereign choice and gracious justification silence all accusations.

Reflection Questions

  1. When Satan accuses me of unworthiness, do I trust God's electing grace and Christ's advocacy more than my failures?
  2. How does being 'a brand plucked from the fire' shape my gratitude and worship for barely-deserved salvation?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 18 words
וַיֹּ֨אמֶר1 of 18

“said”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

יְהוָה֙2 of 18

“And the LORD”

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

אֶל3 of 18
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

הַשָּׂטָ֔ן4 of 18

“thee O Satan”

H7854

an opponent; especially (with the article prefixed) satan, the arch-enemy of good

וְיִגְעַ֤ר5 of 18

“rebuke”

H1605

to chide

יְהוָה֙6 of 18

“And the LORD”

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

בְּךָ֙7 of 18
H0
הַשָּׂטָ֔ן8 of 18

“thee O Satan”

H7854

an opponent; especially (with the article prefixed) satan, the arch-enemy of good

וְיִגְעַ֤ר9 of 18

“rebuke”

H1605

to chide

יְהוָה֙10 of 18

“And the LORD”

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

בְּךָ֔11 of 18
H0
הַבֹּחֵ֖ר12 of 18

“that hath chosen”

H977

properly, to try, i.e., (by implication) select

בִּירֽוּשָׁלִָ֑ם13 of 18

“Jerusalem”

H3389

jerushalaim or jerushalem, the capital city of palestine

הֲל֧וֹא14 of 18
H3808

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

זֶ֦ה15 of 18
H2088

the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that

א֖וּד16 of 18

“thee is not this a brand”

H181

a poker (for turning or gathering embers)

מֻצָּ֥ל17 of 18

“plucked”

H5337

to snatch away, whether in a good or a bad sense

מֵאֵֽשׁ׃18 of 18

“out of the fire”

H784

fire (literally or figuratively)

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 3:2 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 3:2 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Amos 4:11Jude 1:23Jude 1:91 John 3:8Romans 8:33Zechariah 1:17

Places in This Verse

JerusalemSettlement · Modern: Jerusalem · 31.78°N, 35.23°E955 verses across 37 books
View all places in Zechariah 3 →

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