King James Version

What Does Zechariah 3:4 Mean?

Zechariah 3:4 in the King James Version says “And he answered and spake unto those that stood before him, saying, Take away the filthy garments from him. And unto him...” — study this verse from Zechariah chapter 3 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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.”

Zechariah 3:4 · KJV

Context

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.

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.

6

And the angel of the LORD protested unto Joshua, saying,

Read Zechariah 3 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And he answered and spake unto those that stood before him, saying, Take away the filthy garments from him—The Angel of the LORD commands the removal of defiled robes. The imperative hāsīrū (הָסִירוּ, 'remove/take away') effects instant cleansing—not gradual improvement but decisive justification. The mal'ākīm (מַלְאָכִים, 'angels/messengers') serve as heaven's wardrobe attendants executing divine pardon.

And unto him he said, Behold, I have caused thine iniquity to pass from thee—Direct address to Joshua: he'ĕbartī (הֶעֱבַרְתִּי, 'I have caused to pass away') in the perfect tense indicates completed action. God doesn't merely cover sin but transfers it away. The noun 'āwōn (עָוֹן, 'iniquity/guilt') encompasses both sin and its punishment. And I will clothe thee with change of raiment—machalātsōt (מַחֲלָצוֹת, 'festive robes/rich garments') replaces filth with finery, shame with splendor. This pictures imputed righteousness: 'He hath covered me with the robe of righteousness' (Isaiah 61:10). The divine passive voice emphasizes grace—Joshua contributes nothing to his re-robing, anticipating the wedding garment parable (Matthew 22:11-12) and Revelation's white robes washed in the Lamb's blood (Revelation 7:14).

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Historical & Cultural Context

The actual priesthood restoration ceremony would have included ceremonial washing and investiture (Exodus 29:4-9; Leviticus 8:6-13). This vision transcends ritual to show spiritual reality: forgiveness precedes service. The cleansed priesthood could now mediate between God and the restored community, offering acceptable sacrifices in the rebuilt temple.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does instant robe-changing (not gradual cleaning) illustrate justification versus sanctification?
  2. Why must God both remove filthy garments AND clothe with new robes (both negative and positive righteousness)?
  3. In what areas do you struggle to accept that God has 'caused iniquity to pass away' rather than dwelling on shame?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 19 words
וַיַּ֣עַן1 of 19

“And he answered”

H6030

properly, to eye or (generally) to heed, i.e., pay attention; by implication, to respond; by extension to begin to speak; specifically to sing, shout,

וַיֹּ֣אמֶר2 of 19

“and spake”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

אֶל3 of 19
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

הָעֹמְדִ֤ים4 of 19

“unto those that stood”

H5975

to stand, in various relations (literal and figurative, intransitive and transitive)

לְפָנָיו֙5 of 19

“before”

H6440

the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi

וַיֹּ֣אמֶר6 of 19

“and spake”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

הָסִ֛ירוּ7 of 19

“Take away”

H5493

to turn off (literally or figuratively)

הַבְּגָדִ֥ים8 of 19

“garments”

H899

a covering, i.e., clothing

הַצֹּאִ֖ים9 of 19

“the filthy”

H6674

soiled (as if excrementitious)

מֵעָלָ֑יו10 of 19
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

וַיֹּ֣אמֶר11 of 19

“and spake”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

אֵלָ֗יו12 of 19
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

רְאֵ֨ה13 of 19

“Behold”

H7200

to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)

הֶעֱבַ֤רְתִּי14 of 19

“to pass”

H5674

to cross over; used very widely of any transition (literal or figurative; transitive, intransitive, intensive, causative); specifically, to cover (in

מֵעָלֶ֙יךָ֙15 of 19
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

עֲוֹנֶ֔ךָ16 of 19

“I have caused thine iniquity”

H5771

perversity, i.e., (moral) evil

וְהַלְבֵּ֥שׁ17 of 19

“from thee and I will clothe”

H3847

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

אֹתְךָ֖18 of 19
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

מַחֲלָצֽוֹת׃19 of 19

“thee with change of raiment”

H4254

a mantle (as easily drawn off)

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 3:4 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 3:4 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Luke 15:22Isaiah 61:10Ezekiel 36:25Revelation 7:14Revelation 19:7-8Isaiah 43:25

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