King James Version

What Does Zechariah 3:5 Mean?

Zechariah 3:5 in the King James Version says “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 garmen...” — study this verse from Zechariah chapter 3 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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.”

Zechariah 3:5 · KJV

Context

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,

7

Thus saith the LORD of hosts; If thou wilt walk in my ways, and if thou wilt keep my charge, then thou shalt also judge my house, and shalt also keep my courts, and I will give thee places to walk among these that stand by. charge: or, ordinance places: Heb. walks

Read Zechariah 3 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And I said, Let them set a fair mitre upon his head—Remarkably, Zechariah intercedes, requesting the crowning piece of priestly vestments. The tsānīph tāhōr (צָנִיף טָהוֹר, 'clean/pure turban') bore the golden plate inscribed 'HOLINESS TO THE LORD' (Exodus 28:36-38). The prophet's participation in the vision suggests the intercessory role of God's people in priestly restoration.

So they set a fair mitre upon his head, and clothed him with garments. And the angel of the LORD stood by—Heaven grants the prophet's request. The complete priestly investiture finishes: robes first (v. 4), now the turban bearing the sacred diadem. The Angel's standing 'ōmēd (עֹמֵד) 'beside' or 'over' ('al, עַל) suggests supervisory authority—He oversees the re-investiture, guaranteeing its validity. The scene previews believers' clothing in white robes (Revelation 3:5, 18; 7:9) and Christ the great High Priest whose priesthood supersedes Aaron's order (Hebrews 7:26-28). The 'HOLINESS TO THE LORD' inscription declares that justified sinners are set apart for sacred service, their unholiness exchanged for Christ's perfect consecration.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The high priest's turban distinguished him from ordinary priests who wore caps (Exodus 28:40; 29:9). The golden plate's inscription declared that the priest bore Israel's guilt so their worship could be accepted (Exodus 28:38). Joshua's re-turbaning signals the priesthood's full rehabilitation and God's acceptance of post-exilic worship despite the modest circumstances.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does Zechariah's successful intercession teach about prayer's role in God's redemptive work?
  2. How does the 'HOLINESS TO THE LORD' inscription on our foreheads (Revelation 22:4) relate to this vision?
  3. In what ways does Christ's high priesthood perfect what Joshua's priesthood foreshadowed?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 16 words
וָאֹמַ֕ר1 of 16

“And I said”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

וַיָּשִׂימוּ֩2 of 16

“Let them set”

H7760

to put (used in a great variety of applications, literal, figurative, inferentially, and elliptically)

הַצָּנִ֨יף3 of 16

“mitre”

H6797

a head-dress (i.e., piece of cloth wrapped around)

הַטָּה֜וֹר4 of 16

“a fair”

H2889

pure (in a physical, chemical, ceremonial or moral sense)

עַל5 of 16
H5921

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

רֹאשׁ֗וֹ6 of 16

“upon his head”

H7218

the head (as most easily shaken), whether literal or figurative (in many applications, of place, time, rank, itc.)

וַיָּשִׂימוּ֩7 of 16

“Let them set”

H7760

to put (used in a great variety of applications, literal, figurative, inferentially, and elliptically)

הַצָּנִ֨יף8 of 16

“mitre”

H6797

a head-dress (i.e., piece of cloth wrapped around)

הַטָּה֜וֹר9 of 16

“a fair”

H2889

pure (in a physical, chemical, ceremonial or moral sense)

עַל10 of 16
H5921

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

רֹאשׁ֗וֹ11 of 16

“upon his head”

H7218

the head (as most easily shaken), whether literal or figurative (in many applications, of place, time, rank, itc.)

וַיַּלְבִּשֻׁ֙הוּ֙12 of 16

“and clothed”

H3847

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

בְּגָדִ֔ים13 of 16

“him with garments”

H899

a covering, i.e., clothing

וּמַלְאַ֥ךְ14 of 16

“And the angel”

H4397

a messenger; specifically, of god, i.e., an angel (also a prophet, priest or teacher)

יְהוָ֖ה15 of 16

“of the LORD”

H3068

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

עֹמֵֽד׃16 of 16

“stood by”

H5975

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

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 3:5 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 3:5 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Zechariah 6:11Exodus 29:6Job 29:14Revelation 4:10Revelation 4:4Hebrews 2:8-9

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