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.
Original Language Analysis
וַיָּשִׂימוּ֩
Let them set
H7760
וַיָּשִׂימוּ֩
Let them set
Strong's:
H7760
Word #:
2 of 16
to put (used in a great variety of applications, literal, figurative, inferentially, and elliptically)
הַטָּה֜וֹר
a fair
H2889
הַטָּה֜וֹר
a fair
Strong's:
H2889
Word #:
4 of 16
pure (in a physical, chemical, ceremonial or moral sense)
עַל
H5921
עַל
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
5 of 16
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
רֹאשׁ֗וֹ
upon his head
H7218
רֹאשׁ֗וֹ
upon his head
Strong's:
H7218
Word #:
6 of 16
the head (as most easily shaken), whether literal or figurative (in many applications, of place, time, rank, itc.)
וַיָּשִׂימוּ֩
Let them set
H7760
וַיָּשִׂימוּ֩
Let them set
Strong's:
H7760
Word #:
7 of 16
to put (used in a great variety of applications, literal, figurative, inferentially, and elliptically)
הַטָּה֜וֹר
a fair
H2889
הַטָּה֜וֹר
a fair
Strong's:
H2889
Word #:
9 of 16
pure (in a physical, chemical, ceremonial or moral sense)
עַל
H5921
עַל
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
10 of 16
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
רֹאשׁ֗וֹ
upon his head
H7218
רֹאשׁ֗וֹ
upon his head
Strong's:
H7218
Word #:
11 of 16
the head (as most easily shaken), whether literal or figurative (in many applications, of place, time, rank, itc.)
וַיַּלְבִּשֻׁ֙הוּ֙
and clothed
H3847
וַיַּלְבִּשֻׁ֙הוּ֙
and clothed
Strong's:
H3847
Word #:
12 of 16
properly, wrap around, i.e., (by implication) to put on a garment or clothe (oneself, or another), literally or figuratively
וּמַלְאַ֥ךְ
And the angel
H4397
וּמַלְאַ֥ךְ
And the angel
Strong's:
H4397
Word #:
14 of 16
a messenger; specifically, of god, i.e., an angel (also a prophet, priest or teacher)
Historical 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.
Questions for Reflection
- What does Zechariah's successful intercession teach about prayer's role in God's redemptive work?
- How does the 'HOLINESS TO THE LORD' inscription on our foreheads (Revelation 22:4) relate to this vision?
- In what ways does Christ's high priesthood perfect what Joshua's priesthood foreshadowed?
Analysis & 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.