Zechariah 5:3

Authorized King James Version

Then said he unto me, This is the curse that goeth forth over the face of the whole earth: for every one that stealeth shall be cut off as on this side according to it; and every one that sweareth shall be cut off as on that side according to it.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וַיֹּ֣אמֶר

H559

Then said

to say (used with great latitude)

אֵלַ֔י

H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

זֹ֚את

H2063

this (often used adverb)

הָֽאָלָ֔ה

H423

he unto me This is the curse

an imprecation

הַיּוֹצֵ֖את

H3318

that goeth forth

to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim

עַל

H5921

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

פְּנֵ֣י

H6440

over the face

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

כָל

H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

הָאָ֑רֶץ

H776

of the whole earth

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

#10

כִּ֣י

H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

#11

כָל

H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

#12

הַגֹּנֵ֗ב

H1589

for every one that stealeth

to thieve (literally or figuratively); by implication, to deceive

#13

מִזֶּה֙

H2088

the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that

#14

כָּמ֥וֹהָ

H3644

as on that side according

as, thus, so

#15

נִקָּֽה׃

H5352

shall be cut off

to be (or make) clean (literally or figuratively); by implication (in an adverse sense) to be bare, i.e., extirpated

#16

וְכָל

H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

#17

הַ֨נִּשְׁבָּ֔ע

H7650

to it and every one that sweareth

to seven oneself, i.e., swear (as if by repeating a declaration seven times)

#18

מִזֶּ֖ה

H2088

the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that

#19

כָּמ֥וֹהָ

H3644

as on that side according

as, thus, so

#20

נִקָּֽה׃

H5352

shall be cut off

to be (or make) clean (literally or figuratively); by implication (in an adverse sense) to be bare, i.e., extirpated

Analysis

The salvation theme here intersects with the metanarrative of redemption running from Genesis to Revelation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of a unified storyline from the promise in Genesis 3:15 to its fulfillment in Christ. The phrase emphasizing divine revelation contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's saving work from the Exodus to the cross.

Historical Context

This passage must be understood within the political and social structures of the biblical period. The author writes to address believers seeking to understand God's will and purposes, making the emphasis on salvation particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection

How does the salvation theme in this verse connect to the overarching narrative of Scripture, and what does this reveal about God's character and purposes?
In what ways does this verse's emphasis on divine revelation address religious pluralism and questions about the necessity of Christ, and how should the church respond?
What systematic theological implications arise from this verse's treatment of salvation, and how does it contribute to a biblical theology of soteriology and the doctrine of salvation?