Zechariah 3:4 Meaning and Explanation
“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.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →The angel orders the filthy garments removed and declares Joshua's iniquity taken away, promising him fresh clothing.
What Does Zechariah 3:4 Mean?
Now the court acts. At the angel's word the attending ones strip off the filthy garments, and the meaning is spoken plainly to Joshua himself: his iniquity has been caused to pass from him, and he will be clothed with change of raiment. The cleansing is announced as something God has done, not something Joshua achieved.
This is the heart of the vision and a picture of the gospel itself. Guilt is not merely covered but taken away, and in its place comes a gift of new clothing. What the accuser could not overturn, grace removes entirely. Everyone who has longed to be made clean rather than merely excused can hear their own hope here: God Himself lifts the stained garment and replaces it with His own provision.
Zechariah 3:4 in the Original Language
machalatsot (מַחֲלָצוֹת), 'change of raiment' -- festal robes laid out for an honored guest, the opposite of the filthy garments.
Frequently Asked Questions About Zechariah 3:4
What does Zechariah 3:4 mean?
The angel orders the filthy garments removed and declares Joshua's iniquity taken away, promising him fresh clothing.