Zechariah 5:8

Zechariah 5:8 Meaning and Explanation

And he said, This is wickedness. And he cast it into the midst of the ephah; and he cast the weight of lead upon the mouth thereof.

King James Version (KJV)

Read this verse in context with translation switching:

Read Full Chapter →

The messenger names the woman Wickedness and seals her under the lead weight.

What Does Zechariah 5:8 Mean?

The messenger identifies the figure directly: 'This is wickedness.' He thrusts her back down into the basket and slams the heavy lead lid over its mouth, shutting her in. The naming and the sealing happen together, decisively.

Here is a picture of God taking the measure of evil, confining it, and putting a weight upon it so it cannot escape. Wickedness is not allowed the final word or free movement among His people. The reader sees that God's holiness is active and restraining, pressing down on the very thing that corrupts a land.

Zechariah 5:8 in the Original Language

rishah (רִשְׁעָה), 'wickedness' -- moral guilt and lawlessness viewed as a single force.

Frequently Asked Questions About Zechariah 5:8

What does Zechariah 5:8 mean?

The messenger names the woman Wickedness and seals her under the lead weight.

Keep Studying Zechariah 5

Read the whole chapter in KJV, ASV, or WEB, or go deeper with the chapter study guide and key themes.