Zechariah 3:3
Zechariah 3:3 in Multiple Translations
Now Joshua was dressed in filthy garments as he stood before the angel.
Now Joshua was clothed with filthy garments, and stood before the angel.
Now Joshua was clothed with filthy garments, and was standing before the angel.
Now Joshua was clothed in unclean robes, and he was in his place before the angel.
Joshua was wearing filthy clothes as he stood in front of the angel.
Nowe Iehoshua was clothed with filthie garments, and stoode before the Angel.
And Joshua was clothed with filthy garments, and is standing before the messenger.
Now Joshua was clothed with filthy garments, and was standing before the angel.
Now Joshua was clothed with filthy garments, and stood before the angel.
And Jesus was clothed with filthy garments: and he stood before the face of the angel.
Joshua was wearing filthy clothes while he was standing in front of the angel.
Berean Amplified Bible — Zechariah 3:3
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Zechariah 3:3 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וִ/יהוֹשֻׁ֕עַ
הָיָ֥ה
לָבֻ֖שׁ
בְּגָדִ֣ים
צוֹאִ֑ים
וְ/עֹמֵ֖ד
לִ/פְנֵ֥י
הַ/מַּלְאָֽךְ
וִ/יהוֹשֻׁ֕עַ
Yᵉhôwshûwaʻ
H3091
Joshua
Conj | N-proper
הָיָ֥ה
hâyâh
H1961
to be
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
לָבֻ֖שׁ
lâbash
H3847
to clothe
V-Qal-Inf-c
בְּגָדִ֣ים
beged
H899
treachery
N-mp
צוֹאִ֑ים
tsôwʼ
H6674
filthy
Adj
וְ/עֹמֵ֖ד
ʻâmad
H5975
to stand
Conj | V-Qal
לִ/פְנֵ֥י
pânîym
H6440
face
Prep | N-cp
הַ/מַּלְאָֽךְ
mălʼâk
H4397
messenger
Art | N-ms
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — Zechariah 3:3
וִ/יהוֹשֻׁ֕עַ
Yᵉhôwshûwaʻ
H3091
"Joshua"
Conj | N-proper
Joshua was a leader in the Bible, first mentioned in Ezra 2:2, who helped the Israelites return from exile. His name means Jehovah is salvation, and he is also known as Jeshua in some parts of the Bible. He was a key figure in the conquest of Canaan.
Definition: A man of the tribe of Levi living at the time of Exile and Return, first mentioned at Ezr.2.2; son of: Jehozadak (H3087); father of: Joiakim (H3113); also called Jeshua at Ezr.2.2; 3.2,8; 4.3; 5.2; 1x12.1,7,10,26; § Joshua or Jehoshua = "Jehovah is salvation" 1) son of Nun of the tribe of Ephraim and successor to Moses as the leader of the children of Israel; led the conquest of Canaan 2) a resident of Beth-shemesh on whose land the Ark of the Covenant came to a stop after the Philistines returned it 3) son of Jehozadak and high priest after the restoration 4) governor of Jerusalem under king Josiah who gave his name to a gate of the city of Jerusalem
Usage: Occurs in 199 OT verses. KJV: Jehoshua, Jehoshuah, Joshua. Compare H1954 (הוֹשֵׁעַ), H3442 (יֵשׁוּעַ). See also: Exodus 17:9; Joshua 9:15; Zechariah 6:11.
הָיָ֥ה
hâyâh
H1961
"to be"
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
The Hebrew word for to be means to exist or come into being. It is used to describe something that happens or comes to pass, like in Genesis where God creates the world.
Definition: 1) to be, become, come to pass, exist, happen, fall out 1a) (Qal) 1a1) --- 1a1a) to happen, fall out, occur, take place, come about, come to pass 1a1b) to come about, come to pass 1a2) to come into being, become 1a2a) to arise, appear, come 1a2b) to become 1a2b1) to become 1a2b2) to become like 1a2b3) to be instituted, be established 1a3) to be 1a3a) to exist, be in existence 1a3b) to abide, remain, continue (with word of place or time) 1a3c) to stand, lie, be in, be at, be situated (with word of locality) 1a3d) to accompany, be with 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to occur, come to pass, be done, be brought about 1b2) to be done, be finished, be gone
Usage: Occurs in 3131 OT verses. KJV: beacon, [idiom] altogether, be(-come), accomplished, committed, like), break, cause, come (to pass), do, faint, fall, [phrase] follow, happen, [idiom] have, last, pertain, quit (one-) self, require, [idiom] use. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 17:4; Genesis 36:11.
לָבֻ֖שׁ
lâbash
H3847
"to clothe"
V-Qal-Inf-c
To clothe means to wrap something around or put on a garment. In the Bible, it can be used literally or figuratively, as in putting on clothes or being clothed with a certain attitude.
Definition: 1) to dress, wear, clothe, put on clothing, be clothed 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to put on clothes, be clothed, wear 1a2) to put on, be clothed with (fig.) 1b) (Pual) to be fully clothed 1c) (Hiphil) to clothe, array with, dress Aramaic equivalent: le.vash (לְבֵשׁ "to clothe" H3848)
Usage: Occurs in 102 OT verses. KJV: (in) apparel, arm, array (self), clothe (self), come upon, put (on, upon), wear. See also: Genesis 3:21; Job 27:17; Psalms 35:26.
בְּגָדִ֣ים
beged
H899
"treachery"
N-mp
In the Bible, this word refers to clothing or a covering, like a garment or robe. It appears in books like Genesis and Exodus, describing what people wore. The word is often translated as 'apparel' or 'raiment'.
Definition: treachery, deceit
Usage: Occurs in 190 OT verses. KJV: apparel, cloth(-es, ing), garment, lap, rag, raiment, robe, [idiom] very (treacherously), vesture, wardrobe. See also: Genesis 24:53; Judges 17:10; Psalms 22:19.
צוֹאִ֑ים
tsôwʼ
H6674
"filthy"
Adj
This adjective describes something as filthy or soiled, often in a literal sense, such as being covered in excrement. It is used to convey a sense of uncleanness or impurity in the Bible.
Definition: adj 1) (BDB) filthy n m 2) (CLBL) filth
Usage: Occurs in 2 OT verses. KJV: filthy. See also: Zechariah 3:3; Zechariah 3:4.
וְ/עֹמֵ֖ד
ʻâmad
H5975
"to stand"
Conj | V-Qal
Means 'to stand' in a strong sense, like in Exodus 17:12 where Moses stood with his arms up to help Israel win a battle.
Definition: : stand/stop/establish 1) to stand, remain, endure, take one's stand 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to stand, take one's stand, be in a standing attitude, stand forth, take a stand, present oneself, attend upon, be or become servant of 1a2) to stand still, stop (moving or doing), cease 1a3) to tarry, delay, remain, continue, abide, endure, persist, be steadfast 1a4) to make a stand, hold one's ground 1a5) to stand upright, remain standing, stand up, rise, be erect, be upright 1a6) to arise, appear, come on the scene, stand forth, appear, rise up or against 1a7) to stand with, take one's stand, be appointed, grow flat, grow insipid 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to station, set 1b2) to cause to stand firm, maintain 1b3) to cause to stand up, cause to set up, erect 1b4) to present (one) before (king) 1b5) to appoint, ordain, establish 1c) (Hophal) to be presented, be caused to stand, be stood before
Usage: Occurs in 497 OT verses. KJV: abide (behind), appoint, arise, cease, confirm, continue, dwell, be employed, endure, establish, leave, make, ordain, be (over), place, (be) present (self), raise up, remain, repair, [phrase] serve, set (forth, over, -tle, up), (make to, make to be at a, with-) stand (by, fast, firm, still, up), (be at a) stay (up), tarry. See also: Genesis 18:8; Joshua 21:44; 1 Chronicles 6:17.
לִ/פְנֵ֥י
pânîym
H6440
"face"
Prep | N-cp
This word means face or presence, like being in front of someone or something. It's used in many contexts, like in Genesis, Exodus, and Psalms, to describe interactions and relationships.
Definition: : face 1) face 1a) face, faces 1b) presence, person 1c) face (of seraphim or cherubim) 1d) face (of animals) 1e) face, surface (of ground) 1f) as adv of loc/temp 1f1) before and behind, toward, in front of, forward, formerly, from beforetime, before 1g) with prep 1g1) in front of, before, to the front of, in the presence of, in the face of, at the face or front of, from the presence of, from before, from before the face of
Usage: Occurs in 1891 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] accept, a-(be-) fore(-time), against, anger, [idiom] as (long as), at, [phrase] battle, [phrase] because (of), [phrase] beseech, countenance, edge, [phrase] employ, endure, [phrase] enquire, face, favour, fear of, for, forefront(-part), form(-er time, -ward), from, front, heaviness, [idiom] him(-self), [phrase] honourable, [phrase] impudent, [phrase] in, it, look(-eth) (-s), [idiom] me, [phrase] meet, [idiom] more than, mouth, of, off, (of) old (time), [idiom] on, open, [phrase] out of, over against, the partial, person, [phrase] please, presence, propect, was purposed, by reason of, [phrase] regard, right forth, [phrase] serve, [idiom] shewbread, sight, state, straight, [phrase] street, [idiom] thee, [idiom] them(-selves), through ([phrase] -out), till, time(-s) past, (un-) to(-ward), [phrase] upon, upside ([phrase] down), with(-in, [phrase] -stand), [idiom] ye, [idiom] you. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 43:31; Exodus 30:16.
הַ/מַּלְאָֽךְ
mălʼâk
H4397
"messenger"
Art | N-ms
A messenger or representative, often of God, like an angel, prophet, or priest, as seen in Isaiah 42:19 and Haggai 1:13, carrying out God's will.
Definition: : messenger 1) messenger, representative 1a) messenger 1b) angel 1c) the theophanic angel
Usage: Occurs in 196 OT verses. KJV: ambassador, angel, king, messenger. See also: Genesis 16:7; 2 Samuel 24:16; Psalms 34:8.
Study Notes — Zechariah 3:3
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Zechariah 3:3 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Zechariah 3:3
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Zechariah 3:3
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Zechariah 3:3
- Trapp's Commentary on Zechariah 3:3
- Ellicott's Commentary on Zechariah 3:3
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Zechariah 3:3
- Cambridge Bible on Zechariah 3:3
- Barnes' Notes on Zechariah 3:3
- Whedon's Commentary on Zechariah 3:3
- Sermons on Zechariah 3:3
Context — The Vision of Joshua the High Priest
1Then the angel showed me Joshua the high priest standing before the angel of the LORD, with Satan standing at his right hand to accuse him.
2And the LORD said to Satan: “The LORD rebukes you, Satan! Indeed, the LORD, who has chosen Jerusalem, rebukes you! Is not this man a firebrand snatched from the fire?”
3Now Joshua was dressed in filthy garments as he stood before the angel.
4So the angel said to those standing before him, “Take off his filthy clothes!” Then he said to Joshua, “See, I have removed your iniquity, and I will clothe you with splendid robes.” 5Then I said, “Let them put a clean turban on his head.” So a clean turban was placed on his head, and they clothed him, as the angel of the LORD stood by.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Isaiah 64:6 | Each of us has become like something unclean, and all our righteous acts are like filthy rags; we all wither like a leaf, and our iniquities carry us away like the wind. |
| 2 | Revelation 19:8 | She was given clothing of fine linen, bright and pure.” For the fine linen she wears is the righteous acts of the saints. |
| 3 | Ezra 9:15 | O LORD, God of Israel, You are righteous! For we remain this day as a remnant. Here we are before You in our guilt, though because of it no one can stand before You.” |
| 4 | Revelation 7:13–14 | Then one of the elders addressed me: “These in white robes,” he asked, “who are they, and where have they come from?” “Sir,” I answered, “you know.” So he replied, “These are the ones who have come out of the great tribulation; they have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb. |
| 5 | Daniel 9:18 | Incline Your ear, O my God, and hear; open Your eyes and see the desolation of the city that bears Your name. For we are not presenting our petitions before You because of our righteous acts, but because of Your great compassion. |
| 6 | 2 Chronicles 30:18–20 | A large number of the people—many from Ephraim, Manasseh, Issachar, and Zebulun—had not purified themselves, yet they ate the Passover, contrary to what was written. But Hezekiah interceded for them, saying, “May the LORD, who is good, provide atonement for everyone who sets his heart on seeking God—the LORD, the God of his fathers—even if he is not cleansed according to the purification rules of the sanctuary.” And the LORD heard Hezekiah and healed the people. |
| 7 | Matthew 22:11–13 | But when the king came in to see the guests, he spotted a man who was not dressed in wedding clothes. ‘Friend,’ he asked, ‘how did you get in here without wedding clothes?’ But the man was speechless. Then the king told the servants, ‘Tie him hand and foot, and throw him into the outer darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.’ |
Zechariah 3:3 Summary
In Zechariah 3:3, we see Joshua, the high priest, standing before the angel, wearing filthy garments, which represent the sin and uncleanness of the people. This reminds us that, as believers, we are all in need of God's cleansing and redemption, just like Joshua. Thankfully, God is able to remove our iniquity and clothe us with righteousness, as seen in 1 Corinthians 1:30, where Jesus is our wisdom, righteousness, sanctification, and redemption. As we stand before God, we can be confident that He sees us through the lens of Christ's righteousness, and not our own filthy garments, just like in Romans 3:22, where we are justified by faith in Jesus Christ.
Frequently Asked Questions
What do the filthy garments represent in Zechariah 3:3?
The filthy garments represent Joshua's sin and the sin of the people, as seen in the context of Zechariah 3:4, where the angel says to remove his filthy clothes, symbolizing the removal of iniquity, similar to Isaiah 64:6, where our righteous deeds are like filthy rags.
Why is Joshua, the high priest, wearing filthy garments before the angel?
Joshua's filthy garments may indicate the spiritual condition of the people he represents, highlighting the need for cleansing and redemption, as seen in the book of Leviticus 16:30, where the high priest makes atonement for the people's sins.
Does this verse imply that Joshua was sinful or unworthy to be a high priest?
While Joshua was dressed in filthy garments, it does not necessarily mean he was sinful or unworthy, but rather it highlights the sinful state of the people he represents, and the need for God's cleansing and redemption, as seen in Hebrews 4:15, where Jesus, our high priest, was tempted in every way, yet without sin.
How does this verse relate to our lives today?
This verse reminds us that, as believers, we are all in need of God's cleansing and redemption, and that He is able to remove our iniquity and clothe us with righteousness, as seen in 1 Corinthians 1:30, where Jesus is our wisdom, righteousness, sanctification, and redemption.
Reflection Questions
- What are the 'filthy garments' in my life that need to be removed by God's grace?
- How do I, like Joshua, stand before God, and what is the state of my heart and life before Him?
- In what ways can I, like the angel, be a vessel for God's redemption and cleansing in the lives of others?
- What does it mean for me to be 'clothed with splendid robes' in Christ, and how can I live out this reality in my daily life?
Gill's Exposition on Zechariah 3:3
Now Joshua was clothed with filthy garments,.... Having fallen into sin.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Zechariah 3:3
Now Joshua was clothed with filthy garments, and stood before the angel.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Zechariah 3:3
At the time Zechariah saw this vision he saw also in what a mean, dirty, and tattered garb he was who represented the high priest. It was the hieroglyphic of Joshua, not Joshua himself. Filthy garments; emblem of a poor or sinful state, or both. Stood: see . Before the angel; the Lord Christ, called the Angel.
Trapp's Commentary on Zechariah 3:3
Zechariah 3:3 Now Joshua was clothed with filthy garments, and stood before the angel.Ver. 3. Now Joshua was clothed with filthy garments] The tattered rags of the old Adam, the nasty filthiness and superfluity of naughtiness that yet remained in him (though in part regenerate), and intermingled with his best works. Sin is the devil’ s excrement; it defiles the soul worse than any jakes can do the body (as the Hebrew word here signifieth, and as our Saviour shows, Mark 7:20), or than the sanies of plague sore doth a garment. Hence that of the Church, "We are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags," Isaiah 64:6. And that of Job, "If I wash myself with snow water, and make my hands never so clean, shalt thou plunge me in the ditch, and mine own clothes shall make me to be abhorred," Job 9:30-31. This is the same in effect with that of Paul, "I know nothing by myself, yet am I not hereby justified: but he that judgeth me is the Lord," 1 Corinthians 4:5; who, when he comes to turn up the bottom of the bag, as the steward did Benjamin’ s ( Sacco solute apparuit argentum. Ambr.), he will manifest the hidden things of darkness, find out our thefts that we dream not of, open all fardles on that great fair day, the day of judgment. As in the mean while, should the Lord but break open that filthy sink of sin that is in the very best of us, we should not only be loathsome to God, Zechariah 11:8, and to good men, Proverbs 29:27, but even to our own selves also, as Job was, Job 42:6. Judas was not able to abide his own stench, Matthew 27:4-5. Yea, and some holy men (as Mr Lever, for one), when they have desired to see their utmost uncleanness, their corruptions in the most ugly colours, God hath heard them.
But yet his hand therewith was so heavy upon them, that they went always mourning to their graves; and thought it fitter to leave it to God’ s wisdom to give them a sight of their sins, and to mingle the potion of sorrow, than to be their own choosers. See that excellent text, Job 15:14-16, and then stand aloof with the leper and say, I am unclean, I am unclean: yet, Lord, if thou wilt thou canst make me clean. And stood before the angel] His filthy garments notwithstanding: though we cannot say our hearts are pure, and our performances perfect; yet if we wallow not in sin, allow it not; if, with the daughters of Zion, we look upon our former neatness as nastiness, and fineness as filthiness; if we be in any measure purged from the love and liking of sin by the "spirit of judgment, and by the spirit of burning," Isaiah 4:4, Christ will neither abhor our presence nor reject our services. Aaron was to bear the iniquity of the holy offerings, Exodus 28:38.
Ellicott's Commentary on Zechariah 3:3
(3) Filthy garments.—Such as would render him unfit to appear before God as priest. They are a symbol of the guilt and defilement of sin. (Isaiah 64:5.) And stood before.—See Note on Zechariah 3:1.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Zechariah 3:3
Verse 3. Joshua was clothed with filthy garments] The Jewish people were in a most forlorn, destitute, and to all human appearance despicable, condition; and besides all, they were sinful, and the priesthood defiled by idolatry; and nothing but the mercy of God could save them.
Cambridge Bible on Zechariah 3:3
3. filthy garments] There is no allusion to the Roman custom of accused persons wearing sordid attire at their trials (reus sordidatus, Liv. ii. 54, vi. 20). Nor is there any ground for the idea that “an accusation had been lodged against” Joshua “in the Persian Court;” and that “the splendid attire of the High Priest, studded with jewels, had been detained at Babylon, or, at least, could not be worn without the special permission of the king; and until the accusations had been cleared away this became still more impossible” (Stanley, after Ewald, Jewish Church, iii. 103). The promise of the vision is not that “the soiled and worn clothing of the suffering exile shall be replaced, by the old magnificence of Aaron and of Zadok;” but that in accordance with the constant imagery of Holy Scripture and with the express statement of Zec 3:4, “I have caused thine iniquity to pass from thee,” the guilt and pollution of sin shall be replaced by spotless purity and holiness (Leviticus 16:4; Isaiah 64:6; Revelation 7:14; Revelation 19:8).
Barnes' Notes on Zechariah 3:3
Now Joshua was clothed with filthy garments - Such, it is expressed, was his habitual condition; he was one so clothed. The “filthy garment,” as defilement generally, is, in Scripture, the symbol of sin.
Whedon's Commentary on Zechariah 3:3
2. Permission is denied to the adversary to present his charges. Jehovah — Identical with “angel of Jehovah” in Zechariah 3:1 (see on Zechariah 1:11). Satan — As in Zechariah 3:1.
Sermons on Zechariah 3:3
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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Are You Holding Hands With Satan or Jesus by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes that godly men are often targeted by Satan's attacks. He also highlights that the families of godly men, particularly their children, are al |
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The Triumphs of Mercy by J.C. Philpot | J.C. Philpot preaches about the profound mercy of God as depicted in Micah 7:18-19, highlighting God's delight in mercy, manifestation of mercy in pardoning sins, and the challenge |
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A Supply for Every Need by J.C. Philpot | Joseph Philpot preaches about the unwavering confidence in God's provision, emphasizing the necessity of both doctrinal truth and personal experience to strengthen our faith. He de |
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A Craving for the Presence of the Lord by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the pastor emphasizes the importance of being a watchman and warning the body of Christ. He acknowledges that while there will be encouraging messages about communi |
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An Appeal to Sinners by C.H. Spurgeon | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the benevolence of God and His desire to save sinners. He describes how Jesus, out of love and sorrow, willingly went to the grave in mortal |
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Great Men by the Grace of God by Paul Washer | In this sermon, the speaker reflects on the cultural significance of the film "What Dreams May Come" and how it portrays heaven. He emphasizes that even in our modern culture, ther |
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Dependence Upon the Lord by K.P. Yohannan | In this sermon, the speaker reflects on the destruction of a printing press and the loss of valuable materials. He emphasizes the importance of humility and exalting God in all asp |