And it shall come to pass in that day, that the prophets shall be ashamed every one of his vision, when he hath prophesied; neither shall they wear a rough garment to deceive:

ZECHARIAH 13:4KJV
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Zechariah 13:4 (KJV)

What does Zechariah 13:4 mean?

Zechariah 13:4 says that in a coming time, people who claimed to be prophets will feel ashamed of the visions they said they received and will stop wearing rough clothing meant to make them look like true prophets, because they no longer want to deceive others. The verse points to a future when false prophets will be exposed and will abandon the outward signs they used to gain trust.

Zechariah is speaking to the people of Israel about a future day when God will cleanse the land from false prophecy. In ancient Israel, prophets often wore a rough garment as a sign of their calling, but here, those who falsely claimed to be prophets will be too embarrassed to continue the act. The verse highlights a time of honesty, when pretenders will no longer try to mislead others by copying the appearance and behavior of real prophets.

The Hebrew behind Zechariah 13:4

  • "prophets" (נָבִיא, navi): This word refers to those who claim to speak for God. In this verse, it points specifically to people pretending to have this role.
  • "ashamed" (בּוּשׁ, bosh): This word means to feel shame or disgrace. The verse uses it to show that false prophets will be publicly embarrassed about their actions.
  • "rough" (שֵׂעָר, se'ar): This word means "hair" or "hairy," and here it describes a garment made of coarse hair, like what prophets such as Elijah wore. Wearing this was a way to look humble and convincing, but in this context, it is used for deception.
  • "deceive" (כָּחַשׁ, kachash): This verb means to lie or mislead. The verse makes clear that the rough garment was being used as a disguise to trick people into believing the false prophets were genuine.

Why Zechariah 13:4 matters

  • Zechariah 13:4 clears up that not everyone who looks or acts like a prophet is truly speaking for God; outward appearance can be used to deceive.
  • The verse shows that there will be a time when God’s truth is so clear that those who once pretended to be prophets will be exposed and will stop trying to fool others.
  • This verse connects to the wider passage by showing the seriousness with which God will deal with falsehood and the importance of sincerity among those claiming to speak for Him.

Where else these words appear

“vision” Hebrew H2384 · used in 9 verses

  • 2 Samuel 7:17 According to all these words, and according to all this vision, so did Nathan speak unto David.
  • Job 7:14 Then thou scarest me with dreams, and terrifiest me through visions:
  • Isaiah 22:1 The burden of the valley of vision. What aileth thee now, that thou art wholly gone up to the housetops?

“garment” Hebrew H155 · used in 12 verses

  • Genesis 25:25 And the first came out red, all over like an hairy garment; and they called his name Esau.
  • 1 Kings 19:13 And it was so, when Elijah heard it, that he wrapped his face in his mantle, and went out, and stood in the entering in of the cave. And, behold, there came a voice unto him, and said, What doest thou here, Elijah?
  • 2 Kings 2:14 And he took the mantle of Elijah that fell from him, and smote the waters, and said, Where is the LORD God of Elijah? and when he also had smitten the waters, they parted hither and thither: and Elisha went over.

“deceive” Hebrew H3584 · used in 22 verses

  • Genesis 18:15 Then Sarah denied, saying, I laughed not; for she was afraid. And he said, Nay; but thou didst laugh.
  • 2 Samuel 22:45 Strangers shall submit themselves unto me: as soon as they hear, they shall be obedient unto me.
  • Psalms 109:24 My knees are weak through fasting; and my flesh faileth of fatness.

“rough” Hebrew H8181 · used in 27 verses

  • Genesis 25:25 And the first came out red, all over like an hairy garment; and they called his name Esau.
  • Leviticus 13:30 Then the priest shall see the plague: and, behold, if it be in sight deeper than the skin; and there be in it a yellow thin hair; then the priest shall pronounce him unclean: it is a dry scall, even a leprosy upon the head or beard.
  • Judges 16:22 Howbeit the hair of his head began to grow again after he was shaven.