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.

ZECHARIAH 3:4KJV
Know the Bible

Zechariah 3:4 (KJV)

What does Zechariah 3:4 mean?

Zechariah 3:4 describes a moment when God commands that filthy garments be taken away from Joshua the high priest, symbolizing the removal of his guilt or sin, and promises to clothe him with clean, new garments. This verse uses the image of changing clothes to show that God is forgiving Joshua and giving him a fresh start.

In the scene, the Lord is speaking to heavenly attendants standing before Him, addressing Joshua, who represents the people of Israel. The “filthy garments” stand for iniquity or moral failure, and the “change of raiment” means God is restoring Joshua’s standing and dignity. This is part of a vision where God is showing mercy and renewal to His people after their time of trouble.

The Hebrew behind Zechariah 3:4

  • The word for “filthy” (צֹאָה, tso’ah) is unusually strong and often refers to something deeply unclean, highlighting how serious Joshua’s condition is before God’s intervention.
  • “Iniquity” (עָוֹן, avon) refers to guilt or wrongdoing, making it clear that the issue is not just outward dirt but a deeper moral problem that God is addressing.
  • The phrase “pass from thee” uses the word (עָבַר, avar), which often means to cross over or remove, emphasizing that Joshua’s guilt is being completely taken away, not just covered up.
  • “Raiment” (מַחֲלָצוֹת, machalatzot) refers to special or festive clothing, suggesting not just ordinary clean clothes but garments that honor Joshua’s restored position.

Why Zechariah 3:4 matters

  • This verse clears up that the change God brings is not just about outward appearance but about removing real guilt and restoring someone’s standing before Him.
  • Zechariah 3:4 connects to the larger vision of God’s mercy toward Israel after exile, showing that forgiveness and renewal are possible even after deep failure.
  • The strong language for “filthy” and the special word for “raiment” highlight both the seriousness of sin and the completeness of God’s restoration, making the transformation more vivid for the reader.

Where else these words appear

“filthy” Hebrew H6674 · used in 2 verses

  • Zechariah 3:3 Now Joshua was clothed with filthy garments, and stood before the angel.

“raiment” Hebrew H4254 · used in 2 verses

  • Isaiah 3:22 The changeable suits of apparel, and the mantles, and the wimples, and the crisping pins,

“clothe” Hebrew H3847 · used in 103 verses

  • Genesis 3:21 Unto Adam also and to his wife did the LORD God make coats of skins, and clothed them.
  • 1 Chronicles 12:18 Then the spirit came upon Amasai, who was chief of the captains, and he said, Thine are we, David, and on thy side, thou son of Jesse: peace, peace be unto thee, and peace be to thine helpers; for thy God helpeth thee. Then David received them, and made them captains of the band.
  • Isaiah 22:21 And I will clothe him with thy robe, and strengthen him with thy girdle, and I will commit thy government into his hand: and he shall be a father to the inhabitants of Jerusalem, and to the house of Judah.