Zechariah 5:10 (KJV)

What does Zechariah 5:10 mean?

Zechariah 5:10 shows the prophet Zechariah asking the angel where the women carrying the ephah are taking it. The verse captures Zechariah’s curiosity and confusion as he observes a symbolic vision involving an ephah, a type of measuring basket.

In this scene, Zechariah is speaking directly to an angel who is guiding him through a series of visions. The question, “Whither do these bear the ephah?” reveals that Zechariah does not yet understand the meaning or destination of what he is seeing. The verse sits at a turning point in the vision, inviting the angel’s explanation about the purpose and destination of the ephah, which will be given in the following verses.

The Hebrew behind Zechariah 5:10

• “said” (אָמַר, ’amar): This is the standard Hebrew word for “said” or “spoke,” showing direct speech from Zechariah to the angel, marking a moment of active questioning.
• “angel” (מַלְאָךְ, mal’akh): This word means “messenger” and is used here for the supernatural being guiding Zechariah through the vision, emphasizing the divine source of the explanation.
• “talked” (דָּבַר, dabar): This word means “to speak” or “to converse,” highlighting that the angel is not just present but actively communicating with Zechariah.
• “bear” (יָלַךְ, yalak): This verb means “to go” or “to carry,” and here it refers to the women transporting the ephah, focusing attention on their action and the movement of the object.
• “ephah” (אֵיפָה, ’eifah): This is a specific Hebrew measure for dry goods, but in the vision, it represents more than just a basket—it is a symbol loaded with meaning that will be explained in the next verses.

Why Zechariah 5:10 matters

• Zechariah 5:10 shows that even prophets can be puzzled by visions and need guidance, making the scene relatable and honest about the process of understanding God’s messages.
• The verse sets up the explanation that follows, drawing the reader’s attention to the significance of the ephah and the women’s actions, which are central to the vision’s meaning.
• By recording Zechariah’s question, the verse invites the reader to be curious and attentive, signaling that what comes next is important for interpreting the vision’s message about sin and judgment.