Then said he unto me, This is the curse that goeth forth over the face of the whole earth: for every one that stealeth shall be cut off as on this side according to it; and every one that sweareth shall be cut off as on that side according to it.

ZECHARIAH 5:3KJV
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Zechariah 5:3 (KJV)

What does Zechariah 5:3 mean?

Zechariah 5:3 describes a curse that will go out over the whole land, declaring that everyone who steals or swears falsely will be removed or punished according to what is written on each side of a flying scroll. The verse shows that wrongdoing, specifically stealing and false swearing, will be judged openly and fairly.

In this vision, the prophet Zechariah is being spoken to by an angel, who explains the meaning of a large flying scroll Zechariah sees. The scroll represents a public declaration of judgment against those who break God's commands, especially those who steal and those who swear falsely. The scene is part of a series of visions where Zechariah is shown how God will deal with sin among His people.

The Hebrew behind Zechariah 5:3

  • "curse" (אָלָה, 'alah): This word means a solemn pronouncement of judgment or misfortune. Here, it is not just a feeling but an official, binding declaration that wrongdoing will have consequences.
  • "stealeth" (גָּנַב, ganav): This word specifically refers to the act of stealing. The verse singles out theft as one of the key offenses that brings about the curse.
  • "sweareth" (שָׁבַע, shava): This word means to swear, often in the sense of taking an oath. In this context, it points to swearing falsely, which is to lie under oath or misuse God's name.
  • "cut off" (נָקָה, naqah): This word means to be made clean, free, or removed. In this verse, it carries the idea of being removed or purged from the community as a result of the curse.

Why Zechariah 5:3 matters

  • Zechariah 5:3 clarifies that God's judgment is not random but targets specific sins—stealing and false swearing—that harm community trust and justice.
  • The verse connects to the wider passage by showing that God's law is still active and that public, visible judgment (the flying scroll) will come against those who ignore it.
  • It helps clear up the idea that sin can be hidden or ignored; instead, Zechariah 5:3 emphasizes that wrongdoing will be exposed and dealt with openly.

Where else these words appear

“according” Hebrew H3644 · used in 19 verses

  • Genesis 19:15 And when the morning arose, then the angels hastened Lot, saying, Arise, take thy wife, and thy two daughters, which are here; lest thou be consumed in the iniquity of the city.
  • 2 Samuel 18:3 But the people answered, Thou shalt not go forth: for if we flee away, they will not care for us; neither if half of us die, will they care for us: but now thou art worth ten thousand of us: therefore now it is better that thou succour us out of the city.
  • Isaiah 26:17 Like as a woman with child, that draweth near the time of her delivery, is in pain, and crieth out in her pangs; so have we been in thy sight, O LORD.

“curse” Hebrew H423 · used in 32 verses

  • Genesis 24:41 Then shalt thou be clear from this my oath, when thou comest to my kindred; and if they give not thee one, thou shalt be clear from my oath.
  • Deuteronomy 29:21 And the LORD shall separate him unto evil out of all the tribes of Israel, according to all the curses of the covenant that are written in this book of the law:
  • Isaiah 24:6 Therefore hath the curse devoured the earth, and they that dwell therein are desolate: therefore the inhabitants of the earth are burned, and few men left.

“off” Hebrew H5352 · used in 33 verses

  • Genesis 24:8 And if the woman will not be willing to follow thee, then thou shalt be clear from this my oath: only bring not my son thither again.
  • Judges 15:3 And Samson said concerning them, Now shall I be more blameless than the Philistines, though I do them a displeasure.
  • Proverbs 19:5 A false witness shall not be unpunished, and he that speaketh lies shall not escape.

“stealeth” Hebrew H1589 · used in 36 verses

  • Genesis 30:33 So shall my righteousness answer for me in time to come, when it shall come for my hire before thy face: every one that is not speckled and spotted among the goats, and brown among the sheep, that shall be counted stolen with me.
  • Exodus 21:16 And he that stealeth a man, and selleth him, or if he be found in his hand, he shall surely be put to death.
  • 2 Kings 11:2 But Jehosheba, the daughter of king Joram, sister of Ahaziah, took Joash the son of Ahaziah, and stole him from among the king's sons which were slain; and they hid him, even him and his nurse, in the bedchamber from Athaliah, so that he was not slain.