Zechariah 5:8 (KJV)

What does Zechariah 5:8 mean?

Zechariah 5:8 shows a vision where wickedness is personified and forcefully contained inside a measuring basket (an ephah), with a heavy lead cover placed on top to keep it shut. The verse highlights the act of restraining and sealing away evil, making sure it cannot escape.

In this scene, the angel is speaking to Zechariah, explaining the vision he is witnessing. The "ephah" is a standard basket for measuring grain, and here it represents a container for wickedness. The angel casts (throws) wickedness into the basket and seals it with a "weight of lead," emphasizing the seriousness of keeping evil confined. This vision is part of a series of symbolic images given to Zechariah to communicate God's message about dealing with sin among the people.

The Hebrew behind Zechariah 5:8

• "wickedness" (רִשְׁעָה, rish‘ah): This word means evil or moral wrongness. Here, wickedness is treated almost like a person or force that needs to be contained.
• "ephah" (אֵיפָה, ’eifah): An ephah is a common measuring basket, but in this vision, it becomes a symbol for holding or measuring out wickedness.
• "weight" (אֶבֶן, ’even): Literally "stone," but here it refers to a heavy piece of lead used as a lid. The use of lead, a very heavy metal, stresses the effort to keep wickedness securely shut away.
• "mouth" (פֶּה, peh): This word means "opening" or "mouth," referring to the top of the basket. The lead weight is placed over the opening to seal it completely.

Why Zechariah 5:8 matters

• Zechariah 5:8 makes clear that wickedness is not just identified but actively restrained, showing a decisive action against evil rather than a passive observation.
• The use of the ephah and the lead weight connects the vision to everyday objects, making the message vivid and understandable to Zechariah’s audience.
• This verse fits into a larger sequence of visions in Zechariah, each showing how God intends to deal with sin and restore purity among His people.