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◄ Zechariah 3:4►

New International Version
The angel said to those who were standing before him, “Take off his filthy clothes.” Then he said to Joshua, “See, I have taken away your sin, and I will put fine garments on you.”

New Living Translation
So the angel said to the others standing there, “Take off his filthy clothes.” And turning to Jeshua he said, “See, I have taken away your sins, and now I am giving you these fine new clothes.”

English Standard Version
And the angel said to those who were standing before him, “Remove the filthy garments from him.” And to him he said, “Behold, I have taken your iniquity away from you, and I will clothe you with pure vestments.”

Berean Standard Bible
So the angel said to those standing before him, “Take off his filthy clothes!” Then he said to Joshua, “See, I have removed your iniquity, and I will clothe you with splendid robes.”

King James Bible
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.

New King James Version
Then He answered and spoke to those who stood before Him, saying, “Take away the filthy garments from him.” And to him He said, “See, I have removed your iniquity from you, and I will clothe you with rich robes.”

New American Standard Bible
And he responded and said to those who were standing before him, saying, “Remove the filthy garments from him.” Again he said to him, “See, I have taken your guilt away from you and will clothe you with festive robes.”

NASB 1995
He spoke and said to those who were standing before him, saying, “Remove the filthy garments from him.” Again he said to him, “See, I have taken your iniquity away from you and will clothe you with festal robes.”

NASB 1977
And he spoke and said to those who were standing before him saying, “Remove the filthy garments from him.” Again he said to him, “See, I have taken your iniquity away from you and will clothe you with festal robes.”

Legacy Standard Bible
And he answered and spoke to those who were standing before him, saying, “Remove the filthy garments from him.” Again he said to him, “See, I have made your iniquity pass away from you and will clothe you with festal robes.”

Amplified Bible
He spoke to those who stood before Him, saying, “Remove the filthy garments from him.” And He said to Joshua, “See, I have caused your wickedness to be taken away from you, and I will clotheand beautify you with rich robes [of forgiveness].”

Christian Standard Bible
So the angel of the LORD spoke to those standing before him, “Take off his filthy clothes! ” Then he said to him, “See, I have removed your iniquity from you, and I will clothe you with festive robes.”

Holman Christian Standard Bible
So the Angel of the LORD spoke to those standing before Him, “Take off his filthy clothes!” Then He said to him, “See, I have removed your guilt from you, and I will clothe you with splendid robes.”

American Standard Version
And he answered and spake unto those that stood before him, saying, Take the filthy garments from off him. And unto him he said, Behold, I have caused thine iniquity to pass from thee, and I will clothe thee with rich apparel.

Contemporary English Version
So the angel told some of the people to remove Joshua's filthy clothes. Then he said to Joshua, "This means you are forgiven. Now I will dress you in priestly clothes."

English Revised Version
And he answered and spake unto those that stood before him, saying, Take the filthy garments from off him. And unto him he said, Behold, I have caused thine iniquity to pass from thee, and I will clothe thee with rich apparel.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
The Messenger said to those who were standing in front of him, "Remove Joshua's filthy clothes." Then he said to Joshua, "See, I have taken your sin away from you, and I will dress you in fine clothing."

Good News Translation
The angel said to his heavenly attendants, "Take away the filthy clothes this man is wearing." Then he said to Joshua, "I have taken away your sin and will give you new clothes to wear."

International Standard Version
So the angel continued to tell those who were standing in his presence, "Remove his filthy clothes." And he told Joshua, "Look how I've removed your iniquity. Now I'm clothing you with fine garments."

NET Bible
The angel spoke up to those standing all around, "Remove his filthy clothes." Then he said to Joshua, "I have freely forgiven your iniquity and will dress you in fine clothing."

New Heart English Bible
He answered and spoke to those who stood before him, saying, "Take the filthy garments off of him." To him he said, "Look, I have caused your iniquity to pass from you, and I will clothe you with rich clothing."

Webster's Bible Translation
And he answered and spoke to those that stood before him, saying, Take away the filthy garments from him. And to him he said, Behold, I have caused thy iniquity to pass from thee, and I will clothe thee with change of raiment.

Majority Text Translations

Majority Standard Bible
So the angel said to those standing before him, “Take off his filthy clothes!” Then he said to Joshua, “See, I have removed your iniquity, and I will clothe you with splendid robes.”

World English Bible
He answered and spoke to those who stood before him, saying, “Take the filthy garments off him.” To him he said, “Behold, I have caused your iniquity to pass from you, and I will clothe you with rich clothing.”

Literal Translations

Literal Standard Version
And He answers and speaks to those standing before Him, saying, “Turn aside the filthy garments from off him.” And He says to him, “See, I have caused your iniquity to pass away from off you, so as to clothe you with costly apparel.”

Young's Literal Translation
And he answereth and speaketh unto those standing before him, saying: 'Turn aside the filthy garments from off him.' And he saith unto him, 'See, I have caused thine iniquity to pass away from off thee, so as to clothe thee with costly apparel.'

Smith's Literal Translation
And he will answer and say to them standing before him, saying, Remove the filthy garments from off him, And he will say to him, See, I caused thine iniquity to pass from thee, and clothed thee with festive garments.

Catholic Translations

Douay-Rheims Bible
Who answered, and said to them that stood before him, saying: Take away the filthy garments from him. And he said to him: Behold I have taken away thy iniquity, and have clothed thee with change of garments.

Catholic Public Domain Version
He answered and spoke to those who stood before him, saying, “Take away the filthy garments from him.” And he said to him, “Behold, I have taken away from you your iniquity, and I have clothed you with a change of clothing.”

New American Bible
Then the angel said to those standing before him, “Remove his filthy garments.” And to him he said, “Look, I have taken your guilt from you, and I am clothing you in stately robes.”

New Revised Standard Version
The angel said to those who were standing before him, “Take off his filthy clothes.” And to him he said, “See, I have taken your guilt away from you, and I will clothe you with festal apparel.”

Translations from Aramaic

Lamsa Bible
And the angel answered and spoke to those who stood before him, saying, Take away the filthy garments from him. And to him he said, Behold, I have caused your iniquity to pass from you, and I will clothe you with good raiment.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And the Angel answered and said to those who stood before him: “Take from him the dirty garment.” And they took from him the dirty garment, and he said to him: ”See that I have taken from you your evil and I shall clothe you in fine garments”

OT Translations

JPS Tanakh 1917
And he answered and spoke unto those that stood before him, saying: 'Take the filthy garments from off him.' And unto him he said: 'Behold, I cause thine iniquity to pass from thee, and I will clothe thee with robes.'

Brenton Septuagint Translation
Andthe Lord answered and spoke to those who stood before him, saying, Take away the filthy raiment from him: and he said to him, Behold, I have taken away thine iniquities: and clothe ye him with a long robe,

Additional Translations ...

Audio Bible

Context

The Vision of Joshua the High Priest
…3Now Joshua was dressed in filthy garments as he stood before the angel.4So the angel said to those standing before him,“Take off his filthy clothes!”Then he said to Joshua,“See,I have removed your iniquity,and I will clothe you with splendid robes.”5Then I said, “Let them put a clean turban on his head.” So a clean turban was placed on his head, and they clothed him, as the angel of the LORD stood by.…

Berean Standard Bible ·Download

Cross References

Isaiah 61:10
I will rejoice greatly in the LORD, my soul will exult in my God; for He has clothed me with garments of salvation and wrapped me in a robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom wears a priestly headdress, as a bride adorns herself with her jewels.

Isaiah 1:18
“Come now, let us reason together,” says the LORD. “Though your sins are like scarlet, they will be as white as snow; though they are as red as crimson, they will become like wool.

Revelation 7:14
“Sir,” I answered, “you know.” So he replied, “These are the ones who have come out of the great tribulation; they have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.

2 Corinthians 5:21
God made Him who knew no sin to be sin on our behalf, so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God.

Isaiah 6:7
And with it he touched my mouth and said: “Now that this has touched your lips, your iniquity is removed and your sin is atoned for.”

Revelation 19:8
She was given clothing of fine linen, bright and pure.” For the fine linen she wears is the righteous acts of the saints.

Ephesians 4:24
and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.

Romans 13:14
Instead, clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the desires of the flesh.

Luke 15:22
But the father said to his servants, ‘Quick! Bring the best robe and put it on him. Put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet.

Colossians 3:9-10
Do not lie to one another, since you have taken off the old self with its practices, / and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator.

Psalm 132:9
May Your priests be clothed with righteousness, and Your saints shout for joy.

Isaiah 64:6
Each of us has become like something unclean, and all our righteous acts are like filthy rags; we all wither like a leaf, and our iniquities carry us away like the wind.

Matthew 22:11-12
But when the king came in to see the guests, he spotted a man who was not dressed in wedding clothes. / ‘Friend,’ he asked, ‘how did you get in here without wedding clothes?’ But the man was speechless.

Galatians 3:27
For all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ.

Job 29:14
I put on righteousness, and it clothed me; justice was my robe and my turban.

Treasury of Scripture

And he answered and spoke to those that stood before him, saying, Take away the filthy garments from him. And to him he said, Behold, I have caused your iniquity to pass from you, and I will clothe you with change of raiment.

those.

Zechariah 3:1,7
And he shewed me Joshua the high priest standing before the angel of the LORD, and Satan standing at his right hand to resist him…

1 Kings 22:19
And he said, Hear thou therefore the word of the LORD: I saw the LORD sitting on his throne, and all the host of heaven standing by him on his right hand and on his left.

Isaiah 6:2,3
Above it stood the seraphims: each one had six wings; with twain he covered his face, and with twain he covered his feet, and with twain he did fly…

Take.

Isaiah 43:25
I,even I,am he that blotteth out thy transgressions for mine own sake, and will not remember thy sins.

Ezekiel 36:25
Then will I sprinkle clean water upon you, and ye shall be clean: from all your filthiness, and from all your idols, will I cleanse you.

Galatians 3:27,28
For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ…

I have.

2 Samuel 12:13
And David said unto Nathan, I have sinned against the LORD. And Nathan said unto David, The LORD also hath put away thy sin; thou shalt not die.

Psalm 32:1,2
A Psalm of David, Maschil. Blessedis he whose transgressionis forgiven,whose sinis covered…

Psalm 51:9
Hide thy face from my sins, and blot out all mine iniquities.

and I will.

Isaiah 61:3,10
To appoint unto them that mourn in Zion, to give unto them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they might be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the LORD, that he might be glorified…

Luke 15:22
But the father said to his servants, Bring forth the best robe, and putit on him; and put a ring on his hand, and shoes onhis feet:

Romans 3:22
Even the righteousness of Godwhich is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference:

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Zechariah 3

1.Under the type of Joshua, the high priest, receiving clean garments,
6.and a covenant of promise,
8.Christ the Branch and Cornerstone is promised.

Study Bible

Book ◦ Chapter

So the angel said to those standing before him,
In this vision, the angel of the LORD is a central figure, often interpreted as a pre-incarnate appearance of Christ. The presence of others standing by suggests a heavenly court, possibly including other angels or spiritual beings. This setting reflects the judicial and ceremonial aspects of the vision, where Joshua, the high priest, is being judged and cleansed. The angel's authority to command indicates divine intervention and the importance of the proceedings.

“Take off his filthy clothes!”
The filthy clothes worn by Joshua symbolize sin and impurity, particularly the sins of the people of Israel, as Joshua represents them. In the ancient Near Eastern context, clothing often represented one's status and condition. Filthy garments would be inappropriate for a high priest, especially when serving in the temple. This act of removing the filthy clothes signifies the removal of sin and guilt, a theme echoed inIsaiah 64:6, where human righteousness is compared to filthy rags.

Then he said to Joshua,
The direct address to Joshua highlights his role as the high priest and the representative of the people. Joshua's experience is both personal and corporate, reflecting the spiritual state of Israel. His name, meaning "The LORD saves," foreshadows the redemptive work of Jesus, whose name in Hebrew is Yeshua, the same as Joshua.

“See, I have removed your iniquity,
The removal of iniquity is a divine act of forgiveness and purification. This phrase emphasizes God's grace and mercy, as He takes the initiative to cleanse Joshua. It reflects the covenant relationship between God and Israel, where God promises to forgive and restore His people. This act is a precursor to the ultimate removal of sin through Christ's atoning sacrifice, as seen in passages likeHebrews 10:10-14.

and I will clothe you with splendid robes.”
The splendid robes represent righteousness, honor, and restoration. In biblical symbolism, clothing often signifies one's spiritual state; thus, being clothed in splendid robes indicates a transformation from sin to righteousness. This imagery is consistent with the New Testament teaching of being clothed with Christ's righteousness, as inGalatians 3:27. The change of garments signifies a new identity and status before God, aligning with the prophetic vision of a renewed priesthood and a restored Israel.

Persons / Places / Events

1.Joshua the High Priest
Represents the people of Israel and stands before God in filthy garments, symbolizing sin and impurity.

2.The Angel of the LORD
Acts as an intermediary, commanding the removal of Joshua's filthy clothes and symbolizing divine intervention and grace.

3.Those Standing Before Him
Likely other angels or heavenly beings who assist in the symbolic act of cleansing.

4.Filthy Clothes
Symbolize the sin and iniquity of Joshua and, by extension, the people of Israel.

5.Splendid Robes
Represent the righteousness and purity granted by God, signifying forgiveness and restoration.

Teaching Points

Divine Grace and Cleansing
God's grace is sufficient to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. Just as Joshua's iniquity was removed, believers are cleansed through faith in Christ.

Symbolism of Clothing
Clothing in the Bible often symbolizes one's spiritual state. We are called to "put on" Christ and His righteousness, leaving behind our old, sinful nature.

Role of Intercession
The Angel of the LORD intercedes for Joshua, reminding us of Christ's role as our intercessor before God, advocating on our behalf.

Transformation and Renewal
The transformation from filthy garments to splendid robes illustrates the renewal that comes through repentance and faith, leading to a new identity in Christ.

Call to Holiness
As recipients of God's grace, we are called to live holy lives, reflecting the righteousness we have received through Christ.

Bible Study Questions and Answers

1.What is the meaning of Zechariah 3:4?

2.How does Zechariah 3:4 illustrate God's power to cleanse and forgive sin?

3.What significance do the "clean garments" have in Zechariah 3:4?

4.How does Zechariah 3:4 connect to 1 John 1:9 about forgiveness?

5.How can we apply the concept of "removing iniquity" in our daily lives?

6.What role does divine intervention play in personal transformation according to Zechariah 3:4?

7.How does Zechariah 3:4 illustrate God's forgiveness and cleansing of sin?

8.What is the significance of the removal of filthy garments in Zechariah 3:4?

9.How does Zechariah 3:4 relate to the concept of justification in Christian theology?

10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Zechariah 3?

11.What visions and messages did Zechariah receive from God?

12.What are the symbolic meanings of Zechariah's visions?

13.In Zechariah 3, how do we reconcile the supernatural scene of a heavenly court with historical or archaeological evidence about Israel’s priesthood?

14.If Joshua’s filthy garments symbolize sin, how does this literal exchange of clothes in Zechariah 3 align with other biblical texts about atonement practices?

What Does Zechariah 3:4 Mean

So the angel said to those standing before him

• Zechariah sees a heavenly courtroom where the angel of the LORD speaks with authority (Zechariah 3:1–2).

• “Those standing before him” are ministering angels ready to execute divine orders, illustrating that God’s servants are active on behalf of His people (Hebrews 1:14;Daniel 7:10).

• The scene confirms that God Himself initiates Joshua’s cleansing, not Joshua, highlighting grace over human effort (Ephesians 2:8–9).

Take off his filthy clothes!

• The angel commands the attendants: “Take off his filthy clothes!” (Zechariah 3:4a).

• Filthy garments picture sin and defilement; Joshua’s clothing mirrors the moral state of Israel he represents (Isaiah 64:6;Ezra 9:15).

• Removing the garments shows God’s refusal to let sin define His people. He acts decisively, just as He will later cleanse the entire nation (Zechariah 13:1).

• This visual act foreshadows the believer’s call to “put off the old self” (Ephesians 4:22) once God redeems.

See, I have removed your iniquity

• The angel then declares: “See, I have removed your iniquity” (Zechariah 3:4b).

• God’s removal of sin is complete and immediate, echoingPsalm 103:12—He “removed our transgressions from us.”

• Joshua contributes nothing; the cleansing is a sovereign act, pointing ahead to Christ’s atoning work (Hebrews 10:10,14;1 John 1:7).

• As Isaiah’s guilt was taken away by a coal from the altar (Isaiah 6:7), so Joshua’s iniquity is lifted—both events anticipate the cross where sin is finally dealt with.

I will clothe you with splendid robes

• The promise continues: “and I will clothe you with splendid robes” (Zechariah 3:4c).

• God doesn’t leave Joshua forgiven yet naked; He positively clothes him in “splendid” (festal, rich) attire, symbolizing righteousness and honor (Isaiah 61:10;Revelation 19:8).

• In salvation, removal of sin is paired with the imputation of righteousness—pictured by the father dressing the prodigal in the best robe (Luke 15:22) and by believers “putting on Christ” (Romans 13:14).

• The transformation equips Joshua for priestly service, just as believers are made “a royal priesthood” (1 Peter 2:9).

summary

Zechariah 3:4 presents a vivid, literal vision of God’s gracious intervention. The angel commands the removal of Joshua’s filthy garments, declaring that his iniquity is gone, and promises new, splendid robes. The verse teaches that God Himself takes away sin and clothes His servants in righteousness, enabling restored, holy service. The cleansing of Joshua prefigures the complete salvation provided through Christ, where guilt is removed and believers are robed in His perfect righteousness.

Pulpit Commentary

Verse 4. -He answered. The Angel of Jehovah answered the mute petition of Joshua.Those that stood before him. The attendant angels, who waited on the Angel of Jehovah to do his pleasure (see note on ver. 1).Take away the filthy garments. This symbolized remission of sins and restoration to favour, as the following words explain,I will clothe thee with change of raiment; Revised Version,with rich apparel. The wordmachalatsoth occurs also inIsaiah 3:22, and may mean either "change of raiment," or "costly raiment;" or the meanings may be combined in the sense of "festal robes," only worn on great occasions and changed after the occasion. They are used here as symbols of righteousness and glory. Not only is the sin pardoned, but the wearer is restored to the full glory of his state. The LXX. makes the words to be addressed to the attendants, "Clothe ye him in a robe flowing to the feet" (ποδήρη, the word used for Aaron's priestly garment,Exodus 28:4; Ecclus. 45:8).

Parallel Commentaries ...

Hebrew

So [the Angel of the LORD]
וַיַּ֣עַן(way·ya·‘an)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 6030:To answer, respond

said
וַיֹּ֗אמֶר(way·yō·mer)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 559:To utter, say

to
אֶל־(’el-)
Preposition
Strong's 413:Near, with, among, to

those standing
הָעֹמְדִ֤ים(hā·‘ō·mə·ḏîm)
Article | Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine plural
Strong's 5975:To stand, in various relations

before Him,
לְפָנָיו֙(lə·p̄ā·nāw)
Preposition-l | Noun - common plural construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 6440:The face

“Take off
הָסִ֛ירוּ(hā·sî·rū)
Verb - Hifil - Imperative - masculine plural
Strong's 5493:To turn aside

his filthy
הַצֹּאִ֖ים(haṣ·ṣō·’îm)
Article | Adjective - masculine plural
Strong's 6674:Soiled

clothes!”
הַבְּגָדִ֥ים(hab·bə·ḡā·ḏîm)
Article | Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 899:A covering, clothing, treachery, pillage

Then He said
וַיֹּ֣אמֶר(way·yō·mer)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 559:To utter, say

to [Joshua],
אֵלָ֗יו(’ê·lāw)
Preposition | third person masculine singular
Strong's 413:Near, with, among, to

“See,
רְאֵ֨ה(rə·’êh)
Verb - Qal - Imperative - masculine singular
Strong's 7200:To see

I have removed
הֶעֱבַ֤רְתִּי(he·‘ĕ·ḇar·tî)
Verb - Hifil - Perfect - first person common singular
Strong's 5674:To pass over, through, or by, pass on

your iniquity,
עֲוֺנֶ֔ךָ(‘ă·wō·ne·ḵā)
Noun - common singular construct | second person masculine singular
Strong's 5771:Iniquity, guilt, punishment for iniquity

and I will clothe
וְהַלְבֵּ֥שׁ(wə·hal·bêš)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hifil - Infinitive absolute
Strong's 3847:Wrap around, to put on a, garment, clothe

you
אֹתְךָ֖(’ō·ṯə·ḵā)
Direct object marker | second person masculine singular
Strong's 853:Untranslatable mark of the accusative case

with splendid robes.”
מַחֲלָצֽוֹת׃(ma·ḥă·lā·ṣō·wṯ)
Noun - feminine plural
Strong's 4254:Robe of state

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OT Prophets: Zechariah 3:4 He answered and spoke to those who (Zech. Zec Zc)