New International VersionAnd he said to me, “This is the curse that is going out over the whole land; for according to what it says on one side, every thief will be banished, and according to what it says on the other, everyone who swears falsely will be banished.
New Living TranslationThen he said to me, “This scroll contains the curse that is going out over the entire land. One side of the scroll says that those who steal will be banished from the land; the other side says that those who swear falsely will be banished from the land.
English Standard VersionThen he said to me, “This is the curse that goes out over the face of the whole land. For everyone who steals shall be cleaned out according to what is on one side, and everyone who swears falsely shall be cleaned out according to what is on the other side.
Berean Standard BibleThen he told me, “This is the curse that is going out over the face of all the land, for according to one side of the scroll, every thief will be removed; and according to the other side, every perjurer will be removed.
King James BibleThen 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.
New King James VersionThen he said to me, “This is the curse that goes out over the face of the whole earth: ‘Every thief shall be expelled,’ according to this side of the scroll; and, ‘Every perjurer shall be expelled,’ according to that side of it.”
New American Standard BibleThen he said to me, “This is the curse that is going forth over the face of the entire land; everyone who steals certainly will be purged away according to the writing on one side, and everyone who swears falsely will be purged away according to the writing on the other side.
NASB 1995Then he said to me, “This is the curse that is going forth over the face of the whole land; surely everyone who steals will be purged away according to the writing on one side, and everyone who swears will be purged away according to the writing on the other side.
NASB 1977Then he said to me, “This is the curse that is going forth over the face of the whole land; surely everyone who steals will be purged away according to the writing on one side, and everyone who swears will be purged away according to the writing on the other side.
Legacy Standard BibleThen he said to me, “This is the curse that is going forth over the face of the whole land; surely everyone who steals will be purged away according to the writing on one side, and everyone who swears will be purged away according to the writing on the other side.
Amplified BibleThen he said to me, “This is the curse that is going out over the face of the whole land; for everyone who steals will be cut off according to the writing on one side, and everyone who swears [oaths falsely] shall be cut off according to the writing on the other side.
Christian Standard BibleThen he said to me, “This is the curse that is going out over the whole land, for everyone who is a thief, contrary to what is written on one side, has gone unpunished, and everyone who swears falsely, contrary to what is written on the other side, has gone unpunished.
Holman Christian Standard BibleThen he said to me, “This is the curse that is going out over the whole land, for every thief will be removed according to what is written on one side, and everyone who swears falsely will be removed according to what is written on the other side.
American Standard VersionThen said he unto me, This is the curse that goeth forth over the face of the whole land: for every one that stealeth shall be cut off on the one side according to it; and every one that sweareth shall be cut off on the other side according to it.
Contemporary English VersionThen he told me: This scroll puts a curse on everyone in the land who steals or tells lies. The writing on one side tells about the destruction of those who steal, while the writing on the other side tells about the destruction of those who lie.
English Revised VersionThen said he unto me, This is the curse that goeth forth over the face of the whole land: for every one that stealeth shall be purged out on the one side according to it; and every one that sweareth shall be purged out on the other side according to it.
GOD'S WORD® TranslationThen he said to me, "This is a curse that will go out all over the earth. The one side of the scroll says that every thief will be forced away. The other side of the scroll says that everyone who takes an oath will be forced away.
Good News TranslationThen he said to me, "On it is written the curse that is to go out over the whole land. On one side of the scroll it says that every thief will be removed from the land; and on the other side it says that everyone who tells lies under oath will also be taken away.
International Standard VersionHe responded to me, "This is the curse that is going out over the surface of the whole earth, because, according to this side of the scroll, all thieves will be ejected, and according to the other side of the scroll, all liars will be ejected."
NET BibleThe speaker went on to say, "This is a curse traveling across the whole earth. For example, according to the curse whoever steals will be removed from the community; or on the other hand (according to the curse) whoever swears falsely will suffer the same fate."
New Heart English BibleThen he said to me, "This is the curse that goes out over the surface of the whole land; for everyone who steals shall be cut off according to it on the one side; and everyone who swears falsely shall be cut off according to it on the other side.
Webster's Bible TranslationThen said he to 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. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleThen he told me, “This is the curse that is going out over the face of all the land, for according to one side of the scroll, every thief will be removed; and according to the other side, every perjurer will be removed.
World English BibleThen he said to me, “This is the curse that goes out over the surface of the whole land, for everyone who steals shall be cut off according to it on the one side; and everyone who swears falsely shall be cut off according to it on the other side. Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionAnd he says to me, “This [is] the execration that is going forth over the face of all the land, for everyone who is stealing, on the one side, according to it, has been declared innocent, and everyone who has sworn, on the other side, according to it, has been declared innocent.”
Young's Literal Translation And he saith unto me, 'This is the execration that is going forth over the face of all the land, for every one who is stealing, on the one side, according to it, hath been declared innocent, and every one who hath sworn, on the other side, according to it, hath been declared innocent.
Smith's Literal TranslationAnd he will say to me, This the curse going forth upon the face of all the earth: for every one stealing from thence was empty like it; and every one swearing from this was empty like it. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleAnd he said to me: This is the curse that goeth forth over the face of the earth: for every thief shall be judged as is there written: and every one that sweareth in like manner shall be judged by it.
Catholic Public Domain VersionAnd he said to me, “This is the curse that goes forth over the face of the whole earth. For every thief will be judged, just as it has been written there, and everyone who swears by this, will be judged in like manner.”
New American BibleThen he said to me: “This is the curse which is to go forth over the whole land. According to it, every thief and every perjurer will be expelled.
New Revised Standard VersionThen he said to me, “This is the curse that goes out over the face of the whole land; for everyone who steals shall be cut off according to the writing on one side, and everyone who swears falsely shall be cut off according to the writing on the other side. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleThen he said to me, This is the curse that goes forth over the face of the whole earth; for every one who steals shall be judged according to its contents; and every one who swears shall be judged according to it.
Peshitta Holy Bible TranslatedAnd he said to me: “This is a curse that goes out over the face of all the Earth, because everyone who steals from it, according to it he will be overcome, and everyone who swears by it, according to it he is overcome OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917Then said he unto me: 'This is the curse that goeth forth over the face of the whole land; for every one that stealeth shall be swept away on the one side like it; and every one that sweareth shall be swept away on the other side like it.
Brenton Septuagint TranslationAnd he said to me, This is the curse that goes forth over the face of the whole earth: for every thief shall be punished with death on this side, and every false swearer shall be punished on that side.
Additional Translations ... Audio Bible
Context The Vision of the Flying Scroll… 2“What do you see?” asked the angel. “I see a flying scroll,” I replied, “twenty cubits long and ten cubits wide.” 3Then he toldme,“Thisis the cursethat is going outoverthe faceof allthe land,foraccording toone side of the scroll,everythiefwill be removed;and according tothe other side,everyperjurerwill be removed.4I will send it out, declares the LORD of Hosts, and it will enter the house of the thief and the house of him who swears falsely by My name. It will remain inside his house and destroy it, down to its timbers and stones.”…
Cross References Deuteronomy 27:15-26‘Cursed is the man who makes a carved idol or molten image—an abomination to the LORD, the work of the hands of a craftsman—and sets it up in secret.’ And let all the people say, ‘Amen!’ / ‘Cursed is he who dishonors his father or mother.’ And let all the people say, ‘Amen!’ / ‘Cursed is he who moves his neighbor’s boundary stone.’ And let all the people say, ‘Amen!’ ...
Jeremiah 23:10For the land is full of adulterers—because of the curse, the land mourns and the pastures of the wilderness have dried up—their course is evil and their power is misused.
Malachi 3:5“Then I will draw near to you for judgment. And I will be a swift witness against sorcerers and adulterers and perjurers, against oppressors of the widowed and fatherless, and against those who defraud laborers of their wages and deny justice to the foreigner but do not fear Me,” says the LORD of Hosts.
Ezekiel 2:9-10Then I looked and saw a hand reaching out to me, and in it was a scroll, / which He unrolled before me. And written on the front and back of it were words of lamentation, mourning, and woe.
Isaiah 24:6Therefore a curse has consumed the earth, and its inhabitants must bear the guilt; the earth’s dwellers have been burned, and only a few survive.
Hosea 4:1-2Hear the word of the LORD, O children of Israel, for the LORD has a case against the people of the land: “There is no truth, no loving devotion, and no knowledge of God in the land! / Cursing and lying, murder and stealing, and adultery are rampant; one act of bloodshed follows another.
Revelation 21:8But to the cowardly and unbelieving and abominable and murderers and sexually immoral and sorcerers and idolaters and all liars, their place will be in the lake that burns with fire and sulfur. This is the second death.”
Revelation 22:15But outside are the dogs, the sorcerers, the sexually immoral, the murderers, the idolaters, and everyone who loves and practices falsehood.
Matthew 13:41-42The Son of Man will send out His angels, and they will weed out of His kingdom every cause of sin and all who practice lawlessness. / And they will throw them into the fiery furnace, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.
1 Corinthians 6:9-10Do you not know that the wicked will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: Neither the sexually immoral, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor men who submit to or perform homosexual acts, / nor thieves, nor the greedy, nor drunkards, nor verbal abusers, nor swindlers, will inherit the kingdom of God.
Galatians 5:19-21The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity, and debauchery; / idolatry and sorcery; hatred, discord, jealousy, and rage; rivalries, divisions, factions, / and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.
James 5:1-4Come now, you who are rich, weep and wail over the misery to come upon you. / Your riches have rotted and moths have eaten your clothes. / Your gold and silver are corroded. Their corrosion will testify against you and consume your flesh like fire. You have hoarded treasure in the last days. ...
Romans 1:29-32They have become filled with every kind of wickedness, evil, greed, and depravity. They are full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, and malice. They are gossips, / slanderers, God-haters, insolent, arrogant, and boastful. They invent new forms of evil; they disobey their parents. / They are senseless, faithless, heartless, merciless. ...
1 Timothy 1:9-10We realize that law is not enacted for the righteous, but for the lawless and rebellious, for the ungodly and sinful, for the unholy and profane, for killers of father or mother, for murderers, / for the sexually immoral, for homosexuals, for slave traders and liars and perjurers, and for anyone else who is averse to sound teaching
Revelation 9:20-21Now the rest of mankind who were not killed by these plagues still did not repent of the works of their hands. They did not stop worshiping demons and idols of gold, silver, bronze, stone, and wood, which cannot see or hear or walk. / Furthermore, they did not repent of their murder, sorcery, sexual immorality, and theft.
Treasury of Scripture Then said he to me, This is the curse that goes forth over the face of the whole earth: for every one that steals shall be cut off as on this side according to it; and every one that swears shall be cut off as on that side according to it. the curse. Deuteronomy 11:28,29 And a curse, if ye will not obey the commandments of the LORD your God, but turn aside out of the way which I command you this day, to go after other gods, which ye have not known… Deuteronomy 27:15-26 Cursedbe the man that makethany graven or molten image, an abomination unto the LORD, the work of the hands of the craftsman, and puttethit ina secretplace. And all the people shall answer and say, Amen… Deuteronomy 28:15-68 But it shall come to pass, if thou wilt not hearken unto the voice of the LORD thy God, to observe to do all his commandments and his statutes which I command thee this day; that all these curses shall come upon thee, and overtake thee: … the face. Luke 21:35 For as a snare shall it come on all them that dwell on the face of the whole earth. every one, etc. Exodus 20:15 Thou shalt not steal. Proverbs 29:24 Whoso is partner with a thief hateth his own soul: he heareth cursing, and bewrayethit not. Proverbs 30:9 Lest I be full, and denythee, and say, Whois the LORD? or lest I be poor, and steal, and take the name of my Godin vain. sweareth. Zechariah 5:4 I will bring it forth, saith the LORD of hosts, and it shall enter into the house of the thief, and into the house of him that sweareth falsely by my name: and it shall remain in the midst of his house, and shall consume it with the timber thereof and the stones thereof. Zechariah 8:17 And let none of you imagine evil in your hearts against his neighbour; and love no false oath: for all theseare things that I hate, saith the LORD. Leviticus 19:12 And ye shall not swear by my name falsely, neither shalt thou profane the name of thy God: Iam the LORD. Jump to Previous CurseCutEarthFaceFalselyForthGoesHenceforthPurgedSideStealethStealsSurelySurfaceSwearsSweptWholeWritingJump to Next CurseCutEarthFaceFalselyForthGoesHenceforthPurgedSideStealethStealsSurelySurfaceSwearsSweptWholeWritingZechariah 5 1.By the flying scroll is shown the curse of thieves and swearers;5.and by a woman pressed in an ephah the final judgment of wickedness.Then he told me, “This is the curse that is going out over the face of all the land,The vision of the flying scroll represents a divine curse, a concept rooted in the covenantal curses found in Deuteronomy 28. The scroll's flight over "all the land" suggests a comprehensive judgment, indicating that no one is exempt from God's scrutiny. This reflects the omnipresence of God's justice and the seriousness of covenant violations. The "land" likely refers to the land of Israel, emphasizing the restoration of holiness among God's people. for according to one side of the scroll, every thief will be removed;
The mention of "every thief" highlights the specific sins being addressed. Theft violates the Eighth Commandment (Exodus 20:15) and disrupts community trust and justice. The removal of thieves signifies a purging of sin, aligning with the prophetic theme of purification and restoration. This also connects to the broader biblical principle that sin has consequences and that God will ultimately uphold His standards of righteousness. and according to the other side, every perjurer will be removed.
Perjury, or false swearing, breaks the Ninth Commandment (Exodus 20:16) and undermines the integrity of legal and social systems. The emphasis on perjury underscores the importance of truthfulness and the destructive nature of deceit. The removal of perjurers reflects God's commitment to truth and justice, as well as the restoration of moral order. This dual focus on theft and perjury illustrates the comprehensive nature of God's judgment against sin, ensuring that both actions and words align with His holiness. Persons / Places / Events 1. ZechariahA prophet of the post-exilic period who received visions from God to encourage the Israelites in rebuilding the temple and restoring their community. 2. The AngelA divine messenger who interprets the visions for Zechariah, providing clarity and understanding. 3. The Flying ScrollA large scroll seen in Zechariah's vision, symbolizing God's judgment against sin, specifically theft and false swearing. 4. The LandRefers to the land of Israel, but symbolically extends to all places where God's law is violated. 5. The CurseRepresents the consequences of breaking God's commandments, particularly those related to honesty and integrity. Teaching Points The Seriousness of SinGod's judgment against theft and false swearing highlights the seriousness of sin and the need for repentance. Integrity in Speech and ActionBelievers are called to live with integrity, ensuring their words and actions align with God's standards. The Universality of God's LawThe vision of the flying scroll going over "all the land" reminds us that God's law applies universally, and His justice is impartial. The Role of Prophetic WarningsProphetic messages serve as warnings to turn from sin and seek God's mercy before judgment comes. The Hope of RestorationWhile the vision speaks of judgment, it also implies the possibility of restoration for those who repent and align themselves with God's will. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1.What is the meaning of Zechariah 5:3?
2.How does Zechariah 5:3 illustrate God's judgment on sin and wickedness today?
3.What does the "curse" in Zechariah 5:3 reveal about God's holiness and justice?
4.How can we apply the warning in Zechariah 5:3 to our daily lives?
5.What other scriptures emphasize the consequences of sin similar to Zechariah 5:3?
6.How does understanding Zechariah 5:3 encourage us to pursue righteousness and integrity?
7.What is the significance of the flying scroll in Zechariah 5:3 for biblical prophecy?
8.How does Zechariah 5:3 relate to the concept of divine judgment in the Bible?
9.What historical context influenced the imagery used in Zechariah 5:3?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Zechariah 5?
11.If this curse from Zechariah 5:3–4 literally targets every thief and liar, why do we see no historical records of a widespread, supernatural judgment occurring?
12.What visions and messages did Zechariah receive from God?
13.How can a giant flying scroll (Zechariah 5:1–2) exist scientifically without any discernible source of propulsion?
14.What are the symbolic meanings of Zechariah's visions?What Does Zechariah 5:3 Mean Then he told me“Then he told me” (Zechariah 5:3) reminds us that the interpreting angel is still guiding Zechariah, just as he did inZechariah 1:9 andDaniel 8:16. • God never leaves His people guessing; He sends clarity through His messengers and through His Word (Psalm 119:105). • The conversation underscores that revelation is personal—God speaks, and we respond (John 10:27).
This is the curse that is going out over the face of all the landThe angel continues, “This is the curse that is going out over the face of all the land” (Zechariah 5:3). • “Curse” points back to the covenant warnings inDeuteronomy 27–28 andLeviticus 26. When Israel breaks God’s law, judgment travels everywhere the law was meant to bless (Malachi 4:6). • “Over the face of all the land” shows the scope: no hidden corner escapes (Jeremiah 25:29). Sin is never private; its effects spread (Joshua 7:1–12). • The curse “going out” pictures God’s Word actively hunting down disobedience, just asIsaiah 55:11 promises His word will “accomplish that for which I sent it.”
According to one side of the scroll, every thief will be removedThe angel explains, “according to one side of the scroll, every thief will be removed” (Zechariah 5:3). • Stealing violates the eighth commandment (Exodus 20:15;Deuteronomy 5:19) and attacks neighborly trust (Ephesians 4:28). • The scroll flying through the sky in the earlier verses (Zechariah 5:1–2) shows that God’s moral standard is public and inescapable (Proverbs 15:3). • “Removed” echoes passages where evildoers are cut off so the community can live (Psalm 37:9;Proverbs 2:22). • By naming “every thief,” the Lord stresses impartiality—no status, excuse, or skill at concealment will shield the guilty (Proverbs 10:2).
According to the other side, every perjurer will be removedThe verse ends, “and according to the other side, every perjurer will be removed” (Zechariah 5:3). • False swearing breaks the third commandment against taking God’s name in vain (Exodus 20:7;Leviticus 19:12). • Perjury attacks the justice system God established (Deuteronomy 19:16–20) and destroys community confidence (Proverbs 25:18). • The Lord pledges to “bring [the curse] into the house” of the liar (Zechariah 5:4), just asRevelation 21:27 promises no one who practices falsehood will enter the New Jerusalem. • Together, theft (sin against neighbor) and perjury (sin against God and neighbor) represent both tablets of the Law, showing total covenant breach (Matthew 22:37–40).
summaryZechariah 5:3 presents a flying scroll that declares God’s covenant curse. The angel explains: God Himself is sending judgment across the whole land. One side of the scroll targets thieves; the other targets perjurers. No one who violates God’s moral law will avoid exposure or removal. The vision affirms the inerrant, active power of Scripture to reveal sin and execute justice while pointing us to the only refuge—repentance and faith in the Lord who fulfills the Law perfectly. Verse 3. - This is the curse. The roll contained the curse written upon it on both sides. (For the curse of fled upon guilty nations, comp. Isaiah 24:6; Daniel 9:11.) Earth; land; for Judaea is meant. The curse was ready to fall on all who might come under it by their transgressions. This would be a warning also to exterior nations. Every one that stealeth...every one that sweareth. Thieves and perjurers are especially mentioned as incurring the curse. Perjury is a chief offence in one table of the Law, theft in the other; so these sins may stand for all offences against the Decalogue (comp. James 2:10, etc.). But probably they are named because they were particularly rife among the returned Jews. Daring their long sojourn in Babylon they had engaged in commercial pursuits and had fallen into the lax morality which such occupations often engender. These bad habits they had brought with them and practised in their new home (comp. ch. 8:17, and note there). Shall be out off as on this side according to it; Revised Version, shall be purged out on the one side (margin, from hence) according to it; Ewald, "driven hence like it." The reference is to the two sides of the roll, answering to the two tables of the Decalogue. Sinners shall be i.e. utterly consumed, cleansed away, i.e. according to the tenor of the roll. The Vulgate has judicabitur; the LXX., ἕωςθανάτου ἐκδικηθήσεται "shall be punished unto death." That sweareth; i.e. falsely, as is plain from ver. 4; Septuagint, πᾶς ὁἐπίορκος, "every perjurer."
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew Then he toldוַיֹּ֣אמֶר(way·yō·mer)Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 559:To utter, sayme,אֵלַ֔י(’ê·lay)Preposition | first person common singular
Strong's 413:Near, with, among, to“Thisזֹ֚את(zōṯ)Pronoun - feminine singular
Strong's 2063:Hereby in it, likewise, the one other, same, she, so much, such deed, that,is the curseהָֽאָלָ֔ה(hā·’ā·lāh)Article | Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 423:An imprecationthat is going outהַיּוֹצֵ֖את(hay·yō·w·ṣêṯ)Article | Verb - Qal - Participle - feminine singular
Strong's 3318:To go, bring, out, direct and proximoverעַל־(‘al-)Preposition
Strong's 5921:Above, over, upon, againstthe faceפְּנֵ֣י(pə·nê)Noun - common plural construct
Strong's 6440:The faceof allכָל־(ḵāl)Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 3605:The whole, all, any, everythe land,הָאָ֑רֶץ(hā·’ā·reṣ)Article | Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 776:Earth, landforכִּ֣י(kî)Conjunction
Strong's 3588:A relative conjunctionaccording [to]כָּמ֣וֹהָ(kā·mō·w·hā)Preposition | third person feminine singular
Strong's 3644:Like, as, whenone [side] of [the scroll],מִזֶּה֙(miz·zeh)Preposition-m | Pronoun - masculine singular
Strong's 2088:This, thateveryכָל־(ḵāl)Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 3605:The whole, all, any, everythiefהַגֹּנֵ֗ב(hag·gō·nêḇ)Article | Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular
Strong's 1589:To thieve, to deceivewill be removed;נִקָּ֔ה(niq·qāh)Verb - Nifal - Perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 5352:To be, clean, to be bare, extirpatedand according toכָּמ֥וֹהָ(kā·mō·w·hā)Preposition | third person feminine singular
Strong's 3644:Like, as, whenthe other side,מִזֶּ֖ה(miz·zeh)Preposition-m | Pronoun - masculine singular
Strong's 2088:This, thateveryoneוְכָל־(wə·ḵāl)Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 3605:The whole, all, any, everywho swears falselyהַנִּ֨שְׁבָּ֔ע(han·niš·bā‘)Article | Verb - Nifal - Participle - masculine singular
Strong's 7650:To seven oneself, swearwill be removed.נִקָּֽה׃(niq·qāh)Verb - Nifal - Perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 5352:To be, clean, to be bare, extirpated
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OT Prophets: Zechariah 5:3 Then he said to me This (Zech. Zec Zc) |
