What does Zechariah 5:9 mean?

"Then lifted I up mine eyes, and looked, and, behold, there came out two women, and the wind was in their wings; for they had wings like the wings of a stork: and they lifted up the ephah between the earth and the heaven." - Zechariah 5:9

Zechariah 5:9 - "Then lifted I up mine eyes, and looked, and, behold, there came out two women, and the wind was in their wings; for they had wings like the wings of a stork: and they lifted up the ephah between the earth and the heaven."

The Bible verse Zechariah 5:9 from the King James Version (KJV) reads, "Then lifted I up mine eyes, and looked, and, behold, there came out two women, and the wind was in their wings; for they had wings like the wings of a stork: and they lifted up the ephah between the earth and the heaven."

This verse is part of a vision that the prophet Zechariah receives from the Lord. In this vision, Zechariah sees a large scroll flying through the air, and he is told that this scroll represents a curse that is going out over the whole land. In verse 9, the prophet sees two women with the wings of a stork carrying an ephah, a unit of measure, between heaven and earth. This imagery is rich with symbolism and can be interpreted in various ways.

One key theme in this verse is the idea of divine judgment and justice. The flying scroll and the women with the ephah symbolize God's judgment being carried out. The fact that the women have wings like a stork suggests that this judgment is swift and unstoppable, emphasizing the power and authority of God in executing justice. The image of the ephah being carried between heaven and earth also suggests that this judgment is universal and all-encompassing.

The mention of two women in this verse can also be connected to the themes of duality and balance. Throughout the Bible, the number two often represents balance and harmony. In this context, the two women may symbolize the balanced and just execution of God's judgment.

Another theme that can be drawn from this verse is the idea of spiritual impurity being removed. In the Old Testament, the ephah is frequently associated with measures of grain and is used in the context of commerce and trade. Some scholars interpret the ephah in this verse as a symbol of sin and impurity being removed or carried away by the women with the wings of a stork. This interpretation aligns with the broader theme of God's judgment and the removal of sin from the land.

In a broader context, the book of Zechariah is filled with apocalyptic visions and prophecies. These visions often contain rich symbolism and complex imagery, and chapter 5 is no exception. Throughout this chapter, Zechariah sees various symbols of judgment and restoration, and the verse 9 is just one example of the vivid and powerful imagery used in this book.

It's important to consider the historical and cultural context of this verse as well. The imagery of the ephah being carried between heaven and earth may have resonated with the original audience of Zechariah, who would have been familiar with the significance of measurements and weights in the ancient Near East. This context adds depth and nuance to our understanding of the symbolism in this verse.

In conclusion, Zechariah 5:9 is a verse rich with symbolism and meaning. It is part of a larger vision in which God's judgment and justice are portrayed through powerful and vivid imagery. The themes of divine judgment, balance, and the removal of spiritual impurity are all present in this verse, and they contribute to the overall message of the book of Zechariah. Understanding the historical and cultural context of this verse can further enrich our appreciation of its symbolism and significance.

Zechariah 5:9 Artwork

1 Chronicles 9:37 - "And Gedor, and Ahio, and Zechariah, and Mikloth."

Zechariah 6:9 - "¶ And the word of the LORD came unto me, saying,"

Zechariah 9:5 - "Ashkelon shall see it, and fear; Gaza also shall see it, and be very sorrowful, and Ekron; for her expectation shall be ashamed; and the king shall perish from Gaza, and Ashkelon shall not be inhabited."

Zechariah 1:5 - "Your fathers, where are they? and the prophets, do they live for ever?"

1 Chronicles 9:21 - "And Zechariah the son of Meshelemiah was porter of the door of the tabernacle of the congregation."

Zechariah 1:9 - "Then said I, O my lord, what are these? And the angel that talked with me said unto me, I will shew thee what these be."

1 Chronicles 5:7 - "And his brethren by their families, when the genealogy of their generations was reckoned, were the chief, Jeiel, and Zechariah,"

Zechariah 9:6 - "And a bastard shall dwell in Ashdod, and I will cut off the pride of the Philistines."

Zechariah 5:7 - "And, behold, there was lifted up a talent of lead: and this is a woman that sitteth in the midst of the ephah."

Zechariah 8:5 - "And the streets of the city shall be full of boys and girls playing in the streets thereof."

Zechariah 5:10 - "Then said I to the angel that talked with me, Whither do these bear the ephah?"

Zechariah 9:2 - "And Hamath also shall border thereby; Tyrus, and Zidon, though it be very wise."

Zechariah 5:1 - "Then I turned, and lifted up mine eyes, and looked, and behold a flying roll."

Zechariah 5:5 - "¶ Then the angel that talked with me went forth, and said unto me, Lift up now thine eyes, and see what is this that goeth forth."

Zechariah 12:9 - "¶ And it shall come to pass in that day, that I will seek to destroy all the nations that come against Jerusalem."

Zechariah 14:9 - "And the LORD shall be king over all the earth: in that day shall there be one LORD, and his name one."

Zechariah 2:5 - "For I, saith the LORD, will be unto her a wall of fire round about, and will be the glory in the midst of her."

Zechariah 5:11 - "And he said unto me, To build it an house in the land of Shinar: and it shall be established, and set there upon her own base."

Zechariah 12:9 - "¶ And it shall come to pass in that day, that I will seek to destroy all the nations that come against Jerusalem."

Zechariah 12:5 - "And the governors of Judah shall say in their heart, The inhabitants of Jerusalem shall be my strength in the LORD of hosts their God."

Zechariah 5:7 (Brenton) 7 And behold a talent of lead lifted up: and behold a woman sat in the midst of the measure.

Zechariah 9:3 - "And Tyrus did build herself a strong hold, and heaped up silver as the dust, and fine gold as the mire of the streets."

Zechariah 7:9 - "Thus speaketh the LORD of hosts, saying, Execute true judgment, and shew mercy and compassions every man to his brother:"

Zechariah 5:8 - "And he said, This is wickedness. And he cast it into the midst of the ephah; and he cast the weight of lead upon the mouth thereof."

Zechariah 4:5 - "Then the angel that talked with me answered and said unto me, Knowest thou not what these be? And I said, No, my lord."

Zechariah 10:9 - "And I will sow them among the people: and they shall remember me in far countries; and they shall live with their children, and turn again."

Zechariah 9:11 - "As for thee also, by the blood of thy covenant I have sent forth thy prisoners out of the pit wherein is no water."