Zechariah 5 Introduction

Structure and Formatting

This chapter presents two visions in which an angel interprets what Zechariah sees. The first vision (verses 1–4) shows a flying scroll carrying a divine curse against thieves and false swearers. The second vision (verses 5–11) shows evil personified as a woman sealed inside an ephah and carried away to shinar.

Religious and Cultural Concepts in This Chapter

Personification of Wickedness

The angel identifies the woman inside the ephah as “the wickedness,” using a human figure to represent the community’s sin. Translators should preserve this identification without reducing it to a mere symbol.

Ancient Measurements

The chapter refers to cubits (verse 2) and the ephah (verses 6–10). These measurement units may need explanatory notes for readers unfamiliar with ancient systems.