I will send it out, declares the LORD of hosts, and it shall enter the house of the thief, and the house of him who swears falsely by my name. And it shall remain in his house and consume it, both timber and stones.”
English Standard Version (ESV)
This verse reveals that God's judgment isn't just a fleeting punishment; it's described as something that will "remain" and utterly "consume" a house, leaving nothing but destruction. This emphasizes that God's justice, when unleashed on those who steal and swear falsely by His name, is thorough and final, leaving no part of their ill-gotten security untouched.
I will send it out, declares the LORD of hosts, and it shall enter the house of the thief, and the house of him who swears falsely by my name. And it shall remain in his house and consume it, both timber and stones.”
English Standard Version (ESV)
Zechariah has just seen a vision of a flying scroll representing a curse against thieves and perjurers throughout the land. Now, the angel reveals that this curse isn't just a general pronouncement but a targeted judgment sent by God himself. This divine curse will specifically invade the homes of those who steal and falsely swear by God's name, consuming their property entirely and leaving nothing behind.
Ever feel like God's judgment is distant or abstract? Zechariah shows us a powerful vision of God's direct intervention.
The phrase 'I will bring it forth' isn't about a passive God observing from afar. It signifies God actively releasing a destructive force – a curse. This isn't a natural disaster or bad luck; it’s a divine consequence unleashed by the 'LORD of hosts,' the all-powerful commander of heavenly armies.
This 'bringing forth' implies that God has this judgment stored up, ready to be deployed. Just as He can bring forth the wind from His treasures, He can also bring forth His judgment. It’s a solemn reminder that God’s justice is not merely theoretical but will be actively executed against sin.
Zechariah’s vision illustrates that sin doesn't just affect individuals; it infiltrates and destroys their entire lives.
The curse isn't selective; it 'shall enter into the house of the thief, and into the house of him who swears falsely by my name.' This targets not just the person but their whole domain – their home, their security, their very foundation ('timber and stones').
This demonstrates the comprehensive and pervasive nature of sin's consequences. It will find its way into the places where stolen goods are kept and where false oaths are made. God's judgment, when unleashed, is thorough, leaving nothing untouched. It highlights that sin corrupts everything it touches, and God's judgment will expose and dismantle that corruption.
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Judgments that seem to linger or cause ongoing destruction speak to a deeper truth about God's judgment on sin.
The verse states the curse 'shall remain in his house.' This 'remaining' isn't a brief visit; it implies persistence. It lodges itself within the very structure of the sinner's life, slowly but surely consuming it.
This speaks to the enduring consequence of unrepented sin. Like a deep-seated illness or a persistent curse, it doesn't just vanish. It continues its destructive work until its purpose – utter ruin – is accomplished. This is a powerful image of how sin can take root and continue to cause devastation, both personally and generationally, if not dealt with by God's mercy.
Understand the original words
YHWH Tseva'ot · Hebrew Noun phrase
A title for God highlighting His role as the Sovereign over the angelic armies and the entire universe; it emphasizes His absolute authority and power to execute His purposes.
Zechariah's prophecy unfolds in the precarious post-exilic period. The people have returned from Babylon, but the land is still plagued by internal corruption and theft, particularly concerning their commitment to God and the rebuilding of His temple, which this vision directly addresses.
Late 8th Century BC
Assyrian Empire's Dominance
The powerful Assyrian Empire exerted significant influence over Judah, leading to a period of political and religious compromise for many.
c. 605 BC
First Babylonian Deportation
King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon begins deporting Jewish nobles and skilled workers to Babylon, including the prophet Daniel. This marks the start of the Babylonian exile.
587/586 BC
Destruction of Jerusalem and Temple
Babylonian forces under Nebuchadnezzar destroy Jerusalem and its magnificent temple. The majority of the remaining population is exiled to Babylon, ending Judah as an independent nation.
c. 520 BC— this verse
Post-Exilic Rebuilding of the Temple
Zechariah prophesies during the time when the returned Jewish exiles are attempting to rebuild the second temple in Jerusalem, facing opposition and internal struggles.
c. 458 BC
Ezra's Reforms
The priest Ezra leads a group of exiles back to Jerusalem and implements religious reforms, emphasizing adherence to the Law and dealing with intermarriage.
c. 445 BC
Nehemiah Rebuilds Jerusalem's Walls
Nehemiah, cupbearer to the Persian king, returns to Jerusalem to rebuild its defensive walls, facing significant opposition from surrounding peoples.
This passage describes God's curses upon those who disobey Him, emphasizing that disobedience will lead to consumption and ruin, much like the curse consuming the house in Zechariah.
Deuteronomy 27:26This verse declares 'Cursed is everyone who does not uphold the words of this law, to do them,' directly connecting to the theme of a curse for breaking God's commands, as seen with theft and false oaths.
Proverbs 30:9This proverb speaks of the dangers of poverty that can lead one to steal and 'swear falsely by the name of my God,' highlighting the very sins Zechariah's prophecy addresses.
Malachi 3:5Malachi prophesies against sorcerers, adulterers, and those who swear falsely, linking these sins to God's judgment and the idea of divine retribution against offenders.
Luke 19:46Jesus declares that His Father's house has been made a 'house of trade,' echoing the theme of corruption within what should be sacred and implying a coming judgment that would 'overturn' and destroy, similar to the consuming curse.
cambridgeZechariah 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."
4 . it shall remain ] abide , R. V., “until it has accomplished that for which it was sent, its utter destruction.” Pusey. Mr Wright in his commentary quotes, in illustration of the curse abiding till it has ac…
barnesZechariah 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."
I will bring it forth - Out of the treasure-house, as it were; as he says, "He bringeth forth the wind out of His treasures" Jeremiah 10:13 ; Jeremiah 51:16 ; and, "Is not this laid up in store with Me, sealed…
This verse reveals that God's judgment isn't just a fleeting punishment; it's described as something that will "remain" and utterly "consume" a house, leaving nothing but destruction. This emphasizes that God's justice, when unleashed on those who steal and swear falsely by His name, is thorough and final, leaving no part of their ill-gotten security untouched.
Zechariah has just seen a vision of a flying scroll representing a curse against thieves and perjurers throughout the land. Now, the angel reveals that this curse isn't just a general pronouncement but a targeted judgment sent by God himself. This divine curse will specifically invade the homes of those who steal and falsely swear by God's name, consuming their property entirely and leaving nothing behind.
Zechariah has just seen a vision of a flying scroll representing a curse against thieves and perjurers throughout the land. Now, the angel reveals that this curse isn't just a general pronouncement but a targeted judgment sent by God himself. This divine curse will specifically invade the homes of those who steal and falsely swear by God's name, consuming their property entirely and leaving nothing behind.
"I will send it out, declares the LORD of hosts, and it shall enter the house of the thief, and the house of him who swears falsely by my name. And it shall remain in his house and consume it, both timber and stones.”" — This verse reveals that God's judgment isn't just a fleeting punishment; it's described as something that will "remain" and utterly "consume" a house, leaving nothing but destruction. This emphasizes…
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Last reviewed October 2026