Zechariah 5:11 meaning

In a striking vision, the prophet sees a woman representing wickedness confined within an ephah, a standard measure used in commerce. This depiction symbolizes how sin has permeated the nation of Israel, suggesting that their iniquities have reached an overflowing point. God's intent with this vision is not merely to recount Israel's failures but also to indicate the severe consequences awaiting them due to their disobedience. The ephah serves as a container for the accumulated evils, emphasizing the seriousness of their situation during Zechariah's time, shortly after the Babylonian exile.

As the vision unfolds, the woman is carried away to the land of Shinar, a historical reference to Babylon, indicating that wickedness will ultimately be removed from the land of Israel but relocated rather than eradicated. God displays His authority not only in judging evil but in transferring it as a form of purification and justice. In Zechariah 5:11, the fate of the unrepentant is a solemn reminder of divine retribution alongside the promise for restoration and hope for the faithful. Ultimately, this vision illustrates the broader narrative of judgment and redemption within God's plan for His people.