Then I turned, and lifted up mine eyes, and looked, and behold a flying roll.
Read it in contextThe Vision of the Flying Scroll
Start reading at Zechariah 5:1 (Zechariah 5:1 to Zechariah 5:4).
An editorial reading unit, not a claim that the surrounding context stops here. Book background below applies to the shared passage; individual verses may need more specific explanation.
This opening unit introduces the chapter’s movement. A sequence of visions and explanations addresses the community's situation and the LORD's purposes, followed by the symbolic crowning.
5:1Then I turned, and lifted up mine eyes, and looked, and behold a flying roll.
5:2And he said unto me, What seest thou? And I answered, I see a flying roll; the length thereof is twenty cubits, and the breadth thereof ten cubits.
5:3Then 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.
5:4I 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.
Study content, not yet reviewed.
Who
Who wrote the book? Zechariah son of Berechiah, son of Iddo, is the named prophet and traditional author. The composition of the later portions is debated. Biblical references: Zechariah 1:1. stated in the text
Who was present or being addressed in this passage? In the surrounding chapter context (Zechariah 1:1–6:15): Zechariah receives visions with angelic explanations for the returned community. Joshua the high priest and Zerubbabel the governor feature in the messages of restoration. stated in the text
Who was the book written to? The restored community of Judah and Jerusalem, with messages for its leaders and visions extending beyond that immediate community. Biblical references: Zechariah 1:3; Zechariah 4:9; Zechariah 7:5. stated in the text
What
What is the topic of this reading unit? The Vision of the Flying Scroll. Read Zechariah 5:1 through Zechariah 5:4 as a connected unit. interpretation
How does it contribute to the book? This opening unit introduces the chapter’s movement. A sequence of visions and explanations addresses the community's situation and the LORD's purposes, followed by the symbolic crowning. interpretation
When
When are the events or message set? The opening dates messages to Darius' reign; later oracles are not all introduced with the same level of dating. book background
Where
What is the book’s geographic setting? The returned community, Jerusalem, the temple, and symbolic visionary scenes are central, with wider nations and conflicts in view. book background
Where does the context start?
This passage sits in The Vision of the Flying Scroll (Zechariah 5:1 to Zechariah 5:4).
Start reading at Zechariah 5:1. An editorial reading unit, not a claim that the surrounding context stops here. Book background below applies to the shared passage; individual verses may need more specific explanation.
How
How does this book connect with Jesus Christ? The Gospels explicitly connect the king riding on an ass with Jesus' entry into Jerusalem and cite other passages in the passion accounts. Additional identifications should still be marked as interpretation. See Zechariah 9:9, Matthew 21:4, Matthew 21:5, Zechariah 13:7, Matthew 26:31. interpretation
How should this book guide our response? Join worship with truth, mercy, and justice. Begin interpretation of a vision with its supplied explanation and avoid treating speculation about present events as the words of the prophecy. interpretation
Cited: Zechariah 5:1, Zechariah 5:4, Zechariah 9:9, Matthew 21:4, Matthew 21:5, Zechariah 13:7, Matthew 26:31
Who wrote it, and how we know
ZechariahNamed in Scripture
What Scripture saysThe book opens with the word of the LORD to Zechariah. Zechariah 1:1
Early traditionTradition names Zechariah.
What is debatedSome scholars propose a second author for chapters 9 through 14.
Cross references from CrossReferences-org (CC BY 4.0).
Macro-Structure
See how this passage fits the chapter and the book.
Macro-Structure of Zechariah 5
Prefilled outline, not yet reviewed.
Zechariah's dated opening belongs to the post-exilic setting under Darius. The book includes interpreted visions, exhortations, and later oracles. Retain explanations supplied by the text and label further symbolic connections as interpretation. Local headings and stanza divisions are editorial reading aids adapted from public-domain BSB headings; verse boundaries and Scripture links use the KJV. Connections describe the surrounding book movement.
Connection to the wholeThis opening unit introduces the chapter’s movement. A sequence of visions and explanations addresses the community's situation and the LORD's purposes, followed by the symbolic crowning.
Connection to the wholeThis unit closes the chapter’s selected reading divisions. A sequence of visions and explanations addresses the community's situation and the LORD's purposes, followed by the symbolic crowning.
interpretation
Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.
Macro-Structure of Zechariah
Prefilled outline, not yet reviewed.
Zechariah's dated opening belongs to the post-exilic setting under Darius. The book includes interpreted visions, exhortations, and later oracles. Retain explanations supplied by the text and label further symbolic connections as interpretation.
Connection to the wholeA sequence of visions and explanations addresses the community's situation and the LORD's purposes, followed by the symbolic crowning.
Connection to the wholeThe oracles present the coming king and conflicts involving the flock and shepherds, requiring careful attention to their changing images.
Connection to the wholeThe closing oracles move through mourning, cleansing, conflict, and the LORD's kingship; detailed fulfillments must be argued rather than assumed.
interpretation
Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.