What is the meaning of Zechariah 13:3? And if anyone still prophesies • The word “still” points to stubborn persistence after God has already “banished the prophets and the spirit of impurity from the land” (Zechariah 13:2). • It anticipates a future moment when Messiah’s cleansing is so thorough that any lingering attempt at false prophecy stands out sharply (Isaiah 2:18–20; Revelation 21:27). • Scripture consistently warns that continuing in forbidden prophecy after clear revelation invites judgment (Deuteronomy 18:20–22; Jeremiah 28:15-17). his father and mother who bore him will say to him • The text highlights the closest human bonds—parents—who would normally shield a child (Deuteronomy 21:18-21). • Their response underscores the priority of God’s truth over family loyalty (Matthew 10:37; Luke 14:26). • The phrase “who bore him” intensifies the natural affection they feel, making their stand for righteousness even more striking (Leviticus 19:17). ‘You shall not remain alive, because you have spoken falsely in the name of the LORD.’ • Speaking “in the name of the LORD” claims divine authority; falsifying that claim is tantamount to blasphemy (Jeremiah 14:14-15; Ezekiel 13:6-9). • Under Mosaic Law, the penalty for leading God’s people astray was death (Deuteronomy 13:1-5). • The statement is literal: in God’s restored kingdom, false prophecy will receive immediate, decisive justice (Acts 5:1-11 for a New-Testament echo of swift judgment). When he prophesies • The imperfect tense (“when he prophesies”) shows the parents acting at the very moment he attempts deception, nipping sin in the bud (Proverbs 1:10-19). • Their vigilance models the community’s zero tolerance for spiritual impurity (1 Corinthians 5:6-7). his father and mother who bore him will pierce him through. • “Pierce him through” parallels the capital sentence of false prophets in Old Testament law (Deuteronomy 13:9-10). • The act, carried out by parents, demonstrates that allegiance to God supersedes even the closest natural ties (Zechariah 12:10 contrasts the piercing of the true Messiah with the piercing of a false prophet). • It foreshadows the perfect justice of Christ’s reign, where holiness is guarded and truth prevails (Psalm 101:7-8; Revelation 19:11-15). summary Zechariah 13:3 foretells a future era of uncompromised holiness. Even the most intimate relationships will not protect a person who falsely claims God’s voice. Parents themselves will enforce the divine standard, fulfilling Mosaic law and showcasing God’s absolute priority over human ties. The passage assures believers that, in the coming kingdom, truth will be safeguarded and deception swiftly judged, completing the cleansing begun by the Messiah. |
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