Zechariah 3:1 Then the angel showed me Joshua the high priest standing before the angel of the LORD, with Satan standing at his right hand to accuse him.

◄ Zechariah 3:1 ►

New International Version
Then he showed me Joshua the high priest standing before the angel of the LORD, and Satan standing at his right side to accuse him.

New Living Translation
Then the angel showed me Jeshua the high priest standing before the angel of the LORD. The Accuser, Satan, was there at the angel’s right hand, making accusations against Jeshua.

English Standard Version
Then he showed me Joshua the high priest standing before the angel of the LORD, and Satan standing at his right hand to accuse him.

Berean Standard Bible
Then the angel showed me Joshua the high priest standing before the angel of the LORD, with Satan standing at his right hand to accuse him.

King James Bible
And he shewed me Joshua the high priest standing before the angel of the LORD, and Satan standing at his right hand to resist him.

New King James Version
Then he showed me Joshua the high priest standing before the Angel of the LORD, and Satan standing at his right hand to oppose him.

New American Standard Bible
Then he showed me Joshua the high priest standing before the angel of the LORD, and Satan standing at his right to accuse him.

NASB 1995
Then he showed me Joshua the high priest standing before the angel of the LORD, and Satan standing at his right hand to accuse him.

NASB 1977
Then he showed me Joshua the high priest standing before the angel of the LORD, and Satan standing at his right hand to accuse him.

Legacy Standard Bible
Then he showed me Joshua the high priest standing before the angel of Yahweh, and Satan standing at his right hand to accuse him.

Amplified Bible
Then the guiding angel showed me Joshua the high priest [representing disobedient, sinful Israel] standing before the Angel of the LORD, and Satan standing at Joshua’s right hand to be his adversary and to accuse him.

Christian Standard Bible
Then he showed me the high priest Joshua standing before the angel of the LORD, with Satan standing at his right side to accuse him.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
Then he showed me Joshua the high priest standing before the Angel of the LORD, with Satan standing at his right side to accuse him.

American Standard Version
And he showed me Joshua the high priest standing before the angel of Jehovah, and Satan standing at his right hand to be his adversary.

Contemporary English Version
I was given another vision. This time Joshua the high priest was standing in front of the LORD's angel. And there was Satan, standing at Joshua's right side, ready to accuse him.

English Revised Version
And he shewed me Joshua the high priest standing before the angel of the LORD, and Satan standing at his right hand to be his adversary.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
Then he showed me Joshua, the chief priest, standing in front of the Messenger of the LORD. Satan the Accuser was standing at Joshua's right side to accuse him.

Good News Translation
In another vision the LORD showed me the High Priest Joshua standing before the angel of the LORD. And there beside Joshua stood Satan, ready to bring an accusation against him.

International Standard Version
Then I saw Joshua the High Priest standing in the presence of the angel of the LORD, with Satan standing at his right to oppose him.

Majority Standard Bible
Then the angel showed me Joshua the high priest standing before the angel of the LORD, with Satan standing at his right hand to accuse him.

NET Bible
Next I saw Joshua the high priest standing before the angel of the LORD, with Satan standing at his right hand to accuse him.

New Heart English Bible
He showed me Joshua the high priest standing before the angel of the LORD, and Satan standing at his right hand to be his adversary.

Webster's Bible Translation
And he showed me Joshua the high priest standing before the angel of the LORD, and Satan standing at his right hand to resist him.

World English Bible
He showed me Joshua the high priest standing before Yahweh’s angel, and Satan standing at his right hand to be his adversary.

Literal Translations

Literal Standard Version
And he shows me Joshua the high priest standing before the Messenger of YHWH, and Satan standing at his right hand, to be an adversary to him.

Young's Literal Translation
And he sheweth me Joshua the high priest standing before the messenger of Jehovah, and the Adversary standing at his right hand, to be an adversary to him.

Smith's Literal Translation
And he will cause me to see Joshua the great priest standing before the messenger of Jehovah, and the adversary standing upon his right hand for his adversary.

Catholic Translations

Douay-Rheims Bible
And the Lord shewed me Jesus the high priest standing before the angel of the Lord: and Satan stood on his right hand to be his adversary.

Catholic Public Domain Version
And the Lord revealed to me: Jesus the high priest, standing in the sight of the angel of the Lord. And Satan stood before his right hand, so as to be his adversary.

New American Bible
Then he showed me Joshua the high priest standing before the angel of the LORD, while the adversary stood at his right side to accuse him.

New Revised Standard Version
Then he showed me the high priest Joshua standing before the angel of the LORD, and Satan standing at his right hand to accuse him.

Translations from Aramaic

Lamsa Bible
THEN he showed me Joshua the high priest standing before the angel of the LORD, and Satan standing at his right hand to harm him.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And he showed me Yeshua the Great Priest when standing before The Angel of LORD JEHOVAH, and Satan was standing at his right that he would oppose him

OT Translations

JPS Tanakh 1917
And he showed me Joshua the high priest standing before the angel of the LORD, and Satan standing at his right hand to accuse him.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And the Lord shewed me Jesus the high priest standing before the angel of the Lord, and the Devil stood on his right hand to resist him.

Additional Translations ...

Audio Bible

Context

The Vision of Joshua the High Priest
1Then the angel showed me Joshua the high priest standing before the angel of the LORD, with Satan standing at his right hand to accuse him. 2And the LORD said to Satan: “The LORD rebukes you, Satan! Indeed, the LORD, who has chosen Jerusalem, rebukes you! Is not this man a firebrand snatched from the fire?”…

Berean Standard Bible · Download

Cross References

Job 1:6-12
One day the sons of God came to present themselves before the LORD, and Satan also came with them. / “Where have you come from?” said the LORD to Satan. “From roaming through the earth,” he replied, “and walking back and forth in it.” / Then the LORD said to Satan, “Have you considered My servant Job? For there is no one on earth like him, a man who is blameless and upright, who fears God and shuns evil.” ...

Revelation 12:10
And I heard a loud voice in heaven saying: “Now have come the salvation and the power and the kingdom of our God, and the authority of His Christ. For the accuser of our brothers has been thrown down—he who accuses them day and night before our God.

Jude 1:9
But even the archangel Michael, when he disputed with the devil over the body of Moses, did not presume to bring a slanderous charge against him, but said, “The Lord rebuke you!”

1 Peter 5:8
Be sober-minded and alert. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.

Isaiah 54:17
No weapon formed against you shall prosper, and you will refute every tongue that accuses you. This is the heritage of the servants of the LORD, and their vindication is from Me,” declares the LORD.

Luke 22:31-32
Simon, Simon, Satan has asked to sift all of you like wheat. / But I have prayed for you, Simon, that your faith will not fail. And when you have turned back, strengthen your brothers.”

1 John 2:1
My little children, I am writing these things to you so that you will not sin. But if anyone does sin, we have an advocate before the Father—Jesus Christ, the Righteous One.

Romans 8:33-34
Who will bring any charge against God’s elect? It is God who justifies. / Who is there to condemn us? For Christ Jesus, who died, and more than that was raised to life, is at the right hand of God—and He is interceding for us.

Daniel 10:13
However, the prince of the kingdom of Persia opposed me for twenty-one days. Then Michael, one of the chief princes, came to help me, for I had been left there with the kings of Persia.

Revelation 20:2
He seized the dragon, that ancient serpent who is the devil and Satan, and bound him for a thousand years.

Matthew 4:1-11
Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. / After fasting forty days and forty nights, He was hungry. / The tempter came to Him and said, “If You are the Son of God, tell these stones to become bread.” ...

2 Corinthians 2:11
in order that Satan should not outwit us. For we are not unaware of his schemes.

Ephesians 6:11-12
Put on the full armor of God, so that you can make your stand against the devil’s schemes. / For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this world’s darkness, and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.

Hebrews 7:25
Therefore He is able to save completely those who draw near to God through Him, since He always lives to intercede for them.

Psalm 109:6
Set over him a wicked man; let an accuser stand at his right hand.

Treasury of Scripture

And he showed me Joshua the high priest standing before the angel of the LORD, and Satan standing at his right hand to resist him.

he.

Zechariah 1:9,13,19
Then said I, O my lord, what are these? And the angel that talked with me said unto me, I will shew thee what these be…

Zechariah 2:3
And, behold, the angel that talked with me went forth, and another angel went out to meet him,

Zechariah 2:8
For thus saith the LORD of hosts; After the glory hath he sent me unto the nations which spoiled you: for he that toucheth you toucheth the apple of his eye.

standing.

Deuteronomy 10:8
At that time the LORD separated the tribe of Levi, to bear the ark of the covenant of the LORD, to stand before the LORD to minister unto him, and to bless in his name, unto this day.

Deuteronomy 18:15
The LORD thy God will raise up unto thee a Prophet from the midst of thee, of thy brethren, like unto me; unto him ye shall hearken;

1 Samuel 6:20
And the men of Bethshemesh said, Who is able to stand before this holy LORD God? and to whom shall he go up from us?

the angel.

Genesis 48:16
The Angel which redeemed me from all evil, bless the lads; and let my name be named on them, and the name of my fathers Abraham and Isaac; and let them grow into a multitude in the midst of the earth.

Exodus 3:2-6
And the angel of the LORD appeared unto him in a flame of fire out of the midst of a bush: and he looked, and, behold, the bush burned with fire, and the bush was not consumed…

Exodus 23:20,21
Behold, I send an Angel before thee, to keep thee in the way, and to bring thee into the place which I have prepared…

Satan.

Job 1:6-12
Now there was a day when the sons of God came to present themselves before the LORD, and Satan came also among them…

Job 2:1-8
Again there was a day when the sons of God came to present themselves before the LORD, and Satan came also among them to present himself before the LORD…

Psalm 109:6
Set thou a wicked man over him: and let Satan stand at his right hand.

resist him.

Genesis 3:15
And I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel.

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Zechariah 3

1. Under the type of Joshua, the high priest, receiving clean garments,
6. and a covenant of promise,
8. Christ the Branch and Cornerstone is promised.

Berean Study Bible

Then he showed me
The phrase "Then he showed me" indicates a continuation of a vision. The Hebrew root for "showed" is "ra'ah," which means to see or perceive. This vision is a divine revelation given to Zechariah, emphasizing the prophetic nature of the book. It suggests that what follows is not merely a narrative but a spiritual insight into heavenly realities. The vision is meant to convey God's message to His people, offering hope and encouragement during a time of rebuilding and restoration after the Babylonian exile.

Joshua the high priest
"Joshua" is the Hebrew name "Yehoshua," meaning "The LORD is salvation." As the high priest, Joshua represents the spiritual leadership of Israel. Historically, Joshua was a key figure during the post-exilic period, tasked with the spiritual renewal of the nation. His role as high priest is significant because he stands as a mediator between God and the people, symbolizing the need for purity and holiness in worship. The mention of Joshua highlights the importance of spiritual leadership in guiding the nation back to faithfulness.

standing before the angel of the LORD
The phrase "standing before" suggests a position of service or judgment. In Hebrew, "standing" (amad) often implies readiness to serve or present oneself for examination. The "angel of the LORD" is a significant figure in the Old Testament, often seen as a manifestation of God's presence. This encounter underscores the divine authority and the seriousness of the situation. Joshua's position before the angel indicates a moment of divine scrutiny and the need for intercession on behalf of the people.

and Satan standing at his right hand
"Satan" in Hebrew is "Satan," meaning "adversary" or "accuser." His presence at Joshua's right hand, a position traditionally associated with power and authority, signifies his role as the accuser of God's people. This scene reflects the spiritual warfare that believers face, with Satan seeking to undermine and accuse them before God. The right hand is also a place of honor, suggesting that Satan's accusations are given serious consideration, highlighting the gravity of sin and the need for divine intervention.

to accuse him
The act of accusing is central to Satan's role in this vision. The Hebrew word for "accuse" is "satan," which reinforces his identity as the accuser. This accusation is not just against Joshua personally but represents the broader accusation against Israel's sinfulness. It reflects the ongoing spiritual battle and the need for God's people to rely on His grace and mercy. The presence of accusation also points to the necessity of a mediator, foreshadowing the ultimate mediation through Christ, who intercedes on behalf of believers.

Pulpit Commentary

Verses 1-10. - § 6. The fourth vision: Joshua the high priest before the angel. Verse 1. - He showed me. The Septuagint and Vulgate give, "The Lord showed me." Some suppose that it was the interpreting angel who showed this vision; but his duty was to explain, not to present, the visions. So in Zechariah 1:20 it is the Lord who shows the "four craftsmen." This vision is closely connected with the last. In that it was declared that the Lord would again dwell in Jerusalem, and visit his people with blessings. But to fit them for the presence and favour of Jehovah they must be pure. To this end they must have a holy priesthood to train them in righteous ways, to oppose the attacks of the adversary, and to intercede for them effectually. The removal of their impurity is represented in the fourth vision. Joshua the high priest (see note on Haggai 1:1). The name is written Joshua in Ezra 2:2, etc. He was the first of the high priests after the Captivity, succeeding, as by hereditary right, his father Josedech, who died in Babylon. For his services in restoring the temple he is praised among great men in Ecclus. 49:12. Standing before the angel of the Lord. Joshua is the representative of the priesthoood, and through that also of the whole people. The angel of Jehovah (see notes on Zechariah 1:11, 13) is the representative of and endowed with attributes of Jehovah, the Friend and Leader of Israel. The phrase, "standing before," is used in a ministerial sense, as of a servant rendering service to a superior (Genesis 41:46; 1 Kings 12:6, 8), and a priest or Levite performing his official duties (Deuteronomy 10:8; Ezekiel 44:15) : also, in a judicial sense, of a person appearing before a judge, either as plaintiff (Numbers 27:2; 1 Kings 3:16) or defendant (Numbers 35:12). Many commentators find in this scene a judicial process, Joshua appearing before the angel as before his judge; and Ewald supposes that it adumbrates his actual accusation at the Persian court, The mention of the adversary at the right hand (Psalm 109:6) is supposed to confirm this interpretation. But it is obvious that the adversary might stand at the right hand, not as a formal accuser in a trial, but in order to resist and hinder Joshua's proceedings; the angel, too, is not represented as sitting on a throne of judgment, but standing by (ver. 5), and there is no further intimation of any judicial process in the vision. It is therefore best to conceive that Joshua is interceding for the people in his official capacity in the presence of the representative of Jehovah. The locality is not specified; it may have been before the altar, which, we know, was built and used at this time. The special mention of his garments implies that he was engaged in official duties in a consecrated spot; but the place is immaterial. Satan; the adversary, or accuser. The personality of Satan is here plainly recognized, as in Job 1:6, etc.; Job 2:1, etc., rendered by the LXX. in all these places, ὁ διάβολος (see Appendix B, in Archdeacon Perowne's 'Commentary on Zechariah'). At his (Joshua's) right hand. Not as a judicial accuser, but as an enemy to resist his efforts for the good of the people, and to thwart his interests with the angel of the Lord. To resist him; to act the adversary to him. The verb is cognate to, the noun above. From what follows we must suppose that Satan objects against Joshua both his own personal sin and the transgressions of the people whose burden he bore (comp. ver. 9, where his sin is called "the iniquity of the land," which would include the guilt which had led to the Captivity, their dilatoriness in building the temple, and all their backslidings since the return).

Parallel Commentaries ...

Hebrew

Then [the angel] showed me
וַיַּרְאֵ֗נִי (way·yar·’ê·nî)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hifil - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular | first person common singular
Strong's 7200: To see

Joshua
יְהוֹשֻׁ֙עַ֙ (yə·hō·wō·šu·a‘)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3091: Joshua -- 'the LORD is salvation', Moses' successor, also the name of a number of Israelites

the high
הַגָּד֔וֹל (hag·gā·ḏō·wl)
Article | Adjective - masculine singular
Strong's 1419: Great, older, insolent

priest
הַכֹּהֵ֣ן (hak·kō·hên)
Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 3548: Priest

standing
עֹמֵ֕ד (‘ō·mêḏ)
Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular
Strong's 5975: To stand, in various relations

before
לִפְנֵ֖י (lip̄·nê)
Preposition-l | Noun - common plural construct
Strong's 6440: The face

the Angel
מַלְאַ֣ךְ (mal·’aḵ)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 4397: A messenger, of God, an angel

of the LORD,
יְהוָ֑ה (Yah·weh)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3068: LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel

with Satan
וְהַשָּׂטָ֛ן (wə·haś·śā·ṭān)
Conjunctive waw, Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 7854: An opponent -- Satan, the arch-enemy of good

standing
עֹמֵ֥ד (‘ō·mêḏ)
Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular
Strong's 5975: To stand, in various relations

at
עַל־ (‘al-)
Preposition
Strong's 5921: Above, over, upon, against

his right hand
יְמִינ֖וֹ (yə·mî·nōw)
Noun - feminine singular construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 3225: The right hand, side, the south

to accuse him.
לְשִׂטְנֽוֹ׃ (lə·śiṭ·nōw)
Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 7853: To be or act as adversary

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OT Prophets: Zechariah 3:1 He showed me Joshua the high priest (Zech. Zec Zc)