Zechariah 13:2
And it shall come to pass in that day, saith the LORD of hosts, that I will cut off the names of the idols out of the land, and they shall no more be remembered: and also I will cause the prophets and the unclean spirit to pass out of the land.
Zechariah 13:2 · King James Version
Meaning
In this verse, the Lord is proclaiming a day when he will remove all idols from the land, ensuring that they will no longer be remembered or worshipped. The removal of these false gods symbolizes a cleansing of the land and a return to true faith in the one true God. Additionally, the Lord declares that he will also remove the prophets and unclean spirits from the land. This signifies a purging of false teachings and evil influences that may have been present among the people. By removing these idols, false prophets, and unclean spirits, the Lord is restoring a sense of purity and true worship among his people. This verse serves as a reminder of the importance of putting God first and rejecting any false idols or beliefs that may hinder our relationship with Him.
Theological Overview
One theological interpretation of this verse underscores the power and sovereignty of the LORD of hosts over all things, including idols, false prophets, and unclean spirits. In this verse, the LORD declares his intention to rid the land of idols and ensure they are no longer remembered. This demonstrates the LORD's intolerance of idols and false worship, emphasizing the importance of true devotion to Him alone. Additionally, the mention of cutting off the names of idols highlights the LORD's desire to completely eradicate the influence of these false gods from the land. The expulsion of prophets and unclean spirits further reinforces the notion of spiritual cleansing and purification, indicating a renewal of faithfulness and obedience to the LORD's commandments. This verse serves as a reminder of the LORD's supremacy and his determination to remove anything that hinders true worship and obedience to Him.
Zechariah 13:2 in other translations
American Standard Version
And it shall come to pass in that day, saith Jehovah of hosts, that I will cut off the names of the idols out of the land, and they shall no more be remembered; and also I will cause the prophets and the unclean spirit to pass out of the land.
World English Bible
It will come to pass in that day, says Yahweh of Armies, that I will cut off the names of the idols out of the land, and they will be remembered no more. I will also cause the prophets and the spirit of impurity to pass out of the land.
Douay-Rheims
And it shall come to pass in that day, saith the Lord of hosts, that I will destroy the names of idols out of the earth, and they shall be remembered no more: and I will take away the false prophets, and the unclean spirit out of the earth.
Geneva Bible (1599)
And in that day, sayth the Lord of hostes, I will cut off the names of the idoles out of the land: and they shall no more be remembred: and I will cause the prophets, and the vncleane spirit to depart out of the land.