The Prophetic Condemnation of Religious Pretenders in Israel
Zechariah 13:4 addresses the future purging of falsehood from Israel and offers a striking prophetic glimpse into the societal rejection of deceitful religion. This verse belongs to a broader passage (Zechariah 13:1–6) that describes a time when impurity and false prophecy would be cut off from the land, reflecting a moral and spiritual cleansing. This is not poetic exaggeration; it is a specific promise given through the prophet Zechariah, around 520–518 B.C.E., to a post-exilic community of Jews who had returned to Jerusalem after the Babylonian captivity (first return, 537 B.C.E.).
The verse reads: “On that day every prophet will be ashamed of his vision when he prophesies. He will not put on a hairy cloak in order to deceive.”
The phrase וְהָיָה בַּיּוֹם הַהוּא (wehāyā bayyōm hāhū)—“and it shall be in that day”—is a prophetic formula that Zechariah uses often to mark eschatological or covenantal events. This introduces a future period when the community will be purified from corrupt religious figures. What follows is not simply condemnation, but a picture of internal conviction leading to societal change.
The subject, הַנְּבִיאִים (hannᵉvîʾîm, “the prophets”), refers here to false prophets, as clearly shown by the surrounding context. These individuals had claimed to speak on behalf of Jehovah but in fact delivered lying visions and messages driven by personal ambition or popular opinion. The word for “vision” is חֶזְיוֹן (ḥezyōn), which in true prophecy refers to a divine revelation (cf. Isaiah 1:1), but here is exposed as false—self-invented and illegitimate.
The verb יֵבֹשׁוּ (yēvōshû, from בּוּשׁ, bûsh) means “they will be ashamed.” This shame is not simply embarrassment—it is deep disgrace in light of exposure. When Jehovah’s truth is reestablished and the Spirit of God leads His people in righteousness (as described in Zechariah 12:10 and 13:1), the counterfeit prophets will no longer be celebrated but humiliated. Their influence will vanish, and their claims will be revealed as fraudulent. The phrase בְּהִנָּבְאֹתוֹ (behinnābᵉʾōtô) confirms that the shame comes in their act of prophesying—that is, they are confronted in the very behavior that previously gave them status.
Zechariah then describes a symbolic action they will no longer perform: “he will not put on a hairy cloak in order to deceive.” The term אַדֶּרֶת שֵׂעָר (ʾadderet śēʿār) refers to a distinctive rough garment, traditionally worn by prophets. The noun אַדֶּרֶת (ʾadderet) means a cloak or mantle, and שֵׂעָר (śēʿār) means hair. This is not a generic piece of clothing, but a prophetic symbol. Elijah wore such a garment (2 Kings 1:8), and it became a recognizable mark of a prophet. Over time, however, false prophets adopted the same appearance to deceive the people into believing their messages were from Jehovah.
The purpose of wearing this garment is explicitly stated: לְמַעַן כַּחֵשׁ (lemaʿan kaḥēsh)—“in order to deceive.” The root כָּחַשׁ (kāḥash) means “to lie,” “to deny,” or “to deceive.” These imposters were not mistaken or misled—they were deliberately manipulating their appearance and message for personal gain. Their entire ministry was an elaborate lie, cloaked in the external symbols of truth.
This verse stands as a rebuke to all religious pretenders—those who wear the garments of authority and truth but proclaim lies. Zechariah’s prophecy shows that a time will come when such deception will not only fail but become a source of shame. The people of God, when purified and guided by the truth, will no longer tolerate or be misled by superficial religious performance. False prophets will not be feared or followed—they will be exposed and disgraced.
This aligns with the broader biblical teaching that Jehovah abhors false prophets. Deuteronomy 18:20 says, “But the prophet who presumes to speak a word in my name that I have not commanded him to speak… that same prophet shall die.” Likewise, Jeremiah 14:14 declares, “The prophets are prophesying lies in my name. I did not send them, nor did I command them or speak to them.” These were not well-meaning but misinformed men. They were deceivers, condemned for polluting the truth and leading others astray.
Zechariah 13:4 also reminds readers that true devotion to God is never about outward appearance. Jesus condemned the scribes and Pharisees for this very reason in Matthew 23:27–28: “For you are like whitewashed tombs, which outwardly appear beautiful, but within are full of dead people’s bones… you outwardly appear righteous to others, but within you are full of hypocrisy and lawlessness.” False prophets wear cloaks of piety, but their hearts are rebellious.
The fulfillment of Zechariah 13:4 points ultimately to a time when Jehovah’s people will be characterized by truth, not deception. The entire section (Zechariah 13:1–6) presents a purified community, free from idolatry (v. 2), false prophecy (v. 3), and self-exaltation (v. 5–6). In this future reality, lies will not flourish. Shame will replace pride in deception, and the fear of Jehovah will prevail.
Importantly, the promise here is not mystical purification or inner enlightenment, but reformation through truth. The Word of God will be honored, and falsehood will be exposed. The Spirit of grace and supplication (Zechariah 12:10) will lead to national repentance, and part of that repentance will involve recognizing and rejecting those who misrepresented Jehovah.
This passage warns against religious performance and shallow appearances. It teaches that every man claiming to speak for God must be tested, not by his clothing or charisma, but by the truthfulness of his message as measured by the revealed Word. Deuteronomy 13:1–3 and 1 John 4:1 make this point emphatically. The cloak does not make the prophet; the message determines the man.
Zechariah 13:4 is a clear and timeless warning. It reveals Jehovah’s intention to purge His people from those who deceive in His name, and it speaks to the gravity of claiming divine authority while promoting lies. In the end, shame will be the portion of the false prophet, while truth, righteousness, and faithful obedience to God’s Word will define His true people.
EDWARD D. ANDREWS (AS in Criminal Justice, BS in Religion, MA in Biblical Studies, and MDiv in Theology) is CEO and President of Christian Publishing House. He has authored over 220+ books. In addition, Andrews is the Chief Translator of the Updated American Standard Version (UASV).
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