Zechariah 5:9 Then I lifted up my eyes and saw two women approaching, with the wind in their wings. Their wings were like those of a stork, and they lifted up the basket between heaven and earth.

◄ Zechariah 5:9 ►

New International Version
Then I looked up—and there before me were two women, with the wind in their wings! They had wings like those of a stork, and they lifted up the basket between heaven and earth.

New Living Translation
Then I looked up and saw two women flying toward us, gliding on the wind. They had wings like a stork, and they picked up the basket and flew into the sky.

English Standard Version
Then I lifted my eyes and saw, and behold, two women coming forward! The wind was in their wings. They had wings like the wings of a stork, and they lifted up the basket between earth and heaven.

Berean Standard Bible
Then I lifted up my eyes and saw two women approaching, with the wind in their wings. Their wings were like those of a stork, and they lifted up the basket between heaven and earth.

King James Bible
Then lifted I up mine eyes, and looked, and, behold, there came out two women, and the wind was in their wings; for they had wings like the wings of a stork: and they lifted up the ephah between the earth and the heaven.

New King James Version
Then I raised my eyes and looked, and there were two women, coming with the wind in their wings; for they had wings like the wings of a stork, and they lifted up the basket between earth and heaven.

New American Standard Bible
Then I raised my eyes and looked, and there two women were coming out with the wind in their wings; and they had wings like the wings of the stork, and they lifted up the ephah between the earth and the heavens.

NASB 1995
Then I lifted up my eyes and looked, and there two women were coming out with the wind in their wings; and they had wings like the wings of a stork, and they lifted up the ephah between the earth and the heavens.

NASB 1977
Then I lifted up my eyes and looked, and there two women were coming out with the wind in their wings; and they had wings like the wings of a stork, and they lifted up the ephah between the earth and the heavens.

Legacy Standard Bible
Then I lifted up my eyes and saw, and behold, two women were coming out with the wind in their wings; and they had wings like the wings of a stork, and they lifted up the ephah between the earth and the heavens.

Amplified Bible
Then I looked up, and there were two women coming out with the wind in their wings; and they had wings like the wings of a stork, and they lifted up the ephah between the earth and the heavens.

Christian Standard Bible
Then I looked up and saw two women approaching with the wind in their wings. Their wings were like those of a stork, and they lifted up the basket between earth and sky.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
Then I looked up and saw two women approaching with the wind in their wings. Their wings were like those of a stork, and they lifted up the basket between earth and sky.

American Standard Version
Then lifted I up mine eyes, and saw, and, behold, there came forth two women, and the wind was in their wings; now they had wings like the wings of a stork; and they lifted up the ephah between earth and heaven.

Contemporary English Version
Right after this I saw two women coming through the sky with wings outstretched like a stork in the wind. Suddenly they lifted the basket into the air,

English Revised Version
Then lifted I up mine eyes, and saw, and behold, there came forth two women, and the wind was in their wings; now they had wings like the wings of a stork: and they lifted up the ephah between the earth and the heaven.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
I looked up and saw two women coming forward with wind in their wings. They had wings like those of a stork. They carried the basket into the sky.

Good News Translation
I looked up and saw two women flying toward me with powerful wings like those of a stork. They picked up the basket and flew off with it.

International Standard Version
Then I looked up to see two women coming forward with the wind filling their wings. (They had wings like those of a stork.) They took up the basket, holding it between the earth and sky.

Majority Standard Bible
Then I lifted up my eyes and saw two women approaching, with the wind in their wings. Their wings were like those of a stork, and they lifted up the basket between heaven and earth.

NET Bible
Then I looked again and saw two women going forth with the wind in their wings (they had wings like those of a stork) and they lifted up the basket between the earth and the sky.

New Heart English Bible
Then lifted I up my eyes, and saw, and look, there were two women, and the wind was in their wings. Now they had wings like the wings of a stork, and they lifted up the ephah basket between earth and the sky.

Webster's Bible Translation
Then I lifted up my eyes, and looked and behold, there came out two women, and the wind was in their wings; for they had wings like the wings of a stork: and they lifted up the ephah between the earth and the heaven.

World English Bible
Then I lifted up my eyes and saw, and behold, there were two women; and the wind was in their wings. Now they had wings like the wings of a stork, and they lifted up the ephah basket between earth and the sky.

Literal Translations

Literal Standard Version
And I lift up my eyes, and see, and behold, two women are coming forth, and wind [is] in their wings; and they have wings like wings of the stork, and they lift up the ephah between the earth and the heavens.

Young's Literal Translation
And I lift up mine eyes, and see, and lo, two women are coming forth, and wind in their wings; and they have wings like wings of the stork, and they lift up the ephah between the earth and the heavens.

Smith's Literal Translation
And I shall lift up mine eyes and see, and behold, two women will come forth, and the wind in their wings; and to them wings as the wings of the stork; and they shall lift up the ephah between the earth and between the heavens.

Catholic Translations

Douay-Rheims Bible
And I lifted up my eyes and looked: and behold there came out two women, and wind was in their wings, and they had wings like the wings of a kite: and they lifted up the vessel between the earth and the heaven.

Catholic Public Domain Version
And I lifted up my eyes and I saw. And behold, two women were departing, and a spirit was in their wings, and they had wings like the wings of a kite, and they lifted up the container between earth and heaven.

New American Bible
Then I raised my eyes and saw two women coming forth with wind under their wings —they had wings like the wings of a stork—and they lifted the basket into the air.

New Revised Standard Version
Then I looked up and saw two women coming forward. The wind was in their wings; they had wings like the wings of a stork, and they lifted up the basket between earth and sky.

Translations from Aramaic

Lamsa Bible
Then I lifted up my eyes and looked, and behold, there came out two women, and the wind was in their wings; for they had wings like the wings of a stork; and they lifted up the ephah between earth and heaven.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And I lifted my eyes and I saw, and behold, two women came forth and the wind was in their wings, and they had wings like the wings of a stork, and they took the measure between Earth and Heaven

OT Translations

JPS Tanakh 1917
Then lifted I up mine eyes, and saw, and, behold, there came forth two women, and the wind was in their wings; for they had wings like the wings of a stork; and they lifted up the measure between the earth and the heaven.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And I lifted up mine eyes, and saw, and, behold, two women coming forth, and the wind was in their wings; and they had stork's wings: and they lifted up the measure between the earth and the sky.

Additional Translations ...

Audio Bible

Context

The Vision of the Woman in a Basket
…8“This is Wickedness,” he said. And he shoved her down into the basket, pushing down the lead cover over its opening. 9Then I lifted up my eyes and saw two women approaching, with the wind in their wings. Their wings were like those of a stork, and they lifted up the basket between heaven and earth. 10“Where are they taking the basket?” I asked the angel who was speaking with me.…

Berean Standard Bible · Download

Cross References

Revelation 12:14
But the woman was given two wings of a great eagle to fly from the presence of the serpent to her place in the wilderness, where she was nourished for a time, and times, and half a time.

Isaiah 40:31
But those who wait upon the LORD will renew their strength; they will mount up with wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not faint.

Ezekiel 1:6-11
but each had four faces and four wings. / Their legs were straight, and the soles of their feet were like the hooves of a calf, gleaming like polished bronze. / Under their wings on their four sides they had human hands. All four living creatures had faces and wings, ...

Revelation 4:6-8
And before the throne was something like a sea of glass, as clear as crystal. In the center, around the throne, were four living creatures, covered with eyes in front and back. / The first living creature was like a lion, the second like a calf, the third had a face like a man, and the fourth was like an eagle in flight. / And each of the four living creatures had six wings and was covered with eyes all around and within. Day and night they never stop saying: “Holy, Holy, Holy, is the Lord God Almighty, who was and is and is to come!”

Daniel 7:9-10
As I continued to watch, thrones were set in place, and the Ancient of Days took His seat. His clothing was white as snow, and the hair of His head was like pure wool. His throne was flaming with fire, and its wheels were all ablaze. / A river of fire was flowing, coming out from His presence. Thousands upon thousands attended Him, and myriads upon myriads stood before Him. The court was convened, and the books were opened.

Revelation 14:6
Then I saw another angel flying overhead, with the eternal gospel to proclaim to those who dwell on the earth—to every nation and tribe and tongue and people.

Isaiah 6:2
Above Him stood seraphim, each having six wings: With two wings they covered their faces, with two they covered their feet, and with two they were flying.

Ezekiel 10:5
The sound of the wings of the cherubim could be heard as far as the outer court, like the voice of God Almighty when He speaks.

Revelation 8:13
And as I observed, I heard an eagle flying overhead, calling in a loud voice, “Woe! Woe! Woe to those who dwell on the earth, because of the trumpet blasts about to be sounded by the remaining three angels!”

2 Kings 2:11
As they were walking along and talking together, suddenly a chariot of fire with horses of fire appeared and separated the two of them, and Elijah went up into heaven in a whirlwind.

Acts 1:9-11
After He had said this, they watched as He was taken up, and a cloud hid Him from their sight. / They were looking intently into the sky as He was going, when suddenly two men dressed in white stood beside them. / “Men of Galilee,” they said, “why do you stand here looking into the sky? This same Jesus, who has been taken from you into heaven, will come back in the same way you have seen Him go into heaven.”

Matthew 24:31
And He will send out His angels with a loud trumpet call, and they will gather His elect from the four winds, from one end of the heavens to the other.

Exodus 19:4
‘You have seen for yourselves what I did to Egypt, and how I carried you on eagles’ wings and brought you to Myself.

Psalm 18:10
He mounted a cherub and flew; He soared on the wings of the wind.

Revelation 19:17
Then I saw an angel standing in the sun, and he cried out in a loud voice to all the birds flying overhead, “Come, gather together for the great supper of God,

Treasury of Scripture

Then lifted I up my eyes, and looked, and, behold, there came out two women, and the wind was in their wings; for they had wings like the wings of a stork: and they lifted up the ephah between the earth and the heaven.

for.

Deuteronomy 28:49
The LORD shall bring a nation against thee from far, from the end of the earth, as swift as the eagle flieth; a nation whose tongue thou shalt not understand;

Daniel 9:26,27
And after threescore and two weeks shall Messiah be cut off, but not for himself: and the people of the prince that shall come shall destroy the city and the sanctuary; and the end thereof shall be with a flood, and unto the end of the war desolations are determined…

Hosea 8:1
Set the trumpet to thy mouth. He shall come as an eagle against the house of the LORD, because they have transgressed my covenant, and trespassed against my law.

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Zechariah 5

1. By the flying scroll is shown the curse of thieves and swearers;
5. and by a woman pressed in an ephah the final judgment of wickedness.

Berean Study Bible

Then I lifted up my eyes
This phrase indicates a moment of divine revelation. In the Hebrew context, lifting one's eyes often signifies a readiness to receive a vision or message from God. It suggests an openness to divine instruction, a theme prevalent throughout the prophetic books. The act of looking up is symbolic of seeking understanding and insight from above, emphasizing the importance of spiritual awareness and attentiveness to God's revelations.

and saw two women approaching
The appearance of two women in this vision is unique and significant. In the ancient Near Eastern context, women were not typically depicted as bearers of divine messages, making this vision particularly striking. The number two often symbolizes confirmation and witness in biblical literature, suggesting that these women are bringing a message or truth that is established and certain. Their approach signifies the active movement of God's plans and purposes being carried out.

with the wind in their wings
The wind is frequently associated with the Spirit of God in Scripture, symbolizing divine power and presence. The Hebrew word for wind, "ruach," can also mean spirit or breath, indicating that these women are propelled by a force beyond themselves. This imagery suggests that their mission is divinely ordained and empowered, highlighting the unstoppable nature of God's will.

They had wings like those of a stork
Storks are known for their strength and endurance in flight, often migrating over long distances. In the biblical context, the stork is considered a clean bird, symbolizing purity and faithfulness. The comparison to stork wings implies that these women are on a mission that is both pure and enduring, reflecting the steadfastness and reliability of God's purposes.

and they lifted up the basket
The act of lifting the basket signifies the removal or elevation of something significant. In the broader context of Zechariah 5, the basket represents iniquity or wickedness. The lifting of the basket suggests a divine intervention to address and remove sin, pointing to God's justice and the eventual purification of His people.

between heaven and earth
This phrase indicates a position of transition and mediation. The space between heaven and earth is often seen as a realm where divine and human interactions occur. It underscores the idea that the actions taking place are part of a larger divine plan that bridges the earthly and the heavenly. This imagery reinforces the theme of God's sovereignty and His active involvement in the affairs of the world, orchestrating events according to His divine will.

Pulpit Commentary

Verse 9. - Then lifted I up mine eyes. This is the conclusion of the vision. And looked; and saw. There came out (forth) two women. These two women who now come in sight have been supposed to represent the Assyrians and Babylonians, who wore the agents in the deportation of Israel; or else are considered abettors of the woman in the ephah, who for a time save her from destruction. This latter supposition proceeds on the erroneous idea that wickedness is herein rescued from punishment, whereas the notion that underlies the whole vision is that the Holy Land is purged of wickedness. That the two nations hostile to Israel are represented is an untenable suggestion; for why should they carry off iniquity from Jerusalem and fix it in their own land? Probably by the two women carrying away the evil woman is signified (if the details are capable of explanation) that iniquity brings with it its own destruction and works out its own removal. The wind was in their wings. They were borne along so quickly that they seemed to be carried by the wind; or the wind helped their flight. A stork; Septuagint, ἔποπος, "the hoopoe;" Vulgate, milvi. The Authorized Version is certainly correct. The stork is common enough in Palestine, and is reckoned among unclean birds in the Pentateuch (Leviticus 11:19; Deuteronomy 14:18), for which cause some have thought it is here introduced as bearing the sin laden ephah. But its introduction more probably has reference to its migratory habits, the power and rapidity of its flight, and, as some think, to its skill in constructing its nest.

Parallel Commentaries ...

Hebrew

Then I lifted
וָאֶשָּׂ֨א (wā·’eś·śā)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - first person common singular
Strong's 5375: To lift, carry, take

up my eyes
עֵינַ֜י (‘ê·nay)
Noun - cdc | first person common singular
Strong's 5869: An eye, a fountain

and saw
וָאֵ֗רֶא (wā·’ê·re)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - first person common singular
Strong's 7200: To see

two
שְׁתַּ֨יִם (šə·ta·yim)
Number - fd
Strong's 8147: Two (a cardinal number)

women
נָשִׁ֤ים (nā·šîm)
Noun - feminine plural
Strong's 802: Woman, wife, female

approaching,
יֽוֹצְאוֹת֙ (yō·wṣ·’ō·wṯ)
Verb - Qal - Participle - feminine plural
Strong's 3318: To go, bring, out, direct and proxim

with the wind
וְר֣וּחַ (wə·rū·aḥ)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - common singular
Strong's 7307: Wind, breath, exhalation, life, anger, unsubstantiality, a region of the sky, spirit

in their wings.
בְּכַנְפֵיהֶ֔ם (bə·ḵan·p̄ê·hem)
Preposition-b | Noun - feminine plural construct | third person masculine plural
Strong's 3671: An edge, extremity, a wing, a flap, a quarter, a pinnacle

Their
וְלָהֵ֥נָּה (wə·lā·hên·nāh)
Conjunctive waw, Preposition-l | Pronoun - third person feminine plural
Strong's 2007: Themselves

wings
כְנָפַ֖יִם (ḵə·nā·p̄a·yim)
Noun - fd
Strong's 3671: An edge, extremity, a wing, a flap, a quarter, a pinnacle

were like those
כְּכַנְפֵ֣י (kə·ḵan·p̄ê)
Preposition-k | Noun - feminine plural construct
Strong's 3671: An edge, extremity, a wing, a flap, a quarter, a pinnacle

of a stork,
הַחֲסִידָ֑ה (ha·ḥă·sî·ḏāh)
Article | Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 2624: The kind, bird, a stork

and they lifted up
וַתִּשֶּׂ֙אנָה֙ (wat·tiś·śe·nāh)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person feminine plural
Strong's 5375: To lift, carry, take

the basket
הָ֣אֵיפָ֔ה (hā·’ê·p̄āh)
Article | Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 374: Ephah -- an ephah (a measure of grain)

between
בֵּ֥ין (bên)
Preposition
Strong's 996: An interval, space between

heaven
הַשָּׁמָֽיִם׃ (haš·šā·mā·yim)
Article | Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 8064: Heaven, sky

and
וּבֵ֥ין (ū·ḇên)
Conjunctive waw | Preposition
Strong's 996: An interval, space between

earth.
הָאָ֖רֶץ (hā·’ā·reṣ)
Article | Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 776: Earth, land

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OT Prophets: Zechariah 5:9 Then lifted I up my eyes (Zech. Zec Zc)