Definition: And he answered and spake unto those that stood before him, saying, Take away the filthy garments from him. And unto him he said, Behold, I have caused thine iniquity to pass from thee, and I will clothe thee with change of raiment.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Zechariah 3:4. It’s a really important passage about forgiveness and restoration. Here's what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: This verse is about someone who has been stained by sin or wrongdoing – like being dirty or messy – and God wants to help them get clean again. Let’s unpack it word-by-word: “And he answered…” - This indicates a direct response from God. He's taking action. “…and spake unto those that stood before him…” - "Spake" means spoke or addressed. “Those that stood before him” refers to the people who were watching and waiting for this answer. It could be any group of people – maybe a crowd, or even just a single person. “…saying, Take away the filthy garments from him.” - This is the core of the message. “Filthy garments” represents something that’s dirty, stained, or not clean. God is saying to remove these clothes. “And unto him he said, Behold, I have caused thine iniquity to pass from thee, and I will clothe thee with change of raiment.” - This is the most important part. "Iniquity" means sin – that’s wrongdoing or moral failing. “Caused” means it's happening. “Pass from thee” means it’s being removed. "Change of raiment" means a new outfit, or a fresh appearance, symbolizing a new beginning and a clean slate. Putting it all together - What does it mean practically? Essentially, God is saying: “You've made mistakes and been dirty. But I'm going to help you get rid of that mess. I’m going to give you a fresh appearance, a new outfit, as a sign of your cleansing.” Why is this important? This verse speaks to the idea of atonement – God’s forgiveness for our sins. It’s about letting go of past wrongdoings and moving forward with a renewed spirit. It's a message of hope and reconciliation, offering a way back from being stained by sin. --- Resources if you want to learn more: Bible Gateway: [https://www.biblegateway.com/resources/verses/3:4](https://www.biblegateway.com/resources/verses/3:4) - This site has a full context and translation of the verse. The Bible Project: [https://thebibletproject.com/zechariah-3-4/](https://thebibletproject.com/zechariah-3-4/) – This offers a visual and engaging explanation of the passage. Do you want me to: Explain it in a different way? Discuss the significance of this verse in more detail?