Zephaniah 1:16
Zephaniah 1:16 in Multiple Translations
a day of horn blast and battle cry against the fortified cities, and against the high corner towers.
A day of the trumpet and alarm against the fenced cities, and against the high towers.
a day of the trumpet and alarm, against the fortified cities, and against the high battlements.
A day of sounding the horn and the war-cry against the walled towns and the high towers.
a day of trumpet calls and battle cries against fortified cities and watchtowers.
A day of the trumpet and alarme against the strong cities, and against the hie towres.
A day of trumpet and shouting against the fenced cities, And against the high corners.
a day of the trumpet and alarm against the fortified cities and against the high battlements.
A day of the trumpet and alarm against the fortified cities, and against the high towers.
A day of the trumpet and alarm against the fenced cities, and against the high bulwarks.
It will be a time when soldiers will blow trumpets to call other soldiers to battle. Your enemies will tear down the walls around your cities and the high towers at the corners of those walls.
Berean Amplified Bible — Zephaniah 1:16
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Zephaniah 1:16 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
י֥וֹם
שׁוֹפָ֖ר
וּ/תְרוּעָ֑ה
עַ֚ל
הֶ/עָרִ֣ים
הַ/בְּצֻר֔וֹת
וְ/עַ֖ל
הַ/פִּנּ֥וֹת
הַ/גְּבֹהֽוֹת
י֥וֹם
yôwm
H3117
day
N-ms
שׁוֹפָ֖ר
shôwphâr
H7782
trumpet
N-ms
וּ/תְרוּעָ֑ה
tᵉrûwʻâh
H8643
shout
Conj | N-fs
עַ֚ל
ʻal
H5921
upon
Prep
הֶ/עָרִ֣ים
ʻîyr
H5892
excitement
Art | N-fp
הַ/בְּצֻר֔וֹת
bâtsar
H1219
to gather/restrain/fortify
Art | Adj
וְ/עַ֖ל
ʻal
H5921
upon
Conj | Prep
הַ/פִּנּ֥וֹת
pinnâh
H6438
corner
Art | N-fp
הַ/גְּבֹהֽוֹת
gâbôahh
H1364
high
Art | Adj
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Zephaniah 1:16
י֥וֹם
yôwm
H3117
"day"
N-ms
The Hebrew word 'yom' refers to a day, which can be a literal 24-hour period or a figurative space of time. It is used in the Bible to describe a wide range of time periods, from a single day to a year or a lifetime. The word 'yom' is used in many different contexts throughout the Bible.
Definition: : day/when/time/period 1) day, time, year 1a) day (as opposed to night) 1b) day (24 hour period) 1b1) as defined by evening and morning in Genesis 1 1b2) as a division of time 1b2a) a working day, a day's journey 1c) days, lifetime (pl.) 1d) time, period (general) 1e) year 1f) temporal references 1f1) today 1f2) yesterday 1f3) tomorrow
Usage: Occurs in 1930 OT verses. KJV: age, [phrase] always, [phrase] chronicals, continually(-ance), daily, ((birth-), each, to) day, (now a, two) days (agone), [phrase] elder, [idiom] end, [phrase] evening, [phrase] (for) ever(-lasting, -more), [idiom] full, life, as (so) long as (... live), (even) now, [phrase] old, [phrase] outlived, [phrase] perpetually, presently, [phrase] remaineth, [idiom] required, season, [idiom] since, space, then, (process of) time, [phrase] as at other times, [phrase] in trouble, weather, (as) when, (a, the, within a) while (that), [idiom] whole ([phrase] age), (full) year(-ly), [phrase] younger. See also: Genesis 1:5; Genesis 33:13; Exodus 23:15.
שׁוֹפָ֖ר
shôwphâr
H7782
"trumpet"
N-ms
This Hebrew word refers to a trumpet or cornet, often made from a ram's horn. It was used in the Bible to signal important events or to sound an alarm, and is still used today in some Jewish traditions.
Definition: horn, ram's horn
Usage: Occurs in 63 OT verses. KJV: cornet, trumpet. See also: Exodus 19:16; 1 Chronicles 15:28; Psalms 47:6.
וּ/תְרוּעָ֑ה
tᵉrûwʻâh
H8643
"shout"
Conj | N-fs
This word means a loud shout or noise, like a battle cry or a joyful sound. It can also refer to the blast of trumpets in books like Numbers and Joshua.
Definition: 1) alarm, signal, sound of tempest, shout, shout or blast of war or alarm or joy 1a) alarm of war, war-cry, battle-cry 1b) blast (for march) 1c) shout of joy (with religious impulse) 1d) shout of joy (in general)
Usage: Occurs in 33 OT verses. KJV: alarm, blow(-ing) (of, the) (trumpets), joy, jubile, loud noise, rejoicing, shout(-ing), (high, joyful) sound(-ing). See also: Leviticus 23:24; Ezra 3:12; Psalms 27:6.
עַ֚ל
ʻal
H5921
"upon"
Prep
This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.
Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)
Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.
הֶ/עָרִ֣ים
ʻîyr
H5892
"excitement"
Art | N-fp
In the Bible, this word refers to a city or town, often a place with a wall or a watchman. It is used to describe a settlement or encampment, like the city of Ai, which is mentioned in the book of Joshua. The word is used to identify specific locations in the Bible.
Definition: 1) excitement, anguish 1a) of terror
Usage: Occurs in 936 OT verses. KJV: Ai (from margin), city, court (from margin), town. See also: Genesis 4:17; Deuteronomy 3:6; Joshua 14:12.
הַ/בְּצֻר֔וֹת
bâtsar
H1219
"to gather/restrain/fortify"
Art | Adj
This word means to gather or fortify, often used to describe harvesting grapes or building strong walls. It appears in the Bible to describe the gathering of crops, such as in the book of Isaiah. It can also mean to restrain or make something inaccessible.
Definition: 1) to gather, restrain, fence, fortify, make inaccessible, enclose 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to cut off 1a2) fortified, cut off, made inaccessible (pass participle) 1a3) secrets, mysteries, inaccessible things (subst) 1b) (Niphal) to be withheld 1c) (Piel) to fortify
Usage: Occurs in 38 OT verses. KJV: cut off, (de-) fenced, fortify, (grape) gather(-er), mighty things, restrain, strong, wall (up), withhold. See also: Genesis 11:6; Job 42:2; Psalms 76:13.
וְ/עַ֖ל
ʻal
H5921
"upon"
Conj | Prep
This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.
Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)
Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.
הַ/פִּנּ֥וֹת
pinnâh
H6438
"corner"
Art | N-fp
This word refers to a corner or an angle, like a pinnacle or a chief ruler. It's used in descriptions of buildings, cities, and leaders in the Bible, like in Exodus and Isaiah.
Definition: 1) corner 1a) corner (of square objects) 1b) corner (of ruler or chief-fig.) Also means: pen (פֵּן "Corner" H6434)
Usage: Occurs in 29 OT verses. KJV: bulwark, chief, corner, stay, tower. See also: Exodus 27:2; Psalms 118:22; Proverbs 7:8.
הַ/גְּבֹהֽוֹת
gâbôahh
H1364
"high"
Art | Adj
High means elevated or powerful, like a tall mountain or a proud person, as described in Proverbs where pride comes before a fall.
Definition: adj 1) high, exalted 1a) high, tall 1b) high (in position) 1c) proud, haughty n m 2) loftiness Also means: ga.vah (גָּבֹהַּ "high" H1362)
Usage: Occurs in 32 OT verses. KJV: haughty, height, high(-er), lofty, proud, [idiom] exceeding proudly. See also: Genesis 7:19; Isaiah 5:15; Psalms 104:18.
Study Notes — Zephaniah 1:16
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Zephaniah 1:16 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Zephaniah 1:16
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Zephaniah 1:16
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Zephaniah 1:16
- Trapp's Commentary on Zephaniah 1:16
- Ellicott's Commentary on Zephaniah 1:16
- Cambridge Bible on Zephaniah 1:16
- Barnes' Notes on Zephaniah 1:16
- Whedon's Commentary on Zephaniah 1:16
- Sermons on Zephaniah 1:16
Context — The Day of the LORD
14The great Day of the LORD is near— near and coming quickly. Listen, the Day of the LORD! Then the cry of the mighty will be bitter.
15That day will be a day of wrath, a day of trouble and distress, a day of destruction and desolation, a day of darkness and gloom, a day of clouds and blackness,
16a day of horn blast and battle cry against the fortified cities, and against the high corner towers.
17I will bring such distress on mankind that they will walk like the blind, because they have sinned against the LORD. Their blood will be poured out like dust and their flesh like dung. 18Neither their silver nor their gold will be able to deliver them on the Day of the LORD’s wrath. The whole earth will be consumed by the fire of His jealousy.” For indeed, He will make a sudden end of all who dwell on the earth.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Hosea 8:1 | Put the ram’s horn to your lips! An eagle looms over the house of the LORD, because the people have transgressed My covenant and rebelled against My law. |
| 2 | Amos 3:6 | If a ram’s horn sounds in a city, do the people not tremble? If calamity comes to a city, has not the LORD caused it? |
| 3 | Isaiah 32:14 | For the palace will be forsaken, the busy city abandoned. The hill and the watchtower will become caves forever— the delight of wild donkeys and a pasture for flocks— |
| 4 | Isaiah 2:12–15 | For the Day of the LORD of Hosts will come against all the proud and lofty, against all that is exalted— it will be humbled— against all the cedars of Lebanon, lofty and lifted up, against all the oaks of Bashan, against all the tall mountains, against all the high hills, against every high tower, against every fortified wall, |
| 5 | Psalms 48:12–13 | March around Zion, encircle her, count her towers, consider her ramparts, tour her citadels, that you may tell the next generation. |
| 6 | Jeremiah 4:19–20 | My anguish, my anguish! I writhe in pain! Oh, the pain in my chest! My heart pounds within me; I cannot be silent. For I have heard the sound of the horn, the alarm of battle. Disaster after disaster is proclaimed, for the whole land is laid waste. My tents are destroyed in an instant, my curtains in a moment. |
| 7 | Isaiah 59:10 | Like the blind, we feel our way along the wall, groping like those without eyes. We stumble at midday as in the twilight; among the vigorous we are like the dead. |
| 8 | Hosea 5:8 | Blow the ram’s horn in Gibeah, the trumpet in Ramah; raise the battle cry in Beth-aven: Lead on, O Benjamin! |
| 9 | Jeremiah 8:16 | The snorting of enemy horses is heard from Dan. At the sound of the neighing of mighty steeds, the whole land quakes. They come to devour the land and everything in it, the city and all who dwell in it. |
| 10 | Jeremiah 6:1 | “Run for cover, O sons of Benjamin; flee from Jerusalem! Sound the ram’s horn in Tekoa; send up a signal over Beth-haccherem, for disaster looms from the north, even great destruction. |
Zephaniah 1:16 Summary
[This verse is talking about a day when God will judge the world, and it will be a time of great trouble and destruction. The horn blast and battle cry are like a warning sign that the judgment is coming, and the fortified cities and high corner towers will not be able to protect people from God's wrath. This is similar to what we see in Jeremiah 4:19-21, where the prophet warns of the coming destruction of Judah. As it says in Psalm 2:11, we should tremble with fear and turn to God with repentance, because He is the only one who can save us from His judgment.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of the horn blast and battle cry in Zephaniah 1:16?
The horn blast and battle cry signify a call to war and judgment, as seen in other parts of the Bible, such as Jeremiah 4:19-21, where the prophet warns of the coming destruction of Judah.
What are the fortified cities and high corner towers being referred to in this verse?
The fortified cities and high corner towers represent the strongholds of human pride and security, which will be no match for God's judgment, as stated in Isaiah 2:15, where the Lord will bring low the lofty towers.
How does this verse relate to the Day of the Lord mentioned in the previous verses?
This verse is a continuation of the description of the Day of the Lord, which is a time of God's wrath and judgment, as seen in Zephaniah 1:14-15, where the prophet describes it as a day of trouble, distress, and darkness.
What is the ultimate purpose of God's judgment on the fortified cities and high corner towers?
The ultimate purpose of God's judgment is to bring humanity to repentance and recognition of His sovereignty, as stated in Deuteronomy 8:2-3, where the Lord led the Israelites through the wilderness to humble and test them.
Reflection Questions
- What are the strongholds in my life that I am trusting in for security, rather than God?
- How can I prepare myself for the Day of the Lord, when God's judgment will come upon the earth?
- What does this verse teach me about the nature of God's judgment and His relationship with humanity?
- How can I use this verse to warn others about the coming judgment and the importance of repentance?
Gill's Exposition on Zephaniah 1:16
A day of the trumpet and alarm against the fenced cities,.... The trumpet of the enemy, sounding the alarm of war against the fenced cities of Judea, which were taken before Jerusalem; calling and
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Zephaniah 1:16
A day of the trumpet and alarm against the fenced cities, and against the high towers.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Zephaniah 1:16
The trumpet; God’ s trumpet calling the Chaldeans, the Chaldeans’ trumpet also gathering together their troops. Alarm, threatening and affrighting, against the fenced cities of Judah. The high towers; stately palaces and strong munitions, fortified with high towers, built at the angles of walls, and therefore the Hebrew calls them high corners; it may mean also the great men, which, as corners well built are the strength and beauty of a wall, so they of a state, .
Trapp's Commentary on Zephaniah 1:16
Zephaniah 1:16 A day of the trumpet and alarm against the fenced cities, and against the high towers.Ver. 16. A day of the trumpet] With its horrid taratantara and alarm; not of those that shout and praise God, neither with a noise of joy and triumph, as Numbers 23:21 Psalms 67:5 Ezra 3:11-12; but of those that shout with broken sounds in the day of battle, as Amos 1:14, in classico, in a war trumpet with a vociferation and horrible howling, such as the Turks to this day make when they storm a city. Against the fenced cities, and against the high towers] Wherein ye trust, but in vain. These high towers were built at the corners of the walls. Hence the Hebrew text here hath it, Against the high corners. Great men and such as bear up the weight of the commonwealth are sometimes called by this name, 1 Samuel 14:38. Draw ye near hither, all ye chief of the people: Heb. All ye corners. See the like Zechariah 10:4 Judges 20:2. Neither men nor means were ever true to those that trusted them.
Our help is in the name of the Lord, that strong tower whereto the righteous run and are safe, Proverbs 18:10.
Ellicott's Commentary on Zephaniah 1:16
(16) Alarm.—Better, war cry.
Cambridge Bible on Zephaniah 1:16
16. Besides the supernatural terrors of the judgment there is the hostile assault which the supernatural terrors accompany. A day of the trumpet and alarm] The “trumpet” was blown amidst the attack (Judges 7:19), as now martial music accompanies the advance. Amos 2:2, “Moab shall die with tumult, with shouting, and with the sound of the trumpet.” The word “alarm” here is that rendered “shouting,” Amos 1:14; Amos 2:2, in accordance with its literal sense “to arms!” (Ital. all’ arme). The “shouting” (terû‘ah), originally that of battle (Jeremiah 4:19), became in later and more peaceful times the shout of the glad worshippers on the feast days (Ezra 3:11-13).
Barnes' Notes on Zephaniah 1:16
A day of the trumpet and alarm - o that is, of the loud blast of the trumpet, which sounds alarm and causes it.
Whedon's Commentary on Zephaniah 1:16
The terrors of the day of Jehovah, Zephaniah 1:14-18.In Zephaniah 1:14 Zephaniah calls attention once more to the nearness of the day of Jehovah (compare Zephaniah 1:7); in the succeeding verses he
Sermons on Zephaniah 1:16
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
The Shouting Pulpit and the Shaking Pews by Ian Paisley | In this sermon, the preacher reflects on the decline of a once thriving church in Birmingham, UK. The church, which had a rich history of faithful preachers, now has only four memb |
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The Moral Decline of Society by Keith Daniel | This sermon emphasizes the importance of standing firm in the truth of God's Word, even in the face of persecution and societal opposition. It warns against being deceived by false |
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David Wilkerson Prophecy - New York 1000 Fires by David Wilkerson | This sermon emphasizes the judgment of societies by God, warning of impending chastisement for turning away from righteousness and holiness. The speaker predicts a period of intens |
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The Justice of God—and the Sins of Our Country by Samuel Davies | Samuel Davies, in his sermon 'The Justice of God—and the Sins of Our Country,' passionately addresses the sins of the people and the nation, attributing calamities to God's provide |
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On Public Diversions by John Wesley | John Wesley addresses the dangers of public diversions, emphasizing that every calamity serves as a warning from God to prompt repentance and reflection. He argues that all evils o |
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God's Tools and Instruments by Thomas Brooks | Thomas Brooks emphasizes God's sovereignty over all events, including disasters like the fire that devastated London. He asserts that every judgment, whether it be calamity or pros |
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You Are the One Who Has Done This! by Thomas Brooks | Thomas Brooks emphasizes the importance of silence and humility in the face of affliction, as exemplified by David in Psalm 39:9. He highlights that true believers recognize God's |