Zephaniah 1:9
Zephaniah 1:9 in Multiple Translations
On that day I will punish all who leap over the threshold, who fill the house of their master with violence and deceit.
In the same day also will I punish all those that leap on the threshold, which fill their masters’ houses with violence and deceit.
And in that day I will punish all those that leap over the threshold, that fill their master’s house with violence and deceit.
And in that day I will send punishment on all those who come jumping over the doorstep and make their master's house full of violent behaviour and deceit.
I will also punish those who jump over the threshold. On that day I will punish those who fill up their masters' houses using violence and deception.
In the same day also will I visite all those that dance vpon the threshold so proudly, which fill their masters houses by crueltie and deceite.
And I have laid a charge on every one Who is leaping over the threshold in that day, Who are filling the house of their masters [With] violence and deceit.
In that day, I will punish all those who leap over the threshold, who fill their master’s house with violence and deceit.
In the same day also will I punish all those that leap on the threshhold, who fill their masters' houses with violence and deceit.
And I will visit in that day upon every one that entereth arrogantly over the threshold: them that fill the house of the Lord their God with iniquity and deceit.
I will punish those who show that they revere their god Dagan by avoiding stepping on the threshold of his temple, and those who do violent things and tell lies in the temples of their gods.”
Berean Amplified Bible — Zephaniah 1:9
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 1:9 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וּ/פָקַדְתִּ֗י
עַ֧ל
כָּל
הַ/דּוֹלֵ֛ג
עַל
הַ/מִּפְתָּ֖ן
בַּ/יּ֣וֹם
הַ/ה֑וּא
הַֽ/מְמַלְאִ֛ים
בֵּ֥ית
אֲדֹנֵי/הֶ֖ם
חָמָ֥ס
וּ/מִרְמָֽה
וּ/פָקַדְתִּ֗י
pâqad
H6485
to reckon
Conj | V-Qal-1cs
עַ֧ל
ʻal
H5921
upon
Prep
כָּל
kôl
H3605
all
N-ms
הַ/דּוֹלֵ֛ג
dâlag
H1801
to leap
Art | V-Qal
עַל
ʻal
H5921
upon
Prep
הַ/מִּפְתָּ֖ן
miphtân
H4670
threshold
Art | N-ms
בַּ/יּ֣וֹם
yôwm
H3117
day
Prep | N-ms
הַ/ה֑וּא
hûwʼ
H1931
he/she/it
Art | Pron
הַֽ/מְמַלְאִ֛ים
mâlêʼ
H4390
to fill
Art | V-Piel
בֵּ֥ית
bayith
H1004
place
N-ms
אֲדֹנֵי/הֶ֖ם
ʼâdôwn
H113
lord
N-mp | Suff
חָמָ֥ס
châmâç
H2555
violence
N-ms
וּ/מִרְמָֽה
mirmâh
H4820
deceit
Conj | N-fs
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
Use ← → arrow keys to navigate between words.
Hebrew Word Reference — Zephaniah 1:9
וּ/פָקַדְתִּ֗י
pâqad
H6485
"to reckon"
Conj | V-Qal-1cs
This word means to visit or oversee, and can imply a range of actions, from friendly to hostile. It is used in various contexts, including appointing, avenging, or delivering something into someone's care. The KJV translates it in many ways, including appoint, avenge, or commit.
Definition: : list/count 1) to attend to, muster, number, reckon, visit, punish, appoint, look after, care for 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to pay attention to, observe 1a2) to attend to 1a3) to seek, look about for 1a4) to seek in vain, need, miss, lack 1a5) to visit 1a6) to visit upon, punish 1a7) to pass in review, muster, number 1a8) to appoint, assign, lay upon as a charge, deposit 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be sought, be needed, be missed, be lacking 1b2) to be visited 1b3) to be visited upon 1b4) to be appointed 1b5) to be watched over 1c) (Piel) to muster, call up 1d) (Pual) to be passed in review, be caused to miss, be called, be called to account 1e) (Hiphil) 1e1) to set over, make overseer, appoint an overseer 1e2) to commit, entrust, commit for care, deposit 1f) (Hophal) 1f1) to be visited 1f2) to be deposited 1f3) to be made overseer, be entrusted 1g) (Hithpael) numbered 1h) (Hothpael) numbered
Usage: Occurs in 269 OT verses. KJV: appoint, [idiom] at all, avenge, bestow, (appoint to have the, give a) charge, commit, count, deliver to keep, be empty, enjoin, go see, hurt, do judgment, lack, lay up, look, make, [idiom] by any means, miss, number, officer, (make) overseer, have (the) oversight, punish, reckon, (call to) remember(-brance), set (over), sum, [idiom] surely, visit, want. See also: Genesis 21:1; Numbers 26:47; Psalms 8:5.
עַ֧ל
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.
כָּל
kôl
H3605
"all"
N-ms
The Hebrew word for 'all' or 'everything' is used throughout the Bible, like in Genesis 1:31, where God sees all He has made as very good. It encompasses the entirety of something, whether people, things, or situations.
Definition: 1) all, the whole 1a) all, the whole of 1b) any, each, every, anything 1c) totality, everything Aramaic equivalent: kol (כֹּל "all" H3606)
Usage: Occurs in 4242 OT verses. KJV: (in) all (manner, (ye)), altogether, any (manner), enough, every (one, place, thing), howsoever, as many as, (no-) thing, ought, whatsoever, (the) whole, whoso(-ever). See also: Genesis 1:21; Genesis 17:10; Genesis 41:40.
הַ/דּוֹלֵ֛ג
dâlag
H1801
"to leap"
Art | V-Qal
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to jump or spring into action, like a sudden movement. It appears in various forms, such as leaping for joy. This verb is used to describe quick, energetic movements.
Definition: 1) to leap 1a) (Qal) to leap 1b) (Piel) to leap, leap over
Usage: Occurs in 5 OT verses. KJV: leap. See also: 2 Samuel 22:30; Song of Solomon 2:8; Psalms 18:30.
עַל
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.
הַ/מִּפְתָּ֖ן
miphtân
H4670
"threshold"
Art | N-ms
A miphtan is a threshold or a sill, serving as the base of a door or entrance, as translated in the KJV.
Definition: threshold
Usage: Occurs in 8 OT verses. KJV: threshold. See also: 1 Samuel 5:4; Ezekiel 10:18; Zephaniah 1:9.
בַּ/יּ֣וֹם
yôwm
H3117
"day"
Prep | 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.
הַ/ה֑וּא
hûwʼ
H1931
"he/she/it"
Art | Pron
This word is a pronoun meaning 'he', 'she', or 'it', used to refer to a person or thing. It is used in the Bible to emphasize a subject or make it clear who is being talked about.
Definition: pron 3p s 1) he, she, it 1a) himself (with emphasis) 1b) resuming subj with emphasis 1c) (with minimum emphasis following predicate) 1d) (anticipating subj) 1e) (emphasising predicate) 1f) that, it (neuter) demons pron 2) that (with article)
Usage: Occurs in 1693 OT verses. KJV: he, as for her, him(-self), it, the same, she (herself), such, that (...it), these, they, this, those, which (is), who. See also: Genesis 2:11; Genesis 32:19; Exodus 21:3.
הַֽ/מְמַלְאִ֛ים
mâlêʼ
H4390
"to fill"
Art | V-Piel
To fill means to make something full or complete, like filling a container or fulfilling a promise. This word is used in many contexts, including being full of joy or having a job completed.
Definition: 1) to fill, be full 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to be full 1a1a) fulness, abundance (participle) 1a1b) to be full, be accomplished, be ended 1a2) to consecrate, fill the hand 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be filled, be armed, be satisfied 1b2) to be accomplished, be ended 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to fill 1c2) to satisfy 1c3) to fulfil, accomplish, complete 1c4) to confirm 1d) (Pual) to be filled 1e) (Hithpael) to mass themselves against Aramaic equivalent: me.la (מְלָא "to fill" H4391)
Usage: Occurs in 242 OT verses. KJV: accomplish, confirm, [phrase] consecrate, be at an end, be expired, be fenced, fill, fulfil, (be, become, [idiom] draw, give in, go) full(-ly, -ly set, tale), (over-) flow, fulness, furnish, gather (selves, together), presume, replenish, satisfy, set, space, take a (hand-) full, [phrase] have wholly. See also: Genesis 1:22; 2 Chronicles 16:14; Psalms 10:7.
בֵּ֥ית
bayith
H1004
"place"
N-ms
The Hebrew word for house refers to a dwelling place, including a family home, temple, or even the human body. It appears in various contexts, such as the temple in Jerusalem or the household of a family. In the Bible, it is often used to describe a place of worship or a family's living space.
Definition: nm place, origin, between
Usage: Occurs in 1712 OT verses. KJV: court, daughter, door, [phrase] dungeon, family, [phrase] forth of, [idiom] great as would contain, hangings, home(born), (winter) house(-hold), inside(-ward), palace, place, [phrase] prison, [phrase] steward, [phrase] tablet, temple, web, [phrase] within(-out). See also: Genesis 6:14; Exodus 8:5; Numbers 1:45.
אֲדֹנֵי/הֶ֖ם
ʼâdôwn
H113
"lord"
N-mp | Suff
The Hebrew word ʼâdôwn refers to a lord or master, and can be used to describe human leaders or God. It emphasizes the person's power and control over others or things, and is often translated as lord or master.
Definition: 1) firm, strong, lord, master 1a) lord, master 1a1) reference to men 1a1a) superintendent of household, of affairs 1a1b) master 1a1c) king 1a2) reference to God 1a2a) the Lord God 1a2b) Lord of the whole earth 1b) lords, kings 1b1) reference to men 1b1a) proprietor of hill of Samaria 1b1b) master 1b1c) husband 1b1d) prophet 1b1e) governor 1b1f) prince 1b1g) king 1b2) reference to God 1b2a) Lord of lords (probably = "thy husband, Yahweh") 1c) my lord, my master 1c1) reference to men 1c1a) master 1c1b) husband 1c1c) prophet 1c1d) prince 1c1e) king 1c1f) father 1c1g) Moses 1c1h) priest 1c1i) theophanic angel 1c1j) captain 1c1k) general recognition of superiority 1c2) reference to God 1c2a) my Lord, my Lord and my God 1c2b) Adonai (parallel with Yahweh)
Usage: Occurs in 281 OT verses. KJV: lord, master, owner. Compare also names beginning with 'Adoni-'. See also: Genesis 18:3; 1 Samuel 25:30; 2 Kings 6:5.
חָמָ֥ס
châmâç
H2555
"violence"
N-ms
This word describes violence, injustice, or cruelty, often referring to unfair treatment of others. In Isaiah and Jeremiah, it condemns oppressive behaviors, highlighting the need for justice and fairness. It involves wrongdoing and harm to others.
Definition: violence, wrong, cruelty, injustice
Usage: Occurs in 59 OT verses. KJV: cruel(-ty), damage, false, injustice, [idiom] oppressor, unrighteous, violence (against, done), violent (dealing), wrong. See also: Genesis 6:11; Proverbs 10:11; Psalms 7:17.
וּ/מִרְמָֽה
mirmâh
H4820
"deceit"
Conj | N-fs
This Hebrew word means deceit or cheating, like when someone tricks or lies to another person. It appears in stories about dishonest people, like in Jeremiah 8:10, where the prophet talks about the deceit of the Israelites. The word is often translated as 'deceit' or 'craft' in English Bibles.
Definition: deceit, treachery
Usage: Occurs in 38 OT verses. KJV: craft, deceit(-ful, -fully), false, feigned, guile, subtilly, treachery. See also: Genesis 27:35; Proverbs 11:1; Psalms 5:7.
Study Notes — Zephaniah 1:9
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Zephaniah 1:9 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Zephaniah 1:9
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Zephaniah 1:9
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Zephaniah 1:9
- Trapp's Commentary on Zephaniah 1:9
- Ellicott's Commentary on Zephaniah 1:9
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Zephaniah 1:9
- Cambridge Bible on Zephaniah 1:9
- Barnes' Notes on Zephaniah 1:9
- Whedon's Commentary on Zephaniah 1:9
- Sermons on Zephaniah 1:9
Context — The Day of the LORD
7Be silent in the presence of the Lord GOD, for the Day of the LORD is near. Indeed, the LORD has prepared a sacrifice; He has consecrated His guests.
8“On the Day of the LORD’s sacrifice I will punish the princes, the sons of the king, and all who are dressed in foreign apparel.
9On that day I will punish all who leap over the threshold, who fill the house of their master with violence and deceit.
10On that day,” declares the LORD, “a cry will go up from the Fish Gate, a wail from the Second District, and a loud crashing from the hills. 11Wail, O dwellers of the Hollow, for all your merchants will be silenced; all who weigh out silver will be cut off.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 Samuel 5:5 | That is why, to this day, the priests of Dagon and all who enter the temple of Dagon in Ashdod do not step on the threshold. |
| 2 | Amos 3:10 | “For they know not how to do right,” declares the LORD. “They store up violence and destruction in their citadels.” |
| 3 | 1 Samuel 2:15–16 | Even before the fat was burned, the servant of the priest would come and say to the man who was sacrificing, “Give the priest some meat to roast, because he will not accept boiled meat from you, but only raw.” And if any man said to him, “The fat must be burned first; then you may take whatever you want,” the servant would reply, “No, you must give it to me right now. If you refuse, I will take it by force!” |
| 4 | 2 Kings 5:20–27 | Gehazi, the servant of Elisha the man of God, said, “Look, my master has spared this Aramean, Naaman, while not accepting what he brought. As surely as the LORD lives, I will run after him and get something from him.” So Gehazi pursued Naaman. And when Naaman saw him running toward him, he got down from the chariot to meet him and asked, “Is everything all right?” “Everything is all right,” Gehazi replied. “My master has sent me to say, ‘I have just now discovered that two young men from the sons of the prophets have come to me from the hill country of Ephraim. Please give them a talent of silver and two sets of clothing.’” But Naaman insisted, “Please, take two talents.” And he urged Gehazi to accept them. Then he tied up two talents of silver in two bags along with two sets of clothing and gave them to two of his servants, who carried them ahead of Gehazi. When Gehazi came to the hill, he took the gifts from the servants and stored them in the house. Then he dismissed the men, and they departed. When Gehazi went in and stood before his master, Elisha asked him, “Gehazi, where have you been?” “Your servant did not go anywhere,” he replied. But Elisha questioned him, “Did not my spirit go with you when the man got down from his chariot to meet you? Is this the time to accept money and clothing, olive groves and vineyards, sheep and oxen, menservants and maidservants? Therefore, the leprosy of Naaman will cling to you and your descendants forever!” And as Gehazi left his presence, he was leprous—as white as snow. |
| 5 | Nehemiah 5:15 | The governors before me had heavily burdened the people, taking from them bread and wine plus forty shekels of silver. Their servants also oppressed the people, but I did not do this because of my fear of God. |
| 6 | Proverbs 29:12 | If a ruler listens to lies, all his officials will be wicked. |
| 7 | Acts 16:19 | When the girl’s owners saw that their hope of making money was gone, they seized Paul and Silas and dragged them before the authorities in the marketplace. |
Zephaniah 1:9 Summary
Zephaniah 1:9 is a warning from God to those who are taking advantage of others and being dishonest. It's like stealing or cheating, and God says He will punish those who do this. This verse reminds us to be honest and fair in all our dealings, and to treat others with love and respect, just as we want to be treated (as taught in Matthew 7:12). By following God's commands, such as not stealing (Exodus 20:15), we can live in a way that pleases Him and avoids His judgment.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to 'leap over the threshold' in Zephaniah 1:9?
This phrase is believed to refer to the practice of stealing or taking something that does not belong to you, often in a violent or deceitful manner, as seen in the context of Zephaniah 1:9, and is similar to the condemnation of dishonest gain in Micah 6:11 and the admonition to not steal in Exodus 20:15.
Who is the master being referred to in this verse?
The master in Zephaniah 1:9 is likely the Lord, as the passage is discussing God's judgment on those who have filled their houses with violence and deceit, similar to how the Lord is the master of the vineyard in Isaiah 5:1-7.
What is the significance of the Day of the Lord in this verse?
The Day of the Lord, mentioned in Zephaniah 1:7-9, refers to a time of God's judgment and reckoning, as also seen in Joel 2:31 and Amos 5:18-20, where God will punish those who have been wicked and unfaithful.
How does this verse relate to our lives today?
This verse serves as a reminder that God is just and will punish those who engage in sinful behavior, such as violence and deceit, as seen in Zephaniah 1:9, and encourages us to live according to God's standards, as taught in Proverbs 10:9 and Ephesians 4:28.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways that I may be 'leaping over the threshold' in my own life, taking something that does not belong to me, and how can I repent of this behavior?
- How can I ensure that my actions and words are not filled with violence and deceit, but rather with love and kindness, as encouraged in Colossians 3:8-10?
- What does it mean to 'fill the house of their master' with violence and deceit, and how can I make sure that my own home and relationships are filled with love, joy, and peace instead, as described in Galatians 5:22-23?
- How can I prepare myself for the Day of the Lord, and what does it mean to be silent in the presence of the Lord, as instructed in Zephaniah 1:7?
Gill's Exposition on Zephaniah 1:9
In the same day also will I punish all those that leap on the threshold,.... Not in a ludicrous way, who, by dancing and leaping, made sport for persons, and brought their masters much gain, as the
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Zephaniah 1:9
In the same day also will I punish all those that leap on the threshold, which fill their masters' houses with violence and deceit.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Zephaniah 1:9
In the same day; not to be taken for a single day, but more largely for that time wherein God would visit and punish. That leap on the threshold; insolently, and with rage, break open the doors of such whose goods they seize, upon pretence of forfeitures or fines; a sin that Ezekiel both taxed and threatened, 12:19 45:9. Their masters; either the oppressing kings, whose officers these were, or public officers and judges, whose servants thus did (to enrich their masters) spoil the poor and the oppressed. With violence; goods taken away by force, and kept as much against right, as at first taken away without right; and deceit, by false accusations, and by suborned evidence for proof, and by perjuries.
Trapp's Commentary on Zephaniah 1:9
Zephaniah 1:9 In the same day also will I punish all those that leap on the threshold, which fill their masters’ houses with violence and deceit.Ver. 9. In the same day also will I punish all those that leap on the threshold] i.e. Great men’ s officers, who by an absolute power went into other men’ s houses, and to whom no doors were shut, saith Mr Diodati. These leap upon the threshold, that is, with great impudence and insolence, they invade and spoil other men’ s houses, and do what they wish, like so many lurdaines, or lord danes: neither dare any question or control them. Lo, such things were done in good Josiah’ s days without his consent or so much as knowledge; for none might be suffered to come to him with a complaint; always being shut up by those great ones about him, whose houses were by that means filled with violence and deceit, that is, with those ill-gotten goods, got by wrench and wile from the right but unrelieved possessors, through the might and sleight of those unconscionable subordinates.
Ellicott's Commentary on Zephaniah 1:9
(9) Their masters’ houses.—Better, their lord’s house, meaning the temple of their idol-deity. Probably the true interpretation of this obscure verse is that the idolaters had adopted a usage prevalent in the Philistine temples of Dagon—that of leaping over the threshold on entering the idol’s temple. (See 1 Samuel 5:5.) When they entered it they filled it with “violence and deceit” by bringing thither offerings acquired by fraud and oppression. Another interpretation makes the verse relate exclusively to plunder and unjust acquisition of goods. “Leaping the threshold” is then expounded as “a sudden rushing into houses to steal the property of strangers,” and the offenders are identified as “servants of the king, who thought they could best serve their master by extorting treasures from their dependants by violence and fraud” (Ewald). It does not seem likely that such malpractices would have been tolerated among the retainers of the pious Josiah; it is possible, however, to suppose that he had not yet acquired sufficient authority to check them.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Zephaniah 1:9
Verse 9. That leap on the threshold] Or, that leap over the threshold. It is most probable that the Philistines are here meant. After the time that Dagon fell before the ark, and his hands were broken off on the threshold of his temple, his worshippers would no more set a foot upon the threshold, but stepped or leaped over it, when they entered into his temple. The Chaldee understands this of the Philistines, without giving this reason for it. Some understand it of haughtiness and pride: others think that leaping on the threshold refers to the customs of the Arabs, who used to ride into people's houses and take away whatever they could carry; and that this is the reason why, in several parts of the East, they have their doors made very low, to prevent those depredators from entering. In this manner, we learn the Persians have frequently oppressed the poor Armenians, going on horseback into their houses, and taking whatever they thought proper. Mr. Harmer understands it in this way.
Cambridge Bible on Zephaniah 1:9
9. those that leap on the threshold] Rather: leap (or, spring) over the threshold. The priests of Dagon avoided treading on the threshold of his temple because the idol had fallen upon it (1 Samuel 5:5). The connexion here, however, implies that leaping over the threshold is rather an act of violence, suggesting forcible invasion of the house, for the next clause, “that fill their master’s house with violence,” is a further description of those that leap over the threshold. fill their masters’ houses] More probably: their master’s house, reference being to the king. Zephaniah 1:8-9 seem to have a common subject, the princes and king’s children, that is, the officers of the king and the members of the royal family. Probably persons belonging to the collateral branches of the royal house filled judicial and other offices in the government. with violence and deceit] Or, wrong and fraud. The words do not mean that wrong and fraud are committed in the house of the king, but that his house is filled with the proceeds of such things, cf. Isaiah 3:14-15. What is alluded to is the perversion of justice practised by the princes and the royal family for purposes of gain. At a later time Ezek. makes a similar complaint against the princes and royal house (ch. Ezekiel 22:25-29.
In Ezekiel 22:25 read princes).
Barnes' Notes on Zephaniah 1:9
I will punish all those that leap on the threshold - Neither language nor history nor context allow this to be understood of the idolatrous custom of Ashdod, not to tread on the threshold of the temple of Dagon.
Whedon's Commentary on Zephaniah 1:9
8, 9. In agreement with the other pre-exilic prophets Zephaniah names the nobles and princes as special objects of the divine wrath, because they have sinned most persistently against the divine will. Princes — See on Hosea 3:4.
Sermons on Zephaniah 1:9
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Profiteering Christianity by Zac Poonen | This sermon emphasizes the dangers of seeking personal gain in the name of Christianity, using examples from the stories of Balaam, Naaman, and Gehazi. It highlights the importance |
|
|
Where Christianity Becomes Profiteering by Zac Poonen | This sermon emphasizes the dangers of seeking personal gain in the name of Christianity, using examples from the stories of Balaam, Gehazi, and Naaman. It highlights the importance |
|
Contentment - Ii Kings 5 by Phil Beach Jr. | Phil Beach Jr. emphasizes the importance of contentment through the story of Gehazi in II Kings 5, illustrating how discontentment can lead to spiritual ruin. He highlights that tr |
|
The Word of Knowledge by Chuck Smith | Chuck Smith discusses the manifestations of the Holy Spirit, particularly focusing on the 'word of knowledge' as described in 1 Corinthians 12:8. He emphasizes that this gift is a |
|
Diverse Kinds of Conscience. by Horatius Bonar | Horatius Bonar emphasizes the significance of a God-fearing conscience in various aspects of life, drawing from the examples of Nehemiah and Joseph, who acted righteously out of th |
|
Our Daily Homily - Nehemiah by F.B. Meyer | F.B. Meyer emphasizes the significance of Nehemiah's role as a cupbearer, illustrating how God can use humble individuals for great purposes. Nehemiah's heartfelt prayers and tears |
|
|
So Did Not I, Because of the Fear of God. by F.B. Meyer | F.B. Meyer emphasizes the profound impact of Nehemiah's decision to forgo his rights out of reverence for God, illustrating that true influence often requires personal sacrifice fo |