Zephaniah 3:16
Zephaniah 3:16 in Multiple Translations
On that day they will say to Jerusalem: “Do not fear, O Zion; do not let your hands fall limp.
In that day it shall be said to Jerusalem, Fear thou not: and to Zion, Let not thine hands be slack.
In that day it shall be said to Jerusalem, Fear thou not; O Zion, let not thy hands be slack.
In that day it will be said to Jerusalem, Have no fear: O Zion, let not your hands be feeble.
On that day the message to the people of Jerusalem will be, “Don't be afraid; don't be discouraged!”
In that day it shalbe said to Ierusalem, Feare thou not, O Zion: let not thine handes be faint.
In that day it is said to Jerusalem, 'Fear not, O Zion, let not thy hands be feeble.
In that day, it will be said to Jerusalem, “Don’t be afraid, Zion. Don’t let your hands be weak.”
In that day it shall be said to Jerusalem, Fear thou not: and to Zion, Let not thy hands be slack.
In that day it shall be said to Jerusalem: Fear not: to Sion: Let not thy hands be weakened.
At that time, other people will say to us people of Jerusalem, “You people of [APO] Jerusalem, do not be afraid; do not become afraid or discouraged,
Berean Amplified Bible — Zephaniah 3:16
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 3:16 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
בַּ/יּ֣וֹם
הַ/ה֔וּא
יֵאָמֵ֥ר
לִ/ירֽוּשָׁלִַ֖ם
אַל
תִּירָ֑אִי
צִיּ֖וֹן
אַל
יִרְפּ֥וּ
יָדָֽיִ/ךְ
בַּ/יּ֣וֹם
yôwm
H3117
day
Prep | N-ms
הַ/ה֔וּא
hûwʼ
H1931
he/she/it
Art | Pron
יֵאָמֵ֥ר
ʼâmar
H559
to say
V-Niphal-Imperf-3ms
לִ/ירֽוּשָׁלִַ֖ם
Yᵉrûwshâlaim
H3389
Jerusalem
Prep | N-proper
אַל
ʼal
H408
not
Part
תִּירָ֑אִי
yârêʼ
H3372
to fear
V-Qal-Juss-2fs
צִיּ֖וֹן
Tsîyôwn
H6726
Zion
N-proper
אַל
ʼal
H408
not
Part
יִרְפּ֥וּ
râphâh
H7503
to slacken
V-Qal-Juss-3mp
יָדָֽיִ/ךְ
yâd
H3027
hand
N-cd | Suff
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 3:16
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/ה֔וּא
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.
יֵאָמֵ֥ר
ʼâmar
H559
"to say"
V-Niphal-Imperf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to say or speak, and it's used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to command, promise, or think, and it's translated in the KJV as 'answer', 'appoint', or 'command'.
Definition: 1) to say, speak, utter 1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend 1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called 1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly 1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)
Usage: Occurs in 4337 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet. See also: Genesis 1:3; Genesis 18:23; Genesis 25:32.
לִ/ירֽוּשָׁלִַ֖ם
Yᵉrûwshâlaim
H3389
"Jerusalem"
Prep | N-proper
Jerusalem is the capital city of Palestine, also known as the city of peace. It was the chief city of the united kingdom and the nation of Judah after the split.
Definition: § Jerusalem = "teaching of peace" the chief city of Palestine and capital of the united kingdom and the nation of Judah after the split
Usage: Occurs in 600 OT verses. KJV: Jerusalem. See also: Joshua 10:1; 2 Kings 22:14; 2 Chronicles 24:6.
אַל
ʼal
H408
"not"
Part
Means not or nothing, used to express negation, as in the phrase do not or let not be.
Definition: 1) not, no, nor, neither, nothing (as wish or preference) 1a) do not, let not (with a verb) 1b) let there not be (with a verb understood) 1c) not, no (with substantive) 1d) nothing (as substantive) Aramaic equivalent: al (אַל "not" H0409)
Usage: Occurs in 572 OT verses. KJV: nay, neither, [phrase] never, no, nor, not, nothing (worth), rather than. See also: Genesis 13:8; Joshua 11:6; 1 Chronicles 22:13.
תִּירָ֑אִי
yârêʼ
H3372
"to fear"
V-Qal-Juss-2fs
This Hebrew word means to fear or revere, and is used to describe being afraid or standing in awe of something, like God's power. It appears in the Bible to convey a sense of respect or reverence. In the KJV, it's translated as 'affright' or 'reverence'.
Definition: : frightening(DANGER) 1) to fear, revere, be afraid 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to fear, be afraid 1a2) to stand in awe of, be awed 1a3) to fear, reverence, honour, respect 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be fearful, be dreadful, be feared 1b2) to cause astonishment and awe, be held in awe 1b3) to inspire reverence or godly fear or awe 1c) (Piel) to make afraid, terrify 2) (TWOT) to shoot, pour
Usage: Occurs in 318 OT verses. KJV: affright, be (make) afraid, dread(-ful), (put in) fear(-ful, -fully, -ing), (be had in) reverence(-end), [idiom] see, terrible (act, -ness, thing). See also: Genesis 3:10; 1 Samuel 12:18; Psalms 3:7.
צִיּ֖וֹן
Tsîyôwn
H6726
"Zion"
N-proper
Zion refers to a mountain in Jerusalem, often used as another name for the city, especially in prophetic books like Isaiah and Jeremiah.
Definition: Zion = "parched place" another name for Jerusalem especially in the prophetic books Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)
Usage: Occurs in 153 OT verses. KJV: Zion. See also: 2 Samuel 5:7; Isaiah 49:14; Psalms 2:6.
אַל
ʼal
H408
"not"
Part
Means not or nothing, used to express negation, as in the phrase do not or let not be.
Definition: 1) not, no, nor, neither, nothing (as wish or preference) 1a) do not, let not (with a verb) 1b) let there not be (with a verb understood) 1c) not, no (with substantive) 1d) nothing (as substantive) Aramaic equivalent: al (אַל "not" H0409)
Usage: Occurs in 572 OT verses. KJV: nay, neither, [phrase] never, no, nor, not, nothing (worth), rather than. See also: Genesis 13:8; Joshua 11:6; 1 Chronicles 22:13.
יִרְפּ֥וּ
râphâh
H7503
"to slacken"
V-Qal-Juss-3mp
This Hebrew word means to slacken or relax, and is used in many contexts, such as feeling disheartened or abandoning something. It appears in various forms throughout the Old Testament, including in Psalms and Proverbs. The word can also mean to let go or be idle.
Definition: 1) to sink, relax, sink down, let drop, be disheartened 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to sink down 1a2) to sink, drop 1a3) to sink, relax, abate 1a4) to relax, withdraw 1b) (Niphal) idle (participle) 1c) (Piel) to let drop 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to let drop, abandon, relax, refrain, forsake 1d2) to let go 1d3) to refrain, let alone 1d4) to be quiet 1e) (Hithpael) to show oneself slack
Usage: Occurs in 45 OT verses. KJV: abate, cease, consume, draw (toward evening), fail, (be) faint, be (wax) feeble, forsake, idle, leave, let alone (go, down), (be) slack, stay, be still, be slothful, (be) weak(-en). See H7495 (רָפָא). See also: Exodus 4:26; Nehemiah 6:3; Psalms 37:8.
יָדָֽיִ/ךְ
yâd
H3027
"hand"
N-cd | Suff
In the Bible, 'yad' refers to an open hand, symbolizing power or direction. It can also mean strength or a part of something, like a side or a share. The word is used in many contexts, including anatomy and everyday life.
Definition: : hand/arm[anatomy] 1) hand 1a) hand (of man) 1b) strength, power (fig.) 1c) side (of land), part, portion (metaph.) (fig.) 1d) (various special, technical senses) 1d1) sign, monument 1d2) part, fractional part, share 1d3) time, repetition 1d4) axle-trees, axle 1d5) stays, support (for laver) 1d6) tenons (in tabernacle) 1d7) a phallus, a hand (meaning unsure) 1d8) wrists
Usage: Occurs in 1446 OT verses. KJV: ([phrase] be) able, [idiom] about, [phrase] armholes, at, axletree, because of, beside, border, [idiom] bounty, [phrase] broad, (broken-) handed, [idiom] by, charge, coast, [phrase] consecrate, [phrase] creditor, custody, debt, dominion, [idiom] enough, [phrase] fellowship, force, [idiom] from, hand(-staves, -y work), [idiom] he, himself, [idiom] in, labour, [phrase] large, ledge, (left-) handed, means, [idiom] mine, ministry, near, [idiom] of, [idiom] order, ordinance, [idiom] our, parts, pain, power, [idiom] presumptuously, service, side, sore, state, stay, draw with strength, stroke, [phrase] swear, terror, [idiom] thee, [idiom] by them, [idiom] themselves, [idiom] thine own, [idiom] thou, through, [idiom] throwing, [phrase] thumb, times, [idiom] to, [idiom] under, [idiom] us, [idiom] wait on, (way-) side, where, [phrase] wide, [idiom] with (him, me, you), work, [phrase] yield, [idiom] yourselves. See also: Genesis 3:22; Exodus 7:19; Leviticus 14:22.
Study Notes — Zephaniah 3:16
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Zephaniah 3:16 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Zephaniah 3:16
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Zephaniah 3:16
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Zephaniah 3:16
- Trapp's Commentary on Zephaniah 3:16
- Ellicott's Commentary on Zephaniah 3:16
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Zephaniah 3:16
- Cambridge Bible on Zephaniah 3:16
- Barnes' Notes on Zephaniah 3:16
- Whedon's Commentary on Zephaniah 3:16
- Sermons on Zephaniah 3:16
Context — Israel’s Restoration
14Sing for joy, O Daughter of Zion; shout aloud, O Israel! Be glad and rejoice with all your heart, O Daughter of Jerusalem!
15The LORD has taken away your punishment; He has turned back your enemy. Israel’s King, the LORD, is among you; no longer will you fear any harm.
16On that day they will say to Jerusalem: “Do not fear, O Zion; do not let your hands fall limp.
17The LORD your God is among you; He is mighty to save. He will rejoice over you with gladness; He will quiet you with His love; He will rejoice over you with singing.” 18“I will gather those among you who grieve over the appointed feasts, so that you will no longer suffer reproach.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Hebrews 12:12 | Therefore strengthen your limp hands and weak knees. |
| 2 | Isaiah 35:3–4 | Strengthen the limp hands and steady the feeble knees! Say to those with anxious hearts: “Be strong, do not fear! Behold, your God will come with vengeance. With divine retribution He will come to save you.” |
| 3 | Isaiah 41:10 | Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be afraid, for I am your God. I will strengthen you; I will surely help you; I will uphold you with My right hand of righteousness. |
| 4 | Ephesians 3:13 | So I ask you not to be discouraged because of my sufferings for you, which are your glory. |
| 5 | Galatians 6:9 | Let us not grow weary in well-doing, for in due time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. |
| 6 | Revelation 2:3 | Without growing weary, you have persevered and endured many things for the sake of My name. |
| 7 | Isaiah 44:2 | This is the word of the LORD, your Maker, who formed you from the womb and who will help you: “Do not be afraid, O Jacob My servant, Jeshurun, whom I have chosen. |
| 8 | 2 Corinthians 4:1 | Therefore, since God in His mercy has given us this ministry, we do not lose heart. |
| 9 | Isaiah 41:13–14 | For I am the LORD your God, who takes hold of your right hand and tells you: Do not fear, I will help you. Do not fear, O worm of Jacob, O few men of Israel. I will help you,” declares the LORD. “Your Redeemer is the Holy One of Israel. |
| 10 | Zechariah 8:15 | “so now I have resolved to do good again to Jerusalem and Judah. Do not be afraid. |
Zephaniah 3:16 Summary
Zephaniah 3:16 is a message of hope and encouragement to the people of Jerusalem, telling them not to be afraid and not to lose strength or courage. This is because God is with them and will help them, as seen in verses like Isaiah 41:10, where He promises to strengthen and uphold us. When we feel like our hands are falling limp, we can remember that God is our Rock and our Helper, and that He will give us the strength we need to keep going. By trusting in God's promises, like the one in Jeremiah 29:11, we can have confidence and peace, even in difficult times.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to have our hands fall limp in Zephaniah 3:16?
To have our hands fall limp means to lose strength, courage, or hope, which is the opposite of what God desires for us, as seen in Isaiah 41:10 where He says, 'Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be frightened, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.'
Who is speaking to Jerusalem in Zephaniah 3:16?
The speaker is not explicitly identified, but based on the context, it is likely the Lord or His prophets, as in Zephaniah 3:15, where it says, 'The LORD has taken away your punishment; He has turned back your enemy. Israel’s King, the LORD, is among you; no longer will you fear any harm.'
What is the significance of the phrase 'On that day' in Zephaniah 3:16?
The phrase 'On that day' refers to a future time of redemption and restoration, as seen in other verses like Zechariah 12:3 and Joel 3:18, where God promises to intervene on behalf of His people and bring about a new era of peace and prosperity.
How does Zephaniah 3:16 relate to the rest of the chapter?
Zephaniah 3:16 is part of a larger section that describes the restoration of Jerusalem and the joy that will come to God's people, as seen in Zephaniah 3:14-15, where it says, 'Sing for joy, O Daughter of Zion; shout aloud, O Israel! Be glad and rejoice with all your heart, O Daughter of Jerusalem!'
Reflection Questions
- What are some areas in my life where I feel like my hands are falling limp, and how can I apply the promise of Zephaniah 3:16 to those situations?
- How does the knowledge that God is with me and will strengthen me, as seen in Isaiah 41:10, affect my daily life and decisions?
- In what ways can I, like the Daughter of Zion, sing for joy and shout aloud, as in Zephaniah 3:14, and what are some things that bring me joy and gladness?
- What are some fears or anxieties that I am currently facing, and how can I trust in God's promise to be with me and help me, as seen in Zephaniah 3:15-16?
Gill's Exposition on Zephaniah 3:16
In that day it shall be said to Jerusalem, fear thou not,.... Do not be afraid of any enemies; neither outward ones, the armies of Gog and Magog, the Turk, who will threaten, and will attempt to
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Zephaniah 3:16
In that day it shall be said to Jerusalem, Fear thou not: and to Zion, Let not thine hands be slack. In that day it shall be said ... to Zion, Let not thine hands be slack - (Hebrews 12:12). Do not faint in the work of the Lord.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Zephaniah 3:16
In that day; the day or time of restitution, when the captivity returned shall be settled in their land. It shall be said; by prophets, or by friends, congratulating them, or by each to other. To Jerusalem; inhabitants of Jerusalem, the place being put for the people. Fear thou not; disquiet not yourselves with fears, though you may apprehend some dangers from Sanballat and Tobiah, &c., though troublous times. as ,2 Da 9:25. Let not thine hands be slack, in the work of the Lord, building the city and temple, and restoring the worship of God; take heart, O ye returned captives, for God your King is with you.
Trapp's Commentary on Zephaniah 3:16
Zephaniah 3:16 In that day it shall be said to Jerusalem, Fear thou not: [and to] Zion, Let not thine hands be slack.Ver. 16. Fear thou not] Why shouldest thou while the King of Israel is in the midst of thee? Be of good cheer, said Caesar to the ferryman in a storm, thou canst not miscarry: Casarem enim fers et fortunam Caesaris, for you carry Caesar and luck of Caesar, so long as Caesar is in the same bottom with thee. May not the Church much more gather comfort, having God in her company; and so many of his servants to say to her, Fear thou not? True faith quelleth and killeth distrustful fear; but awful dread it breedeth, feedeth, fostereth, and cherisheth. And to Zion, Let not thine hands be slack] Remollescant. Let not thy fears weaken, but rather waken thy diligence in well doing; lift up the hands which hang down, and the feeble knees, Hebrews 12:12. Up and be active; pluck up your good hearts, and buckle close to your business; your task is long, your time short; your master urgent, your wages inconceivable. It troubled a martyr at the stake, that he should then go to a place where he should ever be receiving wages, and do no more work. Up, therefore, and be doing.
"Be not slothful, but followers of them who through faith and patience inherit the promises," Hebrews 6:12. Spontaneae lassitudines morbos loquuntur, faithlessness argueth a diseased soul.
Ellicott's Commentary on Zephaniah 3:16
(16) Compare Isaiah 35:3-4; Isaiah 62:11, et seq.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Zephaniah 3:16
Verse 16. Fear thou not] Thou shalt have no more captivities nor national afflictions. Let not thine hands be slack.] This may refer, first, to the rebuilding of the temple of God, after the return from Babylon; and, secondly, to their diligence and zeal in the Christian Church.
Cambridge Bible on Zephaniah 3:16
16. Let not thine hands be slack] that is, hang down, in terror or paralysis. Jeremiah 6:24; Hebrews 12:12.
Barnes' Notes on Zephaniah 3:16
In that day it shall be said to Jerusalem, Fear thou not - For “perfect love casteth out fear” John 4:18; from where he saith, “Fear not, little flock; it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom” Luke 12:32.
Whedon's Commentary on Zephaniah 3:16
15-17. The reason for the exultation is found in the fullness of the redemption wrought.
Sermons on Zephaniah 3:16
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Bible Survey - Zephaniah by Peter Hammond | Peter Hammond preaches on the prophet Zephaniah, who delivered prophecies during the reign of King Josiah, calling for repentance and seeking righteousness and humility. Zephaniah' |
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A Sermon for the Time Present (Metropolitan Tabernacle Pulpit, No. 1990, October 30, 1887) by C.H. Spurgeon | C.H. Spurgeon delivers a powerful sermon based on Zephaniah 3:16-18, emphasizing God's unwavering presence and might in the midst of His people, encouraging them not to fear or gro |
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K-069 the Wilderness Call by Art Katz | In this sermon, the speaker shares a personal experience of delivering a message on Elijah in Jerusalem. Despite misinterpreting a note and speaking for longer than intended, the s |
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Endurance by William MacDonald | In this sermon, the speaker shares his personal experience of losing his sermon files on his computer and finding them in a different location. He humorously suggests that all tech |
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We Have Been Called to Peace by Alan Martin | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of allowing the peace of God to rule and govern our hearts. He compares it to a governor in an older vehicle that limits its s |
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Discouragement (Letting the Fire Go Out) by Denny Kenaston | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the theme of discouragement and its impact on our faith. He highlights how God warned Joshua not to be discouraged before entering the land, |
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Hebrews 12:12-17 by Don McClure | Don McClure emphasizes the importance of discipline in the Christian life, using the metaphor of a marathon runner to illustrate the need for perseverance and focus on Jesus as the |