Zephaniah 3:7
Zephaniah 3:7 in Multiple Translations
I said, ‘Surely you will fear Me and accept correction.’ Then her dwelling place would not be cut off despite all for which I punished her. But they rose early to corrupt all their deeds.
I said, Surely thou wilt fear me, thou wilt receive instruction; so their dwelling should not be cut off, howsoever I punished them: but they rose early, and corrupted all their doings.
I said, Only fear thou me; receive correction; so her dwelling shall not be cut off, according to all that I have appointed concerning her: but they rose early and corrupted all their doings.
I said, Certainly you will go in fear of me, and come under my training, so that whatever I may send on her may not be cut off before her eyes: but they got up early and made all their works evil.
I told myself, “Surely they will respect me now and accept my correction. Then their homes would not be destroyed to teach them a lesson.” But instead you're just as eager to go on doing evil.
I said, Surely thou wilt feare me: thou wilt receiue instruction: so their dwelling shoulde not be destroyed howsoeuer I visited them, but they rose earely and corrupted all their workes.
I have said: Only, ye do fear Me, Ye do accept instruction, And her habitation is not cut off, All that I have appointed for her, But they have risen early, They have corrupted all their doings.
I said, “Just fear me. Receive correction,” so that her dwelling won’t be cut off, according to all that I have appointed concerning her. But they rose early and corrupted all their doings.
I said, Surely thou wilt fear me, thou wilt receive instruction; so their dwelling should not be cut off, however I punished them: but they rose early, and corrupted all their doings.
I said: Surely thou wilt fear me, thou wilt receive correction: and her dwelling shall not perish, for all things wherein I have visited her: but they rose early and corrupted all their thoughts.
So I thought to myself, ‘Because of what I have done to those other nations, surely the people of Jerusalem will revere me now, and they will accept ◄my correcting them/my telling them to quit doing what is wrong►. If they do that, I will not destroy their houses; I will not punish them like I said that I would do.’ But in spite of knowing how I punished those other nations, they were still eager to get up early each morning and continue to do evil things.
Berean Amplified Bible — Zephaniah 3:7
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 3:7 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
אָמַ֜רְתִּי
אַךְ
תִּירְאִ֤י
אוֹתִ/י֙
תִּקְחִ֣י
מוּסָ֔ר
וְ/לֹֽא
יִכָּרֵ֣ת
מְעוֹנָ֔/הּ
כֹּ֥ל
אֲשֶׁר
פָּקַ֖דְתִּי
עָלֶ֑י/הָ
אָכֵן֙
הִשְׁכִּ֣ימוּ
הִשְׁחִ֔יתוּ
כֹּ֖ל
עֲלִילוֹתָֽ/ם
אָמַ֜רְתִּי
ʼâmar
H559
to say
V-Qal-Perf-1cs
אַךְ
ʼak
H389
surely
DirObjM
תִּירְאִ֤י
yârêʼ
H3372
to fear
V-Qal-Imperf-2fs
אוֹתִ/י֙
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM | Suff
תִּקְחִ֣י
lâqach
H3947
to take
V-Qal-Imperf-2fs
מוּסָ֔ר
mûwçâr
H4148
discipline
N-ms
וְ/לֹֽא
lôʼ
H3808
not
Conj | Part
יִכָּרֵ֣ת
kârath
H3772
to cut
V-Niphal-Imperf-3ms
מְעוֹנָ֔/הּ
mᵉʻôwnâh
H4585
habitation
N-cs | Suff
כֹּ֥ל
kôl
H3605
all
N-ms
אֲשֶׁר
ʼăsher
H834
which
Rel
פָּקַ֖דְתִּי
pâqad
H6485
to reckon
V-Qal-Perf-1cs
עָלֶ֑י/הָ
ʻal
H5921
upon
Prep | Suff
אָכֵן֙
ʼâkên
H403
surely
Adv
הִשְׁכִּ֣ימוּ
shâkam
H7925
to rise
V-Hiphil-Perf-3cp
הִשְׁחִ֔יתוּ
shâchath
H7843
to ruin
V-Hiphil-Perf-3cp
כֹּ֖ל
kôl
H3605
all
N-ms
עֲלִילוֹתָֽ/ם
ʻălîylâh
H5949
wantonness
N-fp | 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 3:7
אָמַ֜רְתִּי
ʼâmar
H559
"to say"
V-Qal-Perf-1cs
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.
אַךְ
ʼak
H389
"surely"
DirObjM
This Hebrew word is used to emphasize something, like saying 'surely' or 'certainly'. It can also be used to limit or restrict something, like saying 'only' or 'but'.
Definition: 1) indeed, surely (emphatic) 2) howbeit, only, but, yet (restrictive)
Usage: Occurs in 157 OT verses. KJV: also, in any wise, at least, but, certainly, even, howbeit, nevertheless, notwithstanding, only, save, surely, of a surety, truly, verily, [phrase] wherefore, yet (but). See also: Genesis 7:23; 2 Kings 23:35; Psalms 23:6.
תִּירְאִ֤י
yârêʼ
H3372
"to fear"
V-Qal-Imperf-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.
אוֹתִ/י֙
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
DirObjM | Suff
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
תִּקְחִ֣י
lâqach
H3947
"to take"
V-Qal-Imperf-2fs
This Hebrew word means to take or get something, and it is used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to take a wife, to take possession of something, or to receive a gift. For example, in Genesis 2:22, God takes a rib from Adam to create Eve.
Definition: : take 1) to take, get, fetch, lay hold of, seize, receive, acquire, buy, bring, marry, take a wife, snatch, take away 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to take, take in the hand 1a2) to take and carry along 1a3) to take from, take out of, take, carry away, take away 1a4) to take to or for a person, procure, get, take possession of, select, choose, take in marriage, receive, accept 1a5) to take up or upon, put upon 1a6) to fetch 1a7) to take, lead, conduct 1a8) to take, capture, seize 1a9) to take, carry off 1a10) to take (vengeance) 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be captured 1b2) to be taken away, be removed 1b3) to be taken, brought unto 1c) (Pual) 1c1) to be taken from or out of 1c2) to be stolen from 1c3) to be taken captive 1c4) to be taken away, be removed 1d) (Hophal) 1d1) to be taken unto, be brought unto 1d2) to be taken out of 1d3) to be taken away 1e) (Hithpael) 1e1) to take hold of oneself 1e2) to flash about (of lightning)
Usage: Occurs in 909 OT verses. KJV: accept, bring, buy, carry away, drawn, fetch, get, infold, [idiom] many, mingle, place, receive(-ing), reserve, seize, send for, take (away, -ing, up), use, win. See also: Genesis 2:15; Genesis 34:17; Exodus 30:23.
מוּסָ֔ר
mûwçâr
H4148
"discipline"
N-ms
This Hebrew term means discipline or correction, often used to describe God's guidance. In Psalm 50:17, it warns against rejecting God's discipline, while in Proverbs 1:7, it emphasizes the importance of discipline in gaining wisdom. It involves learning from mistakes.
Definition: : discipline/punishment 1) discipline, chastening, correction 1a) discipline, correction 1b) chastening
Usage: Occurs in 50 OT verses. KJV: bond, chastening(-eth), chastisement, check, correction, discipline, doctrine, instruction, rebuke. See also: Deuteronomy 11:2; Proverbs 15:10; Psalms 50:17.
וְ/לֹֽא
lôʼ
H3808
"not"
Conj | Part
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.
יִכָּרֵ֣ת
kârath
H3772
"to cut"
V-Niphal-Imperf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to cut or destroy something, but it also has a special meaning related to making a covenant or agreement. In Genesis 15:18, God makes a covenant with Abram, symbolized by cutting animals in half, showing the seriousness of the promise. This word is used to describe important agreements and alliances.
Definition: : cut/fell 1) to cut, cut off, cut down, cut off a body part, cut out, eliminate, kill, cut a covenant 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to cut off 1a1a) to cut off a body part, behead 1a2) to cut down 1a3) to hew 1a4) to cut or make a covenant 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be cut off 1b2) to be cut down 1b3) to be chewed 1b4) to be cut off, fail 1c) (Pual) 1c1) to be cut off 1c2) to be cut down 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to cut off 1d2) to cut off, destroy 1d3) to cut down, destroy 1d4) to take away 1d5) to permit to perish 1e) (Hophal) cut off
Usage: Occurs in 280 OT verses. KJV: be chewed, be con-(feder-) ate, covenant, cut (down, off), destroy, fail, feller, be freed, hew (down), make a league (covenant), [idiom] lose, perish, [idiom] utterly, [idiom] want. See also: Genesis 9:11; 1 Samuel 24:6; Psalms 12:4.
מְעוֹנָ֔/הּ
mᵉʻôwnâh
H4585
"habitation"
N-cs | Suff
This word refers to a place where someone or something lives, like a den for animals or a dwelling place for God, and can also mean a refuge or asylum.
Definition: 1) dwelling, habitation, refuge 1a) den, lair (of animals) 1b) dwelling-place (of God) (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 10 OT verses. KJV: den, habitation, (dwelling) place, refuge. See also: Deuteronomy 33:27; Song of Solomon 4:8; Psalms 76:3.
כֹּ֥ל
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.
אֲשֶׁר
ʼăsher
H834
"which"
Rel
This Hebrew word is a conjunction that connects ideas and events in the Bible, like in the book of Genesis, where it's used to describe the relationship between God and His creation.
Definition: A: 1) (relative part.) 1a) which, who 1b) that which 2) (conj) 2a) that (in obj clause) 2b) when 2c) since 2d) as 2e) conditional if B: Beth+ 1) in (that) which 2) (adv) 2a) where 3) (conj) 3a) in that, inasmuch as 3b) on account of C: Mem+ 1) from (or than) that which 2) from (the place) where 3) from (the fact) that, since D: Kaph+ 1) (conj.), according as, as, when 1a) according to that which, according as, as 1b) with a causal force: in so far as, since 1c) with a temporal force: when
Usage: Occurs in 4440 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, [idiom] alike, as (soon as), because, [idiom] every, for, [phrase] forasmuch, [phrase] from whence, [phrase] how(-soever), [idiom] if, (so) that ((thing) which, wherein), [idiom] though, [phrase] until, [phrase] whatsoever, when, where ([phrase] -as, -in, -of, -on, -soever, -with), which, whilst, [phrase] whither(-soever), who(-m, -soever, -se). As it is indeclinable, it is often accompanied by the personal pronoun expletively, used to show the connection. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 20:9; Genesis 31:16.
פָּקַ֖דְתִּי
pâqad
H6485
"to reckon"
V-Qal-Perf-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.
עָלֶ֑י/הָ
ʻal
H5921
"upon"
Prep | Suff
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.
אָכֵן֙
ʼâkên
H403
"surely"
Adv
The Hebrew word ʼâkên means surely or truly, often used for strong emphasis. It is used in the Bible to express certainty or contrast, like in Genesis 28:16 where Jacob says 'Surely the Lord is in this place'.
Definition: 1) surely, truly, indeed 1a) truly, indeed (strong assertive force) 1b) but indeed, but in fact (emphasizing a contrast)
Usage: Occurs in 17 OT verses. KJV: but, certainly, nevertheless, surely, truly, verily. See also: Genesis 28:16; Isaiah 40:7; Psalms 31:23.
הִשְׁכִּ֣ימוּ
shâkam
H7925
"to rise"
V-Hiphil-Perf-3cp
This verb means to rise or start early, like loading up a burden. It is used in Genesis to describe early morning activities.
Definition: 1) to rise or start early 1a) (Hiphil) 1a1) to rise early, make an early start 1a2) early (as adverb)
Usage: Occurs in 64 OT verses. KJV: (arise, be up, get (oneself) up, rise up) early (betimes), morning. See also: Genesis 19:2; 1 Samuel 15:12; Psalms 127:2.
הִשְׁחִ֔יתוּ
shâchath
H7843
"to ruin"
V-Hiphil-Perf-3cp
This verb means to ruin or destroy something, and it is used in various forms throughout the Bible to describe corruption and decay.
Definition: 1) to destroy, corrupt, go to ruin, decay 1a) (Niphal) to be marred, be spoiled, be corrupted, be corrupt, be injured, be ruined, be rotted 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to spoil, ruin 1b2) to pervert, corrupt, deal corruptly (morally) 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to spoil, ruin, destroy 1c2) to pervert, corrupt (morally) 1c3) destroyer (participle) 1d) (Hophal) spoiled, ruined (participle) Aramaic equivalent: she.chat (שְׁחַת "to corrupt" H7844)
Usage: Occurs in 136 OT verses. KJV: batter, cast off, corrupt(-er, thing), destroy(-er, -uction), lose, mar, perish, spill, spoiler, [idiom] utterly, waste(-r). See also: Genesis 6:11; Psalms 14:1; Psalms 53:2.
כֹּ֖ל
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.
עֲלִילוֹתָֽ/ם
ʻălîylâh
H5949
"wantonness"
N-fp | Suff
This word can mean wantonness or evil deeds, but also a great exploit or achievement. It's used to describe God's mighty acts and human actions, both good and bad, like in Psalm 9.
Definition: 1) wantonness, deed, doing 1a) wantonness 1b) deed 1c) practices, evil deeds
Usage: Occurs in 24 OT verses. KJV: act(-ion), deed, doing, invention, occasion, work. See also: Deuteronomy 22:14; Psalms 141:4; Psalms 9:12.
Study Notes — Zephaniah 3:7
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Zephaniah 3:7 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Zephaniah 3:7
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Zephaniah 3:7
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Zephaniah 3:7
- Trapp's Commentary on Zephaniah 3:7
- Ellicott's Commentary on Zephaniah 3:7
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Zephaniah 3:7
- Cambridge Bible on Zephaniah 3:7
- Barnes' Notes on Zephaniah 3:7
- Whedon's Commentary on Zephaniah 3:7
- Sermons on Zephaniah 3:7
Context — Purification of the Nations
5The LORD within her is righteous; He does no wrong. He applies His justice morning by morning; He does not fail at dawn, yet the unjust know no shame.
6“I have cut off the nations; their corner towers are destroyed. I have made their streets deserted with no one to pass through. Their cities are laid waste, with no man, no inhabitant.
7I said, ‘Surely you will fear Me and accept correction.’ Then her dwelling place would not be cut off despite all for which I punished her. But they rose early to corrupt all their deeds.
8Therefore wait for Me,” declares the LORD, “until the day I rise to testify. For My decision is to gather nations, to assemble kingdoms, to pour out upon them My indignation— all My burning anger. For all the earth will be consumed by the fire of My jealousy. 9For then I will restore pure lips to the peoples, that all may call upon the name of the LORD and serve Him shoulder to shoulder.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Hosea 9:9 | They have deeply corrupted themselves as in the days of Gibeah; He will remember their guilt; He will punish their sins. |
| 2 | Jeremiah 36:3 | Perhaps when the people of Judah hear about all the calamity I plan to bring upon them, each of them will turn from his wicked way. Then I will forgive their iniquity and their sin.” |
| 3 | Micah 2:1–2 | Woe to those who devise iniquity and plot evil on their beds! At morning’s light they accomplish it because the power is in their hands. They covet fields and seize them; they take away houses. They deprive a man of his home, a fellow man of his inheritance. |
| 4 | Jeremiah 25:5 | The prophets told you, ‘Turn now, each of you, from your evil ways and deeds, and you can dwell in the land that the LORD has given to you and your fathers forever and ever. |
| 5 | Jeremiah 7:7 | then I will let you live in this place, in the land that I gave to your fathers forever and ever. |
| 6 | Zephaniah 3:2 | She heeded no voice; she accepted no correction. She does not trust in the LORD; she has not drawn near to her God. |
| 7 | Genesis 6:12 | And God looked upon the earth and saw that it was corrupt; for all living creatures on the earth had corrupted their ways. |
| 8 | 2 Chronicles 32:1–2 | After all these acts of faithfulness, Sennacherib king of Assyria came and invaded Judah. He laid siege to the fortified cities, intending to conquer them for himself. When Hezekiah saw that Sennacherib had come to make war against Jerusalem, |
| 9 | Jeremiah 8:6 | I have listened and heard; they do not speak what is right. No one repents of his wickedness, asking, ‘What have I done?’ Everyone has pursued his own course like a horse charging into battle. |
| 10 | Isaiah 63:8 | For He said, “They are surely My people, sons who will not be disloyal.” So He became their Savior. |
Zephaniah 3:7 Summary
[This verse is saying that God wants us to respect and obey Him, and if we do, He will spare us from punishment. He wants us to learn from our mistakes and change our behavior, just like a good parent wants their child to learn and grow. As it says in Jeremiah 29:11, 'For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you.' However, if we refuse to listen and obey, we will face the consequences of our actions, as seen in Zephaniah 3:7, where the people 'rose early to corrupt all their deeds'.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to 'fear Me and accept correction' in Zephaniah 3:7?
This phrase means to have a deep respect for God and to be willing to change our behavior when He corrects us, as seen in Proverbs 9:10, where 'the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom'.
Why did God say 'her dwelling place would not be cut off' if the people feared Him and accepted correction?
God promised to spare the people from destruction if they turned to Him and obeyed, just as He did with the Israelites in Exodus 32:14, where He relented from destroying them after Moses' intercession.
What does it mean that 'they rose early to corrupt all their deeds' in Zephaniah 3:7?
This phrase indicates that the people were quick to turn back to their sinful ways, despite God's call to repentance, much like the Israelites in Judges 2:10, who forgot about God's works and did evil in His sight.
How does this verse relate to God's character?
This verse shows that God is a just and righteous God, who desires for people to fear and obey Him, as stated in Psalm 11:7, where 'the Lord is righteous, He loves righteousness'.
Reflection Questions
- What are some areas in my life where I need to 'fear God and accept correction'?
- How can I, like the people in Zephaniah 3:7, be quick to turn back to sin, and what can I do to prevent this?
- What does it mean for me to 'rise early' to follow God, rather than to corrupt my deeds?
- In what ways can I show reverence and respect for God, as He desires in Zephaniah 3:7?
Gill's Exposition on Zephaniah 3:7
I said, Surely thou wilt fear me,.... This is spoken after the manner of men; as if God should say within himself, and reason in his own mind, upon a view of things, surely the people of the Jews
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Zephaniah 3:7
The just LORD is in the midst thereof; he will not do iniquity: every morning doth he bring his judgment to light, he faileth not; but the unjust knoweth no shame.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Zephaniah 3:7
I said; I thought, (speaking as man would,) I concluded what was likely, what I might expect. Surely thou, O Jerusalem, O Judah, wilt fear me, for the many and great judgments executed upon others in thy sight; thou wilt fear, by sinning still, to provoke me. Thou wilt receive instruction; wilt learn thy duty, to do it; thy danger, to prevent it; thy sins, to repent of them; thy ways, to amend them. So their dwelling, houses, villages, Jerusalem, should not be out off, sacked and burned, howsoever I punished them; whatever I had done against them, however I had chastised them, had they been bettered, humbled, and amended, I would have spared, not destroyed utterly. But they rose early; but they grew worse, more eager in the pursuit of their vile courses; as if the day would be too short for their sins, they rise early, and begin betimes. Corrupted all their doings; designedly and out of set purpose did worse and worse, when smitten they revolted more and more, .
Trapp's Commentary on Zephaniah 3:7
Zephaniah 3:7 I said, Surely thou wilt fear me, thou wilt receive instruction; so their dwelling should not be cut off, howsoever I punished them: but they rose early, [and] corrupted all their doings.Ver. 7. I said, surely thou wilt fear me] As in a school, when one boy is whipped the rest tremble; and as in the commonwealth, poena ad paucos, metus ad omnes; punishment for the few, fear for everybody so it should be in the Church. Other men’ s woes should be our warnings; others’ sufferings our sermons; others’ lashes our lessons; God’ s house of correction a school of instruction, where we should hear and fear, and do no more so, Deuteronomy 17:13. He that trembleth not in hearing shall be crushed to pieces in feeling, said that martyr. And receive instruction] This I promised myself of thee, but am disappointed, Jeremiah 15:3. See Zephaniah 3:2, thou art therefore ripe for destruction. So their dwelling should not be cut off] They should have redeemed their sorrows and saved their city. And this God speaks to others, as weary of speaking any longer to them to so little purpose. But they rose early and corrupted, &c.] Manicabant, they made haste, that no time might be lost; they woefully wasted that best part of the day, the morning (which πανεργονοφελλει, furthereth every business), in corrupting their practices, doing evil as they could. Once (saith a reverend man) Peter’ s argument was more than probable; These men are not drunk, for it is but the third hour of the day.
Now, men are grown such husbands, as that by that time they will return their stocks, and have their brains crowing before day.
Ellicott's Commentary on Zephaniah 3:7
(7) I said, Surely thou wilt fear me . . .—Better, I said, Wouldest thou only fear me? wouldest thou receive correction? then should her dwelling-place not be destroyed, according to all that I have appointed for them; but they only speeded their infamous doings. Our Saviour’s lamentation over Jerusalem in Matthew 23:37 naturally suggests itself. All that I have appointed—i.e., in the way of punishment.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Zephaniah 3:7
Verse 7. Surely thou wilt fear me] After so many displays of my sovereign power and judgments. But they rose early] And instead of returning to God, they practised every abomination. They were diligent to find out times and places for their iniquity. This is the worst state of man.
Cambridge Bible on Zephaniah 3:7
7. God’s purpose in these judgments on the nations was that Israel should take warning from them and receive instruction. I said] Or, I thought; Jeremiah 3:19. For their dwelling read her dwelling. howsoever I punished them] Perhaps: according to all that I have appointed concerning her. The words seem to explain the preceding “that her dwelling should not be cut off.” This destruction of her place of abode is what the Lord has appointed for her. His desire and nope was that she would receive instruction so that her dwelling place should remain for ever. Instead of “her dwelling-place” Sept. reads “from her eyes” (with a difference of one letter). So Wellhausen: she will receive instruction, and that which I have commanded her will never be cut off (fade) from her sight, i.e. she will continually keep before her eyes God’s commandments. For the meaning “I have commanded her” instead of “appointed concerning her” he cites Job 36:23; 2 Chronicles 36:23; Ezra 1:2. rose early, and corrupted] i.e. corrupted with eagerness. The phrase is a favourite one with Jeremiah, e.g.
Jeremiah 7:13.
Barnes' Notes on Zephaniah 3:7
I said, surely thou wilt fear Me - God speaks of things here, as they are in their own nature.
Whedon's Commentary on Zephaniah 3:7
WOE UPON THE CITY OF , Zephaniah 3:1-7.In Zephaniah 3:1, the prophet turns once more to Jerusalem, “the rebellious and unclean, the city of oppression.” He strikes the same notes as in chapter i,
Sermons on Zephaniah 3:7
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
The Context of the Coming Kingdom by Art Katz | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of knowing God as the revelation of Jesus as king and the beauty of the kingdom. He criticizes the superficiality of worship a |
|
Unfulfilled Prophecy by Robert Anderson | Greek Word Studies for Discipline emphasizes the importance of providing instruction and guidance to children for responsible living and maturity. It involves a combination of firm |
|
Voice in the Wilderness by Carl Armerding | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on Isaiah 40:3-8, which speaks about preparing the way for the Lord. He emphasizes that sin is the root cause of all ruin and devastation in th |
|
The Obscure Church by Francis Turretin | Francis Turretin discusses the proof that the Church is often obscured by examining the condition of the Old Testament Church. He highlights various intervals in history where the |
|
|
Human Sinfulness by Gardiner Spring | Gardiner Spring preaches about the profound wickedness of man's heart as described in Genesis, emphasizing the continuous evil inclinations and the deceitful nature of human sinful |
|
Resisting the Enemy by David Ravenhill | David Ravenhill emphasizes the necessity of recognizing and resisting the enemy in our spiritual lives, drawing parallels from the life of King Hezekiah. Hezekiah's proactive measu |
|
(Names of Jehovah) 5. Jehovah Shalom by Roy Hession | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the story of Gideon from the book of Judges. Gideon, a seemingly insignificant man, is called by God to save Israel from the Midianites. Despi |