Zephaniah
Zephaniah front
Introduction to Zephaniah
Part 1: General Introduction
Outline of the Book of Zephaniah
- Zephaniah introduces this book (1:1)
- Yahweh will punish Judah and the nations (1:2–18)
- Yahweh calls Judah to repent (2:1–3)
- Yahweh will judge the nations (2:4-15)
- Philistia (2:4–7)
- Moab and Ammon (2:8–11)
- Egypt (2:12)
- Assyria (2:13–15)
- Yahweh will judge Jerusalem (3:1–8)
- Yahweh will purify, restore, gather, and bless his people (3:9–20)
What is the Book of Zephaniah about?
Zechariah warned Judah and other nations that Yahweh was about to punish them. He also prophesied about how Yahweh would restore Judah. (See: day of the Lord, day of Yahweh)
How should the title of this book be translated?
The traditional name of this book is “The Book of Zephaniah” or just “Zephaniah.” Translators may decide to call it “The Sayings of Zephaniah.” (See: How to Translate Names)
Who wrote the Book of Zephaniah?
Zephaniah wrote this book. But four different Old Testament people have the name Zephaniah. This Zephaniah was probably the great-grandson of King Hezekiah and a cousin to King Josiah. Zephaniah lived in the city of Jerusalem. He began to prophesy about seventy years after the prophets Isaiah and Micah. Zephaniah spoke Yahweh’s messages during the reign of King Josiah (about 640–621 B.C.), and just before Jeremiah began to prophesy.
Part 2: Important Religious and Cultural Concepts
Were the people of Judah faithful to Yahweh at the time Zephaniah started to prophesy?
Manasseh, the grandfather of Josiah, had been one of the worst kings of Judah. He led the people to worship other gods. After his death, his son Amon ruled for only two years before he was killed. Amon’s son Josiah became king when he was eight years old. Josiah learned to worship and honor Yahweh. Zephaniah likely began his work after Josiah had destroyed most of the idols and shrines of false gods in Judah. (See: god, false god, goddess, idol, idolater, idolatrous, idolatry)
What country is coming to invade Judah?
Zephaniah often said a foreign nation would invade the kingdom of Judah. Zephaniah probably meant Babylonia. However, the Book of Zephaniah never names this nation.
Zephaniah 1
Zephaniah 1 General Notes
Structure and formatting
Some translations set each line of poetry farther to the right than the rest of the text to make it easier to read. The ULT does this with the poetic song in 1:2-18.
Special concepts in this chapter
Prophecy
In this chapter, it is unclear whether these prophecies concern the fall of Jerusalem, the coming of the Messiah or the day of the Lord. It is possible that the prophecies reference more than one period of time. (See: prophet, prophecy, prophesy, seer, prophetess and Christ, Messiah and day of the Lord, day of Yahweh)
Zephaniah 1:1
Verses 1:2-18 refer to Yahweh’s judgment. Verses 1:2-3 describe Yahweh’s final judgment of every sinner in the future.
This idiom is used to introduce a special message from God. Alternate translation: “Yahweh gave a message” or “Yahweh spoke this message” (See: Idiom)
This is the name of God that he revealed to his people in the Old Testament. See the translationWord page about Yahweh concerning how to translate this.
This is a list of Zephaniah’s ancestors. These usages of “son of” are the broader sense of “descendant of.” Here “Hezekiah” refers to King Hezekiah. These things can be made explicit. Alternate translation: “the grandson of Gedaliah, and the great-grandson of Amariah, whose father was King Hezekiah” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)
Zephaniah 1:2
The words “everything” and “will cut off man” are deliberate exaggerations by Yahweh to express his anger at the people’s sin. Yahweh will destroy neither sinners who repent nor all living things. (See: Hyperbole)
Alternate translation: “destroy everything that is on the entire earth”
Yahweh speaks of himself by name to express the certainty of what he is declaring. Alternate translation: “this is what Yahweh has declared” or “this is what I, Yahweh, have declared” (See: First, Second or Third Person)
Zephaniah 1:3
“I will kill all people.” This is a hyperbole, as in Zephaniah 1:2.
Alternate translation: “people and animals”
This could mean: (1) the piles of rubble that will remain after the judgment or (2) the idols that Yahweh destroyed.
Destroying is spoken of as if it were cutting something off from what it was a part of. Alternate translation: “destroy” (See: Metaphor)
Zephaniah 1:4
Verses 1:2-18 refer to Yahweh’s judgment. Verses 1:4-16 describe Yahweh’s judgment on the people of Judah.
This is an idiom that means God will punish. Alternate translation: “I will punish Judah” (See: Idiom)
The verb “cut off” applies to each of these phrases, but has been used only once to avoid repetition. Alternate translation: “I will cut off every remnant … I will cut off the names of the idolatrous people among the priests” (See: Ellipsis)
Destroying is spoken of as if it were cutting something off from what it was a part of. See how you translated this in Zephaniah 1:3. Alternate translation: “destroy” (See: Metaphor)
Here “cut off … the names” is an idiom that means to cause people to forget them. Alternate translation: “cause everyone … to forget the priests who are idolatrous” (See: Idiom)
Zephaniah 1:5
The verb “cut off” (Zechariah 1:4) applies to these phrases, but has been used only once to avoid repetition. Alternate translation: “I will cut off the people who on the housetops … I will cut off the people who worship and swear” (See: Ellipsis)
See the footnote about the possible rendering of this as “by Milcom.”
Zephaniah 1:6
Seeking Yahweh could mean: (1) asking God for help or (2) thinking about God and obeying him. Alternate translation: “do not think about Yahweh or ask him to guide them” (See: Metaphor)
Zephaniah 1:7
Verses 1:2-18 refer to Yahweh’s judgment. Verses 1:4-16 describe Yahweh’s judgment on the people of Judah.
This is an idiom. Here silence is meant to signal shock and amazement. Alternate translation: “Be shocked” (See: Idiom)
The people of Judah are spoken of as Yahweh’s sacrifice, and the enemy nations are spoken of as his guests who would eat the sacrifice. This can be stated explicitly. Alternate translation: “Yahweh has prepared the people of Judah as a sacrifice, and invited the enemy nations as his guests” (See: Metaphor and Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)
Here “set apart” is an idiom that means he has invited them. (See: Idiom)
Zephaniah 1:8
In verses 1:8-13, Yahweh is speaking. He alternates between using first person and speaking about himself in the third person. (See: First, Second or Third Person)
This phrase is used to mark the point at which Yahweh’s judgment of Judah will begin.
This phrase suggests that the Israelites wore clothes similar to the foreigners to show sympathy to their customs and to the worship of their foreign gods. Alternate translation: “everyone who worships foreign gods” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)
Zephaniah 1:9
Alternate translation: “On the day of Yahweh”
This could mean: (1) this is a reference to people who did not step on thresholds as part of their worship of a god called Dagan or (2) people who leapt up onto platforms to worship pagan idols or (3) royal officials who climbed the steps to the throne.
The abstract nouns “violence” and “deceit” can be stated as actions. Alternate translation: “those who do violent things and tell lies in the temples of their gods”
Zephaniah 1:10
Zephaniah 1:2-18 refers to Yahweh’s judgment. Zephaniah 1:4-16 describes Yahweh’s judgment on the people of Judah. In Zephaniah 1:8-13, Yahweh is speaking. He alternates between using first person and speaking about himself in the third person. (See: First, Second or Third Person)
The Fish Gate was one of the gates in the Jerusalem city wall.
“Mourn loudly from the Second District.” The Second District was a newer part of Jerusalem.
This refers to the sound of buildings collapsing. This can be stated explicitly. Alternate translation: “a loud sound of buildings collapsing” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)
This refers to the hills surrounding Jerusalem.
Zephaniah 1:11
These two phrases refer to the same people and are used to emphasize that business will be destroyed. Alternate translation: “for those who buy and sell goods will be killed” (See: Parallelism)
This refers to merchants. Before coins were used, people weighed out silver or gold as payment for things they bought.
Destroying is spoken of as if it were cutting something off from what it was a part of. See how you translated this in Zephaniah 1:3. Alternate translation: “destroyed” (See: Metaphor)
Zephaniah 1:12
Verses 1:2-18 refer to Yahweh’s judgment. Verses 1:4-16 describe Yahweh’s judgment on the people of Judah.
This phrase is used to mark the time when Jerusalem has been destroyed by the enemies.
Yahweh speaks of knowing about all people of Jerusalem as if he had searched for them with lamps. (See: Metaphor)
They feel safe from trouble. (See: Idiom)
This direct quotation can be stated as an indirect quotation. Alternate translation: “say in their heart that Yahweh will not do anything, either good or evil.
This idiom means they think to themselves. (See: Idiom)
Here “good and evil” is a merism that includes everything in between. Alternate translation: “Yahweh will not do anything at all” (See: Merism)
Zephaniah 1:13
Alternate translation: “destroyed and abandoned”
Zephaniah 1:14
Verses 1:2-18 refer to Yahweh’s judgment. Verses 1:4-16 describe Yahweh’s judgment on the people of Judah.
The repetition of the word “near,” along with the phrase “hurrying quickly,” emphasize that the day when Yahweh judges the people will soon happen. Alternate translation: “close and will be here soon” (See: Doublet)
See how you translated this phrase in Zephaniah 1:7.
This could mean: (1) a soldier crying in despair or (2) a soldier’s battle cry.
Zephaniah 1:15
These phrases refer back to the “day of Yahweh” in Zephaniah 1:14.
The words “distress” and “anguish” mean about the same thing and emphasize the intensity of the people’s distress. Alternate translation: “a day when people feel terrible distress” (See: Doublet)
Here the word “storm” refers to divine judgment. The word “devastation” describes the effects of that judgment. Alternate translation: “a day of devastating storms” or “a day of devastating judgment” (See: Doublet and Metonymy)
The words “darkness” and “gloom” share similar meanings and emphasize the intensity of darkness. Both words refer to a time of disaster or divine judgment. Alternate translation: “a day that is full of darkness” or “a day of terrible judgment” (See: Doublet and Metonymy)
This phrase means the same thing as, and intensifies, the idea of the previous phrase. Like that phrase, both “clouds” and “thick darkness” refer to divine judgment. Alternate translation: “a day full of dark storm clouds” (See: Doublet and Metonymy)
Zephaniah 1:16
The words “trumpets” and “alarms” mean basically the same thing here. Both are means to call soldiers to prepare for battle. Alternate translation: “a day when people sound the alarm for battle” (See: Doublet)
These two phrases both refer to military strongholds. Alternate translation: “well fortified cities” (See: Doublet)
Zephaniah 1:17
Verses 1:2-18 refer to Yahweh’s judgment. Verses 1:17-18 describe Yahweh’s final judgment of every sinner in the future.
The result of Yahweh’s judgment is that people will be so confused and dazed when they walk about that people will think they are blind. Alternate translation: “they will walk around as confused and dazed as blind men” (See: Simile)
Their blood that is shed will be as worthless as dust. If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “Their enemies will pour out their blood and consider it to be worthless” (See: Simile)
The verb “poured out” is understood here. If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “their enemies will cut open their bodies and leave them to rot like dung” (See: Simile)
Zephaniah 1:18
Here “fire” refers to the intensity of Yahweh’s anger. This can be stated as a simile. Alternate translation: “his jealousy is as intense as a fire” (See: Metaphor and Simile)
It is understood that this refers to the wicked people. This can be stated explicitly. Alternate translation: “all the wicked people who live on the earth” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)
Zephaniah 2
Zephaniah 2 General Notes
Structure and formatting
Some translations set each line of poetry farther to the right than the rest of the text to make it easier to read. The ULT does this with the poetic song in 2:1-9, 12-15.
Special concepts in this chapter
Prophecy
In this chapter, because the prophesied destruction is so complete, it is unclear whether these prophecies concern the time near the fall of Jerusalem or the day of the Lord. It is possible that the prophecies reference more than one period of time. (See: prophet, prophecy, prophesy, seer, prophetess and Christ, Messiah and day of the Lord, day of Yahweh)
Zephaniah 2:1
These two phrases mean the same thing. Together they intensify the command for the people to gather together in order to repent of their sins. Alternate translation: “Gather yourselves together” (See: Doublet)
Zephaniah 2:2
This phrase refers to the punishment that will happen as a result of Yahweh’s decree. Alternate translation: “before Yahweh punishes you” (See: Metonymy)
This phrase relates to the “day of Yahweh.” Translate as you did similar phrases in Zephaniah 1:9.
The chaff is the insignificant part of the plant that the wind blows away. In a similar way, the day of judgment will pass quickly. Alternate translation: “that day passes as quickly as chaff blown by the wind” (See: Simile)
The prophet repeats the same phrase almost exactly in order to emphasize how terrible Yahweh’s judgment will be and the urgency with which the people must repent. (See: Parallelism)
This stands for God’s intent to punish. Alternate translation: “Yahweh’s punishment” (See: Metonymy)
Zephaniah 2:3
Seeking Yahweh could mean: (1) asking God for help or (2) thinking about God and obeying him. (See: Metaphor)
The abstract nouns “righteousness” and “humility” can be stated as actions. Alternate translation: “Try to do what is right and to be humble” (See: Abstract Nouns)
If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “Yahweh will protect you in the day of his wrath” (See: Active or Passive)
Zephaniah 2:4
In 2:4-15, Yahweh announces his judgment on the nations that surround Judah.
These were the four major Philistine cities of that day.
These two phrases mean the same thing and emphasize the complete destruction of these cities. (See: Parallelism)
Here “They” refers to the enemies of the Philistines. Here, at noon could mean: (1) the enemies will defeat Ashdod before noon or (2) the enemies will attack Ashdod at noon while the people are resting and unaware.
The defeat of Ekron is spoken of as if it was a tree that was pulled from the ground and thrown away. Alternate translation: “they will take the people of Ekron away as if uprooting a tree” (See: Metaphor)
Zephaniah 2:5
The first phrase explains where the Kerethites lived.
The Philistines were one of several people groups who lived in Canaan.
This can be stated in positive form. Alternate translation: “until every inhabitant is dead”
Zephaniah 2:6
In 2:4-15, Yahweh announces his judgment on the nations that surround Judah.
This probably means that the Philistine cities are gone, and only open fields remain. However, the Hebrew meaning is unclear and is sometimes translated differently by modern versions.
A sheep pen is a small area surrounded by a fence to keep the sheep together.
Zephaniah 2:7
Alternate translation: “The people of Judah”
Alternate translation: “lie down to sleep”
Zephaniah 2:8
In 2:4-15, Yahweh announces his judgment on the nations that surround Judah.
“the taunts … the insults.” These two phrases mean the same thing and emphasize that both Moab and Ammon have insulted Yahweh. (See: Parallelism)
This refers to crossing over into Judah’s territory in order to attack them.
Zephaniah 2:9
“as surely as I am alive.” Yahweh uses this expression to show that what he says next is certainly true. This is a way of making a solemn promise. Alternate translation: “I solemnly swear” (See: Idiom)
Yahweh speaks of himself by name to express the certainty of what he is declaring. Alternate translation: “this is what Yahweh of hosts, God of Israel, has declared” or “this is what I, Yahweh of hosts, God of Israel, have declared” (See: First, Second or Third Person)
These two cities were so wicked that God completely destroyed them with fire from heaven. These similes therefore refer to complete destruction. This can be stated explicitly. Alternate translation: “completely destroyed like Sodom … like Gomorrah” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information and Simile)
“a place with thorns and a salt pit.” This describes a barren, useless land.
These two phrases mean the same thing and refer to the Israelites that survived Yahweh’s punishment. (See: Parallelism)
Zephaniah 2:12
In 2:4-15, Yahweh announces his judgment on the nations that surround Judah.
Here “pieced by my sword” is a metonym for being killed in battle. Alternate translation: “I will kill you people of Cush in battle” (See: Metonymy and Active or Passive)
Zephaniah 2:13
Here “hand” refers to power. Alternate translation: “God’s power” (See: Metonymy)
If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word devastation, you could express the same idea with a verbal form. Alternate translation: “ruined and deserted” (See: Abstract Nouns)
This means it will be so dry that nothing will grow there. (See: Simile)
Zephaniah 2:14
Alternate translation: “every kind of animal”
This term is uncertain. Some versions translate it as “hedgehog.”
When buildings were destroyed and fell down, the columns used for decoration and support would often remain standing.
Alternate translation: “A call will be heard from the windows”
Beams are long and thick pieces of wood that are used to keep a building stable.
Zephaniah 2:15
In 2:4-15, Yahweh announces his judgment on the nations that surround Judah.
“the city that is proud of itself.” This refers to the city of Nineveh, about whom Yahweh began to speak in Zephaniah 2:13.
This idiom means “said to herself” or “she thought.” The city is spoken of as if it were a person that could speak. It represents the people who live in that city. (See: Idiom and Personification and Metonymy)
It may be necessary to supply an object for “I am.” Alternate translation: “I am the greatest city, and no other city is equal to me” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)
Alternate translation: “a horrible place to see”
A hiss is an angry sound. This phrase indicates extreme anger of the people toward Nineveh.
Zephaniah 3
Zephaniah 3 General Notes
Structure and formatting
Some translations set each line of poetry farther to the right than the rest of the text to make it easier to read. The ULT does this with the poetic song in 3:1-20.
Special concepts in this chapter
Prophecy
In this chapter, because the prophesied destruction is so complete, it is unclear whether these prophecies concern the time near the fall of Jerusalem or the day of the Lord. It is possible that the prophecies reference more than one period of time. (See: prophet, prophecy, prophesy, seer, prophetess and day of the Lord, day of Yahweh)
Zephaniah 3:1
In verses 3:1-5, Zephaniah speaks Yahweh’s message of judgment to the sinful people of Jerusalem. The city represents the people who live within it. To make this clear, it may be helpful to replace the singular “she” and “her” with the plural “they” and “their.” (See: Metonymy)
The nature of their rebellion can be stated. Alternate translation: “the people of the city who have rebelled against God” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)
Alternate translation: “The people of the city have committed violence and so I consider them unclean”
Zephaniah 3:2
The voice is a metonym for what the speaker says with the voice, and listening is a metonym for obeying. Alternate translation: “She has not obeyed what God has said to her” (See: Metonymy)
Zephaniah 3:3
In verses 3:1-5, Zephaniah speaks Yahweh’s message of judgment to the sinful people of Jerusalem. The city represents the people who live within it. To make this clear, it may be helpful to replace the singular “she” and “her” with the plural “they” and “their.” (See: Metonymy)
Lions roar to chase other animals away from the prey they have caught. The princes of Jerusalem are spoken of as if they were roaring lions who were keeping the prey for themselves. Alternate translation: “Jerusalem’s royalty are as greedy as roaring lions” (See: Metaphor)
Wolves are especially hungry before they hunt at night. The judges are spoken of as if they were hungry wolves. Alternate translation: “Her judges are as greedy as hungry wolves that leave nothing for anyone else” (See: Metaphor)
Zephaniah 3:4
Alternate translation: “Her prophets do not listen to anyone and cannot be trusted”
Alternate translation: “have treated holy things with disrespect”
Alternate translation: “have broken the law”
Zephaniah 3:5
In verses 3:1-5, Zephaniah speaks Yahweh’s message of judgment to the sinful people of Jerusalem.
These two phrases mean the same thing, and emphasize Yahweh’s righteousness even among the wicked people in Jerusalem. (See: Parallelism)
Alternate translation: “among them”
This idiom means “Every day” or “Day after day.” (See: Idiom)
Yahweh’s just treatment of every person is spoken of as if he was handing out a commodity. Alternate translation: “he will treat people justly” (See: Metaphor)
This uses a negative statement to emphasize the positive truth that Yahweh’s justice is always visible. Alternate translation: “His justice is clearly shown to all” (See: Litotes)
Alternate translation: “are not ashamed”
Zephaniah 3:6
In verses 3:6-7, Yahweh rebukes the people of Jerusalem because they did not learn from how he judged other sinful cities. It may be helpful to add “Yahweh says this:” to the beginning of verse 6 to make this explicit. (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)
These two sentences express the same idea in two different ways in order to emphasize the complete destruction of the cities. (See: Parallelism)
Alternate translation: “no one walks on them”
This can be stated in positive form. Alternate translation: “all the people are dead”
Zephaniah 3:7
This can be stated as an indirect quotation. Alternate translation: “I thought they would surely fear me and accept correction so that they would not be cut off from their homes by all that I have planned to do to them.” (See: Direct and Indirect Quotations)
Here “cut off” is an idiom that means to be removed. If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “so that I will not remove you from your homes” (See: Idiom and Active or Passive)
Alternate translation: “by doing deeds that were corrupt”
Zephaniah 3:8
In verse 3:8, Yahweh warns that he will judge all nations.
This phrase implies that they are waiting for judgment.
Yahweh speaks of himself by name to express the certainty of what he is declaring. Alternate translation: “this is what Yahweh has declared” or “this is what I, Yahweh, have declared” (See: First, Second or Third Person)
Yahweh’s judgment on the nations is spoken of as if he was an hungry animal that attacked a smaller animal. Alternate translation: “I will rise up and destroy them as an animal seizes its prey” (See: Metaphor)
These two phrases mean the same thing and emphasize that Yahweh will judge all of the nations. (See: Doublet)
The words “anger” and “burning wrath” mean basically the same thing and emphasize the intensity of Yahweh’s anger. Alternate translation: “my very fierce wrath” (See: Doublet)
This phrase can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “the fire of my jealousy will devour all the land” (See: Active or Passive)
Yahweh’s jealousy is here spoken of as if it were fire that could consume something. This can be stated as a simile. Alternate translation: “my jealousy will consume all the earth as a fire” (See: Metaphor and Simile)
Zephaniah 3:9
In verses 3:9-10, Yahweh says that he will renew the Gentiles after the judgment.
Here “lips” refers to the ability to speak. Alternate translation: “I will cause the peoples to speak what is right” (See: Metonymy)
This is an idiom that means they worship Yahweh. Alternate translation: “worship Yahweh” (See: Idiom)
Here “shoulder to shoulder” is an idiom that means “side by side.” (See: Idiom)
Zephaniah 3:10
This may refer to the area where Sudan is located today.
Zephaniah 3:11
In verses 3:11-13, Yahweh encourages the remnant of Israel who survive the judgment.
“When that happens … at that time.” These phrases here refer to the time of peace and restoration that immediately follows the day of Yahweh.
If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “will no longer be ashamed of all your deeds” (See: Active or Passive)
Alternate translation: “all the people who are very proud”
Zephaniah 3:12
In verses 3:11-13, Yahweh encourages the remnant of Israel who survive the judgment.
Yahweh’s protection of this remnant is spoke of as if he was a refuge or a fortress. Here “name of Yahweh” refers to his person. Alternate translation: “they will come to Yahweh and he will help them” (See: Metaphor and Metonymy)
Zephaniah 3:13
This refers to the “lowly and poor people” of Zephaniah 3:12.
Alternate translation: “do unjust things”
Here “tongue … in their mouth” represents the things that the tongue enables the mouth to speak. They can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “none of them will speak deceitful things” or “they will not say deceitful things” (See: Active or Passive and Metonymy)
Yahweh speaks of his provision for the people of Israel as if they are a flock of sheep that grazes and rests in safety. (See: Metaphor)
Zephaniah 3:14
In verses 3:14-20, Zephaniah tells the remnant of Israel who survived the judgment that they should rejoice.
Here “daughter” refers to all the people who lived in the city. (See: Idiom)
These two phrases mean the same thing and emphasize how happy they should be. Alternate translation: “Be very happy” (See: Doublet)
Here “heart” refers to the inner being of a person. Alternate translation: “with all your inner being” (See: Metonymy)
Zephaniah 3:15
Here to “take away” punishment is an idiom that means to stop doing it. Alternate translation: “Yahweh has stopped punishing you” (See: Idiom)
If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word evil, you could express the same idea with a verbal form. Alternate translation: “You will no longer be afraid that people will harm you” (See: Abstract Nouns)
Zephaniah 3:16
“At that time” or “When this happens.” This phrase here refers to the time of peace and restoration that immediately follows the day of Yahweh.
The names of these cities here refer to the people who live in them. Alternate translation: “say to the people of Jerusalem … people of Zion” (See: Metonymy)
To feel weak or helpless is spoken of as if their hands became physically weak. Here “hands” represents the whole person. Alternate translation: “Do not become weak” (See: Metaphor and Synecdoche)
Zephaniah 3:17
In verses 3:14-20, Zephaniah tells the remnant of Israel who survived the judgment that they should rejoice.
“he is mighty and will save you.” Yahweh is spoken of as a mighty warrior. Alternate translation: “he is a mighty warrior and will give you victory” (See: Metaphor)
These two phrases mean the same thing and are repeated to emphasize Yahweh’s joy that the remnant is restored to him. (See: Parallelism)
This could mean: (1) “he will quiet you by his love for you” or (2) “he will renew you because he loves you.”
Zephaniah 3:18
Here shame is spoken of as if it was a heavy thing that a person had to carry. Alternate translation: “no longer be ashamed because of it” (See: Metaphor)
Zephaniah 3:19
In verses 3:19-20, Yahweh speaks directly to the remnant of Israel who survived the judgment and tells them that they should rejoice.
This tells the reader to pay special attention to what follows. Alternate translation: “Look” or “Pay attention”
It is understood that “deal with” means to punish the oppressors. This can be stated explicitly. Alternate translation: “I will severely punish all those who oppressed you” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)
Here the Israelites who suffered in exile are spoken of as if they were lame and outcast sheep. This can be stated as a simile. Alternate translation: “I will rescue and bring together the remnant of Israel who are like lame and outcast sheep” (See: Metaphor and Simile)
This refers to people or animals that cannot walk.
The full thought here is, “I will make them to be objects of praise,” that is, “I will make them to be praised by others.” (See: Simile)
The abstract nouns “shame” and “renown” can be stated as actions. Alternate translation: “I will cause them to no longer be ashamed, but for people to respect them” (See: Abstract Nouns)
Zephaniah 3:20
These two lines mean basically the same thing and imply that Yahweh will bring the exiled people back to their homeland. Alternate translation: “At that time I will gather you together and lead you home” (See: Parallelism)