Zephaniah

Zephaniah front

Introduction to Zephaniah

Part 1: General Introduction

Outline of the book of Zephaniah

Title of the book; introduces Zephaniah (1:1) 1. Yahweh will punish Judah and Jerusalem (1:2–18) “For in the fire of his jealousy the whole earth will be consumed.” 2. Yahweh will punish the nations * Warning to Judah (2:1–3) * Yahweh will punish the Philistines (2:4–7) * Yahweh will punish Moab and Ammon (2:8–11) * Yahweh will punish Ethiopia (2:12) * Yahweh will punish Assyria (2:13–16) * Yahweh will punish Jerusalem (3:1–7) * General review (3:8) “For in the fire of my jealousy the whole earth will be consumed.” 3. Yahweh will restore Judah and Jerusalem (3:9–20)

Who wrote the book of Zephaniah?

This book records messages that Yahweh spoke through a man named Zephaniah. The title to the book lists Zephaniah’s ancestors back to his great-grandfather, a man named Hezekiah. Since no other prophet’s ancestry is traced back four generations, this Hezekiah must have been a significant person, and interpreters generally agree that he was King Hezekiah, who ruled over Judah from about 715 B.C. to about 686 B.C. So Zephaniah was likely a member of the royal family. In his prophecies, he shows a first-hand knowledge of the city of Jerusalem, so it is also probable that he was part of the royal court in Jerusalem. The title of the book says that he prophesied during the reign of King Josiah, who began to rule Judah around 640 B.C. So Zephaniah would have prophesied at about the same time that Jeremiah began to prophesy.

What is the book of Zephaniah about?

Through Zephaniah’s prophecies, Yahweh warned Judah and other nations that he was about to destroy them because of their wickedness and idolatry. This message seems to have led at least the Judeans to repent, if only for a generation. Hezekiah had been a godly ruler, but his son Manasseh and his grandson Amon were wicked and idolatrous kings. Amon was so unpopular that he was assassinated, and his son Josiah became king when Josiah was only a boy. But when Josiah became a young adult and could assert himself, he introduced a series of reforms that led the people of Judah to worship and obey Yahweh once more. The prophecies of Zephaniah seem to have influenced Josiah strongly to do this. Zephaniah also prophesied about how Yahweh would restore Judah, and those prophecies had at least a partial fulfillment in his own time due to the reforms of Josiah.

What title should translators use for this book?

Translators may choose to use the traditional title, “The Book of Zephaniah,” or simply “Zephaniah.” They may use a different title such as “The Prophecies of Zephaniah.”

Part 2: Important Religious and Cultural Concepts

The “day of Yahweh”

Zephaniah speaks many times of “the day of Yahweh,” meaning the time when Yahweh will judge and punish the nations, including Judah, for disobeying him and worshiping idols. However, in the final oracle in the book, the phrase “that day” instead means the time when Yahweh will restore Judah and Jerusalem. Notes suggest ways that you can translate these expressions in their various occurrences.

The time reference of Zephaniah’s prophecies

Some of Zephaniah’s prophecies focus on specific places and times. They warn Judah and other nations that Yahweh will soon destroy them, and they suggest implicitly that this will happen when an enemy empire invades and conquers them. But other prophecies speak of the entire world, and their time reference is uncertain. For example, in the first prophecy in the book, Yahweh says that he is going to destroy every living creature on earth—people, animals, birds, and fish. This could be a prophecy about the more distant future, about the end of the world. But it could also be a generalization for emphasis, and if so, it could apply to the time of Josiah. It is not necessary to determine the exact time reference of all of the prophecies in the book in order to translate the book.

The identity of the invading empire

Zephaniah often suggests that a foreign empire will invade and conquer Judah and other nations. He probably means the empire of Babylon. However, he does not name it specifically, and so it would not be appropriate to use any particular name for the invading army that Zephaniah describes in this book.

Zephaniah 1

Zephaniah 1 General Notes

Structure and Formatting

This chapter is the first of the three major parts of the book of Zephaniah. (See the outline in the General Introduction to the book.) This part describes how Yahweh will punish Judah and Jerusalem for their sinfulness and complacency.

The ULT sets the lines of verses 2–18 farther to the right on the page than the rest of the text because they are poetry.

Important Figures of Speech in This Chapter

Litany

Verses 2 and 3 state in general terms that Yahweh’s judgment will be comprehensive. Then, in four places later in the chapter, prophecies emphasize a general point by making a series of specific statements that illustrate that point. These typically move from more obvious or central examples to more peripheral ones. In that way, they demonstrate how comprehensive Yahweh’s judgment will be: It will reach to the most distant and obscure places.

Series of statements such as these are known as litanies. If your readers would recognize the litany form, you could translate and format these litanies the way the ULT does, as lines of poetry. If the litany form would not be familiar to your readers, you could format these litanies in a way that would illustrate how they work. You could format the general statement in a way that would set it off from the other poetry in the book. For example, if you have chosen to indent that poetry, you could present the general statement without any indentation. You could then put each sentence of the litany on a separate line. The format might look something like this:

Verses 4–6:

and I will cut off from this place

the remnant of Baal, the name of the idol-priests with the priests, and the ones bowing down on the housetops to the army of the skies, and the ones bowing down, swearing to Yahweh but swearing by their king, and the ones turning back from after Yahweh, and who do not search for Yahweh and do not seek him.

Verses 8–9:

And it will happen on the day of the sacrifice of Yahweh that I will visit

upon the princes and upon the sons of the king and upon all the ones wearing foreign clothing, and on that day I will visit

upon all the ones leaping over the threshold, the ones filling the house of their lords {with} violence and fraud.

Verse 10:

the sound of

a cry from the Fish Gate and a wailing from the Second {District} and a great ruin from the hills.

Verses 15–16:

That day {will be}

a day of wrath, a day of distress and anguish, a day of destruction and desolation, a day of darkness and gloom, a day of cloud and overcast, a day of horn and battle-cry against the fortified cities and against the high towers.

Zephaniah 1:1

The word of Yahweh that was to Zephaniah

Quote: דְּבַר־יְהוָ֣ה ׀ אֲשֶׁ֣ר הָיָ֗ה אֶל־צְפַנְיָה֙ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

In this title for the book, the term word refers to the message that Yahweh sent to the Judeans through Zephaniah by using words. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “The message that Yahweh sent through Zephaniah”

the son of Cushi, the son of Gedaliah, the son of Amariah, the son of Hezekiah

Quote: בֶּן־כּוּשִׁ֣י בֶן־גְּדַלְיָ֔ה בֶּן־אֲמַרְיָ֖ה בֶּן־חִזְקִיָּ֑ה (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-participants

The author is describing the ancestors of Zephaniah in order to introduce him to readers as a key participant in the book, the person through whom Yahweh spoke the messages that the book records. Your culture may have its own way of introducing people by describing their ancestors, and if so, you can use it here in your translation.

Zephaniah … Cushi, … Gedaliah, … Amariah, … Hezekiah, … Josiah … Amon

Quote: צְפַנְיָה֙ & כּוּשִׁ֣י & גְּדַלְיָ֔ה & אֲמַרְיָ֖ה & חִזְקִיָּ֑ה & יֹאשִׁיָּ֥הוּ & אָמ֖וֹן (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names

The words Zephaniah, Cushi, Gedaliah, Amariah, Hezekiah, Josiah, and Amon are the names of men.

in the days of Josiah the son of Amon, king of Judah

Quote: בִּ⁠ימֵ֛י יֹאשִׁיָּ֥הוּ בֶן־אָמ֖וֹן מֶ֥לֶךְ יְהוּדָֽה (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom

In this title, the term days means a specific time, the reign of Josiah as king of Judah. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “during the reign of Josiah the son of Amon, king of Judah”

Zephaniah 1:2

Removing, I will exterminate everything from upon the face of the ground”—the declaration of Yahweh

Quote: אָסֹ֨ף אָסֵ֜ף כֹּ֗ל מֵ⁠עַ֛ל פְּנֵ֥י הָ⁠אֲדָמָ֖ה נְאֻם־יְהוָֽה (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-quotations

Zephaniah is using the phrase the declaration of Yahweh to indicate that he is quoting the message that Yahweh has given him for the people of Judah. Consider natural ways of identifying direct quotations in your language. It may be more natural for you to put this attribution of the saying to Yahweh before the saying itself, as the UST does. Alternate translation: “This is what Yahweh declares: ‘Removing, I will exterminate everything from upon the face of the ground’”

Removing, I will exterminate everything from upon the face of the ground

Quote: אָסֹ֨ף אָסֵ֜ף כֹּ֗ל מֵ⁠עַ֛ל פְּנֵ֥י הָ⁠אֲדָמָ֖ה (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole

When Yahweh says that he is going to destroy everything on the surface of the earth, he is probably making an overstatement for emphasis. He wants to express how angry he is at the sinful disobedience of people. If it would be clearer in your language, you could show the emphasis in a different way. Alternate translation: “I will cause very great destruction on the earth”

Removing, I will exterminate everything

Quote: אָסֹ֨ף אָסֵ֜ף כֹּ֗ל (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-reduplication

Yahweh is using one verb and a different verb of similar meaning together in order to intensify the idea that these verbs express. Ordinarily in this construction, the same verb would be used twice. But here two verbs of similar sound and meaning are used for poetic effect and emphasis. If your language can repeat verbs for intensification, it would be appropriate to do that here in your translation. If it has two verbs of similar sound and meaning that you can use, that would reflect the poetic effect here. Your language may also have another way of expressing the emphasis. Alternate translation: “I will totally exterminate everything”

the face of the ground

Quote: פְּנֵ֥י הָ⁠אֲדָמָ֖ה (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Yahweh is speaking as if the surface of the earth or ground were literally its face. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “the surface of the earth”

Zephaniah 1:3

the declaration of Yahweh

Quote: נְאֻם־יְהוָֽה (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-quotations

See how you translated the phrase the declaration of Yahweh in the previous verse. If you used it to introduce the quotation there, you may wish to do the same thing here.

I will take away man and beast; I will take away the birds of the skies and the fish of the sea

Quote: אָסֵ֨ף אָדָ֜ם וּ⁠בְהֵמָ֗ה אָסֵ֤ף עוֹף־הַ⁠שָּׁמַ֨יִם֙ וּ⁠דְגֵ֣י הַ⁠יָּ֔ם (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-merism

Yahweh is using creatures from the three components of creation—land creatures, sky creatures, and sea creatures—to mean all creatures throughout creation. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression or plain language. Alternate translation: “I will take away all the creatures that live everywhere in creation”

man and beast; … man

Quote: אָדָ֜ם וּ⁠בְהֵמָ֗ה & הָ⁠אָדָ֗ם (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotations

Here the masculine term man has a generic sense that includes both men and women. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could use language in your translation that clearly includes both men and women. Alternate translation: “humans and beasts … humans”

man and beast

Quote: אָדָ֜ם וּ⁠בְהֵמָ֗ה (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-merism

Yahweh is using two types of creatures that live on the earth, man and beast, to mean all creatures that live on the earth. If you would like to retain in your translation the references in this verse to the three different parts of creation, you could explain the meaning of this reference. Alternate translation: “all the creatures that live on the earth”

and the stumbling blocks with the wicked

Quote: וְ⁠הַ⁠מַּכְשֵׁל֖וֹת אֶת־הָ⁠רְשָׁעִ֑ים (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj

Yahweh is using the adjective wicked as a noun to mean a certain kind of person. Your language may use adjectives in the same way. If not, you can translate this adjective with an equivalent phrase. Alternate translation: “and the stumbling blocks with wicked people”

and the stumbling blocks

Quote: וְ⁠הַ⁠מַּכְשֵׁל֖וֹת (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Yahweh is speaking of idols as if they were literally stumbling blocks, that is, objects that people would trip over. He is using stumbling to mean doing what is morally and spiritually wrong. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “and the idols”

with the wicked

Quote: אֶת־הָ⁠רְשָׁעִ֑ים (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

The implication is that the wicked people Yahweh is talking about are doing things that are morally and spiritually wrong because their actions are being guided by the values implicit in idolatry rather than by Yahweh’s law. You could indicate that in your translation if it would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “with the people who are wicked because they worship idols”

and I will cut off man from upon the face of the ground

Quote: וְ⁠הִכְרַתִּ֣י אֶת־הָ⁠אָדָ֗ם מֵ⁠עַ֛ל פְּנֵ֥י הָ⁠אֲדָמָ֖ה (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole

When Yahweh says that he will kill all the people who live on earth, as in verse 2, he is making an overstatement for emphasis. If it would be clearer in your language, you could express the emphasis in a different way. Alternate translation: “and the wicked people who are disobeying me, I will punish by killing them”

and I will cut off man

Quote: וְ⁠הִכְרַתִּ֣י אֶת־הָ⁠אָדָ֗ם (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotations

Here the masculine term man has a generic sense that includes both men and women. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could use language in your translation that is clearly inclusive of both men and women. Alternate translation: “and I will cut off all people”

and I will cut off man

Quote: וְ⁠הִכְרַתִּ֣י אֶת־הָ⁠אָדָ֗ם (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Yahweh is speaking as if he were going to cut off the people who live on the earth the way one would cut a branch off from a tree. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “and I will destroy all people” or “and I will eliminate all people”

the face of the ground

Quote: פְּנֵ֥י הָ⁠אֲדָמָ֖ה (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

See how you translated this expression in the previous verse. Alternate translation: “the surface of the earth”

Zephaniah 1:4

And I will stretch out my hand

Quote: וְ⁠נָטִ֤יתִי יָדִ⁠י֙ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Here, hand represents the power that a person has to do something. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “And I will use my power”

and I will cut off from this place

Quote: וְ⁠הִכְרַתִּ֞י מִן־הַ⁠מָּק֤וֹם הַ⁠זֶּה֙ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

See how you translated the expression cut off in the previous verse. Alternate translation: “and I will remove from this place” or “and I will eliminate from this place”

and I will cut off from this place

Quote: וְ⁠הִכְרַתִּ֞י מִן־הַ⁠מָּק֤וֹם הַ⁠זֶּה֙ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-litany

As the General Notes to this chapter discuss, this phrase is the beginning of a litany. You may use that discussion to help you consider how to format the material in verses 4–6.

the remnant of Baal

Quote: אֶת־שְׁאָ֣ר הַ⁠בַּ֔עַל (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Yahweh is using the name Baal by association to mean the worship of Baal, a false god. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “the remnant of Baal-worship”

the remnant of Baal

Quote: אֶת־שְׁאָ֣ר הַ⁠בַּ֔עַל (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

The worship of Baal had not been reduced to a remnant at this time. As the General Introduction to Zephaniah explains, the prophet spoke these oracles to warn the people of Judah that they needed to stop worshiping Baal. So Yahweh is using this expression to mean that he will destroy Baal worship so completely that nothing is left—there will be no remnant. You could indicate that in your translation if it would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “every last trace of Baal worship”

the name of the idol-priests with the priests

Quote: אֶת־שֵׁ֥ם הַ⁠כְּמָרִ֖ים עִם־הַ⁠כֹּהֲנִֽים (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis

Yahweh is leaving out some of the words that in many languages a sentence would need in order to be complete. You can supply these words from the context if that would be clearer in your language. Alternate translation: “yes, I will cut off the name of the idol-priests with the priests” or “yes, I will destroy the name of the idol-priests with the priests”

the name of

Quote: אֶת־שֵׁ֥ם (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Here, name represents the reputation of an individual, which extends beyond the place and time in which that individual is known personally. When someone’s name in this sense is destroyed, no one remembers that person any longer. Alternate translation: “the memory of”

with the priests

Quote: עִם־הַ⁠כֹּהֲנִֽים (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

The term priests probably refers to the priests descended from Aaron who were supposed to lead the Israelites in the worship of Yahweh. Unfortunately, at this time they were not serving Yahweh faithfully, as Zephaniah says in 3:4. You could indicate that in your translation if it would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “along with the degenerate priests from the line of Aaron”

Zephaniah 1:5

and the ones bowing down on the housetops to the army of the skies, and the ones bowing down, swearing to Yahweh but swearing by their king

Quote: וְ⁠אֶת־הַ⁠מִּשְׁתַּחֲוִ֥ים עַל־הַ⁠גַּגּ֖וֹת לִ⁠צְבָ֣א הַ⁠שָּׁמָ֑יִם וְ⁠אֶת־הַ⁠מִּֽשְׁתַּחֲוִים֙ הַ⁠נִּשְׁבָּעִ֣ים לַֽ⁠יהוָ֔ה וְ⁠הַ⁠נִּשְׁבָּעִ֖ים בְּ⁠מַלְכָּֽ⁠ם (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis

Yahweh is leaving out some of the words that in many languages a sentence would need in order to be complete. You can supply these words from the context if that would be clearer in your language. Alternate translation: “and I will cut off the ones bowing down on the housetops to the army of the skies, and I will cut off the ones bowing down, swearing to Yahweh but swearing by their king” or “and I will destroy the ones bowing down on the housetops to the army of the skies, and I will destroy the ones bowing down, swearing to Yahweh but swearing by their king”

and the ones bowing down on the housetops to the army of

Quote: וְ⁠אֶת־הַ⁠מִּשְׁתַּחֲוִ֥ים עַל־הַ⁠גַּגּ֖וֹת לִ⁠צְבָ֣א (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche

Yahweh is using one aspect of worship, bowing down, to mean worship generally. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “and I will destroy the ones who worship the army of”

to the army of the skies

Quote: לִ⁠צְבָ֣א הַ⁠שָּׁמָ֑יִם (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Yahweh is speaking of the sun, moon, and stars as if they were an army in the skies. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “to the heavenly bodies”

and the ones bowing down, swearing to Yahweh

Quote: וְ⁠אֶת־הַ⁠מִּֽשְׁתַּחֲוִים֙ הַ⁠נִּשְׁבָּעִ֣ים לַֽ⁠יהוָ֔ה (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-123person

Yahweh is speaking about himself in the third person. If it would be helpful in your language, you could translate this in the first person. Alternate translation: “and the ones bowing down, swearing to me”

and the ones bowing down, swearing to Yahweh

Quote: וְ⁠אֶת־הַ⁠מִּֽשְׁתַּחֲוִים֙ הַ⁠נִּשְׁבָּעִ֣ים לַֽ⁠יהוָ֔ה (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet

The terms bowing down and swearing to mean similar things. They both indicate worship; bowing down, one aspect of worship, represents worship generally, while the expression swearing to describes pledging oneself to worship Yahweh as God. Yahweh is using the two terms together for emphasis since, as the rest of the verse shows, this worship was not wholehearted. If it would be clearer for your readers, you could express the emphasis with a single phrase. Alternate translation: “the ones appearing to worship me devotedly”

swearing to Yahweh but swearing by their king

Quote: הַ⁠נִּשְׁבָּעִ֣ים לַֽ⁠יהוָ֔ה וְ⁠הַ⁠נִּשְׁבָּעִ֖ים בְּ⁠מַלְכָּֽ⁠ם (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names

The word translated their king could be the name of a false god, Milcom, also called Molech, Molek, or Moloch. If you choose to use the name in your translation, spell it the way it sounds in your language. If a translation of the Bible exists in your region, you may wish to use the spelling that it uses. Alternate translation: “swearing to me but swearing by Milcom”

swearing to Yahweh but swearing by their king

Quote: הַ⁠נִּשְׁבָּעִ֣ים לַֽ⁠יהוָ֔ה וְ⁠הַ⁠נִּשְׁבָּעִ֖ים בְּ⁠מַלְכָּֽ⁠ם (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

Yahweh is drawing a contrast between swearing to and swearing by. The Judeans who swore to Yahweh pledged themselves to worship him as their God. But they then swore by Milcom, invoking the name of that false god to guarantee a vow or promise that they had made. Yahweh is saying how inconsistent and inappropriate it was for them to do that. You could indicate that in your translation if it would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “pledging themselves to worship me but then guaranteeing their oaths by invoking the false god Milcom”

Zephaniah 1:6

and the ones turning back from after Yahweh, and who do not search for Yahweh and do not seek him

Quote: וְ⁠אֶת־הַ⁠נְּסוֹגִ֖ים מֵ⁠אַחֲרֵ֣י יְהוָ֑ה וַ⁠אֲשֶׁ֛ר לֹֽא־בִקְשׁ֥וּ אֶת־יְהוָ֖ה וְ⁠לֹ֥א דְרָשֻֽׁ⁠הוּ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-123person

Yahweh is speaking about himself in the third person. If it would be helpful in your language, you could translate this in the first person. Alternate translation: “and the ones turning back from after me, and who do not search for me and do not seek me”

and the ones turning back from after Yahweh, and who do not search for Yahweh and do not seek him

Quote: וְ⁠אֶת־הַ⁠נְּסוֹגִ֖ים מֵ⁠אַחֲרֵ֣י יְהוָ֑ה וַ⁠אֲשֶׁ֛ר לֹֽא־בִקְשׁ֥וּ אֶת־יְהוָ֖ה וְ⁠לֹ֥א דְרָשֻֽׁ⁠הוּ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis

Yahweh is leaving out some of the words that in many languages a sentence would need in order to be complete. You can supply these words from the context if that would be clearer in your language. This could be describing: (1) two groups, people who are no longer actively worshiping Yahweh and people who still worship Yahweh formally but who do not relate to him actively as their God. Alternate translation: “and I will destroy those who have stopped worshiping me actively, and I will destroy those who still worship me formally but do not relate to me actively as their God” (2) one group, people who show that they are no longer worshiping Yahweh by the way they no longer relate to him actively as their God. Alternate translation: “and I will destroy those who show they have stopped worshiping me by the way they no longer relate to me actively as their God”

and the ones turning back from after Yahweh

Quote: וְ⁠אֶת־הַ⁠נְּסוֹגִ֖ים מֵ⁠אַחֲרֵ֣י יְהוָ֑ה (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Yahweh is speaking as if the Judeans who are ceasing to worship him were literally walking on a path and turning back from the direction in which they had been heading. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “and I will destroy the ones who have stopped worshiping me”

and who do not search for Yahweh and do not seek him

Quote: וַ⁠אֲשֶׁ֛ר לֹֽא־בִקְשׁ֥וּ אֶת־יְהוָ֖ה וְ⁠לֹ֥א דְרָשֻֽׁ⁠הוּ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet

Yahweh could be using the expressions search for and seek to mean: (1) two similar things. He could be speaking as if the Judeans should literally have been looking for him, meaning that they should have been praying to him. In this case Yahweh would be using two similar terms together for emphasis. If it would be clearer for your readers, you could express the emphasis with a single phrase Alternate translation: “and I will destroy the ones who no longer pray to me at all” (2) two different things. The expression search for could mean to ask for help, and the expression seek could mean to ask for guidance. Alternate translation: “and I will destroy those who no longer ask for my help or guidance”

Zephaniah 1:7

Hush from the face of Lord Yahweh

Quote: הַ֕ס מִ⁠פְּנֵ֖י אֲדֹנָ֣⁠י יְהוִ֑ה (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Here the word face represents the presence of a person by association with the way people can see the face of someone who is present. Alternate translation: “Hush in the presence of Lord Yahweh”

Hush from the face of Lord Yahweh

Quote: הַ֕ס מִ⁠פְּנֵ֖י אֲדֹנָ֣⁠י יְהוִ֑ה (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-exclamations

The word Hush is an exclamation that urges listeners to be silent. In your translation, you may choose to use an exclamation that is natural in your language for communicating this. You could also translate the word as an imperative. Alternate translation: “Shh! in the presence of Lord Yahweh”

the day of Yahweh {is} near

Quote: קָרוֹב֙ י֣וֹם יְהוָ֔ה (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom

The expression the day of Yahweh refers to a specific time when God will punish people for their sins. Alternate translation: “the time is coming soon when Yahweh will punish people for their sins”

Yahweh has prepared a sacrifice, he has sanctified his invited ones

Quote: הֵכִ֧ין יְהוָ֛ה זֶ֖בַח הִקְדִּ֥ישׁ קְרֻאָֽי⁠ו (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Zephaniah is speaking as if Yahweh had literally prepared a sacrifice and ceremonially cleansed (sanctified) those he had invited to share a meal from the meat of the sacrificed animal. He is speaking of the people of Judah as if they were this sacrifice, and of an enemy army, most likely that of the Babylonians, as if it would feast on the Judeans, meaning that this foreign power would conquer them and plunder them, as verses 13–16 indicate. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “Yahweh is going to allow a foreign army to conquer and plunder the land of Judah”

his invited ones

Quote: קְרֻאָֽי⁠ו (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “the ones he has invited”

Zephaniah 1:8

And it will happen on the day of the sacrifice of Yahweh

Quote: וְ⁠הָיָ֗ה בְּ⁠יוֹם֙ זֶ֣בַח יְהוָ֔ה (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-litany

As the General Notes to this chapter discuss, this phrase is the beginning of a litany. You may use that discussion to help you consider how to format the material in verses 8–9.

on the day of the sacrifice of Yahweh

Quote: בְּ⁠יוֹם֙ זֶ֣בַח יְהוָ֔ה (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-123person

Yahweh is speaking about himself in the third person. If it would be helpful in your language, you could translate this in the first person. Alternate translation: “on the day of my sacrifice”

on the day of the sacrifice of Yahweh

Quote: בְּ⁠יוֹם֙ זֶ֣בַח יְהוָ֔ה (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

As Zephaniah did in the previous verse, Yahweh is speaking as if he is literally going to offer a sacrifice. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “on the day when I punish you Judeans for your sins”

on the day of the sacrifice of Yahweh

Quote: בְּ⁠יוֹם֙ זֶ֣בַח יְהוָ֔ה (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom

See how you translated the expression “the day of Yahweh” in the previous verse. Alternate translation: “at the time when I punish you Judeans for your sins”

that I will visit upon the princes and upon the sons of the king and upon all the ones wearing foreign clothing

Quote: וּ⁠פָקַדְתִּ֥י עַל־הַ⁠שָּׂרִ֖ים וְ⁠עַל־בְּנֵ֣י הַ⁠מֶּ֑לֶךְ וְ⁠עַ֥ל כָּל־הַ⁠לֹּבְשִׁ֖ים מַלְבּ֥וּשׁ נָכְרִֽי (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom

The expression visit upon means to punish. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “that I will punish the princes and the sons of the king and all the ones wearing foreign clothing”

the princes

Quote: הַ⁠שָּׂרִ֖ים (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

In some languages the term princes describes male direct descendants of a monarch, but here it means court officials who may or may not have been members of the royal family. You could indicate that in your translation if it would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “the court officials”

the sons of the king

Quote: בְּנֵ֣י הַ⁠מֶּ֑לֶךְ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

This could mean: (1) the actual members of the royal family. In that case, the word sons would have a generic sense, applying to both men and women, and it would mean not just the literal children of the present king but also the grandchildren and even later descendants of previous kings. Alternate translation: “the royal family” (2) the literal sons of the present king, Josiah, who would have been just boys at this time. The implication is that Yahweh is going to punish the Judeans so thoroughly that not even children will be spared. Alternate translation: “even the king’s young boys”

all the ones wearing foreign clothing

Quote: כָּל־הַ⁠לֹּבְשִׁ֖ים מַלְבּ֥וּשׁ נָכְרִֽי (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche

Yahweh is using one thing that the Judeans were doing to curry favor with foreign powers, wearing the same clothing that they did, to mean everything that they did to curry favor, especially including worshiping their gods. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “all those who have adopted foreign ways”

Zephaniah 1:9

and on that day I will visit upon

Quote: וּ⁠פָקַדְתִּ֗י עַ֧ל & בַּ⁠יּ֣וֹם הַ⁠ה֑וּא (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom

See how you translated the expressions “on the day” and “I will visit upon” in the previous verse. Alternate translation: “and at the time when I punish you Judeans, I will punish”

all the ones leaping over the threshold

Quote: כָּל־הַ⁠דּוֹלֵ֛ג עַל־הַ⁠מִּפְתָּ֖ן (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom

The expression leaping over the threshold seems to refer to people entering other people’s houses forcibly, as if in a rush, in order to seize their possessions by violence or fraud. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “all those who enter other people’s houses violently in order to seize their possessions”

the ones filling the house of their lords {with} violence and fraud

Quote: הַֽ⁠מְמַלְאִ֛ים בֵּ֥ית אֲדֹנֵי⁠הֶ֖ם חָמָ֥ס וּ⁠מִרְמָֽה (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-plural

Yahweh is using the plural form lords in a context where the singular term “lord” would suffice. This suggests that he may be using the plural form as a superlative to indicate the supreme example of its own class, in which case this would be a reference to the king, the lord or master of the Judeans. Your language may use plural forms in the same way. If not, you could express the meaning in another way. Alternate translation: “who have filled the house of their king with violence and fraud” or “who have filled the royal palace with violence and fraud”

with} violence and fraud

Quote: חָמָ֥ס וּ⁠מִרְמָֽה (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Yahweh is using the terms violence and fraud by association to mean possessions unlawfully obtained from others by violence or on fraudulent grounds. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “with possessions that they have gotten violently or fraudulently”

Zephaniah 1:10

And it will happen on that day“ the declaration of Yahweh— the sound of

Quote: וְ⁠הָיָה֩ בַ⁠יּ֨וֹם הַ⁠ה֜וּא נְאֻם־יְהוָ֗ה ק֤וֹל (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-quotations

See how you translated the phrase the declaration of Yahweh in verses 2 and 3. Alternate translation: “This is what Yahweh declares: ‘And it will happen on that day, the sound of’”

on that day

Quote: בַ⁠יּ֨וֹם הַ⁠ה֜וּא (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom

See how you translated the expressions “on that day” in the previous verse. Alternate translation: “at the time when I punish you Judeans for your sins”

the sound of

Quote: ק֤וֹל (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis

Yahweh is leaving out some of the words that in many languages a sentence would need in order to be complete. You can supply these words from the context if that would be clearer in your language. Alternate translation: “that people will hear the sound of”

from the Fish Gate

Quote: מִ⁠שַּׁ֣עַר הַ⁠דָּגִ֔ים (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names

The expression the Fish Gate is the name of one of the gates in the wall of the ancient city of Jerusalem. It may have had that name because there was a fish market just outside this gate. If your language has a term for “fish,” you could use that term to translate this name. If not, you could translate the name the way it sounds in your language.

the Second {District

Quote: הַ⁠מִּשְׁנֶ֑ה (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names

The word Second is the name of one of the districts in the ancient city of Jerusalem. The ULT adds the word District to show that. This district may have had that name because it had been added to the original city. Some translations use a name for it that indicates that. Alternate translation: “the New Quarter”

from the hills

Quote: מֵ⁠הַ⁠גְּבָעֽוֹת (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Yahweh is using the term hills by association to mean the settlements on the hills around Jerusalem. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “from the settlements on the hills around Jerusalem”

Zephaniah 1:11

the Maktesh

Quote: הַ⁠מַּכְתֵּ֑שׁ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names

The word Maktesh is the name of one of the districts in the ancient city of Jerusalem. It seems to have been a place where many goods were bought and sold, and so some translations refer to it with a descriptive phrase rather than with this name. Alternate translation: “the market district”

all of the people of Canaan will be destroyed, all of the ones weighing silver will be cut off

Quote: נִדְמָה֙ כָּל־עַ֣ם כְּנַ֔עַן נִכְרְת֖וּ כָּל־נְטִ֥ילֵי כָֽסֶף (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism

These two phrases mean similar things. Yahweh is using repetition to emphasize the idea that the phrases express. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could combine them. Alternate translation: “all of the merchants and traders who make your district such a prosperous place will be completely destroyed”

all of the people of Canaan will be destroyed, all of the ones weighing silver will be cut off

Quote: נִדְמָה֙ כָּל־עַ֣ם כְּנַ֔עַן נִכְרְת֖וּ כָּל־נְטִ֥ילֵי כָֽסֶף (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If your language does not use these passive forms, you could express the ideas in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “I am going to destroy all of the people of Canaan; yes, I am going to cut off all of the ones weighing silver”

the people of Canaan

Quote: עַ֣ם כְּנַ֔עַן (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom

In this context, the expression people of Canaan refers to traders, not to those from the Canaanite people group. Many traders were Phoenicians, that is, Canaanites, and that is how the profession got this name, but the reference is to the profession and not to the people group. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “the traders”

the ones weighing silver

Quote: נְטִ֥ילֵי כָֽסֶף (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Yahweh is using the expression the ones weighing silver by association to mean merchants. In this culture, people used silver as money, determining its value by its weight. So merchants would weigh silver in order to determine how much of it to pay for goods or to accept in payment for them. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “the merchants”

will be cut off

Quote: נִכְרְת֖וּ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom

See how you translated the expression “cut off” in verse 3. Alternate translation: “will be destroyed”

Zephaniah 1:12

with lamps

Quote: בַּ⁠נֵּר֑וֹת (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Yahweh is speaking as if he is literally going to use lamps in order to search for evildoers so that he can find them and punish them. He means that he is going to search thoroughly, as if using a lamp in order to see into all dark corners where someone or something might escape notice. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “thoroughly”

and I will visit upon

Quote: וּ⁠פָקַדְתִּ֣י עַל (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom

See how you translated the expression “I will visit upon” in verse 8. Alternate translation: “and I will punish”

the men thickening on their sediment

Quote: הָ⁠אֲנָשִׁ֗ים הַ⁠קֹּֽפְאִים֙ עַל־שִׁמְרֵי⁠הֶ֔ם (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotations

Here the masculine term men has a generic sense that includes both men and women. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could use language in your translation that is clearly inclusive of both men and women. Alternate translation: “the people who are thickening on their sediment”

the men thickening on their sediment

Quote: הָ⁠אֲנָשִׁ֗ים הַ⁠קֹּֽפְאִים֙ עַל־שִׁמְרֵי⁠הֶ֔ם (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Yahweh is speaking as if the sinful, complacent people of Jerusalem were literally wine that is thickening because it has been left on its sediment. The term “sediment” describes the small pieces of stem, leaves, and seeds from grape plants that are unintentionally mixed with the juice during the winemaking process. Ordinarily, these are allowed to settle to the bottom of the wine, which is then poured off to separate it from them. Yahweh means that just as wine left on its sediment becomes thick, so these Judeans have become difficult to motivate to repentance. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. You may wish to represent the image as a comparison and explain its meaning. Alternate translation: “the people who have become so complacent” or “the people who have become so complacent that they are like wine that has thickened because no one has poured it off its sediment”

the ones saying in their heart, Yahweh will not do good, and he will not do bad

Quote: הָ⁠אֹֽמְרִים֙ בִּ⁠לְבָבָ֔⁠ם לֹֽא־יֵיטִ֥יב יְהוָ֖ה וְ⁠לֹ֥א יָרֵֽעַ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-quotesinquotes

If it would be clearer in your language, you could translate this so that there is not a quotation within a quotation. Alternate translation: “the ones saying in their heart that Yahweh will not do good and that he will not do bad”

the ones saying in their heart, Yahweh will not do good, and he will not do bad

Quote: הָ⁠אֹֽמְרִים֙ בִּ⁠לְבָבָ֔⁠ם לֹֽא־יֵיטִ֥יב יְהוָ֖ה וְ⁠לֹ֥א יָרֵֽעַ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-123person

If you decide to turn this quotation within a quotation into an indirect quotation, then Yahweh would be speaking about himself in the third person. If it would be helpful in your language, you could translate this in the first person. Alternate translation: “the ones saying in their heart that I will not do good and that I will not do bad”

in their heart

Quote: בִּ⁠לְבָבָ֔⁠ם (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Here the heart represents the thoughts. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “in their thoughts” or “to themselves”

in their heart

Quote: בִּ⁠לְבָבָ֔⁠ם (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-collectivenouns

Since Job is speaking of many people, if you retain the image of heart in your translation, it may be more natural in your language to use the plural form of the word. Alternate translation: “in their hearts”

Yahweh will not do good, and he will not do bad

Quote: לֹֽא־יֵיטִ֥יב יְהוָ֖ה וְ⁠לֹ֥א יָרֵֽעַ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

By do good, these people are implicitly referring to Yahweh rewarding them, and by do bad, they are referring to Yahweh punishing them. You could indicate that in your translation if it would be helpful to your readers. You could also bring out the further implication in what the people are saying: that Yahweh is not a God who enforces justice in the world, so they may act as they wish. Alternate translation: “Yahweh is not going to reward us, and he is not going to punish us” or “Yahweh is not the kind of God who rewards good people and punishes wicked people, so it does not matter how we live”

Zephaniah 1:13

and their wealth will become plunder and their houses a ruin

Quote: וְ⁠הָיָ֤ה חֵילָ⁠ם֙ לִ⁠מְשִׁסָּ֔ה וּ⁠בָתֵּי⁠הֶ֖ם לִ⁠שְׁמָמָ֑ה (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis

Yahweh is leaving out some of the words that in many languages a sentence would need in order to be complete. You can supply these words from the context if that would be clearer in your language. Alternate translation: “and their wealth will become plunder and their houses will become a ruin”

and their wealth will become plunder and their houses a ruin

Quote: וְ⁠הָיָ֤ה חֵילָ⁠ם֙ לִ⁠מְשִׁסָּ֔ה וּ⁠בָתֵּי⁠הֶ֖ם לִ⁠שְׁמָמָ֑ה (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

Yahweh does not mean that these things will happen on their own. He means implicitly that the enemy army he describes in verse 16 will plunder the wealth of these complacent Judeans and ruin their houses. You could indicate that in your translation if it would be helpful to your readers. It may be helpful to begin a new sentence here. Alternate translation: “An enemy army will plunder their wealth and ruin their houses”

and they will build houses, but they will not inhabit {them}, and they will plant vineyards, but they will not drink their wine

Quote: וּ⁠בָנ֤וּ בָתִּים֙ וְ⁠לֹ֣א יֵשֵׁ֔בוּ וְ⁠נָטְע֣וּ כְרָמִ֔ים וְ⁠לֹ֥א יִשְׁתּ֖וּ אֶת־יֵינָֽ⁠ם (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-quotemarks

Yahweh is alluding to what he told the Israelites would happen if they disobeyed him and worshiped false gods. When the Israelites first left Egypt, he told them through Moses that if they did those things, “You shall build a house but not live in it; you shall plant a vineyard but not use it” (Deuteronomy 28:30). Yahweh is quoting his own words to show that they would be fulfilled in the case of these Judeans. To indicate that in your translation, you could present this as a direct quotation, using second-level quotation marks or some other convention of your language. Alternate translation: “and ‘they will build houses, but they will not inhabit {them}, and they will plant vineyards, but they will not drink their wine’”

Zephaniah 1:14

The great day of Yahweh {… the day of Yahweh

Quote: יוֹם־יְהוָה֙ הַ⁠גָּד֔וֹל & י֣וֹם יְהוָ֔ה (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom

See how you translated the expression “the day of Yahweh” in verse 7. Alternate translation: “the awful time when Yahweh will punish people for their sins … the time when Yahweh will punish people”

The great day of Yahweh {… the day of Yahweh

Quote: יוֹם־יְהוָה֙ הַ⁠גָּד֔וֹל & י֣וֹם יְהוָ֔ה (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-123person

Yahweh is speaking about himself in the third person. If it would be helpful in your language, you could translate this in the first person. Alternate translation: “the awful time when I will punish people for their sins … the time when I will punish people”

is} near, near and hastening quickly

Quote: קָר֤וֹב & קָר֖וֹב וּ⁠מַהֵ֣ר מְאֹ֑ד (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-reduplication

Yahweh is repeating the word near in order to intensify the idea that it expresses. If your language can repeat words for intensification, it would be appropriate to do that here in your translation. If not, your language may have another way of expressing the emphasis. Alternate translation: “very near and hastening quickly”

is} near, near and hastening quickly

Quote: קָר֤וֹב & קָר֖וֹב וּ⁠מַהֵ֣ר מְאֹ֑ד (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification

Yahweh is speaking as if the day or time when he will punish people were a living thing that was hastening to arrive. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “near; yes, it will happen very soon”

The sound of the day of Yahweh {is} bitter

Quote: ק֚וֹל י֣וֹם יְהוָ֔ה מַ֥ר (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Yahweh is speaking of the sound of the day by association to mean the sounds that people will make on that day, that is, at that time. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “People will weep bitterly on the day of Yahweh”

the warrior cries out

Quote: צֹרֵ֖חַ & גִּבּֽוֹר (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-genericnoun

Yahweh is not referring to a specific warrior. He means a certain group of warriors in general. This could mean: (1) that the warriors who are trying to defend Judah will cry out in despair as they are defeated. Alternate translation: “the defenders of Judah will cry out in despair” (2) that the warriors of the enemy army that attacks Judah will shout a battle cry, as verse 16 describes. Alternate translation: “the invading warriors will shout a terrifying battle cry”

Zephaniah 1:15

That day

Quote: הַ⁠יּ֣וֹם הַ⁠ה֑וּא (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom

If you have been translating the phrase “the day of Yahweh” with an expression that uses the word “time,” you may wish to say “time” rather than day in each of the instances in this verse.

a day of distress and anguish, a day of destruction and desolation, a day of darkness and gloom, a day of cloud and overcast

Quote: י֧וֹם צָרָ֣ה וּ⁠מְצוּקָ֗ה י֤וֹם שֹׁאָה֙ וּ⁠מְשׁוֹאָ֔ה י֥וֹם חֹ֨שֶׁךְ֙ וַ⁠אֲפֵלָ֔ה י֥וֹם עָנָ֖ן וַ⁠עֲרָפֶֽל (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet

In these four cases, Yahweh is using two words with similar meaning together for emphasis. If it would be clearer for your readers, you could express the emphasis with a single phrase. Alternate translation: “a day of great distress, a day of severe destruction, a day of deep darkness, a day of thick cloud”

a day of darkness and gloom, a day of cloud and overcast

Quote: י֥וֹם חֹ֨שֶׁךְ֙ וַ⁠אֲפֵלָ֔ה י֥וֹם עָנָ֖ן וַ⁠עֲרָפֶֽל (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Yahweh is speaking as if the sky will literally be dark and cloudy at the time when he punishes people for their sins. He means that it will be a time when people experience much trouble and feel great sorrow. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “a day of terrible trouble, a day of deep sorrow”

Zephaniah 1:16

a day of

Quote: י֥וֹם (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom

If you have been translating the phrase “the day of Yahweh” with an expression that uses the word “time,” you may wish to say “time” rather than day here. Alternate translation: “a time of”

horn and battle cry

Quote: שׁוֹפָ֖ר וּ⁠תְרוּעָ֑ה (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Yahweh is referring to a ram’s horn, a shofar, that soldiers would use to signal an attack. Yahweh is using the term by association to mean the sound that this horn would make. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. It may be more natural in your language to use plural forms here. Alternate translation: “horn blasts and battle-cries”

against the fortified cities and against the high corners

Quote: עַ֚ל הֶ⁠עָרִ֣ים הַ⁠בְּצֻר֔וֹת וְ⁠עַ֖ל הַ⁠פִּנּ֥וֹת הַ⁠גְּבֹהֽוֹת (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Yahweh is using the term corners by association to mean the towers that were built at the corners of the walls around cities in the kingdom of Judah. Those walls were not straight; they had angles and corners so that defenders could attack besieging armies from more than one direction. High towers were built at the corners so that the defenders could attack from a height. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “against the fortified cities and against the high towers at the corners of their walls”

against the fortified cities and against the high corners

Quote: עַ֚ל הֶ⁠עָרִ֣ים הַ⁠בְּצֻר֔וֹת וְ⁠עַ֖ל הַ⁠פִּנּ֥וֹת הַ⁠גְּבֹהֽוֹת (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet

The phrases fortified cities and high corners mean similar things. The high towers at the corners of city walls were one part of their fortifications. Yahweh is using the two terms together for emphasis. If it would be clearer for your readers, you could express the emphasis with a single phrase. Alternate translation: “the walled cities and all of their fortifications”

Zephaniah 1:17

to man

Quote: לָ⁠אָדָ֗ם (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotations

Here the masculine term man has a generic sense that includes both men and women. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could use language in your translation that is clearly inclusive of both men and women. The reference is most likely to the sinful, complacent Judeans. Alternate translation: “to the people of Judah”

and they will walk like the blind, for

Quote: וְ⁠הָֽלְכוּ֙ כַּֽ⁠עִוְרִ֔ים כִּ֥י (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-quotemarks

This is a further allusion to what Yahweh told the Israelites when they first left Egypt, like the allusion in verse 13. In Deuteronomy 28:29, Yahweh told the Israelites that if they disobeyed him and worshiped false gods, “you will be groping about at noon, as the blind grope in the darkness.” To indicate that Yahweh is quoting his own words, you could present this as a direct quotation, using second-level quotation marks or some other convention of your language. Alternate translation: “and ‘they will walk like the blind,’ for”

and they will walk like the blind

Quote: וְ⁠הָֽלְכוּ֙ כַּֽ⁠עִוְרִ֔ים (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile

The point of this comparison is that just as a person who is blind does not know in what direction he should walk in order to arrive somewhere safely, so the Judeans will not be able to find any safe place to escape from the enemy army. Yahweh is not saying that blindness is a punishment for sin. Alternate translation: “and they will not be able to find any place where it is safe”

like the blind

Quote: כַּֽ⁠עִוְרִ֔ים (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj

Yahweh is using the adjective blind as a noun to mean a certain kind of person. Your language may use adjectives in the same way. If not, you can translate this adjective with an equivalent phrase. Alternate translation: “as blind people do”

And their blood will be poured out like dust, and their innards like dung

Quote: וְ⁠שֻׁפַּ֤ךְ דָּמָ⁠ם֙ כֶּֽ⁠עָפָ֔ר וּ⁠לְחֻמָ֖⁠ם כַּ⁠גְּלָלִֽים (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis

Yahweh is leaving out some of the words that in many languages a sentence would need in order to be complete. You can supply these words from the context if that would be clearer in your language. Alternate translation: “And their blood will be poured out like dust, and their innards will be poured out like dung”

And their blood will be poured out like dust, and their innards like dung

Quote: וְ⁠שֻׁפַּ֤ךְ דָּמָ⁠ם֙ כֶּֽ⁠עָפָ֔ר וּ⁠לְחֻמָ֖⁠ם כַּ⁠גְּלָלִֽים (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “And their enemies will wound them so that their blood flows out like dust and their innards flow out like dung”

And their blood will be poured out like dust, and their innards like dung

Quote: וְ⁠שֻׁפַּ֤ךְ דָּמָ⁠ם֙ כֶּֽ⁠עָפָ֔ר וּ⁠לְחֻמָ֖⁠ם כַּ⁠גְּלָלִֽים (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile

The point of these comparisons is that just as people consider dust and dung to have no value, the blood and innards of the Judeans, vital to their lives, will be poured out as if those substances and the lives they sustain had no value. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this point explicitly. Alternate translation: “And their enemies will wound them so that their blood and their innards flow out profusely, as if they were worthless”

Zephaniah 1:18

Even their silver, even their gold, will not be able to deliver them

Quote: גַּם־כַּסְפָּ֨⁠ם גַּם־זְהָבָ֜⁠ם לֹֽא־יוּכַ֣ל לְ⁠הַצִּילָ֗⁠ם (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification

Yahweh is speaking as if the silver and the gold that the Judeans own were living things that could deliver them from their enemies. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “They will not even be able to pay their enemies silver or gold in order to be spared”

For in the fire of his jealousy the whole earth will be consumed

Quote: וּ⁠בְ⁠אֵשׁ֙ קִנְאָת֔⁠וֹ תֵּאָכֵ֖ל כָּל־הָ⁠אָ֑רֶץ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “For the fire of his jealousy will consume the whole earth”

For in the fire of his jealousy the whole earth will be consumed

Quote: וּ⁠בְ⁠אֵשׁ֙ קִנְאָת֔⁠וֹ תֵּאָכֵ֖ל כָּל־הָ⁠אָ֑רֶץ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Yahweh is speaking as if his jealousy were a fire that is literally going to burn up the entire earth. As the next sentence indicates, he is using the term “earth” to mean the people who live on the earth, and he is referring to the way that he will punish those people for worshiping false gods and living sinfully. He is speaking of that punishment as if it were a fire. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “For he will destroy all of the people who live on the earth when he punishes them in his jealousy”

For in the fire of his jealousy the whole earth will be consumed

Quote: וּ⁠בְ⁠אֵשׁ֙ קִנְאָת֔⁠וֹ תֵּאָכֵ֖ל כָּל־הָ⁠אָ֑רֶץ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of jealousy, you could express the same idea in another way. Zephaniah is saying that Yahweh is jealous because the people who live on the earth have been worshiping false gods even though they owe him their exclusive worship because he is the only true God. Alternate translation: Alternate translation: “For he will destroy all of the people who live on the earth when he punishes them because he is jealous that they have been worshiping false gods instead of him, the only true God”

he will make all of the inhabitants of the earth a consummation, indeed, a hastened one

Quote: כָלָ֤ה אַךְ־נִבְהָלָה֙ יַֽעֲשֶׂ֔ה אֵ֥ת כָּל־יֹשְׁבֵ֖י הָ⁠אָֽרֶץ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of consummation, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “he will end the lives of all the inhabitants of the earth, and he will do that quickly”

all of the inhabitants of the earth

Quote: כָּל־יֹשְׁבֵ֖י הָ⁠אָֽרֶץ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole

Since Yahweh does not kill righteous people along with wicked people, the word all may be a generalization for emphasis, or the expression the inhabitants of the earth may refer specifically to wicked people. Alternate translation: “many of the people who live on the earth” or “the wicked people who disobey him”

a hastened one

Quote: נִבְהָלָה֙ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. The word translated hastened could mean: (1) that Yahweh will quickly do what he is describing. Alternate translation: “he will do this soon” (2) that when Yahweh does this, it will terrify people. Alternate translation: “a terrifying one”

Zephaniah 2

Zephaniah 2 General Notes

Structure and Formatting

This chapter is the second of the three major parts of the book of Zephaniah. (See the outline in the General Introduction to the book.) This part begins with a warning to the people of Judah and Jerusalem (verses 1–3), and it then describes how Yahweh will punish the Philistines (verses 4–7), Moab and Ammon (verses 8–11), Ethiopia (verse 12), and Assyria (verses 13–16).

The ULT sets the lines of this chapter farther to the right on the page than the rest of the text because they are poetry.

Important Figures of Speech in This Chapter

Litany

In verses 1 and 2, Zephaniah uses the litany form, as he did four times in chapter 1. See the discussion of the litany form in the General Notes to chapter 1, and see how you formatted the litanies in that chapter. You may wish to present the general statement in verse 1 without any indentation and then put each sentence of verse 2 on a separate line. The format might look something like this:

Gather yourselves together! Yes, gather, O nation not desired,

before the bringing forth of the decree, before the day passes like chaff, before the burning of the nose of Yahweh does not come upon you, before the day of the nose of Yahweh does not come upon you.

Zephaniah 2:1

Gather yourselves together! Yes, gather

Quote: הִֽתְקוֹשְׁשׁ֖וּ וָ⁠ק֑וֹשּׁוּ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-reduplication

Zephaniah is repeating the verb Gather in order to emphasize the idea that it expresses. If a speaker of your language would not do that, you may be able to express the emphasis in another way in your translation. Alternate translation: “It is urgent that you gather together”

Gather yourselves together! Yes, gather

Quote: הִֽתְקוֹשְׁשׁ֖וּ וָ⁠ק֑וֹשּׁוּ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-yousingular

The word yourselves is plural because Zephaniah is addressing the Judeans as a group. The implied “you” in each of these imperative forms is also plural. So use plural forms in your translation if your language marks that distinction. (The word “you” and the implied “you” in imperatives continue to be plural in verses 2 and 3.)

Gather yourselves together

Quote: הִֽתְקוֹשְׁשׁ֖וּ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

Zephaniah is implicitly telling the Judeans to Gather … together in order to repent. That is, he is telling them that they urgently need to hold a solemn assembly in which they confess and forsake their sins and ask Yahweh to be merciful to them. You could indicate that in your translation if it would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “Gather yourselves together in repentance”

O nation not desired

Quote: הַ⁠גּ֖וֹי לֹ֥א נִכְסָֽף (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-litotes

Zephaniah is expressing a positive meaning by using a negative word together with a word that is the opposite of the intended meaning. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. The phrase translated not desired could mean: (1) that Yahweh does not want to be close to this nation because he is so angry with its people over their sinfulness and idolatry. Alternate translation: “O nation with whom Yahweh is so angry” (2) that the people of this nation are not ashamed of the wrong things that they have been doing. Alternate translation: “O shameless nation”

O nation not desired

Quote: הַ⁠גּ֖וֹי לֹ֥א נִכְסָֽף (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

Zephaniah is implicitly addressing the nation of Judah. You could indicate that in your translation if it would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “you Judeans with whom Yahweh is so angry” or “you shameless Judeans”

Zephaniah 2:2

before the bringing forth of the decree

Quote: בְּ⁠טֶ֨רֶם֙ לֶ֣דֶת חֹ֔ק (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-possession

Zephaniah is using this possessive form not to describe something bringing forth the decree but to speak of the decree as if it would be bringing forth something, that is, as if it would literally be giving birth to something. It may be helpful to clarify this for your readers, and it may be helpful to use plain language. Alternate translation: “before the decree takes effect”

before the bringing forth of the decree

Quote: בְּ⁠טֶ֨רֶם֙ לֶ֣דֶת חֹ֔ק (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

Zephaniah is referring implicitly to the decree of Yahweh that he announced in the previous chapter. You could indicate that in your translation if it would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “before Yahweh carries out his decree to destroy sinful people”

the day

Quote: י֑וֹם (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom

By the day, Zephaniah means the “day of Yahweh.” See how you translated that expression in chapter 1. Alternate translation: “the time when Yahweh punishes people for their sins”

before} … passes like chaff

Quote: כְּ⁠מֹ֖ץ עָ֣בַר (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile

The point of this comparison is that just as the wind blows away chaff so that it is gone and will not return, so the day of Yahweh will come and go, and afterwards there will be no further opportunity for people to repent. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this point explicitly. Alternate translation: “before … has come and gone and there is no further opportunity to repent”

before the burning of the nose of Yahweh does not come upon you, before the day of the nose of Yahweh does not come upon you

Quote: בְּ⁠טֶ֣רֶם ׀ לֹא־יָב֣וֹא עֲלֵי⁠כֶ֗ם חֲרוֹן֙ אַף־יְהוָ֔ה בְּ⁠טֶ֨רֶם֙ לֹא־יָב֣וֹא עֲלֵי⁠כֶ֔ם י֖וֹם אַף־יְהוָֽה (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism

These two phrases mean similar things. Zephaniah is using repetition to emphasize the idea that the phrases express. However, rather than combine the phrases and show the emphasis in another way, it may be good to include both phrases in your translation, since they are part of a litany. See the discussion in the General Notes to this chapter of the litany form and how you might format verses 1–2 to show that Zephaniah is using this form.

before the burning of the nose of Yahweh does not come upon you

Quote: בְּ⁠טֶ֣רֶם ׀ לֹא־יָב֣וֹא עֲלֵי⁠כֶ֗ם חֲרוֹן֙ אַף־יְהוָ֔ה (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-goal

Zephaniah is using a negative expression to describe an outcome that he is urging the people of Judah to avoid. He is effectively telling them to pursue the purpose of avoiding that outcome. Use a natural way in your language for introducing a purpose clause. The clause itself may be negative or positive, depending on the conventions of your language. Alternate translation: “so that the burning of the nose of Yahweh does not come upon you” or “lest the burning of the nose of Yahweh come upon you”

before the burning of the nose of Yahweh does not come upon you

Quote: בְּ⁠טֶ֣רֶם ׀ לֹא־יָב֣וֹא עֲלֵי⁠כֶ֗ם חֲרוֹן֙ אַף־יְהוָ֔ה (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Zephaniah is using the term nose to mean anger. He is doing this by association with the way that a person who is angry breathes heavily through his nose. Your language and culture may also associate anger with a particular part of the body. If so, in your translation you could use an expression involving that part of the body. You could also use plain language. Zephaniah is also speaking as if Yahweh’s nose or anger were literally burning. He means that Yahweh’s anger is very intense. Alternate translation: “so that Yahweh’s fierce anger does not come upon you” or “lest Yahweh’s fierce anger come upon you”

before the burning of the nose of Yahweh does not come upon you

Quote: בְּ⁠טֶ֣רֶם ׀ לֹא־יָב֣וֹא עֲלֵי⁠כֶ֗ם חֲרוֹן֙ אַף־יְהוָ֔ה (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification

Zephaniah is speaking as if Yahweh’s nose, that is, his anger, were a living thing that could come upon the Judeans, that is, attack and overpower them. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “so that Yahweh does not destroy you in his fierce anger” or “lest Yahweh destroy you in his fierce anger”

before the day of the nose of Yahweh does not come upon you

Quote: בְּ⁠טֶ֨רֶם֙ לֹא־יָב֣וֹא עֲלֵי⁠כֶ֔ם י֖וֹם אַף־יְהוָֽה (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-goal

See how you translated the similar expression just before this one, and see how you translated the term day earlier in the verse. Alternate translation: “so that Yahweh does not destroy you in his anger at the time when he punishes people for their sins”

Zephaniah 2:3

Seek Yahweh

Quote: בַּקְּשׁ֤וּ אֶת־יְהוָה֙ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Zephaniah is speaking as if he literally wanted the Judeans to Seek or look for Yahweh. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. See how you translated the similar expression in 1:6. Alternate translation: “Pray to Yahweh for mercy”

all the humble of the earth

Quote: כָּל־עַנְוֵ֣י הָ⁠אָ֔רֶץ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj

Zephaniah is using the adjective humble as a noun to mean a certain kind of person. Your language may use adjectives in the same way. If not, you can translate this adjective with an equivalent phrase. While Zephaniah is speaking of these people in the third person, he is addressing them directly. Alternate translation: “all you humble people of the earth”

all the humble of the earth

Quote: כָּל־עַנְוֵ֣י הָ⁠אָ֔רֶץ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

Here the term earth could mean: (1) the land of Judah, since Zephaniah is addressing a specific “nation,” the nation of Judah, in verses 1–3. Alternate translation: “all you humble people of the land” or “all you Judeans who are willing to humble yourselves” (2) the entire world, since that is what the term means in 1:18. Alternate translation: “all you humble people in the world”

who do his justice

Quote: אֲשֶׁ֥ר מִשְׁפָּט֖⁠וֹ פָּעָ֑לוּ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of justice, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “who do what he has said is just”

Seek righteousness. Seek humility

Quote: בַּקְּשׁוּ־צֶ֨דֶק֙ בַּקְּשׁ֣וּ עֲנָוָ֔ה (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Zephaniah is speaking as if he literally wanted the Judeans to Seek or look for righteousness and humility. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. The meaning of this image is slightly different from its meaning in 1:6 and in the first part of the verse. Alternate translation: “Practice righteousness. Cultivate humility”

Seek righteousness. Seek humility

Quote: בַּקְּשׁוּ־צֶ֨דֶק֙ בַּקְּשׁ֣וּ עֲנָוָ֔ה (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns

If your language does not use abstract nouns for the ideas of righteousness and humility, you could express the same ideas in other ways. Alternate translation: “Do what is right. Be humble”

you will be hidden

Quote: תִּסָּ֣תְר֔וּ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “you will be able to hide”

you will be hidden

Quote: תִּסָּ֣תְר֔וּ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Zephaniah is speaking as if the Judeans could literally be hidden somewhere where Yahweh could not find them. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “you will be spared”

on the day of the nose of Yahweh

Quote: בְּ⁠י֖וֹם אַף־יְהוָֽה (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom

See how you translated the similar expression at the end of the previous verse. Alternate translation: “at the time when Yahweh angrily punishes people”

Zephaniah 2:4

Gaza will become abandoned, … and Ekron will be uprooted

Quote: עַזָּה֙ עֲזוּבָ֣ה תִֽהְיֶ֔ה & וְ⁠עֶקְר֖וֹן תֵּעָקֵֽר (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-poetry

For poetic effect and emphasis, at the beginning and end of this verse Zephaniah uses verbs that echo the sound of the names of the cities he is describing. It may be possible for you to reproduce this effect in your translation.

Gaza will become abandoned

Quote: עַזָּה֙ עֲזוּבָ֣ה תִֽהְיֶ֔ה (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “the people who used to live in Gaza will abandon that city” or “no one will live in Gaza anymore”

and Ashkelon a ruin

Quote: וְ⁠אַשְׁקְל֖וֹן לִ⁠שְׁמָמָ֑ה (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis

Zephaniah is leaving out some of the words that in many languages a sentence would need in order to be complete. You can supply these words from the context if that would be clearer in your language. Alternate translation: “and Ashkelon will become a ruin”

Ashdod, they will expel her

Quote: אַשְׁדּ֗וֹד & יְגָ֣רְשׁ֔וּ⁠הָ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification

Zephaniah is speaking of the city of Ashdod as if it were a woman who could be expelled from the home in which she was living. He is using the city to represent the people who live in the city. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “they will expel the inhabitants of Ashdod”

Ashdod, they will expel her

Quote: אַשְׁדּ֗וֹד & יְגָ֣רְשׁ֔וּ⁠הָ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns

Here, they is an indefinite pronoun that does not have a specific referent in the immediate context. If it would be helpful in your language, you could translate this with a different expression that does not use an indefinite pronoun. Alternate translation: “the inhabitants of Ashdod will be expelled” or “an army will expel the inhabitants of Ashdod”

at noon

Quote: בַּֽ⁠צָּהֳרַ֨יִם֙ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Zephaniah is speaking as if an army would literally expel the inhabitants of Ashdod at a specific time, at noon. He is likely using noon, the time when the sun is brightest in the sky, to mean “in broad daylight,” that is, as the result of an open attack by an overwhelming force. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “in an open attack”

and Ekron will be uprooted

Quote: וְ⁠עֶקְר֖וֹן תֵּעָקֵֽר (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Zephaniah is speaking as if the city of Ekron were literally a plant that could be uprooted, that is, pulled completely out of the ground, including its roots. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “and Ekron will be completely destroyed”

and Ekron will be uprooted

Quote: וְ⁠עֶקְר֖וֹן תֵּעָקֵֽר (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “and it will be as if Ekron were a plant that someone had pulled out by the roots” or “and an army will destroy Ekron”

Zephaniah 2:5

the region of the sea

Quote: חֶ֥בֶל הַ⁠יָּ֖ם (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-possession

Zephaniah is using this possessive form to describe a region that is along the coast of the sea. He means specifically the area along the coast of the Mediterranean Sea where the Philistines lived. It may be helpful to clarify this for your readers. Alternate translation: “the seacoast”

the Kerethites

Quote: כְּרֵתִ֑ים (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

The word Kerethites is another name for all or part of the people group also known as the Philistines. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could use the name Philistines here in order to show that Zephaniah is addressing one people group, not two. Alternate translation: “the Philistines”

The word of Yahweh {is} against you

Quote: דְּבַר־יְהוָ֣ה עֲלֵי⁠כֶ֗ם (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Zephaniah is using the term word to mean what Yahweh has said by using words. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “Yahweh has spoken a message against you”

is} against you, Canaan, land of the Philistines

Quote: עֲלֵי⁠כֶ֗ם כְּנַ֨עַן֙ אֶ֣רֶץ פְּלִשְׁתִּ֔ים (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-apostrophe

Zephaniah is speaking to something that he knows cannot hear him, the land of Canaan, in order to show in a strong way how he feels about the people who live there. If a speaker in your language would not do that, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “is against you Philistines who live in the land of Canaan”

is} against you

Quote: עֲלֵי⁠כֶ֗ם (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-yousingular

The word you is plural here because Zephaniah is implicitly speaking to the Philistines who live in the land of Canaan. However, since he is addressing that land directly, if you retain the direct-address form in your translation, it may be more natural in your language to use a singular form of “you.” (That would match the singular form of you in the quotation from Yahweh, “And I will destroy you,” which addresses Canaan as if that land were a person.)

And I will destroy you until there is no inhabitant

Quote: וְ⁠הַאֲבַדְתִּ֖י⁠ךְ מֵ⁠אֵ֥ין יוֹשֵֽׁב (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-quotations

It may be more natural in your language to make this an indirect quotation. Alternate translation: “He has said that he will destroy you until there is no inhabitant”

And I will destroy you until there is no inhabitant

Quote: וְ⁠הַאֲבַדְתִּ֖י⁠ךְ מֵ⁠אֵ֥ין יוֹשֵֽׁב (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-apostrophe

As Zephaniah did, Yahweh is speaking to something that he knows cannot hear him, the land of Canaan, in order to show in a strong way how he feels about the people who live there. If a speaker in your language would not do that, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “And I will destroy you Philistines until none of you live in the land of Canaan any more”

Zephaniah 2:6

the region of the sea

Quote: חֶ֣בֶל הַ⁠יָּ֗ם (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-possession

See how you translated this expression in the previous verse. Alternate translation: “the seacoast” or “the seacoast where the Philistines formerly lived”

pastures of meadows of shepherds and pens of flocks

Quote: נְוֺ֛ת כְּרֹ֥ת רֹעִ֖ים וְ⁠גִדְר֥וֹת צֹֽאן (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-possession

Zephaniah is using these possessive forms to describe what will be in the pastures, who will use the meadows, and what the pens will contain. It may be helpful to clarify this for your readers. Alternate translation: “pastures in which there are meadows where shepherds graze their sheep and pens that hold their flocks”

Zephaniah 2:7

the house of Judah

Quote: בֵּ֥ית יְהוּדָ֖ה (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Zephaniah is using the word house to mean the people who live in the kingdom of Judah. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “the people of Judah”

in the houses of Ashkelon they will lie down in the evening

Quote: בְּ⁠בָתֵּ֣י אַשְׁקְל֗וֹן בָּ⁠עֶ֨רֶב֙ יִרְבָּצ֔וּ⁠ן (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche

Zephaniah is using one aspect of living in a house, lying down there in the evening (that is, sleeping there at night) to mean living there in general. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “they will come and live in the abandoned houses in the city of Ashkelon”

will visit them

Quote: יִפְקְדֵ֛⁠ם (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom

Zephaniah is using the term visit in a specific sense to mean taking action in regard to someone. In 1:8, 1:9, and 1:12, the term describes taking action to punish people. But here it describes taking action to help people. You could indicate that in your translation if it would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “will help them”

Zephaniah 2:8

I have heard the reproach of

Quote: שָׁמַ֨עְתִּי֙ חֶרְפַּ֣ת (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-quotations

This is the beginning of a direct quotation from Yahweh, as the phrase “the declaration of Yahweh of armies, the God of Israel” in the next verse indicates. See how you translated the phrase “the declaration of Yahweh” in 1:2. If you used it to introduce the quotation there, you may wish to use the comparable phrase from 2:9 to introduce the quotation here. The UST models a way to do that.

Moab

Quote: מוֹאָ֔ב (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification

Yahweh is speaking of the country of Moab as if it were a living thing that could have expressed reproach against the people of Judah. He is referring to the people of that country. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “the people of Moab” or “the Moabites”

the sons of Ammon

Quote: בְּנֵ֣י עַמּ֑וֹן (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Here the word sons means “descendants.” Yahweh is describing the members of the Ammonite people group by reference to their common descent from a single ancestor, Benammi, here called Ammon. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “the people of Ammon” or “the Ammonites”

and made themselves great against their border

Quote: וַ⁠יַּגְדִּ֖ילוּ עַל־גְּבוּלָֽ⁠ם (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom

This could mean: (1) that the Moabites and Ammonites have expanded their territories by taking territory away from the kingdom of Judah. Alternate translation: “and have stolen bordering territories from them” (2) that the Moabites and Ammonites have threatened to attack the kingdom of Judah and take some or all of its territory. Alternate translation: “and have boasted that they will take their territory”

Zephaniah 2:9

Therefore, {as} I {am} alive”— … that

Quote: לָ⁠כֵ֣ן חַי־אָ֡נִי & כִּֽי (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-oathformula

Yahweh is using this language to swear a solemn oath. He is indicating that the things he says will happen to Moab and Ammon are just as certain as some other very certain thing, the fact that he is alive. Translate this in a way that will show your readers that it is an oath. For example, it may be helpful to add the words I swear, as the UST does. If oaths are unfamiliar in your culture, you could also add a short explanation of what an oath is.

the declaration of Yahweh of Armies, the God of Israel

Quote: נְאֻם֩ יְהוָ֨ה צְבָא֜וֹת אֱלֹהֵ֣י יִשְׂרָאֵ֗ל (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-quotations

This phrase indicates that the rest of the material in verses 2:8–9 is a direct quotation from Yahweh. See how you decided to introduce this direct quotation in the previous verse.

Yahweh of Armies

Quote: יְהוָ֨ה צְבָא֜וֹת (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names

The phrase Yahweh of Armies is a title for God that indicates his great power. It describes him as the commander of heavenly armies. If a translation of the Bible exists in your region, it may have a particular way of translating this phrase, and you may wish to use that in your translation. If a translation of the Bible does not exist in your region, express the meaning of this phrase in a way that will be clear to your readers. Alternate translation: “Yahweh the Almighty”

Moab will become like Sodom, and the sons of Ammon like Gomorrah

Quote: מוֹאָ֞ב כִּ⁠סְדֹ֤ם תִּֽהְיֶה֙ וּ⁠בְנֵ֤י עַמּוֹן֙ כַּֽ⁠עֲמֹרָ֔ה (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile

The point of this comparison is that just as Sodom and Gomorrah were completely destroyed (see Genesis 19:1–29), so the countries of Moab and Ammon will be completely destroyed. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this point explicitly. See how you translated the word “Moab” and the expression “the sons of Ammon” in the previous verse. Alternate translation: “the country of Moab will be completely destroyed, as the city of Sodom was, and the people of Ammon will be completely destroyed, as the people of the city of Gomorrah were”

a possession of the nettle and the pit of salt and a ruin forever

Quote: מִמְשַׁ֥ק חָר֛וּל וּ⁠מִכְרֵה־מֶ֥לַח וּ⁠שְׁמָמָ֖ה עַד־עוֹלָ֑ם (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis

Yahweh is leaving out some of the words that in many languages a sentence would need in order to be complete. You can supply these words from the context if that would be clearer in your language. It may be helpful to begin a new sentence here. Alternate translation: “They will become a possession of the nettle and the pit of salt and a ruin forever”

a possession of the nettle and the pit of salt and a ruin forever

Quote: מִמְשַׁ֥ק חָר֛וּל וּ⁠מִכְרֵה־מֶ֥לַח וּ⁠שְׁמָמָ֖ה עַד־עוֹלָ֑ם (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-genericnoun

Yahweh is not referring to a specific nettle or pit of salt. He means nettles and salt pits in general. It may be more natural in your language to express this meaning by using plural forms. Alternate translation: “a possession of nettles and salt pits and a ruin forever”

a possession of the nettle and the pit of salt and a ruin forever

Quote: מִמְשַׁ֥ק חָר֛וּל וּ⁠מִכְרֵה־מֶ֥לַח וּ⁠שְׁמָמָ֖ה עַד־עוֹלָ֑ם (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Yahweh is speaking as if nettles and salt pits would literally own or possess the territory where the Moabites and Ammonites formerly lived. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “a place where only weeds grow and where people dig for salt and where no one will ever build any buildings again”

The remnant of my people will plunder them, and the remainder of my nation will occupy them

Quote: שְׁאֵרִ֤ית עַמִּ⁠י֙ יְבָזּ֔וּ⁠ם וְ⁠יֶ֥תֶר גּוֹיִ֖י יִנְחָלֽוּ⁠ם (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism

These two phrases mean basically the same thing. The second emphasizes the meaning of the first by repeating the same idea with different words. Hebrew poetry was based on this kind of repetition, and it would be good to show this to your readers by including both phrases in your translation rather than combining them. It may be clearer in your language to connect the phrases with a word other than and in order to show that the second phrase is repeating the first one, not saying something additional. Alternate translation: “The remnant of my people will plunder them; indeed, the remainder of my nation will occupy them”

Zephaniah 2:10

This will be to them instead of their pride, for they reproached and made themselves great against the people of Yahweh of Armies

Quote: זֹ֥את לָ⁠הֶ֖ם תַּ֣חַת גְּאוֹנָ֑⁠ם כִּ֤י חֵֽרְפוּ֙ וַ⁠יַּגְדִּ֔לוּ עַל־עַ֖ם יְהוָ֥ה צְבָאֽוֹת (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result

If it would be more natural in your language, you could reverse the order of these phrases, since the second phrase gives the reason for the result that the first phrase describes. Alternate translation: “Because they reproached and made themselves great against the people of Yahweh of Armies, this will be to them instead of their pride”

This will be to them instead of their pride

Quote: זֹ֥את לָ⁠הֶ֖ם תַּ֣חַת גְּאוֹנָ֑⁠ם (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Yahweh is speaking as if the pride of the Moabites and Ammonites were literally an object that belonged to them. He is also speaking as if the destruction they are going to experience were also an object and as if he were going to take away their pride and give them destruction in its place. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “This will happen to them because they were so proud”

and made themselves great against

Quote: וַ⁠יַּגְדִּ֔לוּ עַל (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom

See how you translated the expression “made themselves great” in 2:8. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “and stole bordering territories from” or “and boasted that they would take territory from”

Yahweh of Armies

Quote: יְהוָ֥ה צְבָאֽוֹת (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names

See how you translated the title “Yahweh of Armies” in the previous verse. Alternate translation: “Yahweh the Almighty”

Zephaniah 2:11

he will starve all of the gods of the earth

Quote: רָזָ֔ה אֵ֖ת כָּל־אֱלֹהֵ֣י הָ⁠אָ֑רֶץ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Zephaniah is speaking as if Yahweh is literally going to starve the false gods that other nations worship, that is, deny them food so that they become thin. This is likely a reference to the fat of animals that people sacrificed to gods. The implication is that people will no longer sacrifice to those gods because they will no longer worship them once Yahweh has shown that he is the only true and powerful God. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “he will show by his powerful actions that he is the only true God”

And all of the islands of the nations will bow down to him

Quote: וְ⁠יִשְׁתַּֽחֲווּ־ל⁠וֹ֙ & כֹּ֖ל אִיֵּ֥י הַ⁠גּוֹיִֽם (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-possession

Zephaniah is using this possessive form not to describe islands that belong to nations but to describe island-nations among the nations. The term islands can describe not just land that is completely surrounded by water but also land along a seacoast. In Zephaniah’s culture, people used the term to refer to distant lands. It may be helpful to clarify this for your readers. Alternate translation: “And even the most distant nations will bow down to him”

And all of the islands of the nations will bow down to him

Quote: וְ⁠יִשְׁתַּֽחֲווּ־ל⁠וֹ֙ & כֹּ֖ל אִיֵּ֥י הַ⁠גּוֹיִֽם (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification

Zephaniah is speaking of the nations of the world as if they were living things that could bow down to Yahweh. He means that the people of the nations will do this. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “And the people of even the most distant nations will bow down to him”

a man from his place

Quote: אִ֣ישׁ מִ⁠מְּקוֹמ֔⁠וֹ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom

The phrase a man refers to an individual. In this context it could mean an individual nation or an individual person. If you retain Zephaniah’s depiction of the nations as living things, in your translation you could say “each in its own territory.” If you choose to show that he is using the nations to represent their people, you could say “all of them in their own territories.”

Zephaniah 2:12

Also you, Cushites

Quote: גַּם־אַתֶּ֣ם כּוּשִׁ֔ים (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-quotations

This verse is a direct quotation from Yahweh. You may wish to indicate that in your translation by using a natural way of introducing direct quotations in your language. Alternate translation: “Yahweh also declares, ‘You, Cushites’”

they {will be} pierced by my sword

Quote: חַֽלְלֵ֥י חַרְבִּ֖⁠י הֵֽמָּה (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-123person

Yahweh is speaking about the Cushites in the third person, but since he is addressing them directly, it may be more natural in your language to translate this in the second person. Alternate translation: “you will be pierced by my sword”

they {will be} pierced by my sword

Quote: חַֽלְלֵ֥י חַרְבִּ֖⁠י הֵֽמָּה (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “my sword will pierce you”

they {will be} pierced by my sword

Quote: חַֽלְלֵ֥י חַרְבִּ֖⁠י הֵֽמָּה (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Yahweh is speaking as if he were literally going to pierce or kill the Cushites with a sword. He means that he is going to cause an enemy army to kill many of them. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “an enemy army will kill many of you”

Zephaniah 2:13

And he will stretch out his hand against the north, and he will destroy Assyria

Quote: וְ⁠יֵ֤ט יָד⁠וֹ֙ עַל־צָפ֔וֹן וִֽ⁠יאַבֵּ֖ד אֶת־אַשּׁ֑וּר (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism

These two phrases mean basically the same thing. The second emphasizes the meaning of the first by repeating the same idea with different words. You may wish to include both phrases in your translation, but it may be clearer in your language to connect the phrases with a word other than and in order to show that the second phrase is repeating the first one, not saying something additional. Alternate translation: “And he will stretch out his hand against the north; yes, he will destroy Assyria”

And he will stretch out his hand

Quote: וְ⁠יֵ֤ט יָד⁠וֹ֙ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

See how you translated the expression “I will stretch out my hand” in 1:4. Alternate translation: “And he will use his power”

the north

Quote: צָפ֔וֹן (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Zephaniah is using the term north by association to mean the empire that was located to the north of Judah, Assyria, as he indicates later in a parallel phrase. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “the empire that is north of here”

Zephaniah 2:14

in its midst

Quote: בְ⁠תוֹכָ֤⁠הּ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns

The possessive pronoun its refers to the city of Nineveh. It may be helpful to clarify this for your readers. Alternate translation: “in the midst of Nineveh”

every animal of the nation

Quote: כָּל־חַיְת⁠וֹ־ג֔וֹי (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-genericnoun

Zephaniah is not referring to a specific nation. He means nations in general. He is also saying every as a generalization for emphasis. It may be more natural in your language to express this meaning by using a plural form. It may also be helpful to begin a new sentence here. Alternate translation: “They will be various kinds of herds, composed of the sorts of animals found in many different nations”

Both the desert owl and the screech owl

Quote: גַּם־קָאַת֙ גַּם־קִפֹּ֔ד (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-genericnoun

Zephaniah is not referring to a specific desert owl or screech owl. He means many individual birds of these types. It may be more natural in your language to express this meaning by using plural forms. Zephaniah may also be using these two types of desert bird to mean desert birds in general. Alternate translation: “Both desert owls and screech owls” or “Various desert birds”

will lodge on its columns

Quote: בְּ⁠כַפְתֹּרֶ֖י⁠הָ יָלִ֑ינוּ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

The word translated columns refers specifically to the tops of columns, which often had ornate decorations. The implication is that an army will have destroyed the elaborate buildings of Nineveh so that only columns remain standing, and they are not supporting a roof, so their tops are exposed and provide a roosting place for birds. You could indicate that in your translation if it would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “will roost on top of the exposed columns of its destroyed buildings”

A call will hoot in the window; devastation {will be} in the threshold, for the cedar-work will be bare

Quote: ק֠וֹל יְשׁוֹרֵ֤ר בַּֽ⁠חַלּוֹן֙ חֹ֣רֶב בַּ⁠סַּ֔ף כִּ֥י אַרְזָ֖ה עֵרָֽה (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result

If it would be more natural in your language, you could reverse the order of these phrases, since the second phrase gives the reason for the result that the first phrase describes. Zephaniah is describing how badly Nineveh will be destroyed by referring to the fact that the costly and elaborate cedar-work of its ornate buildings will be exposed to the elements. Alternate translation: “Because the city will be destroyed so thoroughly that the cedar-work will be bare, a call will hoot in the window; devastation will be in the threshold”

A call will hoot in the window

Quote: ק֠וֹל יְשׁוֹרֵ֤ר בַּֽ⁠חַלּוֹן֙ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification

Zephaniah is speaking of a bird’s call as if it were a living thing that could hoot on its own. He is using the call of birds to represent the birds themselves. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “Birds will hoot their calls in the windows”

devastation {will be} in the threshold

Quote: חֹ֣רֶב בַּ⁠סַּ֔ף (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of devastation, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “debris will block doorways”

Zephaniah 2:15

This {is} the exultant city, the one dwelling in security, the one saying in its heart, I {am}, and besides me {there is} not another

Quote: זֹ֞֠את הָ⁠עִ֤יר הָ⁠עַלִּיזָה֙ הַ⁠יּוֹשֶׁ֣בֶת לָ⁠בֶ֔טַח הָ⁠אֹֽמְרָה֙ בִּ⁠לְבָבָ֔⁠הּ אֲנִ֖י וְ⁠אַפְסִ֣⁠י ע֑וֹד (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification

Zephaniah is speaking of the city of Nineveh as if it were a living thing that could exult, dwell in security, and speak. He means that the people of Nineveh have done these things. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “This is the city whose people exulted, who thought they dwelled in security, who said in their hearts, ‘We are, and besides us there are no others.’”

the one saying in its heart, I {am}, and besides me {there is} not another

Quote: הָ⁠אֹֽמְרָה֙ בִּ⁠לְבָבָ֔⁠הּ אֲנִ֖י וְ⁠אַפְסִ֣⁠י ע֑וֹד (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Here the heart represents the thoughts. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “the one saying in its thoughts, ‘I am, and besides me there is not another’” or “the one saying to itself, ‘I am, and besides me there it not another’”

the one saying in its heart, I {am}, and besides me {there is} not another

Quote: הָ⁠אֹֽמְרָה֙ בִּ⁠לְבָבָ֔⁠הּ אֲנִ֖י וְ⁠אַפְסִ֣⁠י ע֑וֹד (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom

In this context, the quoted statement means, “I am the only city that really matters; it is as if all other cities did not even exist.” You could say that in your translation if it would be helpful to your readers.

the one saying in its heart, I {am}, and besides me {there is} not another

Quote: הָ⁠אֹֽמְרָה֙ בִּ⁠לְבָבָ֔⁠הּ אֲנִ֖י וְ⁠אַפְסִ֣⁠י ע֑וֹד (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-quotesinquotes

If it would be clearer in your language, you could translate this so that there is not a quotation within a quotation. Alternate translation: “The one saying to itself that it is the only city that really matters, as if all other cities did not even exist” or “The one whose people said to themselves that their city was the only one that really mattered, as if all other cities did not even exist”

How it has become a ruin

Quote: אֵ֣יךְ ׀ הָיְתָ֣ה לְ⁠שַׁמָּ֗ה (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-pastforfuture

Zephaniah is using the past tense in order to describe something that will happen in the future. He is doing this to show that the event will certainly happen. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use the future tense. Alternate translation: “How it will become a ruin”

a lair for the beast

Quote: מַרְבֵּץ֙ לַֽ⁠חַיָּ֔ה (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-genericnoun

Zephaniah is not referring to a specific beast. He means beasts in general. It may be more natural in your language to express this meaning by using a plural form. Alternate translation: “a lair for beasts”

Every one passing by will hiss at it; he will shake his fist

Quote: כֹּ֚ל עוֹבֵ֣ר עָלֶ֔י⁠הָ יִשְׁרֹ֖ק יָנִ֥יעַ יָדֽ⁠וֹ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction

Hissing and shaking a fist at Nineveh would be symbolic actions that expressed contempt for the city. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could explain the significance of these actions. Alternate translation: “Every one passing by will hiss at it in contempt; he will shake his fist in scorn”

Zephaniah 3

Zephaniah 3 General Notes

Structure and formatting

This chapter is the third of the three major parts of the book of Zephaniah. (See the outline in the General Introduction to the book.) This part begins with a warning to the city of Jerusalem (verses 1–8), and it then describes how Yahweh will restore Jerusalem and bring people from many nations there to worship him (verses 9–20).

The ULT sets the lines of this chapter farther to the right on the page than the rest of the text because they are poetry.

Important Figures of Speech in This Chapter

Personification

In verses 1–5, Zephaniah speaks of the city of Jerusalem as if it were a person who was acting in certain ways. Zephaniah is actually addressing the people of Jerusalem. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could indicate that in your translation. For example, for the statement “Woe to the one rebelling” in verse 1, you might say “Woe to the people of Jerusalem, who are rebelling.”

Translation Issues in This Chapter

Gender of the pronoun for a city

In verses 1–5, Zephaniah uses the pronouns “she” and “her” to mean Jerusalem, since it was conventional in his language to use feminine pronouns when speaking about a city. In verses 11–12 and 18–19, Yahweh addresses the city as if it were a person, and he uses the feminine singular form of “you.” Zephaniah does the same in verses 14–15, as do the people who speak to Jerusalem in verses 16–17. If you decide to show in your translation that all of these speakers are addressing Jerusalem as if the city were a person, you may decide to use the gender of pronoun that is conventional in your own language.

Number of pronouns

The pronoun “you” is singular throughout the chapter except for in v. 20, where it is plural. Use the corresponding forms in your translation if your language marks a distinction between singular and plural “you” and if you decide to retain the references to the city of Jerusalem as if it were a person.

Zephaniah 3:1

Woe to the one rebelling and being defiled, the oppressing city

Quote: ה֥וֹי מֹרְאָ֖ה וְ⁠נִגְאָלָ֑ה הָ⁠עִ֖יר הַ⁠יּוֹנָֽה (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

Zephaniah is implicitly referring to the city of Jerusalem. You could indicate that in your translation if it would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “Woe to Jerusalem, the one rebelling and being defiled, the oppressing city”

the one rebelling and being defiled, the oppressing city

Quote: מֹרְאָ֖ה וְ⁠נִגְאָלָ֑ה הָ⁠עִ֖יר הַ⁠יּוֹנָֽה (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification

As the General Notes to this chapter discuss, here and through verse 5, Zephaniah is speaking of the city of Jerusalem as if it were a person who could be rebelling and who could have become defiled and who could be oppressing vulnerable people. Zephaniah is actually addressing the people of Jerusalem who have been doing these things. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could indicate this in your translation, here and in verses 2–5. Alternate translation: “you people of Jerusalem who are rebelling against Yahweh and who have become defiled and who are oppressing others”

the one rebelling and being defiled, the oppressing city

Quote: מֹרְאָ֖ה וְ⁠נִגְאָלָ֑ה הָ⁠עִ֖יר הַ⁠יּוֹנָֽה (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If your language does not use a passive form such as being defiled, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “the city that has rebelled and defiled herself and that has oppressed people” or “you people of Jerusalem who are rebelling against Yahweh and who have defiled yourselves and who are oppressing others”

the one rebelling and being defiled

Quote: מֹרְאָ֖ה וְ⁠נִגְאָלָ֑ה (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns

In verses 1­–7, as the ULT shows, Zephaniah uses feminine singular pronouns to refer to the city of Jerusalem. That was conventional in his language. Your language may use a different gender of pronouns to refer to cities. If you translate verses 1–7 as though Zephaniah is speaking directly to the city as a person, use the gender of pronoun that is most natural in your language. Alternate translation: “the city that has rebelled and defiled itself”

Zephaniah 3:2

She does not hear the voice

Quote: לֹ֤א שָֽׁמְעָה֙ בְּ⁠ק֔וֹל (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom

Zephaniah is using the term heard in a specific sense to mean “obeyed.” If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “She does not obey the voice”

She does not hear the voice

Quote: לֹ֤א שָֽׁמְעָה֙ בְּ⁠ק֔וֹל (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

The term voice could mean: (1) the voice of Yahweh, that is, the message Yahweh has been sending to the people of Jerusalem through his prophets telling the people to repent. Alternate translation: “She has not obeyed Yahweh’s command to repent” (2) the voice of anyone who has been warning the people of the city that their wicked behavior will have destructive consequences. Alternate translation: “She does not listen to anyone who tries to warn her”

to her God she does not draw near

Quote: אֶל־אֱלֹהֶ֖י⁠הָ לֹ֥א קָרֵֽבָה (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Zephaniah is speaking as if the city of Jerusalem, meaning its people, could literally have drawn near to God, that is, moved closer to a place where God was. He means that they could have and should have worshiped God sincerely. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “she does not worship her God sincerely”

Zephaniah 3:3

Her princes

Quote: שָׂרֶ֣י⁠הָ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

See how you translated the term “princes” in 1:8. Alternate translation: “her officials”

are} roaring lions in her midst

Quote: בְ⁠קִרְבָּ֔⁠הּ אֲרָי֖וֹת שֹֽׁאֲגִ֑ים (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Zephaniah is speaking as if the princes of Jerusalem were literally roaring lions. He means that they exploit and harm vulnerable people rather than protecting them. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. You may find it helpful to translate this image as a comparison. Alternate translation: “exploit and harm the vulnerable people of the city, as if they were roaring lions attacking their prey”

are} wolves of the evening

Quote: זְאֵ֣בֵי עֶ֔רֶב (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Zephaniah is speaking as if the judges of Jerusalem were literally wolves. As in the case of his comparison of the city’s princes to lions, he means that they exploit and harm vulnerable people rather than protecting them. By wolves of the evening, Zephaniah means wolves that have not eaten all day and so are especially aggressive from hunger. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Once again you may find it helpful to translate this image as a comparison. Alternate translation: “also exploit and harm the vulnerable people of the city, like hungry wolves attacking their prey”

they do not gnaw in the morning

Quote: לֹ֥א גָרְמ֖וּ לַ⁠בֹּֽקֶר (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Zephaniah is continuing to speak of the city’s judges as if they were wolves. The last thing a wolf would do in eating an animal it had killed, after consuming its flesh, would be to gnaw on its bones to get at the marrow inside. Zephaniah is saying that these judges are like wolves that eat an entire animal at once when they kill it in the evening or at night, leaving not even this final task for the morning. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “they take everything away from vulnerable people”

Zephaniah 3:4

are} light

Quote: פֹּֽחֲזִ֔ים (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Zephaniah is speaking as if the prophets in Jerusalem were literally light, that is, as if they did not weigh very much. He could mean: (1) that they are frivolous in character and so what they say is not profound or significant. Alternate translation: “are frivolous” (2) that nothing restrains them from doing wrong things, as if they were a light object with nothing weighing it down that would float away or be blown away. Alternate translation: “are unprincipled” or “are reckless”

men of treacheries

Quote: אַנְשֵׁ֖י בֹּֽגְד֑וֹת (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-distinguish

The phrase men of treacheries gives further information about the prophets whom Zephaniah is describing. It does not refer to a different group of people. You could indicate that in your translation if it would be helpful to your readers. It may be helpful to begin a new sentence here. Alternate translation: “They are men of treacheries”

men of treacheries

Quote: אַנְשֵׁ֖י בֹּֽגְד֑וֹת (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-possession

Zephaniah is using this possessive form not to describe men who belong to treacheries but to describe men who habitually commit treacheries. This could mean: (1) that these prophets deceive and betray other people in order to take advantage of them. Alternate translation: “They treat others treacherously” (2) that they are not faithful to Yahweh, that is, they do not speak only messages that Yahweh has given them. Rather, they speak messages that they claim are from Yahweh but which Yahweh has not given them. Alternate translation: “They do not speak faithfully only what Yahweh has told them”

profane the holy

Quote: חִלְּלוּ־קֹ֔דֶשׁ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj

Zephaniah is using the adjective holy as a noun to mean a certain thing or kind of thing. Your language may use adjectives in the same way. If not, you can translate this adjective with an equivalent phrase. The word holy could be referring to: (1) the temple, as a holy place set apart for the worship of Yahweh. Alternate translation: “treat the temple as if it were just an ordinary place” (2) in addition to the temple, all of the clothing, equipment, and food that was set apart for the use of the priests in leading the people in the worship of Yahweh. Alternate translation: “treat the special things that they are supposed to use in worship as if they were ordinary things”

Zephaniah 3:5

He does not commit unrighteousness

Quote: לֹ֥א יַעֲשֶׂ֖ה עַוְלָ֑ה (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublenegatives

If it would be clearer in your language, you could use a positive expression to translate this double negative that consists of the negative particle not and the negative word unrighteousness. Alternate translation: “He always does what is right”

In the morning, in the morning he gives his justice; at light he is not left out

Quote: בַּ⁠בֹּ֨קֶר בַּ⁠בֹּ֜קֶר מִשְׁפָּט֨⁠וֹ יִתֵּ֤ן לָ⁠אוֹר֙ לֹ֣א נֶעְדָּ֔ר (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism

The word light could mean: (1) the light of dawn. In that case, Zephaniah would be saying the same thing twice in slightly different ways for emphasis. Hebrew poetry was based on this kind of repetition. To reflect this, you may wish to include both phrases in your translation rather than combining them. If you do that, it may be helpful to add a connecting word in order to show that the second clause is repeating the first one, not saying something additional. Alternate translation: “In the morning, in the morning he gives his justice; indeed, at dawn he is not left out” (2) visibility, representing how Yahweh makes justice evident. In that case, the phrase at light would apply to the first clause rather than to the second one. Alternate translation: “In the morning, in the morning he brings his justice to light; he is not left out” or “In the morning, in the morning he makes his justice evident; indeed, he does not fail to do that”

In the morning, in the morning

Quote: בַּ⁠בֹּ֨קֶר בַּ⁠בֹּ֜קֶר (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-reduplication

Zephaniah is repeating the phrase In the morning in order to intensify the idea that it expresses. If your language can repeat phrases for intensification, you may find it appropriate to do that here in your translation. Your language may also have another way of expressing the emphasis. Alternate translation: “Morning by morning” or “Every morning”

In the morning, in the morning

Quote: בַּ⁠בֹּ֨קֶר בַּ⁠בֹּ֜קֶר (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Zephaniah is using the term morning to mean a day, by association with the way that each day begins with a morning. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “Day by day” or “Every day”

he gives his justice

Quote: מִשְׁפָּט֨⁠וֹ יִתֵּ֤ן (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of justice, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “he tells people how to act justly” or “he declares what would be the just thing to do”

he is not left out

Quote: לֹ֣א נֶעְדָּ֔ר (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “he is not missing” or “he does not fail to appear”

he is not left out

Quote: לֹ֣א נֶעְדָּ֔ר (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublenegatives

If it would be clearer in your language, you could use a positive expression to translate this double negative that consists of the negative particle not and the negative verb left out. The double negative expresses emphasis, and you may choose to express that emphasis in a different way. Alternate translation: “he diligently appears”

Yet the unrighteous does not know shame

Quote: וְ⁠לֹֽא־יוֹדֵ֥עַ עַוָּ֖ל בֹּֽשֶׁת (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj

Zephaniah is using the adjective unrighteous as a noun to mean a certain kind of person. Your language may use adjectives in the same way. If not, you can translate this adjective with an equivalent phrase. Alternate translation: “Yet people who are unrighteous do not know shame”

Yet the unrighteous does not know shame

Quote: וְ⁠לֹֽא־יוֹדֵ֥עַ עַוָּ֖ל בֹּֽשֶׁת (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of shame, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “Yet people who are unrighteous are not ashamed of what they do, even though they should be”

Zephaniah 3:6

I have cut off nations, their corners have been demolished; I have destroyed their streets

Quote: הִכְרַ֣תִּי גוֹיִ֗ם נָשַׁ֨מּוּ֙ פִּנּוֹתָ֔⁠ם הֶחֱרַ֥בְתִּי חֽוּצוֹתָ֖⁠ם (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-quotations

This is the beginning of a direct quotation from Yahweh that continues through verse 13. You may wish to indicate that in your translation by using a natural way of introducing direct quotations in your language. Alternate translation: “Yahweh has said, ‘I have cut off nations, their corners have been demolished; I have destroyed their streets’”

I have cut off nations, their corners have been demolished; I have destroyed their streets

Quote: הִכְרַ֣תִּי גוֹיִ֗ם נָשַׁ֨מּוּ֙ פִּנּוֹתָ֔⁠ם הֶחֱרַ֥בְתִּי חֽוּצוֹתָ֖⁠ם (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

Yahweh is speaking as if he has done these things personally, but he means that the enemy army he has been describing throughout the book has done them. You could indicate that in your translation if it would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “I have caused an enemy army to cut off nations, their corners have been demolished; that army has destroyed their streets”

I have cut off

Quote: הִכְרַ֣תִּי (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom

See how you translated the expression “cut off” in 1:3. Alternate translation: “I have destroyed” or “I have caused an enemy army to destroy”

their corners have been demolished

Quote: נָשַׁ֨מּוּ֙ פִּנּוֹתָ֔⁠ם (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “I have demolished their corners” or “it has demolished their corners”

their corners

Quote: פִּנּוֹתָ֔⁠ם (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

See how you translated the word corners in 1:16. Alternate translation: “the high towers at the corners of their walls”

Their cities are ruined

Quote: נִצְדּ֧וּ עָרֵי⁠הֶ֛ם (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “Their cities are in ruins”

without a man, with no one dwelling

Quote: מִ⁠בְּלִי־אִ֖ישׁ מֵ⁠אֵ֥ין יוֹשֵֽׁב (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet

These two phrases mean similar things. Yahweh is using them together for emphasis. If it would be clearer for your readers, you could express the emphasis with a single phrase. Alternate translation: “without a single person living there”

Zephaniah 3:7

I said, ‘Surely you will fear me; you will take correction. Then her dwelling will not be cut off by} all that I have visited upon her

Quote: אָמַ֜רְתִּי אַךְ־תִּירְאִ֤י אוֹתִ⁠י֙ תִּקְחִ֣י מוּסָ֔ר וְ⁠לֹֽא־יִכָּרֵ֣ת מְעוֹנָ֔⁠הּ כֹּ֥ל אֲשֶׁר־פָּקַ֖דְתִּי עָלֶ֑י⁠הָ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-123person

In this quotation, Yahweh first speaks directly to the city of Jerusalem in the second person, and then he speaks about that city in the third person. If it would help your readers appreciate what Yahweh is saying, you could translate the entire quotation in the third person. Alternate translation: “I said, ‘Surely she will fear me; she will take correction. Then her dwelling will not be cut off {by} all that I have visited upon her.’”

I said, ‘Surely you will fear me; you will take correction. Then her dwelling will not be cut off by} all that I have visited upon her

Quote: אָמַ֜רְתִּי אַךְ־תִּירְאִ֤י אוֹתִ⁠י֙ תִּקְחִ֣י מוּסָ֔ר וְ⁠לֹֽא־יִכָּרֵ֣ת מְעוֹנָ֔⁠הּ כֹּ֥ל אֲשֶׁר־פָּקַ֖דְתִּי עָלֶ֑י⁠הָ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-quotesinquotes

If it would be clearer in your language, you could translate this so that there is not a quotation within a quotation. Alternate translation: “I said that she would surely fear me; she would take correction. Then her dwelling would not be cut off by all that I had visited upon her”

I said, ‘Surely you will fear me; you will take correction. Then her dwelling will not be cut off by} all that I have visited upon her

Quote: אָמַ֜רְתִּי אַךְ־תִּירְאִ֤י אוֹתִ⁠י֙ תִּקְחִ֣י מוּסָ֔ר וְ⁠לֹֽא־יִכָּרֵ֣ת מְעוֹנָ֔⁠הּ כֹּ֥ל אֲשֶׁר־פָּקַ֖דְתִּי עָלֶ֑י⁠הָ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification

Yahweh is speaking to and about the city of Jerusalem as if it were a person who could fear him and take correction. He is actually speaking to and about the people who live in Jerusalem. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. See what you did in 3:1–5. Alternate translation: “I said that the people of Jerusalem would surely fear me; they would take correction. Then their dwelling would not be cut off by all that I had visited upon them”

by} all that I have visited upon her

Quote: כֹּ֥ל אֲשֶׁר־פָּקַ֖דְתִּי עָלֶ֑י⁠הָ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom

See how you translated the expression “visit upon” in 1:8. Alternate translation: “by all that I have done to punish her”

they rose early, they corrupted all of their deeds

Quote: הִשְׁכִּ֣ימוּ הִשְׁחִ֔יתוּ כֹּ֖ל עֲלִילוֹתָֽ⁠ם (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom

Yahweh is using the expression rose early to mean that the people were eager to do corrupt things. The expression comes from the way that people get up early in the morning to do something if they are eager to do it. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “they eagerly corrupted all of their deeds”

they rose early, they corrupted all of their deeds

Quote: הִשְׁכִּ֣ימוּ הִשְׁחִ֔יתוּ כֹּ֖ל עֲלִילוֹתָֽ⁠ם (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole

Yahweh says that as a generalization for emphasis. If it would be clearer in your language, you could express the emphasis in a different way. Alternate translation: “they eagerly corrupted their deeds even more”

Zephaniah 3:8

Therefore wait for me”—the declaration of Yahweh— for the day of my arising to the prey

Quote: לָ⁠כֵ֤ן חַכּוּ־לִ⁠י֙ נְאֻם־יְהוָ֔ה לְ⁠י֖וֹם קוּמִ֣⁠י לְ⁠עַ֑ד (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-quotations

See how you translated the phrase “the declaration of Yahweh” in 1:2, 1:3, 1:10, and 2:9. If you used it to introduce the quotations in those places, you may wish to do the same thing here. Alternate translation: “This is what Yahweh declares: ‘Therefore wait for me, for the day of my arising to the prey’”

Therefore wait for me”—the declaration of Yahweh— for the day of my arising to the prey

Quote: לָ⁠כֵ֤ן חַכּוּ־לִ⁠י֙ נְאֻם־יְהוָ֔ה לְ⁠י֖וֹם קוּמִ֣⁠י לְ⁠עַ֑ד (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom

The imperative wait is plural, so Yahweh is addressing some group of people. That group could be: (1) the wicked Judeans who are still disobeying Yahweh despite his warnings. In that case, Yahweh would be using the term wait to indicate that he is certainly going to do what he describes. Your language may use the term “wait” in this same sense. If not, you could use plain language. Alternate translation: “‘Therefore, you sinful Judeans, just wait!’—the declaration of Yahweh—‘One day soon I will arise to the prey’” or “‘Therefore you can be certain, you sinful Judeans’—the declaration of Yahweh—‘that one day soon I will arise to the prey’” (2) the “humble of the earth” whom Zephaniah mentions in 2:3. In that case, Yahweh would be using the term wait to tell them to be patient until he punishes sin and enforces justice. Alternate translation: “‘Therefore, be patient, you godly people’—the declaration of Yahweh—‘until the day when I arise to the prey’”

for the day of my arising

Quote: לְ⁠י֖וֹם קוּמִ֣⁠י (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom

While Yahweh is going to punish sinful nations on a specific day, he is using that term here to refer to a specific time. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “until the time when I arise”

to the prey

Quote: לְ⁠עַ֑ד (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Yahweh is speaking as if he were a predatory animal and the wicked nations and kingdoms that he is going to punish were prey that he was going to pounce on. (This could be an allusion to the description of Jerusalem’s “princes” as “lions” and its “judges” as “wolves” in 3:3, indicating that those who preyed on others will themselves become prey.) If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “to punish wicked people”

to the prey

Quote: לְ⁠עַ֑ד (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

The phrase translated to the prey could also be translated as a witness. If that is the meaning, then Yahweh would be speaking as if he were literally going to stand up and give evidence that these kingdoms and nations had sinned wickedly against him. If a translation of the Bible exists in your region, you may wish to use the reading that it uses. If a translation of the Bible does not exist in your region, you may wish to use the reading of ULT. Alternate translation: “as if I were going testify against you”

to pour out my indignation on them

Quote: לִ⁠שְׁפֹּ֨ךְ עֲלֵי⁠הֶ֤ם זַעְמִ⁠י֙ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Yahweh is speaking as if his indignation were a liquid that he was going to pour out onto wicked nations and kingdoms. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “to punish them in my indignation”

all of the burning of my nose

Quote: כֹּ֚ל חֲר֣וֹן אַפִּ֔⁠י (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-distinguish

The phrase all of the burning of my nose is a further description of Yahweh’s indignation. See how you translated the similar expression in 2:2. It may be helpful to begin a new sentence here. Alternate translation: “My anger against them is very intense”

in the fire of my jealousy all of the earth will be consumed

Quote: בְּ⁠אֵ֣שׁ קִנְאָתִ֔⁠י תֵּאָכֵ֖ל כָּל־הָ⁠אָֽרֶץ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

See how you translated the similar expression in 1:18. As the General Introduction to Zephaniah indicates, these parallel statements mark the boundaries between the major sections of the book. It may be helpful to your readers to translate them in the same way. Alternate translation: “I will destroy all of the people who live on the earth when I punish them in my jealousy”

Zephaniah 3:9

I will surely give to the peoples a pure lip, for all of them to call upon the name of Yahweh

Quote: כִּֽי־& אֶהְפֹּ֥ךְ אֶל־עַמִּ֖ים שָׂפָ֣ה בְרוּרָ֑ה לִ⁠קְרֹ֤א כֻלָּ⁠ם֙ בְּ⁠שֵׁ֣ם יְהוָ֔ה (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Yahweh is using the term lip by association to mean the capacity to speak. He could mean: (1) the peoples were saying wicked things because their character was wicked, but he will purify their character so that they will say pure things. Alternate translation: “I will surely give the peoples righteous character so that they will say pure things; then they will pray to me acceptably” (2) that by invoking the names of other gods (as described in 1:5), they had made themselves unworthy to pray to Yahweh, but he will cleanse their capacity to speak so that they can pray to him. Alternate translation: “I will surely cleanse the speech of the peoples from the defilement of the names of other gods so that they can pray to me acceptably”

I will surely give to the peoples a pure lip

Quote: כִּֽי & אֶהְפֹּ֥ךְ אֶל־עַמִּ֖ים שָׂפָ֣ה בְרוּרָ֑ה (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-collectivenouns

Since Yahweh is speaking of many peoples, it may be more natural in your language to use the plural form of lip. Alternate translation: “I will surely give the peoples pure lips”

for all of them to call upon the name of Yahweh

Quote: לִ⁠קְרֹ֤א כֻלָּ⁠ם֙ בְּ⁠שֵׁ֣ם יְהוָ֔ה (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Here, name represents a person by association with the way that each person has a name. However, in this instance there is also the idea that the peoples will call upon Yahweh (that is, pray to him) by name, acknowledging him as God. Alternate translation: “for all of them to pray to Yahweh by name”

upon the name of Yahweh, to serve him

Quote: בְּ⁠שֵׁ֣ם יְהוָ֔ה לְ⁠עָבְד֖⁠וֹ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-123person

Yahweh is speaking about himself in the third person. If it would be helpful in your language, you could translate this in the first person. Alternate translation: “upon my name, to serve me”

with} one shoulder

Quote: שְׁכֶ֥ם אֶחָֽד (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom

Yahweh is using this expression to mean that the peoples will serve him unitedly, as if they were all putting their shoulders together to lift or push something heavy. Your language may have a comparable expression that you can use in your translation. You could also use plain language. Alternate translation: “shoulder to shoulder” or “together”

Zephaniah 3:10

From across the rivers of Cush

Quote: מֵ⁠עֵ֖בֶר לְ⁠נַֽהֲרֵי־כ֑וּשׁ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche

Yahweh is using one distant place, the area around the rivers of Cush (the upper Nile region), to mean distant places in general. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “From even as far away as across the rivers of Cush” or “From even the most distant places”

the daughter of my scattered one

Quote: בַּת־פוּצַ֔⁠י (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom

Here the expression daughter of describes the people who make up a certain group. The group in view here is the Jewish nation that will have been scattered into many different places through exile. Alternate translation: “the people of my scattered nation”

the daughter of my scattered one

Quote: בַּת־פוּצַ֔⁠י (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “the Jewish people, whom conquering empires will have scattered into many lands”

will bring my offering

Quote: יוֹבִל֖וּ⁠ן מִנְחָתִֽ⁠י (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-collectivenouns

Since Yahweh is speaking of what many people will bring, it may be more natural in your language to use the plural form of offering. Alternate translation: “will bring my offerings” or “will bring offerings to me”

Zephaniah 3:11

you will not feel shame … your deeds

Quote: לֹ֤א תֵב֨וֹשִׁי֙ & עֲלִילֹתַ֔יִ⁠ךְ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-yousingular

The words you and your are singular throughout this verse because Yahweh is speaking to the city of Jerusalem as if it were a person, as he did in 3:7. Since Yahweh is actually speaking to the people who live in Jerusalem, you could use the plural forms of “you” and “your” in your translation if your language marks that distinction.

the exultant {ones} of your pride

Quote: עַלִּיזֵי֙ גַּאֲוָתֵ֔⁠ךְ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-possession

Yahweh is using this possessive form to describe exultant or boastful people in the city of Jerusalem who are characterized by pride. It may be helpful to clarify this for your readers. Alternate translation: “the people who have been boasting so proudly”

Zephaniah 3:12

in your midst

Quote: בְ⁠קִרְבֵּ֔⁠ךְ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-yousingular

See whether you decided to use the singular or plural form of “you” and “your” in the previous verse. It would be helpful to use the same form here.

a humble and lowly people

Quote: עַ֥ם עָנִ֖י וָ⁠דָ֑ל (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet

The terms humble and lowly mean similar things. Yahweh is using the two terms together for emphasis. If it would be clearer for your readers, you could express the emphasis with a single phrase. Alternate translation: “a genuinely humble people”

and they will trust in the name of Yahweh

Quote: וְ⁠חָס֖וּ בְּ⁠שֵׁ֥ם יְהוָֽה (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-123person

Yahweh is speaking about himself in the third person. If it would be helpful in your language, you could translate this in the first person. Alternate translation: “and they will trust in my name”

and they will trust in the name of Yahweh

Quote: וְ⁠חָס֖וּ בְּ⁠שֵׁ֥ם יְהוָֽה (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Here, name represents a person by association with the way that each person has a name. Alternate translation: “and they will trust in me personally”

Zephaniah 3:13

and they will not speak a lie, and a tongue of deceit will not be found in their mouth

Quote: וְ⁠לֹא־יְדַבְּר֣וּ כָזָ֔ב וְ⁠לֹֽא־יִמָּצֵ֥א בְּ⁠פִי⁠הֶ֖ם לְשׁ֣וֹן תַּרְמִ֑ית (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-collectivenouns

and they will not speak a lie, and a tongue of deceit will not be found in their mouth Since Yahweh is speaking of many people, it may be more natural in your language to use plural forms here. Alternate translation: “and they will not speak lies, and tongues of deceit will not be found in their mouths”

and they will not speak a lie, and a tongue of deceit will not be found in their mouth

Quote: וְ⁠לֹא־יְדַבְּר֣וּ כָזָ֔ב וְ⁠לֹֽא־יִמָּצֵ֥א בְּ⁠פִי⁠הֶ֖ם לְשׁ֣וֹן תַּרְמִ֑ית (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism

These two phrases mean basically the same thing. The second emphasizes the meaning of the first by repeating the same idea with different words. You may wish to show this to your readers by including both phrases in your translation but connecting them with a word other than and. Alternate translation: “and they will not speak lies; no, tongues of deceit will not be found in their mouths”

and a tongue of deceit will not be found in their mouth

Quote: וְ⁠לֹֽא־יִמָּצֵ֥א בְּ⁠פִי⁠הֶ֖ם לְשׁ֣וֹן תַּרְמִ֑ית (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “and no one will find deceitful tongues in their mouths”

and a tongue of deceit will not be found in their mouth

Quote: וְ⁠לֹֽא־יִמָּצֵ֥א בְּ⁠פִי⁠הֶ֖ם לְשׁ֣וֹן תַּרְמִ֑ית (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom

Here the word found indicates that something will not be able to be found because it will not be there. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “and there will be not be any deceitful tongues in their mouths”

and a tongue of deceit will not be found in their mouth

Quote: וְ⁠לֹֽא־יִמָּצֵ֥א בְּ⁠פִי⁠הֶ֖ם לְשׁ֣וֹן תַּרְמִ֑ית (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Yahweh is using the terms tongue and mouth by association to mean speaking. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “and they will not say any deceitful things”

But they will graze and lie down, and there will be none frightening {them

Quote: כִּֽי־הֵ֛מָּה יִרְע֥וּ וְ⁠רָבְצ֖וּ וְ⁠אֵ֥ין מַחֲרִֽיד (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result

If it would be more natural in your language, you could reverse the order of these phrases, since the second phrase gives the reason for the result that the first phrase describes. Alternate translation: “And since no one will frighten them, they will be able to graze and lie down”

But they will graze and lie down, and there will be none frightening {them

Quote: כִּֽי־הֵ֛מָּה יִרְע֥וּ וְ⁠רָבְצ֖וּ וְ⁠אֵ֥ין מַחֲרִֽיד (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Yahweh is speaking as if the people in the remnant of Israel will be animals that will graze and lie down in pastures. He means that they will be able to live peacefully, like animals grazing undisturbed out in a field. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “But they will be able to live without anyone disturbing them”

Zephaniah 3:14

Sing, … Shout, … Rejoice and exult

Quote: רָנִּי֙ & הָרִ֖יעוּ & שִׂמְחִ֤י וְ⁠עָלְזִי֙ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-yousingular

The implied “you” in the imperatives Sing, Rejoice, and exult is singular because Zephaniah is addressing a group as if it were a single individual. The implied “you” in the imperative Shout is plural because Zephaniah is addressing a group as a number of individuals. Use the same singular and plural forms in your translation if your language marks a distinction between singular and plural “you” and you decide to retain the singular and plural forms of address. However, see the notes to the rest of this verse, which suggest the possibility of using a plural address throughout the verse.

daughter of Zion

Quote: בַּת־צִיּ֔וֹן (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom

See how you translated the expression daughter of in 3:10. Here as well it describes the people who make up a certain group. Alternate translation: “you people of Zion”

daughter of Zion

Quote: בַּת־צִיּ֔וֹן (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names

The word Zion is the name of the mountain on which the city of Jerusalem was located. Zephaniah is using the name by association to represent the entire kingdom of Judah, whose capital was Jerusalem. Alternate translation: “you people of Judah”

Israel

Quote: יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-collectivenouns

Zephaniah is addressing many people by the name of their nation, Israel. It may be helpful to clarify this for your readers. Alternate translation: “you people of Israel”

Rejoice and exult

Quote: שִׂמְחִ֤י וְ⁠עָלְזִי֙ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet

The terms Rejoice and exult mean similar things. Zephaniah is using the two terms together for emphasis. If it would be clearer for your readers, you could express the emphasis with a single phrase. Alternate translation: “Rejoice greatly”

with all of {your} heart

Quote: בְּ⁠כָל־לֵ֔ב (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Here the heart represents the feelings. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “with deep emotion”

daughter of Jerusalem

Quote: בַּ֖ת יְרוּשָׁלִָֽם (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom

See how you translated the expression daughter of earlier in this verse. Alternate translation: “you people of Jerusalem”

Zephaniah 3:15

your judgments; … You will not fear

Quote: מִשְׁפָּטַ֔יִ⁠ךְ & לֹא־תִֽירְאִ֥י (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-yousingular

As the General Notes to this chapter discuss, the words “you” and “your” are singular in these instances and generally in verses 16–19 because they are addressing Jerusalem as an individual. If you decide to retain the singular address, use the singular form in your translation if your language marks that distinction, but use plural forms if you decide to have a plural address.

your judgments

Quote: מִשְׁפָּטַ֔יִ⁠ךְ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-possession

Zephaniah is using this possessive form not to describe judgments that the people of Jerusalem have made but to describe judgments that Yahweh has made against them. It may be helpful to clarify this for your readers. Alternate translation: “his judgments against you”

The king of Israel

Quote: מֶ֣לֶךְ יִשְׂרָאֵ֤ל (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

It is true in one sense that Yahweh is the king of the people of Israel. As their God, he is the ruler whom they must obey. But in another sense, he is not literally the king who rules from the palace in Jerusalem. It may be helpful to clarify this for your readers. Alternate translation: “The ruler of Israel” or “The God whom the Israelites worship and obey”

Zephaniah 3:16

In that day

Quote: בַּ⁠יּ֣וֹם הַ⁠ה֔וּא (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom

Zephaniah is using the term day to refer to a specific time. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “At that time”

it will be said

Quote: יֵאָמֵ֥ר (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Some languages might use an indefinite pronoun. Alternate translation: “they will say”

to Jerusalem, Do not fear, Zion! Do not slacken your hands

Quote: לִירֽוּשָׁלִַ֖ם אַל־תִּירָ֑אִי צִיּ֖וֹן אַל־יִרְפּ֥וּ יָדָֽיִ⁠ךְ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-yousingular

The word your and the implied “you” in the imperative Do not fear are singular here because they are addressing Zion as an individual. However, the implied “you” in the imperative Do not slacken is plural because it envisions Zion as a group consisting of a number of individuals. You may have decided to use plural forms in verses 16–19. Alternate translation, using plural forms: “to the people of Jerusalem, ‘Do not fear, you people of Zion! None of you slacken your hands’”

Do not fear, Zion! Do not slacken your hands

Quote: אַל־תִּירָ֑אִי צִיּ֖וֹן אַל־יִרְפּ֥וּ יָדָֽיִ⁠ךְ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism

These two phrases mean similar things. The people who are speaking to Zion are using repetition to emphasize the idea that the phrases express. (They are referring to the way that a person’s hands slacken or become limp when that person is afraid.) If it would be helpful to your readers, you could combine these phrases. Alternate translation: “There is no reason for you to become weak with fear, Zion”

Zephaniah 3:17

he will be silent in his love

Quote: יַחֲרִישׁ֙ בְּ⁠אַ֣הֲבָת֔⁠וֹ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

Since the people who are speaking to Jerusalem say that Yahweh will rejoice and exult, they do not mean that he will literally be silent. Rather, they mean that Yahweh will no longer speak words of condemnation and judgment against Jerusalem. You could indicate that in your translation if it would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “in his love, he will no longer speak to condemn you”

Zephaniah 3:18

I will gather the ones grieving for the solemn assembly, they are from you; the reproach {was} a burden upon her

Quote: נוּגֵ֧י מִ⁠מּוֹעֵ֛ד אָסַ֖פְתִּי מִמֵּ֣⁠ךְ הָי֑וּ מַשְׂאֵ֥ת עָלֶ֖י⁠הָ חֶרְפָּֽה (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

This verse is very difficult to understand. Modern versions translate it in many different ways. The ULT offers one reasonable interpretation of it. If a translation of the Bible exists in your region, you may wish to follow the interpretation that it expresses. If a translation of the Bible does not exist in your region, you may wish to follow the interpretation of ULT.

I will gather the ones grieving for the solemn assembly, they are from you

Quote: נוּגֵ֧י מִ⁠מּוֹעֵ֛ד אָסַ֖פְתִּי מִמֵּ֣⁠ךְ הָי֑וּ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche

Yahweh may be using one kind of worship, a solemn assembly, to mean worship in general. He is addressing the city of Jerusalem as if it were an individual, so the phrase they are from you may be clarifying that the people who are grieving are Judeans who have been taken into exile and who are sad because they can no longer participate in the worship of Yahweh. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “I will bring back the Judeans who have been taken into exile, who are sad because they cannot take part in public worship of me”

I will gather

Quote: אָסַ֖פְתִּי (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-quotations

This is the beginning of a direct quotation from Yahweh that continues through verse 20. You may wish to indicate that in your translation, using a natural way of introducing direct quotations in your language. Alternate translation: “Yahweh says, ‘I will gather’”

the reproach {was} a burden upon her

Quote: מַשְׂאֵ֥ת עָלֶ֖י⁠הָ חֶרְפָּֽה (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Yahweh is speaking as if the reproach of being conquered were literally a burden or heavy weight that Jerusalem was carrying with difficulty. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “it was painful for the people of Jerusalem to feel the disgrace of being conquered”

Zephaniah 3:19

And I will save the lame and gather the cast-out one

Quote: וְ⁠הוֹשַׁעְתִּ֣י אֶת־הַ⁠צֹּלֵעָ֗ה וְ⁠הַ⁠נִּדָּחָה֙ אֲקַבֵּ֔ץ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism

The expressions lame and cast-out one are both feminine singular, suggesting that Yahweh is using both expressions to refer to Jerusalem as if that city were a female individual. In that case, Yahweh would be using repetition to emphasize the idea that these phrases express. The reference would actually be to the people of Judah and Jerusalem, who would be lame or limping from the difficulty of walking from their homeland to a place of exile and who could be described as cast-out since they had been taken from their homeland. It may be helpful to indicate in your translation that these two phrases are expressing the same idea. Alternate translation: “And I will rescue the people of Judah who are limping from walking so far away from home; yes, I will bring them back from exile”

the lame

Quote: אֶת־הַ⁠צֹּלֵעָ֗ה (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj

Yahweh is using the adjective lame as a noun to mean a certain kind of person. Your language may use adjectives in the same way. If not, you can translate this adjective with an equivalent phrase. Alternate translation: “the lame people” or “the people of Judah who are limping from walking so far away from home”

the cast-out one

Quote: וְ⁠הַ⁠נִּדָּחָה֙ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “the exile” or “the people of Judah whose enemies have taken them into exile”

And I will turn them into praise, and their shame into a name in all of the earth

Quote: וְ⁠שַׂמְתִּי⁠ם֙ לִ⁠תְהִלָּ֣ה וּ⁠לְ⁠שֵׁ֔ם בְּ⁠כָל־הָ⁠אָ֖רֶץ בָּשְׁתָּֽ⁠ם (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis

Yahweh is leaving out some of the words that in many languages a sentence would need in order to be complete. You can supply these words from the context if that would be clearer in your language. Alternate translation: “And I will turn them into praise, and I will turn their shame into a name in all of the earth.”

And I will turn them into praise

Quote: וְ⁠שַׂמְתִּי⁠ם֙ לִ⁠תְהִלָּ֣ה (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Yahweh is speaking as if he were literally going to turn the people of Judah into praise. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “And I will cause people to praise them”

and their shame into a name in all of the earth

Quote: וּ⁠לְ⁠שֵׁ֔ם בְּ⁠כָל־הָ⁠אָ֖רֶץ בָּשְׁתָּֽ⁠ם (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Here, name represents the reputation of a group. Alternate translation: “and I will give them a good reputation throughout the earth instead of the shame that they now experience”

Zephaniah 3:20

I will bring you in

Quote: אָבִ֣יא אֶתְ⁠כֶ֔ם (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-yousingular

As the General Notes to this chapter indicate, the words you and your are plural in this verse. Yahweh is now addressing the people of Judah as a group of individuals. If you have been using singular and plural forms in your translation to show the different kinds of address in this chapter, you may wish to indicate explicitly that the address changes to plural here. Alternate translation: “I will bring in you people of Judah”

I will give you for a name and for praise among all of the peoples of the earth

Quote: אֶתֵּ֨ן אֶתְ⁠כֶ֜ם לְ⁠שֵׁ֣ם וְ⁠לִ⁠תְהִלָּ֗ה בְּ⁠כֹל֙ עַמֵּ֣י הָ⁠אָ֔רֶץ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

See how you translated term name in the previous verse. Alternate translation: “I will give you a good reputation among all of the peoples of the earth, and they will praise you”

in my restoring your fortunes before your eyes

Quote: בְּ⁠שׁוּבִ֧⁠י אֶת־שְׁבוּתֵי⁠כֶ֛ם לְ⁠עֵינֵי⁠כֶ֖ם (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Yahweh is using the term eyes by association to mean sight. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. It may be helpful to begin a new sentence here. Alternate translation: “You will personally witness me restoring your fortunes”

Yahweh has spoken

Quote: אָמַ֥ר יְהוָֽה (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-quotations

Zephaniah is using this phrase to indicate that verses 18–20 have been a quotation of a message that Yahweh gave him for the people of Judah. (This phrase means the same thing as “the declaration of Yahweh,” which occurs several times in the book.) Consider natural ways of identifying direct quotations in your language. It may be more natural for you to put this attribution of the saying to Yahweh at the beginning of the message, that is, at the start of verse 18, as the UST does.