Zephaniah 1:12

Zephaniah 1:12 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

And at that time I will search Jerusalem with lamps and punish the men settled in complacency, who say to themselves, ‘The LORD will do nothing, either good or bad.’

King James Version KJV

And it shall come to pass at that time, that I will search Jerusalem with candles, and punish the men that are settled on their lees: that say in their heart, The LORD will not do good, neither will he do evil.

American Standard Version ASV

And it shall come to pass at that time, that I will search Jerusalem with lamps; and I will punish the men that are settled on their lees, that say in their heart, Jehovah will not do good, neither will he do evil.

Bible in Basic English BBE

And it will come about at that time, that I will go searching through Jerusalem with lights; and I will send punishment on the men who have become like wine stored over-long, who say to themselves, The Lord will not do good and will not do evil.

Free Bible Version FBV

At that time I will search through Jerusalem with lamps and I will punish those self-satisfied people, who are like wine left on its dregs, who say to themselves, “The Lord will not do good, nor will he do evil.”

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

And at that time will I searche Ierusalem with lightes, and visite the men that are frosen in their dregges, and say in their heartes, The Lord will neither doe good nor doe euill.

Young's Literal Translation YLT

And it hath come to pass, at that time, I search Jerusalem with lights, And I have laid a charge on the men Who are hardened on their preserved things, Who are saying in their heart: Jehovah doth no good, nor doth He evil.

World English Bible WEB

It will happen at that time, that I will search Jerusalem with lamps, and I will punish the men who are settled on their dregs, who say in their heart, “The LORD will not do good, neither will he do evil.”

Noah Webster Bible WBS

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

And it shall come to pass at that time, that I will search Jerusalem with lamps, and will visit upon the men that are settled on their lees: that say in their hearts: The Lord will not do good, nor will he do evil.

Translation for Translators T4T

It will be as though I will light lanterns to search in dark places in Jerusalem for those who have become very satisfied with their behavior and complacent about their sins. They think that I, Yahweh, will do nothing to them, neither good things nor bad things.

Study Highlights

Key words in the translations above are automatically highlighted. Names of God and Jesus are marked in purple, the Holy Spirit in orange, divine action verbs are underlined, and repeated key words are highlighted in yellow.

Enable Study Highlights

God & Jesus

Holy Spirit

Divine Actions

Repeated Words

Berean Amplified Bible — Zephaniah 1:12

BAB

Word Study

Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.

Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.

Zephaniah 1:12 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB

HEB וְ/הָיָה֙ בָּ/עֵ֣ת הַ/הִ֔יא אֲחַפֵּ֥שׂ אֶת יְרוּשָׁלִַ֖ם בַּ/נֵּר֑וֹת וּ/פָקַדְתִּ֣י עַל הָ/אֲנָשִׁ֗ים הַ/קֹּֽפְאִים֙ עַל שִׁמְרֵי/הֶ֔ם הָ/אֹֽמְרִים֙ בִּ/לְבָבָ֔/ם לֹֽא יֵיטִ֥יב יְהוָ֖ה וְ/לֹ֥א יָרֵֽעַ

וְ/הָיָה֙ hâyâh H1961 to be Conj | V-Qal-3ms

בָּ/עֵ֣ת ʻêth H6256 time Prep | N-cs

הַ/הִ֔יא hûwʼ H1931 he/she/it Art | Pron

אֲחַפֵּ֥שׂ châphas H2664 to search V-Piel-Imperf-1cs

אֶת ʼêth H853 Obj. DirObjM

יְרוּשָׁלִַ֖ם Yᵉrûwshâlaim H3389 Jerusalem N-proper

בַּ/נֵּר֑וֹת nîyr H5216 lamp Prep | N-mp

וּ/פָקַדְתִּ֣י pâqad H6485 to reckon Conj | V-Qal-1cs

עַל ʻal H5921 upon Prep

הָ/אֲנָשִׁ֗ים ʼîysh H376 man Art | N-mp

הַ/קֹּֽפְאִים֙ qâphâʼ H7087 to congeal Art | V-Qal

עַל ʻal H5921 upon Prep

שִׁמְרֵי/הֶ֔ם shemer H8105 dreg N-mp | Suff

הָ/אֹֽמְרִים֙ ʼâmar H559 to say Art | V-Qal

בִּ/לְבָבָ֔/ם lêbâb H3824 heart Prep | N-ms | Suff

לֹֽא lôʼ H3808 not Part

יֵיטִ֥יב yâṭab H3190 be good V-Hiphil-Imperf-3ms

יְהוָ֖ה Yᵉhôvâh H3068 The Lord N-proper

וְ/לֹ֥א lôʼ H3808 not Conj | Part

יָרֵֽעַ râʻaʻ H7489 be evil V-Hiphil-Imperf-3ms

Hebrew Word Study

Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.

Use ← → arrow keys to navigate between words.

Hebrew Word Reference — Zephaniah 1:12

וְ/הָיָה֙ hâyâh H1961 "to be" Conj | V-Qal-3ms

The Hebrew word for to be means to exist or come into being. It is used to describe something that happens or comes to pass, like in Genesis where God creates the world.

Definition: 1) to be, become, come to pass, exist, happen, fall out 1a) (Qal) 1a1) --- 1a1a) to happen, fall out, occur, take place, come about, come to pass 1a1b) to come about, come to pass 1a2) to come into being, become 1a2a) to arise, appear, come 1a2b) to become 1a2b1) to become 1a2b2) to become like 1a2b3) to be instituted, be established 1a3) to be 1a3a) to exist, be in existence 1a3b) to abide, remain, continue (with word of place or time) 1a3c) to stand, lie, be in, be at, be situated (with word of locality) 1a3d) to accompany, be with 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to occur, come to pass, be done, be brought about 1b2) to be done, be finished, be gone

Usage: Occurs in 3131 OT verses. KJV: beacon, [idiom] altogether, be(-come), accomplished, committed, like), break, cause, come (to pass), do, faint, fall, [phrase] follow, happen, [idiom] have, last, pertain, quit (one-) self, require, [idiom] use. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 17:4; Genesis 36:11.

בָּ/עֵ֣ת ʻêth H6256 "time" Prep | N-cs

Eth means time, especially now or when, and can refer to an event, experience, or occasion. It is often used to describe a specific moment or period.

Definition: 1) time 1a) time (of an event) 1b) time (usual) 1c) experiences, fortunes 1d) occurrence, occasion

Usage: Occurs in 258 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] after, (al-) ways, [idiom] certain, [phrase] continually, [phrase] evening, long, (due) season, so (long) as, (even-, evening-, noon-) tide, (meal-), what) time, when. See also: Genesis 8:11; 2 Chronicles 35:17; Psalms 1:3.

הַ/הִ֔יא hûwʼ H1931 "he/she/it" Art | Pron

This word is a pronoun meaning 'he', 'she', or 'it', used to refer to a person or thing. It is used in the Bible to emphasize a subject or make it clear who is being talked about.

Definition: pron 3p s 1) he, she, it 1a) himself (with emphasis) 1b) resuming subj with emphasis 1c) (with minimum emphasis following predicate) 1d) (anticipating subj) 1e) (emphasising predicate) 1f) that, it (neuter) demons pron 2) that (with article)

Usage: Occurs in 1693 OT verses. KJV: he, as for her, him(-self), it, the same, she (herself), such, that (...it), these, they, this, those, which (is), who. See also: Genesis 2:11; Genesis 32:19; Exodus 21:3.

אֲחַפֵּ֥שׂ châphas H2664 "to search" V-Piel-Imperf-1cs

The Hebrew word for search means to look for something or someone, and can also mean to disguise oneself or hide. It is used in various forms throughout the Bible, such as in Psalm 119:2, where it means to seek God's commands.

Definition: 1) to search, search for, to search out, disguise oneself 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to search for 1a2) to think out, devise 1a3) to search, test 1b) (Niphal) to be searched out, be exposed 1c) (Piel) to search, search through, search for 1d) (Pual) to be searched for, be sought out 1e) (Hithpael) 1e1) to disguise oneself 1e2) to let oneself be searched for

Usage: Occurs in 20 OT verses. KJV: change, (make) diligent (search), disquise self, hide, search (for, out). See also: Genesis 31:35; Job 30:18; Psalms 64:7.

אֶת ʼêth H853 "Obj." DirObjM

In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.

Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)

Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.

יְרוּשָׁלִַ֖ם Yᵉrûwshâlaim H3389 "Jerusalem" N-proper

Jerusalem is the capital city of Palestine, also known as the city of peace. It was the chief city of the united kingdom and the nation of Judah after the split.

Definition: § Jerusalem = "teaching of peace" the chief city of Palestine and capital of the united kingdom and the nation of Judah after the split

Usage: Occurs in 600 OT verses. KJV: Jerusalem. See also: Joshua 10:1; 2 Kings 22:14; 2 Chronicles 24:6.

בַּ/נֵּר֑וֹת nîyr H5216 "lamp" Prep | N-mp

A lamp is a device that holds a flame, providing light. In the Bible, it's often used to symbolize guidance or spiritual light. The word can also refer to the light itself, rather than just the lamp.

Definition: lamp Also means: nir (נִיר "lamp" H5216B)

Usage: Occurs in 42 OT verses. KJV: candle, lamp, light. See also: Exodus 25:37; 1 Chronicles 28:15; Psalms 18:29.

וּ/פָקַדְתִּ֣י pâqad H6485 "to reckon" Conj | V-Qal-1cs

This word means to visit or oversee, and can imply a range of actions, from friendly to hostile. It is used in various contexts, including appointing, avenging, or delivering something into someone's care. The KJV translates it in many ways, including appoint, avenge, or commit.

Definition: : list/count 1) to attend to, muster, number, reckon, visit, punish, appoint, look after, care for 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to pay attention to, observe 1a2) to attend to 1a3) to seek, look about for 1a4) to seek in vain, need, miss, lack 1a5) to visit 1a6) to visit upon, punish 1a7) to pass in review, muster, number 1a8) to appoint, assign, lay upon as a charge, deposit 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be sought, be needed, be missed, be lacking 1b2) to be visited 1b3) to be visited upon 1b4) to be appointed 1b5) to be watched over 1c) (Piel) to muster, call up 1d) (Pual) to be passed in review, be caused to miss, be called, be called to account 1e) (Hiphil) 1e1) to set over, make overseer, appoint an overseer 1e2) to commit, entrust, commit for care, deposit 1f) (Hophal) 1f1) to be visited 1f2) to be deposited 1f3) to be made overseer, be entrusted 1g) (Hithpael) numbered 1h) (Hothpael) numbered

Usage: Occurs in 269 OT verses. KJV: appoint, [idiom] at all, avenge, bestow, (appoint to have the, give a) charge, commit, count, deliver to keep, be empty, enjoin, go see, hurt, do judgment, lack, lay up, look, make, [idiom] by any means, miss, number, officer, (make) overseer, have (the) oversight, punish, reckon, (call to) remember(-brance), set (over), sum, [idiom] surely, visit, want. See also: Genesis 21:1; Numbers 26:47; Psalms 8:5.

עַל ʻal H5921 "upon" Prep

This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.

Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)

Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.

הָ/אֲנָשִׁ֗ים ʼîysh H376 "man" Art | N-mp

The Hebrew word for man, referring to a male person or individual, is used in the Bible to describe humans in contrast to God or animals, as seen in Genesis and Psalms. It can also mean husband or servant. In the KJV, it is translated as man or male.

Definition: : man 1) man 1a) man, male (in contrast to woman, female) 1b) husband 1c) human being, person (in contrast to God) 1d) servant 1e) mankind 1f) champion 1g) great man 2) whosoever 3) each (adjective)

Usage: Occurs in 1851 OT verses. KJV: also, another, any (man), a certain, [phrase] champion, consent, each, every (one), fellow, (foot-, husband-) man, (good-, great, mighty) man, he, high (degree), him (that is), husband, man(-kind), [phrase] none, one, people, person, [phrase] steward, what (man) soever, whoso(-ever), worthy. Compare H802 (אִשָּׁה). See also: Genesis 2:23; Genesis 42:25; Exodus 32:23.

הַ/קֹּֽפְאִים֙ qâphâʼ H7087 "to congeal" Art | V-Qal

This word describes something becoming thick or frozen, like curdled milk or a dark sky, as seen in Job 28:10. It can also refer to a liquid congealing or settling. The KJV translates it as congeal or curdle.

Definition: v 1) to thicken, condense, congeal, settle, become dense 1a) (Qal) to be condensed 1a1) thickening (participle) 1b) (Hiphil) to cause to curdle

Usage: Occurs in 4 OT verses. KJV: congeal, curdle, dark, settle. See also: Exodus 15:8; Zephaniah 1:12; Zechariah 14:6.

עַל ʻal H5921 "upon" Prep

This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.

שִׁמְרֵי/הֶ֔ם shemer H8105 "dreg" N-mp | Suff

Dregs refer to the sediment or leftovers at the bottom of a container, like the lees of wine, which were often left to preserve the flavor and quality of the wine.

Definition: lees, dregs

Usage: Occurs in 4 OT verses. KJV: dregs, (wines on the) lees. See also: Psalms 75:9; Jeremiah 48:11; Isaiah 25:6.

הָ/אֹֽמְרִים֙ ʼâmar H559 "to say" Art | V-Qal

This Hebrew word means to say or speak, and it's used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to command, promise, or think, and it's translated in the KJV as 'answer', 'appoint', or 'command'.

Definition: 1) to say, speak, utter 1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend 1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called 1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly 1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)

Usage: Occurs in 4337 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet. See also: Genesis 1:3; Genesis 18:23; Genesis 25:32.

בִּ/לְבָבָ֔/ם lêbâb H3824 "heart" Prep | N-ms | Suff

The heart is the innermost part of a person, including their mind, will, and emotions. In the book of Psalms, David talks about his heart being heavy with sorrow, while in the book of Proverbs, it discusses the importance of guarding one's heart.

Definition: 1) inner man, mind, will, heart, soul, understanding 1a) inner part, midst 1a1) midst (of things) 1a2) heart (of man) 1a3) soul, heart (of man) 1a4) mind, knowledge, thinking, reflection, memory 1a5) inclination, resolution, determination (of will) 1a6) conscience 1a7) heart (of moral character) 1a8) as seat of appetites 1a9) as seat of emotions and passions 1a10) as seat of courage Aramaic equivalent: le.vav (לְבַב "heart" H3825)

Usage: Occurs in 230 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] bethink themselves, breast, comfortably, courage, ((faint), (tender-) heart(-ed), midst, mind, [idiom] unawares, understanding. See also: Genesis 20:5; 1 Chronicles 17:2; Psalms 4:5.

לֹֽא lôʼ H3808 "not" Part

The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.

Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)

Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.

יֵיטִ֥יב yâṭab H3190 "be good" V-Hiphil-Imperf-3ms

To be good means to be pleasing or joyful, making something or someone sound, beautiful, or happy. It is used in various forms, including being glad, doing well, or being content. It appears in many books, including Psalms and Proverbs.

Definition: 1) to be good, be pleasing, be well, be glad 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to be glad, be joyful 1a2) to be well placed 1a3) to be well for, be well with, go well with 1a4) to be pleasing, be pleasing to 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to make glad, rejoice 1b2) to do good to, deal well with 1b3) to do well, do thoroughly 1b4) to make a thing good or right or beautiful 1b5) to do well, do right

Usage: Occurs in 105 OT verses. KJV: be accepted, amend, use aright, benefit, be (make) better, seem best, make cheerful, be comely, [phrase] be content, diligent(-ly), dress, earnestly, find favour, give, be glad, do (be, make) good(-ness), be (make) merry, please ([phrase] well), shew more (kindness), skilfully, [idiom] very small, surely, make sweet, thoroughly, tire, trim, very, be (can, deal, entreat, go, have) well (said, seen). See also: Genesis 4:7; 2 Samuel 3:36; Psalms 33:3.

יְהוָ֖ה Yᵉhôvâh H3068 "The Lord" N-proper

Yehovah is another name for God, often translated as 'the Lord'. It is a national name for God in the Jewish faith. This name is used throughout the Old Testament.

Definition: Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)

Usage: Occurs in 5522 OT verses. KJV: Jehovah, the Lord. Compare H3050 (יָהּ), H3069 (יְהֹוִה). See also: Genesis 2:4; Genesis 24:42; Exodus 8:8.

וְ/לֹ֥א lôʼ H3808 "not" Conj | Part

The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.

יָרֵֽעַ râʻaʻ H7489 "be evil" V-Hiphil-Imperf-3ms

This word means to shatter or break something into pieces, making it useless or bad. It can also mean to afflict or displease someone.

Definition: 1) to be bad, be evil 1a)(Qal) 1a1) to be displeasing 1a2) to be sad 1a3) to be injurious, be evil 1a4) to be wicked, be evil (ethically) 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to do an injury or hurt 1b2) to do evil or wickedly 1b3) mischief (participle)

Usage: Occurs in 99 OT verses. KJV: afflict, associate selves (by mistake for H7462 (רָעָה)), break (down, in pieces), [phrase] displease, (be, bring, do) evil (doer, entreat, man), show self friendly (by mistake for H7462 (רָעָה)), do harm, (do) hurt, (behave self, deal) ill, [idiom] indeed, do mischief, punish, still, vex, (do) wicked (doer, -ly), be (deal, do) worse. See also: Genesis 19:7; Psalms 27:2; Psalms 2:9.

Study Notes — Zephaniah 1:12

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Context
Cross References
Zephaniah 1:12 Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Reflection Questions
Gill's Exposition on Zephaniah 1:12
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Zephaniah 1:12
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Zephaniah 1:12
Trapp's Commentary on Zephaniah 1:12
Ellicott's Commentary on Zephaniah 1:12
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Zephaniah 1:12
Cambridge Bible on Zephaniah 1:12
Barnes' Notes on Zephaniah 1:12
Whedon's Commentary on Zephaniah 1:12
Sermons on Zephaniah 1:12

Context — The Day of the LORD

10On that day,” declares the LORD, “a cry will go up from the Fish Gate, a wail from the Second District, and a loud crashing from the hills. 11Wail, O dwellers of the Hollow, for all your merchants will be silenced; all who weigh out silver will be cut off.

12And at that time I will search Jerusalem with lamps and punish the men settled in complacency, who say to themselves, ‘The LORD will do nothing, either good or bad.’

13Their wealth will be plundered and their houses laid waste. They will build houses but not inhabit them, and plant vineyards but never drink their wine. 14The great Day of the LORD is near— near and coming quickly. Listen, the Day of the LORD! Then the cry of the mighty will be bitter.

Cross References

	Reference	Text (BSB)
1	Amos 6:1	Woe to those at ease in Zion and those secure on Mount Samaria, the distinguished ones of the foremost nation, to whom the house of Israel comes.
2	Jeremiah 48:11	Moab has been at ease from youth, settled like wine on its dregs; he has not been poured from vessel to vessel or gone into exile. So his flavor has remained the same, and his aroma is unchanged.
3	Ezekiel 8:12	“Son of man,” He said to me, “do you see what the elders of the house of Israel are doing in the darkness, each at the shrine of his own idol? For they are saying, ‘The LORD does not see us; the LORD has forsaken the land.’”
4	Malachi 3:14–15	You have said, ‘It is futile to serve God. What have we gained by keeping His requirements and walking mournfully before the LORD of Hosts? So now we call the arrogant blessed. Not only do evildoers prosper, they even test God and escape.’”
5	Ezekiel 9:9	He replied, “The iniquity of the house of Israel and Judah is exceedingly great. The land is full of bloodshed, and the city is full of perversity. For they say, ‘The LORD has forsaken the land; the LORD does not see.’
6	Psalms 94:7	They say, “The LORD does not see; the God of Jacob pays no heed.”
7	Jeremiah 16:16–17	But for now I will send for many fishermen, declares the LORD, and they will catch them. After that I will send for many hunters, and they will hunt them down on every mountain and hill, even from the clefts of the rocks. For My eyes are on all their ways. They are not hidden from My face, and their guilt is not concealed from My eyes.
8	Amos 9:1–3	I saw the Lord standing beside the altar, and He said: “Strike the tops of the pillars so that the thresholds shake. Topple them on the heads of all the people, and I will kill the rest with the sword. None of those who flee will get away; none of the fugitives will escape. Though they dig down to Sheol, from there My hand will take them; and though they climb up to heaven, from there I will pull them down. Though they hide themselves atop Carmel, there I will track them and seize them; and though they hide from Me at the bottom of the sea, there I will command the serpent to bite them.
9	2 Peter 3:4	“Where is the promise of His coming?” they will ask. “Ever since our fathers fell asleep, everything continues as it has from the beginning of creation.”
10	Obadiah 1:6	But how Esau will be pillaged, his hidden treasures sought out!

Zephaniah 1:12 Summary

Zephaniah 1:12 is a warning from God to those who are complacent and think He is not involved in their lives. It means that God will search carefully and punish those who think He does nothing, either good or bad. This is similar to what we see in Psalm 10:11, where the wicked think God has forgotten them. We must remember that God is always active and involved, and we should seek to live in reverence and awe of His power, as seen in Hebrews 12:28-29, where we are called to worship God with reverence and awe, because our God is a consuming fire.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does it mean to be 'settled in complacency' as mentioned in Zephaniah 1:12?

Being settled in complacency means having a sense of self-satisfaction and lack of concern for one's spiritual condition, similar to the attitude described in Revelation 3:17, where the church in Laodicea thought they were rich and in need of nothing, but were actually poor and blind.

Why does God punish those who say 'The LORD will do nothing, either good or bad'?

God punishes those with this attitude because they are essentially denying His sovereignty and involvement in human affairs, which is a form of idolatry, as seen in Psalm 50:21, where God condemns those who think He is like them and will do nothing.

What is the significance of God searching Jerusalem with lamps in Zephaniah 1:12?

The image of God searching Jerusalem with lamps signifies a thorough and meticulous judgment, where God will leave no stone unturned in exposing the sins of His people, much like the searching judgment described in Jeremiah 17:10, where God searches the heart and examines the mind.

How does this verse relate to the overall message of the book of Zephaniah?

This verse is part of Zephaniah's call to repentance, warning the people of Judah of the impending judgment and urging them to turn back to God, as seen in Zephaniah 2:1-3, where the prophet calls the people to gather together and seek the Lord before the day of the Lord's anger arrives.

Reflection Questions

What are some areas in my life where I may be 'settled in complacency', and how can I seek God's help to stir my heart and mind to repentance?
How do I balance the truth of God's sovereignty with the reality of human responsibility, and what does this mean for my daily life and decisions?
In what ways can I be more mindful of God's presence and activity in my life, and how can I cultivate a deeper sense of reverence and awe for His power and majesty?
What are some ways I can practically apply the warning of Zephaniah 1:12 to my own heart and life, and what steps can I take to ensure I am not caught off guard by God's judgment?

Gill's Exposition on Zephaniah 1:12

And it shall come to pass at that time, [that] I will search Jerusalem with candles,.... To find out the sins of the inhabitants of it, and the authors of them, and punish them for them, however hid

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Zephaniah 1:12

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Zephaniah 1:12

At that time; it was day. , which see. I will search Jerusalem with candles: God speaks after the manner of man, who searcheth dark places with candles in hand. God’ s omniscience seeth all things, and-needs no help for discovery, but by this expression he foretells how fully he would both discover and punish. It is like enough this was literally fulfilled when the Chaldeans did search the vaults, and cellars, and sewers of Jerusalem for men or goods hidden in them. Settled on their lees; in allusion to liquors, which, not being poured out from vessel to vessel to refine them, grow thick and settled; so men that have known none or little changes settle in security, and fear no menaces. Say in their heart; entertain an opinion, or begin to flatter themselves into thoughts. The Lord will not do good, neither will he do evil; no Providence to countenance the good, or to punish the bad; no God, or none that regardeth what is done on earth; or as they, , think God hath forsaken the earth. These atheists God will punish severely, as the sin well deserveth; they shall see it shall be well with the righteous, and ill with the wicked.

Trapp's Commentary on Zephaniah 1:12

Zephaniah 1:12 And it shall come to pass at that time, [that] I will search Jerusalem with candles, and punish the men that are settled on their lees: that say in their heart, The LORD will not do good, neither will he do evil.Ver. 12. I will search Jerusalem with candles] Which yet he needs not do, sith the "darkness hideth not front him, but the night shineth as the day; the darkness and the light are to him alike," Psalms 139:12 cf. Job 34:22 Jeremiah 23:24. Deo obscura lucent, muta respondent, silentium confitetur, Night will convert itself into noon before God, and silence become a speaking evidence. His eyes also are "a flaming fire," that needs no outward light, but sees by sending out a ray; but when Jerusalem is threatened to be searched with lights, the meaning is, that it shall be set all upon a light fire, and the inhabitants ferreted out of their lurking holes, their princes and potentates pulled out of privies and sepulchres by the pursuing enemy, as Jerome out of Josephus here affirmeth they once were. Besides that, they shall be brought to a particular and punctual account for their sins; God will be very exact and accurate with them that way; setting all their evil deeds in order before their eyes, Psalms 50:21, and bringing wrath upon them to the utmost, 1 Thessalonians 2:16. This is fearful, Psalms 130:3, and shall be fulfilled especially at the last day, when wicked men shall give an account of every detail, of all their atheistical thoughts, Psalms 14:1, ungodly deeds which they have ungodly committed, and of all their hard speeches which ungodly sinners have spoken against him, Judges 1:15, with the whole world flaming about their ears, 2 Peter 3:7; 2 Peter 3:10; 2 Peter 3:12 1 Corinthians 4:5 2 Thessalonians 1:8. And punish the men that are settled on their lees] Coagulati, curded or thickened, congealed and condensed; that are habituated and hardened in their evil practices; that have got a sward, nay, a hoof upon their hearts; that have brawny breasts and horny heartstrings; that stick stiffly in the mire of their sins, as Moab, Jeremiah 48:11, and being deeply drowned in the world, are desperately divorced from God, whom they basely fancy to be a God of clouts. one that, however he speak big words, yet will do neither good nor hurt. That say in their heart] As that sapless fellow doth, Psalms 14:1, ðáì. Some set their mouths against heaven, and shame not to utter their reasonings and resolutions of this kind. These are Epicuri de grege porci; such as was Lucretius, Diagoras, Horace with his -- credat Iudaeus Apella. Non ego, namque deos didici securum agere aevum. Let the Jews believe a providence; not I, &c., saith that profane poet.

Ellicott's Commentary on Zephaniah 1:12

(12) The men that are settled on their lees.—The figure is taken from wine which has become harsh from being allowed to stand too long on the lees. The persons intended are selfish sybarites, whose souls have stagnated in undisturbed prosperity, and whose inexperience of affliction has led them to deny the agency of God in the world: men like the rich fool in the parable of Luk 12:16-20.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Zephaniah 1:12

Verse 12. I will search Jerusalem with candles] I will make a universal and thorough search. That are settled on their lees] Those who are careless, satisfied with the goods of this life; who trust in their riches, and are completely irreligious; who, while they acknowledge that there is a God, think, like the Aristotelians, that he is so supremely happy in the contemplation of his own excellences, that he feels it beneath his dignity to concern himself with the affairs of mortals.

Cambridge Bible on Zephaniah 1:12

12. I will search Jerusalem with candles] lit. with lamps, or, lanterns, Luke 15:8. The darkest places shall be penetrated and those lurking in them discovered. Jehovah searches, though it may be by the hand of the enemy that He performs the search. It is out of these obscurist places that the men settled on their lees will have to be dragged. These are not enthusiasts who throng public places and are always in the light of day; they are the indifferent, who withdraw from public concerns, who have no zeal because no faith. In the pictures of Zephaniah as a saint he is represented carrying a lantern. settled on their lees] lit. thickened on their lees. The figure is taken from wine that has sat long undisturbed, and is finely expanded in Jeremiah 48:11-12, “Moab hath been at ease from his youth and he hath settled on his lees, and hath not been emptied from vessel to vessel … I will send unto him them that pour off, and they shall pour him off.” Those referred to are men who have lived at ease, without trouble or vicissitude in life, and who have therefore sunk down into unfeeling indifference or even into incredulity regarding any interference of a higher power in the affairs of mankind (next clause). The Lord will not do good] The phrase “do good or do evil” has come to mean little more than “do aught” (Isaiah 41:23), but properly it is used in a literal way; Jeremiah 10:5, “Be not afraid of them (the idols), for they cannot do evil, neither is it in them to do good.” An Arab, poet says: “I sing a man, on whom the sun never rose a day but he did good and did evil,” i.e. to his friends and foes respectively. The persons referred to by the prophet say this “in their hearts.” The saying differs little from the other, “There is no God” (Psalms 14:1), no living God who observes and interposes in the affairs of human life. Though in a different atmosphere of thought Renan expresses himself to the same effect: “it has, in fact, never been established by observation that a superior being troubles himself, for a moral or an immoral purpose, with the things of nature or the affairs of mankind” (Hist. of Israel, ii p. ii.).

Barnes' Notes on Zephaniah 1:12

I will search - (Literally, “diligently”). The word is always used of a minute diligent search, whereby places, persons, things, are searched and sifted one by one in every corner, until it be found

Whedon's Commentary on Zephaniah 1:12

12. No one will escape, for Jehovah will penetrate the darkest recesses and bring out the guilty to deliver them to the destroyer.

Sermons on Zephaniah 1:12

	Sermon	Description
	Bible Survey - Zephaniah by Peter Hammond	Peter Hammond preaches on the prophet Zephaniah, who delivered prophecies during the reign of King Josiah, calling for repentance and seeking righteousness and humility. Zephaniah'
	The Message of Zephaniah by G. Campbell Morgan	G. Campbell Morgan emphasizes the significance of 'the day of the Lord' as revealed in Zephaniah, highlighting God's direct and supernatural judgment upon sin, particularly luxury
	Practical Atheism, in Denying the Agency of Divine Providence, Exposed by Samuel Davies	Samuel Davies preaches about the prevalence of practical atheism in denying the agency of divine providence, exposing the consequences of settling on one's own understanding and ne
	The Redeemer Is Coming to Zion by David Wilkerson	In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of truly knowing Jesus and not just using His name. He warns against the deception of prosperity gospel and the focus on mate
	Sharing the Grief of God by David Wilkerson	In this sermon, the preacher begins by thanking God for his blessings and acknowledging Jesus and the Holy Ghost. He asks for forgiveness for forgetting what God has done and prays
	The Candlestick - Laodicea by Carter Conlon	In this sermon, Pastor Cullens emphasizes the importance of drawing near to God and purifying one's heart. He encourages the congregation to focus on Jesus and let go of anything t
	Facing God's Judgment - Part 2 by Derek Prince	This sermon by Derek Prince emphasizes the importance of judgment, repentance, and taking responsibility for the spiritual and social conditions that lead to moral decay. Derek Pri