Zephaniah 1:6
Zephaniah 1:6 in Multiple Translations
and those who turn back from following the LORD, neither seeking the LORD nor inquiring of Him.”
And them that are turned back from the LORD; and those that have not sought the LORD, nor enquired for him.
and them that are turned back from following Jehovah; and those that have not sought Jehovah, nor inquired after him.
And those who are turned back from going after the Lord, and those who have not made prayer to the Lord or got directions from him.
I will destroy those who once worshiped the Lord but don't anymore. They don't seek the Lord or ask for my help.
And them that are turned backe from the Lord, and those that haue not sought the Lord, nor inquired for him.
And those removing from after Jehovah, And who have not sought Jehovah, nor besought Him.
those who have turned back from following the LORD, and those who haven’t sought the LORD nor inquired after him.
And them that have turned back from the LORD; and those that have not sought the LORD, nor inquired for him.
And them that turn away from following after the Lord, and that have not sought the Lord, nor searched after him.
I will get rid of all those who previously worshiped me but no longer do, those who no longer seek my help or ask me to tell them what they should do.”
Berean Amplified Bible — Zephaniah 1:6
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 1:6 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וְ/אֶת
הַ/נְּסוֹגִ֖ים
מֵ/אַחֲרֵ֣י
יְהוָ֑ה
וַ/אֲשֶׁ֛ר
לֹֽא
בִקְשׁ֥וּ
אֶת
יְהוָ֖ה
וְ/לֹ֥א
דְרָשֻֽׁ/הוּ
וְ/אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
Conj | DirObjM
הַ/נְּסוֹגִ֖ים
çûwg
H5472
to turn
Art | V-Niphal
מֵ/אַחֲרֵ֣י
ʼachar
H310
after
Prep | Prep
יְהוָ֑ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
The Lord
N-proper
וַ/אֲשֶׁ֛ר
ʼăsher
H834
which
Conj | Rel
לֹֽא
lôʼ
H3808
not
Part
בִקְשׁ֥וּ
bâqash
H1245
to seek
V-Piel-Perf-3cp
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
יְהוָ֖ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
The Lord
N-proper
וְ/לֹ֥א
lôʼ
H3808
not
Conj | Part
דְרָשֻֽׁ/הוּ
dârash
H1875
to seek
V-Qal-Perf-3cp | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — Zephaniah 1:6
וְ/אֶת
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
Conj | 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.
הַ/נְּסוֹגִ֖ים
çûwg
H5472
"to turn"
Art | V-Niphal
The Hebrew word çûwg means to turn back or go back, and can also imply apostasy or backsliding. In the KJV translation, it is often used to describe someone who turns away from God or their faith, as seen in various biblical passages.
Definition: 1) to move, go, turn back, move away, backslide 1a) (Qal) to backslide, prove recreant to 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to turn oneself away, turn back 1b2) to be turned or driven back, be repulsed Also means: sug (שׂוּג "to turn back" H7734)
Usage: Occurs in 14 OT verses. KJV: backslider, drive, go back, turn (away, back). See also: Psalms 35:4; Psalms 129:5; Psalms 40:15.
מֵ/אַחֲרֵ֣י
ʼachar
H310
"after"
Prep | Prep
Achar means backwards or after, used to describe something that happens later or in the rear. It is used in various senses in the Bible, including in 1 Kings 12:18.
Definition: 1) after the following part, behind (of place), hinder, afterwards (of time) 1a) as an adverb 1a1) behind (of place) 1a2) afterwards (of time) 1b) as a preposition 1b1) behind, after (of place) 1b2) after (of time) 1b3) besides 1c) as a conjunction 1c) after that 1d) as a substantive 1d1) hinder part 1e) with other prepositions 1e1) from behind 1e2) from following after
Usage: Occurs in 664 OT verses. KJV: after (that, -ward), again, at, away from, back (from, -side), behind, beside, by, follow (after, -ing), forasmuch, from, hereafter, hinder end, [phrase] out (over) live, [phrase] persecute, posterity, pursuing, remnant, seeing, since, thence(-forth), when, with. See also: Genesis 5:4; Exodus 18:2; Joshua 8:14.
יְהוָ֑ה
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.
וַ/אֲשֶׁ֛ר
ʼăsher
H834
"which"
Conj | Rel
This Hebrew word is a conjunction that connects ideas and events in the Bible, like in the book of Genesis, where it's used to describe the relationship between God and His creation.
Definition: A: 1) (relative part.) 1a) which, who 1b) that which 2) (conj) 2a) that (in obj clause) 2b) when 2c) since 2d) as 2e) conditional if B: Beth+ 1) in (that) which 2) (adv) 2a) where 3) (conj) 3a) in that, inasmuch as 3b) on account of C: Mem+ 1) from (or than) that which 2) from (the place) where 3) from (the fact) that, since D: Kaph+ 1) (conj.), according as, as, when 1a) according to that which, according as, as 1b) with a causal force: in so far as, since 1c) with a temporal force: when
Usage: Occurs in 4440 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, [idiom] alike, as (soon as), because, [idiom] every, for, [phrase] forasmuch, [phrase] from whence, [phrase] how(-soever), [idiom] if, (so) that ((thing) which, wherein), [idiom] though, [phrase] until, [phrase] whatsoever, when, where ([phrase] -as, -in, -of, -on, -soever, -with), which, whilst, [phrase] whither(-soever), who(-m, -soever, -se). As it is indeclinable, it is often accompanied by the personal pronoun expletively, used to show the connection. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 20:9; Genesis 31:16.
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.
בִקְשׁ֥וּ
bâqash
H1245
"to seek"
V-Piel-Perf-3cp
This Hebrew verb means to seek or search for something. In Psalm 105:4, it's used to encourage seeking God's face. It's also used in 1 Samuel 28:8 where Saul seeks a medium.
Definition: 1) to seek, require, desire, exact, request 1a) (Piel) 1a1) to seek to find 1a2) to seek to secure 1a3) to seek the face 1a4) to desire, demand 1a5) to require, exact 1a6) to ask, request 1b) (Pual) to be sought
Usage: Occurs in 215 OT verses. KJV: ask, beg, beseech, desire, enquire, get, make inquisition, procure, (make) request, require, seek (for). See also: Genesis 31:39; Esther 7:7; Psalms 4:3.
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.
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.
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.
דְרָשֻֽׁ/הוּ
dârash
H1875
"to seek"
V-Qal-Perf-3cp | Suff
To seek or ask is the meaning of this Hebrew word, often used to describe seeking God or worshiping him. It can also mean to investigate or enquire about something.
Definition: 1) to resort to, seek, seek with care, enquire, require 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to resort to, frequent (a place), (tread a place) 1a2) to consult, enquire of, seek 1a2a) of God 1a2b) of heathen gods, necromancers 1a3) to seek deity in prayer and worship 1a3a) God 1a3b) heathen deities 1a4) to seek (with a demand), demand, require 1a5) to investigate, enquire 1a6) to ask for, require, demand 1a7) to practice, study, follow, seek with application 1a8) to seek with care, care for 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to allow oneself to be enquired of, consulted (only of God) 1b2) to be sought, be sought out 1b3) to be required (of blood)
Usage: Occurs in 152 OT verses. KJV: ask, [idiom] at all, care for, [idiom] diligently, inquire, make inquisition, (necro-) mancer, question, require, search, seek (for, out), [idiom] surely. See also: Genesis 9:5; Ezra 10:16; Psalms 9:11.
Study Notes — Zephaniah 1:6
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Zephaniah 1:6 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Zephaniah 1:6
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Zephaniah 1:6
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Zephaniah 1:6
- Trapp's Commentary on Zephaniah 1:6
- Ellicott's Commentary on Zephaniah 1:6
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Zephaniah 1:6
- Cambridge Bible on Zephaniah 1:6
- Barnes' Notes on Zephaniah 1:6
- Whedon's Commentary on Zephaniah 1:6
- Sermons on Zephaniah 1:6
Context — Zephaniah Prophesies Judgment on Judah
4“I will stretch out My hand against Judah and against all who dwell in Jerusalem. I will cut off from this place every remnant of Baal, the names of the idolatrous and pagan priests—
5those who bow on the rooftops to worship the host of heaven, those who bow down and swear by the LORD but also swear by Milcom,
6and those who turn back from following the LORD, neither seeking the LORD nor inquiring of Him.”
7Be silent in the presence of the Lord GOD, for the Day of the LORD is near. Indeed, the LORD has prepared a sacrifice; He has consecrated His guests. 8“On the Day of the LORD’s sacrifice I will punish the princes, the sons of the king, and all who are dressed in foreign apparel.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Isaiah 1:4 | Alas, O sinful nation, a people laden with iniquity, a brood of evildoers, children of depravity! They have forsaken the LORD; they have despised the Holy One of Israel and turned their backs on Him. |
| 2 | Jeremiah 2:13 | “For My people have committed two evils: They have forsaken Me, the fountain of living water, and they have dug their own cisterns— broken cisterns that cannot hold water. |
| 3 | Jeremiah 15:6 | You have forsaken Me, declares the LORD. You have turned your back. So I will stretch out My hand against you and I will destroy you; I am weary of showing compassion. |
| 4 | Jeremiah 2:17 | Have you not brought this on yourself by forsaking the LORD your God when He led you in the way? |
| 5 | Isaiah 9:13 | But the people did not return to Him who struck them; they did not seek the LORD of Hosts. |
| 6 | Ezekiel 3:20 | Now if a righteous man turns from his righteousness and commits iniquity, and I put a stumbling block before him, he will die. If you did not warn him, he will die in his sin, and the righteous acts he did will not be remembered. And I will hold you responsible for his blood. |
| 7 | Hosea 11:7 | My people are bent on turning from Me. Though they call to the Most High, He will by no means exalt them. |
| 8 | Hebrews 10:38–39 | But My righteous one will live by faith; and if he shrinks back, I will take no pleasure in him.” But we are not of those who shrink back and are destroyed, but of those who have faith and preserve their souls. |
| 9 | Jeremiah 3:10 | Yet in spite of all this, her unfaithful sister Judah did not return to Me with all her heart, but only in pretense,” declares the LORD. |
| 10 | Hosea 4:15–16 | Though you prostitute yourself, O Israel, may Judah avoid such guilt! Do not journey to Gilgal, do not go up to Beth-aven, and do not swear on oath, ‘As surely as the LORD lives!’ For Israel is as obstinate as a stubborn heifer. Can the LORD now shepherd them like lambs in an open meadow? |
Zephaniah 1:6 Summary
This verse talks about people who used to follow God but then turned away from Him. They stopped trying to learn more about God or listen to what He has to say. It's like they were on a path with God, but then they decided to go back to their old ways. To follow God, we need to keep seeking Him and listening to His voice, like it says in Jeremiah 29:13, and we must be careful not to let idols or other things distract us from our relationship with Him, as warned in Exodus 20:3-5.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to turn back from following the Lord?
Turning back from following the Lord means to abandon or reject the path of obedience and faithfulness to God, often returning to previous sinful patterns or idolatries, as seen in Joshua 22:16 and 2 Chronicles 7:19-20.
Why is seeking and inquiring of the Lord important?
Seeking and inquiring of the Lord are essential because they demonstrate a desire to know and follow God's will, as expressed in Jeremiah 29:13 and Psalm 119:10, and are necessary for a deepening relationship with Him.
How can we ensure we are not turning back from following the Lord?
To avoid turning back, we must continually seek the Lord through prayer, reading His Word, and obeying His commands, as encouraged in Deuteronomy 4:29 and Matthew 22:37-38, and surround ourselves with believers who encourage and support our faith.
What are the consequences of not seeking or inquiring of the Lord?
The consequences of not seeking or inquiring of the Lord can be severe, including spiritual blindness, disobedience, and ultimately, God's judgment, as seen in Isaiah 1:28 and Romans 1:21, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a close, inquiring relationship with God.
Reflection Questions
- In what ways have I turned back from following the Lord in my own life, and what steps can I take to return to Him?
- How do I currently seek and inquire of the Lord, and are there areas where I can deepen my pursuit of Him?
- What idols or distractions in my life might be causing me to turn away from the Lord, and how can I eliminate them?
- How can I encourage and support fellow believers to continue seeking and inquiring of the Lord, especially in times of spiritual dryness or doubt?
Gill's Exposition on Zephaniah 1:6
And them that are turned back from the Lord,.... Who once were worshippers of him, but now become apostates, and had turned their backs on him and his worship.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Zephaniah 1:6
And them that are turned back from the LORD; and those that have not sought the LORD, nor inquired And them that are turned back from the LORD; and those that have not sought the LORD, nor inquired for him.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Zephaniah 1:6
Them that are turned back; apostates, who have forsaken the Lord and his worship, or that are turned atheists, or that in matter of religion have taken up not what is purest and truest, but what is nearest and most in fashion. That have not sought the Lord; sluggishly neglected to examine pretended religions, according to the law, which they might and ought to have done, and who have embraced a fall religion instead of the true. Nor inquired for him: though the prophets have preached against this apostacy, and called the priests and people to forsake the idols, and inquire after God, yet they would not inquire; these also are here doomed to destruction. Them that are turned back; apostates, who have forsaken the Lord and his worship, or that are turned atheists, or that in matter of religion have taken up not what is purest and truest, but what is nearest and most in fashion. Nor inquired for him: though the prophets have preached against this apostacy, and called the priests and people to forsake the idols, and inquire after God, yet they would not inquire; these also are here doomed to destruction.
Trapp's Commentary on Zephaniah 1:6
Zephaniah 1:6 And them that are turned back from the LORD; and [those] that have not sought the LORD, nor enquired for him.Ver. 6. And them that are turned back from the Lord] Not gross idolaters, but yet treacherous backsliders, that fall off from their former forwardness, that turn from the holy commandments, 2 Peter 2:21, that depart a post Dominum, from after the Lord, as the Hebrew here hath it, apostates, those worst of men, that do not only not fulfil after the Lord, as Caleb, but utterly forsake him. A heavier judgment awaiteth such. "God shall lead them forth with the workers of iniquity," Psalms 125:5. And those that have not sought the Lord, nor enquired after him] Diligently sought him, Hebrews 11:6, zealously inquired after him, as after a lost jewel, Jeremiah 29:13. God will visit for unzealousness; and curse those that do his work carelessly, cursorily, in a perfunctory, formal, bedulling way.
Ellicott's Commentary on Zephaniah 1:6
(6) Schmieder observes that the enumeration of Zep 1:4-6 extends from gross external to refined internal apostasy. “The Lord will destroy (1) the idols of Baal; (2) their priests; (3) those who openly worship them on housetops; (4) the secret worshippers; (5) those who, without worshipping idols, have apostatised in their hearts; (6) those who are indifferent to religion.”
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Zephaniah 1:6
Verse 6. Them that are turned back] Who have forsaken the true God, and become idolaters. Nor inquired for him] Have not desired to know his will.
Cambridge Bible on Zephaniah 1:6
6. In this verse also one class of persons is described in two ways: those who have turned away from Jehovah and who do not seek Him. Comp. the prophet’s exhortation ch. Zephaniah 2:2, “seek ye the Lord, all ye meek of the earth.”
Barnes' Notes on Zephaniah 1:6
And them that are turned back from - (Literally, have turned themselves back from following after) the Lord From this half-service, the prophet goes on to the avowed neglect of God, by such as wholly
Whedon's Commentary on Zephaniah 1:6
Zephaniah 1:5-6 name different classes of worshipers that will be swept away. Worship the host of heaven — The sun, moon, and stars.
Sermons on Zephaniah 1:6
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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The Seven Levels of Judgment - Improper Response Part 3 by Dan Biser | This sermon emphasizes the importance of responding properly to God's call, highlighting the consequences of improper responses seen in various biblical examples. It discusses the |
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(Biblical Manhood) -Morning Brunch by Paul Washer | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of being a godly example to our children. He shares his desire for his son to see him on his knees, weeping with joy about Jes |
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Are You Developing a Hard Heart by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the passage from Isaiah 6:9-10 where God sends Isaiah on a mission to a people who will not understand or perceive his message. The preacher |
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Dangerous Shepards by Carter Conlon | In this sermon, the speaker expresses concern about the state of preaching in North America, stating that skits and plays have replaced traditional sermons in some churches. The sp |
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Biblical Courtship Session #1: Introduction to Biblical Courtship by Paul Washer | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of knowing and studying the Word of God. He encourages young people to prioritize their time in the Bible rather than being c |
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(Gifts) Gift of the Prophet by Dwight Pentecost | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the role of prophets in the Old Testament and their responsibility to communicate God's message to the people of Israel. He highlights the ex |
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Spirit of Perversion - Part 1 by Joshua Daniel | This sermon emphasizes the need for Christians to stand firm in their faith and resist the temptations of the world, highlighting the challenges faced by early missionaries and the |