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Zephaniah 3:17

Zephaniah 3:17 in Multiple Translations

The LORD your God is among you; He is mighty to save. He will rejoice over you with gladness; He will quiet you with His love; He will rejoice over you with singing.”

The LORD thy God in the midst of thee is mighty; he will save, he will rejoice over thee with joy; he will rest in his love, he will joy over thee with singing.

Jehovah thy God is in the midst of thee, a mighty one who will save; he will rejoice over thee with joy; he will rest in his love; he will joy over thee with singing.

The Lord your God is among you, as a strong saviour: he will be glad over you with joy, he will make his love new again, he will make a song of joy over you as in the time of a holy feast.

The Lord your God is among you as a mighty warrior who saves. He will be so happy with you. He will renew his love for you. He will celebrate over you with loud singing.

The Lord thy God in the middes of thee is mightie: hee will saue, hee will reioyce ouer thee with ioye: he will quiet himselfe in his loue: he will reioyce ouer thee with ioy.

Jehovah thy God [is] in thy midst, A mighty one doth save, He rejoiceth over thee with joy, He doth work in His love, He joyeth over thee with singing.'

The LORD, your God, is among you, a mighty one who will save. He will rejoice over you with joy. He will calm you in his love. He will rejoice over you with singing.

The LORD thy God in the midst of thee is mighty; he will save, he will rejoice over thee with joy; he will rest in his love, he will joy over thee with singing.

The Lord thy God in the midst of thee is mighty, he will save: he will rejoice over thee with gladness, he will be silent in his love, he will be joyful over thee in praise.

because Yahweh your God is living among you. He is mighty, and he will rescue/save you. He will be very happy with you; because he loves you, he will cause you to not be afraid; he will sing loudly to rejoice over you.”

Study Highlights

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Berean Amplified Bible — Zephaniah 3:17

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Word Study

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

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

Zephaniah 3:17 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB
HEB יְהוָ֧ה אֱלֹהַ֛יִ/ךְ בְּ/קִרְבֵּ֖/ך גִּבּ֣וֹר יוֹשִׁ֑יעַ יָשִׂ֨ישׂ עָלַ֜יִ/ךְ בְּ/שִׂמְחָ֗ה יַחֲרִישׁ֙ בְּ/אַ֣הֲבָת֔/וֹ יָגִ֥יל עָלַ֖יִ/ךְ בְּ/רִנָּֽה
יְהוָ֧ה Yᵉhôvâh H3068 The Lord N-proper
אֱלֹהַ֛יִ/ךְ ʼĕlôhîym H430 God N-mp | Suff
בְּ/קִרְבֵּ֖/ך qereb H7130 entrails Prep | N-ms | Suff
גִּבּ֣וֹר gibbôwr H1368 mighty man Adj
יוֹשִׁ֑יעַ yâshaʻ H3467 to save V-Hiphil-Imperf-3ms
יָשִׂ֨ישׂ sûws H7797 to rejoice V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
עָלַ֜יִ/ךְ ʻal H5921 upon Prep | Suff
בְּ/שִׂמְחָ֗ה simchâh H8057 joy Prep | N-fs
יַחֲרִישׁ֙ chârash H2790 to plow/plot V-Hiphil-Imperf-3ms
בְּ/אַ֣הֲבָת֔/וֹ ʼahăbâh H160 love Prep | N-fs | Suff
יָגִ֥יל gîyl H1523 to rejoice V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
עָלַ֖יִ/ךְ ʻal H5921 upon Prep | Suff
בְּ/רִנָּֽה rinnâh H7440 cry Prep | N-fs
Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — Zephaniah 3:17

יְהוָ֧ה 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.
אֱלֹהַ֛יִ/ךְ ʼĕlôhîym H430 "God" N-mp | Suff
The Hebrew word for God, elohim, refers to the one supreme God, and is sometimes used to show respect to judges or magistrates. It is also used to describe angels or mighty beings. This word is closely related to the name of the Lord, Yahweh, and is often translated as God or gods in the Bible.
Definition: This name means "gods" (plural intensive-singular meaning), "God" Another name of ye.ho.vah (יהוה "LORD" H3068G)
Usage: Occurs in 2246 OT verses. KJV: angels, [idiom] exceeding, God (gods) (-dess, -ly), [idiom] (very) great, judges, [idiom] mighty. See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 22:12; Exodus 3:11.
בְּ/קִרְבֵּ֖/ך qereb H7130 "entrails" Prep | N-ms | Suff
This Hebrew word means the inner part or midst of something, whether physical or emotional, and can refer to the entrails of an animal or the seat of thought and emotion. In 1 Kings 17:21, it describes Elijah's emotional plea to God.
Definition: : among/within 1) midst, among, inner part, middle 1a) inward part 1a1) physical sense 1a2) as seat of thought and emotion 1a3) as faculty of thought and emotion 1b) in the midst, among, from among (of a number of persons) 1c) entrails (of sacrificial animals) Also means: qe.rev (קֶ֫רֶב ": inner_parts" H7130H)
Usage: Occurs in 220 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] among, [idiom] before, bowels, [idiom] unto charge, [phrase] eat (up), [idiom] heart, [idiom] him, [idiom] in, inward ([idiom] -ly, part, -s, thought), midst, [phrase] out of, purtenance, [idiom] therein, [idiom] through, [idiom] within self. See also: Genesis 18:12; Joshua 7:12; Psalms 5:10.
גִּבּ֣וֹר gibbôwr H1368 "mighty man" Adj
This word describes a strong or mighty man, like a warrior or champion, as seen in 1 Samuel 17:51 where David defeats Goliath. It can also imply a brave or valiant person.
Definition: adj 1) strong, mighty n m 2) strong man, brave man, mighty man
Usage: Occurs in 152 OT verses. KJV: champion, chief, [idiom] excel, giant, man, mighty (man, one), strong (man), valiant man. See also: Genesis 6:4; 2 Chronicles 17:16; Psalms 19:6.
יוֹשִׁ֑יעַ yâshaʻ H3467 "to save" V-Hiphil-Imperf-3ms
Means to save or be delivered, used in the Bible to describe being freed from danger or trouble, like in battle or from moral struggles, as seen in the Psalms and Proverbs.
Definition: 1) to save, be saved, be delivered 1a) (Niphal) 1a1) to be liberated, be saved, be delivered 1a2) to be saved (in battle), be victorious 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to save, deliver 1b2) to save from moral troubles 1b3) to give victory to
Usage: Occurs in 198 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] at all, avenging, defend, deliver(-er), help, preserve, rescue, be safe, bring (having) salvation, save(-iour), get victory. See also: Exodus 2:17; Psalms 55:17; Psalms 3:8.
יָשִׂ֨ישׂ sûws H7797 "to rejoice" V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to feel joyful or cheerful, like a bright and happy feeling. It appears in the Bible when people are celebrating or giving thanks. In the KJV, it is often translated as 'rejoice' or 'be glad'.
Definition: 1) to exult, rejoice 1a) (Qal) to exult, display joy
Usage: Occurs in 24 OT verses. KJV: be glad, [idiom] greatly, joy, make mirth, rejoice. See also: Deuteronomy 28:63; Isaiah 61:10; Psalms 19:6.
עָלַ֜יִ/ךְ ʻal H5921 "upon" Prep | Suff
This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.
Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)
Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.
בְּ/שִׂמְחָ֗ה simchâh H8057 "joy" Prep | N-fs
This Hebrew word means joy or gladness, often used to describe a happy occasion or celebration, like a festival. It's used in the Bible to express God's joy and pleasure. In the KJV, it's translated as joy, gladness, or mirth.
Definition: 1) joy, mirth, gladness 1a) mirth, gladness, joy, gaiety, pleasure 1b) joy (of God) 1c) glad result, happy issue
Usage: Occurs in 89 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] exceeding(-ly), gladness, joy(-fulness), mirth, pleasure, rejoice(-ing). See also: Genesis 31:27; Psalms 106:5; Psalms 4:8.
יַחֲרִישׁ֙ chârash H2790 "to plow/plot" V-Hiphil-Imperf-3ms
This verb can mean to be quiet or silent, but also to scratch or engrave, like a farmer plowing a field. It is used in various contexts, including being silent or deaf. The KJV translates it in different ways, including 'cease' or 'hold peace'.
Definition: 1) to cut in, plough, engrave, devise 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to cut in, engrave 1a2) to plough 1a3) to devise 1b) (Niphal) to be ploughed 1c) (Hiphil) to plot evil
Usage: Occurs in 65 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] altogether, cease, conceal, be deaf, devise, ear, graven, imagine, leave off speaking, hold peace, plow(-er, man), be quiet, rest, practise secretly, keep silence, be silent, speak not a word, be still, hold tongue, worker. See also: Genesis 24:21; Psalms 28:1; Psalms 32:3.
בְּ/אַ֣הֲבָת֔/וֹ ʼahăbâh H160 "love" Prep | N-fs | Suff
This word means love or affection, describing human love for others or God's love for His people. It is used in many contexts, including romantic love and friendship. The Bible often talks about God's love.
Definition: 1) love 1a) human love for human object 1a1) of man toward man 1a2) of man toward himself 1a3) between man and woman 1a4) sexual desire 2) God's love to His people
Usage: Occurs in 37 OT verses. KJV: love. See also: Deuteronomy 7:8; Song of Solomon 2:4; Psalms 109:4.
יָגִ֥יל gîyl H1523 "to rejoice" V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to rejoice or be glad, often expressing strong emotions like joy or fear, as seen in the KJV translations.
Definition: 1) to rejoice, exult, be glad 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to rejoice 1a2) to tremble (from fear)
Usage: Occurs in 44 OT verses. KJV: be glad, joy, be joyful, rejoice. See also: 1 Chronicles 16:31; Proverbs 23:25; Psalms 2:11.
עָלַ֖יִ/ךְ ʻal H5921 "upon" Prep | Suff
This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.
Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)
Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.
בְּ/רִנָּֽה rinnâh H7440 "cry" Prep | N-fs
This Hebrew word means a loud, ringing cry, often used to express joy, praise, or triumph, as seen in Psalm 100:1 where believers are called to shout for joy to the Lord. It can also be a cry of supplication or entreaty. This word is used to describe a loud, joyful noise.
Definition: 1) ringing cry 1a) of entreaty, supplication 1b) in proclamation, joy, praise
Usage: Occurs in 33 OT verses. KJV: cry, gladness, joy, proclamation, rejoicing, shouting, sing(-ing), triumph. See also: 1 Kings 8:28; Psalms 126:5; Psalms 17:1.

Study Notes — Zephaniah 3:17

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1 Psalms 149:4 For the LORD takes pleasure in His people; He adorns the afflicted with salvation.
2 Psalms 147:11 The LORD is pleased with those who fear Him, who hope in His loving devotion.
3 Jeremiah 32:41 Yes, I will rejoice in doing them good, and I will faithfully plant them in this land with all My heart and with all My soul.
4 Isaiah 62:4–5 No longer will you be called Forsaken, nor your land named Desolate; but you will be called Hephzibah, and your land Beulah; for the LORD will take delight in you, and your land will be His bride. For as a young man marries a young woman, so your sons will marry you; and as a bridegroom rejoices over his bride, so your God will rejoice over you.
5 Hebrews 7:25 Therefore He is able to save completely those who draw near to God through Him, since He always lives to intercede for them.
6 Isaiah 12:2 Surely God is my salvation; I will trust and not be afraid. For the LORD GOD is my strength and my song, and He also has become my salvation.”
7 Deuteronomy 30:9 So the LORD your God will make you abound in all the work of your hands and in the fruit of your womb, the offspring of your livestock, and the produce of your land. Indeed, the LORD will again delight in your goodness, as He delighted in that of your fathers,
8 Zephaniah 3:15 The LORD has taken away your punishment; He has turned back your enemy. Israel’s King, the LORD, is among you; no longer will you fear any harm.
9 Isaiah 65:19 I will rejoice in Jerusalem and take delight in My people. The sounds of weeping and crying will no longer be heard in her.
10 John 15:11 I have told you these things so that My joy may be in you and your joy may be complete.

Zephaniah 3:17 Summary

This verse tells us that God is with us and has the power to save us from harm. He loves us so much that He rejoices over us with gladness and sings over us with joy, as a parent would over their beloved child. This means that we can trust Him to take care of us and bring us peace, even in difficult times, as seen in Matthew 11:28-30 and Psalm 34:17-20. By putting our trust in God, we can experience His love and joy in our lives, and find comfort in His presence, just like the Psalmist did in Psalm 16:11.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does it mean that God is 'mighty to save' in Zephaniah 3:17?

This phrase means that God has the power to rescue and deliver us from harm, as seen in His mighty acts throughout the Bible, such as in Exodus 14:13-14 and Psalm 107:1-2.

How can God 'rejoice over us with gladness' when we are sinful and imperfect?

God's joy over us is not based on our own worthiness, but on His love and grace, as seen in Romans 5:8 and 1 John 4:19, where we are told that God loves us despite our sinfulness.

What does it mean for God to 'quiet us with His love'?

This phrase suggests that God's love has a calming effect on our souls, bringing peace and tranquility, as seen in Psalm 23:4 and Isaiah 26:3, where we are told that God's presence brings peace and comfort.

How can we experience the joy and love of God described in Zephaniah 3:17?

We can experience God's joy and love by putting our trust in Him, as seen in Proverbs 3:5-6, and by seeking a personal relationship with Him through prayer and worship, as seen in John 15:7 and Psalm 100:1-5.

Reflection Questions

  1. What are some ways that I have experienced God's saving power in my life, and how can I trust Him to continue to work in my life?
  2. How can I cultivate a sense of awe and reverence for God's mighty power, and what difference would it make in my daily life?
  3. In what ways do I struggle with feelings of fear or anxiety, and how can I apply the truth of God's love and presence to those areas of my life?
  4. What are some practical ways that I can 'rejoice in the Lord' and celebrate His love and presence in my life, as seen in Habakkuk 3:17-19 and Philippians 4:4-9?

Gill's Exposition on Zephaniah 3:17

The Lord thy God in the midst of thee [is] mighty,.... Every word carries in it something very encouraging to the church and people of God; and is an antidote against those fears and faintings they

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Zephaniah 3:17

The LORD thy God in the midst of thee is mighty; he will save, he will rejoice over thee with joy; he will rest in his love, he will joy over thee with singing.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Zephaniah 3:17

The Lord; the everlasting One, who changeth not. Thy God; thine in covenant, never to be forgotten or repealed. Is mighty; can do all he will, can restrain and destroy enemies, can support and defend his own people. He will save, from thy fears, and thine enemies’ rage. Will rejoice over thee with joy; will greatly rejoice in thee. Will rest in his love; will take content and satisfaction in this his love. The love he showeth to thee shall be rest to him; not thy loveliness, but his own love shall satisfy him. Will joy over thee with singing; will show greatest love and joy in most affectionate manner: all expressions borrowed from the entirest love of man toward dearest relations, ,13 Isa 62:5.

Trapp's Commentary on Zephaniah 3:17

Zephaniah 3:17 The LORD thy God in the midst of thee [is] mighty; he will save, he will rejoice over thee with joy; he will rest in his love, he will joy over thee with singing.Ver. 17. The Lord thy God in the midst of thee is mighty] Even the mighty strong God, Isaiah 9:6, the giant, as the word signifies, the champion of his Church. He being in the midst of thee cannot but see who thou art set upon; and how many dangers and difficulties thou encounterest with, and will send thee in new supplies, Ephesians 1:19, seasonable help. He will save] This properly signifieth the privative part of man’ s happiness; but includeth also the positive. Jesus will do all for his people. He will rejoice over thee with joy] As a bridegroom doth over his bride, Isaiah 62:5. He will take special complacence and content in thee, being made accepted in the beloved, Ephesians 1:6. He will rest in his love] And seek no further. Heb. He will be silent in his love, passing by small faults without any the least signification of his displeasure; as if he were even fond over his Church, and did err in his love towards her, as husbands are licensed to do toward their wives, Proverbs 5:19. Some render it obmutescet in amore suo, he shall be dumb in his love, so as he cannot speak through excess of love. Lovers are so transported sometimes that they cannot utter their minds. He will joy over thee with singing] As a father doth over his child whom he beareth in his besom, or dandleth on his knee.

Ellicott's Commentary on Zephaniah 3:17

(17) He will rest . . .—Better, He will keep silence in His love; He will exult over thee with a shout of joy. Unutterable yearnings and outbursts of jubilant affection are both the expressions of sexual love. By a bold anthropomorphism, both are attributed to the Heavenly Bridegroom, as He gazes on “a glorious Church . . . holy, and without blemish.”

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Zephaniah 3:17

Verse 17. The Lord thy God] יהוה אלהיך Yehovah Eloheycha, "The self-existent and eternal Being, who is in covenant with you;" the character of God in reference to the Jews when standing in the nearest relation to them. Is mighty] גבור gibbor, is the prevailing One, the all-conquering Hero. The character which is given to Christ, Isaiah 9:6: "His name shall be called אל גבור El gibbor, the prevailing Almighty God." He will save] Deliver thee from all the power, from all the guilt, and from all the pollution of thy sins; and when thus saved, "he will rejoice over thee with joy," with peculiar gladness. "He will rest in his love," - he will renew his love. He will show the same love to you that he did of old to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. He will joy over thee with singing.] The conversion of the Jews will be a subject of peculiar delight and exultation to God himself! There will be a more than ordinary joy in heaven, when the Jews return to God through Christ. This event cannot be at a great distance; they are as wretched and as ungodly as they can well be. The arms of Christians are open to receive them; and all things are now ready!

Cambridge Bible on Zephaniah 3:17

17. Render with R.V., The LORD thy God is in the midst of thee, a mighty one who will save. he will rejoice over thee] Comp. Isaiah 62:5; Isaiah 65:19. He will rest in his love] Or, he will be silent. The words seem to mean that God’s love will be so strong and deep as to hush motion or speech; it will be a silent ecstasy. The Sept. rendering, he will renew thee (reading d for r), offers no acceptable alternative.

Barnes' Notes on Zephaniah 3:17

The Lord thy God in the midst of thee is mighty; He will save - What can He then not do for thee, since He is Almighty? What will He not do for thee, since “He will save?” whom then should we fear?

Whedon's Commentary on Zephaniah 3:17

15-17. The reason for the exultation is found in the fullness of the redemption wrought.

Sermons on Zephaniah 3:17

SermonDescription
Corrie Ten Boom Youth for Christ Ladies by Corrie Ten Boom In this sermon, the speaker describes a situation where 700 prisoners were in great danger and facing punishment due to their fighting. Amidst this chaos, there was a weak and star
David Wilkerson The Reproach of the Solemn Assembly - Part 2 by David Wilkerson In this sermon, Pastor Wilkinson calls on the congregation to come forward and seek deliverance and strength from the Holy Spirit. He emphasizes the importance of repentance and ke
David Wilkerson The Reproach of the Solemn Assembly by David Wilkerson In this sermon, the speaker expresses concern about the negative effects of the prosperity gospel and false prophets on believers. He describes witnessing people engaging in strang
Zac Poonen (Basics) 38. Jesus Valued People More Than Things by Zac Poonen In this sermon, the preacher highlights the upside-down values of the world, where money is often prioritized over God and people. He emphasizes that Christians should believe and
Carter Conlon You Will Soon Be Released From the Wilderness by Carter Conlon In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of living a consistent Christian life. He warns against the hypocrisy of attending church on Sundays but living contrary to G
Zac Poonen (Laying Hold on Eternity) Knowing God as Our Father by Zac Poonen In this sermon, the speaker shares their personal journey of coming to know God as a compassionate and understanding Father. They emphasize the importance of knowing God as a fathe
Jack Hibbs Life & Times of Jesus #03 by Jack Hibbs In this sermon, the preacher discusses the importance of Jesus coming into the world as the perfect sacrifice for humanity. He explains that the law hangs over us, intimidating and

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