Zephaniah 3:6
Zephaniah 3:6 in Multiple Translations
“I have cut off the nations; their corner towers are destroyed. I have made their streets deserted with no one to pass through. Their cities are laid waste, with no man, no inhabitant.
I have cut off the nations: their towers are desolate; I made their streets waste, that none passeth by: their cities are destroyed, so that there is no man, that there is none inhabitant.
I have cut off nations; their battlements are desolate; I have made their streets waste, so that none passeth by; their cities are destroyed, so that there is no man, so that there is no inhabitant.
I have had the nations cut off, their towers are broken down; I have made their streets a waste so that no one goes through them: destruction has overtaken their towns, so that there is no man living in them.
I have destroyed nations. Their fortresses are deserted; their streets are empty; their cities are destroyed—there are no survivors, not one.
I haue cut off the nations: their towres are desolate: I haue made their streetes waste, that none shall passe by: their cities are destroyed without man and without inhabitant.
I have cut off nations, Desolated have been their chief ones, I have laid waste their out-places without any passing by, Destroyed have been their cities, Without man, without inhabitant.
I have cut off nations. Their battlements are desolate. I have made their streets waste, so that no one passes by. Their cities are destroyed, so that there is no man, so that there is no inhabitant.
I have cut off the nations: their towers are desolate; I made their streets waste, that none passeth by: their cities are destroyed, so that there is no man, that there is no inhabitant.
I have destroyed the nations, and their towers are beaten down: I have made their ways desert, so that there is none that passeth by: their cities are desolate, there is not a man remaining, nor any inhabitant.
Yahweh says this: “I have destroyed many nations; I have destroyed their strong/high city walls and towers. Now I have caused the streets in those cities to be completely deserted [DOU]; the cities are ruined. There are no people still alive in the cities; they are all dead [LIT].
Berean Amplified Bible — Zephaniah 3:6
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 3:6 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
הִכְרַ֣תִּי
גוֹיִ֗ם
נָשַׁ֨מּוּ֙
פִּנּוֹתָ֔/ם
הֶחֱרַ֥בְתִּי
חֽוּצוֹתָ֖/ם
מִ/בְּלִ֣י
עוֹבֵ֑ר
נִצְדּ֧וּ
עָרֵי/הֶ֛ם
מִ/בְּלִי
אִ֖ישׁ
מֵ/אֵ֥ין
יוֹשֵֽׁב
הִכְרַ֣תִּי
kârath
H3772
to cut
V-Hiphil-Perf-1cs
גוֹיִ֗ם
gôwy
H1471
Gentile
N-mp
נָשַׁ֨מּוּ֙
shâmêm
H8074
be desolate
V-Niphal-Perf-3cp
פִּנּוֹתָ֔/ם
pinnâh
H6438
corner
N-fp | Suff
הֶחֱרַ֥בְתִּי
chârab
H2717
to dry
V-Hiphil-Perf-1cs
חֽוּצוֹתָ֖/ם
chûwts
H2351
outside
N-mp | Suff
מִ/בְּלִ֣י
bᵉlîy
H1097
without
Prep | N-ms
עוֹבֵ֑ר
ʻâbar
H5674
to pass
V-Qal
נִצְדּ֧וּ
tsâdâh
H6658
to ambush
V-Niphal-Perf-3cp
עָרֵי/הֶ֛ם
ʻîyr
H5892
excitement
N-fp | Suff
מִ/בְּלִי
bᵉlîy
H1097
without
Prep | N-ms
אִ֖ישׁ
ʼîysh
H376
man
N-ms
מֵ/אֵ֥ין
ʼayin
H369
nothing
Prep | Part
יוֹשֵֽׁב
yâshab
H3427
to dwell
V-Qal
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Zephaniah 3:6
הִכְרַ֣תִּי
kârath
H3772
"to cut"
V-Hiphil-Perf-1cs
This Hebrew word means to cut or destroy something, but it also has a special meaning related to making a covenant or agreement. In Genesis 15:18, God makes a covenant with Abram, symbolized by cutting animals in half, showing the seriousness of the promise. This word is used to describe important agreements and alliances.
Definition: : cut/fell 1) to cut, cut off, cut down, cut off a body part, cut out, eliminate, kill, cut a covenant 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to cut off 1a1a) to cut off a body part, behead 1a2) to cut down 1a3) to hew 1a4) to cut or make a covenant 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be cut off 1b2) to be cut down 1b3) to be chewed 1b4) to be cut off, fail 1c) (Pual) 1c1) to be cut off 1c2) to be cut down 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to cut off 1d2) to cut off, destroy 1d3) to cut down, destroy 1d4) to take away 1d5) to permit to perish 1e) (Hophal) cut off
Usage: Occurs in 280 OT verses. KJV: be chewed, be con-(feder-) ate, covenant, cut (down, off), destroy, fail, feller, be freed, hew (down), make a league (covenant), [idiom] lose, perish, [idiom] utterly, [idiom] want. See also: Genesis 9:11; 1 Samuel 24:6; Psalms 12:4.
גוֹיִ֗ם
gôwy
H1471
"Gentile"
N-mp
This word refers to a Gentile, someone who is not Hebrew or Israeli. It can also describe a large group of animals or a nation of people, emphasizing their unity and shared identity.
Definition: 1) nation, people 1a) nation, people 1a1) usually of non-Hebrew people 1a2) of descendants of Abraham 1a3) of Israel 1b) of swarm of locusts, other animals (fig.) 1c) Goyim? = "nations" Also named: ethnos (ἔθνος "Gentiles" G1484)
Usage: Occurs in 511 OT verses. KJV: Gentile, heathen, nation, people. See also: Genesis 10:5; Judges 4:16; Psalms 2:1.
נָשַׁ֨מּוּ֙
shâmêm
H8074
"be desolate"
V-Niphal-Perf-3cp
The word 'shamem' means to be desolate or devastated, like a place left empty and destroyed, often used to describe the aftermath of war or disaster.
Definition: : destroyed/deserted 1) to be desolate, be appalled, stun, stupefy 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to be desolated, be deflowered, be deserted, be appalled 1a2) to be appalled, be awestruck 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be desolated, be made desolate 1b2) to be appalled 1c) (Polel) 1c1) to be stunned 1c2) appalling, causing horror (participle) 1c2a) horror-causer, appaller (subst) 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to devastate, ravage, make desolated 1d2) to appal, show horror 1e) (Hophal) to lay desolate, be desolated 1f) (Hithpolel) 1f1) to cause to be desolate 1f2) to be appalled, be astounded 1f3) to cause oneself desolation, cause oneself ruin
Usage: Occurs in 80 OT verses. KJV: make amazed, be astonied, (be an) astonish(-ment), (be, bring into, unto, lay, lie, make) desolate(-ion, places), be destitute, destroy (self), (lay, lie, make) waste, wonder. See also: Leviticus 26:22; Jeremiah 50:13; Psalms 40:16.
פִּנּוֹתָ֔/ם
pinnâh
H6438
"corner"
N-fp | Suff
This word refers to a corner or an angle, like a pinnacle or a chief ruler. It's used in descriptions of buildings, cities, and leaders in the Bible, like in Exodus and Isaiah.
Definition: 1) corner 1a) corner (of square objects) 1b) corner (of ruler or chief-fig.) Also means: pen (פֵּן "Corner" H6434)
Usage: Occurs in 29 OT verses. KJV: bulwark, chief, corner, stay, tower. See also: Exodus 27:2; Psalms 118:22; Proverbs 7:8.
הֶחֱרַ֥בְתִּי
chârab
H2717
"to dry"
V-Hiphil-Perf-1cs
To slay or destroy is the meaning of this Hebrew word, which can also mean to dry up or desolate something. It is used to describe fighting, attacking, or laying waste.
Definition: 1) to be dry, be dried up 1a) (Qal) to be dried, be dried up 1b) (Pual) to be dried 1c) (Hiphil) to dry up 1d) (Hophal) to be dried up
Usage: Occurs in 38 OT verses. KJV: decay, (be) desolate, destroy(-er), (be) dry (up), slay, [idiom] surely, (lay, lie, make) waste. See also: Genesis 8:13; Isaiah 50:2; Psalms 106:9.
חֽוּצוֹתָ֖/ם
chûwts
H2351
"outside"
N-mp | Suff
This word means outside or outdoors, referring to something beyond a wall or boundary. It can also mean a street or highway, as seen in various KJV translations, including abroad, field, and without.
Definition: outside, outward, street, the outside
Usage: Occurs in 158 OT verses. KJV: abroad, field, forth, highway, more, out(-side, -ward), street, without. See also: Genesis 6:14; 2 Chronicles 24:8; Psalms 18:43.
מִ/בְּלִ֣י
bᵉlîy
H1097
"without"
Prep | N-ms
This word means without or nothing, often used for negation. It appears in various forms, such as without or not yet, in the Old Testament.
Definition: subst 1) wearing out adv of negation 2) without, no, not
Usage: Occurs in 57 OT verses. KJV: corruption, ig(norantly), for lack of, where no...is, so that no, none, not, un(awares), without. See also: Genesis 31:20; Job 38:41; Psalms 19:4.
עוֹבֵ֑ר
ʻâbar
H5674
"to pass"
V-Qal
This verb can mean to cross over or transition from one thing to another, and is sometimes used to describe being arrogant or crossing a boundary.
Definition: 1) to pass over or by or through, alienate, bring, carry, do away, take, take away, transgress 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to pass over, cross, cross over, pass over, march over, overflow, go over 1a2) to pass beyond 1a3) to pass through, traverse 1a3a) passers-through (participle) 1a3b) to pass through (the parts of victim in covenant) 1a4) to pass along, pass by, overtake and pass, sweep by 1a4a) passer-by (participle) 1a4b) to be past, be over 1a5) to pass on, go on, pass on before, go in advance of, pass along, travel, advance 1a6) to pass away 1a6a) to emigrate, leave (one's territory) 1a6b) to vanish 1a6c) to perish, cease to exist 1a6d) to become invalid, become obsolete (of law, decree) 1a6e) to be alienated, pass into other hands 1b) (Niphal) to be crossed 1c) (Piel) to impregnate, cause to cross 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to cause to pass over, cause to bring over, cause to cross over, make over to, dedicate, devote 1d2) to cause to pass through 1d3) to cause to pass by or beyond or under, let pass by 1d4) to cause to pass away, cause to take away 1e) (Hithpael) to pass over
Usage: Occurs in 493 OT verses. KJV: alienate, alter, [idiom] at all, beyond, bring (over, through), carry over, (over-) come (on, over), conduct (over), convey over, current, deliver, do away, enter, escape, fail, gender, get over, (make) go (away, beyond, by, forth, his way, in, on, over, through), have away (more), lay, meddle, overrun, make partition, (cause to, give, make to, over) pass(-age, along, away, beyond, by, -enger, on, out, over, through), (cause to, make) [phrase] proclaim(-amation), perish, provoke to anger, put away, rage, [phrase] raiser of taxes, remove, send over, set apart, [phrase] shave, cause to (make) sound, [idiom] speedily, [idiom] sweet smelling, take (away), (make to) transgress(-or), translate, turn away, (way-) faring man, be wrath. See also: Genesis 8:1; Deuteronomy 27:2; 1 Samuel 25:19.
נִצְדּ֧וּ
tsâdâh
H6658
"to ambush"
V-Niphal-Perf-3cp
This Hebrew word means to lay waste or destroy, often implying a violent chase. It is used in various contexts, including hunting and warfare. In the Bible, it appears in passages like Jeremiah 4:20.
Definition: (Qal) to lie in wait
Usage: Occurs in 3 OT verses. KJV: destroy, hunt, lie in wait. See also: Exodus 21:13; 1 Samuel 24:12; Zephaniah 3:6.
עָרֵי/הֶ֛ם
ʻîyr
H5892
"excitement"
N-fp | Suff
In the Bible, this word refers to a city or town, often a place with a wall or a watchman. It is used to describe a settlement or encampment, like the city of Ai, which is mentioned in the book of Joshua. The word is used to identify specific locations in the Bible.
Definition: 1) excitement, anguish 1a) of terror
Usage: Occurs in 936 OT verses. KJV: Ai (from margin), city, court (from margin), town. See also: Genesis 4:17; Deuteronomy 3:6; Joshua 14:12.
מִ/בְּלִי
bᵉlîy
H1097
"without"
Prep | N-ms
This word means without or nothing, often used for negation. It appears in various forms, such as without or not yet, in the Old Testament.
Definition: subst 1) wearing out adv of negation 2) without, no, not
Usage: Occurs in 57 OT verses. KJV: corruption, ig(norantly), for lack of, where no...is, so that no, none, not, un(awares), without. See also: Genesis 31:20; Job 38:41; Psalms 19:4.
אִ֖ישׁ
ʼîysh
H376
"man"
N-ms
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.
מֵ/אֵ֥ין
ʼayin
H369
"nothing"
Prep | Part
This word means nothing or not, often used to indicate the absence of something, as in Genesis 1:2 where the earth was without form. It emphasizes the idea of something lacking or non-existent.
Definition: 1) nothing, not, nought n 1a) nothing, nought neg 1b) not 1c) to have not (of possession) adv 1d) without w/prep 1e) for lack of
Usage: Occurs in 686 OT verses. KJV: else, except, fail, (father-) less, be gone, in(-curable), neither, never, no (where), none, nor, (any, thing), not, nothing, to nought, past, un(-searchable), well-nigh, without. Compare H370 (אַיִן). See also: Genesis 2:5; Deuteronomy 14:27; 1 Kings 15:22.
יוֹשֵֽׁב
yâshab
H3427
"to dwell"
V-Qal
This verb means to sit or dwell, and can also mean to remain or abide. It's used in the Bible to describe people living in a place or staying with someone, like in the book of Genesis.
Definition: 1) to dwell, remain, sit, abide 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to sit, sit down 1a2) to be set 1a3) to remain, stay 1a4) to dwell, have one's abode 1b) (Niphal) to be inhabited 1c) (Piel) to set, place 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to cause to sit 1d2) to cause to abide, set 1d3) to cause to dwell 1d4) to cause (cities) to be inhabited 1d5) to marry (give an dwelling to) 1e) (Hophal) 1e1) to be inhabited 1e2) to make to dwell Aramaic equivalent: ye.tiv (יְתִב "to dwell" H3488)
Usage: Occurs in 977 OT verses. KJV: (make to) abide(-ing), continue, (cause to, make to) dwell(-ing), ease self, endure, establish, [idiom] fail, habitation, haunt, (make to) inhabit(-ant), make to keep (house), lurking, [idiom] marry(-ing), (bring again to) place, remain, return, seat, set(-tle), (down-) sit(-down, still, -ting down, -ting (place) -uate), take, tarry. See also: Genesis 4:16; Leviticus 25:18; Joshua 13:6.
Study Notes — Zephaniah 3:6
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Zephaniah 3:6 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Zephaniah 3:6
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Zephaniah 3:6
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Zephaniah 3:6
- Trapp's Commentary on Zephaniah 3:6
- Ellicott's Commentary on Zephaniah 3:6
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Zephaniah 3:6
- Cambridge Bible on Zephaniah 3:6
- Barnes' Notes on Zephaniah 3:6
- Whedon's Commentary on Zephaniah 3:6
- Sermons on Zephaniah 3:6
Context — Purification of the Nations
4Her prophets are reckless, faithless men. Her priests profane the sanctuary; they do violence to the law.
5The LORD within her is righteous; He does no wrong. He applies His justice morning by morning; He does not fail at dawn, yet the unjust know no shame.
6“I have cut off the nations; their corner towers are destroyed. I have made their streets deserted with no one to pass through. Their cities are laid waste, with no man, no inhabitant.
7I said, ‘Surely you will fear Me and accept correction.’ Then her dwelling place would not be cut off despite all for which I punished her. But they rose early to corrupt all their deeds. 8Therefore wait for Me,” declares the LORD, “until the day I rise to testify. For My decision is to gather nations, to assemble kingdoms, to pour out upon them My indignation— all My burning anger. For all the earth will be consumed by the fire of My jealousy.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 Corinthians 10:6 | These things took place as examples to keep us from craving evil things as they did. |
| 2 | Zephaniah 2:5 | Woe to the dwellers of the seacoast, O nation of the Cherethites! The word of the LORD is against you, O Canaan, land of the Philistines: “I will destroy you, and no one will be left.” |
| 3 | 1 Corinthians 10:11 | Now these things happened to them as examples and were written down as warnings for us, on whom the fulfillment of the ages has come. |
| 4 | Jeremiah 25:9–11 | behold, I will summon all the families of the north, declares the LORD, and I will send for My servant Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon, whom I will bring against this land, against its residents, and against all the surrounding nations. So I will devote them to destruction and make them an object of horror and contempt, an everlasting desolation. Moreover, I will banish from them the sounds of joy and gladness, the voices of the bride and bridegroom, the sound of the millstones, and the light of the lamp. And this whole land will become a desolate wasteland, and these nations will serve the king of Babylon for seventy years. |
| 5 | Isaiah 37:24–26 | Through your servants you have taunted the Lord, and you have said: “With my many chariots I have ascended to the heights of the mountains, to the remote peaks of Lebanon. I have cut down its tallest cedars, the finest of its cypresses. I have reached its farthest heights, the densest of its forests. I have dug wells and drunk foreign waters. With the soles of my feet I have dried up all the streams of Egypt.” Have you not heard? Long ago I ordained it; in days of old I planned it. Now I have brought it to pass, that you should crush fortified cities into piles of rubble. |
| 6 | Isaiah 19:1–25 | This is the burden against Egypt: Behold, the LORD rides on a swift cloud; He is coming to Egypt. The idols of Egypt will tremble before Him, and the hearts of the Egyptians will melt within them. “So I will incite Egyptian against Egyptian; brother will fight against brother, neighbor against neighbor, city against city, and kingdom against kingdom. Then the spirit of the Egyptians will be emptied out from among them, and I will frustrate their plans, so that they will resort to idols and spirits of the dead, to mediums and spiritists. I will deliver the Egyptians into the hands of harsh masters, and a fierce king will rule over them,” declares the Lord GOD of Hosts. The waters of the Nile will dry up, and the riverbed will be parched and empty. The canals will stink; the streams of Egypt will trickle and dry up; the reeds and rushes will wither. The bulrushes by the Nile, by the mouth of the river, and all the fields sown along the Nile, will wither, blow away, and be no more. Then the fishermen will mourn, all who cast a hook into the Nile will lament, and those who spread nets on the waters will pine away. The workers in flax will be dismayed, and the weavers of fine linen will turn pale. The workers in cloth will be dejected, and all the hired workers will be sick at heart. The princes of Zoan are mere fools; Pharaoh’s wise counselors give senseless advice. How can you say to Pharaoh, “I am one of the wise, a son of eastern kings”? Where are your wise men now? Let them tell you and reveal what the LORD of Hosts has planned against Egypt. The princes of Zoan have become fools; the princes of Memphis are deceived. The cornerstones of her tribes have led Egypt astray. The LORD has poured into her a spirit of confusion. Egypt has been led astray in all she does, as a drunkard staggers through his own vomit. There is nothing Egypt can do— head or tail, palm or reed. In that day the Egyptians will be like women. They will tremble with fear beneath the uplifted hand of the LORD of Hosts, when He brandishes it against them. The land of Judah will bring terror to Egypt; whenever Judah is mentioned, Egypt will tremble over what the LORD of Hosts has planned against it. In that day five cities in the land of Egypt will speak the language of Canaan and swear allegiance to the LORD of Hosts. One of them will be called the City of the Sun. In that day there will be an altar to the LORD in the center of the land of Egypt, and a pillar to the LORD near her border. It will be a sign and a witness to the LORD of Hosts in the land of Egypt. When they cry out to the LORD because of their oppressors, He will send them a savior and defender to rescue them. The LORD will make Himself known to Egypt, and on that day Egypt will acknowledge the LORD. They will worship with sacrifices and offerings; they will make vows to the LORD and fulfill them. And the LORD will strike Egypt with a plague; He will strike them but heal them. They will turn to the LORD, and He will hear their prayers and heal them. In that day there will be a highway from Egypt to Assyria. The Assyrians will go to Egypt, and the Egyptians to Assyria. The Egyptians and Assyrians will worship together. In that day Israel will join a three-party alliance with Egypt and Assyria—a blessing upon the earth. The LORD of Hosts will bless them, saying, “Blessed be Egypt My people, Assyria My handiwork, and Israel My inheritance.” |
| 7 | Zechariah 7:14 | But I scattered them with a whirlwind among all the nations that they had not known, and the land was left desolate behind them so that no one could come or go. Thus they turned the pleasant land into a desolation.” |
| 8 | Nahum 2:1–3 | One who scatters advances against you, O Nineveh. Guard the fortress! Watch the road! Brace yourselves! Summon all your strength! For the LORD will restore the splendor of Jacob like the splendor of Israel, though destroyers have laid them waste and ruined the branches of their vine. The shields of his mighty men are red; the valiant warriors are dressed in scarlet. The fittings of the chariots flash like fire on the day they are prepared, and the spears of cypress have been brandished. |
| 9 | Jeremiah 25:18–26 | to make them a ruin, an object of horror and contempt and cursing, as they are to this day—Jerusalem and the cities of Judah, its kings and officials; Pharaoh king of Egypt, his officials, his leaders, and all his people; all the mixed tribes; all the kings of Uz; all the kings of the Philistines: Ashkelon, Gaza, Ekron, and the remnant of Ashdod; Edom, Moab, and the Ammonites; all the kings of Tyre and Sidon; the kings of the coastlands across the sea; Dedan, Tema, Buz, and all who cut the corners of their hair; all the kings of Arabia, and all the kings of the mixed tribes who dwell in the desert; all the kings of Zimri, Elam, and Media; all the kings of the north, both near and far, one after another—all the kingdoms on the face of the earth. And after all of them, the king of Sheshach will drink it too. |
| 10 | Isaiah 37:36 | Then the angel of the LORD went out and struck down 185,000 men in the camp of the Assyrians. When the people got up the next morning, there were all the dead bodies! |
Zephaniah 3:6 Summary
This verse tells us that God has judged and punished the nations for their wickedness, destroying their strongholds and leaving their cities empty. This shows us that God is a God of justice and righteousness, who will not tolerate sin and rebellion, as also seen in Psalms 7:11. Just like a parent disciplines their child to teach them what is right, God disciplines nations to bring them back to Himself. We can learn from this verse to trust in God's sovereignty and justice, and to seek His mercy and forgiveness in our own lives, as encouraged in Jeremiah 29:12-13.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean for God to 'cut off the nations' in Zephaniah 3:6?
This phrase means that God has judged and removed the power of these nations, much like He did with the nations of Canaan in the book of Joshua, as seen in Joshua 10:40 and Joshua 11:16-23.
Are the 'corner towers' mentioned in this verse symbolic or literal?
The 'corner towers' are likely literal structures that were part of the defensive systems of the cities, but they may also symbolize the strength and pride of these nations, which God has now brought low, as seen in Isaiah 2:12-16.
How does this verse relate to God's character as described in the rest of the Bible?
This verse highlights God's justice and righteousness, as also seen in Psalms 119:137 and Deuteronomy 32:4, demonstrating that He is a God who judges wickedness and upholds what is right.
Is this verse still relevant to us today?
Yes, this verse reminds us that God is still a God of justice and judgment, as seen in Romans 2:5-11 and Revelation 20:11-15, and we should take heed of His warnings and turn to Him in repentance.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways that I have seen God's judgment in my own life or in the world around me, and how can I respond to it in a way that honors Him?
- How does this verse challenge my understanding of God's character, and what are some ways that I can grow in my knowledge of Him?
- In what ways can I apply the lesson of this verse to my own life, recognizing that God is a God of justice and righteousness?
- What are some areas of my life where I need to surrender to God's sovereignty and trust in His good plan, even when I don't understand what is happening?
Gill's Exposition on Zephaniah 3:6
I have cut off the nations,.... Utterly destroyed them, as the Philistines, Moabites, Ethiopians, and Assyrians, as in the preceding chapters; all which were done before the coming of Christ in the
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Zephaniah 3:6
The just LORD is in the midst thereof; he will not do iniquity: every morning doth he bring his judgment to light, he faileth not; but the unjust knoweth no shame.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Zephaniah 3:6
I have cut off the nations; of old the Canaanites, lately the ten tribes, later yet the Assyrians and others, have been cut off for their sins. Their towers; either metaphorically, magistrates and great men, as ; or literally, strong towers built on the angles of walls or palaces. Are desolate; razed and demolished. I made their streets waste; I overthrew their houses, that there were no streets. None passeth by; or none walked through them. Their cities, small or great, capital or not capital, are destroyed; taken, plundered, burnt, and ruined. There is no man; all fled, or slain, or starved, or swept away with pestilence, or carried into captivity, not an inhabitant left in the places.
Trapp's Commentary on Zephaniah 3:6
Zephaniah 3:6 I have cut off the nations: their towers are desolate; I made their streets waste, that none passeth by: their cities are destroyed, so that there is no man, that there is none inhabitant.Ver. 6. I have cut off the nations] And hanged them up in gibbets, as it were, before your eyes, for your admonition, ut ruina maiorum sit cautela minorum, that their destruction might be your instruction; that, seeing your neighbour’ s house on fire, you might look to your own; that, observing others to suffer shipwreck, you might see to your tackling. This is the use God expects we should make of his judgments upon others, Luke 13:3; Luke 13:5; Luke 17:26; Luke 17:29 Matthew 12:13; Matthew 12:41-42 1 Corinthians 10:1-2, and surely he deserveth to be made an example that will not take example by others. Their towers are desolate] Or, their corners, sc. of their munitions, whereon towers were set. Or, their extremities, q.d. I have overturned them from one end to another. Drusius and Ribera interpreteth it of their princes. I made their streets waste, &c.] See Zephaniah 2:5-6; Zephaniah 2:14-15. To the end, that when my judgments were thus on the earth, the inhabitants of the world (but especially of the Church) might learn righteousness, Isaiah 26:9; that the righteous, seeing the vengeance, might wash his feet in the blood of the wicked, Psalms 59:10, taking warning by his harms. Observe here, by the way, what great account God makes of his people, since for their instance and instruction he thus wasteth the wicked; like as the Persian kings, when their sons had committed a fault, made their servants to be beaten before them.
Ellicott's Commentary on Zephaniah 3:6
(6) The nations.—Those that were destroyed by the agency of Israel on invading the Promised Land; those also which were cut off by the Assyrians and the other great powers whom God used as His instruments (Isaiah 37:26).
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Zephaniah 3:6
Verse 6. I have cut off the nations] Syria, Israel, and those referred to, Isaiah 36:18; Isaiah 36:20. - Newcome.
Cambridge Bible on Zephaniah 3:6
6. Zephaniah 3:6 continues the preceding: Jehovah’s righteous rule is exercised not only in the midst of Israel itself but also among the nations without. His judgments among the nations were also meant for Israel’s instruction, and should have been laid to heart (Zephaniah 3:7). I have cut off the nations] Rather: I have cut off nations. No particular nations are named; history is full of God’s judgments on the peoples for their unrighteousness, the Flood, the overthrow of Sodom, the destruction of Samaria, and the like. I made their streets] have made; the examples or some of them are recent. The term “streets” might mean outplaces, territories. On the language of the verse comp. Jeremiah 33:10.
Barnes' Notes on Zephaniah 3:6
I have cut off the nations - God appeals to His judgments on pagan nations, not on any particular nation, as far as we know; but to past history, whether of those, of whose destruction Israel itself
Whedon's Commentary on Zephaniah 3:6
WOE UPON THE CITY OF , Zephaniah 3:1-7.In Zephaniah 3:1, the prophet turns once more to Jerusalem, “the rebellious and unclean, the city of oppression.” He strikes the same notes as in chapter i,
Sermons on Zephaniah 3:6
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(So Great a Salvation) Victory Part 1 by Paris Reidhead | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the topic of temptation and how to escape from it. He emphasizes the importance of listening to the word of God and not just hearing what we w |
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Let Him That Thinks He Stands Take Heed Lest He Fall by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the preacher begins by expressing his pain and asking God for relief. He then encourages the congregation to look to Jesus as the author and finisher of their faith |
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How Quickly We Turn Aside by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the dangers of idolatry and how it can lead people away from God. He emphasizes that idols can take many forms, such as sports, entertainment |
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Sanctification : 3. a Disciplined Body by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of having a disciplined body as part of the process of entire sanctification. He highlights that our bodies are temples of the |
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(Through the Bible) Numbers 11-20 by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the lessons that can be learned from the history of the children of Israel as recorded in the book of Exodus. He emphasizes the importance o |
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Escape to the Mountain by Arlen L. Chitwood | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes that believers have been saved for a purpose and that purpose extends to all of mankind. He speaks about the present kingdom of God and the |
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Where Were the Men? by Denny Kenaston | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the story of Barak and Deborah from the book of Judges. The sermon highlights the potential and heart of God that is revealed in this story. |