Hebrew Word Reference — Zephaniah 3:9
A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.
Definition: 1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since 1a) that 1a1) yea, indeed 1b) when (of time) 1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force) 1c) because, since (causal connection) 1d) but (after negative) 1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if 1f) but rather, but 1g) except that 1h) only, nevertheless 1i) surely 1j) that is 1k) but if 1l) for though 1m) forasmuch as, for therefore
Usage: Occurs in 3910 OT verses. KJV: and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-) as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al-) though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 26:16; Genesis 42:15.
This Hebrew word refers to a past time or place, often used to describe something that happened earlier. It can also be used as a conjunction to show a cause-and-effect relationship. In the Bible, it appears in books like Genesis and Isaiah.
Definition: 1) then, at that time 1a) temporal expressions 1a1) then (past) 1a2) then, if...then (future) 1a3) earlier 1b) logical expressions 1b1) in that case 1b2) that (being so)
Usage: Occurs in 133 OT verses. KJV: beginning, for, from, hitherto, now, of old, once, since, then, at which time, yet. See also: Genesis 4:26; 1 Chronicles 22:13; Psalms 2:5.
To overturn means to turn something around or change it completely, often implying a reversal or transformation. This can be seen in the Bible when something is turned upside down or changed radically.
Definition: 1) to turn, overthrow, overturn 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to overturn, overthrow 1a2) to turn, turn about, turn over, turn around 1a3) to change, transform 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to turn oneself, turn, turn back 1b2) to change oneself 1b3) to be perverse 1b4) to be turned, be turned over, be changed, be turned against 1b5) to be reversed 1b6) to be overturned, be overthrown 1b7) to be upturned 1c) (Hithpael) 1c1) to transform oneself 1c2) to turn this way and that, turn every way 1d) (Hophal) to turn on someone
Usage: Occurs in 92 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] become, change, come, be converted, give, make (a bed), overthrow (-turn), perverse, retire, tumble, turn (again, aside, back, to the contrary, every way). See also: Genesis 3:24; Job 30:15; Psalms 30:12.
This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.
Definition: 1) to, toward, unto (of motion) 2) into (limit is actually entered) 2a) in among 3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion) 4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character) 5) in addition to, to 6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of 7) according to (rule or standard) 8) at, by, against (of one's presence) 9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)
Usage: Occurs in 4205 OT verses. KJV: about, according to, after, against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and, by, concerning, for, from, [idiom] hath, in(-to), near, (out) of, over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether, with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:9; Genesis 21:14; Genesis 31:13.
A people or nation is what this Hebrew word represents, like the nation of Israel in Exodus 33:13. It can also mean a tribe, troops, or attendants, and is used to describe a group of people gathered together. The word is often used to refer to the people of God.
Definition: This name means nation, people
Usage: Occurs in 1655 OT verses. KJV: folk, men, nation, people. See also: Genesis 11:6; Exodus 16:4; Leviticus 17:9.
This word refers to lips or language, and can also mean the edge or border of something. It is used in the Bible to describe the shore of a sea or the edge of a cup.
Definition: : lips/mouth 1) lip, language, speech, shore, bank, brink, brim, side, edge, border, binding 1a) lip (as body part) 1b) language 1c) edge, shore, bank (of cup, sea, river, etc)
Usage: Occurs in 164 OT verses. KJV: band, bank, binding, border, brim, brink, edge, language, lip, prating, (sea-)shore, side, speech, talk, (vain) words. See also: Genesis 11:1; Psalms 120:2; Psalms 12:3.
To purify means to make something clean and bright, like polishing metal. In the Bible, it involves removing sin and imperfections to become pure and holy before God.
Definition: 1) to purify, select, polish, choose, purge, cleanse or make bright, test or prove 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to purge, purge out, purify 1a2) to choose, select 1a3) to cleanse, make shining, polish 1a4) to test, prove 1b) (Niphal) to purify oneself 1c) (Piel) to purify 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to purify 1d2) to polish arrows 1e) (Hithpael) 1e1) to purify oneself 1e2) to show oneself pure, just, kind
Usage: Occurs in 16 OT verses. KJV: make bright, choice, chosen, cleanse (be clean), clearly, polished, (shew self) pure(-ify), purge (out). See also: 2 Samuel 22:27; Isaiah 49:2; Psalms 18:27.
This Hebrew word means to call out to someone or something, often by name. It's used in many situations, like calling for help or reading aloud. In Genesis, God calls out to Adam in the Garden.
Definition: : call_to/invite/entreat 1) to call, call out, recite, read, cry out, proclaim 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to call, cry, utter a loud sound 1a2) to call unto, cry (for help), call (with name of God) 1a3) to proclaim 1a4) to read aloud, read (to oneself), read 1a5) to summon, invite, call for, call and commission, appoint, call and endow 1a6) to call, name, give name to, call by 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to call oneself 1b2) to be called, be proclaimed, be read aloud, be summoned, be named 1c) (Pual) to be called, be named, be called out, be chosen
Usage: Occurs in 689 OT verses. KJV: bewray (self), that are bidden, call (for, forth, self, upon), cry (unto), (be) famous, guest, invite, mention, (give) name, preach, (make) proclaim(-ation), pronounce, publish, read, renowned, say. See also: Genesis 1:5; Genesis 49:1; Judges 1:26.
The Hebrew word for 'all' or 'everything' is used throughout the Bible, like in Genesis 1:31, where God sees all He has made as very good. It encompasses the entirety of something, whether people, things, or situations.
Definition: 1) all, the whole 1a) all, the whole of 1b) any, each, every, anything 1c) totality, everything Aramaic equivalent: kol (כֹּל "all" H3606)
Usage: Occurs in 4242 OT verses. KJV: (in) all (manner, (ye)), altogether, any (manner), enough, every (one, place, thing), howsoever, as many as, (no-) thing, ought, whatsoever, (the) whole, whoso(-ever). See also: Genesis 1:21; Genesis 17:10; Genesis 41:40.
In the Bible, a name represents a person's identity, honor, and character, like God's name symbolizing His power and authority. It appears in Genesis and other books, often referring to God's name or a person's reputation. This concept is central to understanding biblical identity.
Definition: 1) name 1a) name 1b) reputation, fame, glory 1c) the Name (as designation of God) 1d) memorial, monument Aramaic equivalent: shum (שֻׁם "name" H8036)
Usage: Occurs in 771 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] base, (in-) fame(-ous), named(-d), renown, report. See also: Genesis 2:11; Exodus 3:15; Deuteronomy 16:6.
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.
To serve or work is the meaning of this verb, which can also imply slavery or bondage, as seen in the story of the Israelites in Egypt. It is used to describe various types of work or service, including serving God or other people. The word has different forms and meanings in different contexts.
Definition: : serve[someone] 1) to work, serve 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to labour, work, do work 1a2) to work for another, serve another by labour 1a3) to serve as subjects 1a4) to serve (God) 1a5) to serve (with Levitical service) 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be worked, be tilled (of land) 1b2) to make oneself a servant 1c) (Pual) to be worked 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to compel to labour or work, cause to labour, cause to serve 1d2) to cause to serve as subjects 1e) (Hophal) to be led or enticed to serve
Usage: Occurs in 262 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] be, keep in bondage, be bondmen, bond-service, compel, do, dress, ear, execute, [phrase] husbandman, keep, labour(-ing man, bring to pass, (cause to, make to) serve(-ing, self), (be, become) servant(-s), do (use) service, till(-er), transgress (from margin), (set a) work, be wrought, worshipper, See also: Genesis 2:5; Deuteronomy 28:14; Psalms 2:11.
This word refers to the shoulder or back, often symbolizing burdens. It is used in Exodus to describe carrying loads and in Genesis to describe the shoulder of a hill.
Definition: 1) shoulder, back 1a) shoulder, shoulder-blade 1b) back (in general) Also means: shikh.mah (שִׁכְמָה "shoulder" H7929)
Usage: Occurs in 21 OT verses. KJV: back, [idiom] consent, portion, shoulder. See also: Genesis 9:23; 1 Samuel 10:9; Psalms 21:13.
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means one or united, and is used to describe something that is single or unique. It is often translated as one, first, or alone. For example, in Genesis 1:5, God calls the light day and the darkness night, and separates them into one thing from another.
Definition: 1) one (number) 1a) one (number) 1b) each, every 1c) a certain 1d) an (indefinite article) 1e) only, once, once for all 1f) one...another, the one...the other, one after another, one by one 1g) first 1h) eleven (in combination), eleventh (ordinal)
Usage: Occurs in 739 OT verses. KJV: a, alike, alone, altogether, and, any(-thing), apiece, a certain, (dai-) ly, each (one), [phrase] eleven, every, few, first, [phrase] highway, a man, once, one, only, other, some, together, See also: Genesis 1:5; Exodus 36:26; Numbers 7:70.
Context — A Faithful Remnant
Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) |
| 1 |
Genesis 11:1 |
Now the whole world had one language and a common form of speech. |
| 2 |
Psalms 22:27 |
All the ends of the earth will remember and turn to the LORD. All the families of the nations will bow down before Him. |
| 3 |
Isaiah 19:18 |
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. |
| 4 |
Psalms 86:9–10 |
All the nations You have made will come and bow before You, O Lord, and they will glorify Your name. For You are great and perform wonders; You alone are God. |
| 5 |
Zechariah 2:11 |
“On that day many nations will join themselves to the LORD, and they will become My people. I will dwell among you, and you will know that the LORD of Hosts has sent Me to you. |
| 6 |
Habakkuk 2:14 |
For the earth will be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the LORD as the waters cover the sea. |
| 7 |
Acts 2:4–13 |
And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them. Now there were dwelling in Jerusalem God-fearing Jews from every nation under heaven. And when this sound rang out, a crowd came together in bewilderment, because each one heard them speaking his own language. Astounded and amazed, they asked, “Are not all these men who are speaking Galileans? How is it then that each of us hears them in his own native language? Parthians, Medes, and Elamites; residents of Mesopotamia, Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia, Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the parts of Libya near Cyrene; visitors from Rome, both Jews and converts to Judaism; Cretans and Arabs—we hear them declaring the wonders of God in our own tongues!” Astounded and perplexed, they asked one another, “What does this mean?” But others mocked them and said, “They are drunk on new wine!” |
| 8 |
Zechariah 8:20–23 |
This is what the LORD of Hosts says: “Peoples will yet come—the residents of many cities— and the residents of one city will go to another, saying: ‘Let us go at once to plead before the LORD and to seek the LORD of Hosts. I myself am going.’ And many peoples and strong nations will come to seek the LORD of Hosts in Jerusalem and to plead before the LORD.” This is what the LORD of Hosts says: “In those days ten men from the nations of every tongue will tightly grasp the robe of a Jew, saying, ‘Let us go with you, for we have heard that God is with you.’” |
| 9 |
Ephesians 4:29 |
Let no unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building up the one in need and bringing grace to those who listen. |
| 10 |
Matthew 12:35 |
The good man brings good things out of his good store of treasure, and the evil man brings evil things out of his evil store of treasure. |
Zephaniah 3:9 Summary
[This verse is talking about a time when God will make it possible for people from all over the world to worship Him together in a pure and sincere way, without any corruption or impurity. This will happen when God restores 'pure lips' to the peoples, allowing them to call upon His name and serve Him together in harmony, as seen in (Psalm 86:9). It's a beautiful picture of unity and worship, and it's something that we can look forward to as believers. As we wait for this day, we can strive to purify our own speech and worship, and to bring others together to worship the LORD, as encouraged in (Hebrews 10:25)]
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to have 'pure lips' in Zephaniah 3:9?
Having 'pure lips' means being able to speak and worship God without any corruption or impurity, as seen in Isaiah 6:5, where the prophet's lips are purified by a coal from the altar.
How will all peoples be able to call upon the name of the LORD?
This will be possible because of the restoration of pure lips, allowing people to worship God sincerely, as promised in Joel 2:32, where it says that 'everyone who calls on the name of the LORD will be saved'
What does it mean to serve the LORD 'shoulder to shoulder'?
Serving the LORD 'shoulder to shoulder' means that all peoples will be united in their worship and service to God, working together in harmony, as seen in Revelation 7:9, where people from every nation and tribe are gathered before the Lamb
When will this restoration of pure lips happen?
The restoration of pure lips will happen when God gathers nations and assembles kingdoms to pour out His indignation, as described in Zephaniah 3:8, and it will be a time of great worship and service to the LORD
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways that I can purify my own lips and speech to honor God?
- How can I be a part of bringing people from different nations and backgrounds together to worship the LORD?
- What are some things that I can do to prepare myself for the day when all peoples will serve the LORD shoulder to shoulder?
- How can I use my words and speech to bring glory to God and to call others to worship Him?
Gill's Exposition on Zephaniah 3:9
For then will I turn to the people a pure language,.... That is, at or about the time of the destruction of Jerusalem by the Romans; when the Jews, both in their own land, and in the Gentile world,
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Zephaniah 3:9
For then will I turn to the people a pure language, that they may all call upon the name of the LORD, to serve him with one consent. For.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Zephaniah 3:9
For then, or, then, afterwards, i.e. when my judgments have been executed, and have cut off the wicked, will I turn to the people a pure language; I will give them a pure way of worshipping me, in prayer, praises, and the issue of a purified heart, 36:26. Call upon the name of the Lord; perform all religions service, all religion being expressed thus by calling on the name of the Lord. To serve him, the Lord their God, not idols, with one consent; with one heart, and according to his own law and will; with one shoulder shall they bear the yoke of the law, alluding to porters that join shoulder to shoulder in carrying great burdens.
Trapp's Commentary on Zephaniah 3:9
Zephaniah 3:9 For then will I turn to the people a pure language, that they may all call upon the name of the LORD, to serve him with one consent.Ver. 9. For then will I turn to the people a pure language] "Then," when my sword hath rid circuit, Ecclesiastes 8:17, and been bathed in the blood of all nations, for their many and mighty sins, "I will turn to the people," I will turn mine hand upon the little ones, mine elect, that remnant reserved for royal use. These I will bring, not into the fire only, but through it, and will refine them as silver is refined, Zechariah 13:7; Zechariah 13:9, so that their tongue shall be as choice silver, Proverbs 10:20, their lip shall be a pure lip, as it is here, a lip of excellence, Proverbs 17:7, so that they shall scatter pearls, Matthew 7:6, throw abroad treasure, Matthew 12:35, even apples of gold in shrines of silver, Proverbs 25:11, they shall purify themselves, as God is pure, 1 John 3:3. Old things shall be past with them, all things shall become new; new constitution, new communication, new conversation. Look how the Conqueror sought to bring the French tongue into England, commanding it to be taught in schools, spoke in courts, &c., so doth the Lord Christ, who rideth about the world upon his white horses, the apostles and other ministers, "conquering and to conquer," Revelation 6:2; wherever he prevails, he turneth to such "a pure language," even the language of Canaan; not the Hebrew tongue (as R. Abraham senses this text) which all nations shall speak, saith he, in the kingdom of Christ (what they do in heaven, I have not to say, some are confident), but words of grace, Colossians 4:6, words of truth and soberness, Acts 26:25, right words, Job 6:25, spiritual speeches, Ephesians 4:29, Scripture language, 1 Peter 4:11. That they may call upon the name of the Lord] As all God s people do, it is their character, 1 Corinthians 1:2, he hath no dumb children, they no sooner breathe but pray, Acts 9:11, for prayer is the breath of the spirit, Romans 8:26, and the fruit of faith; hence it is called the prayer of faith, and under the phrase of calling upon the name of the Lord here is meant believing in his name, and reposing upon Christ for safety here and salvation hereafter. To serve him with one consent] Heb. with one shoulder, that is, unanimously, and with conjoined endeavours (ομοθυμαδον), a metaphor from oxen yoked and setting their shoulders together to the work (υποζυγονενα, Sept.); or else from porters, who set their several shoulders to the same burden. The saints may the better do so because they have the Spirit to lift with them and be over beside them, as the apostle’ s word (συναντιλαμβανεται) importeth, Romans 8:26.
Ellicott's Commentary on Zephaniah 3:9
(9) To the people.—Better, To the peoples, or nations.A pure language.—The discord of Babel shall, as it were, give place to unity of language, when the worship of “gods many” shall yield to the pure service of Jehovah, whom men shall “with one mind and one mouth glorify.”
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Zephaniah 3:9
Verse 9. Will I turn to the people] This promise must refer to the conversion of the Jews under the Gospel. That they may all call] That the whole nation may invoke God by Christ, and serve him with one consent; not one unbeliever being found among them. The pure language, שפה ברורה saphah berurah, may here mean the form of religious worship. They had been before idolaters: now God promises to restore his pure worship among them. The word has certainly this meaning in Psalms 81:5; where, as God is the speaker, the words should not be rendered, "I heard a language which I understood not," but, "I heard a religious confession, which I approved not." See Isaiah 19:18; Hosea 14:3; and see Joe 2:28, where a similar promise is found.
Cambridge Bible on Zephaniah 3:9
9–13. The conversion of the nations and of Israel Though Zephaniah 3:8 describes the universal judgment, it is closely connected with Zephaniah 3:9-13. The judgment is not an end in itself; the conversion of the nations follows upon the revelation of Jehovah in judgment (ch. Zephaniah 2:11; cf. Isaiah 66:18-19). Zephaniah 3:9-10 speak of the nations, Zephaniah 3:11-13 of Israel.
Barnes' Notes on Zephaniah 3:9
For then - In the order of God’s mercies. The deliverance from Babylon was the forerunner of that of the Gospel, which was its object.
Whedon's Commentary on Zephaniah 3:9
THE WORLD AND ITS EFFECTS, Zephaniah 3:8-13.Since all warnings have failed, the judgment is inevitable. But in the midst of the rebellious nation there is a faithful remnant (Zephaniah 2:3); to it are addressed Zephaniah 3:8 ff.
Sermons on Zephaniah 3:9
| Sermon | Description |
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Prayer That Changes Things
by Herald Weitsz
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In this sermon, Eddie Leo from Indonesia emphasizes the importance of the 49-day encounter as a remedy for spiritual struggles. He highlights the efforts made by Mark Hodges to ref |
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Bible Survey - Zephaniah
by Peter Hammond
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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' |
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Our Accomplishments or God's Gifts?
by Zac Poonen
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Zac Poonen preaches on the contrasting spirits of Cain and Seth as seen in Genesis chapter 4, highlighting the dangers of pride and the importance of humility in acknowledging God' |
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(Genesis) Genesis 11:5-9
by J. Vernon McGee
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In this sermon, the preacher discusses the story of the Tower of Babel from the Bible. He emphasizes that the people's attempt to build the tower and unite against God was an act o |
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(Genesis) Genesis 11:10-32
by J. Vernon McGee
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In this sermon, the speaker discusses the shift in focus from events to important personalities in the Bible, specifically in the book of Genesis. The four main personalities menti |
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(Genesis) Genesis 11:1-4
by J. Vernon McGee
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In this sermon, the preacher discusses the story of the Tower of Babel from the book of Genesis. The Tower of Babel was not simply a structure to protect against floods, but rather |
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(Revelation) the Doom of the Commercial Babylon
by Willie Mullan
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In this sermon, the speaker begins by praising the Lord and emphasizing His strength and power. The speaker then mentions singing a song of praise to Jesus and expresses gratitude |