Zephaniah 1:11

Authorized King James Version

Howl, ye inhabitants of Maktesh, for all the merchant people are cut down; all they that bear silver are cut off.

Word-by-Word Analysis

הֵילִ֖ילוּ

H3213

Howl

to howl (with a wailing tone) or yell (with a boisterous one)

יֹשְׁבֵ֣י

H3427

ye inhabitants

properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry

הַמַּכְתֵּ֑שׁ

H4389

of Maktesh

dell; the maktesh, a place in jerusalem

כִּ֤י

H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

נִדְמָה֙

H1820

are cut down

to be dumb or silent; hence, to fail or perish; trans. to destroy

כָּל

H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

עַ֣ם

H5971

people

a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock

כְּנַ֔עַן

H3667

for all the merchant

kenaan, a son a ham; also the country inhabited by him

נִכְרְת֖וּ

H3772

are cut off

to cut (off, down or asunder); by implication, to destroy or consume; specifically, to covenant (i.e., make an alliance or bargain, originally by cutt

#10

כָּל

H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

#11

נְטִ֥ילֵי

H5187

all they that bear

laden

#12

כָֽסֶף׃

H3701

silver

silver (from its pale color); by implication, money

Analysis

Within the broader context of Zephaniah, this passage highlights salvation through universal language and absolute statements. The theological weight of covenant community connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about covenant community, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by establishing foundational concepts crucial to Zephaniah's theological argument.

Historical Context

The literary and historical milieu of the literary conventions and historical circumstances of biblical literature shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of salvation within the theological tradition of Zephaniah Understanding the ancient worldview that shaped the author's theological expression helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes covenant community in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

How might the original audience's understanding of covenant community differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?
How does this passage contribute to our understanding of from physical deliverance in the Old Testament to spiritual redemption in the New, and what implications does this have for Christian discipleship?
In what ways does this verse's emphasis on covenant community address religious pluralism and questions about the necessity of Christ, and how should the church respond?