Zephaniah 1:15

Authorized King James Version

That day is a day of wrath, a day of trouble and distress, a day of wasteness and desolation, a day of darkness and gloominess, a day of clouds and thick darkness,

Word-by-Word Analysis

י֥וֹם

H3117

That day

a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso

עֶבְרָ֖ה

H5678

of wrath

an outburst of passion

י֥וֹם

H3117

That day

a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso

הַה֑וּא

H1931

he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo

י֥וֹם

H3117

That day

a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso

צָרָ֣ה

H6869

of trouble

transitively, a female rival

וּמְצוּקָ֗ה

H4691

and distress

narrowness, i.e., (figuratively) trouble

י֥וֹם

H3117

That day

a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso

שֹׁאָה֙

H7722

of wasteness

a tempest; by implication, devastation

#10

וּמְשׁוֹאָ֔ה

H4875

and desolation

(a) ruin, abstractly (the act) or concretely (the wreck)

#11

י֥וֹם

H3117

That day

a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso

#12

חֹ֙שֶׁךְ֙

H2822

of darkness

the dark; hence (literally) darkness; figuratively, misery, destruction, death, ignorance, sorrow, wickedness

#13

וַאֲפֵלָ֔ה

H653

and gloominess

duskiness, figuratively, misfortune; concrete, concealment

#14

י֥וֹם

H3117

That day

a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso

#15

עָנָ֖ן

H6051

of clouds

a cloud (as covering the sky), i.e., the nimbus or thunder-cloud

#16

וַעֲרָפֶֽל׃

H6205

and thick darkness

gloom (as of a lowering sky)

Analysis

Within the broader context of Zephaniah, this passage highlights salvation through simile or metaphorical language. The theological weight of divine revelation connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine revelation, 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 historical context of the biblical period relevant to this book's composition provides crucial background for understanding this verse. The historical and cultural milieu of the biblical world informed the author's theological expression and the audience's understanding. The the cultural context of the biblical world would have shaped how the original audience understood divine revelation. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

How might the original audience's understanding of divine revelation 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?
What practical applications emerge from understanding salvation as presented in this verse, particularly in light of addressing questions of religious pluralism and the exclusivity of Christ?