Zephaniah 1:18

Authorized King James Version

Neither their silver nor their gold shall be able to deliver them in the day of the LORD'S wrath; but the whole land shall be devoured by the fire of his jealousy: for he shall make even a speedy riddance of all them that dwell in the land.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
גַּם
H1571
properly, assemblage; used only adverbially also, even, yea, though; often repeated as correl. both...and
#2
כַּסְפָּ֨ם
H3701
Neither their silver
silver (from its pale color); by implication, money
#3
גַּם
H1571
properly, assemblage; used only adverbially also, even, yea, though; often repeated as correl. both...and
#4
זְהָבָ֜ם
H2091
nor their gold
gold, figuratively, something gold-colored (i.e., yellow), as oil, a clear sky
#5
לֹֽא
H3808
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#6
יוּכַ֣ל
H3201
shall be able
to be able, literally (can, could) or morally (may, might)
#7
לְהַצִּילָ֗ם
H5337
to deliver
to snatch away, whether in a good or a bad sense
#8
בְּיוֹם֙
H3117
them in the 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
#9
עֶבְרַ֣ת
H5678
wrath
an outburst of passion
#10
יְהוָ֔ה
H3068
of the LORD'S
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#11
וּבְאֵשׁ֙
H784
by the fire
fire (literally or figuratively)
#12
קִנְאָת֔וֹ
H7068
of his jealousy
jealousy or envy
#13
תֵּאָכֵ֖ל
H398
shall be devoured
to eat (literally or figuratively)
#14
כָּל
H3605
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#15
הָאָֽרֶץ׃
H776
but the whole land
the earth (at large, or partitively a land)
#16
כִּֽי
H3588
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
#17
כָלָ֤ה
H3617
riddance
a completion; adverb, completely; also destruction
#18
אַךְ
H389
a particle of affirmation, surely; hence (by limitation) only
#19
נִבְהָלָה֙
H926
even a speedy
to tremble inwardly (or palpitate), i.e., (figuratively) be (causative, make) (suddenly) alarmed or agitated; by implication to hasten anxiously
#20
יַֽעֲשֶׂ֔ה
H6213
for he shall make
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
#21
אֵ֥ת
H853
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#22
כָּל
H3605
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#23
יֹשְׁבֵ֖י
H3427
of all them that dwell
properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry
#24
הָאָֽרֶץ׃
H776
but the whole land
the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

Analysis

Within the broader context of Zephaniah, this passage highlights salvation through universal language and absolute statements. The theological weight of divine sovereignty connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine sovereignty, 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

This passage must be understood within the political and social structures of the biblical period. The author writes to address believers seeking to understand God's will and purposes, making the emphasis on salvation particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection