Zephaniah 1:3

Authorized King James Version

I will consume man and beast; I will consume the fowls of the heaven, and the fishes of the sea, and the stumblingblocks with the wicked; and I will cut off man from off the land, saith the LORD.

Word-by-Word Analysis

אָסֵ֤ף

H5486

I will consume

to snatch away, i.e., terminate

הָאָדָ֗ם

H120

man

ruddy i.e., a human being (an individual or the species, mankind, etc.)

וּבְהֵמָ֗ה

H929

and beast

properly, a dumb beast; especially any large quadruped or animal (often collective)

אָסֵ֤ף

H5486

I will consume

to snatch away, i.e., terminate

עוֹף

H5775

the fowls

a bird (as covered with feathers, or rather as covering with wings), often collectively

הַשָּׁמַ֙יִם֙

H8064

of the heaven

the sky (as aloft; the dual perhaps alluding to the visible arch in which the clouds move, as well as to the higher ether where the celestial bodies r

וּדְגֵ֣י

H1709

and the fishes

a fish (often used collectively)

הַיָּ֔ם

H3220

of the sea

a sea (as breaking in noisy surf) or large body of water; specifically (with the article), the mediterranean sea; sometimes a large river, or an artif

וְהַמַּכְשֵׁל֖וֹת

H4384

and the stumblingblocks

a stumbling-block, but only figuratively (fall, enticement [idol])

#10

אֶת

H854

properly, nearness (used only as a preposition or an adverb), near; hence, generally, with, by, at, among, etc

#11

הָרְשָׁעִ֑ים

H7563

with the wicked

morally wrong; concretely, an (actively) bad person

#12

וְהִכְרַתִּ֣י

H3772

and I will 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

#13

אֶת

H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

#14

הָאָדָ֗ם

H120

man

ruddy i.e., a human being (an individual or the species, mankind, etc.)

#15

מֵעַ֛ל

H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

#16

פְּנֵ֥י

H6440

from off

the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi

#17

הָאֲדָמָ֖ה

H127

the land

soil (from its general redness)

#18

נְאֻם

H5002

saith

an oracle

#19

יְהוָֽה׃

H3068

the LORD

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

Analysis

Within the broader context of Zephaniah, this passage highlights salvation through simile or metaphorical language. 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

In what ways does this verse's emphasis on divine sovereignty address religious pluralism and questions about the necessity of Christ, and how should the church respond?
How might the original audience's understanding of divine sovereignty differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?
How does this verse's literary context within Zephaniah chapter 1 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?