Zephaniah 1:7

Authorized King James Version

Hold thy peace at the presence of the Lord GOD: for the day of the LORD is at hand: for the LORD hath prepared a sacrifice, he hath bid his guests.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
הַ֕ס
H2013
Hold thy peace
to hush
#2
מִפְּנֵ֖י
H6440
at the presence
the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi
#3
אֲדֹנָ֣י
H136
of the Lord
the lord (used as a proper name of god only)
#4
יְהוִ֑ה
H3069
GOD
god
#5
כִּ֤י
H3588
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
#6
קָרוֹב֙
H7138
is at hand
near (in place, kindred or time)
#7
י֣וֹם
H3117
for 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
#8
יְהוָ֛ה
H3068
for the LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#9
כִּֽי
H3588
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
#10
הֵכִ֧ין
H3559
hath prepared
properly, to be erect (i.e., stand perpendicular); hence (causatively) to set up, in a great variety of applications, whether literal (establish, fix,
#11
יְהוָ֛ה
H3068
for the LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#12
זֶ֖בַח
H2077
a sacrifice
properly, a slaughter, i.e., the flesh of an animal; by implication, a sacrifice (the victim or the act)
#13
הִקְדִּ֥ישׁ
H6942
he hath bid
to be (causatively, make, pronounce or observe as) clean (ceremonially or morally)
#14
קְרֻאָֽיו׃
H7121
his guests
to call out to (i.e., properly, address by name, but used in a wide variety of applications)

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Zephaniah. The concept of peace reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The divine name or title here functions within biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness to establish theological authority and covenantal relationship. The original language emphasizes the covenant name Yahweh, emphasizing God's faithfulness to His promises, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

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 peace in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection