Zephaniah 1:9

Authorized King James Version

In the same day also will I punish all those that leap on the threshold, which fill their masters' houses with violence and deceit.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וּפָקַדְתִּ֗י
also will I punish
to visit (with friendly or hostile intent); by analogy, to oversee, muster, charge, care for, miss, deposit, etc
#2
עַ֧ל
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#3
כָּל
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#4
הַדּוֹלֵ֛ג
all those that leap
to spring
#5
עַל
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#6
הַמִּפְתָּ֖ן
on the threshold
a stretcher, i.e., a sill
#7
בַּיּ֣וֹם
In the same 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
הַה֑וּא
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
#9
הַֽמְמַלְאִ֛ים
which fill
to fill or (intransitively) be full of, in a wide application (literally and figuratively)
#10
בֵּ֥ית
houses
a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)
#11
אֲדֹנֵיהֶ֖ם
their masters
sovereign, i.e., controller (human or divine)
#12
חָמָ֥ס
with violence
violence; by implication, wrong; by metonymy unjust gain
#13
וּמִרְמָֽה׃
and deceit
fraud

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