Zephaniah 2:10

Authorized King James Version

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This shall they have for their pride, because they have reproached and magnified themselves against the people of the LORD of hosts.

Original Language Analysis

זֹ֥את H2063
זֹ֥את
Strong's: H2063
Word #: 1 of 11
this (often used adverb)
לָהֶ֖ם H1992
לָהֶ֖ם
Strong's: H1992
Word #: 2 of 11
they (only used when emphatic)
תַּ֣חַת H8478
תַּ֣חַת
Strong's: H8478
Word #: 3 of 11
the bottom (as depressed); only adverbially, below (often with prepositional prefix underneath), in lieu of, etc
גְּאוֹנָ֑ם This shall they have for their pride H1347
גְּאוֹנָ֑ם This shall they have for their pride
Strong's: H1347
Word #: 4 of 11
the same as h1346
כִּ֤י H3588
כִּ֤י
Strong's: H3588
Word #: 5 of 11
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
חֵֽרְפוּ֙ because they have reproached H2778
חֵֽרְפוּ֙ because they have reproached
Strong's: H2778
Word #: 6 of 11
to pull off, i.e., (by implication) to expose (as by stripping); specifically, to betroth (as if a surrender); figuratively, to carp at, i.e., defame;
וַיַּגְדִּ֔לוּ and magnified H1431
וַיַּגְדִּ֔לוּ and magnified
Strong's: H1431
Word #: 7 of 11
to be (causatively make) large (in various senses, as in body, mind, estate or honor, also in pride)
עַל H5921
עַל
Strong's: H5921
Word #: 8 of 11
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
עַ֖ם themselves against the people H5971
עַ֖ם themselves against the people
Strong's: H5971
Word #: 9 of 11
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
יְהוָ֥ה of the LORD H3068
יְהוָ֥ה of the LORD
Strong's: H3068
Word #: 10 of 11
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
צְבָאֽוֹת׃ of hosts H6635
צְבָאֽוֹת׃ of hosts
Strong's: H6635
Word #: 11 of 11
a mass of persons (or figuratively, things), especially reg. organized for war (an army); by implication, a campaign, literally or figuratively (speci

Analysis & Commentary

This shall they have for their pride (zot lahem tachat ge'onam)—Pride (ga'on) is the root sin behind their mockery. Hebrew ga'on means arrogance, haughtiness, the opposite of the 'meekness' God requires (Zephaniah 2:3).

Because they have reproached and magnified themselves against the people of the LORD of hosts—The verse repeats 2:8's accusation, emphasizing that pride against God's people is pride against God. James 4:6 and 1 Peter 5:5 quote Proverbs 3:34: 'God resists the proud but gives grace to the humble.' Moab and Ammon's downfall illustrates this principle at a national level. Pride always precedes destruction (Proverbs 16:18).

Historical Context

Pride characterized both nations. Moab's arrogance is detailed in Isaiah 16:6: 'We have heard of the pride of Moab; he is very proud.' Ammon's pride led them to trust in fortifications (Jeremiah 49:4). Archaeological evidence shows both invested heavily in military strongholds—which Babylon easily conquered.

Questions for Reflection