Zephaniah 2:10

Authorized King James Version

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

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

Analysis

The salvation theme here intersects with the metanarrative of redemption running from Genesis to Revelation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of a unified storyline from the promise in Genesis 3:15 to its fulfillment in Christ. The phrase emphasizing divine sovereignty contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's saving work from the Exodus to the cross.

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 Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.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