Zephaniah 2:11

Authorized King James Version

The LORD will be terrible unto them: for he will famish all the gods of the earth; and men shall worship him, every one from his place, even all the isles of the heathen.

Word-by-Word Analysis

נוֹרָ֤א

H3372

will be terrible

to fear; morally to revere; causatively to frighten

יְהוָה֙

H3068

The LORD

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

עֲלֵיהֶ֔ם

H5921

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

כִּ֣י

H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

רָזָ֔ה

H7329

unto them for he will famish

to emaciate, i.e., make (become) thin (literally or figuratively)

אֵ֖ת

H853

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

כָּל

H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

אֱלֹהֵ֣י

H430

all the gods

gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of

הָאָ֑רֶץ

H776

of the earth

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

#10

וְיִשְׁתַּֽחֲווּ

H7812

and men shall worship

to depress, i.e., prostrate (especially reflexive, in homage to royalty or god)

#11

לוֹ֙

#12

אִ֣ישׁ

H376

him every one

a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)

#13

מִמְּקוֹמ֔וֹ

H4725

from his place

properly, a standing, i.e., a spot; but used widely of a locality (general or specific); also (figuratively) of a condition (of body or mind)

#14

כֹּ֖ל

H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

#15

אִיֵּ֥י

H339

even all the isles

properly, a habitable spot (as desirable); dry land, a coast, an island

#16

הַגּוֹיִֽם׃

H1471

of the heathen

a foreign nation; hence, a gentile; also (figuratively) a troop of animals, or a flight of locusts

Analysis

Within the broader context of Zephaniah, this passage highlights salvation through universal language and absolute statements. 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 building upon previous themes while advancing the overall message of Zephaniah.

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 divine sovereignty in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

What systematic theological implications arise from this verse's treatment of salvation, and how does it contribute to a biblical theology of soteriology and the doctrine of salvation?
How does this passage contribute to our understanding of from physical deliverance in the Old Testament to spiritual redemption in the New, and what implications does this have for Christian discipleship?
In what ways does understanding divine sovereignty in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about salvation?