Zephaniah 2:14

Authorized King James Version

And flocks shall lie down in the midst of her, all the beasts of the nations: both the cormorant and the bittern shall lodge in the upper lintels of it; their voice shall sing in the windows; desolation shall be in the thresholds: for he shall uncover the cedar work.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וְרָבְצ֨וּ
H7257
shall lie down
to crouch (on all four legs folded, like a recumbent animal); by implication, to recline, repose, brood, lurk, imbed
#2
בְתוֹכָ֤הּ
H8432
in the midst
a bisection, i.e., (by implication) the center
#3
עֲדָרִים֙
H5739
And flocks
an arrangement, i.e., muster (of animals)
#4
כָּל
H3605
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#5
חַיְתוֹ
H2416
of her all the beasts
alive; hence, raw (flesh); fresh (plant, water, year), strong; also (as noun, especially in the feminine singular and masculine plural) life (or livin
#6
ג֔וֹי
H1471
of the nations
a foreign nation; hence, a gentile; also (figuratively) a troop of animals, or a flight of locusts
#7
גַּם
H1571
properly, assemblage; used only adverbially also, even, yea, though; often repeated as correl. both...and
#8
קָאַת֙
H6893
both the cormorant
probably the pelican (from vomiting)
#9
גַּם
H1571
properly, assemblage; used only adverbially also, even, yea, though; often repeated as correl. both...and
#10
קִפֹּ֔ד
H7090
and the bittern
a species of bird, perhaps the bittern (from its contracted form)
#11
בְּכַפְתֹּרֶ֖יהָ
H3730
in the upper lintels
a chaplet; but used only in an architectonic sense, i.e., the capital of a column, or a wreath-like button or disk on the candelabrum
#12
יָלִ֑ינוּ
H3885
shall lodge
to stop (usually over night); by implication, to stay permanently; hence (in a bad sense) to be obstinate (especially in words, to complain)
#13
ק֠וֹל
H6963
of it their voice
a voice or sound
#14
יְשׁוֹרֵ֤ר
H7891
shall sing
to sing
#15
בַּֽחַלּוֹן֙
H2474
in the windows
a window (as perforated)
#16
חֹ֣רֶב
H2721
desolation
drought or desolation
#17
בַּסַּ֔ף
H5592
shall be in the thresholds
a vestibule (as a limit); also a dish (for holding blood or wine)
#18
כִּ֥י
H3588
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
#19
אַרְזָ֖ה
H731
the cedar work
cedar wainscoating
#20
עֵרָֽה׃
H6168
for he shall uncover
to be (causatively, make) bare; hence, to empty, pour out, demolish

Analysis

Within the broader context of Zephaniah, this passage highlights salvation through simile or metaphorical language. The theological weight of covenant community connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about covenant community, 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

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