Zephaniah 2:15

Authorized King James Version

This is the rejoicing city that dwelt carelessly, that said in her heart, I am, and there is none beside me: how is she become a desolation, a place for beasts to lie down in! every one that passeth by her shall hiss, and wag his hand.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
זֹ֞֠את
H2063
this (often used adverb)
#2
הָעִ֤יר
H5892
city
a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)
#3
הָעַלִּיזָה֙
H5947
This is the rejoicing
exultant
#4
הַיּוֹשֶׁ֣בֶת
H3427
that dwelt
properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry
#5
לָבֶ֔טַח
H983
carelessly
properly, a place of refuge; abstract, safety, both the fact (security) and the feeling (trust); often (adverb with or without preposition) safely
#6
הָאֹֽמְרָה֙
H559
that said
to say (used with great latitude)
#7
בִּלְבָבָ֔הּ
H3824
in her heart
the heart (as the most interior organ)
#8
אֲנִ֖י
H589
i
#9
וְאַפְסִ֣י
H657
I am and there is none beside
cessation, i.e., an end (especially of the earth); often used adverb, no further; also the ankle (in the dual), as being the extremity of the leg or f
#10
ע֑וֹד
H5750
properly, iteration or continuance; used only adverbially (with or without preposition), again, repeatedly, still, more
#11
אֵ֣יךְ׀
H349
how? or how!; also where
#12
הָיְתָ֣ה
H1961
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
#13
לְשַׁמָּ֗ה
H8047
me how is she become a desolation
ruin; by implication, consternation
#14
מַרְבֵּץ֙
H4769
to lie down in
a reclining place, i.e., fold (for flocks)
#15
לַֽחַיָּ֔ה
H2416
a place for beasts
alive; hence, raw (flesh); fresh (plant, water, year), strong; also (as noun, especially in the feminine singular and masculine plural) life (or livin
#16
כֹּ֚ל
H3605
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#17
עוֹבֵ֣ר
H5674
every one that passeth by
to cross over; used very widely of any transition (literal or figurative; transitive, intransitive, intensive, causative); specifically, to cover (in
#18
עָלֶ֔יהָ
H5921
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#19
יִשְׁרֹ֖ק
H8319
her shall hiss
properly, to be shrill, i.e., to whistle or hiss (as a call or in scorn)
#20
יָנִ֥יעַ
H5128
and wag
to waver, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively (as subjoined)
#21
יָדֽוֹ׃
H3027
his hand
a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v

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 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 revelation in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection