Zephaniah 2:8

Authorized King James Version

I have heard the reproach of Moab, and the revilings of the children of Ammon, whereby they have reproached my people, and magnified themselves against their border.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
שָׁמַ֙עְתִּי֙
H8085
I have heard
to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)
#2
חֶרְפַּ֣ת
H2781
the reproach
contumely, disgrace, the pudenda
#3
מוֹאָ֔ב
H4124
of Moab
moab, an incestuous son of lot; also his territory and descendants
#4
וְגִדֻּפֵ֖י
H1421
and the revilings
vilification
#5
בְּנֵ֣י
H1121
of the children
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
#6
עַמּ֑וֹן
H5983
of Ammon
ammon, a son of lot; also his posterity and their country
#7
אֲשֶׁ֤ר
H834
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#8
חֵֽרְפוּ֙
H2778
whereby 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;
#9
אֶת
H853
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#10
עַמִּ֔י
H5971
my people
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
#11
וַיַּגְדִּ֖ילוּ
H1431
and magnified
to be (causatively make) large (in various senses, as in body, mind, estate or honor, also in pride)
#12
עַל
H5921
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#13
גְּבוּלָֽם׃
H1366
themselves against their border
properly, a cord (as twisted), i.e., (by implication) a boundary; by extension the territory inclosed

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 covenant community 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

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 covenant community in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection