Zephaniah 3:12

Authorized King James Version

I will also leave in the midst of thee an afflicted and poor people, and they shall trust in the name of the LORD.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וְהִשְׁאַרְתִּ֣י

H7604

I will also leave

properly, to swell up, i.e., be (causatively, make) redundant

בְקִרְבֵּ֔ךְ

H7130

in the midst

properly, the nearest part, i.e., the center, whether literal, figurative or adverbial (especially with preposition)

עַ֥ם

H5971

people

a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock

עָנִ֖י

H6041

of thee an afflicted

depressed, in mind or circumstances

וָדָ֑ל

H1800

and poor

properly, dangling, i.e., (by implication) weak or thin

וְחָס֖וּ

H2620

and they shall trust

to flee for protection; figuratively, to confide in

בְּשֵׁ֥ם

H8034

in the name

an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character

יְהוָֽה׃

H3068

of the LORD

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

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

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 practical applications emerge from understanding salvation as presented in this verse, particularly in light of addressing questions of religious pluralism and the exclusivity of Christ?
In what ways does this verse's emphasis on divine sovereignty address religious pluralism and questions about the necessity of Christ, and how should the church respond?
How does the salvation theme in this verse connect to the overarching narrative of Scripture, and what does this reveal about God's character and purposes?