Zephaniah 3:13

Authorized King James Version

The remnant of Israel shall not do iniquity, nor speak lies; neither shall a deceitful tongue be found in their mouth: for they shall feed and lie down, and none shall make them afraid.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
שְׁאֵרִ֨ית
H7611
The remnant
a remainder or residual (surviving, final) portion
#2
יִשְׂרָאֵ֜ל
H3478
of Israel
he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity
#3
לֹֽא
H3808
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#4
יַעֲשׂ֤וּ
H6213
shall not do
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
#5
עַוְלָה֙
H5766
iniquity
(moral) evil
#6
וְלֹא
H3808
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#7
יְדַבְּר֣וּ
H1696
nor speak
perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue
#8
כָזָ֔ב
H3577
lies
falsehood; literally (untruth) or figuratively (idol)
#9
וְלֹֽא
H3808
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#10
יִמָּצֵ֥א
H4672
be found
properly, to come forth to, i.e., appear or exist; transitively, to attain, i.e., find or acquire; figuratively, to occur, meet or be present
#11
בְּפִיהֶ֖ם
H6310
in their mouth
the mouth (as the means of blowing), whether literal or figurative (particularly speech); specifically edge, portion or side; adverbially (with prepos
#12
לְשׁ֣וֹן
H3956
tongue
the tongue (of man or animals), used literally (as the instrument of licking, eating, or speech), and figuratively (speech, an ingot, a fork of flame,
#13
תַּרְמִ֑ית
H8649
neither shall a deceitful
fraud
#14
כִּֽי
H3588
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
#15
הֵ֛מָּה
H1992
they (only used when emphatic)
#16
יִרְע֥וּ
H7462
for they shall feed
to tend a flock; i.e., pasture it; intransitively, to graze (literally or figuratively); generally to rule; by extension, to associate with (as a frie
#17
וְרָבְצ֖וּ
H7257
and lie down
to crouch (on all four legs folded, like a recumbent animal); by implication, to recline, repose, brood, lurk, imbed
#18
וְאֵ֥ין
H369
a nonentity; generally used as a negative particle
#19
מַחֲרִֽיד׃
H2729
and none shall make them afraid
to shudder with terror; hence, to fear; also to hasten (with anxiety)

Analysis

Within the broader context of Zephaniah, this passage highlights salvation through universal language and absolute statements. 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

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