Zephaniah 3:18

Authorized King James Version

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I will gather them that are sorrowful for the solemn assembly, who are of thee, to whom the reproach of it was a burden.

Original Language Analysis

נוּגֵ֧י them that are sorrowful H3013
נוּגֵ֧י them that are sorrowful
Strong's: H3013
Word #: 1 of 8
to grieve
מִמּוֹעֵ֛ד for the solemn assembly H4150
מִמּוֹעֵ֛ד for the solemn assembly
Strong's: H4150
Word #: 2 of 8
properly, an appointment, i.e., a fixed time or season; specifically, a festival; conventionally a year; by implication, an assembly (as convened for
אָסַ֖פְתִּי I will gather H622
אָסַ֖פְתִּי I will gather
Strong's: H622
Word #: 3 of 8
to gather for any purpose; hence, to receive, take away, i.e., remove (destroy, leave behind, put up, restore, etc.)
מִמֵּ֣ךְ H4480
מִמֵּ֣ךְ
Strong's: H4480
Word #: 4 of 8
properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses
הָי֑וּ H1961
הָי֑וּ
Strong's: H1961
Word #: 5 of 8
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
מַשְׂאֵ֥ת of it was a burden H4864
מַשְׂאֵ֥ת of it was a burden
Strong's: H4864
Word #: 6 of 8
properly, (abstractly) a raising (as of the hands in prayer), or rising (of flame); figuratively, an utterance; concretely, a beacon (as raised); a pr
עָלֶ֖יהָ H5921
עָלֶ֖יהָ
Strong's: H5921
Word #: 7 of 8
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
חֶרְפָּֽה׃ who are of thee to whom the reproach H2781
חֶרְפָּֽה׃ who are of thee to whom the reproach
Strong's: H2781
Word #: 8 of 8
contumely, disgrace, the pudenda

Analysis & Commentary

I will gather them that are sorrowful for the solemn assembly (asafeh nuge'ei mi'moed)—The 'solemn assembly' (mo'ed) refers to Israel's appointed feasts (Leviticus 23), celebrations of God's covenant faithfulness. Those sorrowful because they cannot celebrate (due to exile or oppression) are objects of God's special concern.

Who are of thee, to whom the reproach of it was a burden (mimekh hayu masa aleha cherpah)—Exiles bore the 'reproach' of Israel's disgrace. Unable to worship at the temple or keep feasts properly, they grieved over covenant violation. God promises to gather these mourners—those who take God's honor seriously. This anticipates Psalm 137's exilic lament and the regathering prophecies of Ezekiel 36-37.

Historical Context

During Babylonian exile (586-538 BC), Jews could not observe temple-centered feasts. Ezekiel's ministry to exiles addressed this trauma. The return under Ezra and Nehemiah partially fulfilled this promise, but ultimate fulfillment awaits the eschatological gathering of believing Israel and Gentiles into God's kingdom (Matthew 8:11, Revelation 7:9-10).

Questions for Reflection