Zephaniah 3:5

Authorized King James Version

The just LORD is in the midst thereof; he will not do iniquity: every morning doth he bring his judgment to light, he faileth not; but the unjust knoweth no shame.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
יְהוָ֤ה
H3068
LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#2
צַדִּיק֙
H6662
The just
just
#3
בְּקִרְבָּ֔הּ
H7130
is in the midst
properly, the nearest part, i.e., the center, whether literal, figurative or adverbial (especially with preposition)
#4
לֹ֥א
H3808
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#5
יַעֲשֶׂ֖ה
H6213
thereof he will not do
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
#6
עַוְלָ֑ה
H5766
iniquity
(moral) evil
#7
בַּבֹּ֜קֶר
H1242
every morning
properly, dawn (as the break of day); generally, morning
#8
בַּבֹּ֜קֶר
H1242
every morning
properly, dawn (as the break of day); generally, morning
#9
מִשְׁפָּט֨וֹ
H4941
his judgment
properly, a verdict (favorable or unfavorable) pronounced judicially, especially a sentence or formal decree (human or (participant's) divine law, ind
#10
יִתֵּ֤ן
H5414
doth he bring
to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
#11
לָאוֹר֙
H216
to light
illumination or (concrete) luminary (in every sense, including lightning, happiness, etc.)
#12
לֹ֣א
H3808
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#13
נֶעְדָּ֔ר
H5737
he faileth
to arrange, as a battle, a vineyard (to hoe); hence, to muster and so to miss (or find wanting)
#14
וְלֹֽא
H3808
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#15
יוֹדֵ֥עַ
H3045
knoweth
to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o
#16
עַוָּ֖ל
H5767
not but the unjust
evil (morally)
#17
בֹּֽשֶׁת׃
H1322
no shame
shame (the feeling and the condition, as well as its cause); by implication (specifically) an idol

Analysis

Within the broader context of Zephaniah, this passage highlights salvation through universal language and absolute statements. The theological weight of divine sovereignty connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine sovereignty, 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 sovereignty in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection