Zephaniah 3:7

Authorized King James Version

I said, Surely thou wilt fear me, thou wilt receive instruction; so their dwelling should not be cut off, howsoever I punished them: but they rose early, and corrupted all their doings.

Word-by-Word Analysis

אָמַ֜רְתִּי

H559

I said

to say (used with great latitude)

אַךְ

H389

a particle of affirmation, surely; hence (by limitation) only

תִּירְאִ֤י

H3372

Surely thou wilt fear

to fear; morally to revere; causatively to frighten

אוֹתִי֙

H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

תִּקְחִ֣י

H3947

me thou wilt receive

to take (in the widest variety of applications)

מוּסָ֔ר

H4148

instruction

properly, chastisement; figuratively, reproof, warning or instruction; also restraint

וְלֹֽא

H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

יִכָּרֵ֣ת

H3772

should not be cut off

to cut (off, down or asunder); by implication, to destroy or consume; specifically, to covenant (i.e., make an alliance or bargain, originally by cutt

מְעוֹנָ֔הּ

H4583

so their dwelling

an abode, of god (the tabernacle or the temple), men (their home) or animals (their lair); hence, a retreat (asylum)

#10

כֹּ֥ל

H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

#11

אֲשֶׁר

H834

howsoever

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

#12

פָּקַ֖דְתִּי

H6485

I punished

to visit (with friendly or hostile intent); by analogy, to oversee, muster, charge, care for, miss, deposit, etc

#13

עָלֶ֑יהָ

H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

#14

אָכֵן֙

H403

them but

firmly; figuratively, surely; also (adversative) but

#15

הִשְׁכִּ֣ימוּ

H7925

they rose early

literally, to load up (on the back of man or beast), i.e., to start early in the morning

#16

הִשְׁחִ֔יתוּ

H7843

and corrupted

to decay, i.e., (causatively) ruin (literally or figuratively)

#17

כֹּ֖ל

H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

#18

עֲלִילוֹתָֽם׃

H5949

all their doings

an exploit (of god), or a performance (of man, often in a bad sense); by implication, an opportunity

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Zephaniah. The concept of divine revelation reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The literary structure and word choice here contribute to biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness, advancing the author's theological argument. The original language emphasizes careful word choice that would have carried specific theological weight for the original audience, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

Historical Context

The historical context of the biblical period relevant to this book's composition provides crucial background for understanding this verse. The historical and cultural milieu of the biblical world informed the author's theological expression and the audience's understanding. The the cultural context of the biblical world would have shaped how the original audience understood divine revelation. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

How does this verse's literary context within Zephaniah chapter 3 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?
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?
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?