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front:intro l57g 0 # Introduction to Zephaniah\n## Part 1: General Introduction\n\n### Outline of the Book of Zephaniah\n\n1. Zephaniah introduces this book (1:1)\n1. Yahweh will punish Judah and the nations (1:2–18)\n1. Yahweh calls Judah to repent (2:1–3)\n1. Yahweh will judge the nations (2:4-15)\n * Philistia (2:4–7)\n * Moab and Ammon (2:8–11)\n * Egypt (2:12)\n * Assyria (2:13–15)\n1. Yahweh will judge Jerusalem (3:1–8)\n1. Yahweh will purify, restore, gather, and bless his people (3:9–20)\n\n### What is the Book of Zephaniah about?\n\nZechariah warned Judah and other nations that Yahweh was about to punish them. He also prophesied about how Yahweh would restore Judah. (See: [[rc://*/tw/dict/bible/kt/dayofthelord]])\n\n### How should the title of this book be translated?\n\nThe traditional name of this book is “The Book of Zephaniah” or just “Zephaniah.” Translators may decide to call it “The Sayings of Zephaniah.” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])\n\n### Who wrote the Book of Zephaniah?\n\nZephaniah wrote this book. But four different Old Testament people have the name Zephaniah. This Zephaniah was probably the great-grandson of King Hezekiah and a cousin to King Josiah. Zephaniah lived in the city of Jerusalem. He began to prophesy about seventy years after the prophets Isaiah and Micah. Zephaniah spoke Yahweh’s messages during the reign of King Josiah (about 640–621 B.C.), and just before Jeremiah began to prophesy.\n\n## Part 2: Important Religious and Cultural Concepts\n\n### Were the people of Judah faithful to Yahweh at the time Zephaniah started to prophesy?\n\nManasseh, the grandfather of Josiah, had been one of the worst kings of Judah. He led the people to worship other gods. After his death, his son Amon ruled for only two years before he was killed. Amon’s son Josiah became king when he was eight years old. Josiah learned to worship and honor Yahweh. Zephaniah likely began his work after Josiah had destroyed most of the idols and shrines of false gods in Judah. (See: [[rc://*/tw/dict/bible/kt/falsegod]])\n\n### What country is coming to invade Judah?\n\nZephaniah often said a foreign nation would invade the kingdom of Judah. Zephaniah probably meant Babylonia. However, the Book of Zephaniah never names this nation.
1:intro t3tv 0 # Zephaniah 1 General Notes\n\n## Structure and formatting\n\nSome translations set each line of poetry farther to the right than the rest of the text to make it easier to read. The ULT does this with the poetic song in 1:2-18.\n\n## Special concepts in this chapter\n\n### Prophecy\nIn this chapter, it is unclear whether these prophecies concern the fall of Jerusalem, the coming of the Messiah or the day of the Lord. It is possible that the prophecies reference more than one period of time. (See: [[rc://*/tw/dict/bible/kt/prophet]] and [[rc://*/tw/dict/bible/kt/christ]] and [[rc://*/tw/dict/bible/kt/dayofthelord]])
1:1 w6l8 General Information: 0 # General Information:\n\nVerses 1:2-18 refer to Yahweh’s judgment. Verses 1:2-3 describe Yahweh’s final judgment of every sinner in the future.
1:1 k2ge rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom the word of Yahweh that came 0 This idiom is used to introduce a special message from God. Alternate translation: “Yahweh gave a message” or “Yahweh spoke this message” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
1:1 exz8 Yahweh 0 This is the name of God that he revealed to his people in the Old Testament. See the translationWord page about Yahweh concerning how to translate this.
1:1 zlc5 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit son of Gedaliah son of Amariah son of Hezekiah 0 This is a list of Zephaniah’s ancestors. These usages of “son of” are the broader sense of “descendant of.” Here “Hezekiah” refers to King Hezekiah. These things can be made explicit. Alternate translation: “the grandson of Gedaliah, and the great-grandson of Amariah, whose father was King Hezekiah” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
1:2 x2u5 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole I will utterly destroy everything from off the surface of the earth 0 The words “everything” and “will cut off man” are deliberate exaggerations by Yahweh to express his anger at the people’s sin. Yahweh will destroy neither sinners who repent nor all living things. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole]])
1:2 atu6 destroy everything from off the surface of the earth 0 Alternate translation: “destroy everything that is on the entire earth”
1:2 fg27 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-123person this is Yahweh’s declaration 0 Yahweh speaks of himself by name to express the certainty of what he is declaring. Alternate translation: “this is what Yahweh has declared” or “this is what I, Yahweh, have declared” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-123person]])
1:3 aqr7 I will cut off man from the surface of the earth 0 “I will kill all people.” This is a hyperbole, as in [Zephaniah 1:2](./02.md).
1:3 zd2p man and beast 0 Alternate translation: “people and animals”
1:3 kw4a the ruins 0 This could mean: (1) the piles of rubble that will remain after the judgment or (2) the idols that Yahweh destroyed.
1:3 xxd9 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor cut off 0 Destroying is spoken of as if it were cutting something off from what it was a part of. Alternate translation: “destroy” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
1:4 zb97 General Information: 0 # General Information:\n\nVerses 1:2-18 refer to Yahweh’s judgment. Verses 1:4-16 describe Yahweh’s judgment on the people of Judah.
1:4 q6dj rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom I will reach out with my hand over Judah 0 This is an idiom that means God will punish. Alternate translation: “I will punish Judah” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
1:4 wn2w rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis I will cut off every remnant & the names of the idolatrous people among the priests 0 The verb “cut off” applies to each of these phrases, but has been used only once to avoid repetition. Alternate translation: “I will cut off every remnant … I will cut off the names of the idolatrous people among the priests” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]])
1:4 gdu9 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor cut off 0 Destroying is spoken of as if it were cutting something off from what it was a part of. See how you translated this in [Zephaniah 1:3](../01/03.md). Alternate translation: “destroy” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
1:4 h6cv rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom cut off & the names of the idolatrous people among the priests 0 Here “cut off … the names” is an idiom that means to cause people to forget them. Alternate translation: “cause everyone … to forget the priests who are idolatrous” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
1:5 u98g rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis the people who on the housetops & the people who worship and swear 0 The verb “cut off” ([Zechariah 1:4](./04.md)) applies to these phrases, but has been used only once to avoid repetition. Alternate translation: “I will cut off the people who on the housetops … I will cut off the people who worship and swear” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]])
1:5 w2r8 by their king 0 See the footnote about the possible rendering of this as “by Milcom.”
1:6 ql66 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor neither seek Yahweh nor ask for his guidance 0 Seeking **Yahweh** could mean: (1) asking God for help or (2) thinking about God and obeying him. Alternate translation: “do not think about Yahweh or ask him to guide them” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
1:7 ztx9 General Information: 0 # General Information:\n\nVerses 1:2-18 refer to Yahweh’s judgment. Verses 1:4-16 describe Yahweh’s judgment on the people of Judah.
1:7 etv8 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom Be silent 0 This is an idiom. Here silence is meant to signal shock and amazement. Alternate translation: “Be shocked” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
1:7 xb5b rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor Yahweh has prepared the sacrifice and set apart his guests 0 The people of Judah are spoken of as Yahweh’s sacrifice, and the enemy nations are spoken of as his guests who would eat the sacrifice. This can be stated explicitly. Alternate translation: “Yahweh has prepared the people of Judah as a sacrifice, and invited the enemy nations as his guests” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]] and [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
1:7 hwp4 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom set apart his guests 0 Here “set apart” is an idiom that means he has invited them. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
1:8 z1ix rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-123person General Information: 0 # General Information:\n\nIn verses 1:8-13, Yahweh is speaking. He alternates between using first person and speaking about himself in the third person. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-123person]])
1:8 w2xl It will come about 0 This phrase is used to mark the point at which Yahweh’s judgment of Judah will begin.
1:8 igq2 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit everyone dressed in foreign clothes 0 This phrase suggests that the Israelites wore clothes similar to the foreigners to show sympathy to their customs and to the worship of their foreign gods. Alternate translation: “everyone who worships foreign gods” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
1:9 gma8 On that day 0 Alternate translation: “On the day of Yahweh”
1:9 fr1s all those who leap over the threshold 0 This could mean: (1) this is a reference to people who did not step on thresholds as part of their worship of a god called Dagan or (2) people who leapt up onto platforms to worship pagan idols or (3) royal officials who climbed the steps to the throne.
1:9 u614 fill their master’s house with violence and deceit 0 The abstract nouns “violence” and “deceit” can be stated as actions. Alternate translation: “those who do violent things and tell lies in the temples of their gods”
1:10 n2di rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-123person General Information: 0 # General Information:\n\nZephaniah 1:2-18 refers to Yahweh’s judgment. Zephaniah 1:4-16 describes Yahweh’s judgment on the people of Judah. In Zephaniah 1:8-13, Yahweh is speaking. He alternates between using first person and speaking about himself in the third person. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-123person]])
1:10 mm2c Fish Gate 0 The Fish Gate was one of the gates in the Jerusalem city wall.
1:10 bm2g wailing from the Second District 0 “Mourn loudly from the Second District.” The Second District was a newer part of Jerusalem.
1:10 ysx8 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit a great crashing sound 0 This refers to the sound of buildings collapsing. This can be stated explicitly. Alternate translation: “a loud sound of buildings collapsing” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
1:10 ahw8 from the hills 0 This refers to the hills surrounding Jerusalem.
1:11 ne51 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism for all the merchants will be ruined; all those who weigh out silver will be cut off 0 These two phrases refer to the same people and are used to emphasize that business will be destroyed. Alternate translation: “for those who buy and sell goods will be killed” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]])
1:11 fu79 those who weigh out silver 0 This refers to merchants. Before coins were used, people weighed out silver or gold as payment for things they bought.
1:11 eyb8 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor cut off 0 Destroying is spoken of as if it were cutting something off from what it was a part of. See how you translated this in [Zephaniah 1:3](../01/03.md). Alternate translation: “destroyed” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
1:12 vc63 General Information: 0 # General Information:\n\nVerses 1:2-18 refer to Yahweh’s judgment. Verses 1:4-16 describe Yahweh’s judgment on the people of Judah.
1:12 fb6r It will come about at that time 0 This phrase is used to mark the time when Jerusalem has been destroyed by the enemies.
1:12 n4xe rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor I will search Jerusalem with lamps 0 Yahweh speaks of knowing about all people of Jerusalem as if he had searched for them with lamps. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
1:12 sb9c rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom settled into their wine 0 They feel safe from trouble. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
1:12 t4ux say in their heart, ‘Yahweh will not do anything, either good or evil.’ 0 This direct quotation can be stated as an indirect quotation. Alternate translation: “say in their heart that Yahweh will not do anything, either good or evil.
1:12 nu98 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom say in their heart 0 This idiom means they think to themselves. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
1:12 fhk8 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-merism Yahweh will not do anything, either good or evil 0 Here “good and evil” is a merism that includes everything in between. Alternate translation: “Yahweh will not do anything at all” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-merism]])
1:13 nu8u an abandoned devastation 0 Alternate translation: “destroyed and abandoned”
1:14 r2si General Information: 0 # General Information:\n\nVerses 1:2-18 refer to Yahweh’s judgment. Verses 1:4-16 describe Yahweh’s judgment on the people of Judah.
1:14 a6kw rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet near, near and hurrying quickly 0 The repetition of the word “near,” along with the phrase “hurrying quickly,” emphasize that the day when Yahweh judges the people will soon happen. Alternate translation: “close and will be here soon” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet]])
1:14 ky2m the day of Yahweh 0 See how you translated this phrase in [Zephaniah 1:7](../01/07.md).
1:14 nu8q a warrior crying bitterly 0 This could mean: (1) a soldier crying in despair or (2) a soldier’s battle cry.
1:15 xb57 That day & a day 0 These phrases refer back to the “day of Yahweh” in [Zephaniah 1:14](../01/14.md).
1:15 lw4t rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet a day of distress and anguish 0 The words “distress” and “anguish” mean about the same thing and emphasize the intensity of the people’s distress. Alternate translation: “a day when people feel terrible distress” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet]])
1:15 ud2q rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet a day of storm and devastation 0 Here the word “storm” refers to divine judgment. The word “devastation” describes the effects of that judgment. Alternate translation: “a day of devastating storms” or “a day of devastating judgment” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet]] and [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
1:15 jub4 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet a day of darkness and gloom 0 The words “darkness” and “gloom” share similar meanings and emphasize the intensity of darkness. Both words refer to a time of disaster or divine judgment. Alternate translation: “a day that is full of darkness” or “a day of terrible judgment” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet]] and [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
1:15 swy2 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet a day of clouds and thick darkness 0 This phrase means the same thing as, and intensifies, the idea of the previous phrase. Like that phrase, both “clouds” and “thick darkness” refer to divine judgment. Alternate translation: “a day full of dark storm clouds” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet]] and [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
1:16 deb6 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet a day of trumpets and alarms 0 The words “trumpets” and “alarms” mean basically the same thing here. Both are means to call soldiers to prepare for battle. Alternate translation: “a day when people sound the alarm for battle” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet]])
1:16 da9h rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet fortified cities and the high battlements 0 These two phrases both refer to military strongholds. Alternate translation: “well fortified cities” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet]])
1:17 w66r General Information: 0 # General Information:\n\nVerses 1:2-18 refer to Yahweh’s judgment. Verses 1:17-18 describe Yahweh’s final judgment of every sinner in the future.
1:17 krq4 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile they will walk about like blind men 0 The result of Yahweh’s judgment is that people will be so confused and dazed when they walk about that people will think they are blind. Alternate translation: “they will walk around as confused and dazed as blind men” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile]])
1:17 cq1r rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile Their blood will be poured out like dust 0 Their blood that is shed will be as worthless as dust. If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “Their enemies will pour out their blood and consider it to be worthless” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile]])
1:17 jrq1 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile their inner parts like dung 0 The verb “poured out” is understood here. If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “their enemies will cut open their bodies and leave them to rot like dung” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile]])
1:18 ai7h rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor the fire of his jealousy 0 Here “fire” refers to the intensity of Yahweh’s anger. This can be stated as a simile. Alternate translation: “his jealousy is as intense as a fire” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]] and [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile]])
1:18 ij81 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit all the inhabitants of the earth 0 It is understood that this refers to the wicked people. This can be stated explicitly. Alternate translation: “all the wicked people who live on the earth” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
2:intro t1it 0 # Zephaniah 2 General Notes\n\n## Structure and formatting\n\nSome translations set each line of poetry farther to the right than the rest of the text to make it easier to read. The ULT does this with the poetic song in 2:1-9, 12-15.\n\n## Special concepts in this chapter\n\n### Prophecy\nIn this chapter, because the prophesied destruction is so complete, it is unclear whether these prophecies concern the time near the fall of Jerusalem or the day of the Lord. It is possible that the prophecies reference more than one period of time. (See: [[rc://*/tw/dict/bible/kt/prophet]] and [[rc://*/tw/dict/bible/kt/christ]] and [[rc://*/tw/dict/bible/kt/dayofthelord]])
2:1 w14p rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet Rally yourselves together and gather 0 These two phrases mean the same thing. Together they intensify the command for the people to gather together in order to repent of their sins. Alternate translation: “Gather yourselves together” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet]])
2:2 m93y rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy before the decree takes effect 0 This phrase refers to the punishment that will happen as a result of Yahweh’s decree. Alternate translation: “before Yahweh punishes you” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
2:2 j7xn that day 0 This phrase relates to the “day of Yahweh.” Translate as you did similar phrases in [Zephaniah 1:9](../01/09.md).
2:2 m9s2 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile that day passes like the chaff 0 The chaff is the insignificant part of the plant that the wind blows away. In a similar way, the day of judgment will pass quickly. Alternate translation: “that day passes as quickly as chaff blown by the wind” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile]])
2:2 xg13 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism before the fierce anger of Yahweh’s wrath comes upon you, before the day of the wrath of Yahweh comes upon you 0 The prophet repeats the same phrase almost exactly in order to emphasize how terrible Yahweh’s judgment will be and the urgency with which the people must repent. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]])
2:2 c8mp rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy Yahweh’s wrath 0 This stands for God’s intent to punish. Alternate translation: “Yahweh’s punishment” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
2:3 rm7u rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor Seek Yahweh 0 Seeking **Yahweh** could mean: (1) asking God for help or (2) thinking about God and obeying him. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
2:3 rg17 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns Seek righteousness. Seek humility 0 The abstract nouns “righteousness” and “humility” can be stated as actions. Alternate translation: “Try to do what is right and to be humble” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
2:3 s75g rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive you will be protected in the day of Yahweh’s wrath 0 If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “Yahweh will protect you in the day of his wrath” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
2:4 r1bq General Information: 0 # General Information:\n\nIn 2:4-15, Yahweh announces his judgment on the nations that surround Judah.
2:4 dth6 Gaza & Ashkelon & Ashdod & Ekron 0 These were the four major Philistine cities of that day.
2:4 f893 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism will be abandoned & will turn into a devastation 0 These two phrases mean the same thing and emphasize the complete destruction of these cities. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]])
2:4 mi6f They will drive out Ashdod at noon 0 Here “They” refers to the enemies of the Philistines. Here, **at noon** could mean: (1) the enemies will defeat Ashdod before noon or (2) the enemies will attack Ashdod at noon while the people are resting and unaware.
2:4 sb41 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor they will uproot Ekron 0 The defeat of Ekron is spoken of as if it was a tree that was pulled from the ground and thrown away. Alternate translation: “they will take the people of Ekron away as if uprooting a tree” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
2:5 p4be the inhabitants of the seacoast, the nation of the Kerethites 0 The first phrase explains where the Kerethites lived.
2:5 pq8v Canaan, land of the Philistines 0 The Philistines were one of several people groups who lived in Canaan.
2:5 w9gq until no inhabitant remains 0 This can be stated in positive form. Alternate translation: “until every inhabitant is dead”
2:6 s8lg General Information: 0 # General Information:\n\nIn 2:4-15, Yahweh announces his judgment on the nations that surround Judah.
2:6 gm12 So the seacoast will become pastures for shepherds and for sheep pens 0 This probably means that the Philistine cities are gone, and only open fields remain. However, the Hebrew meaning is unclear and is sometimes translated differently by modern versions.
2:6 ip1f sheep pens 0 A sheep pen is a small area surrounded by a fence to keep the sheep together.
2:7 h1ww Their people 0 Alternate translation: “The people of Judah”
2:7 e8k3 lie down 0 Alternate translation: “lie down to sleep”
2:8 yb33 General Information: 0 # General Information:\n\nIn 2:4-15, Yahweh announces his judgment on the nations that surround Judah.
2:8 ep73 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism the taunts & the reviling 0 “the taunts … the insults.” These two phrases mean the same thing and emphasize that both Moab and Ammon have insulted Yahweh. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]])
2:8 zd77 violated their borders 0 This refers to crossing over into Judah’s territory in order to attack them.
2:9 hzr2 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom as I live 0 “as surely as I am alive.” Yahweh uses this expression to show that what he says next is certainly true. This is a way of making a solemn promise. Alternate translation: “I solemnly swear” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
2:9 pi3w rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-123person this is the declaration of Yahweh of hosts, God of Israel 0 Yahweh speaks of himself by name to express the certainty of what he is declaring. Alternate translation: “this is what Yahweh of hosts, God of Israel, has declared” or “this is what I, Yahweh of hosts, God of Israel, have declared” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-123person]])
2:9 b2lh rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit like Sodom & like Gomorrah 0 These two cities were so wicked that God completely destroyed them with fire from heaven. These similes therefore refer to complete destruction. This can be stated explicitly. Alternate translation: “completely destroyed like Sodom … like Gomorrah” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]] and [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile]])
2:9 l2f5 a place of nettles and a salt pit 0 “a place with thorns and a salt pit.” This describes a barren, useless land.
2:9 dr9e rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism the remnant of my people & the remainder of my nation 0 These two phrases mean the same thing and refer to the Israelites that survived Yahweh’s punishment. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]])
2:12 ai2t General Information: 0 # General Information:\n\nIn 2:4-15, Yahweh announces his judgment on the nations that surround Judah.
2:12 dr9y rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy You Cushites also will be pierced by my sword 0 Here “pieced by my sword” is a metonym for being killed in battle. Alternate translation: “I will kill you people of Cush in battle” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]] and [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
2:13 rqc2 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy God’s hand 0 Here “hand” refers to power. Alternate translation: “God’s power” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
2:13 vj6j rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns an abandoned devastation 0 If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word **devastation**, you can express the same idea with a verbal form. Alternate translation: “ruined and deserted” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
2:13 ra14 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile as dry as the desert 0 This means it will be so dry that nothing will grow there. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile]])
2:14 fgc1 every animal of the nations 0 Alternate translation: “every kind of animal”
2:14 rq3s the screech owl 0 This term is uncertain. Some versions translate it as “hedgehog.”
2:14 jp3m in the top of her columns 0 When buildings were destroyed and fell down, the columns used for decoration and support would often remain standing.
2:14 u3vb A call will sing out from the windows 0 Alternate translation: “A call will be heard from the windows”
2:14 e998 beams 0 Beams are long and thick pieces of wood that are used to keep a building stable.
2:15 ev51 General Information: 0 # General Information:\n\nIn 2:4-15, Yahweh announces his judgment on the nations that surround Judah.
2:15 kl78 the exultant city 0 “the city that is proud of itself.” This refers to the city of Nineveh, about whom Yahweh began to speak in [Zephaniah 2:13](../02/13.md).
2:15 pvv7 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom said in her heart 0 This idiom means “said to herself” or “she thought.” The city is spoken of as if it were a person that could speak. It represents the people who live in that city. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]] and [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]] and [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
2:15 g214 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit I am, and nothing is my equal 0 It may be necessary to supply an object for “I am.” Alternate translation: “I am the greatest city, and no other city is equal to me” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
2:15 w3q5 a horror 0 Alternate translation: “a horrible place to see”
2:15 n4jw hiss and shake his fist 0 A hiss is an angry sound. This phrase indicates extreme anger of the people toward Nineveh.
3:intro f3en 0 # Zephaniah 3 General Notes\n\n## Structure and formatting\n\nSome translations set each line of poetry farther to the right than the rest of the text to make it easier to read. The ULT does this with the poetic song in 3:1-20.\n\n## Special concepts in this chapter\n\n### Prophecy\nIn this chapter, because the prophesied destruction is so complete, it is unclear whether these prophecies concern the time near the fall of Jerusalem or the day of the Lord. It is possible that the prophecies reference more than one period of time. (See: [[rc://*/tw/dict/bible/kt/prophet]] and [[rc://*/tw/dict/bible/kt/dayofthelord]])
3:1 d7qu rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy General Information: 0 # General Information:\n\nIn verses 3:1-5, Zephaniah speaks Yahweh’s message of judgment to the sinful people of Jerusalem. The city represents the people who live within it. To make this clear, it may be helpful to replace the singular “she” and “her” with the plural “they” and “their.” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
3:1 aew2 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit the rebellious city 0 The nature of their rebellion can be stated. Alternate translation: “the people of the city who have rebelled against God” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
3:1 fc2a The violent city is defiled 0 Alternate translation: “The people of the city have committed violence and so I consider them unclean”
3:2 lb6h rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy She has not listened to the voice of God 0 The voice is a metonym for what the speaker says with the voice, and listening is a metonym for obeying. Alternate translation: “She has not obeyed what God has said to her” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
3:3 nf4u rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy General Information: 0 # General Information:\n\nIn verses 3:1-5, Zephaniah speaks Yahweh’s message of judgment to the sinful people of Jerusalem. The city represents the people who live within it. To make this clear, it may be helpful to replace the singular “she” and “her” with the plural “they” and “their.” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
3:3 ae1f rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor Her princes are roaring lions in her midst 0 Lions roar to chase other animals away from the prey they have caught. The princes of Jerusalem are spoken of as if they were roaring lions who were keeping the prey for themselves. Alternate translation: “Jerusalem’s royalty are as greedy as roaring lions” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
3:3 z5i2 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor Her judges are evening wolves who leave nothing to be gnawed upon in the morning 0 Wolves are especially hungry before they hunt at night. The judges are spoken of as if they were hungry wolves. Alternate translation: “Her judges are as greedy as hungry wolves that leave nothing for anyone else” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
3:4 u7tc Her prophets are insolent and treasonous men 0 Alternate translation: “Her prophets do not listen to anyone and cannot be trusted”
3:4 q96w have profaned what is holy 0 Alternate translation: “have treated holy things with disrespect”
3:4 xm2b have done violence to the law 0 Alternate translation: “have broken the law”
3:5 ine1 General Information: 0 # General Information:\n\nIn verses 3:1-5, Zephaniah speaks Yahweh’s message of judgment to the sinful people of Jerusalem.
3:5 a3p2 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism Yahweh is righteous & He can do no wrong 0 These two phrases mean the same thing, and emphasize Yahweh’s righteousness even among the wicked people in Jerusalem. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]])
3:5 z4ht in her midst 0 Alternate translation: “among them”
3:5 fe75 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom Morning by morning 0 This idiom means “Every day” or “Day after day.” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
3:5 cvu6 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor he will dispense his justice 0 Yahweh’s just treatment of every person is spoken of as if he was handing out a commodity. Alternate translation: “he will treat people justly” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
3:5 dm1b rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-litotes It will not be hidden in the light 0 This uses a negative statement to emphasize the positive truth that Yahweh’s justice is always visible. Alternate translation: “His justice is clearly shown to all” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-litotes]])
3:5 dwk9 know no shame 0 Alternate translation: “are not ashamed”
3:6 t3em rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit General Information: 0 # General Information:\n\nIn verses 3:6-7, Yahweh rebukes the people of Jerusalem because they did not learn from how he judged other sinful cities. It may be helpful to add “Yahweh says this:” to the beginning of verse 6 to make this explicit. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
3:6 ie5c rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism I have made their streets ruins, so that no one passes over them. Their cities are destroyed so that there is no man inhabiting them 0 These two sentences express the same idea in two different ways in order to emphasize the complete destruction of the cities. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]])
3:6 y9qd no one passes over them 0 Alternate translation: “no one walks on them”
3:6 asi4 there is no man inhabiting them 0 This can be stated in positive form. Alternate translation: “all the people are dead”
3:7 mvv5 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-quotations I said, ‘Surely you will fear me & I have planned to do to you.’ 0 This can be stated as an indirect quotation. Alternate translation: “I thought they would surely fear me and accept correction so that they would not be cut off from their homes by all that I have planned to do to them.” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-quotations]])
3:7 g15j rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom and do not be cut off from your homes 0 Here “cut off” is an idiom that means to be removed. If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “so that I will not remove you from your homes” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]] and [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
3:7 u1c9 by corrupting all their deeds 0 Alternate translation: “by doing deeds that were corrupt”
3:8 lfl4 General Information: 0 # General Information:\n\nIn verse 3:8, Yahweh warns that he will judge all nations.
3:8 my26 wait for me & until the day 0 This phrase implies that they are waiting for judgment.
3:8 rhe9 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-123person this is Yahweh’s declaration 0 Yahweh speaks of himself by name to express the certainty of what he is declaring. Alternate translation: “this is what Yahweh has declared” or “this is what I, Yahweh, have declared” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-123person]])
3:8 izp2 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor I rise up to seize the prey 0 Yahweh’s judgment on the nations is spoken of as if he was an hungry animal that attacked a smaller animal. Alternate translation: “I will rise up and destroy them as an animal seizes its prey” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
3:8 mvx7 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet to assemble the nations, to gather the kingdoms 0 These two phrases mean the same thing and emphasize that Yahweh will judge all of the nations. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet]])
3:8 q1ml rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet my anger—all of my burning wrath 0 The words “anger” and “burning wrath” mean basically the same thing and emphasize the intensity of Yahweh’s anger. Alternate translation: “my very fierce wrath” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet]])
3:8 ge59 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive in the fire of my jealousy all the earth will be consumed 0 This phrase can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “the fire of my jealousy will devour all the land” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
3:8 hc95 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor in the fire of my jealousy & consumed 0 Yahweh’s jealousy is here spoken of as if it were fire that could consume something. This can be stated as a simile. Alternate translation: “my jealousy will consume all the earth as a fire” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]] and [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile]])
3:9 cs8h General Information: 0 # General Information:\n\nIn verses 3:9-10, Yahweh says that he will renew the Gentiles after the judgment.
3:9 la62 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy I will purify the lips of the peoples 0 Here “lips” refers to the ability to speak. Alternate translation: “I will cause the peoples to speak what is right” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
3:9 k8y7 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom call upon the name of Yahweh 0 This is an idiom that means they worship Yahweh. Alternate translation: “worship Yahweh” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
3:9 f339 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom serve him shoulder to shoulder 0 Here “shoulder to shoulder” is an idiom that means “side by side.” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
3:10 zs4q beyond the river of Cush 0 This may refer to the area where Sudan is located today.
3:11 hvk2 General Information: 0 # General Information:\n\nIn verses 3:11-13, Yahweh encourages the remnant of Israel who survive the judgment.
3:11 ryq3 In that day & at that time 0 “When that happens … at that time.” These phrases here refer to the time of peace and restoration that immediately follows the day of Yahweh.
3:11 xcx2 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive will not be put to shame for all your deeds 0 If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “will no longer be ashamed of all your deeds” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
3:11 y6pj those who celebrated your pride 0 Alternate translation: “all the people who are very proud”
3:12 q74i General Information: 0 # General Information:\n\nIn verses 3:11-13, Yahweh encourages the remnant of Israel who survive the judgment.
3:12 c1gc rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor they will find refuge in the name of Yahweh 0 Yahweh’s protection of this remnant is spoke of as if he was a refuge or a fortress. Here “name of Yahweh” refers to his person. Alternate translation: “they will come to Yahweh and he will help them” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]] and [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
3:13 y163 The remnant of Israel 0 This refers to the “lowly and poor people” of [Zephaniah 3:12](../03/12.md).
3:13 b2m7 commit injustice 0 Alternate translation: “do unjust things”
3:13 ja4i rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive no deceitful tongue will be found in their mouth 0 Here “tongue … in their mouth” represents the things that the tongue enables the mouth to speak. They can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “none of them will speak deceitful things” or “they will not say deceitful things” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]] and [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
3:13 pe7k rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor they will graze and lie down 0 Yahweh speaks of his provision for the people of Israel as if they are a flock of sheep that grazes and rests in safety. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
3:14 d65d General Information: 0 # General Information:\n\nIn verses 3:14-20, Zephaniah tells the remnant of Israel who survived the judgment that they should rejoice.
3:14 d6q3 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom daughter of Zion & daughter of Jerusalem 0 Here “daughter” refers to all the people who lived in the city. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
3:14 x7wg rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet Be glad and rejoice 0 These two phrases mean the same thing and emphasize how happy they should be. Alternate translation: “Be very happy” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet]])
3:14 qj83 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy with all your heart 0 Here “heart” refers to the inner being of a person. Alternate translation: “with all your inner being” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
3:15 lb51 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom Yahweh has taken away your punishment 0 Here to “take away” punishment is an idiom that means to stop doing it. Alternate translation: “Yahweh has stopped punishing you” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
3:15 t4fy rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns You will never again fear evil 0 If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word **evil**, you can express the same idea with a verbal form. Alternate translation: “You will no longer be afraid that people will harm you” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
3:16 v9ia In that day 0 “At that time” or “When this happens.” This phrase here refers to the time of peace and restoration that immediately follows the day of Yahweh.
3:16 eh5e rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy say to Jerusalem & Zion 0 The names of these cities here refer to the people who live in them. Alternate translation: “say to the people of Jerusalem … people of Zion” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
3:16 pc5c rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor Do not let your hands falter 0 To feel weak or helpless is spoken of as if their hands became physically weak. Here “hands” represents the whole person. Alternate translation: “Do not become weak” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]] and [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]])
3:17 w8tr General Information: 0 # General Information:\n\nIn verses 3:14-20, Zephaniah tells the remnant of Israel who survived the judgment that they should rejoice.
3:17 g95f rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor a mighty one to save you 0 “he is mighty and will save you.” Yahweh is spoken of as a mighty warrior. Alternate translation: “he is a mighty warrior and will give you victory” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
3:17 gk13 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism He will celebrate over you with joy & he will be glad over you with a shout for joy 0 These two phrases mean the same thing and are repeated to emphasize Yahweh’s joy that the remnant is restored to him. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]])
3:17 h9ek he will be silent over you in his love 0 This could mean: (1) “he will quiet you by his love for you” or (2) “he will renew you because he loves you.”
3:18 i4ff rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor no longer bear any shame for it 0 Here shame is spoken of as if it was a heavy thing that a person had to carry. Alternate translation: “no longer be ashamed because of it” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
3:19 ih9r General Information: 0 # General Information:\n\nIn verses 3:19-20, Yahweh speaks directly to the remnant of Israel who survived the judgment and tells them that they should rejoice.
3:19 f6zj Behold 0 This tells the reader to pay special attention to what follows. Alternate translation: “Look” or “Pay attention”
3:19 l1m4 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit I am about to deal with all your oppressors 0 It is understood that “deal with” means to punish the oppressors. This can be stated explicitly. Alternate translation: “I will severely punish all those who oppressed you” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
3:19 qc78 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor I will rescue the lame and gather up the outcast 0 Here the Israelites who suffered in exile are spoken of as if they were lame and outcast sheep. This can be stated as a simile. Alternate translation: “I will rescue and bring together the remnant of Israel who are like lame and outcast sheep” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]] and [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile]])
3:19 kzw3 the lame 0 This refers to people or animals that cannot walk.
3:19 ry88 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile I will make them as praise 0 The full thought here is, “I will make them to be objects of praise,” that is, “I will make them to be praised by others.” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile]])
3:19 cxu6 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns I will change their shame into renown 0 The abstract nouns “shame” and “renown” can be stated as actions. Alternate translation: “I will cause them to no longer be ashamed, but for people to respect them” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
3:20 d2a1 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism At that time I will lead you; at that time I will gather you together 0 These two lines mean basically the same thing and imply that Yahweh will bring the exiled people back to their homeland. Alternate translation: “At that time I will gather you together and lead you home” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]])
front:intro l57g 0 # Introduction to Zephaniah\n\n## Part 1: General Introduction\n\n### Outline of the book of Zephaniah\n\nTitle of the book; introduces Zephaniah (1:1)\n1. Yahweh will punish Judah and Jerusalem (1:2–18)\n“For in the fire of his jealousy the whole earth will be consumed.”\n2. Yahweh will punish the nations\n * Warning to Judah (2:1–3)\n * Yahweh will punish the Philistines (2:4–7)\n * Yahweh will punish Moab and Ammon (2:8–11)\n * Yahweh will punish Ethiopia (2:12)\n * Yahweh will punish Assyria (2:13–16)\n * Yahweh will punish Jerusalem (3:1–7)\n * General review (3:8)\n“For in the fire of my jealousy the whole earth will be consumed.”\n3. Yahweh will restore Judah and Jerusalem (3:9–20)\n\n### Who wrote the book of Zephaniah?\n\nThis book records messages that Yahweh spoke through a man named Zephaniah. The title to the book lists Zephaniah’s ancestors back to his great-grandfather, a man named Hezekiah. Since no other prophet’s ancestry is traced back four generations, this Hezekiah must have been a significant person, and interpreters generally agree that he was King Hezekiah, who ruled over Judah from about 715 B.C. to about 686 B.C. So Zephaniah was likely a member of the royal family. In his prophecies, he shows a first-hand knowledge of the city of Jerusalem, so it is also probable that he was part of the royal court in Jerusalem. The title of the book says that he prophesied during the reign of King Josiah, who began to rule Judah around 640 B.C. So Zephaniah would have prophesied at about the same time that Jeremiah began to prophesy.\n\n### What is the book of Zephaniah about?\n\nThrough Zephaniah’s prophecies, Yahweh warned Judah and other nations that he was about to destroy them because of their wickedness and idolatry. This message seems to have led at least the Judeans to repent, if only for a generation. Hezekiah had been a godly ruler, but his son Manasseh and his grandson Amon were wicked and idolatrous kings. Amon was so unpopular that he was assassinated, and his son Josiah became king when Josiah was only a boy. But when Josiah became a young adult and could assert himself, he introduced a series of reforms that led the people of Judah to worship and obey Yahweh once more. The prophecies of Zephaniah seem to have influenced Josiah strongly to do this. Zephaniah also prophesied about how Yahweh would restore Judah, and those prophecies had at least a partial fulfillment in his own time due to the reforms of Josiah.\n\n### What title should translators use for this book?\n\nTranslators may choose to use the traditional title, “The Book of Zephaniah,” or simply “Zephaniah.” They may use a different title such as “The Prophecies of Zephaniah.”\n\n## Part 2: Important Religious and Cultural Concepts\n\n### The “day of Yahweh”\n\nZephaniah speaks many times of “the day of Yahweh,” meaning the time when Yahweh will judge and punish the nations, including Judah, for disobeying him and worshiping idols. However, in the final oracle in the book, the phrase “that day” instead means the time when Yahweh will restore Judah and Jerusalem. Notes suggest ways that you can translate these expressions in their various occurrences.\n\n### The time reference of Zephaniah’s prophecies\n\nSome of Zephaniah’s prophecies focus on specific places and times. They warn Judah and other nations that Yahweh will soon destroy them, and they suggest implicitly that this will happen when an enemy empire invades and conquers them. But other prophecies speak of the entire world, and their time reference is uncertain. For example, in the first prophecy in the book, Yahweh says that he is going to destroy every living creature on earth—people, animals, birds, and fish. This could be a prophecy about the more distant future, about the end of the world. But it could also be a generalization for emphasis, and if so, it could apply to the time of Josiah. It is not necessary to determine the exact time reference of all of the prophecies in the book in order to translate the book.\n\n### The identity of the invading empire\n\nZephaniah often suggests that a foreign empire will invade and conquer Judah and other nations. He probably means the empire of Babylon. However, he does not name it specifically, and so it would not be appropriate to use any particular name for the invading army that Zephaniah describes in this book.
1:intro t3tv 0 # Zephaniah 1 General Notes\n\n## Structure and Formatting\n\nThis chapter is the first of the three major parts of the book of Zephaniah. (See the outline in the General Introduction to the book.) This part describes how Yahweh will punish Judah and Jerusalem for their sinfulness and complacency.\n\nThe ULT sets the lines of verses 2–18 farther to the right on the page than the rest of the text because they are poetry.\n\n## Important Figures of Speech in This Chapter\n\n### Litany\n\nVerses 2 and 3 state in general terms that Yahweh’s judgment will be comprehensive. Then, in four places later in the chapter, prophecies emphasize a general point by making a series of specific statements that illustrate that point. These typically move from more obvious or central examples to more peripheral ones. In that way, they demonstrate how comprehensive Yahweh’s judgment will be: It will reach to the most distant and obscure places.\n\nSeries of statements such as these are known as litanies. If your readers would recognize the litany form, you could translate and format these litanies the way the ULT does, as lines of poetry. If the litany form would not be familiar to your readers, you could format these litanies in a way that would illustrate how they work. You could format the general statement in a way that would set it off from the other poetry in the book. For example, if you have chosen to indent that poetry, you could present the general statement without any indentation. You could then put each sentence of the litany on a separate line. The format might look something like this:\n\nVerses 4–6:\n\nand I will cut off from this place\n> the remnant of Baal,\n> the name of the idol-priests with the priests,\n> and the ones bowing down on the housetops to the army of the skies,\n> and the ones bowing down, swearing to Yahweh but swearing by their king,\n> and the ones turning back from after Yahweh,\n> and who do not search for Yahweh and do not seek him.\n\nVerses 8–9:\n\nAnd it will happen on the day of the sacrifice of Yahweh that I will visit\n> upon the princes\n> and upon the sons of the king\n> and upon all the ones wearing foreign clothing,\nand on that day I will visit\n\n> upon all the ones leaping over the threshold,\n> the ones filling the house of their lords {with} violence and fraud.\n\nVerse 10:\n\nthe sound of\n\n> a cry from the Fish Gate\n> and a wailing from the Second {District}\n> and a great ruin from the hills.\n\nVerses 15–16:\n\nThat day {will be}\n\n> a day of wrath,\n> a day of distress and anguish,\n> a day of destruction and desolation,\n> a day of darkness and gloom,\n> a day of cloud and overcast,\n> a day of horn and battle-cry against the fortified cities and against the high towers.
1:1 k2ge rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy דְּבַר־יְהוָ֣ה ׀ אֲשֶׁ֣ר הָיָ֗ה אֶל־צְפַנְיָה֙ 1 In this title for the book, the term **word** refers to the message that Yahweh sent to the Judeans through Zephaniah by using words. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “The message that Yahweh sent through Zephaniah”
1:1 zlc5 rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-participants בֶּן־כּוּשִׁ֣י בֶן־גְּדַלְיָ֔ה בֶּן־אֲמַרְיָ֖ה בֶּן־חִזְקִיָּ֑ה 1 The author is describing the ancestors of **Zephaniah** in order to introduce him to readers as a key participant in the book, the person through whom Yahweh spoke the messages that the book records. Your culture may have its own way of introducing people by describing their ancestors, and if so, you can use it here in your translation.
1:1 yy5d rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names צְפַנְיָה֙ & כּוּשִׁ֣י & גְּדַלְיָ֔ה & אֲמַרְיָ֖ה & חִזְקִיָּ֑ה & יֹאשִׁיָּ֥הוּ & אָמ֖וֹן 1 The words **Zephaniah**, **Cushi**, **Gedaliah**, **Amariah**, **Hezekiah**, **Josiah**, and **Amon** are the names of men.
1:1 z000 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom בִּ⁠ימֵ֛י יֹאשִׁיָּ֥הוּ בֶן־אָמ֖וֹן מֶ֥לֶךְ יְהוּדָֽה 1 In this title, the term **days** means a specific time, the reign of **Josiah** as **king of Judah**. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “during the reign of Josiah the son of Amon, king of Judah”
1:2 fg27 rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-quotations אָסֹ֨ף אָסֵ֜ף כֹּ֗ל מֵ⁠עַ֛ל פְּנֵ֥י הָ⁠אֲדָמָ֖ה נְאֻם־יְהוָֽה 1 Zephaniah is using the phrase **the declaration of Yahweh** to indicate that he is quoting the message that Yahweh has given him for the people of Judah. Consider natural ways of identifying direct quotations in your language. It may be more natural for you to put this attribution of the saying to Yahweh before the saying itself, as the UST does. Alternate translation: “This is what Yahweh declares: ‘Removing, I will exterminate everything from upon the face of the ground’”
1:2 x2u5 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole אָסֹ֨ף אָסֵ֜ף כֹּ֗ל מֵ⁠עַ֛ל פְּנֵ֥י הָ⁠אֲדָמָ֖ה 1 When Yahweh says that he is going to destroy **everything** on the surface of the earth, he is probably making an overstatement for emphasis. He wants to express how angry he is at the sinful disobedience of people. If it would be clearer in your language, you could show the emphasis in a different way. Alternate translation: “I will cause very great destruction on the earth”
1:2 z142 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-reduplication אָסֹ֨ף אָסֵ֜ף כֹּ֗ל 1 Yahweh is using one verb and a different verb of similar meaning together in order to intensify the idea that these verbs express. Ordinarily in this construction, the same verb would be used twice. But here two verbs of similar sound and meaning are used for poetic effect and emphasis. If your language can repeat verbs for intensification, it would be appropriate to do that here in your translation. If it has two verbs of similar sound and meaning that you can use, that would reflect the poetic effect here. Your language may also have another way of expressing the emphasis. Alternate translation: “I will totally exterminate everything”
1:2 z001 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor פְּנֵ֥י הָ⁠אֲדָמָ֖ה 1 Yahweh is speaking as if the surface of the earth or ground were literally its **face**. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “the surface of the earth”
1:3 t70v rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-quotations נְאֻם־יְהוָֽה 1 See how you translated the phrase **the declaration of Yahweh** in the previous verse. If you used it to introduce the quotation there, you may wish to do the same thing here.
1:3 zd2p rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-merism אָסֵ֨ף אָדָ֜ם וּ⁠בְהֵמָ֗ה אָסֵ֤ף עוֹף־הַ⁠שָּׁמַ֨יִם֙ וּ⁠דְגֵ֣י הַ⁠יָּ֔ם 1 Yahweh is using creatures from the three components of creation—land creatures, sky creatures, and **sea** creatures—to mean all creatures throughout creation. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression or plain language. Alternate translation: “I will take away all the creatures that live everywhere in creation”
1:3 z003 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotations אָדָ֜ם וּ⁠בְהֵמָ֗ה & הָ⁠אָדָ֗ם 1 Here the masculine term **man** has a generic sense that includes both men and women. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could use language in your translation that clearly includes both men and women. Alternate translation: “humans and beasts … humans”
1:3 z002 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-merism אָדָ֜ם וּ⁠בְהֵמָ֗ה 1 Yahweh is using two types of creatures that live on the earth, **man** and **beast**, to mean all creatures that live on the earth. If you would like to retain in your translation the references in this verse to the three different parts of creation, you could explain the meaning of this reference. Alternate translation: “all the creatures that live on the earth”
1:3 z004 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj וְ⁠הַ⁠מַּכְשֵׁל֖וֹת אֶת־הָ⁠רְשָׁעִ֑ים 1 Yahweh is using the adjective **wicked** as a noun to mean a certain kind of person. Your language may use adjectives in the same way. If not, you can translate this adjective with an equivalent phrase. Alternate translation: “and the stumbling blocks with wicked people”
1:3 kw4a rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor וְ⁠הַ⁠מַּכְשֵׁל֖וֹת 1 Yahweh is speaking of idols as if they were literally **stumbling blocks**, that is, objects that people would trip over. He is using stumbling to mean doing what is morally and spiritually wrong. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “and the idols”
1:3 z005 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit אֶת־הָ⁠רְשָׁעִ֑ים 1 The implication is that the **wicked** people Yahweh is talking about are doing things that are morally and spiritually wrong because their actions are being guided by the values implicit in idolatry rather than by Yahweh’s law. You could indicate that in your translation if it would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “with the people who are wicked because they worship idols”
1:3 aqr7 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole וְ⁠הִכְרַתִּ֣י אֶת־הָ⁠אָדָ֗ם מֵ⁠עַ֛ל פְּנֵ֥י הָ⁠אֲדָמָ֖ה 1 When Yahweh says that he will kill all the people who live on earth, as in verse 2, he is making an overstatement for emphasis. If it would be clearer in your language, you could express the emphasis in a different way. Alternate translation: “and the wicked people who are disobeying me, I will punish by killing them”
1:3 z143 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotations וְ⁠הִכְרַתִּ֣י אֶת־הָ⁠אָדָ֗ם 1 Here the masculine term **man** has a generic sense that includes both men and women. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could use language in your translation that is clearly inclusive of both men and women. Alternate translation: “and I will cut off all people”
1:3 xxd9 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor וְ⁠הִכְרַתִּ֣י אֶת־הָ⁠אָדָ֗ם 1 Yahweh is speaking as if he were going to **cut off** the people who live on the earth the way one would cut a branch off from a tree. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “and I will destroy all people” or “and I will eliminate all people”
1:3 z006 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor פְּנֵ֥י הָ⁠אֲדָמָ֖ה 1 See how you translated this expression in the previous verse. Alternate translation: “the surface of the earth”
1:4 q6dj rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy וְ⁠נָטִ֤יתִי יָדִ⁠י֙ 1 Here, **hand** represents the power that a person has to do something. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “And I will use my power”
1:4 gdu9 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor וְ⁠הִכְרַתִּ֞י מִן־הַ⁠מָּק֤וֹם הַ⁠זֶּה֙ 1 See how you translated the expression **cut off** in the previous verse. Alternate translation: “and I will remove from this place” or “and I will eliminate from this place”
1:4 zb97 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-litany וְ⁠הִכְרַתִּ֞י מִן־הַ⁠מָּק֤וֹם הַ⁠זֶּה֙ 1 As the General Notes to this chapter discuss, this phrase is the beginning of a litany. You may use that discussion to help you consider how to format the material in verses 4–6.
1:4 z007 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy אֶת־שְׁאָ֣ר הַ⁠בַּ֔עַל 1 Yahweh is using the name **Baal** by association to mean the worship of Baal, a false god. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “the remnant of Baal-worship”
1:4 z008 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit אֶת־שְׁאָ֣ר הַ⁠בַּ֔עַל 1 The worship of **Baal** had not been reduced to a **remnant** at this time. As the General Introduction to Zephaniah explains, the prophet spoke these oracles to warn the people of Judah that they needed to stop worshiping Baal. So Yahweh is using this expression to mean that he will destroy Baal worship so completely that nothing is left—there will be no remnant. You could indicate that in your translation if it would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “every last trace of Baal worship”
1:4 wn2w rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis אֶת־שֵׁ֥ם הַ⁠כְּמָרִ֖ים עִם־הַ⁠כֹּהֲנִֽים 1 Yahweh is leaving out some of the words that in many languages a sentence would need in order to be complete. You can supply these words from the context if that would be clearer in your language. Alternate translation: “yes, I will cut off the name of the idol-priests with the priests” or “yes, I will destroy the name of the idol-priests with the priests”
1:4 h6cv rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy אֶת־שֵׁ֥ם 1 Here, **name** represents the reputation of an individual, which extends beyond the place and time in which that individual is known personally. When someone’s **name** in this sense is destroyed, no one remembers that person any longer. Alternate translation: “the memory of”
1:4 z009 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit עִם־הַ⁠כֹּהֲנִֽים 1 The term **priests** probably refers to the priests descended from Aaron who were supposed to lead the Israelites in the worship of Yahweh. Unfortunately, at this time they were not serving Yahweh faithfully, as Zephaniah says in [3:4](../03/04.md). You could indicate that in your translation if it would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “along with the degenerate priests from the line of Aaron”
1:5 u98g rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis וְ⁠אֶת־הַ⁠מִּשְׁתַּחֲוִ֥ים עַל־הַ⁠גַּגּ֖וֹת לִ⁠צְבָ֣א הַ⁠שָּׁמָ֑יִם וְ⁠אֶת־הַ⁠מִּֽשְׁתַּחֲוִים֙ הַ⁠נִּשְׁבָּעִ֣ים לַֽ⁠יהוָ֔ה וְ⁠הַ⁠נִּשְׁבָּעִ֖ים בְּ⁠מַלְכָּֽ⁠ם 1 Yahweh is leaving out some of the words that in many languages a sentence would need in order to be complete. You can supply these words from the context if that would be clearer in your language. Alternate translation: “and I will cut off the ones bowing down on the housetops to the army of the skies, and I will cut off the ones bowing down, swearing to Yahweh but swearing by their king” or “and I will destroy the ones bowing down on the housetops to the army of the skies, and I will destroy the ones bowing down, swearing to Yahweh but swearing by their king”
1:5 z010 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche וְ⁠אֶת־הַ⁠מִּשְׁתַּחֲוִ֥ים עַל־הַ⁠גַּגּ֖וֹת לִ⁠צְבָ֣א 1 Yahweh is using one aspect of worship, **bowing down**, to mean worship generally. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “and I will destroy the ones who worship the army of”
1:5 z011 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor לִ⁠צְבָ֣א הַ⁠שָּׁמָ֑יִם 1 Yahweh is speaking of the sun, moon, and stars as if they were an **army** in the **skies**. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “to the heavenly bodies”
1:5 z012 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-123person וְ⁠אֶת־הַ⁠מִּֽשְׁתַּחֲוִים֙ הַ⁠נִּשְׁבָּעִ֣ים לַֽ⁠יהוָ֔ה 1 Yahweh is speaking about himself in the third person. If it would be helpful in your language, you could translate this in the first person. Alternate translation: “and the ones bowing down, swearing to me”
1:5 z013 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet וְ⁠אֶת־הַ⁠מִּֽשְׁתַּחֲוִים֙ הַ⁠נִּשְׁבָּעִ֣ים לַֽ⁠יהוָ֔ה 1 The terms **bowing down** and **swearing to** mean similar things. They both indicate worship; **bowing down**, one aspect of worship, represents worship generally, while the expression **swearing to** describes pledging oneself to worship Yahweh as God. Yahweh is using the two terms together for emphasis since, as the rest of the verse shows, this worship was not wholehearted. If it would be clearer for your readers, you could express the emphasis with a single phrase. Alternate translation: “the ones appearing to worship me devotedly”
1:5 w2r8 rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names הַ⁠נִּשְׁבָּעִ֣ים לַֽ⁠יהוָ֔ה וְ⁠הַ⁠נִּשְׁבָּעִ֖ים בְּ⁠מַלְכָּֽ⁠ם 1 The word translated **their king** could be the name of a false god, Milcom, also called Molech, Molek, or Moloch. If you choose to use the name in your translation, spell it the way it sounds in your language. If a translation of the Bible exists in your region, you may wish to use the spelling that it uses. Alternate translation: “swearing to me but swearing by Milcom”
1:5 z014 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit הַ⁠נִּשְׁבָּעִ֣ים לַֽ⁠יהוָ֔ה וְ⁠הַ⁠נִּשְׁבָּעִ֖ים בְּ⁠מַלְכָּֽ⁠ם 1 Yahweh is drawing a contrast between **swearing to** and **swearing by**. The Judeans who swore **to** Yahweh pledged themselves to worship him as their God. But they then swore **by** Milcom, invoking the name of that false god to guarantee a vow or promise that they had made. Yahweh is saying how inconsistent and inappropriate it was for them to do that. You could indicate that in your translation if it would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “pledging themselves to worship me but then guaranteeing their oaths by invoking the false god Milcom”
1:6 z015 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-123person וְ⁠אֶת־הַ⁠נְּסוֹגִ֖ים מֵ⁠אַחֲרֵ֣י יְהוָ֑ה וַ⁠אֲשֶׁ֛ר לֹֽא־בִקְשׁ֥וּ אֶת־יְהוָ֖ה וְ⁠לֹ֥א דְרָשֻֽׁ⁠הוּ 1 Yahweh is speaking about himself in the third person. If it would be helpful in your language, you could translate this in the first person. Alternate translation: “and the ones turning back from after me, and who do not search for me and do not seek me”
1:6 z016 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis וְ⁠אֶת־הַ⁠נְּסוֹגִ֖ים מֵ⁠אַחֲרֵ֣י יְהוָ֑ה וַ⁠אֲשֶׁ֛ר לֹֽא־בִקְשׁ֥וּ אֶת־יְהוָ֖ה וְ⁠לֹ֥א דְרָשֻֽׁ⁠הוּ 1 Yahweh is leaving out some of the words that in many languages a sentence would need in order to be complete. You can supply these words from the context if that would be clearer in your language. This could be describing: (1) two groups, people who are no longer actively worshiping Yahweh and people who still worship Yahweh formally but who do not relate to him actively as their God. Alternate translation: “and I will destroy those who have stopped worshiping me actively, and I will destroy those who still worship me formally but do not relate to me actively as their God” (2) one group, people who show that they are no longer worshiping Yahweh by the way they no longer relate to him actively as their God. Alternate translation: “and I will destroy those who show they have stopped worshiping me by the way they no longer relate to me actively as their God”
1:6 z017 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor וְ⁠אֶת־הַ⁠נְּסוֹגִ֖ים מֵ⁠אַחֲרֵ֣י יְהוָ֑ה 1 Yahweh is speaking as if the Judeans who are ceasing to worship him were literally walking on a path and **turning back** from the direction in which they had been heading. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “and I will destroy the ones who have stopped worshiping me”
1:6 ql66 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet וַ⁠אֲשֶׁ֛ר לֹֽא־בִקְשׁ֥וּ אֶת־יְהוָ֖ה וְ⁠לֹ֥א דְרָשֻֽׁ⁠הוּ 1 Yahweh could be using the expressions **search for** and **seek** to mean: (1) two similar things. He could be speaking as if the Judeans should literally have been looking for him, meaning that they should have been praying to him. In this case Yahweh would be using two similar terms together for emphasis. If it would be clearer for your readers, you could express the emphasis with a single phrase Alternate translation: “and I will destroy the ones who no longer pray to me at all” (2) two different things. The expression **search for** could mean to ask for help, and the expression **seek** could mean to ask for guidance. Alternate translation: “and I will destroy those who no longer ask for my help or guidance”
1:7 z018 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy הַ֕ס מִ⁠פְּנֵ֖י אֲדֹנָ֣⁠י יְהוִ֑ה 1 Here the word **face** represents the presence of a person by association with the way people can see the face of someone who is present. Alternate translation: “Hush in the presence of Lord Yahweh”
1:7 etv8 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-exclamations הַ֕ס מִ⁠פְּנֵ֖י אֲדֹנָ֣⁠י יְהוִ֑ה 1 The word **Hush** is an exclamation that urges listeners to be silent. In your translation, you may choose to use an exclamation that is natural in your language for communicating this. You could also translate the word as an imperative. Alternate translation: “Shh! in the presence of Lord Yahweh”
1:7 z019 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom קָרוֹב֙ י֣וֹם יְהוָ֔ה 1 The expression **the day of Yahweh** refers to a specific time when God will punish people for their sins. Alternate translation: “the time is coming soon when Yahweh will punish people for their sins”
1:7 xb5b rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor הֵכִ֧ין יְהוָ֛ה זֶ֖בַח הִקְדִּ֥ישׁ קְרֻאָֽי⁠ו 1 Zephaniah is speaking as if Yahweh had literally **prepared a sacrifice** and ceremonially cleansed (**sanctified**) those he had **invited** to share a meal from the meat of the sacrificed animal. He is speaking of the people of Judah as if they were this sacrifice, and of an enemy army, most likely that of the Babylonians, as if it would feast on the Judeans, meaning that this foreign power would conquer them and plunder them, as verses 13–16 indicate. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “Yahweh is going to allow a foreign army to conquer and plunder the land of Judah”
1:7 hwp4 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive קְרֻאָֽי⁠ו 1 If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “the ones he has invited”
1:8 z023 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-litany וְ⁠הָיָ֗ה בְּ⁠יוֹם֙ זֶ֣בַח יְהוָ֔ה 1 As the General Notes to this chapter discuss, this phrase is the beginning of a litany. You may use that discussion to help you consider how to format the material in verses 8–9.
1:8 w2xl rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-123person בְּ⁠יוֹם֙ זֶ֣בַח יְהוָ֔ה 1 Yahweh is speaking about himself in the third person. If it would be helpful in your language, you could translate this in the first person. Alternate translation: “on the day of my sacrifice”
1:8 z020 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor בְּ⁠יוֹם֙ זֶ֣בַח יְהוָ֔ה 1 As Zephaniah did in the previous verse, Yahweh is speaking as if he is literally going to offer a sacrifice. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “on the day when I punish you Judeans for your sins”
1:8 z021 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom בְּ⁠יוֹם֙ זֶ֣בַח יְהוָ֔ה 1 See how you translated the expression “the day of Yahweh” in the previous verse. Alternate translation: “at the time when I punish you Judeans for your sins”
1:8 z022 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom וּ⁠פָקַדְתִּ֥י עַל־הַ⁠שָּׂרִ֖ים וְ⁠עַל־בְּנֵ֣י הַ⁠מֶּ֑לֶךְ וְ⁠עַ֥ל כָּל־הַ⁠לֹּבְשִׁ֖ים מַלְבּ֥וּשׁ נָכְרִֽי 1 The expression **visit upon** means to punish. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “that I will punish the princes and the sons of the king and all the ones wearing foreign clothing”
1:8 z024 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit הַ⁠שָּׂרִ֖ים 1 In some languages the term **princes** describes male direct descendants of a monarch, but here it means court officials who may or may not have been members of the royal family. You could indicate that in your translation if it would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “the court officials”
1:8 z025 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit בְּנֵ֣י הַ⁠מֶּ֑לֶךְ 1 This could mean: (1) the actual members of the royal family. In that case, the word **sons** would have a generic sense, applying to both men and women, and it would mean not just the literal children of the present king but also the grandchildren and even later descendants of previous kings. Alternate translation: “the royal family” (2) the literal sons of the present king, Josiah, who would have been just boys at this time. The implication is that Yahweh is going to punish the Judeans so thoroughly that not even children will be spared. Alternate translation: “even the king’s young boys”
1:8 igq2 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche כָּל־הַ⁠לֹּבְשִׁ֖ים מַלְבּ֥וּשׁ נָכְרִֽי 1 Yahweh is using one thing that the Judeans were doing to curry favor with foreign powers, wearing the same **clothing** that they did, to mean everything that they did to curry favor, especially including worshiping their gods. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “all those who have adopted foreign ways”
1:9 gma8 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom וּ⁠פָקַדְתִּ֗י עַ֧ל & בַּ⁠יּ֣וֹם הַ⁠ה֑וּא 1 See how you translated the expressions “on the day” and “I will visit upon” in the previous verse. Alternate translation: “and at the time when I punish you Judeans, I will punish”
1:9 fr1s rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom כָּל־הַ⁠דּוֹלֵ֛ג עַל־הַ⁠מִּפְתָּ֖ן 1 The expression **leaping over the threshold** seems to refer to people entering other people’s houses forcibly, as if in a rush, in order to seize their possessions by **violence** or **fraud**. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “all those who enter other people’s houses violently in order to seize their possessions”
1:9 z026 rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-plural הַֽ⁠מְמַלְאִ֛ים בֵּ֥ית אֲדֹנֵי⁠הֶ֖ם חָמָ֥ס וּ⁠מִרְמָֽה 1 Yahweh is using the plural form **lords** in a context where the singular term “lord” would suffice. This suggests that he may be using the plural form as a superlative to indicate the supreme example of its own class, in which case this would be a reference to the king, the lord or master of the Judeans. Your language may use plural forms in the same way. If not, you could express the meaning in another way. Alternate translation: “who have filled the house of their king with violence and fraud” or “who have filled the royal palace with violence and fraud”
1:9 u614 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy חָמָ֥ס וּ⁠מִרְמָֽה 1 Yahweh is using the terms **violence** and **fraud** by association to mean possessions unlawfully obtained from others by violence or on fraudulent grounds. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “with possessions that they have gotten violently or fraudulently”
1:10 n2di rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-quotations וְ⁠הָיָה֩ בַ⁠יּ֨וֹם הַ⁠ה֜וּא נְאֻם־יְהוָ֗ה ק֤וֹל 1 See how you translated the phrase **the declaration of Yahweh** in verses 2 and 3. Alternate translation: “This is what Yahweh declares: ‘And it will happen on that day, the sound of’”
1:10 z027 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom בַ⁠יּ֨וֹם הַ⁠ה֜וּא 1 See how you translated the expressions “on that day” in the previous verse. Alternate translation: “at the time when I punish you Judeans for your sins”
1:10 ysx8 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis ק֤וֹל 1 Yahweh is leaving out some of the words that in many languages a sentence would need in order to be complete. You can supply these words from the context if that would be clearer in your language. Alternate translation: “that people will hear the sound of”
1:10 mm2c rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names מִ⁠שַּׁ֣עַר הַ⁠דָּגִ֔ים 1 The expression **the Fish Gate** is the name of one of the gates in the wall of the ancient city of Jerusalem. It may have had that name because there was a fish market just outside this gate. If your language has a term for “fish,” you could use that term to translate this name. If not, you could translate the name the way it sounds in your language.
1:10 bm2g rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names הַ⁠מִּשְׁנֶ֑ה 1 The word **Second** is the name of one of the districts in the ancient city of Jerusalem. The ULT adds the word **District** to show that. This district may have had that name because it had been added to the original city. Some translations use a name for it that indicates that. Alternate translation: “the New Quarter”
1:10 ahw8 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy מֵ⁠הַ⁠גְּבָעֽוֹת 1 Yahweh is using the term **hills** by association to mean the settlements on the hills around Jerusalem. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “from the settlements on the hills around Jerusalem”
1:11 z028 rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names הַ⁠מַּכְתֵּ֑שׁ 1 The word **Maktesh** is the name of one of the districts in the ancient city of Jerusalem. It seems to have been a place where many goods were bought and sold, and so some translations refer to it with a descriptive phrase rather than with this name. Alternate translation: “the market district”
1:11 ne51 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism נִדְמָה֙ כָּל־עַ֣ם כְּנַ֔עַן נִכְרְת֖וּ כָּל־נְטִ֥ילֵי כָֽסֶף 1 These two phrases mean similar things. Yahweh is using repetition to emphasize the idea that the phrases express. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could combine them. Alternate translation: “all of the merchants and traders who make your district such a prosperous place will be completely destroyed”
1:11 z029 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive נִדְמָה֙ כָּל־עַ֣ם כְּנַ֔עַן נִכְרְת֖וּ כָּל־נְטִ֥ילֵי כָֽסֶף 1 If your language does not use these passive forms, you could express the ideas in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “I am going to destroy all of the people of Canaan; yes, I am going to cut off all of the ones weighing silver”
1:11 z030 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom עַ֣ם כְּנַ֔עַן 1 In this context, the expression **people of Canaan** refers to traders, not to those from the Canaanite people group. Many traders were Phoenicians, that is, Canaanites, and that is how the profession got this name, but the reference is to the profession and not to the people group. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “the traders”
1:11 fu79 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy נְטִ֥ילֵי כָֽסֶף 1 Yahweh is using the expression **the ones weighing silver** by association to mean merchants. In this culture, people used silver as money, determining its value by its weight. So merchants would weigh silver in order to determine how much of it to pay for goods or to accept in payment for them. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “the merchants”
1:11 eyb8 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom נִכְרְת֖וּ 1 See how you translated the expression “cut off” in verse 3. Alternate translation: “will be destroyed”
1:12 n4xe rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor בַּ⁠נֵּר֑וֹת 1 Yahweh is speaking as if he is literally going to use **lamps** in order to **search** for evildoers so that he can find them and punish them. He means that he is going to search thoroughly, as if using a lamp in order to see into all dark corners where someone or something might escape notice. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “thoroughly”
1:12 z031 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom וּ⁠פָקַדְתִּ֣י עַל 1 See how you translated the expression “I will visit upon” in verse 8. Alternate translation: “and I will punish”
1:12 z032 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotations הָ⁠אֲנָשִׁ֗ים הַ⁠קֹּֽפְאִים֙ עַל־שִׁמְרֵי⁠הֶ֔ם 1 Here the masculine term **men** has a generic sense that includes both men and women. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could use language in your translation that is clearly inclusive of both men and women. Alternate translation: “the people who are thickening on their sediment”
1:12 sb9c rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor הָ⁠אֲנָשִׁ֗ים הַ⁠קֹּֽפְאִים֙ עַל־שִׁמְרֵי⁠הֶ֔ם 1 Yahweh is speaking as if the sinful, complacent people of Jerusalem were literally wine that is **thickening** because it has been left on its **sediment**. The term “sediment” describes the small pieces of stem, leaves, and seeds from grape plants that are unintentionally mixed with the juice during the winemaking process. Ordinarily, these are allowed to settle to the bottom of the wine, which is then poured off to separate it from them. Yahweh means that just as wine left on its sediment becomes thick, so these Judeans have become difficult to motivate to repentance. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. You may wish to represent the image as a comparison and explain its meaning. Alternate translation: “the people who have become so complacent” or “the people who have become so complacent that they are like wine that has thickened because no one has poured it off its sediment”
1:12 t4ux rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-quotesinquotes הָ⁠אֹֽמְרִים֙ בִּ⁠לְבָבָ֔⁠ם לֹֽא־יֵיטִ֥יב יְהוָ֖ה וְ⁠לֹ֥א יָרֵֽעַ 1 If it would be clearer in your language, you could translate this so that there is not a quotation within a quotation. Alternate translation: “the ones saying in their heart that Yahweh will not do good and that he will not do bad”
1:12 z033 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-123person הָ⁠אֹֽמְרִים֙ בִּ⁠לְבָבָ֔⁠ם לֹֽא־יֵיטִ֥יב יְהוָ֖ה וְ⁠לֹ֥א יָרֵֽעַ 1 If you decide to turn this quotation within a quotation into an indirect quotation, then Yahweh would be speaking about himself in the third person. If it would be helpful in your language, you could translate this in the first person. Alternate translation: “the ones saying in their heart that I will not do good and that I will not do bad”
1:12 nu98 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor בִּ⁠לְבָבָ֔⁠ם 1 Here the **heart** represents the thoughts. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “in their thoughts” or “to themselves”
1:12 z034 rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-collectivenouns בִּ⁠לְבָבָ֔⁠ם 1 Since Job is speaking of many people, if you retain the image of **heart** in your translation, it may be more natural in your language to use the plural form of the word. Alternate translation: “in their hearts”
1:12 fhk8 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit לֹֽא־יֵיטִ֥יב יְהוָ֖ה וְ⁠לֹ֥א יָרֵֽעַ 1 By **do good**, these people are implicitly referring to Yahweh rewarding them, and by **do bad**, they are referring to Yahweh punishing them. You could indicate that in your translation if it would be helpful to your readers. You could also bring out the further implication in what the people are saying: that Yahweh is not a God who enforces justice in the world, so they may act as they wish. Alternate translation: “Yahweh is not going to reward us, and he is not going to punish us” or “Yahweh is not the kind of God who rewards good people and punishes wicked people, so it does not matter how we live”
1:13 nu8u rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis וְ⁠הָיָ֤ה חֵילָ⁠ם֙ לִ⁠מְשִׁסָּ֔ה וּ⁠בָתֵּי⁠הֶ֖ם לִ⁠שְׁמָמָ֑ה 1 Yahweh is leaving out some of the words that in many languages a sentence would need in order to be complete. You can supply these words from the context if that would be clearer in your language. Alternate translation: “and their wealth will become plunder and their houses will become a ruin”
1:13 z035 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit וְ⁠הָיָ֤ה חֵילָ⁠ם֙ לִ⁠מְשִׁסָּ֔ה וּ⁠בָתֵּי⁠הֶ֖ם לִ⁠שְׁמָמָ֑ה 1 Yahweh does not mean that these things will happen on their own. He means implicitly that the enemy army he describes in verse 16 will plunder the wealth of these complacent Judeans and ruin their houses. You could indicate that in your translation if it would be helpful to your readers. It may be helpful to begin a new sentence here. Alternate translation: “An enemy army will plunder their wealth and ruin their houses”
1:13 z036 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-quotemarks וּ⁠בָנ֤וּ בָתִּים֙ וְ⁠לֹ֣א יֵשֵׁ֔בוּ וְ⁠נָטְע֣וּ כְרָמִ֔ים וְ⁠לֹ֥א יִשְׁתּ֖וּ אֶת־יֵינָֽ⁠ם 1 Yahweh is alluding to what he told the Israelites would happen if they disobeyed him and worshiped false gods. When the Israelites first left Egypt, he told them through Moses that if they did those things, “You shall build a house but not live in it; you shall plant a vineyard but not use it” ([Deuteronomy 28:30](../deu/28/30.md)). Yahweh is quoting his own words to show that they would be fulfilled in the case of these Judeans. To indicate that in your translation, you could present this as a direct quotation, using second-level quotation marks or some other convention of your language. Alternate translation: “and ‘they will build houses, but they will not inhabit {them}, and they will plant vineyards, but they will not drink their wine’”
1:14 ky2m rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom יוֹם־יְהוָה֙ הַ⁠גָּד֔וֹל & י֣וֹם יְהוָ֔ה 1 See how you translated the expression “the day of Yahweh” in verse 7. Alternate translation: “the awful time when Yahweh will punish people for their sins … the time when Yahweh will punish people”
1:14 z037 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-123person יוֹם־יְהוָה֙ הַ⁠גָּד֔וֹל & י֣וֹם יְהוָ֔ה 1 Yahweh is speaking about himself in the third person. If it would be helpful in your language, you could translate this in the first person. Alternate translation: “the awful time when I will punish people for their sins … the time when I will punish people”
1:14 a6kw rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-reduplication קָר֤וֹב & קָר֖וֹב וּ⁠מַהֵ֣ר מְאֹ֑ד 1 Yahweh is repeating the word **near** in order to intensify the idea that it expresses. If your language can repeat words for intensification, it would be appropriate to do that here in your translation. If not, your language may have another way of expressing the emphasis. Alternate translation: “very near and hastening quickly”
1:14 z038 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification קָר֤וֹב & קָר֖וֹב וּ⁠מַהֵ֣ר מְאֹ֑ד 1 Yahweh is speaking as if the **day** or time when he will punish people were a living thing that was **hastening** to arrive. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “near; yes, it will happen very soon”
1:14 z039 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy ק֚וֹל י֣וֹם יְהוָ֔ה מַ֥ר 1 Yahweh is speaking of the **sound of the day** by association to mean the sounds that people will make on that **day**, that is, at that time. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “People will weep bitterly on the day of Yahweh”
1:14 nu8q rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-genericnoun צֹרֵ֖חַ & גִּבּֽוֹר 1 Yahweh is not referring to a specific **warrior**. He means a certain group of warriors in general. This could mean: (1) that the warriors who are trying to defend Judah will cry out in despair as they are defeated. Alternate translation: “the defenders of Judah will cry out in despair” (2) that the warriors of the enemy army that attacks Judah will shout a battle cry, as verse 16 describes. Alternate translation: “the invading warriors will shout a terrifying battle cry”
1:15 z040 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom הַ⁠יּ֣וֹם הַ⁠ה֑וּא 1 If you have been translating the phrase “the day of Yahweh” with an expression that uses the word “time,” you may wish to say “time” rather than **day** in each of the instances in this verse.
1:15 lw4t rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet י֧וֹם צָרָ֣ה וּ⁠מְצוּקָ֗ה י֤וֹם שֹׁאָה֙ וּ⁠מְשׁוֹאָ֔ה י֥וֹם חֹ֨שֶׁךְ֙ וַ⁠אֲפֵלָ֔ה י֥וֹם עָנָ֖ן וַ⁠עֲרָפֶֽל 1 In these four cases, Yahweh is using two words with similar meaning together for emphasis. If it would be clearer for your readers, you could express the emphasis with a single phrase. Alternate translation: “a day of great distress, a day of severe destruction, a day of deep darkness, a day of thick cloud”
1:15 z041 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor י֥וֹם חֹ֨שֶׁךְ֙ וַ⁠אֲפֵלָ֔ה י֥וֹם עָנָ֖ן וַ⁠עֲרָפֶֽל 1 Yahweh is speaking as if the sky will literally be dark and cloudy at the time when he punishes people for their sins. He means that it will be a time when people experience much trouble and feel great sorrow. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “a day of terrible trouble, a day of deep sorrow”
1:16 z042 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom י֥וֹם 1 If you have been translating the phrase “the day of Yahweh” with an expression that uses the word “time,” you may wish to say “time” rather than **day** here. Alternate translation: “a time of”
1:16 deb6 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy שׁוֹפָ֖ר וּ⁠תְרוּעָ֑ה 1 Yahweh is referring to a ram’s **horn**, a shofar, that soldiers would use to signal an attack. Yahweh is using the term by association to mean the sound that this horn would make. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. It may be more natural in your language to use plural forms here. Alternate translation: “horn blasts and battle-cries”
1:16 z043 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy עַ֚ל הֶ⁠עָרִ֣ים הַ⁠בְּצֻר֔וֹת וְ⁠עַ֖ל הַ⁠פִּנּ֥וֹת הַ⁠גְּבֹהֽוֹת 1 Yahweh is using the term **corners** by association to mean the towers that were built at the corners of the walls around cities in the kingdom of Judah. Those walls were not straight; they had angles and corners so that defenders could attack besieging armies from more than one direction. High towers were built at the corners so that the defenders could attack from a height. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “against the fortified cities and against the high towers at the corners of their walls”
1:16 z044 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet עַ֚ל הֶ⁠עָרִ֣ים הַ⁠בְּצֻר֔וֹת וְ⁠עַ֖ל הַ⁠פִּנּ֥וֹת הַ⁠גְּבֹהֽוֹת 1 The phrases **fortified cities** and **high corners** mean similar things. The high towers at the corners of city walls were one part of their fortifications. Yahweh is using the two terms together for emphasis. If it would be clearer for your readers, you could express the emphasis with a single phrase. Alternate translation: “the walled cities and all of their fortifications”
1:17 z045 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotations לָ⁠אָדָ֗ם 1 Here the masculine term **man** has a generic sense that includes both men and women. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could use language in your translation that is clearly inclusive of both men and women. The reference is most likely to the sinful, complacent Judeans. Alternate translation: “to the people of Judah”
1:17 z046 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-quotemarks וְ⁠הָֽלְכוּ֙ כַּֽ⁠עִוְרִ֔ים כִּ֥י 1 This is a further allusion to what Yahweh told the Israelites when they first left Egypt, like the allusion in verse 13. In [Deuteronomy 28:29](../deu/28/29.md), Yahweh told the Israelites that if they disobeyed him and worshiped false gods, “you will be groping about at noon, as the blind grope in the darkness.” To indicate that Yahweh is quoting his own words, you could present this as a direct quotation, using second-level quotation marks or some other convention of your language. Alternate translation: “and ‘they will walk like the blind,’ for”
1:17 krq4 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile וְ⁠הָֽלְכוּ֙ כַּֽ⁠עִוְרִ֔ים 1 The point of this comparison is that just as a person who is **blind** does not know in what direction he should **walk** in order to arrive somewhere safely, so the Judeans will not be able to find any safe place to escape from the enemy army. Yahweh is not saying that blindness is a punishment for sin. Alternate translation: “and they will not be able to find any place where it is safe”
1:17 z047 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj כַּֽ⁠עִוְרִ֔ים 1 Yahweh is using the adjective **blind** as a noun to mean a certain kind of person. Your language may use adjectives in the same way. If not, you can translate this adjective with an equivalent phrase. Alternate translation: “as blind people do”
1:17 z048 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis וְ⁠שֻׁפַּ֤ךְ דָּמָ⁠ם֙ כֶּֽ⁠עָפָ֔ר וּ⁠לְחֻמָ֖⁠ם כַּ⁠גְּלָלִֽים 1 Yahweh is leaving out some of the words that in many languages a sentence would need in order to be complete. You can supply these words from the context if that would be clearer in your language. Alternate translation: “And their blood will be poured out like dust, and their innards will be poured out like dung”
1:17 z049 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive וְ⁠שֻׁפַּ֤ךְ דָּמָ⁠ם֙ כֶּֽ⁠עָפָ֔ר וּ⁠לְחֻמָ֖⁠ם כַּ⁠גְּלָלִֽים 1 If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “And their enemies will wound them so that their blood flows out like dust and their innards flow out like dung”
1:17 cq1r rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile וְ⁠שֻׁפַּ֤ךְ דָּמָ⁠ם֙ כֶּֽ⁠עָפָ֔ר וּ⁠לְחֻמָ֖⁠ם כַּ⁠גְּלָלִֽים 1 The point of these comparisons is that just as people consider **dust** and **dung** to have no value, the **blood** and **innards** of the Judeans, vital to their lives, will be **poured out** as if those substances and the lives they sustain had no value. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this point explicitly. Alternate translation: “And their enemies will wound them so that their blood and their innards flow out profusely, as if they were worthless”
1:18 z050 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification גַּם־כַּסְפָּ֨⁠ם גַּם־זְהָבָ֜⁠ם לֹֽא־יוּכַ֣ל לְ⁠הַצִּילָ֗⁠ם 1 Yahweh is speaking as if the **silver** and the **gold** that the Judeans own were living things that could **deliver them** from their enemies. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “They will not even be able to pay their enemies silver or gold in order to be spared”
1:18 z051 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive וּ⁠בְ⁠אֵשׁ֙ קִנְאָת֔⁠וֹ תֵּאָכֵ֖ל כָּל־הָ⁠אָ֑רֶץ 1 If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “For the fire of his jealousy will consume the whole earth”
1:18 ai7h rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor וּ⁠בְ⁠אֵשׁ֙ קִנְאָת֔⁠וֹ תֵּאָכֵ֖ל כָּל־הָ⁠אָ֑רֶץ 1 Yahweh is speaking as if his **jealousy** were a **fire** that is literally going to burn up the entire **earth**. As the next sentence indicates, he is using the term “earth” to mean the people who live on the earth, and he is referring to the way that he will punish those people for worshiping false gods and living sinfully. He is speaking of that punishment as if it were a fire. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “For he will destroy all of the people who live on the earth when he punishes them in his jealousy”
1:18 z052 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns וּ⁠בְ⁠אֵשׁ֙ קִנְאָת֔⁠וֹ תֵּאָכֵ֖ל כָּל־הָ⁠אָ֑רֶץ 1 If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of **jealousy**, you could express the same idea in another way. Zephaniah is saying that Yahweh is jealous because the people who live on the earth have been worshiping false gods even though they owe him their exclusive worship because he is the only true God. Alternate translation: Alternate translation: “For he will destroy all of the people who live on the earth when he punishes them because he is jealous that they have been worshiping false gods instead of him, the only true God”
1:18 z053 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns כָלָ֤ה אַךְ־נִבְהָלָה֙ יַֽעֲשֶׂ֔ה אֵ֥ת כָּל־יֹשְׁבֵ֖י הָ⁠אָֽרֶץ 1 If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of **consummation**, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “he will end the lives of all the inhabitants of the earth, and he will do that quickly”
1:18 ij81 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole כָּל־יֹשְׁבֵ֖י הָ⁠אָֽרֶץ 1 Since Yahweh does not kill righteous people along with wicked people, the word **all** may be a generalization for emphasis, or the expression **the inhabitants of the earth** may refer specifically to wicked people. Alternate translation: “many of the people who live on the earth” or “the wicked people who disobey him”
1:18 z054 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive נִבְהָלָה֙ 1 If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. The word translated **hastened** could mean: (1) that Yahweh will quickly do what he is describing. Alternate translation: “he will do this soon” (2) that when Yahweh does this, it will terrify people. Alternate translation: “a terrifying one”
2:intro t1it 0 # Zephaniah 2 General Notes\n\n## Structure and Formatting\n\nThis chapter is the second of the three major parts of the book of Zephaniah. (See the outline in the General Introduction to the book.) This part begins with a warning to the people of Judah and Jerusalem (verses 1–3), and it then describes how Yahweh will punish the Philistines (verses 4–7), Moab and Ammon (verses 8–11), Ethiopia (verse 12), and Assyria (verses 13–16).\n\nThe ULT sets the lines of this chapter farther to the right on the page than the rest of the text because they are poetry.\n\n## Important Figures of Speech in This Chapter\n\n### Litany\n\nIn verses 1 and 2, Zephaniah uses the litany form, as he did four times in chapter 1. See the discussion of the litany form in the General Notes to chapter 1, and see how you formatted the litanies in that chapter. You may wish to present the general statement in verse 1 without any indentation and then put each sentence of verse 2 on a separate line. The format might look something like this:\n\nGather yourselves together! Yes, gather, O nation not desired,\n> before the bringing forth of the decree,\n> before the day passes like chaff,\n> before the burning of the nose of Yahweh does not come upon you,\n> before the day of the nose of Yahweh does not come upon you.
2:1 w14p rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-reduplication הִֽתְקוֹשְׁשׁ֖וּ וָ⁠ק֑וֹשּׁוּ 1 Zephaniah is repeating the verb **Gather** in order to emphasize the idea that it expresses. If a speaker of your language would not do that, you may be able to express the emphasis in another way in your translation. Alternate translation: “It is urgent that you gather together”
2:1 z055 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-yousingular הִֽתְקוֹשְׁשׁ֖וּ וָ⁠ק֑וֹשּׁוּ 1 The word **yourselves** is plural because Zephaniah is addressing the Judeans as a group. The implied “you” in each of these imperative forms is also plural. So use plural forms in your translation if your language marks that distinction. (The word “you” and the implied “you” in imperatives continue to be plural in verses 2 and 3.)
2:1 z056 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit הִֽתְקוֹשְׁשׁ֖וּ 1 Zephaniah is implicitly telling the Judeans to **Gather … together** in order to repent. That is, he is telling them that they urgently need to hold a solemn assembly in which they confess and forsake their sins and ask Yahweh to be merciful to them. You could indicate that in your translation if it would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “Gather yourselves together in repentance”
2:1 z057 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-litotes הַ⁠גּ֖וֹי לֹ֥א נִכְסָֽף 1 Zephaniah is expressing a positive meaning by using a negative word together with a word that is the opposite of the intended meaning. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. The phrase translated **not desired** could mean: (1) that Yahweh does not want to be close to this nation because he is so angry with its people over their sinfulness and idolatry. Alternate translation: “O nation with whom Yahweh is so angry” (2) that the people of this nation are not ashamed of the wrong things that they have been doing. Alternate translation: “O shameless nation”
2:1 z058 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit הַ⁠גּ֖וֹי לֹ֥א נִכְסָֽף 1 Zephaniah is implicitly addressing the **nation** of Judah. You could indicate that in your translation if it would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “you Judeans with whom Yahweh is so angry” or “you shameless Judeans”
2:2 m93y rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-possession בְּ⁠טֶ֨רֶם֙ לֶ֣דֶת חֹ֔ק 1 Zephaniah is using this possessive form not to describe something **bringing forth** the **decree** but to speak of the **decree** as if it would be **bringing forth** something, that is, as if it would literally be giving birth to something. It may be helpful to clarify this for your readers, and it may be helpful to use plain language. Alternate translation: “before the decree takes effect”
2:2 z059 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit בְּ⁠טֶ֨רֶם֙ לֶ֣דֶת חֹ֔ק 1 Zephaniah is referring implicitly to the **decree** of Yahweh that he announced in the previous chapter. You could indicate that in your translation if it would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “before Yahweh carries out his decree to destroy sinful people”
2:2 j7xn rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom י֑וֹם 1 By **the day**, Zephaniah means the “day of Yahweh.” See how you translated that expression in chapter 1. Alternate translation: “the time when Yahweh punishes people for their sins”
2:2 m9s2 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile כְּ⁠מֹ֖ץ עָ֣בַר 1 The point of this comparison is that just as the wind blows away **chaff** so that it is gone and will not return, so the **day** of Yahweh will come and go, and afterwards there will be no further opportunity for people to repent. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this point explicitly. Alternate translation: “before … has come and gone and there is no further opportunity to repent”
2:2 xg13 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism בְּ⁠טֶ֣רֶם ׀ לֹא־יָב֣וֹא עֲלֵי⁠כֶ֗ם חֲרוֹן֙ אַף־יְהוָ֔ה בְּ⁠טֶ֨רֶם֙ לֹא־יָב֣וֹא עֲלֵי⁠כֶ֔ם י֖וֹם אַף־יְהוָֽה 1 These two phrases mean similar things. Zephaniah is using repetition to emphasize the idea that the phrases express. However, rather than combine the phrases and show the emphasis in another way, it may be good to include both phrases in your translation, since they are part of a litany. See the discussion in the General Notes to this chapter of the litany form and how you might format verses 1–2 to show that Zephaniah is using this form.
2:2 z060 rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-goal בְּ⁠טֶ֣רֶם ׀ לֹא־יָב֣וֹא עֲלֵי⁠כֶ֗ם חֲרוֹן֙ אַף־יְהוָ֔ה 1 Zephaniah is using a negative expression to describe an outcome that he is urging the people of Judah to avoid. He is effectively telling them to pursue the purpose of avoiding that outcome. Use a natural way in your language for introducing a purpose clause. The clause itself may be negative or positive, depending on the conventions of your language. Alternate translation: “so that the burning of the nose of Yahweh does not come upon you” or “lest the burning of the nose of Yahweh come upon you”
2:2 c8mp rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy בְּ⁠טֶ֣רֶם ׀ לֹא־יָב֣וֹא עֲלֵי⁠כֶ֗ם חֲרוֹן֙ אַף־יְהוָ֔ה 1 Zephaniah is using the term **nose** to mean anger. He is doing this by association with the way that a person who is angry breathes heavily through his nose. Your language and culture may also associate anger with a particular part of the body. If so, in your translation you could use an expression involving that part of the body. You could also use plain language. Zephaniah is also speaking as if Yahweh’s **nose** or anger were literally **burning**. He means that Yahweh’s anger is very intense. Alternate translation: “so that Yahweh’s fierce anger does not come upon you” or “lest Yahweh’s fierce anger come upon you”
2:2 z061 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification בְּ⁠טֶ֣רֶם ׀ לֹא־יָב֣וֹא עֲלֵי⁠כֶ֗ם חֲרוֹן֙ אַף־יְהוָ֔ה 1 Zephaniah is speaking as if Yahweh’s **nose**, that is, his anger, were a living thing that could **come upon** the Judeans, that is, attack and overpower them. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “so that Yahweh does not destroy you in his fierce anger” or “lest Yahweh destroy you in his fierce anger”
2:2 z062 rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-goal בְּ⁠טֶ֨רֶם֙ לֹא־יָב֣וֹא עֲלֵי⁠כֶ֔ם י֖וֹם אַף־יְהוָֽה 1 See how you translated the similar expression just before this one, and see how you translated the term **day** earlier in the verse. Alternate translation: “so that Yahweh does not destroy you in his anger at the time when he punishes people for their sins”
2:3 rm7u rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor בַּקְּשׁ֤וּ אֶת־יְהוָה֙ 1 Zephaniah is speaking as if he literally wanted the Judeans to **Seek** or look for Yahweh. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. See how you translated the similar expression in [1:6](../01/06.md). Alternate translation: “Pray to Yahweh for mercy”
2:3 z063 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj כָּל־עַנְוֵ֣י הָ⁠אָ֔רֶץ 1 Zephaniah is using the adjective **humble** as a noun to mean a certain kind of person. Your language may use adjectives in the same way. If not, you can translate this adjective with an equivalent phrase. While Zephaniah is speaking of these people in the third person, he is addressing them directly. Alternate translation: “all you humble people of the earth”
2:3 z064 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit כָּל־עַנְוֵ֣י הָ⁠אָ֔רֶץ 1 Here the term **earth** could mean: (1) the land of Judah, since Zephaniah is addressing a specific “nation,” the nation of Judah, in verses 1–3. Alternate translation: “all you humble people of the land” or “all you Judeans who are willing to humble yourselves” (2) the entire world, since that is what the term means in [1:18](../01/18.md). Alternate translation: “all you humble people in the world”
2:3 z065 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns אֲשֶׁ֥ר מִשְׁפָּט֖⁠וֹ פָּעָ֑לוּ 1 If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of **justice**, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “who do what he has said is just”
2:3 z066 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor בַּקְּשׁוּ־צֶ֨דֶק֙ בַּקְּשׁ֣וּ עֲנָוָ֔ה 1 Zephaniah is speaking as if he literally wanted the Judeans to **Seek** or look for **righteousness** and **humility**. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. The meaning of this image is slightly different from its meaning in [1:6](../01/06.md) and in the first part of the verse. Alternate translation: “Practice righteousness. Cultivate humility”
2:3 rg17 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns בַּקְּשׁוּ־צֶ֨דֶק֙ בַּקְּשׁ֣וּ עֲנָוָ֔ה 1 If your language does not use abstract nouns for the ideas of **righteousness** and **humility**, you could express the same ideas in other ways. Alternate translation: “Do what is right. Be humble”
2:3 s75g rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive תִּסָּ֣תְר֔וּ 1 If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “you will be able to hide”
2:3 z067 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor תִּסָּ֣תְר֔וּ 1 Zephaniah is speaking as if the Judeans could literally **be hidden** somewhere where Yahweh could not find them. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “you will be spared”
2:3 z068 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom בְּ⁠י֖וֹם אַף־יְהוָֽה 1 See how you translated the similar expression at the end of the previous verse. Alternate translation: “at the time when Yahweh angrily punishes people”
2:4 dth6 rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-poetry עַזָּה֙ עֲזוּבָ֣ה תִֽהְיֶ֔ה & וְ⁠עֶקְר֖וֹן תֵּעָקֵֽר 1 For poetic effect and emphasis, at the beginning and end of this verse Zephaniah uses verbs that echo the sound of the names of the cities he is describing. It may be possible for you to reproduce this effect in your translation.
2:4 f893 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive עַזָּה֙ עֲזוּבָ֣ה תִֽהְיֶ֔ה 1 If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “the people who used to live in Gaza will abandon that city” or “no one will live in Gaza anymore”
2:4 z069 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis וְ⁠אַשְׁקְל֖וֹן לִ⁠שְׁמָמָ֑ה 1 Zephaniah is leaving out some of the words that in many languages a sentence would need in order to be complete. You can supply these words from the context if that would be clearer in your language. Alternate translation: “and Ashkelon will become a ruin”
2:4 z070 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification אַשְׁדּ֗וֹד & יְגָ֣רְשׁ֔וּ⁠הָ 1 Zephaniah is speaking of the city of **Ashdod** as if it were a woman who could be **expelled** from the home in which she was living. He is using the city to represent the people who live in the city. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “they will expel the inhabitants of Ashdod”
2:4 z071 rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns אַשְׁדּ֗וֹד & יְגָ֣רְשׁ֔וּ⁠הָ 1 Here, **they** is an indefinite pronoun that does not have a specific referent in the immediate context. If it would be helpful in your language, you could translate this with a different expression that does not use an indefinite pronoun. Alternate translation: “the inhabitants of Ashdod will be expelled” or “an army will expel the inhabitants of Ashdod”
2:4 mi6f rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor בַּֽ⁠צָּהֳרַ֨יִם֙ 1 Zephaniah is speaking as if an army would literally expel the inhabitants of Ashdod at a specific time, **at noon**. He is likely using noon, the time when the sun is brightest in the sky, to mean “in broad daylight,” that is, as the result of an open attack by an overwhelming force. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “in an open attack”
2:4 sb41 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor וְ⁠עֶקְר֖וֹן תֵּעָקֵֽר 1 Zephaniah is speaking as if the city of **Ekron** were literally a plant that could be **uprooted**, that is, pulled completely out of the ground, including its roots. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “and Ekron will be completely destroyed”
2:4 z072 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive וְ⁠עֶקְר֖וֹן תֵּעָקֵֽר 1 If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “and it will be as if Ekron were a plant that someone had pulled out by the roots” or “and an army will destroy Ekron”
2:5 p4be rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-possession חֶ֥בֶל הַ⁠יָּ֖ם 1 Zephaniah is using this possessive form to describe a **region** that is along the coast of the **sea**. He means specifically the area along the coast of the Mediterranean Sea where the Philistines lived. It may be helpful to clarify this for your readers. Alternate translation: “the seacoast”
2:5 z073 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit כְּרֵתִ֑ים 1 The word **Kerethites** is another name for all or part of the people group also known as the **Philistines**. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could use the name Philistines here in order to show that Zephaniah is addressing one people group, not two. Alternate translation: “the Philistines”
2:5 z074 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy דְּבַר־יְהוָ֣ה עֲלֵי⁠כֶ֗ם 1 Zephaniah is using the term **word** to mean what Yahweh has said by using words. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “Yahweh has spoken a message against you”
2:5 pq8v rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-apostrophe עֲלֵי⁠כֶ֗ם כְּנַ֨עַן֙ אֶ֣רֶץ פְּלִשְׁתִּ֔ים 1 Zephaniah is speaking to something that he knows cannot hear him, the land of **Canaan**, in order to show in a strong way how he feels about the people who live there. If a speaker in your language would not do that, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “is against you Philistines who live in the land of Canaan”
2:5 z075 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-yousingular עֲלֵי⁠כֶ֗ם 1 The word **you** is plural here because Zephaniah is implicitly speaking to the Philistines who live in the land of **Canaan**. However, since he is addressing that land directly, if you retain the direct-address form in your translation, it may be more natural in your language to use a singular form of “you.” (That would match the singular form of **you** in the quotation from Yahweh, “And I will destroy you,” which addresses Canaan as if that land were a person.)
2:5 z076 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-quotations וְ⁠הַאֲבַדְתִּ֖י⁠ךְ מֵ⁠אֵ֥ין יוֹשֵֽׁב 1 It may be more natural in your language to make this an indirect quotation. Alternate translation: “He has said that he will destroy you until there is no inhabitant”
2:5 w9gq rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-apostrophe וְ⁠הַאֲבַדְתִּ֖י⁠ךְ מֵ⁠אֵ֥ין יוֹשֵֽׁב 1 As Zephaniah did, Yahweh is speaking to something that he knows cannot hear him, the land of **Canaan**, in order to show in a strong way how he feels about the people who live there. If a speaker in your language would not do that, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “And I will destroy you Philistines until none of you live in the land of Canaan any more”
2:6 z077 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-possession חֶ֣בֶל הַ⁠יָּ֗ם 1 See how you translated this expression in the previous verse. Alternate translation: “the seacoast” or “the seacoast where the Philistines formerly lived”
2:6 gm12 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-possession נְוֺ֛ת כְּרֹ֥ת רֹעִ֖ים וְ⁠גִדְר֥וֹת צֹֽאן 1 Zephaniah is using these possessive forms to describe what will be in the **pastures**, who will use the **meadows**, and what the **pens** will contain. It may be helpful to clarify this for your readers. Alternate translation: “pastures in which there are meadows where shepherds graze their sheep and pens that hold their flocks”
2:7 h1ww rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor בֵּ֥ית יְהוּדָ֖ה 1 Zephaniah is using the word **house** to mean the people who live in the kingdom of Judah. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “the people of Judah”
2:7 e8k3 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche בְּ⁠בָתֵּ֣י אַשְׁקְל֗וֹן בָּ⁠עֶ֨רֶב֙ יִרְבָּצ֔וּ⁠ן 1 Zephaniah is using one aspect of living in a house, lying down there in the evening (that is, sleeping there at night) to mean living there in general. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “they will come and live in the abandoned houses in the city of Ashkelon”
2:7 z078 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom יִפְקְדֵ֛⁠ם 1 Zephaniah is using the term **visit** in a specific sense to mean taking action in regard to someone. In [1:8](../01/08.md), [1:9](../01/09.md), and [1:12](../01/12.md), the term describes taking action to punish people. But here it describes taking action to help people. You could indicate that in your translation if it would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “will help them”
2:8 ep73 rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-quotations שָׁמַ֨עְתִּי֙ חֶרְפַּ֣ת 1 This is the beginning of a direct quotation from Yahweh, as the phrase “the declaration of Yahweh of armies, the God of Israel” in the next verse indicates. See how you translated the phrase “the declaration of Yahweh” in [1:2](../01/02.md). If you used it to introduce the quotation there, you may wish to use the comparable phrase from [2:9](../02/09.md) to introduce the quotation here. The UST models a way to do that.
2:8 z079 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification מוֹאָ֔ב 1 Yahweh is speaking of the country of **Moab** as if it were a living thing that could have expressed **reproach** against the people of Judah. He is referring to the people of that country. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “the people of Moab” or “the Moabites”
2:8 z080 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor בְּנֵ֣י עַמּ֑וֹן 1 Here the word **sons** means “descendants.” Yahweh is describing the members of the Ammonite people group by reference to their common descent from a single ancestor, Benammi, here called **Ammon**. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “the people of Ammon” or “the Ammonites”
2:8 zd77 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom וַ⁠יַּגְדִּ֖ילוּ עַל־גְּבוּלָֽ⁠ם 1 This could mean: (1) that the Moabites and Ammonites have expanded their territories by taking territory away from the kingdom of Judah. Alternate translation: “and have stolen bordering territories from them” (2) that the Moabites and Ammonites have threatened to attack the kingdom of Judah and take some or all of its territory. Alternate translation: “and have boasted that they will take their territory”
2:9 hzr2 rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-oathformula לָ⁠כֵ֣ן חַי־אָ֡נִי & כִּֽי 1 Yahweh is using this language to swear a solemn oath. He is indicating that the things he says will happen to Moab and Ammon are just as certain as some other very certain thing, the fact that he is **alive**. Translate this in a way that will show your readers that it is an oath. For example, it may be helpful to add the words **I swear**, as the UST does. If oaths are unfamiliar in your culture, you could also add a short explanation of what an oath is.
2:9 pi3w rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-quotations נְאֻם֩ יְהוָ֨ה צְבָא֜וֹת אֱלֹהֵ֣י יִשְׂרָאֵ֗ל 1 This phrase indicates that the rest of the material in verses 2:8–9 is a direct quotation from Yahweh. See how you decided to introduce this direct quotation in the previous verse.
2:9 z081 rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names יְהוָ֨ה צְבָא֜וֹת 1 The phrase **Yahweh of Armies** is a title for God that indicates his great power. It describes him as the commander of heavenly armies. If a translation of the Bible exists in your region, it may have a particular way of translating this phrase, and you may wish to use that in your translation. If a translation of the Bible does not exist in your region, express the meaning of this phrase in a way that will be clear to your readers. Alternate translation: “Yahweh the Almighty”
2:9 b2lh rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile מוֹאָ֞ב כִּ⁠סְדֹ֤ם תִּֽהְיֶה֙ וּ⁠בְנֵ֤י עַמּוֹן֙ כַּֽ⁠עֲמֹרָ֔ה 1 The point of this comparison is that just as **Sodom** and **Gomorrah** were completely destroyed (see [Genesis 19:1–29](../gen/19/01.md)), so the countries of **Moab** and **Ammon** will be completely destroyed. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this point explicitly. See how you translated the word “Moab” and the expression “the sons of Ammon” in the previous verse. Alternate translation: “the country of Moab will be completely destroyed, as the city of Sodom was, and the people of Ammon will be completely destroyed, as the people of the city of Gomorrah were”
2:9 z082 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis מִמְשַׁ֥ק חָר֛וּל וּ⁠מִכְרֵה־מֶ֥לַח וּ⁠שְׁמָמָ֖ה עַד־עוֹלָ֑ם 1 Yahweh is leaving out some of the words that in many languages a sentence would need in order to be complete. You can supply these words from the context if that would be clearer in your language. It may be helpful to begin a new sentence here. Alternate translation: “They will become a possession of the nettle and the pit of salt and a ruin forever”
2:9 z083 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-genericnoun מִמְשַׁ֥ק חָר֛וּל וּ⁠מִכְרֵה־מֶ֥לַח וּ⁠שְׁמָמָ֖ה עַד־עוֹלָ֑ם 1 Yahweh is not referring to a specific **nettle** or **pit of salt**. He means nettles and salt pits in general. It may be more natural in your language to express this meaning by using plural forms. Alternate translation: “a possession of nettles and salt pits and a ruin forever”
2:9 l2f5 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor מִמְשַׁ֥ק חָר֛וּל וּ⁠מִכְרֵה־מֶ֥לַח וּ⁠שְׁמָמָ֖ה עַד־עוֹלָ֑ם 1 Yahweh is speaking as if nettles and salt pits would literally own or possess the territory where the Moabites and Ammonites formerly lived. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “a place where only weeds grow and where people dig for salt and where no one will ever build any buildings again”
2:9 dr9e rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism שְׁאֵרִ֤ית עַמִּ⁠י֙ יְבָזּ֔וּ⁠ם וְ⁠יֶ֥תֶר גּוֹיִ֖י יִנְחָלֽוּ⁠ם 1 These two phrases mean basically the same thing. The second emphasizes the meaning of the first by repeating the same idea with different words. Hebrew poetry was based on this kind of repetition, and it would be good to show this to your readers by including both phrases in your translation rather than combining them. It may be clearer in your language to connect the phrases with a word other than **and** in order to show that the second phrase is repeating the first one, not saying something additional. Alternate translation: “The remnant of my people will plunder them; indeed, the remainder of my nation will occupy them”
2:10 z084 rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result זֹ֥את לָ⁠הֶ֖ם תַּ֣חַת גְּאוֹנָ֑⁠ם כִּ֤י חֵֽרְפוּ֙ וַ⁠יַּגְדִּ֔לוּ עַל־עַ֖ם יְהוָ֥ה צְבָאֽוֹת 1 If it would be more natural in your language, you could reverse the order of these phrases, since the second phrase gives the reason for the result that the first phrase describes. Alternate translation: “Because they reproached and made themselves great against the people of Yahweh of Armies, this will be to them instead of their pride”
2:10 z085 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor זֹ֥את לָ⁠הֶ֖ם תַּ֣חַת גְּאוֹנָ֑⁠ם 1 Yahweh is speaking as if the **pride** of the Moabites and Ammonites were literally an object that belonged to them. He is also speaking as if the destruction they are going to experience were also an object and as if he were going to take away their pride and give them destruction in its place. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “This will happen to them because they were so proud”
2:10 z086 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom וַ⁠יַּגְדִּ֔לוּ עַל 1 See how you translated the expression “made themselves great” in [2:8](../02/08.md). If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “and stole bordering territories from” or “and boasted that they would take territory from”
2:10 z087 rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names יְהוָ֥ה צְבָאֽוֹת 1 See how you translated the title “Yahweh of Armies” in the previous verse. Alternate translation: “Yahweh the Almighty”
2:11 z088 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor רָזָ֔ה אֵ֖ת כָּל־אֱלֹהֵ֣י הָ⁠אָ֑רֶץ 1 Zephaniah is speaking as if Yahweh is literally going to **starve** the false **gods** that other nations worship, that is, deny them food so that they become thin. This is likely a reference to the fat of animals that people sacrificed to gods. The implication is that people will no longer sacrifice to those gods because they will no longer worship them once Yahweh has shown that he is the only true and powerful God. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “he will show by his powerful actions that he is the only true God”
2:11 z089 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-possession וְ⁠יִשְׁתַּֽחֲווּ־ל⁠וֹ֙ & כֹּ֖ל אִיֵּ֥י הַ⁠גּוֹיִֽם 1 Zephaniah is using this possessive form not to describe **islands** that belong to **nations** but to describe island-nations among the nations. The term **islands** can describe not just land that is completely surrounded by water but also land along a seacoast. In Zephaniah’s culture, people used the term to refer to distant lands. It may be helpful to clarify this for your readers. Alternate translation: “And even the most distant nations will bow down to him”
2:11 z090 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification וְ⁠יִשְׁתַּֽחֲווּ־ל⁠וֹ֙ & כֹּ֖ל אִיֵּ֥י הַ⁠גּוֹיִֽם 1 Zephaniah is speaking of the **nations** of the world as if they were living things that could **bow down** to Yahweh. He means that the people of the nations will do this. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “And the people of even the most distant nations will bow down to him”
2:11 z091 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom אִ֣ישׁ מִ⁠מְּקוֹמ֔⁠וֹ 1 The phrase **a man** refers to an individual. In this context it could mean an individual nation or an individual person. If you retain Zephaniah’s depiction of the nations as living things, in your translation you could say “each in its own territory.” If you choose to show that he is using the nations to represent their people, you could say “all of them in their own territories.”
2:12 z092 rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-quotations גַּם־אַתֶּ֣ם כּוּשִׁ֔ים 1 This verse is a direct quotation from Yahweh. You may wish to indicate that in your translation by using a natural way of introducing direct quotations in your language. Alternate translation: “Yahweh also declares, ‘You, Cushites’”
2:12 z093 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-123person חַֽלְלֵ֥י חַרְבִּ֖⁠י הֵֽמָּה 1 Yahweh is speaking about the Cushites in the third person, but since he is addressing them directly, it may be more natural in your language to translate this in the second person. Alternate translation: “you will be pierced by my sword”
2:12 k6vz rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive חַֽלְלֵ֥י חַרְבִּ֖⁠י הֵֽמָּה 1 If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “my sword will pierce you”
2:12 dr9y rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor חַֽלְלֵ֥י חַרְבִּ֖⁠י הֵֽמָּה 1 Yahweh is speaking as if he were literally going to pierce or kill the Cushites with a **sword**. He means that he is going to cause an enemy army to kill many of them. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “an enemy army will kill many of you”
2:13 vj6j rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism וְ⁠יֵ֤ט יָד⁠וֹ֙ עַל־צָפ֔וֹן וִֽ⁠יאַבֵּ֖ד אֶת־אַשּׁ֑וּר 1 These two phrases mean basically the same thing. The second emphasizes the meaning of the first by repeating the same idea with different words. You may wish to include both phrases in your translation, but it may be clearer in your language to connect the phrases with a word other than **and** in order to show that the second phrase is repeating the first one, not saying something additional. Alternate translation: “And he will stretch out his hand against the north; yes, he will destroy Assyria”
2:13 rqc2 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy וְ⁠יֵ֤ט יָד⁠וֹ֙ 1 See how you translated the expression “I will stretch out my hand” in [1:4](../01/04.md). Alternate translation: “And he will use his power”
2:13 z094 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy צָפ֔וֹן 1 Zephaniah is using the term **north** by association to mean the empire that was located to the north of Judah, **Assyria**, as he indicates later in a parallel phrase. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “the empire that is north of here”
2:14 z095 rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns בְ⁠תוֹכָ֤⁠הּ 1 The possessive pronoun **its** refers to the city of Nineveh. It may be helpful to clarify this for your readers. Alternate translation: “in the midst of Nineveh”
2:14 fgc1 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-genericnoun כָּל־חַיְת⁠וֹ־ג֔וֹי 1 Zephaniah is not referring to a specific **nation**. He means nations in general. He is also saying **every** as a generalization for emphasis. It may be more natural in your language to express this meaning by using a plural form. It may also be helpful to begin a new sentence here. Alternate translation: “They will be various kinds of herds, composed of the sorts of animals found in many different nations”
2:14 rq3s rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-genericnoun גַּם־קָאַת֙ גַּם־קִפֹּ֔ד 1 Zephaniah is not referring to a specific **desert owl** or **screech owl**. He means many individual birds of these types. It may be more natural in your language to express this meaning by using plural forms. Zephaniah may also be using these two types of desert bird to mean desert birds in general. Alternate translation: “Both desert owls and screech owls” or “Various desert birds”
2:14 jp3m rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit בְּ⁠כַפְתֹּרֶ֖י⁠הָ יָלִ֑ינוּ 1 The word translated **columns** refers specifically to the tops of columns, which often had ornate decorations. The implication is that an army will have destroyed the elaborate buildings of Nineveh so that only columns remain standing, and they are not supporting a roof, so their tops are exposed and provide a roosting place for birds. You could indicate that in your translation if it would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “will roost on top of the exposed columns of its destroyed buildings”
2:14 e998 rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result ק֠וֹל יְשׁוֹרֵ֤ר בַּֽ⁠חַלּוֹן֙ חֹ֣רֶב בַּ⁠סַּ֔ף כִּ֥י אַרְזָ֖ה עֵרָֽה 1 If it would be more natural in your language, you could reverse the order of these phrases, since the second phrase gives the reason for the result that the first phrase describes. Zephaniah is describing how badly Nineveh will be destroyed by referring to the fact that the costly and elaborate **cedar-work** of its ornate buildings will be exposed to the elements. Alternate translation: “Because the city will be destroyed so thoroughly that the cedar-work will be bare, a call will hoot in the window; devastation will be in the threshold”
2:14 u3vb rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification ק֠וֹל יְשׁוֹרֵ֤ר בַּֽ⁠חַלּוֹן֙ 1 Zephaniah is speaking of a bird’s **call** as if it were a living thing that could **hoot** on its own. He is using the call of birds to represent the birds themselves. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “Birds will hoot their calls in the windows”
2:14 z096 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns חֹ֣רֶב בַּ⁠סַּ֔ף 1 If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of **devastation**, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “debris will block doorways”
2:15 kl78 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification זֹ֞֠את הָ⁠עִ֤יר הָ⁠עַלִּיזָה֙ הַ⁠יּוֹשֶׁ֣בֶת לָ⁠בֶ֔טַח הָ⁠אֹֽמְרָה֙ בִּ⁠לְבָבָ֔⁠הּ אֲנִ֖י וְ⁠אַפְסִ֣⁠י ע֑וֹד 1 Zephaniah is speaking of the **city** of Nineveh as if it were a living thing that could exult, dwell in **security**, and speak. He means that the people of Nineveh have done these things. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “This is the city whose people exulted, who thought they dwelled in security, who said in their hearts, ‘We are, and besides us there are no others.’”
2:15 pvv7 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor הָ⁠אֹֽמְרָה֙ בִּ⁠לְבָבָ֔⁠הּ אֲנִ֖י וְ⁠אַפְסִ֣⁠י ע֑וֹד 1 Here the **heart** represents the thoughts. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “the one saying in its thoughts, ‘I am, and besides me there is not another’” or “the one saying to itself, ‘I am, and besides me there it not another’”
2:15 g214 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom הָ⁠אֹֽמְרָה֙ בִּ⁠לְבָבָ֔⁠הּ אֲנִ֖י וְ⁠אַפְסִ֣⁠י ע֑וֹד 1 In this context, the quoted statement means, “I am the only city that really matters; it is as if all other cities did not even exist.” You could say that in your translation if it would be helpful to your readers.
2:15 z097 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-quotesinquotes הָ⁠אֹֽמְרָה֙ בִּ⁠לְבָבָ֔⁠הּ אֲנִ֖י וְ⁠אַפְסִ֣⁠י ע֑וֹד 1 If it would be clearer in your language, you could translate this so that there is not a quotation within a quotation. Alternate translation: “The one saying to itself that it is the only city that really matters, as if all other cities did not even exist” or “The one whose people said to themselves that their city was the only one that really mattered, as if all other cities did not even exist”
2:15 w3q5 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-pastforfuture אֵ֣יךְ ׀ הָיְתָ֣ה לְ⁠שַׁמָּ֗ה 1 Zephaniah is using the past tense in order to describe something that will happen in the future. He is doing this to show that the event will certainly happen. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use the future tense. Alternate translation: “How it will become a ruin”
2:15 z098 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-genericnoun מַרְבֵּץ֙ לַֽ⁠חַיָּ֔ה 1 Zephaniah is not referring to a specific **beast**. He means beasts in general. It may be more natural in your language to express this meaning by using a plural form. Alternate translation: “a lair for beasts”
2:15 n4jw rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction כֹּ֚ל עוֹבֵ֣ר עָלֶ֔י⁠הָ יִשְׁרֹ֖ק יָנִ֥יעַ יָדֽ⁠וֹ 1 Hissing and shaking a **fist** at Nineveh would be symbolic actions that expressed contempt for the city. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could explain the significance of these actions. Alternate translation: “Every one passing by will hiss at it in contempt; he will shake his fist in scorn”
3:intro f3en 0 # Zephaniah 3 General Notes\n\n## Structure and formatting\n\nThis chapter is the third of the three major parts of the book of Zephaniah. (See the outline in the General Introduction to the book.) This part begins with a warning to the city of Jerusalem (verses 1–8), and it then describes how Yahweh will restore Jerusalem and bring people from many nations there to worship him (verses 9–20).\n\nThe ULT sets the lines of this chapter farther to the right on the page than the rest of the text because they are poetry.\n\n## Important Figures of Speech in This Chapter\n\n### Personification\n\nIn verses 1–5, Zephaniah speaks of the city of Jerusalem as if it were a person who was acting in certain ways. Zephaniah is actually addressing the people of Jerusalem. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could indicate that in your translation. For example, for the statement “Woe to the one rebelling” in verse 1, you might say “Woe to the people of Jerusalem, who are rebelling.”\n\n## Translation Issues in This Chapter\n\n### Gender of the pronoun for a city\n\nIn verses 1–5, Zephaniah uses the pronouns “she” and “her” to mean Jerusalem, since it was conventional in his language to use feminine pronouns when speaking about a city. In verses 11–12 and 18–19, Yahweh addresses the city as if it were a person, and he uses the feminine singular form of “you.” Zephaniah does the same in verses 14–15, as do the people who speak to Jerusalem in verses 16–17. If you decide to show in your translation that all of these speakers are addressing Jerusalem as if the city were a person, you may decide to use the gender of pronoun that is conventional in your own language.\n\n### Number of pronouns\n\nThe pronoun “you” is singular throughout the chapter except for in v. 20, where it is plural. Use the corresponding forms in your translation if your language marks a distinction between singular and plural “you” and if you decide to retain the references to the city of Jerusalem as if it were a person.
3:1 aew2 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit ה֥וֹי מֹרְאָ֖ה וְ⁠נִגְאָלָ֑ה הָ⁠עִ֖יר הַ⁠יּוֹנָֽה 1 Zephaniah is implicitly referring to the **city** of Jerusalem. You could indicate that in your translation if it would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “Woe to Jerusalem, the one rebelling and being defiled, the oppressing city”
3:1 d7qu rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification מֹרְאָ֖ה וְ⁠נִגְאָלָ֑ה הָ⁠עִ֖יר הַ⁠יּוֹנָֽה 1 As the General Notes to this chapter discuss, here and through verse 5, Zephaniah is speaking of the **city** of Jerusalem as if it were a person who could be **rebelling** and who could have become **defiled** and who could be **oppressing** vulnerable people. Zephaniah is actually addressing the people of Jerusalem who have been doing these things. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could indicate this in your translation, here and in verses 2–5. Alternate translation: “you people of Jerusalem who are rebelling against Yahweh and who have become defiled and who are oppressing others”
3:1 fc2a rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive מֹרְאָ֖ה וְ⁠נִגְאָלָ֑ה הָ⁠עִ֖יר הַ⁠יּוֹנָֽה 1 If your language does not use a passive form such as **being defiled**, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “the city that has rebelled and defiled herself and that has oppressed people” or “you people of Jerusalem who are rebelling against Yahweh and who have defiled yourselves and who are oppressing others”
3:1 z099 rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns מֹרְאָ֖ה וְ⁠נִגְאָלָ֑ה 1 In verses 1­–7, as the ULT shows, Zephaniah uses feminine singular pronouns to refer to the city of Jerusalem. That was conventional in his language. Your language may use a different gender of pronouns to refer to cities. If you translate verses 1–7 as though Zephaniah is speaking directly to the city as a person, use the gender of pronoun that is most natural in your language. Alternate translation: “the city that has rebelled and defiled itself”
3:2 lb6h rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom לֹ֤א שָֽׁמְעָה֙ בְּ⁠ק֔וֹל 1 Zephaniah is using the term **heard** in a specific sense to mean “obeyed.” If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “She does not obey the voice”
3:2 z100 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit לֹ֤א שָֽׁמְעָה֙ בְּ⁠ק֔וֹל 1 The term **voice** could mean: (1) the voice of Yahweh, that is, the message Yahweh has been sending to the people of Jerusalem through his prophets telling the people to repent. Alternate translation: “She has not obeyed Yahweh’s command to repent” (2) the voice of anyone who has been warning the people of the city that their wicked behavior will have destructive consequences. Alternate translation: “She does not listen to anyone who tries to warn her”
3:2 z101 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor אֶל־אֱלֹהֶ֖י⁠הָ לֹ֥א קָרֵֽבָה 1 Zephaniah is speaking as if the city of Jerusalem, meaning its people, could literally have **drawn near** to **God**, that is, moved closer to a place where God was. He means that they could have and should have worshiped God sincerely. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “she does not worship her God sincerely”
3:3 z102 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit שָׂרֶ֣י⁠הָ 1 See how you translated the term “princes” in [1:8](../01/08.md). Alternate translation: “her officials”
3:3 ae1f rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor בְ⁠קִרְבָּ֔⁠הּ אֲרָי֖וֹת שֹֽׁאֲגִ֑ים 1 Zephaniah is speaking as if the **princes** of Jerusalem were literally **roaring lions**. He means that they exploit and harm vulnerable people rather than protecting them. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. You may find it helpful to translate this image as a comparison. Alternate translation: “exploit and harm the vulnerable people of the city, as if they were roaring lions attacking their prey”
3:3 z5i2 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor זְאֵ֣בֵי עֶ֔רֶב 1 Zephaniah is speaking as if the **judges** of Jerusalem were literally **wolves**. As in the case of his comparison of the city’s princes to lions, he means that they exploit and harm vulnerable people rather than protecting them. By **wolves of the evening**, Zephaniah means wolves that have not eaten all day and so are especially aggressive from hunger. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Once again you may find it helpful to translate this image as a comparison. Alternate translation: “also exploit and harm the vulnerable people of the city, like hungry wolves attacking their prey”
3:3 z103 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor לֹ֥א גָרְמ֖וּ לַ⁠בֹּֽקֶר 1 Zephaniah is continuing to speak of the city’s **judges** as if they were **wolves**. The last thing a wolf would do in eating an animal it had killed, after consuming its flesh, would be to **gnaw** on its bones to get at the marrow inside. Zephaniah is saying that these judges are like wolves that eat an entire animal at once when they kill it in the evening or at night, leaving not even this final task for the morning. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “they take everything away from vulnerable people”
3:4 u7tc rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor פֹּֽחֲזִ֔ים 1 Zephaniah is speaking as if the **prophets** in Jerusalem were literally **light**, that is, as if they did not weigh very much. He could mean: (1) that they are frivolous in character and so what they say is not profound or significant. Alternate translation: “are frivolous” (2) that nothing restrains them from doing wrong things, as if they were a light object with nothing weighing it down that would float away or be blown away. Alternate translation: “are unprincipled” or “are reckless”
3:4 z104 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-distinguish אַנְשֵׁ֖י בֹּֽגְד֑וֹת 1 The phrase **men of treacheries** gives further information about the **prophets** whom Zephaniah is describing. It does not refer to a different group of people. You could indicate that in your translation if it would be helpful to your readers. It may be helpful to begin a new sentence here. Alternate translation: “They are men of treacheries”
3:4 xm2b rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-possession אַנְשֵׁ֖י בֹּֽגְד֑וֹת 1 Zephaniah is using this possessive form not to describe men who belong to treacheries but to describe **men** who habitually commit **treacheries**. This could mean: (1) that these prophets deceive and betray other people in order to take advantage of them. Alternate translation: “They treat others treacherously” (2) that they are not faithful to Yahweh, that is, they do not speak only messages that Yahweh has given them. Rather, they speak messages that they claim are from Yahweh but which Yahweh has not given them. Alternate translation: “They do not speak faithfully only what Yahweh has told them”
3:4 q96w rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj חִלְּלוּ־קֹ֔דֶשׁ 1 Zephaniah is using the adjective **holy** as a noun to mean a certain thing or kind of thing. Your language may use adjectives in the same way. If not, you can translate this adjective with an equivalent phrase. The word **holy** could be referring to: (1) the temple, as a holy place set apart for the worship of Yahweh. Alternate translation: “treat the temple as if it were just an ordinary place” (2) in addition to the temple, all of the clothing, equipment, and food that was set apart for the use of the priests in leading the people in the worship of Yahweh. Alternate translation: “treat the special things that they are supposed to use in worship as if they were ordinary things”
3:5 a3p2 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublenegatives לֹ֥א יַעֲשֶׂ֖ה עַוְלָ֑ה 1 If it would be clearer in your language, you could use a positive expression to translate this double negative that consists of the negative particle **not** and the negative word **unrighteousness**. Alternate translation: “He always does what is right”
3:5 z105 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism בַּ⁠בֹּ֨קֶר בַּ⁠בֹּ֜קֶר מִשְׁפָּט֨⁠וֹ יִתֵּ֤ן לָ⁠אוֹר֙ לֹ֣א נֶעְדָּ֔ר 1 The word **light** could mean: (1) the light of dawn. In that case, Zephaniah would be saying the same thing twice in slightly different ways for emphasis. Hebrew poetry was based on this kind of repetition. To reflect this, you may wish to include both phrases in your translation rather than combining them. If you do that, it may be helpful to add a connecting word in order to show that the second clause is repeating the first one, not saying something additional. Alternate translation: “In the morning, in the morning he gives his justice; indeed, at dawn he is not left out” (2) visibility, representing how Yahweh makes **justice** evident. In that case, the phrase **at light** would apply to the first clause rather than to the second one. Alternate translation: “In the morning, in the morning he brings his justice to light; he is not left out” or “In the morning, in the morning he makes his justice evident; indeed, he does not fail to do that”
3:5 fe75 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-reduplication בַּ⁠בֹּ֨קֶר בַּ⁠בֹּ֜קֶר 1 Zephaniah is repeating the phrase **In the morning** in order to intensify the idea that it expresses. If your language can repeat phrases for intensification, you may find it appropriate to do that here in your translation. Your language may also have another way of expressing the emphasis. Alternate translation: “Morning by morning” or “Every morning”
3:5 z106 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy בַּ⁠בֹּ֨קֶר בַּ⁠בֹּ֜קֶר 1 Zephaniah is using the term **morning** to mean a day, by association with the way that each day begins with a morning. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “Day by day” or “Every day”
3:5 cvu6 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns מִשְׁפָּט֨⁠וֹ יִתֵּ֤ן 1 If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of **justice**, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “he tells people how to act justly” or “he declares what would be the just thing to do”
3:5 z107 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive לֹ֣א נֶעְדָּ֔ר 1 If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “he is not missing” or “he does not fail to appear”
3:5 dm1b rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublenegatives לֹ֣א נֶעְדָּ֔ר 1 If it would be clearer in your language, you could use a positive expression to translate this double negative that consists of the negative particle **not** and the negative verb **left out**. The double negative expresses emphasis, and you may choose to express that emphasis in a different way. Alternate translation: “he diligently appears”
3:5 z108 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj וְ⁠לֹֽא־יוֹדֵ֥עַ עַוָּ֖ל בֹּֽשֶׁת 1 Zephaniah is using the adjective **unrighteous** as a noun to mean a certain kind of person. Your language may use adjectives in the same way. If not, you can translate this adjective with an equivalent phrase. Alternate translation: “Yet people who are unrighteous do not know shame”
3:5 dwk9 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns וְ⁠לֹֽא־יוֹדֵ֥עַ עַוָּ֖ל בֹּֽשֶׁת 1 If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of **shame**, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “Yet people who are unrighteous are not ashamed of what they do, even though they should be”
3:6 t3em rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-quotations הִכְרַ֣תִּי גוֹיִ֗ם נָשַׁ֨מּוּ֙ פִּנּוֹתָ֔⁠ם הֶחֱרַ֥בְתִּי חֽוּצוֹתָ֖⁠ם 1 This is the beginning of a direct quotation from Yahweh that continues through verse 13. You may wish to indicate that in your translation by using a natural way of introducing direct quotations in your language. Alternate translation: “Yahweh has said, ‘I have cut off nations, their corners have been demolished; I have destroyed their streets’”
3:6 ie5c rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit הִכְרַ֣תִּי גוֹיִ֗ם נָשַׁ֨מּוּ֙ פִּנּוֹתָ֔⁠ם הֶחֱרַ֥בְתִּי חֽוּצוֹתָ֖⁠ם 1 Yahweh is speaking as if he has done these things personally, but he means that the enemy army he has been describing throughout the book has done them. You could indicate that in your translation if it would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “I have caused an enemy army to cut off nations, their corners have been demolished; that army has destroyed their streets”
3:6 z109 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom הִכְרַ֣תִּי 1 See how you translated the expression “cut off” in [1:3](../01/03.md). Alternate translation: “I have destroyed” or “I have caused an enemy army to destroy”
3:6 z110 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive נָשַׁ֨מּוּ֙ פִּנּוֹתָ֔⁠ם 1 If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “I have demolished their corners” or “it has demolished their corners”
3:6 z111 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit פִּנּוֹתָ֔⁠ם 1 See how you translated the word **corners** in [1:16](../01/16.md). Alternate translation: “the high towers at the corners of their walls”
3:6 y9qd rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive נִצְדּ֧וּ עָרֵי⁠הֶ֛ם 1 If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “Their cities are in ruins”
3:6 asi4 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet מִ⁠בְּלִי־אִ֖ישׁ מֵ⁠אֵ֥ין יוֹשֵֽׁב 1 These two phrases mean similar things. Yahweh is using them together for emphasis. If it would be clearer for your readers, you could express the emphasis with a single phrase. Alternate translation: “without a single person living there”
3:7 z112 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-123person אָמַ֜רְתִּי אַךְ־תִּירְאִ֤י אוֹתִ⁠י֙ תִּקְחִ֣י מוּסָ֔ר וְ⁠לֹֽא־יִכָּרֵ֣ת מְעוֹנָ֔⁠הּ כֹּ֥ל אֲשֶׁר־פָּקַ֖דְתִּי עָלֶ֑י⁠הָ 1 In this quotation, Yahweh first speaks directly to the city of Jerusalem in the second person, and then he speaks about that city in the third person. If it would help your readers appreciate what Yahweh is saying, you could translate the entire quotation in the third person. Alternate translation: “I said, ‘Surely she will fear me; she will take correction. Then her dwelling will not be cut off {by} all that I have visited upon her.’”
3:7 mvv5 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-quotesinquotes אָמַ֜רְתִּי אַךְ־תִּירְאִ֤י אוֹתִ⁠י֙ תִּקְחִ֣י מוּסָ֔ר וְ⁠לֹֽא־יִכָּרֵ֣ת מְעוֹנָ֔⁠הּ כֹּ֥ל אֲשֶׁר־פָּקַ֖דְתִּי עָלֶ֑י⁠הָ 1 If it would be clearer in your language, you could translate this so that there is not a quotation within a quotation. Alternate translation: “I said that she would surely fear me; she would take correction. Then her dwelling would not be cut off by all that I had visited upon her”
3:7 z113 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification אָמַ֜רְתִּי אַךְ־תִּירְאִ֤י אוֹתִ⁠י֙ תִּקְחִ֣י מוּסָ֔ר וְ⁠לֹֽא־יִכָּרֵ֣ת מְעוֹנָ֔⁠הּ כֹּ֥ל אֲשֶׁר־פָּקַ֖דְתִּי עָלֶ֑י⁠הָ 1 Yahweh is speaking to and about the city of Jerusalem as if it were a person who could **fear** him and **take correction**. He is actually speaking to and about the people who live in Jerusalem. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. See what you did in [3:1–5](../03/01.md). Alternate translation: “I said that the people of Jerusalem would surely fear me; they would take correction. Then their dwelling would not be cut off by all that I had visited upon them”
3:7 g15j rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom כֹּ֥ל אֲשֶׁר־פָּקַ֖דְתִּי עָלֶ֑י⁠הָ 1 See how you translated the expression “visit upon” in [1:8](../01/08.md). Alternate translation: “by all that I have done to punish her”
3:7 z114 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom הִשְׁכִּ֣ימוּ הִשְׁחִ֔יתוּ כֹּ֖ל עֲלִילוֹתָֽ⁠ם 1 Yahweh is using the expression **rose early** to mean that the people were eager to do corrupt things. The expression comes from the way that people get up early in the morning to do something if they are eager to do it. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “they eagerly corrupted all of their deeds”
3:7 u1c9 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole הִשְׁכִּ֣ימוּ הִשְׁחִ֔יתוּ כֹּ֖ל עֲלִילוֹתָֽ⁠ם 1 Yahweh says that as a generalization for emphasis. If it would be clearer in your language, you could express the emphasis in a different way. Alternate translation: “they eagerly corrupted their deeds even more”
3:8 rhe9 rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-quotations לָ⁠כֵ֤ן חַכּוּ־לִ⁠י֙ נְאֻם־יְהוָ֔ה לְ⁠י֖וֹם קוּמִ֣⁠י לְ⁠עַ֑ד 1 See how you translated the phrase “the declaration of Yahweh” in [1:2](../01/02.md), [1:3](../01/03.md), [1:10](../01/10.md), and [2:9](../02/09.md). If you used it to introduce the quotations in those places, you may wish to do the same thing here. Alternate translation: “This is what Yahweh declares: ‘Therefore wait for me, for the day of my arising to the prey’”
3:8 my26 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom לָ⁠כֵ֤ן חַכּוּ־לִ⁠י֙ נְאֻם־יְהוָ֔ה לְ⁠י֖וֹם קוּמִ֣⁠י לְ⁠עַ֑ד 1 The imperative **wait** is plural, so Yahweh is addressing some group of people. That group could be: (1) the wicked Judeans who are still disobeying Yahweh despite his warnings. In that case, Yahweh would be using the term **wait** to indicate that he is certainly going to do what he describes. Your language may use the term “wait” in this same sense. If not, you could use plain language. Alternate translation: “‘Therefore, you sinful Judeans, just wait!’—the declaration of Yahweh—‘One day soon I will arise to the prey’” or “‘Therefore you can be certain, you sinful Judeans’—the declaration of Yahweh—‘that one day soon I will arise to the prey’” (2) the “humble of the earth” whom Zephaniah mentions in [2:3](../02/03.md). In that case, Yahweh would be using the term **wait** to tell them to be patient until he punishes sin and enforces justice. Alternate translation: “‘Therefore, be patient, you godly people’—the declaration of Yahweh—‘until the day when I arise to the prey’”
3:8 z115 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom לְ⁠י֖וֹם קוּמִ֣⁠י 1 While Yahweh is going to punish sinful nations on a specific **day**, he is using that term here to refer to a specific time. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “until the time when I arise”
3:8 izp2 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor לְ⁠עַ֑ד 1 Yahweh is speaking as if he were a predatory animal and the wicked **nations** and **kingdoms** that he is going to punish were **prey** that he was going to pounce on. (This could be an allusion to the description of Jerusalem’s “princes” as “lions” and its “judges” as “wolves” in [3:3](../03/03.md), indicating that those who preyed on others will themselves become prey.) If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “to punish wicked people”
3:8 mvx7 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor לְ⁠עַ֑ד 1 The phrase translated **to the prey** could also be translated **as a witness**. If that is the meaning, then Yahweh would be speaking as if he were literally going to stand up and give evidence that these kingdoms and nations had sinned wickedly against him. If a translation of the Bible exists in your region, you may wish to use the reading that it uses. If a translation of the Bible does not exist in your region, you may wish to use the reading of ULT. Alternate translation: “as if I were going testify against you”
3:8 z116 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor לִ⁠שְׁפֹּ֨ךְ עֲלֵי⁠הֶ֤ם זַעְמִ⁠י֙ 1 Yahweh is speaking as if his **indignation** were a liquid that he was going to **pour out** onto wicked nations and kingdoms. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “to punish them in my indignation”
3:8 q1ml rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-distinguish כֹּ֚ל חֲר֣וֹן אַפִּ֔⁠י 1 The phrase **all of the burning of my nose** is a further description of Yahweh’s **indignation**. See how you translated the similar expression in [2:2](../02/02.md). It may be helpful to begin a new sentence here. Alternate translation: “My anger against them is very intense”
3:8 ge59 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor בְּ⁠אֵ֣שׁ קִנְאָתִ֔⁠י תֵּאָכֵ֖ל כָּל־הָ⁠אָֽרֶץ 1 See how you translated the similar expression in [1:18](../01/18.md). As the General Introduction to Zephaniah indicates, these parallel statements mark the boundaries between the major sections of the book. It may be helpful to your readers to translate them in the same way. Alternate translation: “I will destroy all of the people who live on the earth when I punish them in my jealousy”
3:9 la62 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy כִּֽי־& אֶהְפֹּ֥ךְ אֶל־עַמִּ֖ים שָׂפָ֣ה בְרוּרָ֑ה לִ⁠קְרֹ֤א כֻלָּ⁠ם֙ בְּ⁠שֵׁ֣ם יְהוָ֔ה 1 Yahweh is using the term **lip** by association to mean the capacity to speak. He could mean: (1) the peoples were saying wicked things because their character was wicked, but he will purify their character so that they will say pure things. Alternate translation: “I will surely give the peoples righteous character so that they will say pure things; then they will pray to me acceptably” (2) that by invoking the names of other gods (as described in [1:5](../01/05.md)), they had made themselves unworthy to pray to Yahweh, but he will cleanse their capacity to speak so that they can pray to him. Alternate translation: “I will surely cleanse the speech of the peoples from the defilement of the names of other gods so that they can pray to me acceptably”
3:9 z117 rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-collectivenouns כִּֽי & אֶהְפֹּ֥ךְ אֶל־עַמִּ֖ים שָׂפָ֣ה בְרוּרָ֑ה 1 Since Yahweh is speaking of many **peoples**, it may be more natural in your language to use the plural form of **lip**. Alternate translation: “I will surely give the peoples pure lips”
3:9 k8y7 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy לִ⁠קְרֹ֤א כֻלָּ⁠ם֙ בְּ⁠שֵׁ֣ם יְהוָ֔ה 1 Here, **name** represents a person by association with the way that each person has a name. However, in this instance there is also the idea that the peoples will call upon Yahweh (that is, pray to him) by name, acknowledging him as God. Alternate translation: “for all of them to pray to Yahweh by name”
3:9 z118 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-123person בְּ⁠שֵׁ֣ם יְהוָ֔ה לְ⁠עָבְד֖⁠וֹ 1 Yahweh is speaking about himself in the third person. If it would be helpful in your language, you could translate this in the first person. Alternate translation: “upon my name, to serve me”
3:9 f339 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom שְׁכֶ֥ם אֶחָֽד 1 Yahweh is using this expression to mean that the peoples will serve him unitedly, as if they were all putting their shoulders together to lift or push something heavy. Your language may have a comparable expression that you can use in your translation. You could also use plain language. Alternate translation: “shoulder to shoulder” or “together”
3:10 zs4q rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche מֵ⁠עֵ֖בֶר לְ⁠נַֽהֲרֵי־כ֑וּשׁ 1 Yahweh is using one distant place, the area around the **rivers of Cush** (the upper Nile region), to mean distant places in general. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “From even as far away as across the rivers of Cush” or “From even the most distant places”
3:10 z119 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom בַּת־פוּצַ֔⁠י 1 Here the expression **daughter of** describes the people who make up a certain group. The group in view here is the Jewish nation that will have been **scattered** into many different places through exile. Alternate translation: “the people of my scattered nation”
3:10 z120 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive בַּת־פוּצַ֔⁠י 1 If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “the Jewish people, whom conquering empires will have scattered into many lands”
3:10 z121 rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-collectivenouns יוֹבִל֖וּ⁠ן מִנְחָתִֽ⁠י 1 Since Yahweh is speaking of what many people will **bring**, it may be more natural in your language to use the plural form of **offering**. Alternate translation: “will bring my offerings” or “will bring offerings to me”
3:11 xcx2 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-yousingular לֹ֤א תֵב֨וֹשִׁי֙ & עֲלִילֹתַ֔יִ⁠ךְ 1 The words **you** and **your** are singular throughout this verse because Yahweh is speaking to the city of Jerusalem as if it were a person, as he did in [3:7](../03/07.md). Since Yahweh is actually speaking to the people who live in Jerusalem, you could use the plural forms of “you” and “your” in your translation if your language marks that distinction.
3:11 y6pj rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-possession עַלִּיזֵי֙ גַּאֲוָתֵ֔⁠ךְ 1 Yahweh is using this possessive form to describe **exultant** or boastful people in the city of Jerusalem who are characterized by pride. It may be helpful to clarify this for your readers. Alternate translation: “the people who have been boasting so proudly”
3:12 z122 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-yousingular בְ⁠קִרְבֵּ֔⁠ךְ 1 See whether you decided to use the singular or plural form of “you” and “your” in the previous verse. It would be helpful to use the same form here.
3:12 z123 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet עַ֥ם עָנִ֖י וָ⁠דָ֑ל 1 The terms **humble** and **lowly** mean similar things. Yahweh is using the two terms together for emphasis. If it would be clearer for your readers, you could express the emphasis with a single phrase. Alternate translation: “a genuinely humble people”
3:12 z124 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-123person וְ⁠חָס֖וּ בְּ⁠שֵׁ֥ם יְהוָֽה 1 Yahweh is speaking about himself in the third person. If it would be helpful in your language, you could translate this in the first person. Alternate translation: “and they will trust in my name”
3:12 c1gc rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy וְ⁠חָס֖וּ בְּ⁠שֵׁ֥ם יְהוָֽה 1 Here, **name** represents a person by association with the way that each person has a name. Alternate translation: “and they will trust in me personally”
3:13 y163 rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-collectivenouns וְ⁠לֹא־יְדַבְּר֣וּ כָזָ֔ב וְ⁠לֹֽא־יִמָּצֵ֥א בְּ⁠פִי⁠הֶ֖ם לְשׁ֣וֹן תַּרְמִ֑ית 1 and they will not speak a lie, and a tongue of deceit will not be found in their mouth Since Yahweh is speaking of many people, it may be more natural in your language to use plural forms here. Alternate translation: “and they will not speak lies, and tongues of deceit will not be found in their mouths”
3:13 b2m7 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism וְ⁠לֹא־יְדַבְּר֣וּ כָזָ֔ב וְ⁠לֹֽא־יִמָּצֵ֥א בְּ⁠פִי⁠הֶ֖ם לְשׁ֣וֹן תַּרְמִ֑ית 1 These two phrases mean basically the same thing. The second emphasizes the meaning of the first by repeating the same idea with different words. You may wish to show this to your readers by including both phrases in your translation but connecting them with a word other than **and**. Alternate translation: “and they will not speak lies; no, tongues of deceit will not be found in their mouths”
3:13 ja4i rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive וְ⁠לֹֽא־יִמָּצֵ֥א בְּ⁠פִי⁠הֶ֖ם לְשׁ֣וֹן תַּרְמִ֑ית 1 If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “and no one will find deceitful tongues in their mouths”
3:13 z125 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom וְ⁠לֹֽא־יִמָּצֵ֥א בְּ⁠פִי⁠הֶ֖ם לְשׁ֣וֹן תַּרְמִ֑ית 1 Here the word **found** indicates that something will not be able to be found because it will not be there. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “and there will be not be any deceitful tongues in their mouths”
3:13 z126 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy וְ⁠לֹֽא־יִמָּצֵ֥א בְּ⁠פִי⁠הֶ֖ם לְשׁ֣וֹן תַּרְמִ֑ית 1 Yahweh is using the terms **tongue** and **mouth** by association to mean speaking. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “and they will not say any deceitful things”
3:13 z127 rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result כִּֽי־הֵ֛מָּה יִרְע֥וּ וְ⁠רָבְצ֖וּ וְ⁠אֵ֥ין מַחֲרִֽיד 1 If it would be more natural in your language, you could reverse the order of these phrases, since the second phrase gives the reason for the result that the first phrase describes. Alternate translation: “And since no one will frighten them, they will be able to graze and lie down”
3:13 pe7k rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor כִּֽי־הֵ֛מָּה יִרְע֥וּ וְ⁠רָבְצ֖וּ וְ⁠אֵ֥ין מַחֲרִֽיד 1 Yahweh is speaking as if the people in the remnant of Israel will be animals that will **graze** and **lie down** in pastures. He means that they will be able to live peacefully, like animals grazing undisturbed out in a field. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “But they will be able to live without anyone disturbing them”
3:14 z128 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-yousingular רָנִּי֙ & הָרִ֖יעוּ & שִׂמְחִ֤י וְ⁠עָלְזִי֙ 1 The implied “you” in the imperatives **Sing**, **Rejoice**, and **exult** is singular because Zephaniah is addressing a group as if it were a single individual. The implied “you” in the imperative **Shout** is plural because Zephaniah is addressing a group as a number of individuals. Use the same singular and plural forms in your translation if your language marks a distinction between singular and plural “you” and you decide to retain the singular and plural forms of address. However, see the notes to the rest of this verse, which suggest the possibility of using a plural address throughout the verse.
3:14 d6q3 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom בַּת־צִיּ֔וֹן 1 See how you translated the expression **daughter of** in [3:10](../03/10.md). Here as well it describes the people who make up a certain group. Alternate translation: “you people of Zion”
3:14 z129 rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names בַּת־צִיּ֔וֹן 1 The word **Zion** is the name of the mountain on which the city of Jerusalem was located. Zephaniah is using the name by association to represent the entire kingdom of Judah, whose capital was Jerusalem. Alternate translation: “you people of Judah”
3:14 z130 rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-collectivenouns יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל 1 Zephaniah is addressing many people by the name of their nation, **Israel**. It may be helpful to clarify this for your readers. Alternate translation: “you people of Israel”
3:14 x7wg rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet שִׂמְחִ֤י וְ⁠עָלְזִי֙ 1 The terms **Rejoice** and **exult** mean similar things. Zephaniah is using the two terms together for emphasis. If it would be clearer for your readers, you could express the emphasis with a single phrase. Alternate translation: “Rejoice greatly”
3:14 qj83 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor בְּ⁠כָל־לֵ֔ב 1 Here the **heart** represents the feelings. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “with deep emotion”
3:14 z131 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom בַּ֖ת יְרוּשָׁלִָֽם 1 See how you translated the expression **daughter of** earlier in this verse. Alternate translation: “you people of Jerusalem”
3:15 t4fy rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-yousingular מִשְׁפָּטַ֔יִ⁠ךְ & לֹא־תִֽירְאִ֥י 1 As the General Notes to this chapter discuss, the words “you” and “your” are singular in these instances and generally in verses 16–19 because they are addressing Jerusalem as an individual. If you decide to retain the singular address, use the singular form in your translation if your language marks that distinction, but use plural forms if you decide to have a plural address.
3:15 lb51 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-possession מִשְׁפָּטַ֔יִ⁠ךְ 1 Zephaniah is using this possessive form not to describe **judgments** that the people of Jerusalem have made but to describe judgments that **Yahweh** has made against them. It may be helpful to clarify this for your readers. Alternate translation: “his judgments against you”
3:15 z132 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor מֶ֣לֶךְ יִשְׂרָאֵ֤ל 1 It is true in one sense that **Yahweh** is the **king** of the people of **Israel**. As their God, he is the ruler whom they must obey. But in another sense, he is not literally the king who rules from the palace in Jerusalem. It may be helpful to clarify this for your readers. Alternate translation: “The ruler of Israel” or “The God whom the Israelites worship and obey”
3:16 v9ia rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom בַּ⁠יּ֣וֹם הַ⁠ה֔וּא 1 Zephaniah is using the term **day** to refer to a specific time. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “At that time”
3:16 z133 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive יֵאָמֵ֥ר 1 If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Some languages might use an indefinite pronoun. Alternate translation: “they will say”
3:16 eh5e rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-yousingular לִירֽוּשָׁלִַ֖ם אַל־תִּירָ֑אִי צִיּ֖וֹן אַל־יִרְפּ֥וּ יָדָֽיִ⁠ךְ 1 The word **your** and the implied “you” in the imperative **Do not fear** are singular here because they are addressing **Zion** as an individual. However, the implied “you” in the imperative **Do not slacken** is plural because it envisions Zion as a group consisting of a number of individuals. You may have decided to use plural forms in verses 16–19. Alternate translation, using plural forms: “to the people of Jerusalem, ‘Do not fear, you people of Zion! None of you slacken your hands’”
3:16 pc5c rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism אַל־תִּירָ֑אִי צִיּ֖וֹן אַל־יִרְפּ֥וּ יָדָֽיִ⁠ךְ 1 These two phrases mean similar things. The people who are speaking to Zion are using repetition to emphasize the idea that the phrases express. (They are referring to the way that a person’s hands **slacken** or become limp when that person is afraid.) If it would be helpful to your readers, you could combine these phrases. Alternate translation: “There is no reason for you to become weak with fear, Zion”
3:17 h9ek rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit יַחֲרִישׁ֙ בְּ⁠אַ֣הֲבָת֔⁠וֹ 1 Since the people who are speaking to Jerusalem say that Yahweh will **rejoice** and **exult**, they do not mean that he will literally **be silent.** Rather, they mean that Yahweh will no longer speak words of condemnation and judgment against Jerusalem. You could indicate that in your translation if it would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “in his love, he will no longer speak to condemn you”
3:18 z134 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit נוּגֵ֧י מִ⁠מּוֹעֵ֛ד אָסַ֖פְתִּי מִמֵּ֣⁠ךְ הָי֑וּ מַשְׂאֵ֥ת עָלֶ֖י⁠הָ חֶרְפָּֽה 1 This verse is very difficult to understand. Modern versions translate it in many different ways. The ULT offers one reasonable interpretation of it. If a translation of the Bible exists in your region, you may wish to follow the interpretation that it expresses. If a translation of the Bible does not exist in your region, you may wish to follow the interpretation of ULT.
3:18 z136 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche נוּגֵ֧י מִ⁠מּוֹעֵ֛ד אָסַ֖פְתִּי מִמֵּ֣⁠ךְ הָי֑וּ 1 Yahweh may be using one kind of worship, a **solemn assembly**, to mean worship in general. He is addressing the city of Jerusalem as if it were an individual, so the phrase **they are from you** may be clarifying that the people who are **grieving** are Judeans who have been taken into exile and who are sad because they can no longer participate in the worship of Yahweh. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “I will bring back the Judeans who have been taken into exile, who are sad because they cannot take part in public worship of me”
3:18 z135 rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-quotations אָסַ֖פְתִּי 1 This is the beginning of a direct quotation from Yahweh that continues through verse 20. You may wish to indicate that in your translation, using a natural way of introducing direct quotations in your language. Alternate translation: “Yahweh says, ‘I will gather’”
3:18 i4ff rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor מַשְׂאֵ֥ת עָלֶ֖י⁠הָ חֶרְפָּֽה 1 Yahweh is speaking as if the **reproach** of being conquered were literally a **burden** or heavy weight that Jerusalem was carrying with difficulty. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “it was painful for the people of Jerusalem to feel the disgrace of being conquered”
3:19 qc78 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism וְ⁠הוֹשַׁעְתִּ֣י אֶת־הַ⁠צֹּלֵעָ֗ה וְ⁠הַ⁠נִּדָּחָה֙ אֲקַבֵּ֔ץ 1 The expressions **lame** and **cast-out one** are both feminine singular, suggesting that Yahweh is using both expressions to refer to Jerusalem as if that city were a female individual. In that case, Yahweh would be using repetition to emphasize the idea that these phrases express. The reference would actually be to the people of Judah and Jerusalem, who would be **lame** or limping from the difficulty of walking from their homeland to a place of exile and who could be described as **cast-out** since they had been taken from their homeland. It may be helpful to indicate in your translation that these two phrases are expressing the same idea. Alternate translation: “And I will rescue the people of Judah who are limping from walking so far away from home; yes, I will bring them back from exile”
3:19 kzw3 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj אֶת־הַ⁠צֹּלֵעָ֗ה 1 Yahweh is using the adjective **lame** as a noun to mean a certain kind of person. Your language may use adjectives in the same way. If not, you can translate this adjective with an equivalent phrase. Alternate translation: “the lame people” or “the people of Judah who are limping from walking so far away from home”
3:19 z137 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive וְ⁠הַ⁠נִּדָּחָה֙ 1 If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “the exile” or “the people of Judah whose enemies have taken them into exile”
3:19 z138 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis וְ⁠שַׂמְתִּי⁠ם֙ לִ⁠תְהִלָּ֣ה וּ⁠לְ⁠שֵׁ֔ם בְּ⁠כָל־הָ⁠אָ֖רֶץ בָּשְׁתָּֽ⁠ם 1 Yahweh is leaving out some of the words that in many languages a sentence would need in order to be complete. You can supply these words from the context if that would be clearer in your language. Alternate translation: “And I will turn them into praise, and I will turn their shame into a name in all of the earth.”
3:19 ry88 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor וְ⁠שַׂמְתִּי⁠ם֙ לִ⁠תְהִלָּ֣ה 1 Yahweh is speaking as if he were literally going to **turn** the people of Judah into **praise**. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “And I will cause people to praise them”
3:19 cxu6 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy וּ⁠לְ⁠שֵׁ֔ם בְּ⁠כָל־הָ⁠אָ֖רֶץ בָּשְׁתָּֽ⁠ם 1 Here, **name** represents the reputation of a group. Alternate translation: “and I will give them a good reputation throughout the earth instead of the shame that they now experience”
3:20 d2a1 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-yousingular אָבִ֣יא אֶתְ⁠כֶ֔ם 1 As the General Notes to this chapter indicate, the words **you** and **your** are plural in this verse. Yahweh is now addressing the people of Judah as a group of individuals. If you have been using singular and plural forms in your translation to show the different kinds of address in this chapter, you may wish to indicate explicitly that the address changes to plural here. Alternate translation: “I will bring in you people of Judah”
3:20 z139 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy אֶתֵּ֨ן אֶתְ⁠כֶ֜ם לְ⁠שֵׁ֣ם וְ⁠לִ⁠תְהִלָּ֗ה בְּ⁠כֹל֙ עַמֵּ֣י הָ⁠אָ֔רֶץ 1 See how you translated term **name** in the previous verse. Alternate translation: “I will give you a good reputation among all of the peoples of the earth, and they will praise you”
3:20 z140 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy בְּ⁠שׁוּבִ֧⁠י אֶת־שְׁבוּתֵי⁠כֶ֛ם לְ⁠עֵינֵי⁠כֶ֖ם 1 Yahweh is using the term **eyes** by association to mean sight. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. It may be helpful to begin a new sentence here. Alternate translation: “You will personally witness me restoring your fortunes”
3:20 z141 rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-quotations אָמַ֥ר יְהוָֽה 1 Zephaniah is using this phrase to indicate that verses 18–20 have been a quotation of a message that Yahweh gave him for the people of Judah. (This phrase means the same thing as “the declaration of Yahweh,” which occurs several times in the book.) Consider natural ways of identifying direct quotations in your language. It may be more natural for you to put this attribution of the saying to Yahweh at the beginning of the message, that is, at the start of verse 18, as the UST does.

1 Reference ID Tags SupportReference Quote Occurrence Note
2 front:intro l57g 0 # Introduction to Zephaniah\n## Part 1: General Introduction\n\n### Outline of the Book of Zephaniah\n\n1. Zephaniah introduces this book (1:1)\n1. Yahweh will punish Judah and the nations (1:2–18)\n1. Yahweh calls Judah to repent (2:1–3)\n1. Yahweh will judge the nations (2:4-15)\n * Philistia (2:4–7)\n * Moab and Ammon (2:8–11)\n * Egypt (2:12)\n * Assyria (2:13–15)\n1. Yahweh will judge Jerusalem (3:1–8)\n1. Yahweh will purify, restore, gather, and bless his people (3:9–20)\n\n### What is the Book of Zephaniah about?\n\nZechariah warned Judah and other nations that Yahweh was about to punish them. He also prophesied about how Yahweh would restore Judah. (See: [[rc://*/tw/dict/bible/kt/dayofthelord]])\n\n### How should the title of this book be translated?\n\nThe traditional name of this book is “The Book of Zephaniah” or just “Zephaniah.” Translators may decide to call it “The Sayings of Zephaniah.” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])\n\n### Who wrote the Book of Zephaniah?\n\nZephaniah wrote this book. But four different Old Testament people have the name Zephaniah. This Zephaniah was probably the great-grandson of King Hezekiah and a cousin to King Josiah. Zephaniah lived in the city of Jerusalem. He began to prophesy about seventy years after the prophets Isaiah and Micah. Zephaniah spoke Yahweh’s messages during the reign of King Josiah (about 640–621 B.C.), and just before Jeremiah began to prophesy.\n\n## Part 2: Important Religious and Cultural Concepts\n\n### Were the people of Judah faithful to Yahweh at the time Zephaniah started to prophesy?\n\nManasseh, the grandfather of Josiah, had been one of the worst kings of Judah. He led the people to worship other gods. After his death, his son Amon ruled for only two years before he was killed. Amon’s son Josiah became king when he was eight years old. Josiah learned to worship and honor Yahweh. Zephaniah likely began his work after Josiah had destroyed most of the idols and shrines of false gods in Judah. (See: [[rc://*/tw/dict/bible/kt/falsegod]])\n\n### What country is coming to invade Judah?\n\nZephaniah often said a foreign nation would invade the kingdom of Judah. Zephaniah probably meant Babylonia. However, the Book of Zephaniah never names this nation. # Introduction to Zephaniah\n\n## Part 1: General Introduction\n\n### Outline of the book of Zephaniah\n\nTitle of the book; introduces Zephaniah (1:1)\n1. Yahweh will punish Judah and Jerusalem (1:2–18)\n“For in the fire of his jealousy the whole earth will be consumed.”\n2. Yahweh will punish the nations\n * Warning to Judah (2:1–3)\n * Yahweh will punish the Philistines (2:4–7)\n * Yahweh will punish Moab and Ammon (2:8–11)\n * Yahweh will punish Ethiopia (2:12)\n * Yahweh will punish Assyria (2:13–16)\n * Yahweh will punish Jerusalem (3:1–7)\n * General review (3:8)\n“For in the fire of my jealousy the whole earth will be consumed.”\n3. Yahweh will restore Judah and Jerusalem (3:9–20)\n\n### Who wrote the book of Zephaniah?\n\nThis book records messages that Yahweh spoke through a man named Zephaniah. The title to the book lists Zephaniah’s ancestors back to his great-grandfather, a man named Hezekiah. Since no other prophet’s ancestry is traced back four generations, this Hezekiah must have been a significant person, and interpreters generally agree that he was King Hezekiah, who ruled over Judah from about 715 B.C. to about 686 B.C. So Zephaniah was likely a member of the royal family. In his prophecies, he shows a first-hand knowledge of the city of Jerusalem, so it is also probable that he was part of the royal court in Jerusalem. The title of the book says that he prophesied during the reign of King Josiah, who began to rule Judah around 640 B.C. So Zephaniah would have prophesied at about the same time that Jeremiah began to prophesy.\n\n### What is the book of Zephaniah about?\n\nThrough Zephaniah’s prophecies, Yahweh warned Judah and other nations that he was about to destroy them because of their wickedness and idolatry. This message seems to have led at least the Judeans to repent, if only for a generation. Hezekiah had been a godly ruler, but his son Manasseh and his grandson Amon were wicked and idolatrous kings. Amon was so unpopular that he was assassinated, and his son Josiah became king when Josiah was only a boy. But when Josiah became a young adult and could assert himself, he introduced a series of reforms that led the people of Judah to worship and obey Yahweh once more. The prophecies of Zephaniah seem to have influenced Josiah strongly to do this. Zephaniah also prophesied about how Yahweh would restore Judah, and those prophecies had at least a partial fulfillment in his own time due to the reforms of Josiah.\n\n### What title should translators use for this book?\n\nTranslators may choose to use the traditional title, “The Book of Zephaniah,” or simply “Zephaniah.” They may use a different title such as “The Prophecies of Zephaniah.”\n\n## Part 2: Important Religious and Cultural Concepts\n\n### The “day of Yahweh”\n\nZephaniah speaks many times of “the day of Yahweh,” meaning the time when Yahweh will judge and punish the nations, including Judah, for disobeying him and worshiping idols. However, in the final oracle in the book, the phrase “that day” instead means the time when Yahweh will restore Judah and Jerusalem. Notes suggest ways that you can translate these expressions in their various occurrences.\n\n### The time reference of Zephaniah’s prophecies\n\nSome of Zephaniah’s prophecies focus on specific places and times. They warn Judah and other nations that Yahweh will soon destroy them, and they suggest implicitly that this will happen when an enemy empire invades and conquers them. But other prophecies speak of the entire world, and their time reference is uncertain. For example, in the first prophecy in the book, Yahweh says that he is going to destroy every living creature on earth—people, animals, birds, and fish. This could be a prophecy about the more distant future, about the end of the world. But it could also be a generalization for emphasis, and if so, it could apply to the time of Josiah. It is not necessary to determine the exact time reference of all of the prophecies in the book in order to translate the book.\n\n### The identity of the invading empire\n\nZephaniah often suggests that a foreign empire will invade and conquer Judah and other nations. He probably means the empire of Babylon. However, he does not name it specifically, and so it would not be appropriate to use any particular name for the invading army that Zephaniah describes in this book.
3 1:intro t3tv 0 # Zephaniah 1 General Notes\n\n## Structure and formatting\n\nSome translations set each line of poetry farther to the right than the rest of the text to make it easier to read. The ULT does this with the poetic song in 1:2-18.\n\n## Special concepts in this chapter\n\n### Prophecy\nIn this chapter, it is unclear whether these prophecies concern the fall of Jerusalem, the coming of the Messiah or the day of the Lord. It is possible that the prophecies reference more than one period of time. (See: [[rc://*/tw/dict/bible/kt/prophet]] and [[rc://*/tw/dict/bible/kt/christ]] and [[rc://*/tw/dict/bible/kt/dayofthelord]]) # Zephaniah 1 General Notes\n\n## Structure and Formatting\n\nThis chapter is the first of the three major parts of the book of Zephaniah. (See the outline in the General Introduction to the book.) This part describes how Yahweh will punish Judah and Jerusalem for their sinfulness and complacency.\n\nThe ULT sets the lines of verses 2–18 farther to the right on the page than the rest of the text because they are poetry.\n\n## Important Figures of Speech in This Chapter\n\n### Litany\n\nVerses 2 and 3 state in general terms that Yahweh’s judgment will be comprehensive. Then, in four places later in the chapter, prophecies emphasize a general point by making a series of specific statements that illustrate that point. These typically move from more obvious or central examples to more peripheral ones. In that way, they demonstrate how comprehensive Yahweh’s judgment will be: It will reach to the most distant and obscure places.\n\nSeries of statements such as these are known as litanies. If your readers would recognize the litany form, you could translate and format these litanies the way the ULT does, as lines of poetry. If the litany form would not be familiar to your readers, you could format these litanies in a way that would illustrate how they work. You could format the general statement in a way that would set it off from the other poetry in the book. For example, if you have chosen to indent that poetry, you could present the general statement without any indentation. You could then put each sentence of the litany on a separate line. The format might look something like this:\n\nVerses 4–6:\n\nand I will cut off from this place\n> the remnant of Baal,\n> the name of the idol-priests with the priests,\n> and the ones bowing down on the housetops to the army of the skies,\n> and the ones bowing down, swearing to Yahweh but swearing by their king,\n> and the ones turning back from after Yahweh,\n> and who do not search for Yahweh and do not seek him.\n\nVerses 8–9:\n\nAnd it will happen on the day of the sacrifice of Yahweh that I will visit\n> upon the princes\n> and upon the sons of the king\n> and upon all the ones wearing foreign clothing,\nand on that day I will visit\n\n> upon all the ones leaping over the threshold,\n> the ones filling the house of their lords {with} violence and fraud.\n\nVerse 10:\n\nthe sound of\n\n> a cry from the Fish Gate\n> and a wailing from the Second {District}\n> and a great ruin from the hills.\n\nVerses 15–16:\n\nThat day {will be}\n\n> a day of wrath,\n> a day of distress and anguish,\n> a day of destruction and desolation,\n> a day of darkness and gloom,\n> a day of cloud and overcast,\n> a day of horn and battle-cry against the fortified cities and against the high towers.
4 1:1 w6l8 k2ge rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy General Information: דְּבַר־יְהוָ֣ה ׀ אֲשֶׁ֣ר הָיָ֗ה אֶל־צְפַנְיָה֙ 0 1 # General Information:\n\nVerses 1:2-18 refer to Yahweh’s judgment. Verses 1:2-3 describe Yahweh’s final judgment of every sinner in the future. In this title for the book, the term **word** refers to the message that Yahweh sent to the Judeans through Zephaniah by using words. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “The message that Yahweh sent through Zephaniah”
5 1:1 k2ge zlc5 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-participants the word of Yahweh that came בֶּן־כּוּשִׁ֣י בֶן־גְּדַלְיָ֔ה בֶּן־אֲמַרְיָ֖ה בֶּן־חִזְקִיָּ֑ה 0 1 This idiom is used to introduce a special message from God. Alternate translation: “Yahweh gave a message” or “Yahweh spoke this message” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]]) The author is describing the ancestors of **Zephaniah** in order to introduce him to readers as a key participant in the book, the person through whom Yahweh spoke the messages that the book records. Your culture may have its own way of introducing people by describing their ancestors, and if so, you can use it here in your translation.
6 1:1 exz8 yy5d rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names Yahweh צְפַנְיָה֙ & כּוּשִׁ֣י & גְּדַלְיָ֔ה & אֲמַרְיָ֖ה & חִזְקִיָּ֑ה & יֹאשִׁיָּ֥הוּ & אָמ֖וֹן 0 1 This is the name of God that he revealed to his people in the Old Testament. See the translationWord page about Yahweh concerning how to translate this. The words **Zephaniah**, **Cushi**, **Gedaliah**, **Amariah**, **Hezekiah**, **Josiah**, and **Amon** are the names of men.
7 1:1 zlc5 z000 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom son of Gedaliah son of Amariah son of Hezekiah בִּ⁠ימֵ֛י יֹאשִׁיָּ֥הוּ בֶן־אָמ֖וֹן מֶ֥לֶךְ יְהוּדָֽה 0 1 This is a list of Zephaniah’s ancestors. These usages of “son of” are the broader sense of “descendant of.” Here “Hezekiah” refers to King Hezekiah. These things can be made explicit. Alternate translation: “the grandson of Gedaliah, and the great-grandson of Amariah, whose father was King Hezekiah” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) In this title, the term **days** means a specific time, the reign of **Josiah** as **king of Judah**. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “during the reign of Josiah the son of Amon, king of Judah”
8 1:2 x2u5 fg27 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-quotations I will utterly destroy everything from off the surface of the earth אָסֹ֨ף אָסֵ֜ף כֹּ֗ל מֵ⁠עַ֛ל פְּנֵ֥י הָ⁠אֲדָמָ֖ה נְאֻם־יְהוָֽה 0 1 The words “everything” and “will cut off man” are deliberate exaggerations by Yahweh to express his anger at the people’s sin. Yahweh will destroy neither sinners who repent nor all living things. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole]]) Zephaniah is using the phrase **the declaration of Yahweh** to indicate that he is quoting the message that Yahweh has given him for the people of Judah. Consider natural ways of identifying direct quotations in your language. It may be more natural for you to put this attribution of the saying to Yahweh before the saying itself, as the UST does. Alternate translation: “This is what Yahweh declares: ‘Removing, I will exterminate everything from upon the face of the ground’”
9 1:2 atu6 x2u5 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole destroy everything from off the surface of the earth אָסֹ֨ף אָסֵ֜ף כֹּ֗ל מֵ⁠עַ֛ל פְּנֵ֥י הָ⁠אֲדָמָ֖ה 0 1 Alternate translation: “destroy everything that is on the entire earth” When Yahweh says that he is going to destroy **everything** on the surface of the earth, he is probably making an overstatement for emphasis. He wants to express how angry he is at the sinful disobedience of people. If it would be clearer in your language, you could show the emphasis in a different way. Alternate translation: “I will cause very great destruction on the earth”
10 1:2 fg27 z142 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-123person rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-reduplication this is Yahweh’s declaration אָסֹ֨ף אָסֵ֜ף כֹּ֗ל 0 1 Yahweh speaks of himself by name to express the certainty of what he is declaring. Alternate translation: “this is what Yahweh has declared” or “this is what I, Yahweh, have declared” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-123person]]) Yahweh is using one verb and a different verb of similar meaning together in order to intensify the idea that these verbs express. Ordinarily in this construction, the same verb would be used twice. But here two verbs of similar sound and meaning are used for poetic effect and emphasis. If your language can repeat verbs for intensification, it would be appropriate to do that here in your translation. If it has two verbs of similar sound and meaning that you can use, that would reflect the poetic effect here. Your language may also have another way of expressing the emphasis. Alternate translation: “I will totally exterminate everything”
11 1:3 1:2 aqr7 z001 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor I will cut off man from the surface of the earth פְּנֵ֥י הָ⁠אֲדָמָ֖ה 0 1 “I will kill all people.” This is a hyperbole, as in [Zephaniah 1:2](./02.md). Yahweh is speaking as if the surface of the earth or ground were literally its **face**. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “the surface of the earth”
12 1:3 zd2p t70v rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-quotations man and beast נְאֻם־יְהוָֽה 0 1 Alternate translation: “people and animals” See how you translated the phrase **the declaration of Yahweh** in the previous verse. If you used it to introduce the quotation there, you may wish to do the same thing here.
13 1:3 kw4a zd2p rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-merism the ruins אָסֵ֨ף אָדָ֜ם וּ⁠בְהֵמָ֗ה אָסֵ֤ף עוֹף־הַ⁠שָּׁמַ֨יִם֙ וּ⁠דְגֵ֣י הַ⁠יָּ֔ם 0 1 This could mean: (1) the piles of rubble that will remain after the judgment or (2) the idols that Yahweh destroyed. Yahweh is using creatures from the three components of creation—land creatures, sky creatures, and **sea** creatures—to mean all creatures throughout creation. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression or plain language. Alternate translation: “I will take away all the creatures that live everywhere in creation”
14 1:3 xxd9 z003 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotations cut off אָדָ֜ם וּ⁠בְהֵמָ֗ה & הָ⁠אָדָ֗ם 0 1 Destroying is spoken of as if it were cutting something off from what it was a part of. Alternate translation: “destroy” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) Here the masculine term **man** has a generic sense that includes both men and women. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could use language in your translation that clearly includes both men and women. Alternate translation: “humans and beasts … humans”
15 1:4 1:3 zb97 z002 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-merism General Information: אָדָ֜ם וּ⁠בְהֵמָ֗ה 0 1 # General Information:\n\nVerses 1:2-18 refer to Yahweh’s judgment. Verses 1:4-16 describe Yahweh’s judgment on the people of Judah. Yahweh is using two types of creatures that live on the earth, **man** and **beast**, to mean all creatures that live on the earth. If you would like to retain in your translation the references in this verse to the three different parts of creation, you could explain the meaning of this reference. Alternate translation: “all the creatures that live on the earth”
16 1:4 1:3 q6dj z004 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj I will reach out with my hand over Judah וְ⁠הַ⁠מַּכְשֵׁל֖וֹת אֶת־הָ⁠רְשָׁעִ֑ים 0 1 This is an idiom that means God will punish. Alternate translation: “I will punish Judah” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]]) Yahweh is using the adjective **wicked** as a noun to mean a certain kind of person. Your language may use adjectives in the same way. If not, you can translate this adjective with an equivalent phrase. Alternate translation: “and the stumbling blocks with wicked people”
17 1:4 1:3 wn2w kw4a rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor I will cut off every remnant & the names of the idolatrous people among the priests וְ⁠הַ⁠מַּכְשֵׁל֖וֹת 0 1 The verb “cut off” applies to each of these phrases, but has been used only once to avoid repetition. Alternate translation: “I will cut off every remnant … I will cut off the names of the idolatrous people among the priests” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]]) Yahweh is speaking of idols as if they were literally **stumbling blocks**, that is, objects that people would trip over. He is using stumbling to mean doing what is morally and spiritually wrong. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “and the idols”
18 1:4 1:3 gdu9 z005 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit cut off אֶת־הָ⁠רְשָׁעִ֑ים 0 1 Destroying is spoken of as if it were cutting something off from what it was a part of. See how you translated this in [Zephaniah 1:3](../01/03.md). Alternate translation: “destroy” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) The implication is that the **wicked** people Yahweh is talking about are doing things that are morally and spiritually wrong because their actions are being guided by the values implicit in idolatry rather than by Yahweh’s law. You could indicate that in your translation if it would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “with the people who are wicked because they worship idols”
19 1:4 1:3 h6cv aqr7 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole cut off & the names of the idolatrous people among the priests וְ⁠הִכְרַתִּ֣י אֶת־הָ⁠אָדָ֗ם מֵ⁠עַ֛ל פְּנֵ֥י הָ⁠אֲדָמָ֖ה 0 1 Here “cut off … the names” is an idiom that means to cause people to forget them. Alternate translation: “cause everyone … to forget the priests who are idolatrous” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]]) When Yahweh says that he will kill all the people who live on earth, as in verse 2, he is making an overstatement for emphasis. If it would be clearer in your language, you could express the emphasis in a different way. Alternate translation: “and the wicked people who are disobeying me, I will punish by killing them”
20 1:5 1:3 u98g z143 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotations the people who on the housetops & the people who worship and swear וְ⁠הִכְרַתִּ֣י אֶת־הָ⁠אָדָ֗ם 0 1 The verb “cut off” ([Zechariah 1:4](./04.md)) applies to these phrases, but has been used only once to avoid repetition. Alternate translation: “I will cut off the people who on the housetops … I will cut off the people who worship and swear” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]]) Here the masculine term **man** has a generic sense that includes both men and women. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could use language in your translation that is clearly inclusive of both men and women. Alternate translation: “and I will cut off all people”
21 1:5 1:3 w2r8 xxd9 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor by their king וְ⁠הִכְרַתִּ֣י אֶת־הָ⁠אָדָ֗ם 0 1 See the footnote about the possible rendering of this as “by Milcom.” Yahweh is speaking as if he were going to **cut off** the people who live on the earth the way one would cut a branch off from a tree. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “and I will destroy all people” or “and I will eliminate all people”
22 1:6 1:3 ql66 z006 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor neither seek Yahweh nor ask for his guidance פְּנֵ֥י הָ⁠אֲדָמָ֖ה 0 1 Seeking **Yahweh** could mean: (1) asking God for help or (2) thinking about God and obeying him. Alternate translation: “do not think about Yahweh or ask him to guide them” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) See how you translated this expression in the previous verse. Alternate translation: “the surface of the earth”
23 1:7 1:4 ztx9 q6dj rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy General Information: וְ⁠נָטִ֤יתִי יָדִ⁠י֙ 0 1 # General Information:\n\nVerses 1:2-18 refer to Yahweh’s judgment. Verses 1:4-16 describe Yahweh’s judgment on the people of Judah. Here, **hand** represents the power that a person has to do something. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “And I will use my power”
24 1:7 1:4 etv8 gdu9 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor Be silent וְ⁠הִכְרַתִּ֞י מִן־הַ⁠מָּק֤וֹם הַ⁠זֶּה֙ 0 1 This is an idiom. Here silence is meant to signal shock and amazement. Alternate translation: “Be shocked” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]]) See how you translated the expression **cut off** in the previous verse. Alternate translation: “and I will remove from this place” or “and I will eliminate from this place”
25 1:7 1:4 xb5b zb97 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-litany Yahweh has prepared the sacrifice and set apart his guests וְ⁠הִכְרַתִּ֞י מִן־הַ⁠מָּק֤וֹם הַ⁠זֶּה֙ 0 1 The people of Judah are spoken of as Yahweh’s sacrifice, and the enemy nations are spoken of as his guests who would eat the sacrifice. This can be stated explicitly. Alternate translation: “Yahweh has prepared the people of Judah as a sacrifice, and invited the enemy nations as his guests” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]] and [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) As the General Notes to this chapter discuss, this phrase is the beginning of a litany. You may use that discussion to help you consider how to format the material in verses 4–6.
26 1:7 1:4 hwp4 z007 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy set apart his guests אֶת־שְׁאָ֣ר הַ⁠בַּ֔עַל 0 1 Here “set apart” is an idiom that means he has invited them. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]]) Yahweh is using the name **Baal** by association to mean the worship of Baal, a false god. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “the remnant of Baal-worship”
27 1:8 1:4 z1ix z008 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-123person rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit General Information: אֶת־שְׁאָ֣ר הַ⁠בַּ֔עַל 0 1 # General Information:\n\nIn verses 1:8-13, Yahweh is speaking. He alternates between using first person and speaking about himself in the third person. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-123person]]) The worship of **Baal** had not been reduced to a **remnant** at this time. As the General Introduction to Zephaniah explains, the prophet spoke these oracles to warn the people of Judah that they needed to stop worshiping Baal. So Yahweh is using this expression to mean that he will destroy Baal worship so completely that nothing is left—there will be no remnant. You could indicate that in your translation if it would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “every last trace of Baal worship”
28 1:8 1:4 w2xl wn2w rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis It will come about אֶת־שֵׁ֥ם הַ⁠כְּמָרִ֖ים עִם־הַ⁠כֹּהֲנִֽים 0 1 This phrase is used to mark the point at which Yahweh’s judgment of Judah will begin. Yahweh is leaving out some of the words that in many languages a sentence would need in order to be complete. You can supply these words from the context if that would be clearer in your language. Alternate translation: “yes, I will cut off the name of the idol-priests with the priests” or “yes, I will destroy the name of the idol-priests with the priests”
29 1:8 1:4 igq2 h6cv rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy everyone dressed in foreign clothes אֶת־שֵׁ֥ם 0 1 This phrase suggests that the Israelites wore clothes similar to the foreigners to show sympathy to their customs and to the worship of their foreign gods. Alternate translation: “everyone who worships foreign gods” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) Here, **name** represents the reputation of an individual, which extends beyond the place and time in which that individual is known personally. When someone’s **name** in this sense is destroyed, no one remembers that person any longer. Alternate translation: “the memory of”
30 1:9 1:4 gma8 z009 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit On that day עִם־הַ⁠כֹּהֲנִֽים 0 1 Alternate translation: “On the day of Yahweh” The term **priests** probably refers to the priests descended from Aaron who were supposed to lead the Israelites in the worship of Yahweh. Unfortunately, at this time they were not serving Yahweh faithfully, as Zephaniah says in [3:4](../03/04.md). You could indicate that in your translation if it would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “along with the degenerate priests from the line of Aaron”
31 1:9 1:5 fr1s u98g rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis all those who leap over the threshold וְ⁠אֶת־הַ⁠מִּשְׁתַּחֲוִ֥ים עַל־הַ⁠גַּגּ֖וֹת לִ⁠צְבָ֣א הַ⁠שָּׁמָ֑יִם וְ⁠אֶת־הַ⁠מִּֽשְׁתַּחֲוִים֙ הַ⁠נִּשְׁבָּעִ֣ים לַֽ⁠יהוָ֔ה וְ⁠הַ⁠נִּשְׁבָּעִ֖ים בְּ⁠מַלְכָּֽ⁠ם 0 1 This could mean: (1) this is a reference to people who did not step on thresholds as part of their worship of a god called Dagan or (2) people who leapt up onto platforms to worship pagan idols or (3) royal officials who climbed the steps to the throne. Yahweh is leaving out some of the words that in many languages a sentence would need in order to be complete. You can supply these words from the context if that would be clearer in your language. Alternate translation: “and I will cut off the ones bowing down on the housetops to the army of the skies, and I will cut off the ones bowing down, swearing to Yahweh but swearing by their king” or “and I will destroy the ones bowing down on the housetops to the army of the skies, and I will destroy the ones bowing down, swearing to Yahweh but swearing by their king”
32 1:9 1:5 u614 z010 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche fill their master’s house with violence and deceit וְ⁠אֶת־הַ⁠מִּשְׁתַּחֲוִ֥ים עַל־הַ⁠גַּגּ֖וֹת לִ⁠צְבָ֣א 0 1 The abstract nouns “violence” and “deceit” can be stated as actions. Alternate translation: “those who do violent things and tell lies in the temples of their gods” Yahweh is using one aspect of worship, **bowing down**, to mean worship generally. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “and I will destroy the ones who worship the army of”
33 1:10 1:5 n2di z011 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-123person rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor General Information: לִ⁠צְבָ֣א הַ⁠שָּׁמָ֑יִם 0 1 # General Information:\n\nZephaniah 1:2-18 refers to Yahweh’s judgment. Zephaniah 1:4-16 describes Yahweh’s judgment on the people of Judah. In Zephaniah 1:8-13, Yahweh is speaking. He alternates between using first person and speaking about himself in the third person. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-123person]]) Yahweh is speaking of the sun, moon, and stars as if they were an **army** in the **skies**. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “to the heavenly bodies”
34 1:10 1:5 mm2c z012 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-123person Fish Gate וְ⁠אֶת־הַ⁠מִּֽשְׁתַּחֲוִים֙ הַ⁠נִּשְׁבָּעִ֣ים לַֽ⁠יהוָ֔ה 0 1 The Fish Gate was one of the gates in the Jerusalem city wall. Yahweh is speaking about himself in the third person. If it would be helpful in your language, you could translate this in the first person. Alternate translation: “and the ones bowing down, swearing to me”
35 1:10 1:5 bm2g z013 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet wailing from the Second District וְ⁠אֶת־הַ⁠מִּֽשְׁתַּחֲוִים֙ הַ⁠נִּשְׁבָּעִ֣ים לַֽ⁠יהוָ֔ה 0 1 “Mourn loudly from the Second District.” The Second District was a newer part of Jerusalem. The terms **bowing down** and **swearing to** mean similar things. They both indicate worship; **bowing down**, one aspect of worship, represents worship generally, while the expression **swearing to** describes pledging oneself to worship Yahweh as God. Yahweh is using the two terms together for emphasis since, as the rest of the verse shows, this worship was not wholehearted. If it would be clearer for your readers, you could express the emphasis with a single phrase. Alternate translation: “the ones appearing to worship me devotedly”
36 1:10 1:5 ysx8 w2r8 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names a great crashing sound הַ⁠נִּשְׁבָּעִ֣ים לַֽ⁠יהוָ֔ה וְ⁠הַ⁠נִּשְׁבָּעִ֖ים בְּ⁠מַלְכָּֽ⁠ם 0 1 This refers to the sound of buildings collapsing. This can be stated explicitly. Alternate translation: “a loud sound of buildings collapsing” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) The word translated **their king** could be the name of a false god, Milcom, also called Molech, Molek, or Moloch. If you choose to use the name in your translation, spell it the way it sounds in your language. If a translation of the Bible exists in your region, you may wish to use the spelling that it uses. Alternate translation: “swearing to me but swearing by Milcom”
37 1:10 1:5 ahw8 z014 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit from the hills הַ⁠נִּשְׁבָּעִ֣ים לַֽ⁠יהוָ֔ה וְ⁠הַ⁠נִּשְׁבָּעִ֖ים בְּ⁠מַלְכָּֽ⁠ם 0 1 This refers to the hills surrounding Jerusalem. Yahweh is drawing a contrast between **swearing to** and **swearing by**. The Judeans who swore **to** Yahweh pledged themselves to worship him as their God. But they then swore **by** Milcom, invoking the name of that false god to guarantee a vow or promise that they had made. Yahweh is saying how inconsistent and inappropriate it was for them to do that. You could indicate that in your translation if it would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “pledging themselves to worship me but then guaranteeing their oaths by invoking the false god Milcom”
38 1:11 1:6 ne51 z015 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-123person for all the merchants will be ruined; all those who weigh out silver will be cut off וְ⁠אֶת־הַ⁠נְּסוֹגִ֖ים מֵ⁠אַחֲרֵ֣י יְהוָ֑ה וַ⁠אֲשֶׁ֛ר לֹֽא־בִקְשׁ֥וּ אֶת־יְהוָ֖ה וְ⁠לֹ֥א דְרָשֻֽׁ⁠הוּ 0 1 These two phrases refer to the same people and are used to emphasize that business will be destroyed. Alternate translation: “for those who buy and sell goods will be killed” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]]) Yahweh is speaking about himself in the third person. If it would be helpful in your language, you could translate this in the first person. Alternate translation: “and the ones turning back from after me, and who do not search for me and do not seek me”
39 1:11 1:6 fu79 z016 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis those who weigh out silver וְ⁠אֶת־הַ⁠נְּסוֹגִ֖ים מֵ⁠אַחֲרֵ֣י יְהוָ֑ה וַ⁠אֲשֶׁ֛ר לֹֽא־בִקְשׁ֥וּ אֶת־יְהוָ֖ה וְ⁠לֹ֥א דְרָשֻֽׁ⁠הוּ 0 1 This refers to merchants. Before coins were used, people weighed out silver or gold as payment for things they bought. Yahweh is leaving out some of the words that in many languages a sentence would need in order to be complete. You can supply these words from the context if that would be clearer in your language. This could be describing: (1) two groups, people who are no longer actively worshiping Yahweh and people who still worship Yahweh formally but who do not relate to him actively as their God. Alternate translation: “and I will destroy those who have stopped worshiping me actively, and I will destroy those who still worship me formally but do not relate to me actively as their God” (2) one group, people who show that they are no longer worshiping Yahweh by the way they no longer relate to him actively as their God. Alternate translation: “and I will destroy those who show they have stopped worshiping me by the way they no longer relate to me actively as their God”
40 1:11 1:6 eyb8 z017 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor cut off וְ⁠אֶת־הַ⁠נְּסוֹגִ֖ים מֵ⁠אַחֲרֵ֣י יְהוָ֑ה 0 1 Destroying is spoken of as if it were cutting something off from what it was a part of. See how you translated this in [Zephaniah 1:3](../01/03.md). Alternate translation: “destroyed” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) Yahweh is speaking as if the Judeans who are ceasing to worship him were literally walking on a path and **turning back** from the direction in which they had been heading. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “and I will destroy the ones who have stopped worshiping me”
41 1:12 1:6 vc63 ql66 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet General Information: וַ⁠אֲשֶׁ֛ר לֹֽא־בִקְשׁ֥וּ אֶת־יְהוָ֖ה וְ⁠לֹ֥א דְרָשֻֽׁ⁠הוּ 0 1 # General Information:\n\nVerses 1:2-18 refer to Yahweh’s judgment. Verses 1:4-16 describe Yahweh’s judgment on the people of Judah. Yahweh could be using the expressions **search for** and **seek** to mean: (1) two similar things. He could be speaking as if the Judeans should literally have been looking for him, meaning that they should have been praying to him. In this case Yahweh would be using two similar terms together for emphasis. If it would be clearer for your readers, you could express the emphasis with a single phrase Alternate translation: “and I will destroy the ones who no longer pray to me at all” (2) two different things. The expression **search for** could mean to ask for help, and the expression **seek** could mean to ask for guidance. Alternate translation: “and I will destroy those who no longer ask for my help or guidance”
42 1:12 1:7 fb6r z018 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy It will come about at that time הַ֕ס מִ⁠פְּנֵ֖י אֲדֹנָ֣⁠י יְהוִ֑ה 0 1 This phrase is used to mark the time when Jerusalem has been destroyed by the enemies. Here the word **face** represents the presence of a person by association with the way people can see the face of someone who is present. Alternate translation: “Hush in the presence of Lord Yahweh”
43 1:12 1:7 n4xe etv8 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-exclamations I will search Jerusalem with lamps הַ֕ס מִ⁠פְּנֵ֖י אֲדֹנָ֣⁠י יְהוִ֑ה 0 1 Yahweh speaks of knowing about all people of Jerusalem as if he had searched for them with lamps. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) The word **Hush** is an exclamation that urges listeners to be silent. In your translation, you may choose to use an exclamation that is natural in your language for communicating this. You could also translate the word as an imperative. Alternate translation: “Shh! in the presence of Lord Yahweh”
44 1:12 1:7 sb9c z019 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom settled into their wine קָרוֹב֙ י֣וֹם יְהוָ֔ה 0 1 They feel safe from trouble. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]]) The expression **the day of Yahweh** refers to a specific time when God will punish people for their sins. Alternate translation: “the time is coming soon when Yahweh will punish people for their sins”
45 1:12 1:7 t4ux xb5b rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor say in their heart, ‘Yahweh will not do anything, either good or evil.’ הֵכִ֧ין יְהוָ֛ה זֶ֖בַח הִקְדִּ֥ישׁ קְרֻאָֽי⁠ו 0 1 This direct quotation can be stated as an indirect quotation. Alternate translation: “say in their heart that Yahweh will not do anything, either good or evil. Zephaniah is speaking as if Yahweh had literally **prepared a sacrifice** and ceremonially cleansed (**sanctified**) those he had **invited** to share a meal from the meat of the sacrificed animal. He is speaking of the people of Judah as if they were this sacrifice, and of an enemy army, most likely that of the Babylonians, as if it would feast on the Judeans, meaning that this foreign power would conquer them and plunder them, as verses 13–16 indicate. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “Yahweh is going to allow a foreign army to conquer and plunder the land of Judah”
46 1:12 1:7 nu98 hwp4 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive say in their heart קְרֻאָֽי⁠ו 0 1 This idiom means they think to themselves. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]]) If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “the ones he has invited”
47 1:12 1:8 fhk8 z023 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-merism rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-litany Yahweh will not do anything, either good or evil וְ⁠הָיָ֗ה בְּ⁠יוֹם֙ זֶ֣בַח יְהוָ֔ה 0 1 Here “good and evil” is a merism that includes everything in between. Alternate translation: “Yahweh will not do anything at all” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-merism]]) As the General Notes to this chapter discuss, this phrase is the beginning of a litany. You may use that discussion to help you consider how to format the material in verses 8–9.
48 1:13 1:8 nu8u w2xl rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-123person an abandoned devastation בְּ⁠יוֹם֙ זֶ֣בַח יְהוָ֔ה 0 1 Alternate translation: “destroyed and abandoned” Yahweh is speaking about himself in the third person. If it would be helpful in your language, you could translate this in the first person. Alternate translation: “on the day of my sacrifice”
49 1:14 1:8 r2si z020 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor General Information: בְּ⁠יוֹם֙ זֶ֣בַח יְהוָ֔ה 0 1 # General Information:\n\nVerses 1:2-18 refer to Yahweh’s judgment. Verses 1:4-16 describe Yahweh’s judgment on the people of Judah. As Zephaniah did in the previous verse, Yahweh is speaking as if he is literally going to offer a sacrifice. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “on the day when I punish you Judeans for your sins”
50 1:14 1:8 a6kw z021 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom near, near and hurrying quickly בְּ⁠יוֹם֙ זֶ֣בַח יְהוָ֔ה 0 1 The repetition of the word “near,” along with the phrase “hurrying quickly,” emphasize that the day when Yahweh judges the people will soon happen. Alternate translation: “close and will be here soon” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet]]) See how you translated the expression “the day of Yahweh” in the previous verse. Alternate translation: “at the time when I punish you Judeans for your sins”
51 1:14 1:8 ky2m z022 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom the day of Yahweh וּ⁠פָקַדְתִּ֥י עַל־הַ⁠שָּׂרִ֖ים וְ⁠עַל־בְּנֵ֣י הַ⁠מֶּ֑לֶךְ וְ⁠עַ֥ל כָּל־הַ⁠לֹּבְשִׁ֖ים מַלְבּ֥וּשׁ נָכְרִֽי 0 1 See how you translated this phrase in [Zephaniah 1:7](../01/07.md). The expression **visit upon** means to punish. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “that I will punish the princes and the sons of the king and all the ones wearing foreign clothing”
52 1:14 1:8 nu8q z024 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit a warrior crying bitterly הַ⁠שָּׂרִ֖ים 0 1 This could mean: (1) a soldier crying in despair or (2) a soldier’s battle cry. In some languages the term **princes** describes male direct descendants of a monarch, but here it means court officials who may or may not have been members of the royal family. You could indicate that in your translation if it would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “the court officials”
53 1:15 1:8 xb57 z025 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit That day & a day בְּנֵ֣י הַ⁠מֶּ֑לֶךְ 0 1 These phrases refer back to the “day of Yahweh” in [Zephaniah 1:14](../01/14.md). This could mean: (1) the actual members of the royal family. In that case, the word **sons** would have a generic sense, applying to both men and women, and it would mean not just the literal children of the present king but also the grandchildren and even later descendants of previous kings. Alternate translation: “the royal family” (2) the literal sons of the present king, Josiah, who would have been just boys at this time. The implication is that Yahweh is going to punish the Judeans so thoroughly that not even children will be spared. Alternate translation: “even the king’s young boys”
54 1:15 1:8 lw4t igq2 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche a day of distress and anguish כָּל־הַ⁠לֹּבְשִׁ֖ים מַלְבּ֥וּשׁ נָכְרִֽי 0 1 The words “distress” and “anguish” mean about the same thing and emphasize the intensity of the people’s distress. Alternate translation: “a day when people feel terrible distress” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet]]) Yahweh is using one thing that the Judeans were doing to curry favor with foreign powers, wearing the same **clothing** that they did, to mean everything that they did to curry favor, especially including worshiping their gods. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “all those who have adopted foreign ways”
55 1:15 1:9 ud2q gma8 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom a day of storm and devastation וּ⁠פָקַדְתִּ֗י עַ֧ל & בַּ⁠יּ֣וֹם הַ⁠ה֑וּא 0 1 Here the word “storm” refers to divine judgment. The word “devastation” describes the effects of that judgment. Alternate translation: “a day of devastating storms” or “a day of devastating judgment” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet]] and [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) See how you translated the expressions “on the day” and “I will visit upon” in the previous verse. Alternate translation: “and at the time when I punish you Judeans, I will punish”
56 1:15 1:9 jub4 fr1s rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom a day of darkness and gloom כָּל־הַ⁠דּוֹלֵ֛ג עַל־הַ⁠מִּפְתָּ֖ן 0 1 The words “darkness” and “gloom” share similar meanings and emphasize the intensity of darkness. Both words refer to a time of disaster or divine judgment. Alternate translation: “a day that is full of darkness” or “a day of terrible judgment” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet]] and [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) The expression **leaping over the threshold** seems to refer to people entering other people’s houses forcibly, as if in a rush, in order to seize their possessions by **violence** or **fraud**. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “all those who enter other people’s houses violently in order to seize their possessions”
57 1:15 1:9 swy2 z026 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-plural a day of clouds and thick darkness הַֽ⁠מְמַלְאִ֛ים בֵּ֥ית אֲדֹנֵי⁠הֶ֖ם חָמָ֥ס וּ⁠מִרְמָֽה 0 1 This phrase means the same thing as, and intensifies, the idea of the previous phrase. Like that phrase, both “clouds” and “thick darkness” refer to divine judgment. Alternate translation: “a day full of dark storm clouds” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet]] and [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) Yahweh is using the plural form **lords** in a context where the singular term “lord” would suffice. This suggests that he may be using the plural form as a superlative to indicate the supreme example of its own class, in which case this would be a reference to the king, the lord or master of the Judeans. Your language may use plural forms in the same way. If not, you could express the meaning in another way. Alternate translation: “who have filled the house of their king with violence and fraud” or “who have filled the royal palace with violence and fraud”
58 1:16 1:9 deb6 u614 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy a day of trumpets and alarms חָמָ֥ס וּ⁠מִרְמָֽה 0 1 The words “trumpets” and “alarms” mean basically the same thing here. Both are means to call soldiers to prepare for battle. Alternate translation: “a day when people sound the alarm for battle” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet]]) Yahweh is using the terms **violence** and **fraud** by association to mean possessions unlawfully obtained from others by violence or on fraudulent grounds. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “with possessions that they have gotten violently or fraudulently”
59 1:16 1:10 da9h n2di rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-quotations fortified cities and the high battlements וְ⁠הָיָה֩ בַ⁠יּ֨וֹם הַ⁠ה֜וּא נְאֻם־יְהוָ֗ה ק֤וֹל 0 1 These two phrases both refer to military strongholds. Alternate translation: “well fortified cities” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet]]) See how you translated the phrase **the declaration of Yahweh** in verses 2 and 3. Alternate translation: “This is what Yahweh declares: ‘And it will happen on that day, the sound of’”
60 1:17 1:10 w66r z027 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom General Information: בַ⁠יּ֨וֹם הַ⁠ה֜וּא 0 1 # General Information:\n\nVerses 1:2-18 refer to Yahweh’s judgment. Verses 1:17-18 describe Yahweh’s final judgment of every sinner in the future. See how you translated the expressions “on that day” in the previous verse. Alternate translation: “at the time when I punish you Judeans for your sins”
61 1:17 1:10 krq4 ysx8 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis they will walk about like blind men ק֤וֹל 0 1 The result of Yahweh’s judgment is that people will be so confused and dazed when they walk about that people will think they are blind. Alternate translation: “they will walk around as confused and dazed as blind men” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile]]) Yahweh is leaving out some of the words that in many languages a sentence would need in order to be complete. You can supply these words from the context if that would be clearer in your language. Alternate translation: “that people will hear the sound of”
62 1:17 1:10 cq1r mm2c rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names Their blood will be poured out like dust מִ⁠שַּׁ֣עַר הַ⁠דָּגִ֔ים 0 1 Their blood that is shed will be as worthless as dust. If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “Their enemies will pour out their blood and consider it to be worthless” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile]]) The expression **the Fish Gate** is the name of one of the gates in the wall of the ancient city of Jerusalem. It may have had that name because there was a fish market just outside this gate. If your language has a term for “fish,” you could use that term to translate this name. If not, you could translate the name the way it sounds in your language.
63 1:17 1:10 jrq1 bm2g rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names their inner parts like dung הַ⁠מִּשְׁנֶ֑ה 0 1 The verb “poured out” is understood here. If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “their enemies will cut open their bodies and leave them to rot like dung” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile]]) The word **Second** is the name of one of the districts in the ancient city of Jerusalem. The ULT adds the word **District** to show that. This district may have had that name because it had been added to the original city. Some translations use a name for it that indicates that. Alternate translation: “the New Quarter”
64 1:18 1:10 ai7h ahw8 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy the fire of his jealousy מֵ⁠הַ⁠גְּבָעֽוֹת 0 1 Here “fire” refers to the intensity of Yahweh’s anger. This can be stated as a simile. Alternate translation: “his jealousy is as intense as a fire” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]] and [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile]]) Yahweh is using the term **hills** by association to mean the settlements on the hills around Jerusalem. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “from the settlements on the hills around Jerusalem”
65 1:18 1:11 ij81 z028 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names all the inhabitants of the earth הַ⁠מַּכְתֵּ֑שׁ 0 1 It is understood that this refers to the wicked people. This can be stated explicitly. Alternate translation: “all the wicked people who live on the earth” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) The word **Maktesh** is the name of one of the districts in the ancient city of Jerusalem. It seems to have been a place where many goods were bought and sold, and so some translations refer to it with a descriptive phrase rather than with this name. Alternate translation: “the market district”
66 2:intro 1:11 t1it ne51 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism נִדְמָה֙ כָּל־עַ֣ם כְּנַ֔עַן נִכְרְת֖וּ כָּל־נְטִ֥ילֵי כָֽסֶף 0 1 # Zephaniah 2 General Notes\n\n## Structure and formatting\n\nSome translations set each line of poetry farther to the right than the rest of the text to make it easier to read. The ULT does this with the poetic song in 2:1-9, 12-15.\n\n## Special concepts in this chapter\n\n### Prophecy\nIn this chapter, because the prophesied destruction is so complete, it is unclear whether these prophecies concern the time near the fall of Jerusalem or the day of the Lord. It is possible that the prophecies reference more than one period of time. (See: [[rc://*/tw/dict/bible/kt/prophet]] and [[rc://*/tw/dict/bible/kt/christ]] and [[rc://*/tw/dict/bible/kt/dayofthelord]]) These two phrases mean similar things. Yahweh is using repetition to emphasize the idea that the phrases express. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could combine them. Alternate translation: “all of the merchants and traders who make your district such a prosperous place will be completely destroyed”
67 2:1 1:11 w14p z029 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive Rally yourselves together and gather נִדְמָה֙ כָּל־עַ֣ם כְּנַ֔עַן נִכְרְת֖וּ כָּל־נְטִ֥ילֵי כָֽסֶף 0 1 These two phrases mean the same thing. Together they intensify the command for the people to gather together in order to repent of their sins. Alternate translation: “Gather yourselves together” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet]]) If your language does not use these passive forms, you could express the ideas in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “I am going to destroy all of the people of Canaan; yes, I am going to cut off all of the ones weighing silver”
68 2:2 1:11 m93y z030 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom before the decree takes effect עַ֣ם כְּנַ֔עַן 0 1 This phrase refers to the punishment that will happen as a result of Yahweh’s decree. Alternate translation: “before Yahweh punishes you” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) In this context, the expression **people of Canaan** refers to traders, not to those from the Canaanite people group. Many traders were Phoenicians, that is, Canaanites, and that is how the profession got this name, but the reference is to the profession and not to the people group. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “the traders”
69 2:2 1:11 j7xn fu79 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy that day נְטִ֥ילֵי כָֽסֶף 0 1 This phrase relates to the “day of Yahweh.” Translate as you did similar phrases in [Zephaniah 1:9](../01/09.md). Yahweh is using the expression **the ones weighing silver** by association to mean merchants. In this culture, people used silver as money, determining its value by its weight. So merchants would weigh silver in order to determine how much of it to pay for goods or to accept in payment for them. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “the merchants”
70 2:2 1:11 m9s2 eyb8 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom that day passes like the chaff נִכְרְת֖וּ 0 1 The chaff is the insignificant part of the plant that the wind blows away. In a similar way, the day of judgment will pass quickly. Alternate translation: “that day passes as quickly as chaff blown by the wind” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile]]) See how you translated the expression “cut off” in verse 3. Alternate translation: “will be destroyed”
71 2:2 1:12 xg13 n4xe rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor before the fierce anger of Yahweh’s wrath comes upon you, before the day of the wrath of Yahweh comes upon you בַּ⁠נֵּר֑וֹת 0 1 The prophet repeats the same phrase almost exactly in order to emphasize how terrible Yahweh’s judgment will be and the urgency with which the people must repent. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]]) Yahweh is speaking as if he is literally going to use **lamps** in order to **search** for evildoers so that he can find them and punish them. He means that he is going to search thoroughly, as if using a lamp in order to see into all dark corners where someone or something might escape notice. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “thoroughly”
72 2:2 1:12 c8mp z031 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom Yahweh’s wrath וּ⁠פָקַדְתִּ֣י עַל 0 1 This stands for God’s intent to punish. Alternate translation: “Yahweh’s punishment” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) See how you translated the expression “I will visit upon” in verse 8. Alternate translation: “and I will punish”
73 2:3 1:12 rm7u z032 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotations Seek Yahweh הָ⁠אֲנָשִׁ֗ים הַ⁠קֹּֽפְאִים֙ עַל־שִׁמְרֵי⁠הֶ֔ם 0 1 Seeking **Yahweh** could mean: (1) asking God for help or (2) thinking about God and obeying him. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) Here the masculine term **men** has a generic sense that includes both men and women. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could use language in your translation that is clearly inclusive of both men and women. Alternate translation: “the people who are thickening on their sediment”
74 2:3 1:12 rg17 sb9c rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor Seek righteousness. Seek humility הָ⁠אֲנָשִׁ֗ים הַ⁠קֹּֽפְאִים֙ עַל־שִׁמְרֵי⁠הֶ֔ם 0 1 The abstract nouns “righteousness” and “humility” can be stated as actions. Alternate translation: “Try to do what is right and to be humble” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]]) Yahweh is speaking as if the sinful, complacent people of Jerusalem were literally wine that is **thickening** because it has been left on its **sediment**. The term “sediment” describes the small pieces of stem, leaves, and seeds from grape plants that are unintentionally mixed with the juice during the winemaking process. Ordinarily, these are allowed to settle to the bottom of the wine, which is then poured off to separate it from them. Yahweh means that just as wine left on its sediment becomes thick, so these Judeans have become difficult to motivate to repentance. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. You may wish to represent the image as a comparison and explain its meaning. Alternate translation: “the people who have become so complacent” or “the people who have become so complacent that they are like wine that has thickened because no one has poured it off its sediment”
75 2:3 1:12 s75g t4ux rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-quotesinquotes you will be protected in the day of Yahweh’s wrath הָ⁠אֹֽמְרִים֙ בִּ⁠לְבָבָ֔⁠ם לֹֽא־יֵיטִ֥יב יְהוָ֖ה וְ⁠לֹ֥א יָרֵֽעַ 0 1 If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “Yahweh will protect you in the day of his wrath” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) If it would be clearer in your language, you could translate this so that there is not a quotation within a quotation. Alternate translation: “the ones saying in their heart that Yahweh will not do good and that he will not do bad”
76 2:4 1:12 r1bq z033 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-123person General Information: הָ⁠אֹֽמְרִים֙ בִּ⁠לְבָבָ֔⁠ם לֹֽא־יֵיטִ֥יב יְהוָ֖ה וְ⁠לֹ֥א יָרֵֽעַ 0 1 # General Information:\n\nIn 2:4-15, Yahweh announces his judgment on the nations that surround Judah. If you decide to turn this quotation within a quotation into an indirect quotation, then Yahweh would be speaking about himself in the third person. If it would be helpful in your language, you could translate this in the first person. Alternate translation: “the ones saying in their heart that I will not do good and that I will not do bad”
77 2:4 1:12 dth6 nu98 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor Gaza & Ashkelon & Ashdod & Ekron בִּ⁠לְבָבָ֔⁠ם 0 1 These were the four major Philistine cities of that day. Here the **heart** represents the thoughts. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “in their thoughts” or “to themselves”
78 2:4 1:12 f893 z034 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-collectivenouns will be abandoned & will turn into a devastation בִּ⁠לְבָבָ֔⁠ם 0 1 These two phrases mean the same thing and emphasize the complete destruction of these cities. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]]) Since Job is speaking of many people, if you retain the image of **heart** in your translation, it may be more natural in your language to use the plural form of the word. Alternate translation: “in their hearts”
79 2:4 1:12 mi6f fhk8 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit They will drive out Ashdod at noon לֹֽא־יֵיטִ֥יב יְהוָ֖ה וְ⁠לֹ֥א יָרֵֽעַ 0 1 Here “They” refers to the enemies of the Philistines. Here, **at noon** could mean: (1) the enemies will defeat Ashdod before noon or (2) the enemies will attack Ashdod at noon while the people are resting and unaware. By **do good**, these people are implicitly referring to Yahweh rewarding them, and by **do bad**, they are referring to Yahweh punishing them. You could indicate that in your translation if it would be helpful to your readers. You could also bring out the further implication in what the people are saying: that Yahweh is not a God who enforces justice in the world, so they may act as they wish. Alternate translation: “Yahweh is not going to reward us, and he is not going to punish us” or “Yahweh is not the kind of God who rewards good people and punishes wicked people, so it does not matter how we live”
80 2:4 1:13 sb41 nu8u rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis they will uproot Ekron וְ⁠הָיָ֤ה חֵילָ⁠ם֙ לִ⁠מְשִׁסָּ֔ה וּ⁠בָתֵּי⁠הֶ֖ם לִ⁠שְׁמָמָ֑ה 0 1 The defeat of Ekron is spoken of as if it was a tree that was pulled from the ground and thrown away. Alternate translation: “they will take the people of Ekron away as if uprooting a tree” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) Yahweh is leaving out some of the words that in many languages a sentence would need in order to be complete. You can supply these words from the context if that would be clearer in your language. Alternate translation: “and their wealth will become plunder and their houses will become a ruin”
81 2:5 1:13 p4be z035 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit the inhabitants of the seacoast, the nation of the Kerethites וְ⁠הָיָ֤ה חֵילָ⁠ם֙ לִ⁠מְשִׁסָּ֔ה וּ⁠בָתֵּי⁠הֶ֖ם לִ⁠שְׁמָמָ֑ה 0 1 The first phrase explains where the Kerethites lived. Yahweh does not mean that these things will happen on their own. He means implicitly that the enemy army he describes in verse 16 will plunder the wealth of these complacent Judeans and ruin their houses. You could indicate that in your translation if it would be helpful to your readers. It may be helpful to begin a new sentence here. Alternate translation: “An enemy army will plunder their wealth and ruin their houses”
82 2:5 1:13 pq8v z036 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-quotemarks Canaan, land of the Philistines וּ⁠בָנ֤וּ בָתִּים֙ וְ⁠לֹ֣א יֵשֵׁ֔בוּ וְ⁠נָטְע֣וּ כְרָמִ֔ים וְ⁠לֹ֥א יִשְׁתּ֖וּ אֶת־יֵינָֽ⁠ם 0 1 The Philistines were one of several people groups who lived in Canaan. Yahweh is alluding to what he told the Israelites would happen if they disobeyed him and worshiped false gods. When the Israelites first left Egypt, he told them through Moses that if they did those things, “You shall build a house but not live in it; you shall plant a vineyard but not use it” ([Deuteronomy 28:30](../deu/28/30.md)). Yahweh is quoting his own words to show that they would be fulfilled in the case of these Judeans. To indicate that in your translation, you could present this as a direct quotation, using second-level quotation marks or some other convention of your language. Alternate translation: “and ‘they will build houses, but they will not inhabit {them}, and they will plant vineyards, but they will not drink their wine’”
83 2:5 1:14 w9gq ky2m rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom until no inhabitant remains יוֹם־יְהוָה֙ הַ⁠גָּד֔וֹל & י֣וֹם יְהוָ֔ה 0 1 This can be stated in positive form. Alternate translation: “until every inhabitant is dead” See how you translated the expression “the day of Yahweh” in verse 7. Alternate translation: “the awful time when Yahweh will punish people for their sins … the time when Yahweh will punish people”
84 2:6 1:14 s8lg z037 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-123person General Information: יוֹם־יְהוָה֙ הַ⁠גָּד֔וֹל & י֣וֹם יְהוָ֔ה 0 1 # General Information:\n\nIn 2:4-15, Yahweh announces his judgment on the nations that surround Judah. Yahweh is speaking about himself in the third person. If it would be helpful in your language, you could translate this in the first person. Alternate translation: “the awful time when I will punish people for their sins … the time when I will punish people”
85 2:6 1:14 gm12 a6kw rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-reduplication So the seacoast will become pastures for shepherds and for sheep pens קָר֤וֹב & קָר֖וֹב וּ⁠מַהֵ֣ר מְאֹ֑ד 0 1 This probably means that the Philistine cities are gone, and only open fields remain. However, the Hebrew meaning is unclear and is sometimes translated differently by modern versions. Yahweh is repeating the word **near** in order to intensify the idea that it expresses. If your language can repeat words for intensification, it would be appropriate to do that here in your translation. If not, your language may have another way of expressing the emphasis. Alternate translation: “very near and hastening quickly”
86 2:6 1:14 ip1f z038 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification sheep pens קָר֤וֹב & קָר֖וֹב וּ⁠מַהֵ֣ר מְאֹ֑ד 0 1 A sheep pen is a small area surrounded by a fence to keep the sheep together. Yahweh is speaking as if the **day** or time when he will punish people were a living thing that was **hastening** to arrive. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “near; yes, it will happen very soon”
87 2:7 1:14 h1ww z039 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy Their people ק֚וֹל י֣וֹם יְהוָ֔ה מַ֥ר 0 1 Alternate translation: “The people of Judah” Yahweh is speaking of the **sound of the day** by association to mean the sounds that people will make on that **day**, that is, at that time. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “People will weep bitterly on the day of Yahweh”
88 2:7 1:14 e8k3 nu8q rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-genericnoun lie down צֹרֵ֖חַ & גִּבּֽוֹר 0 1 Alternate translation: “lie down to sleep” Yahweh is not referring to a specific **warrior**. He means a certain group of warriors in general. This could mean: (1) that the warriors who are trying to defend Judah will cry out in despair as they are defeated. Alternate translation: “the defenders of Judah will cry out in despair” (2) that the warriors of the enemy army that attacks Judah will shout a battle cry, as verse 16 describes. Alternate translation: “the invading warriors will shout a terrifying battle cry”
89 2:8 1:15 yb33 z040 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom General Information: הַ⁠יּ֣וֹם הַ⁠ה֑וּא 0 1 # General Information:\n\nIn 2:4-15, Yahweh announces his judgment on the nations that surround Judah. If you have been translating the phrase “the day of Yahweh” with an expression that uses the word “time,” you may wish to say “time” rather than **day** in each of the instances in this verse.
90 2:8 1:15 ep73 lw4t rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet the taunts & the reviling י֧וֹם צָרָ֣ה וּ⁠מְצוּקָ֗ה י֤וֹם שֹׁאָה֙ וּ⁠מְשׁוֹאָ֔ה י֥וֹם חֹ֨שֶׁךְ֙ וַ⁠אֲפֵלָ֔ה י֥וֹם עָנָ֖ן וַ⁠עֲרָפֶֽל 0 1 “the taunts … the insults.” These two phrases mean the same thing and emphasize that both Moab and Ammon have insulted Yahweh. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]]) In these four cases, Yahweh is using two words with similar meaning together for emphasis. If it would be clearer for your readers, you could express the emphasis with a single phrase. Alternate translation: “a day of great distress, a day of severe destruction, a day of deep darkness, a day of thick cloud”
91 2:8 1:15 zd77 z041 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor violated their borders י֥וֹם חֹ֨שֶׁךְ֙ וַ⁠אֲפֵלָ֔ה י֥וֹם עָנָ֖ן וַ⁠עֲרָפֶֽל 0 1 This refers to crossing over into Judah’s territory in order to attack them. Yahweh is speaking as if the sky will literally be dark and cloudy at the time when he punishes people for their sins. He means that it will be a time when people experience much trouble and feel great sorrow. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “a day of terrible trouble, a day of deep sorrow”
92 2:9 1:16 hzr2 z042 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom as I live י֥וֹם 0 1 “as surely as I am alive.” Yahweh uses this expression to show that what he says next is certainly true. This is a way of making a solemn promise. Alternate translation: “I solemnly swear” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]]) If you have been translating the phrase “the day of Yahweh” with an expression that uses the word “time,” you may wish to say “time” rather than **day** here. Alternate translation: “a time of”
93 2:9 1:16 pi3w deb6 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-123person rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy this is the declaration of Yahweh of hosts, God of Israel שׁוֹפָ֖ר וּ⁠תְרוּעָ֑ה 0 1 Yahweh speaks of himself by name to express the certainty of what he is declaring. Alternate translation: “this is what Yahweh of hosts, God of Israel, has declared” or “this is what I, Yahweh of hosts, God of Israel, have declared” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-123person]]) Yahweh is referring to a ram’s **horn**, a shofar, that soldiers would use to signal an attack. Yahweh is using the term by association to mean the sound that this horn would make. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. It may be more natural in your language to use plural forms here. Alternate translation: “horn blasts and battle-cries”
94 2:9 1:16 b2lh z043 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy like Sodom & like Gomorrah עַ֚ל הֶ⁠עָרִ֣ים הַ⁠בְּצֻר֔וֹת וְ⁠עַ֖ל הַ⁠פִּנּ֥וֹת הַ⁠גְּבֹהֽוֹת 0 1 These two cities were so wicked that God completely destroyed them with fire from heaven. These similes therefore refer to complete destruction. This can be stated explicitly. Alternate translation: “completely destroyed like Sodom … like Gomorrah” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]] and [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile]]) Yahweh is using the term **corners** by association to mean the towers that were built at the corners of the walls around cities in the kingdom of Judah. Those walls were not straight; they had angles and corners so that defenders could attack besieging armies from more than one direction. High towers were built at the corners so that the defenders could attack from a height. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “against the fortified cities and against the high towers at the corners of their walls”
95 2:9 1:16 l2f5 z044 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet a place of nettles and a salt pit עַ֚ל הֶ⁠עָרִ֣ים הַ⁠בְּצֻר֔וֹת וְ⁠עַ֖ל הַ⁠פִּנּ֥וֹת הַ⁠גְּבֹהֽוֹת 0 1 “a place with thorns and a salt pit.” This describes a barren, useless land. The phrases **fortified cities** and **high corners** mean similar things. The high towers at the corners of city walls were one part of their fortifications. Yahweh is using the two terms together for emphasis. If it would be clearer for your readers, you could express the emphasis with a single phrase. Alternate translation: “the walled cities and all of their fortifications”
96 2:9 1:17 dr9e z045 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotations the remnant of my people & the remainder of my nation לָ⁠אָדָ֗ם 0 1 These two phrases mean the same thing and refer to the Israelites that survived Yahweh’s punishment. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]]) Here the masculine term **man** has a generic sense that includes both men and women. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could use language in your translation that is clearly inclusive of both men and women. The reference is most likely to the sinful, complacent Judeans. Alternate translation: “to the people of Judah”
97 2:12 1:17 ai2t z046 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-quotemarks General Information: וְ⁠הָֽלְכוּ֙ כַּֽ⁠עִוְרִ֔ים כִּ֥י 0 1 # General Information:\n\nIn 2:4-15, Yahweh announces his judgment on the nations that surround Judah. This is a further allusion to what Yahweh told the Israelites when they first left Egypt, like the allusion in verse 13. In [Deuteronomy 28:29](../deu/28/29.md), Yahweh told the Israelites that if they disobeyed him and worshiped false gods, “you will be groping about at noon, as the blind grope in the darkness.” To indicate that Yahweh is quoting his own words, you could present this as a direct quotation, using second-level quotation marks or some other convention of your language. Alternate translation: “and ‘they will walk like the blind,’ for”
98 2:12 1:17 dr9y krq4 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile You Cushites also will be pierced by my sword וְ⁠הָֽלְכוּ֙ כַּֽ⁠עִוְרִ֔ים 0 1 Here “pieced by my sword” is a metonym for being killed in battle. Alternate translation: “I will kill you people of Cush in battle” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]] and [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) The point of this comparison is that just as a person who is **blind** does not know in what direction he should **walk** in order to arrive somewhere safely, so the Judeans will not be able to find any safe place to escape from the enemy army. Yahweh is not saying that blindness is a punishment for sin. Alternate translation: “and they will not be able to find any place where it is safe”
99 2:13 1:17 rqc2 z047 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj God’s hand כַּֽ⁠עִוְרִ֔ים 0 1 Here “hand” refers to power. Alternate translation: “God’s power” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) Yahweh is using the adjective **blind** as a noun to mean a certain kind of person. Your language may use adjectives in the same way. If not, you can translate this adjective with an equivalent phrase. Alternate translation: “as blind people do”
100 2:13 1:17 vj6j z048 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis an abandoned devastation וְ⁠שֻׁפַּ֤ךְ דָּמָ⁠ם֙ כֶּֽ⁠עָפָ֔ר וּ⁠לְחֻמָ֖⁠ם כַּ⁠גְּלָלִֽים 0 1 If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word **devastation**, you can express the same idea with a verbal form. Alternate translation: “ruined and deserted” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]]) Yahweh is leaving out some of the words that in many languages a sentence would need in order to be complete. You can supply these words from the context if that would be clearer in your language. Alternate translation: “And their blood will be poured out like dust, and their innards will be poured out like dung”
101 2:13 1:17 ra14 z049 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive as dry as the desert וְ⁠שֻׁפַּ֤ךְ דָּמָ⁠ם֙ כֶּֽ⁠עָפָ֔ר וּ⁠לְחֻמָ֖⁠ם כַּ⁠גְּלָלִֽים 0 1 This means it will be so dry that nothing will grow there. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile]]) If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “And their enemies will wound them so that their blood flows out like dust and their innards flow out like dung”
102 2:14 1:17 fgc1 cq1r rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile every animal of the nations וְ⁠שֻׁפַּ֤ךְ דָּמָ⁠ם֙ כֶּֽ⁠עָפָ֔ר וּ⁠לְחֻמָ֖⁠ם כַּ⁠גְּלָלִֽים 0 1 Alternate translation: “every kind of animal” The point of these comparisons is that just as people consider **dust** and **dung** to have no value, the **blood** and **innards** of the Judeans, vital to their lives, will be **poured out** as if those substances and the lives they sustain had no value. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this point explicitly. Alternate translation: “And their enemies will wound them so that their blood and their innards flow out profusely, as if they were worthless”
103 2:14 1:18 rq3s z050 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification the screech owl גַּם־כַּסְפָּ֨⁠ם גַּם־זְהָבָ֜⁠ם לֹֽא־יוּכַ֣ל לְ⁠הַצִּילָ֗⁠ם 0 1 This term is uncertain. Some versions translate it as “hedgehog.” Yahweh is speaking as if the **silver** and the **gold** that the Judeans own were living things that could **deliver them** from their enemies. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “They will not even be able to pay their enemies silver or gold in order to be spared”
104 2:14 1:18 jp3m z051 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive in the top of her columns וּ⁠בְ⁠אֵשׁ֙ קִנְאָת֔⁠וֹ תֵּאָכֵ֖ל כָּל־הָ⁠אָ֑רֶץ 0 1 When buildings were destroyed and fell down, the columns used for decoration and support would often remain standing. If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “For the fire of his jealousy will consume the whole earth”
105 2:14 1:18 u3vb ai7h rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor A call will sing out from the windows וּ⁠בְ⁠אֵשׁ֙ קִנְאָת֔⁠וֹ תֵּאָכֵ֖ל כָּל־הָ⁠אָ֑רֶץ 0 1 Alternate translation: “A call will be heard from the windows” Yahweh is speaking as if his **jealousy** were a **fire** that is literally going to burn up the entire **earth**. As the next sentence indicates, he is using the term “earth” to mean the people who live on the earth, and he is referring to the way that he will punish those people for worshiping false gods and living sinfully. He is speaking of that punishment as if it were a fire. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “For he will destroy all of the people who live on the earth when he punishes them in his jealousy”
106 2:14 1:18 e998 z052 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns beams וּ⁠בְ⁠אֵשׁ֙ קִנְאָת֔⁠וֹ תֵּאָכֵ֖ל כָּל־הָ⁠אָ֑רֶץ 0 1 Beams are long and thick pieces of wood that are used to keep a building stable. If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of **jealousy**, you could express the same idea in another way. Zephaniah is saying that Yahweh is jealous because the people who live on the earth have been worshiping false gods even though they owe him their exclusive worship because he is the only true God. Alternate translation: Alternate translation: “For he will destroy all of the people who live on the earth when he punishes them because he is jealous that they have been worshiping false gods instead of him, the only true God”
107 2:15 1:18 ev51 z053 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns General Information: כָלָ֤ה אַךְ־נִבְהָלָה֙ יַֽעֲשֶׂ֔ה אֵ֥ת כָּל־יֹשְׁבֵ֖י הָ⁠אָֽרֶץ 0 1 # General Information:\n\nIn 2:4-15, Yahweh announces his judgment on the nations that surround Judah. If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of **consummation**, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “he will end the lives of all the inhabitants of the earth, and he will do that quickly”
108 2:15 1:18 kl78 ij81 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole the exultant city כָּל־יֹשְׁבֵ֖י הָ⁠אָֽרֶץ 0 1 “the city that is proud of itself.” This refers to the city of Nineveh, about whom Yahweh began to speak in [Zephaniah 2:13](../02/13.md). Since Yahweh does not kill righteous people along with wicked people, the word **all** may be a generalization for emphasis, or the expression **the inhabitants of the earth** may refer specifically to wicked people. Alternate translation: “many of the people who live on the earth” or “the wicked people who disobey him”
109 2:15 1:18 pvv7 z054 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive said in her heart נִבְהָלָה֙ 0 1 This idiom means “said to herself” or “she thought.” The city is spoken of as if it were a person that could speak. It represents the people who live in that city. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]] and [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]] and [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. The word translated **hastened** could mean: (1) that Yahweh will quickly do what he is describing. Alternate translation: “he will do this soon” (2) that when Yahweh does this, it will terrify people. Alternate translation: “a terrifying one”
110 2:15 2:intro g214 t1it rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit I am, and nothing is my equal 0 It may be necessary to supply an object for “I am.” Alternate translation: “I am the greatest city, and no other city is equal to me” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) # Zephaniah 2 General Notes\n\n## Structure and Formatting\n\nThis chapter is the second of the three major parts of the book of Zephaniah. (See the outline in the General Introduction to the book.) This part begins with a warning to the people of Judah and Jerusalem (verses 1–3), and it then describes how Yahweh will punish the Philistines (verses 4–7), Moab and Ammon (verses 8–11), Ethiopia (verse 12), and Assyria (verses 13–16).\n\nThe ULT sets the lines of this chapter farther to the right on the page than the rest of the text because they are poetry.\n\n## Important Figures of Speech in This Chapter\n\n### Litany\n\nIn verses 1 and 2, Zephaniah uses the litany form, as he did four times in chapter 1. See the discussion of the litany form in the General Notes to chapter 1, and see how you formatted the litanies in that chapter. You may wish to present the general statement in verse 1 without any indentation and then put each sentence of verse 2 on a separate line. The format might look something like this:\n\nGather yourselves together! Yes, gather, O nation not desired,\n> before the bringing forth of the decree,\n> before the day passes like chaff,\n> before the burning of the nose of Yahweh does not come upon you,\n> before the day of the nose of Yahweh does not come upon you.
111 2:15 2:1 w3q5 w14p rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-reduplication a horror הִֽתְקוֹשְׁשׁ֖וּ וָ⁠ק֑וֹשּׁוּ 0 1 Alternate translation: “a horrible place to see” Zephaniah is repeating the verb **Gather** in order to emphasize the idea that it expresses. If a speaker of your language would not do that, you may be able to express the emphasis in another way in your translation. Alternate translation: “It is urgent that you gather together”
112 2:15 2:1 n4jw z055 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-yousingular hiss and shake his fist הִֽתְקוֹשְׁשׁ֖וּ וָ⁠ק֑וֹשּׁוּ 0 1 A hiss is an angry sound. This phrase indicates extreme anger of the people toward Nineveh. The word **yourselves** is plural because Zephaniah is addressing the Judeans as a group. The implied “you” in each of these imperative forms is also plural. So use plural forms in your translation if your language marks that distinction. (The word “you” and the implied “you” in imperatives continue to be plural in verses 2 and 3.)
113 3:intro 2:1 f3en z056 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit הִֽתְקוֹשְׁשׁ֖וּ 0 1 # Zephaniah 3 General Notes\n\n## Structure and formatting\n\nSome translations set each line of poetry farther to the right than the rest of the text to make it easier to read. The ULT does this with the poetic song in 3:1-20.\n\n## Special concepts in this chapter\n\n### Prophecy\nIn this chapter, because the prophesied destruction is so complete, it is unclear whether these prophecies concern the time near the fall of Jerusalem or the day of the Lord. It is possible that the prophecies reference more than one period of time. (See: [[rc://*/tw/dict/bible/kt/prophet]] and [[rc://*/tw/dict/bible/kt/dayofthelord]]) Zephaniah is implicitly telling the Judeans to **Gather … together** in order to repent. That is, he is telling them that they urgently need to hold a solemn assembly in which they confess and forsake their sins and ask Yahweh to be merciful to them. You could indicate that in your translation if it would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “Gather yourselves together in repentance”
114 3:1 2:1 d7qu z057 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-litotes General Information: הַ⁠גּ֖וֹי לֹ֥א נִכְסָֽף 0 1 # General Information:\n\nIn verses 3:1-5, Zephaniah speaks Yahweh’s message of judgment to the sinful people of Jerusalem. The city represents the people who live within it. To make this clear, it may be helpful to replace the singular “she” and “her” with the plural “they” and “their.” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) Zephaniah is expressing a positive meaning by using a negative word together with a word that is the opposite of the intended meaning. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. The phrase translated **not desired** could mean: (1) that Yahweh does not want to be close to this nation because he is so angry with its people over their sinfulness and idolatry. Alternate translation: “O nation with whom Yahweh is so angry” (2) that the people of this nation are not ashamed of the wrong things that they have been doing. Alternate translation: “O shameless nation”
115 3:1 2:1 aew2 z058 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit the rebellious city הַ⁠גּ֖וֹי לֹ֥א נִכְסָֽף 0 1 The nature of their rebellion can be stated. Alternate translation: “the people of the city who have rebelled against God” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) Zephaniah is implicitly addressing the **nation** of Judah. You could indicate that in your translation if it would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “you Judeans with whom Yahweh is so angry” or “you shameless Judeans”
116 3:1 2:2 fc2a m93y rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-possession The violent city is defiled בְּ⁠טֶ֨רֶם֙ לֶ֣דֶת חֹ֔ק 0 1 Alternate translation: “The people of the city have committed violence and so I consider them unclean” Zephaniah is using this possessive form not to describe something **bringing forth** the **decree** but to speak of the **decree** as if it would be **bringing forth** something, that is, as if it would literally be giving birth to something. It may be helpful to clarify this for your readers, and it may be helpful to use plain language. Alternate translation: “before the decree takes effect”
117 3:2 2:2 lb6h z059 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit She has not listened to the voice of God בְּ⁠טֶ֨רֶם֙ לֶ֣דֶת חֹ֔ק 0 1 The voice is a metonym for what the speaker says with the voice, and listening is a metonym for obeying. Alternate translation: “She has not obeyed what God has said to her” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) Zephaniah is referring implicitly to the **decree** of Yahweh that he announced in the previous chapter. You could indicate that in your translation if it would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “before Yahweh carries out his decree to destroy sinful people”
118 3:3 2:2 nf4u j7xn rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom General Information: י֑וֹם 0 1 # General Information:\n\nIn verses 3:1-5, Zephaniah speaks Yahweh’s message of judgment to the sinful people of Jerusalem. The city represents the people who live within it. To make this clear, it may be helpful to replace the singular “she” and “her” with the plural “they” and “their.” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) By **the day**, Zephaniah means the “day of Yahweh.” See how you translated that expression in chapter 1. Alternate translation: “the time when Yahweh punishes people for their sins”
119 3:3 2:2 ae1f m9s2 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile Her princes are roaring lions in her midst כְּ⁠מֹ֖ץ עָ֣בַר 0 1 Lions roar to chase other animals away from the prey they have caught. The princes of Jerusalem are spoken of as if they were roaring lions who were keeping the prey for themselves. Alternate translation: “Jerusalem’s royalty are as greedy as roaring lions” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) The point of this comparison is that just as the wind blows away **chaff** so that it is gone and will not return, so the **day** of Yahweh will come and go, and afterwards there will be no further opportunity for people to repent. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this point explicitly. Alternate translation: “before … has come and gone and there is no further opportunity to repent”
120 3:3 2:2 z5i2 xg13 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism Her judges are evening wolves who leave nothing to be gnawed upon in the morning בְּ⁠טֶ֣רֶם ׀ לֹא־יָב֣וֹא עֲלֵי⁠כֶ֗ם חֲרוֹן֙ אַף־יְהוָ֔ה בְּ⁠טֶ֨רֶם֙ לֹא־יָב֣וֹא עֲלֵי⁠כֶ֔ם י֖וֹם אַף־יְהוָֽה 0 1 Wolves are especially hungry before they hunt at night. The judges are spoken of as if they were hungry wolves. Alternate translation: “Her judges are as greedy as hungry wolves that leave nothing for anyone else” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) These two phrases mean similar things. Zephaniah is using repetition to emphasize the idea that the phrases express. However, rather than combine the phrases and show the emphasis in another way, it may be good to include both phrases in your translation, since they are part of a litany. See the discussion in the General Notes to this chapter of the litany form and how you might format verses 1–2 to show that Zephaniah is using this form.
121 3:4 2:2 u7tc z060 rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-goal Her prophets are insolent and treasonous men בְּ⁠טֶ֣רֶם ׀ לֹא־יָב֣וֹא עֲלֵי⁠כֶ֗ם חֲרוֹן֙ אַף־יְהוָ֔ה 0 1 Alternate translation: “Her prophets do not listen to anyone and cannot be trusted” Zephaniah is using a negative expression to describe an outcome that he is urging the people of Judah to avoid. He is effectively telling them to pursue the purpose of avoiding that outcome. Use a natural way in your language for introducing a purpose clause. The clause itself may be negative or positive, depending on the conventions of your language. Alternate translation: “so that the burning of the nose of Yahweh does not come upon you” or “lest the burning of the nose of Yahweh come upon you”
122 3:4 2:2 q96w c8mp rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy have profaned what is holy בְּ⁠טֶ֣רֶם ׀ לֹא־יָב֣וֹא עֲלֵי⁠כֶ֗ם חֲרוֹן֙ אַף־יְהוָ֔ה 0 1 Alternate translation: “have treated holy things with disrespect” Zephaniah is using the term **nose** to mean anger. He is doing this by association with the way that a person who is angry breathes heavily through his nose. Your language and culture may also associate anger with a particular part of the body. If so, in your translation you could use an expression involving that part of the body. You could also use plain language. Zephaniah is also speaking as if Yahweh’s **nose** or anger were literally **burning**. He means that Yahweh’s anger is very intense. Alternate translation: “so that Yahweh’s fierce anger does not come upon you” or “lest Yahweh’s fierce anger come upon you”
123 3:4 2:2 xm2b z061 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification have done violence to the law בְּ⁠טֶ֣רֶם ׀ לֹא־יָב֣וֹא עֲלֵי⁠כֶ֗ם חֲרוֹן֙ אַף־יְהוָ֔ה 0 1 Alternate translation: “have broken the law” Zephaniah is speaking as if Yahweh’s **nose**, that is, his anger, were a living thing that could **come upon** the Judeans, that is, attack and overpower them. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “so that Yahweh does not destroy you in his fierce anger” or “lest Yahweh destroy you in his fierce anger”
124 3:5 2:2 ine1 z062 rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-goal General Information: בְּ⁠טֶ֨רֶם֙ לֹא־יָב֣וֹא עֲלֵי⁠כֶ֔ם י֖וֹם אַף־יְהוָֽה 0 1 # General Information:\n\nIn verses 3:1-5, Zephaniah speaks Yahweh’s message of judgment to the sinful people of Jerusalem. See how you translated the similar expression just before this one, and see how you translated the term **day** earlier in the verse. Alternate translation: “so that Yahweh does not destroy you in his anger at the time when he punishes people for their sins”
125 3:5 2:3 a3p2 rm7u rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor Yahweh is righteous & He can do no wrong בַּקְּשׁ֤וּ אֶת־יְהוָה֙ 0 1 These two phrases mean the same thing, and emphasize Yahweh’s righteousness even among the wicked people in Jerusalem. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]]) Zephaniah is speaking as if he literally wanted the Judeans to **Seek** or look for Yahweh. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. See how you translated the similar expression in [1:6](../01/06.md). Alternate translation: “Pray to Yahweh for mercy”
126 3:5 2:3 z4ht z063 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj in her midst כָּל־עַנְוֵ֣י הָ⁠אָ֔רֶץ 0 1 Alternate translation: “among them” Zephaniah is using the adjective **humble** as a noun to mean a certain kind of person. Your language may use adjectives in the same way. If not, you can translate this adjective with an equivalent phrase. While Zephaniah is speaking of these people in the third person, he is addressing them directly. Alternate translation: “all you humble people of the earth”
127 3:5 2:3 fe75 z064 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit Morning by morning כָּל־עַנְוֵ֣י הָ⁠אָ֔רֶץ 0 1 This idiom means “Every day” or “Day after day.” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]]) Here the term **earth** could mean: (1) the land of Judah, since Zephaniah is addressing a specific “nation,” the nation of Judah, in verses 1–3. Alternate translation: “all you humble people of the land” or “all you Judeans who are willing to humble yourselves” (2) the entire world, since that is what the term means in [1:18](../01/18.md). Alternate translation: “all you humble people in the world”
128 3:5 2:3 cvu6 z065 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns he will dispense his justice אֲשֶׁ֥ר מִשְׁפָּט֖⁠וֹ פָּעָ֑לוּ 0 1 Yahweh’s just treatment of every person is spoken of as if he was handing out a commodity. Alternate translation: “he will treat people justly” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of **justice**, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “who do what he has said is just”
129 3:5 2:3 dm1b z066 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-litotes rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor It will not be hidden in the light בַּקְּשׁוּ־צֶ֨דֶק֙ בַּקְּשׁ֣וּ עֲנָוָ֔ה 0 1 This uses a negative statement to emphasize the positive truth that Yahweh’s justice is always visible. Alternate translation: “His justice is clearly shown to all” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-litotes]]) Zephaniah is speaking as if he literally wanted the Judeans to **Seek** or look for **righteousness** and **humility**. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. The meaning of this image is slightly different from its meaning in [1:6](../01/06.md) and in the first part of the verse. Alternate translation: “Practice righteousness. Cultivate humility”
130 3:5 2:3 dwk9 rg17 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns know no shame בַּקְּשׁוּ־צֶ֨דֶק֙ בַּקְּשׁ֣וּ עֲנָוָ֔ה 0 1 Alternate translation: “are not ashamed” If your language does not use abstract nouns for the ideas of **righteousness** and **humility**, you could express the same ideas in other ways. Alternate translation: “Do what is right. Be humble”
131 3:6 2:3 t3em s75g rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive General Information: תִּסָּ֣תְר֔וּ 0 1 # General Information:\n\nIn verses 3:6-7, Yahweh rebukes the people of Jerusalem because they did not learn from how he judged other sinful cities. It may be helpful to add “Yahweh says this:” to the beginning of verse 6 to make this explicit. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “you will be able to hide”
132 3:6 2:3 ie5c z067 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor I have made their streets ruins, so that no one passes over them. Their cities are destroyed so that there is no man inhabiting them תִּסָּ֣תְר֔וּ 0 1 These two sentences express the same idea in two different ways in order to emphasize the complete destruction of the cities. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]]) Zephaniah is speaking as if the Judeans could literally **be hidden** somewhere where Yahweh could not find them. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “you will be spared”
133 3:6 2:3 y9qd z068 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom no one passes over them בְּ⁠י֖וֹם אַף־יְהוָֽה 0 1 Alternate translation: “no one walks on them” See how you translated the similar expression at the end of the previous verse. Alternate translation: “at the time when Yahweh angrily punishes people”
134 3:6 2:4 asi4 dth6 rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-poetry there is no man inhabiting them עַזָּה֙ עֲזוּבָ֣ה תִֽהְיֶ֔ה & וְ⁠עֶקְר֖וֹן תֵּעָקֵֽר 0 1 This can be stated in positive form. Alternate translation: “all the people are dead” For poetic effect and emphasis, at the beginning and end of this verse Zephaniah uses verbs that echo the sound of the names of the cities he is describing. It may be possible for you to reproduce this effect in your translation.
135 3:7 2:4 mvv5 f893 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-quotations rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive I said, ‘Surely you will fear me & I have planned to do to you.’ עַזָּה֙ עֲזוּבָ֣ה תִֽהְיֶ֔ה 0 1 This can be stated as an indirect quotation. Alternate translation: “I thought they would surely fear me and accept correction so that they would not be cut off from their homes by all that I have planned to do to them.” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-quotations]]) If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “the people who used to live in Gaza will abandon that city” or “no one will live in Gaza anymore”
136 3:7 2:4 g15j z069 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis and do not be cut off from your homes וְ⁠אַשְׁקְל֖וֹן לִ⁠שְׁמָמָ֑ה 0 1 Here “cut off” is an idiom that means to be removed. If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “so that I will not remove you from your homes” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]] and [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) Zephaniah is leaving out some of the words that in many languages a sentence would need in order to be complete. You can supply these words from the context if that would be clearer in your language. Alternate translation: “and Ashkelon will become a ruin”
137 3:7 2:4 u1c9 z070 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification by corrupting all their deeds אַשְׁדּ֗וֹד & יְגָ֣רְשׁ֔וּ⁠הָ 0 1 Alternate translation: “by doing deeds that were corrupt” Zephaniah is speaking of the city of **Ashdod** as if it were a woman who could be **expelled** from the home in which she was living. He is using the city to represent the people who live in the city. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “they will expel the inhabitants of Ashdod”
138 3:8 2:4 lfl4 z071 rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns General Information: אַשְׁדּ֗וֹד & יְגָ֣רְשׁ֔וּ⁠הָ 0 1 # General Information:\n\nIn verse 3:8, Yahweh warns that he will judge all nations. Here, **they** is an indefinite pronoun that does not have a specific referent in the immediate context. If it would be helpful in your language, you could translate this with a different expression that does not use an indefinite pronoun. Alternate translation: “the inhabitants of Ashdod will be expelled” or “an army will expel the inhabitants of Ashdod”
139 3:8 2:4 my26 mi6f rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor wait for me & until the day בַּֽ⁠צָּהֳרַ֨יִם֙ 0 1 This phrase implies that they are waiting for judgment. Zephaniah is speaking as if an army would literally expel the inhabitants of Ashdod at a specific time, **at noon**. He is likely using noon, the time when the sun is brightest in the sky, to mean “in broad daylight,” that is, as the result of an open attack by an overwhelming force. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “in an open attack”
140 3:8 2:4 rhe9 sb41 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-123person rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor this is Yahweh’s declaration וְ⁠עֶקְר֖וֹן תֵּעָקֵֽר 0 1 Yahweh speaks of himself by name to express the certainty of what he is declaring. Alternate translation: “this is what Yahweh has declared” or “this is what I, Yahweh, have declared” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-123person]]) Zephaniah is speaking as if the city of **Ekron** were literally a plant that could be **uprooted**, that is, pulled completely out of the ground, including its roots. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “and Ekron will be completely destroyed”
141 3:8 2:4 izp2 z072 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive I rise up to seize the prey וְ⁠עֶקְר֖וֹן תֵּעָקֵֽר 0 1 Yahweh’s judgment on the nations is spoken of as if he was an hungry animal that attacked a smaller animal. Alternate translation: “I will rise up and destroy them as an animal seizes its prey” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “and it will be as if Ekron were a plant that someone had pulled out by the roots” or “and an army will destroy Ekron”
142 3:8 2:5 mvx7 p4be rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-possession to assemble the nations, to gather the kingdoms חֶ֥בֶל הַ⁠יָּ֖ם 0 1 These two phrases mean the same thing and emphasize that Yahweh will judge all of the nations. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet]]) Zephaniah is using this possessive form to describe a **region** that is along the coast of the **sea**. He means specifically the area along the coast of the Mediterranean Sea where the Philistines lived. It may be helpful to clarify this for your readers. Alternate translation: “the seacoast”
143 3:8 2:5 q1ml z073 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit my anger—all of my burning wrath כְּרֵתִ֑ים 0 1 The words “anger” and “burning wrath” mean basically the same thing and emphasize the intensity of Yahweh’s anger. Alternate translation: “my very fierce wrath” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet]]) The word **Kerethites** is another name for all or part of the people group also known as the **Philistines**. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could use the name Philistines here in order to show that Zephaniah is addressing one people group, not two. Alternate translation: “the Philistines”
144 3:8 2:5 ge59 z074 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy in the fire of my jealousy all the earth will be consumed דְּבַר־יְהוָ֣ה עֲלֵי⁠כֶ֗ם 0 1 This phrase can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “the fire of my jealousy will devour all the land” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) Zephaniah is using the term **word** to mean what Yahweh has said by using words. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “Yahweh has spoken a message against you”
145 3:8 2:5 hc95 pq8v rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-apostrophe in the fire of my jealousy & consumed עֲלֵי⁠כֶ֗ם כְּנַ֨עַן֙ אֶ֣רֶץ פְּלִשְׁתִּ֔ים 0 1 Yahweh’s jealousy is here spoken of as if it were fire that could consume something. This can be stated as a simile. Alternate translation: “my jealousy will consume all the earth as a fire” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]] and [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile]]) Zephaniah is speaking to something that he knows cannot hear him, the land of **Canaan**, in order to show in a strong way how he feels about the people who live there. If a speaker in your language would not do that, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “is against you Philistines who live in the land of Canaan”
146 3:9 2:5 cs8h z075 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-yousingular General Information: עֲלֵי⁠כֶ֗ם 0 1 # General Information:\n\nIn verses 3:9-10, Yahweh says that he will renew the Gentiles after the judgment. The word **you** is plural here because Zephaniah is implicitly speaking to the Philistines who live in the land of **Canaan**. However, since he is addressing that land directly, if you retain the direct-address form in your translation, it may be more natural in your language to use a singular form of “you.” (That would match the singular form of **you** in the quotation from Yahweh, “And I will destroy you,” which addresses Canaan as if that land were a person.)
147 3:9 2:5 la62 z076 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-quotations I will purify the lips of the peoples וְ⁠הַאֲבַדְתִּ֖י⁠ךְ מֵ⁠אֵ֥ין יוֹשֵֽׁב 0 1 Here “lips” refers to the ability to speak. Alternate translation: “I will cause the peoples to speak what is right” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) It may be more natural in your language to make this an indirect quotation. Alternate translation: “He has said that he will destroy you until there is no inhabitant”
148 3:9 2:5 k8y7 w9gq rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-apostrophe call upon the name of Yahweh וְ⁠הַאֲבַדְתִּ֖י⁠ךְ מֵ⁠אֵ֥ין יוֹשֵֽׁב 0 1 This is an idiom that means they worship Yahweh. Alternate translation: “worship Yahweh” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]]) As Zephaniah did, Yahweh is speaking to something that he knows cannot hear him, the land of **Canaan**, in order to show in a strong way how he feels about the people who live there. If a speaker in your language would not do that, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “And I will destroy you Philistines until none of you live in the land of Canaan any more”
149 3:9 2:6 f339 z077 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-possession serve him shoulder to shoulder חֶ֣בֶל הַ⁠יָּ֗ם 0 1 Here “shoulder to shoulder” is an idiom that means “side by side.” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]]) See how you translated this expression in the previous verse. Alternate translation: “the seacoast” or “the seacoast where the Philistines formerly lived”
150 3:10 2:6 zs4q gm12 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-possession beyond the river of Cush נְוֺ֛ת כְּרֹ֥ת רֹעִ֖ים וְ⁠גִדְר֥וֹת צֹֽאן 0 1 This may refer to the area where Sudan is located today. Zephaniah is using these possessive forms to describe what will be in the **pastures**, who will use the **meadows**, and what the **pens** will contain. It may be helpful to clarify this for your readers. Alternate translation: “pastures in which there are meadows where shepherds graze their sheep and pens that hold their flocks”
151 3:11 2:7 hvk2 h1ww rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor General Information: בֵּ֥ית יְהוּדָ֖ה 0 1 # General Information:\n\nIn verses 3:11-13, Yahweh encourages the remnant of Israel who survive the judgment. Zephaniah is using the word **house** to mean the people who live in the kingdom of Judah. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “the people of Judah”
152 3:11 2:7 ryq3 e8k3 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche In that day & at that time בְּ⁠בָתֵּ֣י אַשְׁקְל֗וֹן בָּ⁠עֶ֨רֶב֙ יִרְבָּצ֔וּ⁠ן 0 1 “When that happens … at that time.” These phrases here refer to the time of peace and restoration that immediately follows the day of Yahweh. Zephaniah is using one aspect of living in a house, lying down there in the evening (that is, sleeping there at night) to mean living there in general. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “they will come and live in the abandoned houses in the city of Ashkelon”
153 3:11 2:7 xcx2 z078 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom will not be put to shame for all your deeds יִפְקְדֵ֛⁠ם 0 1 If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “will no longer be ashamed of all your deeds” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) Zephaniah is using the term **visit** in a specific sense to mean taking action in regard to someone. In [1:8](../01/08.md), [1:9](../01/09.md), and [1:12](../01/12.md), the term describes taking action to punish people. But here it describes taking action to help people. You could indicate that in your translation if it would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “will help them”
154 3:11 2:8 y6pj ep73 rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-quotations those who celebrated your pride שָׁמַ֨עְתִּי֙ חֶרְפַּ֣ת 0 1 Alternate translation: “all the people who are very proud” This is the beginning of a direct quotation from Yahweh, as the phrase “the declaration of Yahweh of armies, the God of Israel” in the next verse indicates. See how you translated the phrase “the declaration of Yahweh” in [1:2](../01/02.md). If you used it to introduce the quotation there, you may wish to use the comparable phrase from [2:9](../02/09.md) to introduce the quotation here. The UST models a way to do that.
155 3:12 2:8 q74i z079 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification General Information: מוֹאָ֔ב 0 1 # General Information:\n\nIn verses 3:11-13, Yahweh encourages the remnant of Israel who survive the judgment. Yahweh is speaking of the country of **Moab** as if it were a living thing that could have expressed **reproach** against the people of Judah. He is referring to the people of that country. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “the people of Moab” or “the Moabites”
156 3:12 2:8 c1gc z080 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor they will find refuge in the name of Yahweh בְּנֵ֣י עַמּ֑וֹן 0 1 Yahweh’s protection of this remnant is spoke of as if he was a refuge or a fortress. Here “name of Yahweh” refers to his person. Alternate translation: “they will come to Yahweh and he will help them” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]] and [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) Here the word **sons** means “descendants.” Yahweh is describing the members of the Ammonite people group by reference to their common descent from a single ancestor, Benammi, here called **Ammon**. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “the people of Ammon” or “the Ammonites”
157 3:13 2:8 y163 zd77 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom The remnant of Israel וַ⁠יַּגְדִּ֖ילוּ עַל־גְּבוּלָֽ⁠ם 0 1 This refers to the “lowly and poor people” of [Zephaniah 3:12](../03/12.md). This could mean: (1) that the Moabites and Ammonites have expanded their territories by taking territory away from the kingdom of Judah. Alternate translation: “and have stolen bordering territories from them” (2) that the Moabites and Ammonites have threatened to attack the kingdom of Judah and take some or all of its territory. Alternate translation: “and have boasted that they will take their territory”
158 3:13 2:9 b2m7 hzr2 rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-oathformula commit injustice לָ⁠כֵ֣ן חַי־אָ֡נִי & כִּֽי 0 1 Alternate translation: “do unjust things” Yahweh is using this language to swear a solemn oath. He is indicating that the things he says will happen to Moab and Ammon are just as certain as some other very certain thing, the fact that he is **alive**. Translate this in a way that will show your readers that it is an oath. For example, it may be helpful to add the words **I swear**, as the UST does. If oaths are unfamiliar in your culture, you could also add a short explanation of what an oath is.
159 3:13 2:9 ja4i pi3w rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-quotations no deceitful tongue will be found in their mouth נְאֻם֩ יְהוָ֨ה צְבָא֜וֹת אֱלֹהֵ֣י יִשְׂרָאֵ֗ל 0 1 Here “tongue … in their mouth” represents the things that the tongue enables the mouth to speak. They can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “none of them will speak deceitful things” or “they will not say deceitful things” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]] and [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) This phrase indicates that the rest of the material in verses 2:8–9 is a direct quotation from Yahweh. See how you decided to introduce this direct quotation in the previous verse.
160 3:13 2:9 pe7k z081 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names they will graze and lie down יְהוָ֨ה צְבָא֜וֹת 0 1 Yahweh speaks of his provision for the people of Israel as if they are a flock of sheep that grazes and rests in safety. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) The phrase **Yahweh of Armies** is a title for God that indicates his great power. It describes him as the commander of heavenly armies. If a translation of the Bible exists in your region, it may have a particular way of translating this phrase, and you may wish to use that in your translation. If a translation of the Bible does not exist in your region, express the meaning of this phrase in a way that will be clear to your readers. Alternate translation: “Yahweh the Almighty”
161 3:14 2:9 d65d b2lh rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile General Information: מוֹאָ֞ב כִּ⁠סְדֹ֤ם תִּֽהְיֶה֙ וּ⁠בְנֵ֤י עַמּוֹן֙ כַּֽ⁠עֲמֹרָ֔ה 0 1 # General Information:\n\nIn verses 3:14-20, Zephaniah tells the remnant of Israel who survived the judgment that they should rejoice. The point of this comparison is that just as **Sodom** and **Gomorrah** were completely destroyed (see [Genesis 19:1–29](../gen/19/01.md)), so the countries of **Moab** and **Ammon** will be completely destroyed. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this point explicitly. See how you translated the word “Moab” and the expression “the sons of Ammon” in the previous verse. Alternate translation: “the country of Moab will be completely destroyed, as the city of Sodom was, and the people of Ammon will be completely destroyed, as the people of the city of Gomorrah were”
162 3:14 2:9 d6q3 z082 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis daughter of Zion & daughter of Jerusalem מִמְשַׁ֥ק חָר֛וּל וּ⁠מִכְרֵה־מֶ֥לַח וּ⁠שְׁמָמָ֖ה עַד־עוֹלָ֑ם 0 1 Here “daughter” refers to all the people who lived in the city. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]]) Yahweh is leaving out some of the words that in many languages a sentence would need in order to be complete. You can supply these words from the context if that would be clearer in your language. It may be helpful to begin a new sentence here. Alternate translation: “They will become a possession of the nettle and the pit of salt and a ruin forever”
163 3:14 2:9 x7wg z083 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-genericnoun Be glad and rejoice מִמְשַׁ֥ק חָר֛וּל וּ⁠מִכְרֵה־מֶ֥לַח וּ⁠שְׁמָמָ֖ה עַד־עוֹלָ֑ם 0 1 These two phrases mean the same thing and emphasize how happy they should be. Alternate translation: “Be very happy” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet]]) Yahweh is not referring to a specific **nettle** or **pit of salt**. He means nettles and salt pits in general. It may be more natural in your language to express this meaning by using plural forms. Alternate translation: “a possession of nettles and salt pits and a ruin forever”
164 3:14 2:9 qj83 l2f5 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor with all your heart מִמְשַׁ֥ק חָר֛וּל וּ⁠מִכְרֵה־מֶ֥לַח וּ⁠שְׁמָמָ֖ה עַד־עוֹלָ֑ם 0 1 Here “heart” refers to the inner being of a person. Alternate translation: “with all your inner being” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) Yahweh is speaking as if nettles and salt pits would literally own or possess the territory where the Moabites and Ammonites formerly lived. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “a place where only weeds grow and where people dig for salt and where no one will ever build any buildings again”
165 3:15 2:9 lb51 dr9e rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism Yahweh has taken away your punishment שְׁאֵרִ֤ית עַמִּ⁠י֙ יְבָזּ֔וּ⁠ם וְ⁠יֶ֥תֶר גּוֹיִ֖י יִנְחָלֽוּ⁠ם 0 1 Here to “take away” punishment is an idiom that means to stop doing it. Alternate translation: “Yahweh has stopped punishing you” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]]) These two phrases mean basically the same thing. The second emphasizes the meaning of the first by repeating the same idea with different words. Hebrew poetry was based on this kind of repetition, and it would be good to show this to your readers by including both phrases in your translation rather than combining them. It may be clearer in your language to connect the phrases with a word other than **and** in order to show that the second phrase is repeating the first one, not saying something additional. Alternate translation: “The remnant of my people will plunder them; indeed, the remainder of my nation will occupy them”
166 3:15 2:10 t4fy z084 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result You will never again fear evil זֹ֥את לָ⁠הֶ֖ם תַּ֣חַת גְּאוֹנָ֑⁠ם כִּ֤י חֵֽרְפוּ֙ וַ⁠יַּגְדִּ֔לוּ עַל־עַ֖ם יְהוָ֥ה צְבָאֽוֹת 0 1 If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word **evil**, you can express the same idea with a verbal form. Alternate translation: “You will no longer be afraid that people will harm you” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]]) If it would be more natural in your language, you could reverse the order of these phrases, since the second phrase gives the reason for the result that the first phrase describes. Alternate translation: “Because they reproached and made themselves great against the people of Yahweh of Armies, this will be to them instead of their pride”
167 3:16 2:10 v9ia z085 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor In that day זֹ֥את לָ⁠הֶ֖ם תַּ֣חַת גְּאוֹנָ֑⁠ם 0 1 “At that time” or “When this happens.” This phrase here refers to the time of peace and restoration that immediately follows the day of Yahweh. Yahweh is speaking as if the **pride** of the Moabites and Ammonites were literally an object that belonged to them. He is also speaking as if the destruction they are going to experience were also an object and as if he were going to take away their pride and give them destruction in its place. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “This will happen to them because they were so proud”
168 3:16 2:10 eh5e z086 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom say to Jerusalem & Zion וַ⁠יַּגְדִּ֔לוּ עַל 0 1 The names of these cities here refer to the people who live in them. Alternate translation: “say to the people of Jerusalem … people of Zion” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) See how you translated the expression “made themselves great” in [2:8](../02/08.md). If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “and stole bordering territories from” or “and boasted that they would take territory from”
169 3:16 2:10 pc5c z087 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names Do not let your hands falter יְהוָ֥ה צְבָאֽוֹת 0 1 To feel weak or helpless is spoken of as if their hands became physically weak. Here “hands” represents the whole person. Alternate translation: “Do not become weak” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]] and [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]]) See how you translated the title “Yahweh of Armies” in the previous verse. Alternate translation: “Yahweh the Almighty”
170 3:17 2:11 w8tr z088 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor General Information: רָזָ֔ה אֵ֖ת כָּל־אֱלֹהֵ֣י הָ⁠אָ֑רֶץ 0 1 # General Information:\n\nIn verses 3:14-20, Zephaniah tells the remnant of Israel who survived the judgment that they should rejoice. Zephaniah is speaking as if Yahweh is literally going to **starve** the false **gods** that other nations worship, that is, deny them food so that they become thin. This is likely a reference to the fat of animals that people sacrificed to gods. The implication is that people will no longer sacrifice to those gods because they will no longer worship them once Yahweh has shown that he is the only true and powerful God. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “he will show by his powerful actions that he is the only true God”
171 3:17 2:11 g95f z089 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-possession a mighty one to save you וְ⁠יִשְׁתַּֽחֲווּ־ל⁠וֹ֙ & כֹּ֖ל אִיֵּ֥י הַ⁠גּוֹיִֽם 0 1 “he is mighty and will save you.” Yahweh is spoken of as a mighty warrior. Alternate translation: “he is a mighty warrior and will give you victory” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) Zephaniah is using this possessive form not to describe **islands** that belong to **nations** but to describe island-nations among the nations. The term **islands** can describe not just land that is completely surrounded by water but also land along a seacoast. In Zephaniah’s culture, people used the term to refer to distant lands. It may be helpful to clarify this for your readers. Alternate translation: “And even the most distant nations will bow down to him”
172 3:17 2:11 gk13 z090 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification He will celebrate over you with joy & he will be glad over you with a shout for joy וְ⁠יִשְׁתַּֽחֲווּ־ל⁠וֹ֙ & כֹּ֖ל אִיֵּ֥י הַ⁠גּוֹיִֽם 0 1 These two phrases mean the same thing and are repeated to emphasize Yahweh’s joy that the remnant is restored to him. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]]) Zephaniah is speaking of the **nations** of the world as if they were living things that could **bow down** to Yahweh. He means that the people of the nations will do this. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “And the people of even the most distant nations will bow down to him”
173 3:17 2:11 h9ek z091 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom he will be silent over you in his love אִ֣ישׁ מִ⁠מְּקוֹמ֔⁠וֹ 0 1 This could mean: (1) “he will quiet you by his love for you” or (2) “he will renew you because he loves you.” The phrase **a man** refers to an individual. In this context it could mean an individual nation or an individual person. If you retain Zephaniah’s depiction of the nations as living things, in your translation you could say “each in its own territory.” If you choose to show that he is using the nations to represent their people, you could say “all of them in their own territories.”
174 3:18 2:12 i4ff z092 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-quotations no longer bear any shame for it גַּם־אַתֶּ֣ם כּוּשִׁ֔ים 0 1 Here shame is spoken of as if it was a heavy thing that a person had to carry. Alternate translation: “no longer be ashamed because of it” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) This verse is a direct quotation from Yahweh. You may wish to indicate that in your translation by using a natural way of introducing direct quotations in your language. Alternate translation: “Yahweh also declares, ‘You, Cushites’”
175 3:19 2:12 ih9r z093 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-123person General Information: חַֽלְלֵ֥י חַרְבִּ֖⁠י הֵֽמָּה 0 1 # General Information:\n\nIn verses 3:19-20, Yahweh speaks directly to the remnant of Israel who survived the judgment and tells them that they should rejoice. Yahweh is speaking about the Cushites in the third person, but since he is addressing them directly, it may be more natural in your language to translate this in the second person. Alternate translation: “you will be pierced by my sword”
176 3:19 2:12 f6zj k6vz rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive Behold חַֽלְלֵ֥י חַרְבִּ֖⁠י הֵֽמָּה 0 1 This tells the reader to pay special attention to what follows. Alternate translation: “Look” or “Pay attention” If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “my sword will pierce you”
177 3:19 2:12 l1m4 dr9y rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor I am about to deal with all your oppressors חַֽלְלֵ֥י חַרְבִּ֖⁠י הֵֽמָּה 0 1 It is understood that “deal with” means to punish the oppressors. This can be stated explicitly. Alternate translation: “I will severely punish all those who oppressed you” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) Yahweh is speaking as if he were literally going to pierce or kill the Cushites with a **sword**. He means that he is going to cause an enemy army to kill many of them. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “an enemy army will kill many of you”
178 3:19 2:13 qc78 vj6j rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism I will rescue the lame and gather up the outcast וְ⁠יֵ֤ט יָד⁠וֹ֙ עַל־צָפ֔וֹן וִֽ⁠יאַבֵּ֖ד אֶת־אַשּׁ֑וּר 0 1 Here the Israelites who suffered in exile are spoken of as if they were lame and outcast sheep. This can be stated as a simile. Alternate translation: “I will rescue and bring together the remnant of Israel who are like lame and outcast sheep” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]] and [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile]]) These two phrases mean basically the same thing. The second emphasizes the meaning of the first by repeating the same idea with different words. You may wish to include both phrases in your translation, but it may be clearer in your language to connect the phrases with a word other than **and** in order to show that the second phrase is repeating the first one, not saying something additional. Alternate translation: “And he will stretch out his hand against the north; yes, he will destroy Assyria”
179 3:19 2:13 kzw3 rqc2 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy the lame וְ⁠יֵ֤ט יָד⁠וֹ֙ 0 1 This refers to people or animals that cannot walk. See how you translated the expression “I will stretch out my hand” in [1:4](../01/04.md). Alternate translation: “And he will use his power”
180 3:19 2:13 ry88 z094 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy I will make them as praise צָפ֔וֹן 0 1 The full thought here is, “I will make them to be objects of praise,” that is, “I will make them to be praised by others.” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile]]) Zephaniah is using the term **north** by association to mean the empire that was located to the north of Judah, **Assyria**, as he indicates later in a parallel phrase. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “the empire that is north of here”
181 3:19 2:14 cxu6 z095 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns I will change their shame into renown בְ⁠תוֹכָ֤⁠הּ 0 1 The abstract nouns “shame” and “renown” can be stated as actions. Alternate translation: “I will cause them to no longer be ashamed, but for people to respect them” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]]) The possessive pronoun **its** refers to the city of Nineveh. It may be helpful to clarify this for your readers. Alternate translation: “in the midst of Nineveh”
182 3:20 2:14 d2a1 fgc1 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-genericnoun At that time I will lead you; at that time I will gather you together כָּל־חַיְת⁠וֹ־ג֔וֹי 0 1 These two lines mean basically the same thing and imply that Yahweh will bring the exiled people back to their homeland. Alternate translation: “At that time I will gather you together and lead you home” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]]) Zephaniah is not referring to a specific **nation**. He means nations in general. He is also saying **every** as a generalization for emphasis. It may be more natural in your language to express this meaning by using a plural form. It may also be helpful to begin a new sentence here. Alternate translation: “They will be various kinds of herds, composed of the sorts of animals found in many different nations”
183 2:14 rq3s rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-genericnoun גַּם־קָאַת֙ גַּם־קִפֹּ֔ד 1 Zephaniah is not referring to a specific **desert owl** or **screech owl**. He means many individual birds of these types. It may be more natural in your language to express this meaning by using plural forms. Zephaniah may also be using these two types of desert bird to mean desert birds in general. Alternate translation: “Both desert owls and screech owls” or “Various desert birds”
184 2:14 jp3m rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit בְּ⁠כַפְתֹּרֶ֖י⁠הָ יָלִ֑ינוּ 1 The word translated **columns** refers specifically to the tops of columns, which often had ornate decorations. The implication is that an army will have destroyed the elaborate buildings of Nineveh so that only columns remain standing, and they are not supporting a roof, so their tops are exposed and provide a roosting place for birds. You could indicate that in your translation if it would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “will roost on top of the exposed columns of its destroyed buildings”
185 2:14 e998 rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result ק֠וֹל יְשׁוֹרֵ֤ר בַּֽ⁠חַלּוֹן֙ חֹ֣רֶב בַּ⁠סַּ֔ף כִּ֥י אַרְזָ֖ה עֵרָֽה 1 If it would be more natural in your language, you could reverse the order of these phrases, since the second phrase gives the reason for the result that the first phrase describes. Zephaniah is describing how badly Nineveh will be destroyed by referring to the fact that the costly and elaborate **cedar-work** of its ornate buildings will be exposed to the elements. Alternate translation: “Because the city will be destroyed so thoroughly that the cedar-work will be bare, a call will hoot in the window; devastation will be in the threshold”
186 2:14 u3vb rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification ק֠וֹל יְשׁוֹרֵ֤ר בַּֽ⁠חַלּוֹן֙ 1 Zephaniah is speaking of a bird’s **call** as if it were a living thing that could **hoot** on its own. He is using the call of birds to represent the birds themselves. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “Birds will hoot their calls in the windows”
187 2:14 z096 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns חֹ֣רֶב בַּ⁠סַּ֔ף 1 If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of **devastation**, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “debris will block doorways”
188 2:15 kl78 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification זֹ֞֠את הָ⁠עִ֤יר הָ⁠עַלִּיזָה֙ הַ⁠יּוֹשֶׁ֣בֶת לָ⁠בֶ֔טַח הָ⁠אֹֽמְרָה֙ בִּ⁠לְבָבָ֔⁠הּ אֲנִ֖י וְ⁠אַפְסִ֣⁠י ע֑וֹד 1 Zephaniah is speaking of the **city** of Nineveh as if it were a living thing that could exult, dwell in **security**, and speak. He means that the people of Nineveh have done these things. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “This is the city whose people exulted, who thought they dwelled in security, who said in their hearts, ‘We are, and besides us there are no others.’”
189 2:15 pvv7 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor הָ⁠אֹֽמְרָה֙ בִּ⁠לְבָבָ֔⁠הּ אֲנִ֖י וְ⁠אַפְסִ֣⁠י ע֑וֹד 1 Here the **heart** represents the thoughts. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “the one saying in its thoughts, ‘I am, and besides me there is not another’” or “the one saying to itself, ‘I am, and besides me there it not another’”
190 2:15 g214 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom הָ⁠אֹֽמְרָה֙ בִּ⁠לְבָבָ֔⁠הּ אֲנִ֖י וְ⁠אַפְסִ֣⁠י ע֑וֹד 1 In this context, the quoted statement means, “I am the only city that really matters; it is as if all other cities did not even exist.” You could say that in your translation if it would be helpful to your readers.
191 2:15 z097 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-quotesinquotes הָ⁠אֹֽמְרָה֙ בִּ⁠לְבָבָ֔⁠הּ אֲנִ֖י וְ⁠אַפְסִ֣⁠י ע֑וֹד 1 If it would be clearer in your language, you could translate this so that there is not a quotation within a quotation. Alternate translation: “The one saying to itself that it is the only city that really matters, as if all other cities did not even exist” or “The one whose people said to themselves that their city was the only one that really mattered, as if all other cities did not even exist”
192 2:15 w3q5 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-pastforfuture אֵ֣יךְ ׀ הָיְתָ֣ה לְ⁠שַׁמָּ֗ה 1 Zephaniah is using the past tense in order to describe something that will happen in the future. He is doing this to show that the event will certainly happen. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use the future tense. Alternate translation: “How it will become a ruin”
193 2:15 z098 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-genericnoun מַרְבֵּץ֙ לַֽ⁠חַיָּ֔ה 1 Zephaniah is not referring to a specific **beast**. He means beasts in general. It may be more natural in your language to express this meaning by using a plural form. Alternate translation: “a lair for beasts”
194 2:15 n4jw rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction כֹּ֚ל עוֹבֵ֣ר עָלֶ֔י⁠הָ יִשְׁרֹ֖ק יָנִ֥יעַ יָדֽ⁠וֹ 1 Hissing and shaking a **fist** at Nineveh would be symbolic actions that expressed contempt for the city. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could explain the significance of these actions. Alternate translation: “Every one passing by will hiss at it in contempt; he will shake his fist in scorn”
195 3:intro f3en 0 # Zephaniah 3 General Notes\n\n## Structure and formatting\n\nThis chapter is the third of the three major parts of the book of Zephaniah. (See the outline in the General Introduction to the book.) This part begins with a warning to the city of Jerusalem (verses 1–8), and it then describes how Yahweh will restore Jerusalem and bring people from many nations there to worship him (verses 9–20).\n\nThe ULT sets the lines of this chapter farther to the right on the page than the rest of the text because they are poetry.\n\n## Important Figures of Speech in This Chapter\n\n### Personification\n\nIn verses 1–5, Zephaniah speaks of the city of Jerusalem as if it were a person who was acting in certain ways. Zephaniah is actually addressing the people of Jerusalem. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could indicate that in your translation. For example, for the statement “Woe to the one rebelling” in verse 1, you might say “Woe to the people of Jerusalem, who are rebelling.”\n\n## Translation Issues in This Chapter\n\n### Gender of the pronoun for a city\n\nIn verses 1–5, Zephaniah uses the pronouns “she” and “her” to mean Jerusalem, since it was conventional in his language to use feminine pronouns when speaking about a city. In verses 11–12 and 18–19, Yahweh addresses the city as if it were a person, and he uses the feminine singular form of “you.” Zephaniah does the same in verses 14–15, as do the people who speak to Jerusalem in verses 16–17. If you decide to show in your translation that all of these speakers are addressing Jerusalem as if the city were a person, you may decide to use the gender of pronoun that is conventional in your own language.\n\n### Number of pronouns\n\nThe pronoun “you” is singular throughout the chapter except for in v. 20, where it is plural. Use the corresponding forms in your translation if your language marks a distinction between singular and plural “you” and if you decide to retain the references to the city of Jerusalem as if it were a person.
196 3:1 aew2 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit ה֥וֹי מֹרְאָ֖ה וְ⁠נִגְאָלָ֑ה הָ⁠עִ֖יר הַ⁠יּוֹנָֽה 1 Zephaniah is implicitly referring to the **city** of Jerusalem. You could indicate that in your translation if it would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “Woe to Jerusalem, the one rebelling and being defiled, the oppressing city”
197 3:1 d7qu rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification מֹרְאָ֖ה וְ⁠נִגְאָלָ֑ה הָ⁠עִ֖יר הַ⁠יּוֹנָֽה 1 As the General Notes to this chapter discuss, here and through verse 5, Zephaniah is speaking of the **city** of Jerusalem as if it were a person who could be **rebelling** and who could have become **defiled** and who could be **oppressing** vulnerable people. Zephaniah is actually addressing the people of Jerusalem who have been doing these things. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could indicate this in your translation, here and in verses 2–5. Alternate translation: “you people of Jerusalem who are rebelling against Yahweh and who have become defiled and who are oppressing others”
198 3:1 fc2a rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive מֹרְאָ֖ה וְ⁠נִגְאָלָ֑ה הָ⁠עִ֖יר הַ⁠יּוֹנָֽה 1 If your language does not use a passive form such as **being defiled**, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “the city that has rebelled and defiled herself and that has oppressed people” or “you people of Jerusalem who are rebelling against Yahweh and who have defiled yourselves and who are oppressing others”
199 3:1 z099 rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns מֹרְאָ֖ה וְ⁠נִגְאָלָ֑ה 1 In verses 1­–7, as the ULT shows, Zephaniah uses feminine singular pronouns to refer to the city of Jerusalem. That was conventional in his language. Your language may use a different gender of pronouns to refer to cities. If you translate verses 1–7 as though Zephaniah is speaking directly to the city as a person, use the gender of pronoun that is most natural in your language. Alternate translation: “the city that has rebelled and defiled itself”
200 3:2 lb6h rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom לֹ֤א שָֽׁמְעָה֙ בְּ⁠ק֔וֹל 1 Zephaniah is using the term **heard** in a specific sense to mean “obeyed.” If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “She does not obey the voice”
201 3:2 z100 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit לֹ֤א שָֽׁמְעָה֙ בְּ⁠ק֔וֹל 1 The term **voice** could mean: (1) the voice of Yahweh, that is, the message Yahweh has been sending to the people of Jerusalem through his prophets telling the people to repent. Alternate translation: “She has not obeyed Yahweh’s command to repent” (2) the voice of anyone who has been warning the people of the city that their wicked behavior will have destructive consequences. Alternate translation: “She does not listen to anyone who tries to warn her”
202 3:2 z101 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor אֶל־אֱלֹהֶ֖י⁠הָ לֹ֥א קָרֵֽבָה 1 Zephaniah is speaking as if the city of Jerusalem, meaning its people, could literally have **drawn near** to **God**, that is, moved closer to a place where God was. He means that they could have and should have worshiped God sincerely. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “she does not worship her God sincerely”
203 3:3 z102 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit שָׂרֶ֣י⁠הָ 1 See how you translated the term “princes” in [1:8](../01/08.md). Alternate translation: “her officials”
204 3:3 ae1f rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor בְ⁠קִרְבָּ֔⁠הּ אֲרָי֖וֹת שֹֽׁאֲגִ֑ים 1 Zephaniah is speaking as if the **princes** of Jerusalem were literally **roaring lions**. He means that they exploit and harm vulnerable people rather than protecting them. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. You may find it helpful to translate this image as a comparison. Alternate translation: “exploit and harm the vulnerable people of the city, as if they were roaring lions attacking their prey”
205 3:3 z5i2 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor זְאֵ֣בֵי עֶ֔רֶב 1 Zephaniah is speaking as if the **judges** of Jerusalem were literally **wolves**. As in the case of his comparison of the city’s princes to lions, he means that they exploit and harm vulnerable people rather than protecting them. By **wolves of the evening**, Zephaniah means wolves that have not eaten all day and so are especially aggressive from hunger. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Once again you may find it helpful to translate this image as a comparison. Alternate translation: “also exploit and harm the vulnerable people of the city, like hungry wolves attacking their prey”
206 3:3 z103 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor לֹ֥א גָרְמ֖וּ לַ⁠בֹּֽקֶר 1 Zephaniah is continuing to speak of the city’s **judges** as if they were **wolves**. The last thing a wolf would do in eating an animal it had killed, after consuming its flesh, would be to **gnaw** on its bones to get at the marrow inside. Zephaniah is saying that these judges are like wolves that eat an entire animal at once when they kill it in the evening or at night, leaving not even this final task for the morning. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “they take everything away from vulnerable people”
207 3:4 u7tc rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor פֹּֽחֲזִ֔ים 1 Zephaniah is speaking as if the **prophets** in Jerusalem were literally **light**, that is, as if they did not weigh very much. He could mean: (1) that they are frivolous in character and so what they say is not profound or significant. Alternate translation: “are frivolous” (2) that nothing restrains them from doing wrong things, as if they were a light object with nothing weighing it down that would float away or be blown away. Alternate translation: “are unprincipled” or “are reckless”
208 3:4 z104 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-distinguish אַנְשֵׁ֖י בֹּֽגְד֑וֹת 1 The phrase **men of treacheries** gives further information about the **prophets** whom Zephaniah is describing. It does not refer to a different group of people. You could indicate that in your translation if it would be helpful to your readers. It may be helpful to begin a new sentence here. Alternate translation: “They are men of treacheries”
209 3:4 xm2b rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-possession אַנְשֵׁ֖י בֹּֽגְד֑וֹת 1 Zephaniah is using this possessive form not to describe men who belong to treacheries but to describe **men** who habitually commit **treacheries**. This could mean: (1) that these prophets deceive and betray other people in order to take advantage of them. Alternate translation: “They treat others treacherously” (2) that they are not faithful to Yahweh, that is, they do not speak only messages that Yahweh has given them. Rather, they speak messages that they claim are from Yahweh but which Yahweh has not given them. Alternate translation: “They do not speak faithfully only what Yahweh has told them”
210 3:4 q96w rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj חִלְּלוּ־קֹ֔דֶשׁ 1 Zephaniah is using the adjective **holy** as a noun to mean a certain thing or kind of thing. Your language may use adjectives in the same way. If not, you can translate this adjective with an equivalent phrase. The word **holy** could be referring to: (1) the temple, as a holy place set apart for the worship of Yahweh. Alternate translation: “treat the temple as if it were just an ordinary place” (2) in addition to the temple, all of the clothing, equipment, and food that was set apart for the use of the priests in leading the people in the worship of Yahweh. Alternate translation: “treat the special things that they are supposed to use in worship as if they were ordinary things”
211 3:5 a3p2 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublenegatives לֹ֥א יַעֲשֶׂ֖ה עַוְלָ֑ה 1 If it would be clearer in your language, you could use a positive expression to translate this double negative that consists of the negative particle **not** and the negative word **unrighteousness**. Alternate translation: “He always does what is right”
212 3:5 z105 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism בַּ⁠בֹּ֨קֶר בַּ⁠בֹּ֜קֶר מִשְׁפָּט֨⁠וֹ יִתֵּ֤ן לָ⁠אוֹר֙ לֹ֣א נֶעְדָּ֔ר 1 The word **light** could mean: (1) the light of dawn. In that case, Zephaniah would be saying the same thing twice in slightly different ways for emphasis. Hebrew poetry was based on this kind of repetition. To reflect this, you may wish to include both phrases in your translation rather than combining them. If you do that, it may be helpful to add a connecting word in order to show that the second clause is repeating the first one, not saying something additional. Alternate translation: “In the morning, in the morning he gives his justice; indeed, at dawn he is not left out” (2) visibility, representing how Yahweh makes **justice** evident. In that case, the phrase **at light** would apply to the first clause rather than to the second one. Alternate translation: “In the morning, in the morning he brings his justice to light; he is not left out” or “In the morning, in the morning he makes his justice evident; indeed, he does not fail to do that”
213 3:5 fe75 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-reduplication בַּ⁠בֹּ֨קֶר בַּ⁠בֹּ֜קֶר 1 Zephaniah is repeating the phrase **In the morning** in order to intensify the idea that it expresses. If your language can repeat phrases for intensification, you may find it appropriate to do that here in your translation. Your language may also have another way of expressing the emphasis. Alternate translation: “Morning by morning” or “Every morning”
214 3:5 z106 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy בַּ⁠בֹּ֨קֶר בַּ⁠בֹּ֜קֶר 1 Zephaniah is using the term **morning** to mean a day, by association with the way that each day begins with a morning. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “Day by day” or “Every day”
215 3:5 cvu6 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns מִשְׁפָּט֨⁠וֹ יִתֵּ֤ן 1 If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of **justice**, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “he tells people how to act justly” or “he declares what would be the just thing to do”
216 3:5 z107 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive לֹ֣א נֶעְדָּ֔ר 1 If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “he is not missing” or “he does not fail to appear”
217 3:5 dm1b rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublenegatives לֹ֣א נֶעְדָּ֔ר 1 If it would be clearer in your language, you could use a positive expression to translate this double negative that consists of the negative particle **not** and the negative verb **left out**. The double negative expresses emphasis, and you may choose to express that emphasis in a different way. Alternate translation: “he diligently appears”
218 3:5 z108 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj וְ⁠לֹֽא־יוֹדֵ֥עַ עַוָּ֖ל בֹּֽשֶׁת 1 Zephaniah is using the adjective **unrighteous** as a noun to mean a certain kind of person. Your language may use adjectives in the same way. If not, you can translate this adjective with an equivalent phrase. Alternate translation: “Yet people who are unrighteous do not know shame”
219 3:5 dwk9 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns וְ⁠לֹֽא־יוֹדֵ֥עַ עַוָּ֖ל בֹּֽשֶׁת 1 If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of **shame**, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “Yet people who are unrighteous are not ashamed of what they do, even though they should be”
220 3:6 t3em rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-quotations הִכְרַ֣תִּי גוֹיִ֗ם נָשַׁ֨מּוּ֙ פִּנּוֹתָ֔⁠ם הֶחֱרַ֥בְתִּי חֽוּצוֹתָ֖⁠ם 1 This is the beginning of a direct quotation from Yahweh that continues through verse 13. You may wish to indicate that in your translation by using a natural way of introducing direct quotations in your language. Alternate translation: “Yahweh has said, ‘I have cut off nations, their corners have been demolished; I have destroyed their streets’”
221 3:6 ie5c rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit הִכְרַ֣תִּי גוֹיִ֗ם נָשַׁ֨מּוּ֙ פִּנּוֹתָ֔⁠ם הֶחֱרַ֥בְתִּי חֽוּצוֹתָ֖⁠ם 1 Yahweh is speaking as if he has done these things personally, but he means that the enemy army he has been describing throughout the book has done them. You could indicate that in your translation if it would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “I have caused an enemy army to cut off nations, their corners have been demolished; that army has destroyed their streets”
222 3:6 z109 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom הִכְרַ֣תִּי 1 See how you translated the expression “cut off” in [1:3](../01/03.md). Alternate translation: “I have destroyed” or “I have caused an enemy army to destroy”
223 3:6 z110 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive נָשַׁ֨מּוּ֙ פִּנּוֹתָ֔⁠ם 1 If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “I have demolished their corners” or “it has demolished their corners”
224 3:6 z111 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit פִּנּוֹתָ֔⁠ם 1 See how you translated the word **corners** in [1:16](../01/16.md). Alternate translation: “the high towers at the corners of their walls”
225 3:6 y9qd rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive נִצְדּ֧וּ עָרֵי⁠הֶ֛ם 1 If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “Their cities are in ruins”
226 3:6 asi4 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet מִ⁠בְּלִי־אִ֖ישׁ מֵ⁠אֵ֥ין יוֹשֵֽׁב 1 These two phrases mean similar things. Yahweh is using them together for emphasis. If it would be clearer for your readers, you could express the emphasis with a single phrase. Alternate translation: “without a single person living there”
227 3:7 z112 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-123person אָמַ֜רְתִּי אַךְ־תִּירְאִ֤י אוֹתִ⁠י֙ תִּקְחִ֣י מוּסָ֔ר וְ⁠לֹֽא־יִכָּרֵ֣ת מְעוֹנָ֔⁠הּ כֹּ֥ל אֲשֶׁר־פָּקַ֖דְתִּי עָלֶ֑י⁠הָ 1 In this quotation, Yahweh first speaks directly to the city of Jerusalem in the second person, and then he speaks about that city in the third person. If it would help your readers appreciate what Yahweh is saying, you could translate the entire quotation in the third person. Alternate translation: “I said, ‘Surely she will fear me; she will take correction. Then her dwelling will not be cut off {by} all that I have visited upon her.’”
228 3:7 mvv5 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-quotesinquotes אָמַ֜רְתִּי אַךְ־תִּירְאִ֤י אוֹתִ⁠י֙ תִּקְחִ֣י מוּסָ֔ר וְ⁠לֹֽא־יִכָּרֵ֣ת מְעוֹנָ֔⁠הּ כֹּ֥ל אֲשֶׁר־פָּקַ֖דְתִּי עָלֶ֑י⁠הָ 1 If it would be clearer in your language, you could translate this so that there is not a quotation within a quotation. Alternate translation: “I said that she would surely fear me; she would take correction. Then her dwelling would not be cut off by all that I had visited upon her”
229 3:7 z113 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification אָמַ֜רְתִּי אַךְ־תִּירְאִ֤י אוֹתִ⁠י֙ תִּקְחִ֣י מוּסָ֔ר וְ⁠לֹֽא־יִכָּרֵ֣ת מְעוֹנָ֔⁠הּ כֹּ֥ל אֲשֶׁר־פָּקַ֖דְתִּי עָלֶ֑י⁠הָ 1 Yahweh is speaking to and about the city of Jerusalem as if it were a person who could **fear** him and **take correction**. He is actually speaking to and about the people who live in Jerusalem. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. See what you did in [3:1–5](../03/01.md). Alternate translation: “I said that the people of Jerusalem would surely fear me; they would take correction. Then their dwelling would not be cut off by all that I had visited upon them”
230 3:7 g15j rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom כֹּ֥ל אֲשֶׁר־פָּקַ֖דְתִּי עָלֶ֑י⁠הָ 1 See how you translated the expression “visit upon” in [1:8](../01/08.md). Alternate translation: “by all that I have done to punish her”
231 3:7 z114 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom הִשְׁכִּ֣ימוּ הִשְׁחִ֔יתוּ כֹּ֖ל עֲלִילוֹתָֽ⁠ם 1 Yahweh is using the expression **rose early** to mean that the people were eager to do corrupt things. The expression comes from the way that people get up early in the morning to do something if they are eager to do it. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “they eagerly corrupted all of their deeds”
232 3:7 u1c9 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole הִשְׁכִּ֣ימוּ הִשְׁחִ֔יתוּ כֹּ֖ל עֲלִילוֹתָֽ⁠ם 1 Yahweh says that as a generalization for emphasis. If it would be clearer in your language, you could express the emphasis in a different way. Alternate translation: “they eagerly corrupted their deeds even more”
233 3:8 rhe9 rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-quotations לָ⁠כֵ֤ן חַכּוּ־לִ⁠י֙ נְאֻם־יְהוָ֔ה לְ⁠י֖וֹם קוּמִ֣⁠י לְ⁠עַ֑ד 1 See how you translated the phrase “the declaration of Yahweh” in [1:2](../01/02.md), [1:3](../01/03.md), [1:10](../01/10.md), and [2:9](../02/09.md). If you used it to introduce the quotations in those places, you may wish to do the same thing here. Alternate translation: “This is what Yahweh declares: ‘Therefore wait for me, for the day of my arising to the prey’”
234 3:8 my26 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom לָ⁠כֵ֤ן חַכּוּ־לִ⁠י֙ נְאֻם־יְהוָ֔ה לְ⁠י֖וֹם קוּמִ֣⁠י לְ⁠עַ֑ד 1 The imperative **wait** is plural, so Yahweh is addressing some group of people. That group could be: (1) the wicked Judeans who are still disobeying Yahweh despite his warnings. In that case, Yahweh would be using the term **wait** to indicate that he is certainly going to do what he describes. Your language may use the term “wait” in this same sense. If not, you could use plain language. Alternate translation: “‘Therefore, you sinful Judeans, just wait!’—the declaration of Yahweh—‘One day soon I will arise to the prey’” or “‘Therefore you can be certain, you sinful Judeans’—the declaration of Yahweh—‘that one day soon I will arise to the prey’” (2) the “humble of the earth” whom Zephaniah mentions in [2:3](../02/03.md). In that case, Yahweh would be using the term **wait** to tell them to be patient until he punishes sin and enforces justice. Alternate translation: “‘Therefore, be patient, you godly people’—the declaration of Yahweh—‘until the day when I arise to the prey’”
235 3:8 z115 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom לְ⁠י֖וֹם קוּמִ֣⁠י 1 While Yahweh is going to punish sinful nations on a specific **day**, he is using that term here to refer to a specific time. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “until the time when I arise”
236 3:8 izp2 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor לְ⁠עַ֑ד 1 Yahweh is speaking as if he were a predatory animal and the wicked **nations** and **kingdoms** that he is going to punish were **prey** that he was going to pounce on. (This could be an allusion to the description of Jerusalem’s “princes” as “lions” and its “judges” as “wolves” in [3:3](../03/03.md), indicating that those who preyed on others will themselves become prey.) If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “to punish wicked people”
237 3:8 mvx7 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor לְ⁠עַ֑ד 1 The phrase translated **to the prey** could also be translated **as a witness**. If that is the meaning, then Yahweh would be speaking as if he were literally going to stand up and give evidence that these kingdoms and nations had sinned wickedly against him. If a translation of the Bible exists in your region, you may wish to use the reading that it uses. If a translation of the Bible does not exist in your region, you may wish to use the reading of ULT. Alternate translation: “as if I were going testify against you”
238 3:8 z116 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor לִ⁠שְׁפֹּ֨ךְ עֲלֵי⁠הֶ֤ם זַעְמִ⁠י֙ 1 Yahweh is speaking as if his **indignation** were a liquid that he was going to **pour out** onto wicked nations and kingdoms. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “to punish them in my indignation”
239 3:8 q1ml rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-distinguish כֹּ֚ל חֲר֣וֹן אַפִּ֔⁠י 1 The phrase **all of the burning of my nose** is a further description of Yahweh’s **indignation**. See how you translated the similar expression in [2:2](../02/02.md). It may be helpful to begin a new sentence here. Alternate translation: “My anger against them is very intense”
240 3:8 ge59 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor בְּ⁠אֵ֣שׁ קִנְאָתִ֔⁠י תֵּאָכֵ֖ל כָּל־הָ⁠אָֽרֶץ 1 See how you translated the similar expression in [1:18](../01/18.md). As the General Introduction to Zephaniah indicates, these parallel statements mark the boundaries between the major sections of the book. It may be helpful to your readers to translate them in the same way. Alternate translation: “I will destroy all of the people who live on the earth when I punish them in my jealousy”
241 3:9 la62 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy כִּֽי־& אֶהְפֹּ֥ךְ אֶל־עַמִּ֖ים שָׂפָ֣ה בְרוּרָ֑ה לִ⁠קְרֹ֤א כֻלָּ⁠ם֙ בְּ⁠שֵׁ֣ם יְהוָ֔ה 1 Yahweh is using the term **lip** by association to mean the capacity to speak. He could mean: (1) the peoples were saying wicked things because their character was wicked, but he will purify their character so that they will say pure things. Alternate translation: “I will surely give the peoples righteous character so that they will say pure things; then they will pray to me acceptably” (2) that by invoking the names of other gods (as described in [1:5](../01/05.md)), they had made themselves unworthy to pray to Yahweh, but he will cleanse their capacity to speak so that they can pray to him. Alternate translation: “I will surely cleanse the speech of the peoples from the defilement of the names of other gods so that they can pray to me acceptably”
242 3:9 z117 rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-collectivenouns כִּֽי & אֶהְפֹּ֥ךְ אֶל־עַמִּ֖ים שָׂפָ֣ה בְרוּרָ֑ה 1 Since Yahweh is speaking of many **peoples**, it may be more natural in your language to use the plural form of **lip**. Alternate translation: “I will surely give the peoples pure lips”
243 3:9 k8y7 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy לִ⁠קְרֹ֤א כֻלָּ⁠ם֙ בְּ⁠שֵׁ֣ם יְהוָ֔ה 1 Here, **name** represents a person by association with the way that each person has a name. However, in this instance there is also the idea that the peoples will call upon Yahweh (that is, pray to him) by name, acknowledging him as God. Alternate translation: “for all of them to pray to Yahweh by name”
244 3:9 z118 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-123person בְּ⁠שֵׁ֣ם יְהוָ֔ה לְ⁠עָבְד֖⁠וֹ 1 Yahweh is speaking about himself in the third person. If it would be helpful in your language, you could translate this in the first person. Alternate translation: “upon my name, to serve me”
245 3:9 f339 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom שְׁכֶ֥ם אֶחָֽד 1 Yahweh is using this expression to mean that the peoples will serve him unitedly, as if they were all putting their shoulders together to lift or push something heavy. Your language may have a comparable expression that you can use in your translation. You could also use plain language. Alternate translation: “shoulder to shoulder” or “together”
246 3:10 zs4q rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche מֵ⁠עֵ֖בֶר לְ⁠נַֽהֲרֵי־כ֑וּשׁ 1 Yahweh is using one distant place, the area around the **rivers of Cush** (the upper Nile region), to mean distant places in general. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “From even as far away as across the rivers of Cush” or “From even the most distant places”
247 3:10 z119 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom בַּת־פוּצַ֔⁠י 1 Here the expression **daughter of** describes the people who make up a certain group. The group in view here is the Jewish nation that will have been **scattered** into many different places through exile. Alternate translation: “the people of my scattered nation”
248 3:10 z120 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive בַּת־פוּצַ֔⁠י 1 If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “the Jewish people, whom conquering empires will have scattered into many lands”
249 3:10 z121 rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-collectivenouns יוֹבִל֖וּ⁠ן מִנְחָתִֽ⁠י 1 Since Yahweh is speaking of what many people will **bring**, it may be more natural in your language to use the plural form of **offering**. Alternate translation: “will bring my offerings” or “will bring offerings to me”
250 3:11 xcx2 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-yousingular לֹ֤א תֵב֨וֹשִׁי֙ & עֲלִילֹתַ֔יִ⁠ךְ 1 The words **you** and **your** are singular throughout this verse because Yahweh is speaking to the city of Jerusalem as if it were a person, as he did in [3:7](../03/07.md). Since Yahweh is actually speaking to the people who live in Jerusalem, you could use the plural forms of “you” and “your” in your translation if your language marks that distinction.
251 3:11 y6pj rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-possession עַלִּיזֵי֙ גַּאֲוָתֵ֔⁠ךְ 1 Yahweh is using this possessive form to describe **exultant** or boastful people in the city of Jerusalem who are characterized by pride. It may be helpful to clarify this for your readers. Alternate translation: “the people who have been boasting so proudly”
252 3:12 z122 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-yousingular בְ⁠קִרְבֵּ֔⁠ךְ 1 See whether you decided to use the singular or plural form of “you” and “your” in the previous verse. It would be helpful to use the same form here.
253 3:12 z123 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet עַ֥ם עָנִ֖י וָ⁠דָ֑ל 1 The terms **humble** and **lowly** mean similar things. Yahweh is using the two terms together for emphasis. If it would be clearer for your readers, you could express the emphasis with a single phrase. Alternate translation: “a genuinely humble people”
254 3:12 z124 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-123person וְ⁠חָס֖וּ בְּ⁠שֵׁ֥ם יְהוָֽה 1 Yahweh is speaking about himself in the third person. If it would be helpful in your language, you could translate this in the first person. Alternate translation: “and they will trust in my name”
255 3:12 c1gc rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy וְ⁠חָס֖וּ בְּ⁠שֵׁ֥ם יְהוָֽה 1 Here, **name** represents a person by association with the way that each person has a name. Alternate translation: “and they will trust in me personally”
256 3:13 y163 rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-collectivenouns וְ⁠לֹא־יְדַבְּר֣וּ כָזָ֔ב וְ⁠לֹֽא־יִמָּצֵ֥א בְּ⁠פִי⁠הֶ֖ם לְשׁ֣וֹן תַּרְמִ֑ית 1 and they will not speak a lie, and a tongue of deceit will not be found in their mouth Since Yahweh is speaking of many people, it may be more natural in your language to use plural forms here. Alternate translation: “and they will not speak lies, and tongues of deceit will not be found in their mouths”
257 3:13 b2m7 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism וְ⁠לֹא־יְדַבְּר֣וּ כָזָ֔ב וְ⁠לֹֽא־יִמָּצֵ֥א בְּ⁠פִי⁠הֶ֖ם לְשׁ֣וֹן תַּרְמִ֑ית 1 These two phrases mean basically the same thing. The second emphasizes the meaning of the first by repeating the same idea with different words. You may wish to show this to your readers by including both phrases in your translation but connecting them with a word other than **and**. Alternate translation: “and they will not speak lies; no, tongues of deceit will not be found in their mouths”
258 3:13 ja4i rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive וְ⁠לֹֽא־יִמָּצֵ֥א בְּ⁠פִי⁠הֶ֖ם לְשׁ֣וֹן תַּרְמִ֑ית 1 If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “and no one will find deceitful tongues in their mouths”
259 3:13 z125 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom וְ⁠לֹֽא־יִמָּצֵ֥א בְּ⁠פִי⁠הֶ֖ם לְשׁ֣וֹן תַּרְמִ֑ית 1 Here the word **found** indicates that something will not be able to be found because it will not be there. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “and there will be not be any deceitful tongues in their mouths”
260 3:13 z126 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy וְ⁠לֹֽא־יִמָּצֵ֥א בְּ⁠פִי⁠הֶ֖ם לְשׁ֣וֹן תַּרְמִ֑ית 1 Yahweh is using the terms **tongue** and **mouth** by association to mean speaking. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “and they will not say any deceitful things”
261 3:13 z127 rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result כִּֽי־הֵ֛מָּה יִרְע֥וּ וְ⁠רָבְצ֖וּ וְ⁠אֵ֥ין מַחֲרִֽיד 1 If it would be more natural in your language, you could reverse the order of these phrases, since the second phrase gives the reason for the result that the first phrase describes. Alternate translation: “And since no one will frighten them, they will be able to graze and lie down”
262 3:13 pe7k rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor כִּֽי־הֵ֛מָּה יִרְע֥וּ וְ⁠רָבְצ֖וּ וְ⁠אֵ֥ין מַחֲרִֽיד 1 Yahweh is speaking as if the people in the remnant of Israel will be animals that will **graze** and **lie down** in pastures. He means that they will be able to live peacefully, like animals grazing undisturbed out in a field. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “But they will be able to live without anyone disturbing them”
263 3:14 z128 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-yousingular רָנִּי֙ & הָרִ֖יעוּ & שִׂמְחִ֤י וְ⁠עָלְזִי֙ 1 The implied “you” in the imperatives **Sing**, **Rejoice**, and **exult** is singular because Zephaniah is addressing a group as if it were a single individual. The implied “you” in the imperative **Shout** is plural because Zephaniah is addressing a group as a number of individuals. Use the same singular and plural forms in your translation if your language marks a distinction between singular and plural “you” and you decide to retain the singular and plural forms of address. However, see the notes to the rest of this verse, which suggest the possibility of using a plural address throughout the verse.
264 3:14 d6q3 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom בַּת־צִיּ֔וֹן 1 See how you translated the expression **daughter of** in [3:10](../03/10.md). Here as well it describes the people who make up a certain group. Alternate translation: “you people of Zion”
265 3:14 z129 rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names בַּת־צִיּ֔וֹן 1 The word **Zion** is the name of the mountain on which the city of Jerusalem was located. Zephaniah is using the name by association to represent the entire kingdom of Judah, whose capital was Jerusalem. Alternate translation: “you people of Judah”
266 3:14 z130 rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-collectivenouns יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל 1 Zephaniah is addressing many people by the name of their nation, **Israel**. It may be helpful to clarify this for your readers. Alternate translation: “you people of Israel”
267 3:14 x7wg rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet שִׂמְחִ֤י וְ⁠עָלְזִי֙ 1 The terms **Rejoice** and **exult** mean similar things. Zephaniah is using the two terms together for emphasis. If it would be clearer for your readers, you could express the emphasis with a single phrase. Alternate translation: “Rejoice greatly”
268 3:14 qj83 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor בְּ⁠כָל־לֵ֔ב 1 Here the **heart** represents the feelings. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “with deep emotion”
269 3:14 z131 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom בַּ֖ת יְרוּשָׁלִָֽם 1 See how you translated the expression **daughter of** earlier in this verse. Alternate translation: “you people of Jerusalem”
270 3:15 t4fy rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-yousingular מִשְׁפָּטַ֔יִ⁠ךְ & לֹא־תִֽירְאִ֥י 1 As the General Notes to this chapter discuss, the words “you” and “your” are singular in these instances and generally in verses 16–19 because they are addressing Jerusalem as an individual. If you decide to retain the singular address, use the singular form in your translation if your language marks that distinction, but use plural forms if you decide to have a plural address.
271 3:15 lb51 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-possession מִשְׁפָּטַ֔יִ⁠ךְ 1 Zephaniah is using this possessive form not to describe **judgments** that the people of Jerusalem have made but to describe judgments that **Yahweh** has made against them. It may be helpful to clarify this for your readers. Alternate translation: “his judgments against you”
272 3:15 z132 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor מֶ֣לֶךְ יִשְׂרָאֵ֤ל 1 It is true in one sense that **Yahweh** is the **king** of the people of **Israel**. As their God, he is the ruler whom they must obey. But in another sense, he is not literally the king who rules from the palace in Jerusalem. It may be helpful to clarify this for your readers. Alternate translation: “The ruler of Israel” or “The God whom the Israelites worship and obey”
273 3:16 v9ia rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom בַּ⁠יּ֣וֹם הַ⁠ה֔וּא 1 Zephaniah is using the term **day** to refer to a specific time. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “At that time”
274 3:16 z133 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive יֵאָמֵ֥ר 1 If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Some languages might use an indefinite pronoun. Alternate translation: “they will say”
275 3:16 eh5e rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-yousingular לִירֽוּשָׁלִַ֖ם אַל־תִּירָ֑אִי צִיּ֖וֹן אַל־יִרְפּ֥וּ יָדָֽיִ⁠ךְ 1 The word **your** and the implied “you” in the imperative **Do not fear** are singular here because they are addressing **Zion** as an individual. However, the implied “you” in the imperative **Do not slacken** is plural because it envisions Zion as a group consisting of a number of individuals. You may have decided to use plural forms in verses 16–19. Alternate translation, using plural forms: “to the people of Jerusalem, ‘Do not fear, you people of Zion! None of you slacken your hands’”
276 3:16 pc5c rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism אַל־תִּירָ֑אִי צִיּ֖וֹן אַל־יִרְפּ֥וּ יָדָֽיִ⁠ךְ 1 These two phrases mean similar things. The people who are speaking to Zion are using repetition to emphasize the idea that the phrases express. (They are referring to the way that a person’s hands **slacken** or become limp when that person is afraid.) If it would be helpful to your readers, you could combine these phrases. Alternate translation: “There is no reason for you to become weak with fear, Zion”
277 3:17 h9ek rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit יַחֲרִישׁ֙ בְּ⁠אַ֣הֲבָת֔⁠וֹ 1 Since the people who are speaking to Jerusalem say that Yahweh will **rejoice** and **exult**, they do not mean that he will literally **be silent.** Rather, they mean that Yahweh will no longer speak words of condemnation and judgment against Jerusalem. You could indicate that in your translation if it would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “in his love, he will no longer speak to condemn you”
278 3:18 z134 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit נוּגֵ֧י מִ⁠מּוֹעֵ֛ד אָסַ֖פְתִּי מִמֵּ֣⁠ךְ הָי֑וּ מַשְׂאֵ֥ת עָלֶ֖י⁠הָ חֶרְפָּֽה 1 This verse is very difficult to understand. Modern versions translate it in many different ways. The ULT offers one reasonable interpretation of it. If a translation of the Bible exists in your region, you may wish to follow the interpretation that it expresses. If a translation of the Bible does not exist in your region, you may wish to follow the interpretation of ULT.
279 3:18 z136 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche נוּגֵ֧י מִ⁠מּוֹעֵ֛ד אָסַ֖פְתִּי מִמֵּ֣⁠ךְ הָי֑וּ 1 Yahweh may be using one kind of worship, a **solemn assembly**, to mean worship in general. He is addressing the city of Jerusalem as if it were an individual, so the phrase **they are from you** may be clarifying that the people who are **grieving** are Judeans who have been taken into exile and who are sad because they can no longer participate in the worship of Yahweh. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “I will bring back the Judeans who have been taken into exile, who are sad because they cannot take part in public worship of me”
280 3:18 z135 rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-quotations אָסַ֖פְתִּי 1 This is the beginning of a direct quotation from Yahweh that continues through verse 20. You may wish to indicate that in your translation, using a natural way of introducing direct quotations in your language. Alternate translation: “Yahweh says, ‘I will gather’”
281 3:18 i4ff rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor מַשְׂאֵ֥ת עָלֶ֖י⁠הָ חֶרְפָּֽה 1 Yahweh is speaking as if the **reproach** of being conquered were literally a **burden** or heavy weight that Jerusalem was carrying with difficulty. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “it was painful for the people of Jerusalem to feel the disgrace of being conquered”
282 3:19 qc78 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism וְ⁠הוֹשַׁעְתִּ֣י אֶת־הַ⁠צֹּלֵעָ֗ה וְ⁠הַ⁠נִּדָּחָה֙ אֲקַבֵּ֔ץ 1 The expressions **lame** and **cast-out one** are both feminine singular, suggesting that Yahweh is using both expressions to refer to Jerusalem as if that city were a female individual. In that case, Yahweh would be using repetition to emphasize the idea that these phrases express. The reference would actually be to the people of Judah and Jerusalem, who would be **lame** or limping from the difficulty of walking from their homeland to a place of exile and who could be described as **cast-out** since they had been taken from their homeland. It may be helpful to indicate in your translation that these two phrases are expressing the same idea. Alternate translation: “And I will rescue the people of Judah who are limping from walking so far away from home; yes, I will bring them back from exile”
283 3:19 kzw3 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj אֶת־הַ⁠צֹּלֵעָ֗ה 1 Yahweh is using the adjective **lame** as a noun to mean a certain kind of person. Your language may use adjectives in the same way. If not, you can translate this adjective with an equivalent phrase. Alternate translation: “the lame people” or “the people of Judah who are limping from walking so far away from home”
284 3:19 z137 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive וְ⁠הַ⁠נִּדָּחָה֙ 1 If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “the exile” or “the people of Judah whose enemies have taken them into exile”
285 3:19 z138 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis וְ⁠שַׂמְתִּי⁠ם֙ לִ⁠תְהִלָּ֣ה וּ⁠לְ⁠שֵׁ֔ם בְּ⁠כָל־הָ⁠אָ֖רֶץ בָּשְׁתָּֽ⁠ם 1 Yahweh is leaving out some of the words that in many languages a sentence would need in order to be complete. You can supply these words from the context if that would be clearer in your language. Alternate translation: “And I will turn them into praise, and I will turn their shame into a name in all of the earth.”
286 3:19 ry88 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor וְ⁠שַׂמְתִּי⁠ם֙ לִ⁠תְהִלָּ֣ה 1 Yahweh is speaking as if he were literally going to **turn** the people of Judah into **praise**. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “And I will cause people to praise them”
287 3:19 cxu6 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy וּ⁠לְ⁠שֵׁ֔ם בְּ⁠כָל־הָ⁠אָ֖רֶץ בָּשְׁתָּֽ⁠ם 1 Here, **name** represents the reputation of a group. Alternate translation: “and I will give them a good reputation throughout the earth instead of the shame that they now experience”
288 3:20 d2a1 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-yousingular אָבִ֣יא אֶתְ⁠כֶ֔ם 1 As the General Notes to this chapter indicate, the words **you** and **your** are plural in this verse. Yahweh is now addressing the people of Judah as a group of individuals. If you have been using singular and plural forms in your translation to show the different kinds of address in this chapter, you may wish to indicate explicitly that the address changes to plural here. Alternate translation: “I will bring in you people of Judah”
289 3:20 z139 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy אֶתֵּ֨ן אֶתְ⁠כֶ֜ם לְ⁠שֵׁ֣ם וְ⁠לִ⁠תְהִלָּ֗ה בְּ⁠כֹל֙ עַמֵּ֣י הָ⁠אָ֔רֶץ 1 See how you translated term **name** in the previous verse. Alternate translation: “I will give you a good reputation among all of the peoples of the earth, and they will praise you”
290 3:20 z140 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy בְּ⁠שׁוּבִ֧⁠י אֶת־שְׁבוּתֵי⁠כֶ֛ם לְ⁠עֵינֵי⁠כֶ֖ם 1 Yahweh is using the term **eyes** by association to mean sight. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. It may be helpful to begin a new sentence here. Alternate translation: “You will personally witness me restoring your fortunes”
291 3:20 z141 rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-quotations אָמַ֥ר יְהוָֽה 1 Zephaniah is using this phrase to indicate that verses 18–20 have been a quotation of a message that Yahweh gave him for the people of Judah. (This phrase means the same thing as “the declaration of Yahweh,” which occurs several times in the book.) Consider natural ways of identifying direct quotations in your language. It may be more natural for you to put this attribution of the saying to Yahweh at the beginning of the message, that is, at the start of verse 18, as the UST does.