unfoldingWord_en_tn/tn_ZEP.tsv

Reference	ID	Tags	SupportReference	Quote	Occurrence	Note
front:intro	l57g				0	# Introduction to Zephaniah\n\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.\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.”\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.\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\n\nIn this chapter one, it is unclear whether the prophecies concern the fall of Jerusalem, the coming of the Messiah or the day of the Lord. It is possible that the prophecies refer to more than one period of time.
1:1	w6l8				0	# General Information:\n\nVerses 1:2–18 refer to Yahweh’s judgment. Verses 1:2–3 describe Yahweh’s final judgment of every unbeliever in the future.
1:1	k2ge		rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom	דְּבַר־יְהוָ֣ה ׀ אֲשֶׁ֣ר הָיָ֗ה אֶל־צְפַנְיָה֙	1	**The word of Yahweh that was to Zephaniah** is an idiomatic expression. This idiom is used to introduce a special message from God. Alternate translation: “Yahweh gave a message to Zephaniah” or “Yahweh spoke this message to Zephaniah”
1:1	exz8		rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names	יְהוָ֣ה	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. Alternate translation: "Lord" or "your God"
1:1	yy5d		rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names	צְפַנְיָה֙ & כּוּשִׁ֣י & גְּדַלְיָ֔ה & אֲמַרְיָ֖ה & חִזְקִיָּ֑ה & יֹאשִׁיָּ֥הוּ & אָמ֖וֹן & יְהוּדָֽה	1	The words **Zephaniah**, **Cushi**, **Gedaliah**, **Amariah**, **Hezekiah**, **Josiah**, **Amon**, and **Judah** are the names of men. See the translationWord page about **Josiah** concerning how to translate this king's name.
1:1	zlc5		rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit	בֶן־גְּדַלְיָ֔ה בֶּן־אֲמַרְיָ֖ה בֶּן־חִזְקִיָּ֑ה	1	This is a list of Zephaniah’s ancestors. These usages of **the son of** are the broader sense of “descendant of.” Here **Hezekiah** refers to King Hezekiah. These things can be made explicit. Alternate translation: “Gedaliah's grandson, and Amariah's great-grandson, whose father was King Hezekiah”
1:2	x2u5		rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole	אָסֹ֨ף אָסֵ֜ף כֹּ֗ל מֵ⁠עַ֛ל פְּנֵ֥י הָ⁠אֲדָמָ֖ה	1	The words **everything**, **utterly take away** and **the face of the earth** are deliberate exaggerations by Yahweh to express his anger at the people’s sin. For example, Yahweh will not destroy sinners who believe in him and repent. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a different way to express the emphasis. Alternate translation: “I will utterly take away everything that is on the surface of the earth” or “I will utterly destroy everything from upon the face of the earth” or “I will utterly wipe away everything from upon the face of the earth”
1:2	fg27		rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-123person	נְאֻם־יְהוָֽה	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”
1:3	zd2p		rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-merism	אָדָ֜ם וּ⁠בְהֵמָ֗ה	1	\n\nAlternate translation: “people and animals”
1:3	kw4a			וְ⁠הַ⁠מַּכְשֵׁל֖וֹת	1	stumbling blocks\n\nThis could mean: (1) the piles of rubble that will remain after the judgment or (2) the idols that Yahweh destroyed.\n\n
1:3	aqr7		rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole	וְ⁠הִכְרַתִּ֣י אֶת־הָ⁠אָדָ֗ם מֵ⁠עַ֛ל פְּנֵ֥י הָ⁠אֲדָמָ֖ה	1	“I will kill all people.” This is a hyperbole, as in [Zephaniah 1:2](./02.md).\nThe words **everything**, **utterly take away** and **the face of the earth** are deliberate exaggerations by Yahweh to express his anger at the people’s sin. For example, Yahweh will not destroy sinners who believe in him and repent. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a different way to express the emphasis. Alternate translation: “I will utterly take away everything that is on the surface of the earth” or “I will utterly destroy everything from upon the face of the earth” or “I will utterly sweep away everything from upon the face of the earth”
1:3	xxd9		rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor	וְ⁠הִכְרַתִּ֣י אֶת־הָ⁠אָדָ֗ם מֵ⁠עַ֛ל פְּנֵ֥י הָ⁠אֲדָמָ֖ה	1	\n\nDestroying is spoken of as if it were cutting something off from what it was a part of. Alternate translation: “destroy”
1:3	t70v		rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-123person	נְאֻם־יְהוָֽה	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”
1:4	zb97				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	וְ⁠נָטִ֤יתִי יָדִ⁠י֙ עַל־יְהוּדָ֔ה וְ⁠עַ֖ל כָּל־יוֹשְׁבֵ֣י יְרוּשָׁלִָ֑ם	1	This is an idiom that means God will punish. Alternate translation: “I will punish Judah”\n\n
1:4	wn2w		rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis	וְ⁠הִכְרַתִּ֞י מִן־הַ⁠מָּק֤וֹם הַ⁠זֶּה֙ אֶת־שְׁאָ֣ר הַ⁠בַּ֔עַל אֶת־שֵׁ֥ם הַ⁠כְּמָרִ֖ים עִם־הַ⁠כֹּהֲנִֽים	1	\n\nThe 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”\n\n
1:4	gdu9		rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor	וְ⁠הִכְרַתִּ֞י	1	\n\nDestroying 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”\n\n
1:4	h6cv		rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom	וְ⁠הִכְרַתִּ֞י מִן־הַ⁠מָּק֤וֹם הַ⁠זֶּה֙ אֶת־שְׁאָ֣ר הַ⁠בַּ֔עַל אֶת־שֵׁ֥ם הַ⁠כְּמָרִ֖ים עִם־הַ⁠כֹּהֲנִֽים	1	\n\nHere “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”\n\n
1:5	u98g		rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis	 וְ⁠אֶת־הַ⁠מִּשְׁתַּחֲוִ֥ים עַל־הַ⁠גַּגּ֖וֹת לִ⁠צְבָ֣א הַ⁠שָּׁמָ֑יִם וְ⁠אֶת־הַ⁠מִּֽשְׁתַּחֲוִים֙ הַ⁠נִּשְׁבָּעִ֣ים	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”
1:5	w2r8			בְּ⁠מַלְכָּֽ⁠ם	1	See the footnote about the possible rendering of this as “by Milcom.”
1:6	ql66		rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor	לֹֽא־בִקְשׁ֥וּ אֶת־יְהוָ֖ה וְ⁠לֹ֥א דְרָשֻֽׁ⁠הוּ	1	\n\nSeeking **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”\n\n
1:7	ztx9				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”
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 also: [[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.
1:8	z1ix		rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-123person		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.
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”
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		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.
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”
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”
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”
1:12	vc63				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.
1:12	sb9c		rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom	settled into their wine	0	They feel safe from trouble.
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.
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”
1:13	nu8u			an abandoned devastation	0	Alternate translation: “destroyed and abandoned”
1:14	r2si				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”
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”
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 also: [[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 also: [[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 also: [[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”
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”
1:17	w66r				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”
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”
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”
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 also: [[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”
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\n\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”
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”
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”
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.
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”
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.
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”
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”
2:4	r1bq				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.
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”
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				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				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.
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”
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”
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 also: [[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.
2:12	ai2t				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 also: [[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”
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”
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.
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				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 also: [[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”
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\n\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		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.”
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”
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”
3:3	nf4u		rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy		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.”
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”
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”
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				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.
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.”
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”
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”
3:5	dwk9			know no shame	0	Alternate translation: “are not ashamed”
3:6	t3em		rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit		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.
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.
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.”
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 also: [[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				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”
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”
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.
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”
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”
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 also: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile]])
3:9	cs8h				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”
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”
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.”
3:10	zs4q			beyond the river of Cush	0	This may refer to the area where Sudan is located today.
3:11	hvk2				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”
3:11	y6pj			those who celebrated your pride	0	Alternate translation: “all the people who are very proud”
3:12	q74i				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 also: [[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 also: [[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.
3:14	d65d				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.
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”
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”
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”
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”
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”
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 also: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]])
3:17	w8tr				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”
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.
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”
3:19	ih9r				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”
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 also: [[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.”
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”
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”