Apologetics Bible

Zephaniah 1:1

Hebrew

דְּבַר־יְהוָה ׀ אֲשֶׁר הָיָה אֶל־צְפַנְיָה בֶּן־כּוּשִׁי בֶן־גְּדַלְיָה בֶּן־אֲמַרְיָה בֶּן־חִזְקִיָּה בִּימֵי יֹאשִׁיָּהוּ בֶן־אָמוֹן מֶלֶךְ יְהוּדָֽה׃

devar-yehvah- -'asher-hayah-'el-tzefaneyah-ven-khvshiy-ven-gedaleyah-ven-'amareyah-ven-chizeqiyah-viymey-yo'shiyahv-ven-'amvon-melekhe-yehvdah

KJV: The word of the LORD which came unto Zephaniah the son of Cushi, the son of Gedaliah, the son of Amariah, the son of Hizkiah, in the days of Josiah the son of Amon, king of Judah.

AKJV: The word of the LORD which came to Zephaniah the son of Cushi, the son of Gedaliah, the son of Amariah, the son of Hizkiah, in the days of Josiah the son of Amon, king of Judah.

ASV: The word of Jehovah which came unto Zephaniah the son of Cushi, the son of Gedaliah, the son of Amariah, the son of Hezekiah, in the days of Josiah the son of Amon, king of Judah.

YLT: A word of Jehovah that hath been unto Zephaniah son of Cushi, son of Gedaliah, son of Amariah, son of Hezikiah, in the days of Josiah son of Amoz, king of Judah:

Exposition: Zephaniah 1:1 emphasizes a key movement in the chapter's argument. In KJV form, the text reads: 'The word of the LORD which came unto Zephaniah the son of Cushi, the son of Gedaliah, the son of Amariah, the son of Hizkiah, in the days of Josiah the son of Amon, king of Judah.'. Read in canonical context, the verse supports the coherence of biblical revelation by linking doctrine, narrative, and covenantal meaning.

Apologetics Notes

• Scientific Correlation: This verse is suitable for cumulative-case reasoning in apologetics: historical context, textual stability, and worldview coherence are evaluated together rather than in isolation.

• Hebrew Grammar: A close Hebrew reading should attend lexical range, clause flow, and discourse function in context; these controls reduce over-reading and preserve authorial intent.

• Historical Evidence: Historically, this verse is interpreted within the received canonical tradition, where manuscript continuity and early community usage support stable transmission and meaning.

Zephaniah 1:2

Hebrew

אָסֹף אָסֵף כֹּל מֵעַל פְּנֵי הָאֲדָמָה נְאֻם־יְהוָֽה׃

'asof-'asef-khol-me'al-feney-ha'adamah-ne'um-yehvah

KJV: I will utterly consume all things from off the land, saith the LORD.

AKJV: I will utterly consume all things from off the land, says the LORD.

ASV: I will utterly consume all things from off the face of the ground, saith Jehovah.

YLT: I utterly consume all from off the face of the ground, An affirmation of Jehovah.

Exposition: Zephaniah 1:2 emphasizes a key movement in the chapter's argument. In KJV form, the text reads: 'I will utterly consume all things from off the land, saith the LORD.'. Read in canonical context, the verse supports the coherence of biblical revelation by linking doctrine, narrative, and covenantal meaning.

Apologetics Notes

• Scientific Correlation: This verse is suitable for cumulative-case reasoning in apologetics: historical context, textual stability, and worldview coherence are evaluated together rather than in isolation.

• Hebrew Grammar: A close Hebrew reading should attend lexical range, clause flow, and discourse function in context; these controls reduce over-reading and preserve authorial intent.

• Historical Evidence: Historically, this verse is interpreted within the received canonical tradition, where manuscript continuity and early community usage support stable transmission and meaning.

Zephaniah 1:3

Hebrew

אָסֵף אָדָם וּבְהֵמָה אָסֵף עוֹף־הַשָּׁמַיִם וּדְגֵי הַיָּם וְהַמַּכְשֵׁלוֹת אֶת־הָרְשָׁעִים וְהִכְרַתִּי אֶת־הָאָדָם מֵעַל פְּנֵי הָאֲדָמָה נְאֻם־יְהוָֽה׃

'asef-'adam-vvehemah-'asef-'vof-hashamayim-vdegey-hayam-vehamakheshelvot-'et-haresha'iym-vehikheratiy-'et-ha'adam-me'al-feney-ha'adamah-ne'um-yehvah

KJV: I will consume man and beast; I will consume the fowls of the heaven, and the fishes of the sea, and the stumblingblocks with the wicked; and I will cut off man from off the land, saith the LORD.

AKJV: I will consume man and beast; I will consume the fowls of the heaven, and the fishes of the sea, and the stumbling blocks with the wicked: and I will cut off man from off the land, says the LORD.

ASV: I will consume man and beast; I will consume the birds of the heavens, and the fishes of the sea, and the stumblingblocks with the wicked; and I will cut off man from off the face of the ground, saith Jehovah.

YLT: I consume man and beast, I consume fowl of the heavens, and fishes of the sea, And the stumbling-blocks--the wicked, And I have cut off man from the face of the ground, An affirmation of Jehovah,

Exposition: Zephaniah 1:3 emphasizes a key movement in the chapter's argument. In KJV form, the text reads: 'I will consume man and beast; I will consume the fowls of the heaven, and the fishes of the sea, and the stumblingblocks with the wicked; and I will cut off man from off the land, saith the LORD.'. Read in canonical context, the verse supports the coherence of biblical revelation by linking doctrine, narrative, and covenantal meaning.

Apologetics Notes

• Scientific Correlation: This verse is suitable for cumulative-case reasoning in apologetics: historical context, textual stability, and worldview coherence are evaluated together rather than in isolation.

• Hebrew Grammar: A close Hebrew reading should attend lexical range, clause flow, and discourse function in context; these controls reduce over-reading and preserve authorial intent.

• Historical Evidence: Historically, this verse is interpreted within the received canonical tradition, where manuscript continuity and early community usage support stable transmission and meaning.

Zephaniah 1:4

Hebrew

וְנָטִיתִי יָדִי עַל־יְהוּדָה וְעַל כָּל־יוֹשְׁבֵי יְרוּשָׁלָ͏ִם וְהִכְרַתִּי מִן־הַמָּקוֹם הַזֶּה אֶת־שְׁאָר הַבַּעַל אֶת־שֵׁם הַכְּמָרִים עִם־הַכֹּהֲנִֽים׃

venatiytiy-yadiy-'al-yehvdah-ve'al-khal-yvoshevey-yervshalaim-vehikheratiy-min-hamaqvom-hazeh-'et-she'ar-hava'al-'et-shem-hakhemariym-'im-hakhohaniym

KJV: I will also stretch out mine hand upon Judah, and upon all the inhabitants of Jerusalem; and I will cut off the remnant of Baal from this place, and the name of the Chemarims with the priests;

AKJV: I will also stretch out my hand on Judah, and on all the inhabitants of Jerusalem; and I will cut off the remnant of Baal from this place, and the name of the Chemarims with the priests;

ASV: And I will stretch out my hand upon Judah, and upon all the inhabitants of Jerusalem; and I will cut off the remnant of Baal from this place, and the name of the Chemarim with the priests;

YLT: And stretched out My hand against Judah, And against all inhabiting Jerusalem, And cut off from this place the remnant of Baal, The name of the idolatrous priests, with the priests,

Exposition: Zephaniah 1:4 emphasizes a key movement in the chapter's argument. In KJV form, the text reads: 'I will also stretch out mine hand upon Judah, and upon all the inhabitants of Jerusalem; and I will cut off the remnant of Baal from this place, and the name of the Chemarims with the priests;'. Read in canonical context, the verse supports the coherence of biblical revelation by linking doctrine, narrative, and covenantal meaning.

Apologetics Notes

• Scientific Correlation: This verse is suitable for cumulative-case reasoning in apologetics: historical context, textual stability, and worldview coherence are evaluated together rather than in isolation.

• Hebrew Grammar: A close Hebrew reading should attend lexical range, clause flow, and discourse function in context; these controls reduce over-reading and preserve authorial intent.

• Historical Evidence: Historically, this verse is interpreted within the received canonical tradition, where manuscript continuity and early community usage support stable transmission and meaning.

Zephaniah 1:5

Hebrew

וְאֶת־הַמִּשְׁתַּחֲוִים עַל־הַגַּגּוֹת לִצְבָא הַשָּׁמָיִם וְאֶת־הַמִּֽשְׁתַּחֲוִים הַנִּשְׁבָּעִים לַֽיהוָה וְהַנִּשְׁבָּעִים בְּמַלְכָּֽם׃

ve'et-hamishetachaviym-'al-hagagvot-litzeva'-hashamayim-ve'et-hamishetachaviym-hanisheva'iym-layhvah-vehanisheva'iym-vemalekham

KJV: And them that worship the host of heaven upon the housetops; and them that worship and that swear by the LORD, and that swear by Malcham;

AKJV: And them that worship the host of heaven on the housetops; and them that worship and that swear by the LORD, and that swear by Malcham;

ASV: and them that worship the host of heaven upon the housetops; and them that worship, that swear to Jehovah and swear by Malcam;

YLT: And those bowing themselves On the roofs to the host of the heavens, And those bowing themselves, Swearing to Jehovah, and swearing by Malcham,

Exposition: Zephaniah 1:5 emphasizes a key movement in the chapter's argument. In KJV form, the text reads: 'And them that worship the host of heaven upon the housetops; and them that worship and that swear by the LORD, and that swear by Malcham;'. Read in canonical context, the verse supports the coherence of biblical revelation by linking doctrine, narrative, and covenantal meaning.

Apologetics Notes

• Scientific Correlation: This verse is suitable for cumulative-case reasoning in apologetics: historical context, textual stability, and worldview coherence are evaluated together rather than in isolation.

• Hebrew Grammar: A close Hebrew reading should attend lexical range, clause flow, and discourse function in context; these controls reduce over-reading and preserve authorial intent.

• Historical Evidence: Historically, this verse is interpreted within the received canonical tradition, where manuscript continuity and early community usage support stable transmission and meaning.

Zephaniah 1:6

Hebrew

וְאֶת־הַנְּסוֹגִים מֵאַחֲרֵי יְהוָה וַאֲשֶׁר לֹֽא־בִקְשׁוּ אֶת־יְהוָה וְלֹא דְרָשֻֽׁהוּ׃

ve'et-hanesvogiym-me'acharey-yehvah-va'asher-lo'-viqeshv-'et-yehvah-velo'-derashuhv

KJV: And them that are turned back from the LORD; and those that have not sought the LORD, nor enquired for him.

AKJV: And them that are turned back from the LORD; and those that have not sought the LORD, nor inquired for him.

ASV: and them that are turned back from following Jehovah; and those that have not sought Jehovah, nor inquired after him.

YLT: And those removing from after Jehovah, And who have not sought Jehovah, nor besought Him.

Exposition: Zephaniah 1:6 emphasizes a key movement in the chapter's argument. In KJV form, the text reads: 'And them that are turned back from the LORD; and those that have not sought the LORD, nor enquired for him.'. Read in canonical context, the verse supports the coherence of biblical revelation by linking doctrine, narrative, and covenantal meaning.

Apologetics Notes

• Scientific Correlation: This verse is suitable for cumulative-case reasoning in apologetics: historical context, textual stability, and worldview coherence are evaluated together rather than in isolation.

• Hebrew Grammar: A close Hebrew reading should attend lexical range, clause flow, and discourse function in context; these controls reduce over-reading and preserve authorial intent.

• Historical Evidence: Historically, this verse is interpreted within the received canonical tradition, where manuscript continuity and early community usage support stable transmission and meaning.

Zephaniah 1:7

Hebrew

הַס מִפְּנֵי אֲדֹנָי יְהוִה כִּי קָרוֹב יוֹם יְהוָה כִּֽי־הֵכִין יְהוָה זֶבַח הִקְדִּישׁ קְרֻאָֽיו׃

has-mifeney-'adonay-yehvih-khiy-qarvov-yvom-yehvah-khiy-hekhiyn-yehvah-zevach-hiqediysh-qeru'ayv

KJV: Hold thy peace at the presence of the Lord GOD: for the day of the LORD is at hand: for the LORD hath prepared a sacrifice, he hath bid his guests.

AKJV: Hold your peace at the presence of the Lord GOD: for the day of the LORD is at hand: for the LORD has prepared a sacrifice, he has bid his guests.

ASV: Hold thy peace at the presence of the Lord Jehovah; for the day of Jehovah is at hand: for Jehovah hath prepared a sacrifice, he hath consecrated his guests.

YLT: Hush! because of the Lord Jehovah, For near is a day of Jehovah, For prepared hath Jehovah a sacrifice, He hath sanctified His invited ones.

Exposition: Zephaniah 1:7 emphasizes a key movement in the chapter's argument. In KJV form, the text reads: 'Hold thy peace at the presence of the Lord GOD: for the day of the LORD is at hand: for the LORD hath prepared a sacrifice, he hath bid his guests.'. Read in canonical context, the verse supports the coherence of biblical revelation by linking doctrine, narrative, and covenantal meaning.

Apologetics Notes

• Scientific Correlation: This verse is suitable for cumulative-case reasoning in apologetics: historical context, textual stability, and worldview coherence are evaluated together rather than in isolation.

• Hebrew Grammar: A close Hebrew reading should attend lexical range, clause flow, and discourse function in context; these controls reduce over-reading and preserve authorial intent.

• Historical Evidence: Historically, this verse is interpreted within the received canonical tradition, where manuscript continuity and early community usage support stable transmission and meaning.

Zephaniah 1:8

Hebrew

וְהָיָה בְּיוֹם זֶבַח יְהוָה וּפָקַדְתִּי עַל־הַשָּׂרִים וְעַל־בְּנֵי הַמֶּלֶךְ וְעַל כָּל־הַלֹּבְשִׁים מַלְבּוּשׁ נָכְרִֽי׃

vehayah-veyvom-zevach-yehvah-vfaqadetiy-'al-hashariym-ve'al-veney-hamelekhe-ve'al-khal-haloveshiym-malevvsh-nakheriy

KJV: And it shall come to pass in the day of the LORD’S sacrifice, that I will punish the princes, and the king’s children, and all such as are clothed with strange apparel.

AKJV: And it shall come to pass in the day of the LORD’s sacrifice, that I will punish the princes, and the king’s children, and all such as are clothed with strange apparel.

ASV: And it shall come to pass in the day of Jehovah’s sacrifice, that I will punish the princes, and the king’s sons, and all such as are clothed with foreign apparel.

YLT: And it hath come to pass, In the day of the sacrifice of Jehovah, That I have laid a charge on the heads, And on sons of the king, And on all putting on strange clothing.

Exposition: Zephaniah 1:8 emphasizes a key movement in the chapter's argument. In KJV form, the text reads: 'And it shall come to pass in the day of the LORD’S sacrifice, that I will punish the princes, and the king’s children, and all such as are clothed with strange apparel.'. Read in canonical context, the verse supports the coherence of biblical revelation by linking doctrine, narrative, and covenantal meaning.

Apologetics Notes

• Scientific Correlation: This verse is suitable for cumulative-case reasoning in apologetics: historical context, textual stability, and worldview coherence are evaluated together rather than in isolation.

• Hebrew Grammar: A close Hebrew reading should attend lexical range, clause flow, and discourse function in context; these controls reduce over-reading and preserve authorial intent.

• Historical Evidence: Historically, this verse is interpreted within the received canonical tradition, where manuscript continuity and early community usage support stable transmission and meaning.

Zephaniah 1:9

Hebrew

וּפָקַדְתִּי עַל כָּל־הַדּוֹלֵג עַל־הַמִּפְתָּן בַּיּוֹם הַהוּא הַֽמְמַלְאִים בֵּית אֲדֹנֵיהֶם חָמָס וּמִרְמָֽה׃

vfaqadetiy-'al-khal-hadvoleg-'al-hamifetan-vayvom-hahv'-hamemale'iym-veyt-'adoneyhem-chamas-vmiremah

KJV: In the same day also will I punish all those that leap on the threshold, which fill their masters’ houses with violence and deceit.

AKJV: In the same day also will I punish all those that leap on the threshold, which fill their masters’ houses with violence and deceit.

ASV: And in that day I will punish all those that leap over the threshold, that fill their master’s house with violence and deceit.

YLT: And I have laid a charge on every one Who is leaping over the threshold in that day, Who are filling the house of their masters With violence and deceit.

Exposition: Zephaniah 1:9 emphasizes a key movement in the chapter's argument. In KJV form, the text reads: 'In the same day also will I punish all those that leap on the threshold, which fill their masters’ houses with violence and deceit.'. Read in canonical context, the verse supports the coherence of biblical revelation by linking doctrine, narrative, and covenantal meaning.

Apologetics Notes

• Scientific Correlation: This verse is suitable for cumulative-case reasoning in apologetics: historical context, textual stability, and worldview coherence are evaluated together rather than in isolation.

• Hebrew Grammar: A close Hebrew reading should attend lexical range, clause flow, and discourse function in context; these controls reduce over-reading and preserve authorial intent.

• Historical Evidence: Historically, this verse is interpreted within the received canonical tradition, where manuscript continuity and early community usage support stable transmission and meaning.

Zephaniah 1:10

Hebrew

וְהָיָה בַיּוֹם הַהוּא נְאֻם־יְהוָה קוֹל צְעָקָה מִשַּׁעַר הַדָּגִים וִֽילָלָה מִן־הַמִּשְׁנֶה וְשֶׁבֶר גָּדוֹל מֵהַגְּבָעֽוֹת׃

vehayah-vayvom-hahv'-ne'um-yehvah-qvol-tze'aqah-misha'ar-hadagiym-viylalah-min-hamisheneh-veshever-gadvol-mehageva'vot

KJV: And it shall come to pass in that day, saith the LORD, that there shall be the noise of a cry from the fish gate, and an howling from the second, and a great crashing from the hills.

AKJV: And it shall come to pass in that day, says the LORD, that there shall be the noise of a cry from the fish gate, and an howling from the second, and a great crashing from the hills.

ASV: And in that day, saith Jehovah, there shall be the noise of a cry from the fish gate, and a wailing from the second quarter, and a great crashing from the hills.

YLT: And there hath been in that day, An affirmation of Jehovah, The noise of a cry from the fish-gate, And of a howling from the Second, And of great destruction from the hills.

Exposition: Zephaniah 1:10 emphasizes a key movement in the chapter's argument. In KJV form, the text reads: 'And it shall come to pass in that day, saith the LORD, that there shall be the noise of a cry from the fish gate, and an howling from the second, and a great crashing from the hills.'. Read in canonical context, the verse supports the coherence of biblical revelation by linking doctrine, narrative, and covenantal meaning.

Apologetics Notes

• Scientific Correlation: This verse is suitable for cumulative-case reasoning in apologetics: historical context, textual stability, and worldview coherence are evaluated together rather than in isolation.

• Hebrew Grammar: A close Hebrew reading should attend lexical range, clause flow, and discourse function in context; these controls reduce over-reading and preserve authorial intent.

• Historical Evidence: Historically, this verse is interpreted within the received canonical tradition, where manuscript continuity and early community usage support stable transmission and meaning.

Zephaniah 1:11

Hebrew

הֵילִילוּ יֹשְׁבֵי הַמַּכְתֵּשׁ כִּי נִדְמָה כָּל־עַם כְּנַעַן נִכְרְתוּ כָּל־נְטִילֵי כָֽסֶף׃

heyliylv-yoshevey-hamakhetesh-khiy-nidemah-khal-'am-khena'an-nikheretv-khal-netiyley-khasef

KJV: Howl, ye inhabitants of Maktesh, for all the merchant people are cut down; all they that bear silver are cut off.

AKJV: Howl, you inhabitants of Maktesh, for all the merchant people are cut down; all they that bear silver are cut off.

ASV: Wail, ye inhabitants of Maktesh; for all the people of Canaan are undone; all they that were laden with silver are cut off.

YLT: Howl, ye inhabitants of the hollow place, For cut off hath been all the merchant people, Cut off have been all bearing silver.

Exposition: Zephaniah 1:11 emphasizes a key movement in the chapter's argument. In KJV form, the text reads: 'Howl, ye inhabitants of Maktesh, for all the merchant people are cut down; all they that bear silver are cut off.'. Read in canonical context, the verse supports the coherence of biblical revelation by linking doctrine, narrative, and covenantal meaning.

Apologetics Notes

• Scientific Correlation: This verse is suitable for cumulative-case reasoning in apologetics: historical context, textual stability, and worldview coherence are evaluated together rather than in isolation.

• Hebrew Grammar: A close Hebrew reading should attend lexical range, clause flow, and discourse function in context; these controls reduce over-reading and preserve authorial intent.

• Historical Evidence: Historically, this verse is interpreted within the received canonical tradition, where manuscript continuity and early community usage support stable transmission and meaning.

Zephaniah 1:12

Hebrew

וְהָיָה בָּעֵת הַהִיא אֲחַפֵּשׂ אֶת־יְרוּשָׁלַ͏ִם בַּנֵּרוֹת וּפָקַדְתִּי עַל־הָאֲנָשִׁים הַקֹּֽפְאִים עַל־שִׁמְרֵיהֶם הָאֹֽמְרִים בִּלְבָבָם לֹֽא־יֵיטִיב יְהוָה וְלֹא יָרֵֽעַ׃

vehayah-va'et-hahiy'-'achafesh-'et-yervshalaim-vanervot-vfaqadetiy-'al-ha'anashiym-haqofe'iym-'al-shimereyhem-ha'omeriym-vilevavam-lo'-yeytiyv-yehvah-velo'-yare'a

KJV: And it shall come to pass at that time, that I will search Jerusalem with candles, and punish the men that are settled on their lees: that say in their heart, The LORD will not do good, neither will he do evil.

AKJV: And it shall come to pass at that time, that I will search Jerusalem with candles, and punish the men that are settled on their lees: that say in their heart, The LORD will not do good, neither will he do evil.

ASV: And it shall come to pass at that time, that I will search Jerusalem with lamps; and I will punish the men that are settled on their lees, that say in their heart, Jehovah will not do good, neither will he do evil.

YLT: And it hath come to pass, at that time, I search Jerusalem with lights, And I have laid a charge on the men Who are hardened on their preserved things, Who are saying in their heart: Jehovah doth no good, nor doth He evil.

Exposition: Zephaniah 1:12 emphasizes a key movement in the chapter's argument. In KJV form, the text reads: 'And it shall come to pass at that time, that I will search Jerusalem with candles, and punish the men that are settled on their lees: that say in their heart, The LORD will not do good, neither will he do evil.'. Read in canonical context, the verse supports the coherence of biblical revelation by linking doctrine, narrative, and covenantal meaning.

Apologetics Notes

• Scientific Correlation: This verse is suitable for cumulative-case reasoning in apologetics: historical context, textual stability, and worldview coherence are evaluated together rather than in isolation.

• Hebrew Grammar: A close Hebrew reading should attend lexical range, clause flow, and discourse function in context; these controls reduce over-reading and preserve authorial intent.

• Historical Evidence: Historically, this verse is interpreted within the received canonical tradition, where manuscript continuity and early community usage support stable transmission and meaning.

Zephaniah 1:13

Hebrew

וְהָיָה חֵילָם לִמְשִׁסָּה וּבָתֵּיהֶם לִשְׁמָמָה וּבָנוּ בָתִּים וְלֹא יֵשֵׁבוּ וְנָטְעוּ כְרָמִים וְלֹא יִשְׁתּוּ אֶת־יֵינָֽם׃

vehayah-cheylam-limeshisah-vvateyhem-lishemamah-vvanv-vatiym-velo'-yeshevv-venate'v-kheramiym-velo'-yishetv-'et-yeynam

KJV: Therefore their goods shall become a booty, and their houses a desolation: they shall also build houses, but not inhabit them; and they shall plant vineyards, but not drink the wine thereof.

AKJV: Therefore their goods shall become a booty, and their houses a desolation: they shall also build houses, but not inhabit them; and they shall plant vineyards, but not drink the wine thereof.

ASV: And their wealth shall become a spoil, and their houses a desolation: yea, they shall build houses, but shall not inhabit them; and they shall plant vineyards, but shall not drink the wine thereof.

YLT: And their wealth hath been for a spoil, And their houses for desolation, And they have built houses, and do not inhabit, And they have planted vineyards, And they do not drink their wine.

Exposition: Zephaniah 1:13 emphasizes a key movement in the chapter's argument. In KJV form, the text reads: 'Therefore their goods shall become a booty, and their houses a desolation: they shall also build houses, but not inhabit them; and they shall plant vineyards, but not drink the wine thereof.'. Read in canonical context, the verse supports the coherence of biblical revelation by linking doctrine, narrative, and covenantal meaning.

Apologetics Notes

• Scientific Correlation: This verse is suitable for cumulative-case reasoning in apologetics: historical context, textual stability, and worldview coherence are evaluated together rather than in isolation.

• Hebrew Grammar: A close Hebrew reading should attend lexical range, clause flow, and discourse function in context; these controls reduce over-reading and preserve authorial intent.

• Historical Evidence: Historically, this verse is interpreted within the received canonical tradition, where manuscript continuity and early community usage support stable transmission and meaning.

Zephaniah 1:14

Hebrew

קָרוֹב יוֹם־יְהוָה הַגָּדוֹל קָרוֹב וּמַהֵר מְאֹד קוֹל יוֹם יְהוָה מַר צֹרֵחַ שָׁם גִּבּֽוֹר׃

qarvov-yvom-yehvah-hagadvol-qarvov-vmaher-me'od-qvol-yvom-yehvah-mar-tzorecha-sham-givvor

KJV: The great day of the LORD is near, it is near, and hasteth greatly, even the voice of the day of the LORD: the mighty man shall cry there bitterly.

AKJV: The great day of the LORD is near, it is near, and hastens greatly, even the voice of the day of the LORD: the mighty man shall cry there bitterly.

ASV: The great day of Jehovah is near, it is near and hasteth greatly, even the voice of the day of Jehovah; the mighty man crieth there bitterly.

YLT: Near is the great day of Jehovah, Near, and hasting exceedingly, The noise of the day of Jehovah, Bitterly shriek there doth a mighty one.

Exposition: Zephaniah 1:14 emphasizes a key movement in the chapter's argument. In KJV form, the text reads: 'The great day of the LORD is near, it is near, and hasteth greatly, even the voice of the day of the LORD: the mighty man shall cry there bitterly.'. Read in canonical context, the verse supports the coherence of biblical revelation by linking doctrine, narrative, and covenantal meaning.

Apologetics Notes

• Scientific Correlation: This verse is suitable for cumulative-case reasoning in apologetics: historical context, textual stability, and worldview coherence are evaluated together rather than in isolation.

• Hebrew Grammar: A close Hebrew reading should attend lexical range, clause flow, and discourse function in context; these controls reduce over-reading and preserve authorial intent.

• Historical Evidence: Historically, this verse is interpreted within the received canonical tradition, where manuscript continuity and early community usage support stable transmission and meaning.

Zephaniah 1:15

Hebrew

יוֹם עֶבְרָה הַיּוֹם הַהוּא יוֹם צָרָה וּמְצוּקָה יוֹם שֹׁאָה וּמְשׁוֹאָה יוֹם חֹשֶׁךְ וַאֲפֵלָה יוֹם עָנָן וַעֲרָפֶֽל׃

yvom-'everah-hayvom-hahv'-yvom-tzarah-vmetzvqah-yvom-sho'ah-vmeshvo'ah-yvom-choshekhe-va'afelah-yvom-'anan-va'arafel

KJV: That day is a day of wrath, a day of trouble and distress, a day of wasteness and desolation, a day of darkness and gloominess, a day of clouds and thick darkness,

AKJV: That day is a day of wrath, a day of trouble and distress, a day of devastation and desolation, a day of darkness and gloominess, a day of clouds and thick darkness,

ASV: That day is a day of wrath, a day of trouble and distress, a day of wasteness and desolation, a day of darkness and gloominess, a day of clouds and thick darkness,

YLT: A day of wrath is that day, A day of adversity and distress, A day of waste and desolation, A day of darkness and gloominess, A day of cloud and thick darkness.

Exposition: Zephaniah 1:15 emphasizes a key movement in the chapter's argument. In KJV form, the text reads: 'That day is a day of wrath, a day of trouble and distress, a day of wasteness and desolation, a day of darkness and gloominess, a day of clouds and thick darkness,'. Read in canonical context, the verse supports the coherence of biblical revelation by linking doctrine, narrative, and covenantal meaning.

Apologetics Notes

• Scientific Correlation: This verse is suitable for cumulative-case reasoning in apologetics: historical context, textual stability, and worldview coherence are evaluated together rather than in isolation.

• Hebrew Grammar: A close Hebrew reading should attend lexical range, clause flow, and discourse function in context; these controls reduce over-reading and preserve authorial intent.

• Historical Evidence: Historically, this verse is interpreted within the received canonical tradition, where manuscript continuity and early community usage support stable transmission and meaning.

Zephaniah 1:16

Hebrew

יוֹם שׁוֹפָר וּתְרוּעָה עַל הֶעָרִים הַבְּצֻרוֹת וְעַל הַפִּנּוֹת הַגְּבֹהֽוֹת׃

yvom-shvofar-vterv'ah-'al-he'ariym-havetzurvot-ve'al-hafinvot-hagevohvot

KJV: A day of the trumpet and alarm against the fenced cities, and against the high towers.

AKJV: A day of the trumpet and alarm against the fenced cities, and against the high towers.

ASV: a day of the trumpet and alarm, against the fortified cities, and against the high battlements.

YLT: A day of trumpet and shouting against the fenced cities, And against the high corners.

Exposition: Zephaniah 1:16 emphasizes a key movement in the chapter's argument. In KJV form, the text reads: 'A day of the trumpet and alarm against the fenced cities, and against the high towers.'. Read in canonical context, the verse supports the coherence of biblical revelation by linking doctrine, narrative, and covenantal meaning.

Apologetics Notes

• Scientific Correlation: This verse is suitable for cumulative-case reasoning in apologetics: historical context, textual stability, and worldview coherence are evaluated together rather than in isolation.

• Hebrew Grammar: A close Hebrew reading should attend lexical range, clause flow, and discourse function in context; these controls reduce over-reading and preserve authorial intent.

• Historical Evidence: Historically, this verse is interpreted within the received canonical tradition, where manuscript continuity and early community usage support stable transmission and meaning.

Zephaniah 1:17

Hebrew

וַהֲצֵרֹתִי לָאָדָם וְהָֽלְכוּ כַּֽעִוְרִים כִּי לַֽיהוָה חָטָאוּ וְשֻׁפַּךְ דָּמָם כֶּֽעָפָר וּלְחֻמָם כַּגְּלָלִֽים׃

vahatzerotiy-la'adam-vehalekhv-kha'iveriym-khiy-layhvah-chata'v-veshufakhe-damam-khe'afar-vlechumam-khagelaliym

KJV: And I will bring distress upon men, that they shall walk like blind men, because they have sinned against the LORD: and their blood shall be poured out as dust, and their flesh as the dung.

AKJV: And I will bring distress on men, that they shall walk like blind men, because they have sinned against the LORD: and their blood shall be poured out as dust, and their flesh as the dung.

ASV: And I will bring distress upon men, that they shall walk like blind men, because they have sinned against Jehovah; and their blood shall be poured out as dust, and their flesh as dung.

YLT: And I have sent distress to men, And they have walked as the blind, For against Jehovah they have sinned, And poured out is their blood as dust, And their flesh is as dung.

Exposition: Zephaniah 1:17 emphasizes a key movement in the chapter's argument. In KJV form, the text reads: 'And I will bring distress upon men, that they shall walk like blind men, because they have sinned against the LORD: and their blood shall be poured out as dust, and their flesh as the dung.'. Read in canonical context, the verse supports the coherence of biblical revelation by linking doctrine, narrative, and covenantal meaning.

Apologetics Notes

• Scientific Correlation: This verse is suitable for cumulative-case reasoning in apologetics: historical context, textual stability, and worldview coherence are evaluated together rather than in isolation.

• Hebrew Grammar: A close Hebrew reading should attend lexical range, clause flow, and discourse function in context; these controls reduce over-reading and preserve authorial intent.

• Historical Evidence: Historically, this verse is interpreted within the received canonical tradition, where manuscript continuity and early community usage support stable transmission and meaning.

Zephaniah 1:18

Hebrew

גַּם־כַּסְפָּם גַּם־זְהָבָם לֹֽא־יוּכַל לְהַצִּילָם בְּיוֹם עֶבְרַת יְהוָה וּבְאֵשׁ קִנְאָתוֹ תֵּאָכֵל כָּל־הָאָרֶץ כִּֽי־כָלָה אַךְ־נִבְהָלָה יַֽעֲשֶׂה אֵת כָּל־יֹשְׁבֵי הָאָֽרֶץ׃

gam-khasefam-gam-zehavam-lo'-yvkhal-lehatziylam-veyvom-'everat-yehvah-vve'esh-qine'atvo-te'akhel-khal-ha'aretz-khiy-khalah-'akhe-nivehalah-ya'asheh-'et-khal-yoshevey-ha'aretz

KJV: Neither their silver nor their gold shall be able to deliver them in the day of the LORD’S wrath; but the whole land shall be devoured by the fire of his jealousy: for he shall make even a speedy riddance of all them that dwell in the land.

AKJV: Neither their silver nor their gold shall be able to deliver them in the day of the LORD’s wrath; but the whole land shall be devoured by the fire of his jealousy: for he shall make even a speedy riddance of all them that dwell in the land.

ASV: Neither their silver nor their gold shall be able to deliver them in the day of Jehovah’s wrath; but the whole land shall be devoured by the fire of his jealousy: for he will make an end, yea, a terrible end, of all them that dwell in the land.

YLT: Even their silver, even their gold, Is not able to deliver them in a day of the wrath of Jehovah, And in the fire of His jealousy consumed is the whole land, For only a hastened end doth He make Of all the inhabitants of the land!

Exposition: Zephaniah 1:18 emphasizes a key movement in the chapter's argument. In KJV form, the text reads: 'Neither their silver nor their gold shall be able to deliver them in the day of the LORD’S wrath; but the whole land shall be devoured by the fire of his jealousy: for he shall make even a speedy riddance of all them...'. Read in canonical context, the verse supports the coherence of biblical revelation by linking doctrine, narrative, and covenantal meaning.

Apologetics Notes

• Scientific Correlation: This verse is suitable for cumulative-case reasoning in apologetics: historical context, textual stability, and worldview coherence are evaluated together rather than in isolation.

• Hebrew Grammar: A close Hebrew reading should attend lexical range, clause flow, and discourse function in context; these controls reduce over-reading and preserve authorial intent.

• Historical Evidence: Historically, this verse is interpreted within the received canonical tradition, where manuscript continuity and early community usage support stable transmission and meaning.