Zephaniah 1:5
What does Zephaniah 1:5 mean?
A plain-English look at Zephaniah 1:5 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Zephaniah 1:5 means
Three groups are identified for judgment. First, those who worship the “host of heaven” on their housetops practice astral religion, looking to stars for guidance and help instead of to Jehovah. Second, those who try to honor Jehovah yet also swear by Malcam attempt a divided allegiance—mixing the Lord’s name with a rival deity, likely associated with the Ammonites. God rejects such syncretism. He demands the whole heart, not a blend of devotions. This verse unmasks the seductive appeal of compromise: people try to keep Jehovah while hedging their bets elsewhere. The Lord calls that betrayal. He will not share His glory with idols or tolerate a split loyalty.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000and them that worship the host of heaven upon the housetops; and them that worship, that swear to Jehovah and swear by Malcam;
KJV
King James Version · 1611And 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;
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901and them that worship the host of heaven upon the housetops; and them that worship, that swear to Jehovah and swear by Malcam;
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949And the worshippers of the army of heaven on the house-tops, and the Lord's worshippers who take oaths by Milcom,
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862And those bowing themselves On the roofs to the host of the heavens, And those bowing themselves, Swearing to Jehovah, and swearing by Malcham,
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752And them that worship the host of heaven upon the tops of houses, and them that adore, and swear by the Lord, and swear by Melchom.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890and them that bow down to the host of the heavens upon the housetops; and them that bow down to Jehovah, that swear by [him], and swear by Malcham;
Context
Following the condemnation of Baalism and corrupt priests (verse 4), verse 5 exposes the nitty-gritty forms of Judah’s syncretism—astral worship and double-minded oaths. The list continues in verse 6 with those who have turned back or simply do not seek the Lord. These verses together build the case that Judah’s problem is not only overt idolatry but also a diluted, half-hearted religion that offends the covenant Lord.
v.4And 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;
v.5This passage
v.6and them that are turned back from following Jehovah; and those that have not sought Jehovah, nor inquired after him.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- 1 Kings 11:33
because that they have forsaken me, and have worshipped Ashtoreth the goddess of the Sidonians, Chemosh the god of Moab, and Milcom the god of the children of Ammon; and they have not walked in my ways, to do that which is right in mine eyes, and to keep my statutes and mine ordinances, as did David his father.
- 2 Kings 17:33
They feared Jehovah, and served their own gods, after the manner of the nations from among whom they had been carried away.
- Hosea 4:15
Though thou, Israel, play the harlot, yet let not Judah offend; and come not ye unto Gilgal, neither go ye up to Beth-aven, nor swear, As Jehovah liveth.
- Amos 5:26
Yea, ye have borne the tabernacle of your king and the shrine of your images, the star of your god, which ye made to yourselves.
- Isaiah 48:1
Hear ye this, O house of Jacob, who are called by the name of Israel, and are come forth out of the waters of Judah; who swear by the name of Jehovah, and make mention of the God of Israel, but not in truth, nor in righteousness
- 1 Kings 18:21
And Elijah came near unto all the people, and said, How long go ye limping between the two sides? if Jehovah be God, follow him; but if Baal, then follow him. And the people answered him not a word.
Related questions readers ask
Keep reading
Want to dig deeper? Explore Zephaniah 1
Hand-picked devotionals, topical studies, and pastoral answers that draw on Zephaniah 1.
Topics that quote it
Topic
Bible Verses About Silence Before God
The Bible speaks of the importance of silence before God, encouraging reverent waiting and attentiveness to His voice. Quiet contemplation allows us to draw closer to Him and understand His will.
Topic
Bible Verses About Meekness
Explore biblical teachings on meekness, a Christ-like virtue characterized by humility, gentleness, and patient strength.