Zephaniah 2:3
What does Zephaniah 2:3 mean?
A plain-English look at Zephaniah 2:3 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Zephaniah 2:3 means
Here the prophet identifies the proper responders: “all ye meek of the earth” who have tried to keep God’s ordinances. He urges them to deepen what they already pursue—seek the LORD Himself, seek righteousness, seek meekness. This is not works to earn rescue, but the posture of humility and obedience that aligns with God’s character. The quiet hope, “it may be ye will be hid,” leaves room for mercy without presumption. In the day of the LORD’s anger, God can shelter those who bow to Him. There is a remnant within Judah whose lowliness and faithfulness mark them out for His protection.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000Seek ye Jehovah, all ye meek of the earth, that have kept his ordinances; seek righteousness, seek meekness: it may be ye will be hid in the day of Jehovah’s anger.
KJV
King James Version · 1611Seek ye the Lord, all ye meek of the earth, which have wrought his judgment; seek righteousness, seek meekness: it may be ye shall be hid in the day of the Lord’s anger.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901Seek ye Jehovah, all ye meek of the earth, that have kept his ordinances; seek righteousness, seek meekness: it may be ye will be hid in the day of Jehovah’s anger.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949Make search for the Lord, all you quiet ones of the earth, who have done what is right in his eyes; make search for righteousness and a quiet heart: it may be that you will be safely covered in the day of the Lord's wrath.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862Seek Jehovah, all ye humble of the land, Who His judgment have done, Seek ye righteousness, seek humility, It may be ye are hidden in a day of the anger of Jehovah.
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752Seek the Lord, all ye meek of the earth, you that have wrought his judgment: seek the just, seek the meek: if by any means you may be hid in the day of the Lord's indignation.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890Seek Jehovah, all ye meek of the land, who have performed his ordinance; seek righteousness, seek meekness: it may be ye shall be hid in the day of Jehovah's anger.
Context
This completes the opening call: verses 1–3 urge a corporate and personal turning to God before judgment falls. The promise of being “hid” offers hope amid looming wrath. With that appeal laid, the chapter pivots in verse 4 to name specific nations under God’s hand. The coming oracles demonstrate that the day of judgment is not empty talk; God governs all peoples, and His justice will sweep across the map.
v.2before the decree bring forth, before the day pass as the chaff, before the fierce anger of Jehovah come upon you, before the day of Jehovah’s anger come upon you.
v.3This passage
v.4For Gaza shall be forsaken, and Ashkelon a desolation; they shall drive out Ashdod at noonday, and Ekron shall be rooted up.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Hosea 7:10
And the pride of Israel doth testify to his face: yet they have not returned unto Jehovah their God, nor sought him, for all this.
- Hosea 10:12
Sow to yourselves in righteousness, reap according to kindness; break up your fallow ground; for it is time to seek Jehovah, till he come and rain righteousness upon you.
- Jeremiah 3:13
Only acknowledge thine iniquity, that thou hast transgressed against Jehovah thy God, and hast scattered thy ways to the strangers under every green tree, and ye have not obeyed my voice, saith Jehovah.
- 2 Samuel 12:22
And he said, While the child was yet alive, I fasted and wept: for I said, Who knoweth whether Jehovah will not be gracious to me, that the child may live?
- Exodus 12:27
that ye shall say, It is the sacrifice of Jehovah’s passover, who passed over the houses of the children of Israel in Egypt, when he smote the Egyptians, and delivered our houses. And the people bowed the head and worshipped.
- 1 Thessalonians 4:10
for indeed ye do it toward all the brethren that are in all Macedonia. But we exhort you, brethren, that ye abound more and more;
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