Zephaniah 3:12
What does Zephaniah 3:12 mean?
A plain-English look at Zephaniah 3:12 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Zephaniah 3:12 means
God promises to leave in the midst of Jerusalem an afflicted and poor people who take refuge in the name of Jehovah. The language highlights lowliness and dependence, not economic status alone. These are the ones who know their need and entrust themselves to God’s character and promises. Their safety is not in power or wealth but in His Name—His revealed nature as faithful and strong. This remnant is not the elite; it is the humble. By preserving such a people, God shows that His kingdom grows through reliance on Him, not self-exaltation. They become the seedbed of renewed communal life.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000But I will leave in the midst of thee an afflicted and poor people, and they shall take refuge in the name of Jehovah.
KJV
King James Version · 1611I will also leave in the midst of thee an afflicted and poor people, and they shall trust in the name of the Lord.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901But I will leave in the midst of thee an afflicted and poor people, and they shall take refuge in the name of Jehovah.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949But I will still have among you a quiet and poor people, and they will put their faith in the name of the Lord.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862And I have left in thy midst a people humble and poor, And they have trusted in the name of Jehovah.
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752And I will leave in the midst of thee a poor and needy people: and they shall hope in the name of the Lord.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890And I will leave in the midst of thee an afflicted and poor people, and they shall trust in the name of Jehovah.
Context
Verse 12 follows the removal of the proud in verse 11 with the preservation of the meek. The focus narrows to the heart posture God values: humble trust. Next, verse 13 will describe the ethical fruit of this remnant—truthfulness, righteousness, and peace. The order matters: humility before God precedes integrity among people. In this way, the prophet sketches the moral architecture of restored Zion, preparing for the call to rejoice in verses 14–15.
v.11In that day shalt thou not be put to shame for all thy doings, wherein thou hast transgressed against me; for then I will take away out of the midst of thee thy proudly exulting ones, and thou shalt no more be haughty in my holy mountain.
v.12This passage
v.13The remnant of Israel shall not do iniquity, nor speak lies; neither shall a deceitful tongue be found in their mouth; for they shall feed and lie down, and none shall make them afraid.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- 1 Corinthians 1:27
but God chose the foolish things of the world, that he might put to shame them that are wise; and God chose the weak things of the world, that he might put to shame the things that are strong;
- 1 Peter 1:21
who through him are believers in God, that raised him from the dead, and gave him glory; so that your faith and hope might be in God.
- Isaiah 14:32
What then shall one answer the messengers of the nation? That Jehovah hath founded Zion, and in her shall the afflicted of his people take refuge.
- Psalms 37:40
And Jehovah helpeth them, and rescueth them: He rescueth them from the wicked, and saveth them, Because they have taken refuge in him.
- Ephesians 1:12
to the end that we should be unto the praise of his glory, we who had before hoped in Christ:
- Zechariah 11:11
And it was broken in that day; and thus the poor of the flock that gave heed unto me knew that it was the word of Jehovah.
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