Zephaniah 3:13
What does Zephaniah 3:13 mean?
A plain-English look at Zephaniah 3:13 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Zephaniah 3:13 means
The remnant of Israel will be marked by integrity: no iniquity, no lies, no deceitful tongue. Their renewed speech and conduct reflect the purified language and united service promised to the nations. God also grants them security—feeding and lying down without fear—evoking shepherd imagery where His flock rests in safety. This is not naïve optimism but the fruit of God’s purging work and protective presence. The community envisioned is healed from the inside out, honest in words and just in deeds, and at peace because the threats have been removed and God is their keeper.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000The 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.
KJV
King James Version · 1611The 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.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901The 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.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949The rest of Israel will do no evil and say no false words; the tongue of deceit will not be seen in their mouth: for they will take their food and their rest, and no one will be a cause of fear to them.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862The remnant of Israel do no perversity, nor speak lies, Nor found in their mouth is a deceitful tongue, For they have delight, and have lain down, And there is none troubling.
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752The remnant of Israel shall not do iniquity, nor speak lies, nor shall a deceitful tongue be found in their mouth: for they shall feed, and shall lie down, and there shall be none to make them afraid.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890The remnant of Israel shall not work unrighteousness, nor speak lies; neither shall a deceitful tongue be found in their mouth: but they shall feed and lie down, and none shall make them afraid.
Context
The ethical character of the remnant in verse 13 completes the inner transformation described in verses 11–12. With pride removed and humble trust established, truthfulness and peace follow. This tranquil picture sets the stage for the joyful summons of verse 14 and the proclamation of divine kingship and presence in verse 15. The flow from purity to praise underscores that worship erupts naturally where God’s renewing grace has taken hold and fear has been driven away.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Jeremiah 23:4
And I will set up shepherds over them, who shall feed them; and they shall fear no more, nor be dismayed, neither shall any be lacking, saith Jehovah.
- Jeremiah 30:10
Therefore fear thou not, O Jacob my servant, saith Jehovah; neither be dismayed, O Israel: for, lo, I will save thee from afar, and thy seed from the land of their captivity; and Jacob shall return, and shall be quiet and at ease, and none shall make him afraid.
- Jeremiah 31:33
But this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, saith Jehovah: I will put my law in their inward parts, and in their heart will I write it; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people.
- Psalms 23:2
He maketh me to lie down in green pastures; He leadeth me beside still waters.
- John 1:47
Jesus saw Nathanael coming to him, and saith of him, Behold, an Israelite indeed, in whom is no guile!
- Joel 3:17
So shall ye know that I am Jehovah your God, dwelling in Zion my holy mountain: then shall Jerusalem be holy, and there shall no strangers pass through her any more.
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