Zephaniah 3:18
What does Zephaniah 3:18 mean?
A plain-English look at Zephaniah 3:18 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Zephaniah 3:18 means
God promises to gather those who mourn for the solemn assembly, whose absence had brought reproach. These are people who felt the loss of worship keenly and bore its burden. The Lord will bring them back to the place of festival and fellowship, removing disgrace. Restoration is not abstract; it heals the very wounds caused by disrupted worship and scattered community. By naming the sorrowing ones, God shows pastoral care for tender consciences. He turns lament into gladness by restoring access to His appointed gatherings, signaling that the relationship between Him and His people is renewed.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000I will gather them that sorrow for the solemn assembly, who were of thee; to whom the burden upon her was a reproach.
KJV
King James Version · 1611I will gather them that are sorrowful for the solemn assembly, who are of thee, to whom the reproach of it was a burden.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901I will gather them that sorrow for the solemn assembly, who were of thee; to whom the burden upon her was a reproach.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949I will take away your troubles, lifting up your shame from off you.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862Mine afflicted from the appointed place I have gathered, from thee they have been, Bearing for her sake reproach.
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752The triflers that were departed from the law, I will gather together, because they were of thee: that thou mayest no more suffer reproach for them.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890I will gather them that sorrow for the solemn assemblies, who were of thee: the reproach of it was a burden [unto them].
Context
Having displayed His rejoicing love, God begins to enumerate specific acts of restoration. Verse 18 focuses on worshipers who grieved the loss of sacred assemblies, promising to gather them. The next verse will widen the scope to include justice against oppressors and care for the weak and outcast. The sequence shows that God’s saving presence renews both worship and social wholeness—He restores fellowship with Himself and repairs the community’s wounds.
v.17Jehovah thy God is in the midst of thee, a mighty one who will save; he will rejoice over thee with joy; he will rest in his love; he will joy over thee with singing.
v.18This passage
v.19Behold, at that time I will deal with all them that afflict thee; and I will save that which is lame, and gather that which was driven away; and I will make them a praise and a name, whose shame hath been in all the earth.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Jeremiah 23:3
And I will gather the remnant of my flock out of all the countries whither I have driven them, and will bring them again to their folds; and they shall be fruitful and multiply.
- Psalms 42:2
My soul thirsteth for God, for the living God: When shall I come and appear before God?
- Hosea 9:5
What will ye do in the day of solemn assembly, and in the day of the feast of Jehovah?
- Psalms 137:3
For there they that led us captive required of us songs, And they that wasted us required of us mirth, saying, Sing us one of the songs of Zion.
- Hosea 1:11
And the children of Judah and the children of Israel shall be gathered together, and they shall appoint themselves one head, and shall go up from the land; for great shall be the day of Jezreel.
- Zephaniah 3:20
At that time will I bring you in, and at that time will I gather you; for I will make you a name and a praise among all the peoples of the earth, when I bring back your captivity before your eyes, saith Jehovah.
Related questions readers ask
Keep reading
Want to dig deeper? Explore Zephaniah 3
Hand-picked devotionals, topical studies, and pastoral answers that draw on Zephaniah 3.
Topics that quote it
Topic
Bible Verses About Meekness
Explore biblical teachings on meekness, a Christ-like virtue characterized by humility, gentleness, and patient strength.
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.