Zephaniah study section
Zephaniah word studies
A handful of Hebrew words carry the theology of Zephaniah. Tap the speaker next to any word to hear it pronounced.
Key words
יוֹם יְהוָה (yom YHWH): “The Day of the LORD”
Usage: Zephaniah 1:7, 14; 2:2-3
Meaning: The day of the LORD, God’s decisive coming in judgment and salvation.
Theological Significance: Zephaniah’s central theme, portrayed as near, great, and terrible. It points to the coming of Christ, both to save His people and to judge the world at His return (Zephaniah 1:14; 1 Thessalonians 5:2).
בָּקַשׁ (baqash): “To Seek”
Usage: Zephaniah 1:6; 2:3
Meaning: To seek, search for, resort to. “Seek the LORD... seek righteousness; seek humility.”
Theological Significance: The urgent call to seek God is the way of refuge before the day of wrath. It anticipates the gospel invitation to seek and find life in Christ, who welcomes all who come to Him (Zephaniah 2:3; Matthew 7:7).
עֲנָוִים (anawim): “The Humble, Lowly”
Usage: Zephaniah 2:3; 3:12
Meaning: The humble, meek, afflicted, poor; those who depend on God rather than themselves.
Theological Significance: God preserves “a people humble and lowly.” These anawim are the very ones Christ blesses (“the poor in spirit,” “the meek”) who inherit the kingdom (Zephaniah 3:12; Matthew 5:3-5).
שְׁאֵרִית (she’erit): “Remnant”
Usage: Zephaniah 2:7, 9; 3:13
Meaning: Remnant, remainder, those preserved through judgment.
Theological Significance: God’s promise to preserve a she’erit who do no wrong and speak no lies is fulfilled in the remnant saved by grace in Christ, His purified people (Zephaniah 3:13; Romans 11:5).
שׂוּשׂ (sus): “To Rejoice, Exult”
Usage: Zephaniah 3:17
Meaning: To rejoice, exult, be glad. God “will rejoice over you with gladness.”
Theological Significance: The astonishing picture of God exulting over His people with singing is fulfilled in Christ, who rejoices over His redeemed bride and over every sinner who repents (Zephaniah 3:17; Luke 15:7; John 15:11).
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