Old Testament
Zephaniah 1:4
The Clear Bible Translation matches the King James Version, written at a 10th-grade reading level in plain English
At a Glance
In this verse, God declares His intention to judge Judah and Jerusalem for their idolatry.
- Author
- Zephaniah the prophet
- Written
- Around 630 BC
- Genre
- Prophecy
- Original Audience
- The kingdom of Judah
I will stretch out my hand against Judah and against all the inhabitants of Jerusalem. I will cut off the remnant of Baal from this place, and the name of the Chemarims along with the priests.
I will also stretch out mine hand upon Judah, and upon all the inhabitants of Jerusalem; and I will cut off the remnant of Baal from this place, and the name of the Chemarims with the priests;
Verse Analysis
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, God declares His intention to judge Judah and Jerusalem for their idolatry. The mention of stretching out His hand signifies His active intervention against the people. The cutting off of the remnant of Baal indicates that God will eliminate false worship and the influence of pagan priests, known as Chemarims, who led the people away from true worship. This judgment serves as a warning about the consequences of turning away from God and embracing false gods. The verse highlights God's desire for purity in worship and His commitment to removing anything that detracts from His holiness. It emphasizes that God will not tolerate idolatry and will take decisive action to restore true worship among His people. This passage reflects the seriousness of sin and the need for repentance, as God seeks to bring His people back to Himself by removing the sources of their spiritual corruption.
Related Bible verses
How to apply Zephaniah 1:4 to your life
This verse reminds us of the importance of examining our own lives for any forms of idolatry or distractions from true worship. We should actively seek to remove anything that hinders our relationship with God, ensuring that our worship is pure and focused solely on Him. Regular self-reflection and repentance are essential.
Curated for this public verse page. Zephaniah Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Zephaniah 1:4 mean by cutting off the remnant of Baal?
In Zephaniah 1:4, cutting off the remnant of Baal signifies God's intention to eliminate all traces of idolatry from Judah and Jerusalem. Baal was a false god worshipped by the people, and the remnant refers to those who still adhered to this pagan worship. God's action demonstrates His commitment to purifying His people and restoring true worship, emphasizing that He will not tolerate any form of idolatry.
Who are the Chemarims mentioned in Zephaniah 1:4?
The Chemarims mentioned in Zephaniah 1:4 were likely pagan priests associated with the worship of Baal and other false gods. Their presence indicates the extent of idolatry in Judah and Jerusalem. By cutting off their name along with the remnant of Baal, God is declaring His intention to remove all influences that lead His people away from true worship, highlighting the seriousness of spiritual corruption.
How does Zephaniah 1:4 relate to the theme of divine judgment?
Zephaniah 1:4 illustrates divine judgment by showing God's active response to the idolatry of His people. The verse reveals that God will stretch out His hand against Judah and Jerusalem, indicating a direct intervention to address their sins. This judgment serves as a warning about the consequences of turning away from God, emphasizing that He is sovereign and will act decisively to uphold His holiness and restore true worship.
What can we learn about worship from Zephaniah 1:4?
Zephaniah 1:4 teaches us the importance of worshiping God in purity and truth. The verse highlights God's intolerance for idolatry and the need for His people to remove distractions that hinder their relationship with Him. It encourages self-examination and repentance, reminding us to focus our worship solely on God and eliminate anything that competes for our devotion, ensuring that our spiritual lives align with His desires.
The Book of Zephaniah
Zephaniah 1: The Day of the LORD
The word of the LORD comes to Zephaniah the son of Cushi, during the reign of Josiah king of Judah. The LORD declares that He will completely consume all things from the land—man, beast, birds, and fish—and cut off the wicked. He stretches out His hand against Judah and Jerusalem and says He will remove the remnant of Baal, the idolatrous priests, and those who worship the host of heaven. He speaks against those who swear by the LORD while also swearing by Malcham, and against those who turn back from following Him.
Unlock the full Zephaniah summary
Continue reading every chapter — themes, structure, and turning points.
The complete summary of Zephaniah — a chapter-by-chapter breakdown covering all 3 chapters.
What you get
Every chapter of Zephaniah summarized in clear, modern English
How each section connects — narrative flow, key themes, and turning points
Permanent access — read anytime, on any device
Best value • Save over 90%
One-time purchase • Access anytime
ClearBible summaries are proprietary content and may not be copied, republished, or resold.
Checkout works as a guest. After payment, you create an account to claim your unlock.