Zephaniah 3

All 20 verses in the Clear Bible Translation. Tap a verse to compare the KJV and read what it means.

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1. 1Woe to the filthy and polluted city, the city that oppresses!
2. 2She refused to listen. She rejected correction. She didn't trust in the LORD, and she wouldn't come close to her God.
3. 3Her princes within her are roaring lions; her judges are evening wolves; they do not gnaw the bones until morning.
4. 4Her prophets are reckless and treacherous. Her priests have defiled the sanctuary and violated the law.
5. 5Yet the LORD is right there in the city, and he is just. He does no wrong. Every morning he brings his justice to light without fail — but the wicked feel no shame at all.
6. 6"I have wiped out nations. Their fortresses are in ruins. I've made their streets empty, with no one walking through them. Their cities are destroyed — not a single person is left living in them.
7. 7I thought, 'Surely they will fear me and accept correction.' Then their dwelling would not be cut off, no matter how I punished them. But they rose early and corrupted all their actions.
8. 8So wait for me," declares the LORD, "until the day I rise up to seize the prey. I have decided to gather the nations and assemble the kingdoms to pour out my indignation on them — all my fierce anger. The whole earth will be consumed by the fire of my jealousy.
9. 9Then I will give the people a pure language, so that they may all call on the name of the LORD and serve him with one accord.
10. 10From beyond the rivers of Ethiopia, my suppliants, even the daughter of my dispersed, will bring my offering.
11. 11On that day, you won't be ashamed of all the ways you sinned against me, because I will remove from among you those who rejoice in your pride. You will no longer be haughty because of my holy mountain.
12. 12I will also leave among you a suffering and poor people, and they will trust in the name of the LORD.
13. 13The remnant of Israel will not do wrong or tell lies. No deceitful words will come from their mouths. They will eat and rest in peace, and no one will make them afraid."
14. 14Sing out loud, daughter of Zion! Shout for joy, Israel! Celebrate with everything you have, daughter of Jerusalem!
15. 15The LORD has removed your judgments and driven out your enemy. The King of Israel, the LORD, is among you; you will not see evil anymore.
16. 16On that day, Jerusalem will be told, "Don't be afraid, Zion. Don't let your hands go limp with despair."
17. 17The LORD your God is in your midst and is mighty; he will save. He will rejoice over you with joy; he will rest in his love, and he will joy over you with singing.
18. 18I will gather those among you who are sorrowful for the solemn assembly — those to whom its reproach was a burden.
19. 19Watch — when that time comes, I will deal with everyone who has oppressed you. I will rescue the lame and bring back those who were scattered. I will turn their shame into praise and honor throughout the whole earth.
20. 20At that time, I will bring you back, when I gather you together. I will make you a name and a praise among all the nations of the earth, when I reverse your captivity before your eyes," declares the LORD.