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Prophetia Sophoniae, 3

1. Vae, provocatrix et inquinata, civitas violenta!

1. Woe to her that is rebellious and defiled, the oppressing city!

2. Non audivit vocem, non suscepit disciplinam; in Domino non est confisa, ad Deum suum non appropiavit.

2. She listens to no voice, she accepts no correction. She does not trust in the LORD, she does not draw near to her God.

3. Principes eius in medio eius leones rugientes; iudices eius lupi deserti, ossa non relinquunt in mane.

3. Her officials within her are roaring lions; her judges are evening wolves that leave nothing till the morning.

4. Prophetae eius vaniloqui, viri fallaces; sacerdotes eius polluerunt sanctum, iniuste egerunt contra legem.

4. Her prophets are wanton, faithless men; her priests profane what is sacred, they do violence to the law.

5. Dominus iustus in medio eius non faciet iniquitatem; mane, mane iudicium suum dabit, sicut lucem, quae non deficit; nescivit autem iniquus confusionem.

5. The LORD within her is righteous, he does no wrong; every morning he shows forth his justice, each dawn he does not fail; but the unjust knows no shame.

6. “Disperdidi gentes, dissipati sunt anguli earum; desertas feci vias eorum, dum non est qui transeat; desolatae sunt civitates eorum, non remanente viro nec ullo habitatore.

6. "I have cut off nations; their battlements are in ruins; I have laid waste their streets so that none walks in them; their cities have been made desolate, without a man, without an inhabitant.

7. Dixi: Nunc timebis me, suscipies disciplinam! Et non evanescent ab oculis eius omnia, in quibus visitavi eam. Verumtamen acceleraverunt corrumpere omnes actiones suas.

7. I said, `Surely she will fear me, she will accept correction; she will not lose sight of all that I have enjoined upon her.' But all the more they were eager to make all their deeds corrupt."

8. Quapropter exspecta me, dicit Dominus, in die qua surgam ut testis; quia iudicium meum, ut congregem gentes et colligam regna, ut effundam super eas indignationem meam, omnem iram furoris mei; in igne enim zeli mei devorabitur omnis terra.

8. "Therefore wait for me," says the LORD, "for the day when I arise as a witness. For my decision is to gather nations, to assemble kingdoms, to pour out upon them my indignation, all the heat of my anger; for in the fire of my jealous wrath all the earth shall be consumed.

9. Quia tunc reddam populis labium purum, ut invocent omnes in nomine Domini et serviant ei umero uno.

9. "Yea, at that time I will change the speech of the peoples to a pure speech, that all of them may call on the name of the LORD and serve him with one accord.

10. Ultra flumina Aethiopiae, inde supplices mei, filii dispersorum meorum deferent munus mihi.

10. From beyond the rivers of Ethiopia my suppliants, the daughter of my dispersed ones, shall bring my offering.

11. In die illa non confunderis super cunctis actionibus tuis, quibus praevaricata es in me; quia tunc auferam de medio tui magniloquos superbos tuos, et non adicies exaltari amplius in monte sancto meo.

11. "On that day you shall not be put to shame because of the deeds by which you have rebelled against me; for then I will remove from your midst your proudly exultant ones, and you shall no longer be haughty in my holy mountain.

12. Et derelinquam in medio tui populum pauperem et egenum”. Et sperabunt in nomine Domini reliquiae Israel.

12. For I will leave in the midst of you a people humble and lowly. They shall seek refuge in the name of the LORD,

13. Non facient iniquitatem nec loquentur mendacium; et non invenietur in ore eorum lingua dolosa, quoniam ipsi pascentur et accubabunt, et non erit qui exterreat.

13. those who are left in Israel; they shall do no wrong and utter no lies, nor shall there be found in their mouth a deceitful tongue. For they shall pasture and lie down, and none shall make them afraid."

14. Lauda, filia Sion; iubilate, Israel! Laetare et exsulta in omni corde, filia Ierusalem!

14. Sing aloud, O daughter of Zion; shout, O Israel! Rejoice and exult with all your heart, O daughter of Jerusalem!

15. Abstulit Dominus iudicium tuum, avertit inimicos tuos; rex Israel, Dominus, in medio tui, non timebis malum ultra.

15. The LORD has taken away the judgments against you, he has cast out your enemies. The King of Israel, the LORD, is in your midst; you shall fear evil no more.

16. In die illa dicetur Ierusalem: “Noli timere, Sion; ne dissolvantur manus tuae!

16. On that day it shall be said to Jerusalem: "Do not fear, O Zion; let not your hands grow weak.

17. Dominus Deus tuus in medio tui, fortis ipse salvabit; gaudebit super te in laetitia, commotus in dilectione sua; exsultabit super te in laude

17. The LORD, your God, is in your midst, a warrior who gives victory; he will rejoice over you with gladness, he will renew you in his love; he will exult over you with loud singing

18. sicut in die conventus”. “Auferam a te calamitatem, ut non ultra habeas super ea opprobrium.

18. as on a day of festival. "I will remove disaster from you, so that you will not bear reproach for it.

19. Ecce ego interficiam omnes, qui afflixerunt te in tempore illo; et salvabo claudicantem et eam, quae eiecta fuerat, congregabo; et ponam eos in laudem et in nomen in omni terra confusionis eorum,

19. Behold, at that time I will deal with all your oppressors. And I will save the lame and gather the outcast, and I will change their shame into praise and renown in all the earth.

20. in tempore illo, quo adducam vos, et in tempore, quo congregabo vos. Dabo enim vos in nomen et in laudem omnibus populis terrae, cum convertero sortem vestram coram oculis vestris”, dicit Dominus.

20. At that time I will bring you home, at the time when I gather you together; yea, I will make you renowned and praised among all the peoples of the earth, when I restore your fortunes before your eyes," says the LORD.



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Footnotes:

3:1-5 - Zephaniah begins the chapter by denouncing the corruption and violence of Jerusalem, which had turned away from God. Social and spiritual sin is a reflection of rebellion against divine holiness. God's judgment is inevitable for a city that rejects His authority (see also Isaiah 1:21-23 and Jeremiah 7:1-11).

3:6-8 - God's judgment on the nations is expanded upon, with the promise that on the "Day of the Lord" all will be judged by His righteousness. God's sovereignty over all nations is emphasized, and the call to patience is an exhortation to repent before it is too late (see also Isaiah 34:1-8 and Malachi 4:1).

3:9-13 - The promise of restoration for the remnant of people who repent and seek God in truth. God will purify the hearts of His people, making them humble and faithful. This promise of renewal is an expression of God's love and mercy (see also Ezekiel 36:26-27 and Isaiah 56:7).

3:14-20 - Zephaniah closes the book with a message of joy and restoration. God promises to gather the exiles and bring peace and security to His people. Restoration is a manifestation of God's faithfulness to His promises and an invitation to celebrate His grace and power (see also Isaiah 25:6-9 and Revelation 21:1-4).

Verses related to Prophetia Sophoniae, 3:

Zephaniah chapter 3 concludes with a message of hope and restoration. How does God transform judgment into joy? This inspiring text begins with accusations against Jerusalem, but culminates with promises of purification and blessing. The chapter reveals God's character as a just judge and loving redeemer, highlighting His presence among His people. Zephaniah 3 addresses themes such as repentance, spiritual renewal, and the glorious future of Zion. Consider with us five biblical passages that deepen the meaning of this transformative chapter.

Isaiah 12:6: "Shout loudly and sing for joy, inhabitants of Zion, for great is the Holy One of Israel among you." - This verse from Isaiah reflects the theme of joy and restoration found at the end of Zephaniah 3, where God is described as being in the midst of his people.

Ezekiel 37:26-27: "I will make a covenant of peace with them; it will be an everlasting covenant. I will establish them and multiply them, and I will place my sanctuary among them forever. My dwelling will be with them; I will be their God, and they will be my people." - This promise from Ezekiel echoes the promises of restoration and God's presence among his people found in Zephaniah 3.

Revelation 21:3-4: "And I heard a loud voice coming from the throne saying, 'Now the tabernacle of God is with men, with whom he will live. They will be your people; God himself will be with them and will be their God. He will wipe away every tear from your eyes. There will be no more death, nor sadness, nor crying, nor pain, for the old order has passed away.'" - This vision of Revelation reflects the themes of restoration and God's presence among his people found at the end of Zephaniah 3.

Micah 4:6-7: "In that day,' declares the Lord, 'I will gather together the lame; I will gather the scattered and those I have afflicted. I will make the crippled a remnant, the scattered a strong nation. The Lord will reign over them on Mount Zion from that day and forever.'" - Micah's promise to gather and restore the remnant has parallels with the promises of restoration in Zephaniah 3.

Romans 11:26-27: "And so all Israel will be saved, as it is written: 'The redeemer will come from Zion, who will turn away wickedness from Jacob. And this is my covenant with them when I take away their sins.'" - Paul cites the Old Testament to speak of Israel's future salvation, echoing the themes of restoration found in Zephaniah 3.

FAQ:

What does Zephaniah 3 say about the purification of Jerusalem?

Zephaniah 3 predicts that Jerusalem will be cleansed of sin and corruption. God will restore the city and bring peace after the judgment. (Zephaniah 3:9-13)

How will God restore the remnant of Israel?

God will gather the exiles and purify his people. The remnant will live in obedience and righteousness, praising God for his mercy. (Zephaniah 3:11-13)

What is the promise of joy in Zephaniah 3?

God promises that after the judgment, His people will be filled with joy. He will dwell among them, and the city will be celebrated because of His presence. (Zephaniah 3:14-20)

What does it mean that God will "take the shame" of His people?

God promises to take the shame from His people, restoring their dignity and honor. They will no longer be humiliated by their past actions. (Zephaniah 3:19)

How will God rejoice over His people, according to Zephaniah 3?

God will rejoice with His people, singing and celebrating with them. The Lord will rejoice in His restoration and in His presence among the faithful. (Zephaniah 3:17)


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