Zeph.3.1
Woe to her that is filthy and polluted, to the oppressing city!
Zeph.3.1
Doom to the rebellious city, the home of oppressors--Sewer City!
Zeph.3.1
Woe to the city of oppressors, rebellious and defiled!
Zeph.3.1
Woe to her who is rebellious and polluted, To the oppressing city!
Zeph.3.1
How terrible it will be for rebellious, polluted Jerusalem, the city of violence and crime.
Zeph.3.2
She obeyed not the voice; she received not correction; she trusted not in the LORD; she drew not near to her God.
Zeph.3.2
The city that wouldn't take advice, wouldn't accept correction, Wouldn't trust GOD, wouldn't even get close to her own god!
Zeph.3.2
She obeys no one, she accepts no correction. She does not trust in the LORD, she does not draw near to her God.
Zeph.3.2
She has not obeyed His voice, She has not received correction; She has not trusted in the LORD, She has not drawn near to her God.
Zeph.3.2
It proudly refuses to listen even to the voice of the LORD. No one can tell it anything; it refuses all correction. It does not trust in the LORD or draw near to its God.
Zeph.3.3
Her princes within her are roaring lions; her judges are evening wolves; they gnaw not the bones till the morrow.
Zeph.3.3
Her very own leaders are rapacious lions, Her judges are rapacious timber wolves out every morning prowling for a fresh kill.
Zeph.3.3
Her officials are roaring lions, her rulers are evening wolves, who leave nothing for the morning.
Zeph.3.3
Her princes in her midst are roaring lions; Her judges are evening wolves That leave not a bone till morning.
Zeph.3.3
Its leaders are like roaring lions hunting for their victims--out for everything they can get. Its judges are like ravenous wolves at evening time, who by dawn have left no trace of their prey.
Zeph.3.4
Her prophets are light and treacherous persons: her priests have polluted the sanctuary, they have done violence to the law.
Zeph.3.4
Her prophets are out for what they can get. They're opportunists--you can't trust them. Her priests desecrate the Sanctuary. They use God's law as a weapon to maim and kill souls.
Zeph.3.4
Her prophets are arrogant; they are treacherous men. Her priests profane the sanctuary and do violence to the law.
Zeph.3.4
Her prophets are insolent, treacherous people; Her priests have polluted the sanctuary, They have done violence to the law.
Zeph.3.4
Its prophets are arrogant liars seeking their own gain. Its priests defile the Temple by disobeying God's laws.
Zeph.3.5
The just LORD is in the midst thereof; he will not do iniquity: every morning doth he bring his judgment to light, he faileth not; but the unjust knoweth no shame.
Zeph.3.5
Yet GOD remains righteous in her midst, untouched by the evil. He stays at it, day after day, meting out justice. At evening he's still at it, strong as ever. But evil men and women, without conscience and without shame, persist in evil. [JC]
Zeph.3.5
The LORD within her is righteous; he does no wrong. Morning by morning he dispenses his justice, and every new day he does not fail, yet the unrighteous know no shame.
Zeph.3.5
The LORD is righteous in her midst, He will do no unrighteousness. Every morning He brings His justice to light; He never fails, But the unjust knows no shame.
Zeph.3.5
But the LORD is still there in the city, and he does no wrong. Day by day his justice is more evident, but no one takes notice--the wicked know no shame.
Zeph.3.6
I have cut off the nations: their towers are desolate; I made their streets waste, that none passeth by: their cities are destroyed, so that there is no man, that there is none inhabitant.
Zeph.3.6
"So I cut off the godless nations. I knocked down their defense posts, Filled her roads with rubble so no one could get through. Her cities were bombed-out ruins, unlivable and unlived in.
Zeph.3.6
"I have cut off nations; their strongholds are demolished. I have left their streets deserted, with no one passing through. Their cities are destroyed; no one will be left-no one at all.
Zeph.3.6
"I have cut off nations, Their fortresses are devastated; I have made their streets desolate, With none passing by. Their cities are destroyed; There is no one, no inhabitant.
Zeph.3.6
"I have wiped out many nations, devastating their fortress walls and towers. Their cities are now deserted; their streets are in silent ruin. There are no survivors to even tell what happened.
Zeph.3.7
I said, Surely thou wilt fear me, thou wilt receive instruction; so their dwelling should not be cut off, howsoever I punished them: but they rose early, and corrupted all their doings.
Zeph.3.7
"I thought, "Surely she'll honor me now, accept my discipline and correction, Find a way of escape from the trouble she's in, find relief from the punishment I'm bringing.' But it didn't faze her. Bright and early she was up at it again, doing the same old things.
Zeph.3.7
I said to the city, 'Surely you will fear me and accept correction!' Then her dwelling would not be cut off, nor all my punishments come upon her. But they were still eager to act corruptly in all they did.
Zeph.3.7
I said, "Surely you will fear Me, You will receive instruction'-- So that her dwelling would not be cut off, Despite everything for which I punished her. But they rose early and corrupted all their deeds.
Zeph.3.7
I thought, `Surely they will have reverence for me now! Surely they will listen to my warnings, so I won't need to strike again.' But no; however much I punish them, they continue their evil practices from dawn till dusk and dusk till dawn."
Zeph.3.8
Therefore wait ye upon me, saith the LORD, until the day that I rise up to the prey: for my determination is to gather the nations, that I may assemble the kingdoms, to pour upon them mine indignation, even all my fierce anger: for all the earth shall be devoured with the fire of my jealousy.
Zeph.3.8
"Well, if that's what you want, stick around." GOD's Decree. "Your day in court is coming, but remember I'll be there to bring evidence. I'll bring all the nations to the courtroom, round up all the kingdoms, And let them feel the brunt of my anger, my raging wrath. My zeal is a fire that will purge and purify the earth.
Zeph.3.8
Therefore wait for me," declares the LORD, "for the day I will stand up to testify. I have decided to assemble the nations, to gather the kingdoms and to pour out my wrath on them- all my fierce anger. The whole world will be consumed by the fire of my jealous anger.
Zeph.3.8
"Therefore wait for Me," says the LORD, "Until the day I rise up for plunder; My determination is to gather the nations To My assembly of kingdoms, To pour on them My indignation, All My fierce anger; All the earth shall be devoured With the fire of My jealousy.
Zeph.3.8
So now the LORD says: "Be patient; the time is coming soon when I will stand up and accuse these evil nations. For it is my decision to gather together the kingdoms of the earth and pour out my fiercest anger and fury on them. All the earth will be devoured by the fire of my jealousy.
Zeph.3.9
For then will I turn to the people a pure language, that they may all call upon the name of the LORD, to serve him with one consent.
Zeph.3.9
"In the end I will turn things around for the people. I'll give them a language undistorted, unpolluted, Words to address GOD in worship and, united, to serve me with their shoulders to the wheel.
Zeph.3.9
"Then will I purify the lips of the peoples, that all of them may call on the name of the LORD and serve him shoulder to shoulder.
Zeph.3.9
"For then I will restore to the peoples a pure language, That they all may call on the name of the LORD, To serve Him with one accord.
Zeph.3.9
"On that day I will purify the lips of all people, so that everyone will be able to worship the LORD together.
Zeph.3.10
From beyond the rivers of Ethiopia my suppliants, even the daughter of my dispersed, shall bring mine offering.
Zeph.3.10
They'll come from beyond the Ethiopian rivers, they'll come praying--All my scattered, exiled people will come home with offerings for worship.
Zeph.3.10
From beyond the rivers of Cush my worshipers, my scattered people, will bring me offerings.
Zeph.3.10
From beyond the rivers of Ethiopia My worshipers, The daughter of My dispersed ones, Shall bring My offering.
Zeph.3.10
My scattered people who live beyond the rivers of Ethiopia will come to present their offerings.
Zeph.3.11
In that day shalt thou not be ashamed for all thy doings, wherein thou hast transgressed against me: for then I will take away out of the midst of thee them that rejoice in thy pride, and thou shalt no more be haughty because of my holy mountain.
Zeph.3.11
You'll no longer have to be ashamed of all those acts of rebellion. I'll have gotten rid of your arrogant leaders. No more pious strutting on my holy hill!
Zeph.3.11
On that day you will not be put to shame for all the wrongs you have done to me, because I will remove from this city those who rejoice in their pride. Never again will you be haughty on my holy hill.
Zeph.3.11
In that day you shall not be shamed for any of your deeds In which you transgress against Me; For then I will take away from your midst Those who rejoice in your pride, And you shall no longer be haughty In My holy mountain.
Zeph.3.11
And then you will no longer need to be ashamed of yourselves, for you will no longer be rebels against me. I will remove all the proud and arrogant people from among you. There will be no pride on my holy mountain.
Zeph.3.12
I will also leave in the midst of thee an afflicted and poor people, and they shall trust in the name of the LORD.
Zeph.3.12
I'll leave a core of people among you who are poor in spirit--What's left of Israel that's really Israel. They'll make their home in GOD.
Zeph.3.12
But I will leave within you the meek and humble, who trust in the name of the LORD.
Zeph.3.12
I will leave in your midst A meek and humble people, And they shall trust in the name of the LORD.
Zeph.3.12
Those who are left will be the lowly and the humble, for it is they who trust in the name of the LORD.
Zeph.3.13
The remnant of Israel shall not do iniquity, nor speak lies; neither shall a deceitful tongue be found in their mouth: for they shall feed and lie down, and none shall make them afraid.
Zeph.3.13
This core holy people will not do wrong. They won't lie, won't use words to flatter or seduce. Content with who they are and where they are, unanxious, they'll live at peace." [JC]
Zeph.3.13
The remnant of Israel will do no wrong; they will speak no lies, nor will deceit be found in their mouths. They will eat and lie down and no one will make them afraid."
Zeph.3.13
The remnant of Israel shall do no unrighteousness And speak no lies, Nor shall a deceitful tongue be found in their mouth; For they shall feed their flocks and lie down, And no one shall make them afraid."
Zeph.3.13
The people of Israel who survive will do no wrong to each other, never telling lies or deceiving one another. They will live peaceful lives, lying down to sleep in safety; there will be no one to make them afraid."
Zeph.3.14
Sing, O daughter of Zion; shout, O Israel; be glad and rejoice with all the heart, O daughter of Jerusalem.
Zeph.3.14
So sing, Daughter Zion! Raise the rafters, Israel! Daughter Jerusalem, be happy! celebrate!
Zeph.3.14
Sing, O Daughter of Zion; shout aloud, O Israel! Be glad and rejoice with all your heart, O Daughter of Jerusalem!
Zeph.3.14
Sing, O daughter of Zion! Shout, O Israel! Be glad and rejoice with all your heart, O daughter of Jerusalem!
Zeph.3.14
Sing, O daughter of Zion; shout aloud, O Israel! Be glad and rejoice with all your heart, O daughter of Jerusalem!
Zeph.3.15
The LORD hath taken away thy judgments, he hath cast out thine enemy: the king of Israel, even the LORD, is in the midst of thee: thou shalt not see evil any more.
Zeph.3.15
GOD has reversed his judgments against you and sent your enemies off chasing their tails. From now on, GOD is Israel's king, in charge at the center. There's nothing to fear from evil ever again!
Zeph.3.15
The LORD has taken away your punishment, he has turned back your enemy. The LORD, the King of Israel, is with you; never again will you fear any harm.
Zeph.3.15
The LORD has taken away your judgments, He has cast out your enemy. The King of Israel, the LORD, is in your midst; You shall see disaster no more.
Zeph.3.15
For the LORD will remove his hand of judgment and will disperse the armies of your enemy. And the LORD himself, the King of Israel, will live among you! At last your troubles will be over, and you will fear disaster no more.
Zeph.3.16
In that day it shall be said to Jerusalem, Fear thou not: and to Zion, Let not thine hands be slack.
Zeph.3.16
Jerusalem will be told: "Don't be afraid. Dear Zion, don't despair.
Zeph.3.16
On that day they will say to Jerusalem, "Do not fear, O Zion; do not let your hands hang limp.
Zeph.3.16
In that day it shall be said to Jerusalem: "Do not fear; Zion, let not your hands be weak.
Zeph.3.16
On that day the announcement to Jerusalem will be, "Cheer up, Zion! Don't be afraid!
Zeph.3.17
The LORD thy God in the midst of thee is mighty; he will save, he will rejoice over thee with joy; he will rest in his love, he will joy over thee with singing.
Zeph.3.17
Your GOD is present among you, a strong Warrior there to save you. Happy to have you back, he'll calm you with his love and delight you with his songs. [JC]
Zeph.3.17
The LORD your God is with you, he is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, he will quiet you with his love, he will rejoice over you with singing."
Zeph.3.17
The LORD your God in your midst, The Mighty One, will save; He will rejoice over you with gladness, He will quiet you with His love, He will rejoice over you with singing."
Zeph.3.17
For the LORD your God has arrived to live among you. He is a mighty savior. He will rejoice over you with great gladness. With his love, he will calm all your fears. He will exult over you by singing a happy song."
Zeph.3.18
I will gather them that are sorrowful for the solemn assembly, who are of thee, to whom the reproach of it was a burden.
Zeph.3.18
"The accumulated sorrows of your exile will dissipate. I, your God, will get rid of them for you. You've carried those burdens long enough.
Zeph.3.18
"The sorrows for the appointed feasts I will remove from you; they are a burden and a reproach to you.
Zeph.3.18
"I will gather those who sorrow over the appointed assembly, Who are among you, To whom its reproach is a burden.
Zeph.3.18
"I will gather you who mourn for the appointed festivals; you will be disgraced no more.
Zeph.3.19
Behold, at that time I will undo all that afflict thee: and I will save her that halteth, and gather her that was driven out; and I will get them praise and fame in every land where they have been put to shame.
Zeph.3.19
At the same time, I'll get rid of all those who've made your life miserable. I'll heal the maimed; I'll bring home the homeless. In the very countries where they were hated they will be venerated.
Zeph.3.19
At that time I will deal with all who oppressed you; I will rescue the lame and gather those who have been scattered. I will give them praise and honor in every land where they were put to shame.
Zeph.3.19
Behold, at that time I will deal with all who afflict you; I will save the lame, And gather those who were driven out; I will appoint them for praise and fame In every land where they were put to shame.
Zeph.3.19
And I will deal severely with all who have oppressed you. I will save the weak and helpless ones; I will bring together those who were chased away. I will give glory and renown to my former exiles, who have been mocked and shamed.
Zeph.3.20
At that time will I bring you again, even in the time that I gather you: for I will make you a name and a praise among all people of the earth, when I turn back your captivity before your eyes, saith the LORD.
Zeph.3.20
On Judgment Day I'll bring you back home--a great family gathering! You'll be famous and honored all over the world. You'll see it with your own eyes--all those painful partings turned into reunions!" GOD's Promise.
Zeph.3.20
At that time I will gather you; at that time I will bring you home. I will give you honor and praise among all the peoples of the earth when I restore your fortunes before your very eyes," says the LORD.
Zeph.3.20
At that time I will bring you back, Even at the time I gather you; For I will give you fame and praise Among all the peoples of the earth, When I return your captives before your eyes," Says the LORD.
Zeph.3.20
On that day I will gather you together and bring you home again. I will give you a good name, a name of distinction among all the nations of the earth. They will praise you as I restore your fortunes before their very eyes. I, the LORD, have spoken!"
