Zephaniah 3:12

12 But I will leave within you the meek and humble. The remnant of Israel will trust in the name of the LORD.

Zephaniah 3:12 in Other Translations

King James Version (KJV)
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.
English Standard Version (ESV)
12 But I will leave in your midst a people humble and lowly. They shall seek refuge in the name of the LORD,
New Living Translation (NLT)
12 Those who are left will be the lowly and humble, for it is they who trust in the name of the LORD .
The Message Bible (MSG)
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.
American Standard Version (ASV)
12 But I will leave in the midst of thee an afflicted and poor people, and they shall take refuge in the name of Jehovah.
GOD'S WORD Translation (GW)
12 So with you I will leave a faithful few, a humble and poor people. They will seek refuge in the name of the LORD.
Holman Christian Standard Bible (CSB)
12 I will leave a meek and humble people among you, and they will trust in the name of Yahweh.
New International Reader's Version (NIRV)
12 But inside your city I will leave those who are not proud at all. They trust in me.

Zephaniah 3:12 Meaning and Commentary

Zephaniah 3:12

I will also leave in the midst of thee an afflicted and
poor people
Of a character just the reverse of the proud and haughty, that should be removed from Jerusalem and Judea by death or captivity; these are they that should be preserved from the general calamity, as the Christians were, and were left in the church of God: these were an "afflicted" people, as the Lord's people in all ages are afflicted with a body of sin; with the temptations of Satan; with the hidings of God's face; with bodily infirmities, and with the reproaches and persecutions of men; the first Christians, both among Jews and Gentiles, justly bore this character, especially with respect to the last article: and they were also "poor", for the most part the poor of this world, being stripped of their worldly enjoyments for the sake of Christ; but especially poor in spirit, broken hearted, contrite, lowly ones; that had a mean opinion of themselves, modest, meek, and humble; sensible of their spiritual poverty, and seeking after the true riches of grace and glory. The Targum renders it,

``a meek people, and receiving injuries;''
quietly and patiently: and they shall trust in the name of the Lord;
not in men, but in the Lord; not in descent from men, from the patriarchs, as the Jews were wont to do; not in Moses, as they, in his law, and obedience to it; not in any creature or creature enjoyment; not in wealth and riches: nor in their own hearts, or in their own righteousness; but in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ; in his person for acceptance with God; in his righteousness for justification; in his blood for pardon and cleansing; in his sacrifice for atonement; in his fulness for supplies of grace; in his power and strength for protection and preservation; and in his obedience, sufferings, and death, for salvation and eternal life. This trust signifies, according to the sense of the word F14, a betaking of themselves to Christ as a refuge; a hiding themselves under the shadow of his wings; under his person, blood, and righteousness, where they are covered and sheltered from the avenging justice of God; from the curses of the law, and wrath to come: it is a committing themselves into the hands of Christ; a leaning and staying upon him, expecting grace and glory from him; trusting him with all they have, and for all they want in time and eternity: and this the chosen, redeemed, and called ones, "shall do"; for, through the efficacious grace of God, faith is given to them, and wrought in them; and this is drawn forth into act and exercise by the same grace, and is continued in them, and shall never fail, through the powerful intercession of Christ for them; they shall believe, and go on believing, to the saving of their souls.
FOOTNOTES:

F14 (wox) "se recipient", Junius & Tremellius, Drusius, Burkius; "confugient", Cocceius.

Zephaniah 3:12 In-Context

10 From beyond the rivers of Cush my worshipers, my scattered people, will bring me offerings.
11 On that day you, Jerusalem, will not be put to shame for all the wrongs you have done to me, because I will remove from you your arrogant boasters. Never again will you be haughty on my holy hill.
12 But I will leave within you the meek and humble. The remnant of Israel will trust in the name of the LORD.
13 They will do no wrong; they will tell no lies. A deceitful tongue will not be found in their mouths. They will eat and lie down and no one will make them afraid.”
14 Sing, Daughter Zion; shout aloud, Israel! Be glad and rejoice with all your heart, Daughter Jerusalem!

Cross References 2

  • 1. Isaiah 14:32
  • 2. S Jeremiah 29:12; Nahum 1:7
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