Zephaniah 3:16

16 On that day they will say to Jerusalem, “Do not fear, Zion; do not let your hands hang limp.

Zephaniah 3:16 in Other Translations

King James Version (KJV)
16 In that day it shall be said to Jerusalem, Fear thou not: and to Zion, Let not thine hands be slack.
English Standard Version (ESV)
16 On that day it shall be said to Jerusalem: "Fear not, O Zion; let not your hands grow weak.
New Living Translation (NLT)
16 On that day the announcement to Jerusalem will be, “Cheer up, Zion! Don’t be afraid!
The Message Bible (MSG)
16 Jerusalem will be told: "Don't be afraid. Dear Zion, don't despair.
American Standard Version (ASV)
16 In that day it shall be said to Jerusalem, Fear thou not; O Zion, let not thy hands be slack.
GOD'S WORD Translation (GW)
16 On that day Jerusalem will be told, "Do not be afraid, Zion! Do not lose courage!"
Holman Christian Standard Bible (CSB)
16 On that day it will be said to Jerusalem: "Do not fear; Zion, do not let your hands grow weak.
New International Reader's Version (NIRV)
16 The time is coming when people will say to Jerusalem, "Zion, don't be afraid. Don't give up.

Zephaniah 3:16 Meaning and Commentary

Zephaniah 3:16

In that day it shall be said to Jerusalem, fear thou not,
&c.] Do not be afraid of any enemies; neither outward ones, the armies of Gog and Magog, the Turk, who will threaten, and will attempt to dispossess them of their land, now returned to it; nor inward and spiritual enemies, sin, Satan, death, and hell, being all vanquished and subdued by Christ: this will be said, not by the enemies themselves, who will confess they have no power to stand before the mighty God, as Aben Ezra; but either by the prophets of the Lord, or by the people themselves, encouraging one another, every man his neighbour, as Kimchi; or rather by the Lord himself, as the Septuagint and Arabic versions supply it,

``the Lord shall say to Jerusalem;''
this will be said at the time of the Jews' conversion, when reinstated in their own land, and shall be threatened with another remove from it, which they will have no reason to fear: [and to] Zion, Let not thine hands be slack;
weak, remiss, hang down through fear of mind, and fainting of spirit; and so unfit to meet the enemy, or perform duty; but, on the contrary, pluck up a good heart, be of good courage, fear not the enemy, be vigorous, active, and diligent, in the performance of the service of the Lord, animated by the following considerations:

Zephaniah 3:16 In-Context

14 Sing, Daughter Zion; shout aloud, Israel! Be glad and rejoice with all your heart, Daughter Jerusalem!
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.
16 On that day they will say to Jerusalem, “Do not fear, Zion; do not let your hands hang limp.
17 The LORD your God is with you, the Mighty Warrior who saves. He will take great delight in you; in his love he will no longer rebuke you, but will rejoice over you with singing.”
18 “I will remove from you all who mourn over the loss of your appointed festivals, which is a burden and reproach for you.

Cross References 1

  • 1. S 2 Kings 19:26; S Job 4:3; Isaiah 35:3-4; Hebrews 12:12
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