Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version Seek the LORD, all you humble of the land, you who do what he commands. Seek righteousness, seek humility; perhaps you will be sheltered on the day of the LORD’s anger. New Living Translation Seek the LORD, all who are humble, and follow his commands. Seek to do what is right and to live humbly. Perhaps even yet the LORD will protect you— protect you from his anger on that day of destruction. English Standard Version Seek the LORD, all you humble of the land, who do his just commands; seek righteousness; seek humility; perhaps you may be hidden on the day of the anger of the LORD. Berean Standard Bible Seek the LORD, all you humble of the earth who carry out His justice. Seek righteousness; seek humility. Perhaps you will be sheltered on the day of the LORD’s anger. King James Bible Seek ye the LORD, all ye meek of the earth, which have wrought his judgment; seek righteousness, seek meekness: it may be ye shall be hid in the day of the LORD'S anger. New King James Version Seek the LORD, all you meek of the earth, Who have upheld His justice. Seek righteousness, seek humility. It may be that you will be hidden In the day of the LORD’s anger. New American Standard Bible Seek the LORD, All you humble of the earth Who have practiced His ordinances; Seek righteousness, seek humility. Perhaps you will remain hidden On the day of the LORD’S anger. NASB 1995 Seek the LORD, All you humble of the earth Who have carried out His ordinances; Seek righteousness, seek humility. Perhaps you will be hidden In the day of the LORD’S anger. NASB 1977 Seek the LORD, All you humble of the earth Who have carried out His ordinances; Seek righteousness, seek humility. Perhaps you will be hidden In the day of the LORD’s anger. Legacy Standard Bible Seek Yahweh, All you humble of the earth Who have worked His justice; Seek righteousness, seek humility. Perhaps you will be hidden In the day of Yahweh’s anger. Amplified Bible Seek the LORD [search diligently for Him and regard Him as the foremost necessity of your life], All you humble of the land Who have practiced His ordinances and have kept His commandments; Seek righteousness, seek humility [regard them as vital]. Perhaps you will be hidden [and pardoned and rescued] In the day of the LORD’S anger. Christian Standard Bible Seek the LORD, all you humble of the earth, who carry out what he commands. Seek righteousness, seek humility; perhaps you will be concealed on the day of the LORD’s anger. Holman Christian Standard Bible Seek the LORD, all you humble of the earth, who carry out what He commands. Seek righteousness, seek humility; perhaps you will be concealed on the day of the LORD’s anger. American Standard Version Seek ye Jehovah, all ye meek of the earth, that have kept his ordinances; seek righteousness, seek meekness: it may be ye will be hid in the day of Jehovah's anger. Contemporary English Version If you humbly obey the LORD, then come and worship him. If you do right and are humble, perhaps you will be safe on that day when the LORD turns loose his anger. English Revised Version Seek ye the LORD, all ye meek of the earth, which have wrought his judgment; seek righteousness, seek meekness: it may be ye shall be hid in the day of the LORD'S anger. GOD'S WORD® Translation Search for the LORD, all you humble people in the land who carry out his justice. Search for what is right. Search for humility. Maybe you will find shelter on the day of the LORD's anger. Good News Translation Turn to the LORD, all you humble people of the land, who obey his commands. Do what is right, and humble yourselves before the LORD. Perhaps you will escape punishment on the day when the LORD shows his anger. International Standard Version seek the LORD, all you humble people of the land, who do what he commands. Seek righteousness! Seek humility! Maybe you will be protected in the Day of the LORD's anger." Majority Standard Bible Seek the LORD, all you humble of the earth who carry out His justice. Seek righteousness; seek humility. Perhaps you will be sheltered on the day of the LORD?s anger. NET Bible Seek the LORD's favor, all you humble people of the land who have obeyed his commands! Strive to do what is right! Strive to be humble! Maybe you will be protected on the day of the LORD's angry judgment. New Heart English Bible Seek the LORD, all you humble of the land, who have kept his ordinances. Seek righteousness. Seek humility. It may be that you will be hidden in the day of the LORD's anger. Webster's Bible Translation Seek ye the LORD, all ye meek of the earth, who have performed his judgment; seek righteousness, seek meekness: it may be ye will be hid in the day of the LORD'S anger. World English Bible Seek Yahweh, all you humble of the land, who have kept his ordinances. Seek righteousness. Seek humility. It may be that you will be hidden in the day of Yahweh’s anger. Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionSeek YHWH, all you humble of the land, "" Who have done His judgment, "" Seek righteousness, seek humility, "" It may be you are hidden in the Day of the anger of YHWH. Young's Literal Translation Seek Jehovah, all ye humble of the land, Who His judgment have done, Seek ye righteousness, seek humility, It may be ye are hidden in a day of the anger of Jehovah. Smith's Literal Translation Seek Jehovah, all ye humble of the earth, who did his judgment; seek justice, seek humility: perhaps ye shall be covered in the day of the anger of Jehovah. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleSeek the Lord, all ye meek of the earth, you that have wrought his judgment: seek the just, seek the meek: if by any means you may be hid in the day of the Lord's indignation. Catholic Public Domain Version Seek the Lord, all you meek of the earth; you who have been working are his judgment. Seek the just, seek the meek. So then, in some way, you might be hidden in the day of the fury of the Lord. New American Bible Seek the LORD, all you humble of the land, who have observed his law; Seek justice, seek humility; Perhaps you will be sheltered on the day of the LORD’s anger. New Revised Standard Version Seek the LORD, all you humble of the land, who do his commands; seek righteousness, seek humility; perhaps you may be hidden on the day of the LORD’s wrath. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleSeek the LORD, all you meek of the earth, execute justice; seek righteousness and meekness; perhaps you may find refuge in the day of the LORD'S anger. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated Look for LORD JEHOVAH, all of you meek ones of the Earth, and do judgment and seek righteousness and meekness; doubtless you shall find refuge in the day of the wrath of LORD JEHOVAH! OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917Seek ye the LORD, all ye humble of the earth, That have executed His ordinance; Seek righteousness, seek humility. It may be ye shall be hid in the day of the LORD'S anger. Brenton Septuagint Translation Seek ye the Lord, all ye meek of the earth; do judgment, and seek justice, and answer accordingly; that ye may be hid in the day of the wrath of the Lord. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context A Call to Repentance…2before the decree takes effect and the day passes like chaff, before the burning anger of the LORD comes upon you, before the Day of the LORD’s anger comes upon you. 3Seek the LORD, all you humble of the earth who carry out His justice. Seek righteousness; seek humility. Perhaps you will be sheltered on the day of the LORD’s anger. Cross References Matthew 5:6 Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled. Matthew 5:10-12 Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. / Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you, and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of Me. / Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets before you. Matthew 6:33 But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added unto you. James 4:10 Humble yourselves before the Lord, and He will exalt you. 1 Peter 5:6 Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, so that in due time He may exalt you. Isaiah 55:6-7 Seek the LORD while He may be found; call on Him while He is near. / Let the wicked man forsake his way and the unrighteous man his thoughts; let him return to the LORD, that He may have compassion, and to our God, for He will freely pardon. Amos 5:4-6 For this is what the LORD says to the house of Israel: “Seek Me and live! / Do not seek Bethel or go to Gilgal; do not journey to Beersheba, for Gilgal will surely go into exile, and Bethel will come to nothing. / Seek the LORD and live, or He will sweep like fire through the house of Joseph; it will devour everything, with no one at Bethel to extinguish it. Psalm 105:4 Seek out the LORD and His strength; seek His face always. Isaiah 2:10-11 Go into the rocks and hide in the dust from the terror of the LORD and the splendor of His majesty. / The proud look of man will be humbled, and the loftiness of men brought low; the LORD alone will be exalted in that day. Isaiah 26:9 My soul longs for You in the night; indeed, my spirit seeks You at dawn. For when Your judgments come upon the earth, the people of the world learn righteousness. Isaiah 45:19 I have not spoken in secret, from a place in a land of darkness. I did not say to the descendants of Jacob, ‘Seek Me in a wasteland.’ I, the LORD, speak the truth; I say what is right. Isaiah 51:1 “Listen to Me, you who pursue righteousness, you who seek the LORD: Look to the rock from which you were cut, and to the quarry from which you were hewn. Hosea 10:12 Sow for yourselves righteousness and reap the fruit of loving devotion; break up your unplowed ground. For it is time to seek the LORD until He comes and sends righteousness upon you like rain. 1 Chronicles 16:11 Seek out the LORD and His strength; seek His face always. Psalm 24:3-6 Who may ascend the hill of the LORD? Who may stand in His holy place? / He who has clean hands and a pure heart, who does not lift up his soul to an idol or swear deceitfully. / He will receive blessing from the LORD and vindication from the God of his salvation. ... Treasury of Scripture Seek you the LORD, all you meek of the earth, which have worked his judgment; seek righteousness, seek meekness: it may be you shall be hid in the day of the LORD's anger. Seek ye. Psalm 105:4 Seek the LORD, and his strength: seek his face evermore. Isaiah 55:6,7 Seek ye the LORD while he may be found, call ye upon him while he is near: … Jeremiah 3:13,14 Only acknowledge thine iniquity, that thou hast transgressed against the LORD thy God, and hast scattered thy ways to the strangers under every green tree, and ye have not obeyed my voice, saith the LORD… all. 2 Chronicles 34:27,28 Because thine heart was tender, and thou didst humble thyself before God, when thou heardest his words against this place, and against the inhabitants thereof, and humbledst thyself before me, and didst rend thy clothes, and weep before me; I have even heard thee also, saith the LORD… Psalm 22:26 The meek shall eat and be satisfied: they shall praise the LORD that seek him: your heart shall live for ever. Psalm 25:8,9 Good and upright is the LORD: therefore will he teach sinners in the way… seek righteousness. Philippians 3:13,14 Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, … 1 Thessalonians 4:1,10 Furthermore then we beseech you, brethren, and exhort you by the Lord Jesus, that as ye have received of us how ye ought to walk and to please God, so ye would abound more and more… 1 Peter 1:22 Seeing ye have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit unto unfeigned love of the brethren, see that ye love one another with a pure heart fervently: it may. 2 Samuel 12:22 And he said, While the child was yet alive, I fasted and wept: for I said, Who can tell whether GOD will be gracious to me, that the child may live? Joel 2:13,14 And rend your heart, and not your garments, and turn unto the LORD your God: for he is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and of great kindness, and repenteth him of the evil… Amos 5:15 Hate the evil, and love the good, and establish judgment in the gate: it may be that the LORD God of hosts will be gracious unto the remnant of Joseph. hid. Genesis 7:15,16 And they went in unto Noah into the ark, two and two of all flesh, wherein is the breath of life… Exodus 12:27 That ye shall say, It is the sacrifice of the LORD'S passover, who passed over the houses of the children of Israel in Egypt, when he smote the Egyptians, and delivered our houses. And the people bowed the head and worshipped. Psalm 31:20 Thou shalt hide them in the secret of thy presence from the pride of man: thou shalt keep them secretly in a pavilion from the strife of tongues. Jump to Previous Anger Carried Commands Covered Earth Executed Eyes Heart Hid Hidden Humble Humility Jehovah's Judgment Kept LORD's Meek Meekness Ones Ordinance Ordinances Performed Perhaps Quiet Right Righteousness Safely Search Seek Sheltered Wrath WroughtJump to Next Anger Carried Commands Covered Earth Executed Eyes Heart Hid Hidden Humble Humility Jehovah's Judgment Kept LORD's Meek Meekness Ones Ordinance Ordinances Performed Perhaps Quiet Right Righteousness Safely Search Seek Sheltered Wrath WroughtZephaniah 2 1. An exhortation to repentance.4. The judgment of the Philistines, 8. of Moab and Ammon, 12. of Ethiopia, 13. and of Assyria. Seek the LORD This phrase calls for an active pursuit of a relationship with God. In the context of Zephaniah, the prophet is urging the people of Judah to turn back to God amidst impending judgment. Seeking the LORD involves prayer, repentance, and obedience to His commandments. This echoes the call in Deuteronomy 4:29, where seeking God with all one's heart and soul is emphasized. It is a reminder of the covenant relationship between God and His people, where seeking Him leads to life and blessing. all you humble of the earth who carry out His justice Seek righteousness; seek humility Perhaps you will be sheltered on the day of the LORD’s anger Persons / Places / Events 1. ZephaniahA prophet in the Old Testament, Zephaniah's ministry took place during the reign of King Josiah of Judah. He is known for his messages of judgment and the call to repentance. 2. The LORD The covenant name of God, Yahweh, who is calling His people to seek Him and live according to His ways. 3. The Humble of the Land Refers to those in Judah who are meek and willing to submit to God's will, contrasting with the proud and rebellious. 4. The Day of the LORD A significant theme in Zephaniah, referring to a future time of divine judgment and wrath against sin, but also a time of hope for those who seek God. 5. Judah The southern kingdom of Israel, which is the primary audience of Zephaniah's prophecy, facing impending judgment due to their disobedience. Teaching Points The Call to Seek GodThe verse emphasizes the importance of actively seeking the LORD. This involves a deliberate and ongoing pursuit of a relationship with God, characterized by prayer, study of His Word, and obedience to His commands. The Role of Humility Humility is a key virtue in the Christian life. It involves recognizing our dependence on God and submitting to His will. The Hebrew word for "humble" ('anav) suggests a posture of meekness and lowliness before God. Pursuing Righteousness and Justice Righteousness and justice are central to God's character and should be reflected in the lives of His people. This involves living ethically, treating others fairly, and advocating for what is right. Hope in the Midst of Judgment Even in the face of impending judgment, there is hope for those who seek God. The phrase "perhaps you will be sheltered" suggests that God's mercy is available to those who earnestly seek Him. Preparation for the Day of the LORD The "day of the LORD" is a time of both judgment and salvation. Believers are called to prepare by aligning their lives with God's standards, ensuring they are ready for His return.Verse 3. - The prophet here addresses especially the pious among the people, urging them to perseverance in the right way. Ye meek of the earth. The humble, peaceable, religious, among the Israelites are primarily meant; whose character is the direct contrary of the proud, self-confident infidels mentioned above (comp. Isaiah 11:4; Amos 2:7). But there is no reason why the admonition should not include the heathen who are striving to live after the light of conscience (Isaiah 24:5; Romans 2:14, etc.). Which have wrought his judgment. Who have fulfilled the ordinances of God's Law. Seek righteousness. This and the following injunction explain what is meant by "seek the Lord" at the beginning of the verse (Deuteronomy 16:20). Seek meekness. Persevere in showing a humble, gentle temper. Septuagint, καὶ ἀποκρίνασθε αὐτά "and answer them." It may be. Even the righteous shall scarcely be saved (comp. 1 Peter 4:17, 18). Ye shall be hid. Ye shall be preserved in the time of judgment (Psalm 27:5; Psalm 31:20; Isaiah 32:2). This recalls the prophet's name, which is interpreted, "Whom the Lord hides" (comp. Amos 5:14, 15). Parallel Commentaries ... Hebrew Seekבַּקְּשׁ֤וּ (baq·qə·šū) Verb - Piel - Imperative - masculine plural Strong's 1245: To search out, to strive after the LORD, יְהוָה֙ (Yah·weh) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 3068: LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel all כָּל־ (kāl-) Noun - masculine singular construct Strong's 3605: The whole, all, any, every you humble עַנְוֵ֣י (‘an·wê) Adjective - masculine plural construct Strong's 6035: Poor, afflicted, humble, meek of the earth, הָאָ֔רֶץ (hā·’ā·reṣ) Article | Noun - feminine singular Strong's 776: Earth, land who אֲשֶׁ֥ר (’ă·šer) Pronoun - relative Strong's 834: Who, which, what, that, when, where, how, because, in order that carry out פָּעָ֑לוּ (pā·‘ā·lū) Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person common plural Strong's 6466: To do, make, to practise His justice. מִשְׁפָּט֖וֹ (miš·pā·ṭōw) Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular Strong's 4941: A verdict, a sentence, formal decree, divine law, penalty, justice, privilege, style Seek בַּקְּשׁוּ־ (baq·qə·šū-) Verb - Piel - Imperative - masculine plural Strong's 1245: To search out, to strive after righteousness; צֶ֙דֶק֙ (ṣe·ḏeq) Noun - masculine singular Strong's 6664: The right, equity, prosperity seek בַּקְּשׁ֣וּ (baq·qə·šū) Verb - Piel - Imperative - masculine plural Strong's 1245: To search out, to strive after humility. עֲנָוָ֔ה (‘ă·nā·wāh) Noun - feminine singular Strong's 6038: Condescension Perhaps אוּלַי֙ (’ū·lay) Adverb Strong's 194: Perhaps you will be sheltered תִּסָּ֣תְר֔וּ (tis·sā·ṯə·rū) Verb - Nifal - Imperfect - second person masculine plural Strong's 5641: To hide, conceal on the Day בְּי֖וֹם (bə·yō·wm) Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular construct Strong's 3117: A day of the LORD’s יְהוָֽה׃ (Yah·weh) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 3068: LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel anger. אַף־ (’ap̄-) Noun - masculine singular construct Strong's 639: The nose, nostril, the face, a person, ire Links Zephaniah 2:3 NIVZephaniah 2:3 NLT Zephaniah 2:3 ESV Zephaniah 2:3 NASB Zephaniah 2:3 KJV Zephaniah 2:3 BibleApps.com Zephaniah 2:3 Biblia Paralela Zephaniah 2:3 Chinese Bible Zephaniah 2:3 French Bible Zephaniah 2:3 Catholic Bible OT Prophets: Zephaniah 2:3 Seek Yahweh all you humble (Zeph. Zep Zp) |
    |