Zephaniah 2:7
New International Version
That land will belong to the remnant of the people of Judah; there they will find pasture. In the evening they will lie down in the houses of Ashkelon. The LORD their God will care for them; he will restore their fortunes.

New Living Translation
The remnant of the tribe of Judah will pasture there. They will rest at night in the abandoned houses in Ashkelon. For the LORD their God will visit his people in kindness and restore their prosperity again.

English Standard Version
The seacoast shall become the possession of the remnant of the house of Judah, on which they shall graze, and in the houses of Ashkelon they shall lie down at evening. For the LORD their God will be mindful of them and restore their fortunes.

Berean Standard Bible
The coast will belong to the remnant of the house of Judah; there they will find pasture. They will lie down in the evening among the houses of Ashkelon, for the LORD their God will attend to them and restore their captives.

King James Bible
And the coast shall be for the remnant of the house of Judah; they shall feed thereupon: in the houses of Ashkelon shall they lie down in the evening: for the LORD their God shall visit them, and turn away their captivity.

New King James Version
The coast shall be for the remnant of the house of Judah; They shall feed their flocks there; In the houses of Ashkelon they shall lie down at evening. For the LORD their God will intervene for them, And return their captives.

New American Standard Bible
And the coast will be For the remnant of the house of Judah, They will drive sheep to pasture on it. In the houses of Ashkelon they will lie down at evening; For the LORD their God will care for them And restore their fortunes.

NASB 1995
And the coast will be For the remnant of the house of Judah, They will pasture on it. In the houses of Ashkelon they will lie down at evening; For the LORD their God will care for them And restore their fortune.

NASB 1977
And the coast will be For the remnant of the house of Judah, They will pasture on it. In the houses of Ashkelon they will lie down at evening; For the LORD their God will care for them And restore their fortune.

Legacy Standard Bible
And the coast will be For the remnant of the house of Judah; They will feed upon it. In the houses of Ashkelon they will lie down at evening; For Yahweh their God will care for them And restore their fortune.

Amplified Bible
The seacoast will belong To the remnant of the house of Judah; They will pasture [their flocks] on it. In the [deserted] houses of Ashkelon [in Philistia] they [of Judah] will lie down and rest in the evening, For the LORD their God will care for them; And restore their fortune [permitting them to occupy the land].

Christian Standard Bible
The coastland will belong to the remnant of the house of Judah; they will find pasture there. They will lie down in the evening among the houses of Ashkelon, for the LORD their God will return to them and restore their fortunes.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
The coastland will belong to the remnant of the house of Judah; they will find pasture there. They will lie down in the evening among the houses of Ashkelon, for the LORD their God will return to them and restore their fortunes.

American Standard Version
And the coast shall be for the remnant of the house of Judah; they shall feed their flocks thereupon; in the houses of Ashkelon shall they lie down in the evening; for Jehovah their God will visit them, and bring back their captivity.

Contemporary English Version
The LORD God hasn't forgotten those survivors in Judah, and he will help them--his people will take your land to use for pasture. And when evening comes, they will rest in houses at Ashkelon. *

English Revised Version
And the coast shall be for the remnant of the house of Judah; they shall feed their flocks thereupon: in the houses of Ashkelon shall they lie down in the evening; for the LORD their God shall visit them, and bring again their captivity.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
The coast will belong to the faithful few from the nation of Judah. There they will graze their sheep. In the evening they will lie down in the houses of Ashkelon. The LORD their God will take care of them and will restore their fortunes.

Good News Translation
The people of Judah who survive will occupy your land. They will pasture their flocks there and sleep in the houses of Ashkelon. The LORD their God will be with them and make them prosper again.

International Standard Version
The survivors of Judah will find pasture on it; at twilight they will lie down in the houses of Ashkelon, for the LORD their God will visit them, restoring their prosperity."

Majority Standard Bible
The coast will belong to the remnant of the house of Judah; there they will find pasture. They will lie down in the evening among the houses of Ashkelon, for the LORD their God will attend to them and restore their captives.

NET Bible
Those who are left from the kingdom of Judah will take possession of it. By the sea they will graze, in the houses of Ashkelon they will lie down in the evening, for the LORD their God will intervene for them and restore their prosperity.

New Heart English Bible
The coast will be for the remnant of the house of Judah. They will find pasture. In the houses of Ashkelon, they will lie down in the evening, for the LORD, their God, will visit them, and restore them.

Webster's Bible Translation
And the coasts shall be for the remnant of the house of Judah; they shall feed upon them: in the houses of Ashkelon shall they lie down in the evening: for the LORD their God will visit them, and turn away their captivity.

World English Bible
The coast will be for the remnant of the house of Judah. They will find pasture. In the houses of Ashkelon, they will lie down in the evening, for Yahweh, their God, will visit them and restore them.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
And the coast has been for the remnant of the house of Judah, "" By them they have pleasure, "" In houses of Ashkelon they lie down at evening, "" For their God YHWH inspects them, "" And He has turned back [to] their captivity.

Young's Literal Translation
And the coast hath been for the remnant of the house of Judah, By them they have pleasure, In houses of Ashkelon at even they lie down, For inspect them doth Jehovah their God, And He hath turned back to their captivity.

Smith's Literal Translation
And the region was for the remnant of the house of Judah; upon them they shall feed: in the houses of Ashkelon they shall lie down in the evening: for Jehovah their God shall review them, and turn back their captivity.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
And it shall be the portion of him that shall remain of the house of Juda, there they shall feed: in the houses of Ascalon they shall rest in the evening: because the Lord their God will visit them, and bring back their captivity.

Catholic Public Domain Version
And it will be the line of him who will remain from the house of Judah. There they will pasture. In the houses of Ashkelon, they will rest towards evening. For the Lord their God will visit them, and he will turn away their captivity.

New American Bible
The seacoast shall belong to the remnant of the house of Judah; by the sea they shall pasture. In the houses of Ashkelon they shall lie down in the evening. For the LORD their God will take care of them, and bring about their restoration.

New Revised Standard Version
The seacoast shall become the possession of the remnant of the house of Judah, on which they shall pasture, and in the houses of Ashkelon they shall lie down at evening. For the LORD their God will be mindful of them and restore their fortunes.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
And the seacoast shall be for the remnant of the house of Judah; they shall feed thereupon; in the houses of Ashkelon they shall lie down in the evening; for the LORD their God shall visit them and bring back their captivity.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And the coast of the sea will be for the rest of the house of Yehuda, and in the same they shall feed, and in houses of Ashqelon in the evening they shall feed, because LORD JEHOVAH their God shall visit them and he shall turn back their captivity
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
And it shall be a portion for the remnant of the house of Judah, Whereon they shall feed; In the houses of Ashkelon shall they lie down in the evening; For the LORD their God will remember them, And turn their captivity.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And the sea cost shall be for the remnant of the house of Juda; they shall pasture upon them in the houses of Ascalon; they shall rest in the evening because of the children of Juda; for the Lord their God has visited them, and he will turn away their captivity.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
The Judgment on the Philistines
6So the seacoast will become a land of pastures, with wells for shepherds and folds for sheep. 7The coast will belong to the remnant of the house of Judah; there they will find pasture. They will lie down in the evening among the houses of Ashkelon, for the LORD their God will attend to them and restore their captives.

Cross References
Isaiah 11:11-16
On that day the Lord will extend His hand a second time to recover the remnant of His people from Assyria, from Egypt, from Pathros, from Cush, from Elam, from Shinar, from Hamath, and from the islands of the sea. / He will raise a banner for the nations and gather the exiles of Israel; He will collect the scattered of Judah from the four corners of the earth. / Then the jealousy of Ephraim will depart, and the adversaries of Judah will be cut off. Ephraim will no longer envy Judah, nor will Judah harass Ephraim. ...

Jeremiah 31:10-12
Hear, O nations, the word of the LORD, and proclaim it in distant coastlands: “The One who scattered Israel will gather them and keep them as a shepherd keeps his flock. / For the LORD has ransomed Jacob and redeemed him from the hand that had overpowered him. / They will come and shout for joy on the heights of Zion; they will be radiant over the bounty of the LORD—the grain, new wine, and oil, and the young of the flocks and herds. Their life will be like a well-watered garden, and never again will they languish.

Ezekiel 34:11-16
For this is what the Lord GOD says: ‘Behold, I Myself will search for My flock and seek them out. / As a shepherd looks for his scattered sheep when he is among the flock, so I will look for My flock. I will rescue them from all the places to which they were scattered on a day of clouds and darkness. / I will bring them out from the peoples, gather them from the countries, and bring them into their own land. I will feed them on the mountains of Israel, in the ravines, and in all the settlements of the land. ...

Amos 9:14-15
I will restore My people Israel from captivity; they will rebuild and inhabit the ruined cities. They will plant vineyards and drink their wine; they will make gardens and eat their fruit. / I will firmly plant them in their own land, never again to be uprooted from the land that I have given them,” says the LORD your God.

Micah 7:14-15
Shepherd with Your staff Your people, the flock of Your inheritance. They live alone in a woodland, surrounded by pastures. Let them graze in Bashan and Gilead, as in the days of old. / As in the days when you came out of Egypt, I will show My wonders.

Isaiah 35:10
So the redeemed of the LORD will return and enter Zion with singing, crowned with everlasting joy. Gladness and joy will overtake them, and sorrow and sighing will flee.

Jeremiah 23:3-4
Then I Myself will gather the remnant of My flock from all the lands to which I have banished them, and I will return them to their pasture, where they will be fruitful and multiply. / I will raise up shepherds over them who will tend them, and they will no longer be afraid or dismayed, nor will any go missing, declares the LORD.

Ezekiel 36:24-28
For I will take you from among the nations and gather you out of all the countries, and I will bring you back into your own land. / I will also sprinkle clean water on you, and you will be clean. I will cleanse you from all your impurities and all your idols. / I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you; I will remove your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh. ...

Isaiah 49:8-10
This is what the LORD says: “In the time of favor I will answer You, and in the day of salvation I will help You; I will keep You and appoint You to be a covenant for the people, to restore the land, to apportion its desolate inheritances, / to say to the prisoners, ‘Come out,’ and to those in darkness, ‘Show yourselves.’ They will feed along the pathways, and find pasture on every barren hill. / They will not hunger or thirst, nor will scorching heat or sun beat down on them. For He who has compassion on them will guide them and lead them beside springs of water.

Hosea 2:21-23
“On that day I will respond—” declares the LORD—“I will respond to the heavens, and they will respond to the earth. / And the earth will respond to the grain, to the new wine and oil, and they will respond to Jezreel. / And I will sow her as My own in the land, and I will have compassion on ‘No Compassion.’ I will say to those called ‘Not My People,’ ‘You are My people,’ and they will say, ‘You are my God.’”

Matthew 5:5
Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.

John 10:14-16
I am the good shepherd. I know My sheep and My sheep know Me, / just as the Father knows Me and I know the Father. And I lay down My life for the sheep. / I have other sheep that are not of this fold. I must bring them in as well, and they will listen to My voice. Then there will be one flock and one shepherd.

Romans 11:25-27
I do not want you to be ignorant of this mystery, brothers, so that you will not be conceited: A hardening in part has come to Israel, until the full number of the Gentiles has come in. / And so all Israel will be saved, as it is written: “The Deliverer will come from Zion; He will remove godlessness from Jacob. / And this is My covenant with them when I take away their sins.”

1 Peter 2:9-10
But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God’s own possession, to proclaim the virtues of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light. / Once you were not a people, but now you are the people of God; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy.

Revelation 7:16-17
‘Never again will they hunger, and never will they thirst; nor will the sun beat down upon them, nor any scorching heat.’ / For the Lamb in the center of the throne will be their shepherd. ‘He will lead them to springs of living water,’ and ‘God will wipe away every tear from their eyes.’”


Treasury of Scripture

And the coast shall be for the remnant of the house of Judah; they shall feed thereupon: in the houses of Ashkelon shall they lie down in the evening: for the LORD their God shall visit them, and turn away their captivity.

the coast.

Isaiah 14:29-32
Rejoice not thou, whole Palestina, because the rod of him that smote thee is broken: for out of the serpent's root shall come forth a cockatrice, and his fruit shall be a fiery flying serpent…

Obadiah 1:19
And they of the south shall possess the mount of Esau; and they of the plain the Philistines: and they shall possess the fields of Ephraim, and the fields of Samaria: and Benjamin shall possess Gilead.

Zechariah 9:6,7
And a bastard shall dwell in Ashdod, and I will cut off the pride of the Philistines…

the remnant.

Zephaniah 2:9
Therefore as I live, saith the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel, Surely Moab shall be as Sodom, and the children of Ammon as Gomorrah, even the breeding of nettles, and saltpits, and a perpetual desolation: the residue of my people shall spoil them, and the remnant of my people shall possess them.

Isaiah 11:11
And it shall come to pass in that day, that the Lord shall set his hand again the second time to recover the remnant of his people, which shall be left, from Assyria, and from Egypt, and from Pathros, and from Cush, and from Elam, and from Shinar, and from Hamath, and from the islands of the sea.

Jeremiah 31:7
For thus saith the LORD; Sing with gladness for Jacob, and shout among the chief of the nations: publish ye, praise ye, and say, O LORD, save thy people, the remnant of Israel.

for.

Genesis 50:24
And Joseph said unto his brethren, I die: and God will surely visit you, and bring you out of this land unto the land which he sware to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob.

Exodus 4:31
And the people believed: and when they heard that the LORD had visited the children of Israel, and that he had looked upon their affliction, then they bowed their heads and worshipped.

Luke 1:68
Blessed be the Lord God of Israel; for he hath visited and redeemed his people,

turn.

Zephaniah 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.

Psalm 85:1
To the chief Musician, A Psalm for the sons of Korah. LORD, thou hast been favourable unto thy land: thou hast brought back the captivity of Jacob.

Psalm 126:1-4
A Song of degrees. When the LORD turned again the captivity of Zion, we were like them that dream…

Jump to Previous
Ashkelon Ash'kelon Captivity Care Changed Children Coast Coasts Evening Fate Feed Find Food Fortune Fortunes Hand House Houses Inspect Judah Lie Mindful Pasture Pleasure Portion Possession Remember Remnant Rest Restore Sea Seacoast Thereon Thereupon Turn Turned Visit Whereon
Jump to Next
Ashkelon Ash'kelon Captivity Care Changed Children Coast Coasts Evening Fate Feed Find Food Fortune Fortunes Hand House Houses Inspect Judah Lie Mindful Pasture Pleasure Portion Possession Remember Remnant Rest Restore Sea Seacoast Thereon Thereupon Turn Turned Visit Whereon
Zephaniah 2
1. An exhortation to repentance.
4. The judgment of the Philistines,
8. of Moab and Ammon,
12. of Ethiopia,
13. and of Assyria.














The coast
The term "coast" refers to the geographical region along the Mediterranean Sea, specifically the Philistine territory. Historically, this area was known for its strategic importance and fertile lands. The Hebrew word used here, "חוף" (chof), signifies a boundary or edge, indicating a place of transition and opportunity. In a spiritual sense, the coast represents a place of new beginnings and divine provision for God's people.

will belong to the remnant of the house of Judah
The "remnant" signifies a small, surviving group of people who remain faithful to God despite widespread apostasy or judgment. The Hebrew word "שְׁאֵרִית" (she'erit) emphasizes the idea of preservation and divine selection. The "house of Judah" refers to the southern kingdom, which maintained the Davidic line and the temple in Jerusalem. This phrase underscores God's faithfulness to His covenant promises, ensuring that a faithful remnant will inherit the land.

there they will find pasture
"Pasture" symbolizes sustenance, peace, and divine provision. The Hebrew word "מִרְעֶה" (mir'eh) conveys the idea of a place where flocks are fed and cared for. This imagery reflects God's role as a shepherd, providing for His people and leading them to places of abundance and rest. It is a promise of restoration and security for the remnant.

In the evening they will lie down
The phrase "in the evening" suggests a time of rest and safety after the day's labor. The Hebrew word "עֶרֶב" (erev) can also imply the end of a period of struggle or hardship. "Lie down" indicates a state of peace and trust, where fear and danger are absent. This imagery is reminiscent of Psalm 23, where the Lord leads His people to lie down in green pastures.

in the houses of Ashkelon
Ashkelon was one of the five major Philistine cities, known for its strength and fortifications. The mention of "houses" implies a complete takeover and habitation by the people of Judah. Historically, this signifies the reversal of fortunes, where the once-oppressive cities become places of dwelling for God's people. It highlights God's sovereignty in turning the tables and fulfilling His promises.

For the LORD their God will intervene for them
The phrase "the LORD their God" emphasizes the personal and covenantal relationship between God and His people. "Intervene" is derived from the Hebrew "פָּקַד" (paqad), meaning to attend to, visit, or take action on behalf of someone. This intervention is a divine act of deliverance and justice, showcasing God's active role in the lives of His people.

and restore their captives
"Restore" comes from the Hebrew "שׁוּב" (shuv), meaning to return or bring back. It signifies a reversal of exile and a return to a state of blessing and favor. "Captives" refers to those who were taken away during times of conquest and oppression. This promise of restoration is a powerful testament to God's redemptive plan, ensuring that His people are brought back to their rightful place and purpose.

Verse 7. - And the coast shall be for the remnant, etc.; it will be a tract for the remnant. The district will be the possession of the Jews, who should be restored to their land (Obadiah 1:19). Zephaniah virtually predicts the Captivity and the return, and intimates that the destruction of hostile nations is the means of advancing true religion. They shall feed their flocks thereupon. Where the Philistine cities stood shall be the pasture ground of the Israelites' flocks. Ashkelon. One city is mentioned as a type of all. For. This is the reason why they are permitted to triumph thus. Shall visit. In a good sense, to protect and cherish (Exodus 4:31; Ruth 1:6; Psalm 8:4; Zechariah 10:3; Luke 1:68). Turn away (reverse) their captivity. Bring them back from their exile to their own land (comp. Joel 3:1; Micah 4:10). The phrase, however, is often (and possibly here) used metaphorically for the abolishment of misery and the restoration to a happy condition (comp. Deuteronomy 30:3; Job 42:10 (15); Jeremiah 29:14). The full accomplishment of this prophecy concerning the overthrow of Philistia is of a spiritual nature, and must be looked for in the Messianic era, when the kingdoms of the world become the kingdom of Christ; and so in the subsequent predictions.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
The coast will belong
חֶ֗בֶל (ḥe·ḇel)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 2256: A rope, a measuring line, a district, inheritance, a noose, a company, a throe, ruin

to
וְהָ֣יָה (wə·hā·yāh)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 1961: To fall out, come to pass, become, be

the remnant
לִשְׁאֵרִ֛ית (liš·’ê·rîṯ)
Preposition-l | Noun - feminine singular construct
Strong's 7611: Rest, residue, remnant, remainder

of the house
בֵּ֥ית (bêṯ)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 1004: A house

of Judah;
יְהוּדָ֖ה (yə·hū·ḏāh)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3063: Judah -- 'praised', a son of Jacob, also the southern kingdom, also four Israelites

there
עֲלֵיהֶ֣ם (‘ă·lê·hem)
Preposition | third person masculine plural
Strong's 5921: Above, over, upon, against

they will find pasture.
יִרְע֑וּן (yir·‘ūn)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine plural | Paragogic nun
Strong's 7462: To tend a, flock, pasture it, in, to graze, to rule, to associate with

They will lie down
יִרְבָּצ֔וּן (yir·bā·ṣūn)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine plural | Paragogic nun
Strong's 7257: To crouch, be implication, to recline, repose, brood, lurk, imbed

in the evening
בָּעֶ֙רֶב֙ (bā·‘e·reḇ)
Preposition-b, Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 6153: Evening

among the houses
בְּבָתֵּ֣י (bə·ḇāt·tê)
Preposition-b | Noun - masculine plural construct
Strong's 1004: A house

of Ashkelon,
אַשְׁקְל֗וֹן (’aš·qə·lō·wn)
Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 831: Ashkelon -- a city of the Philistines

for
כִּ֧י (kî)
Conjunction
Strong's 3588: A relative conjunction

the LORD
יְהוָ֥ה (Yah·weh)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3068: LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel

their God
אֱלֹהֵיהֶ֖ם (’ĕ·lō·hê·hem)
Noun - masculine plural construct | third person masculine plural
Strong's 430: gods -- the supreme God, magistrates, a superlative

will attend to them
יִפְקְדֵ֛ם (yip̄·qə·ḏêm)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular | third person masculine plural
Strong's 6485: To visit, to oversee, muster, charge, care for, miss, deposit

and restore
וְשָׁ֥ב (wə·šāḇ)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 7725: To turn back, in, to retreat, again

their captives.
שְׁבִיתָֽם׃ (šə·ḇî·ṯām)
Noun - feminine singular construct | third person masculine plural
Strong's 7622: Exile, prisoners, a former state of prosperity


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OT Prophets: Zephaniah 2:7 The coast will be for the remnant (Zeph. Zep Zp)
Zephaniah 2:6
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