King James Version

What Does Zephaniah 2:11 Mean?

Zephaniah 2:11 in the King James Version says “The LORD will be terrible unto them: for he will famish all the gods of the earth; and men shall worship him, every one ... — study this verse from Zephaniah chapter 2 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

The LORD will be terrible unto them: for he will famish all the gods of the earth; and men shall worship him, every one from his place, even all the isles of the heathen. famish: Heb. make lean

Zephaniah 2:11 · KJV


Context

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.

10

This shall they have for their pride, because they have reproached and magnified themselves against the people of the LORD of hosts.

11

The LORD will be terrible unto them: for he will famish all the gods of the earth; and men shall worship him, every one from his place, even all the isles of the heathen. famish: Heb. make lean

12

Ye Ethiopians also, ye shall be slain by my sword.

13

And he will stretch out his hand against the north, and destroy Assyria; and will make Nineveh a desolation, and dry like a wilderness.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The LORD will be terrible unto them (nora YHWH aleihem)—'Terrible' (nora) means fearsome, awe-inspiring, even dreadful. This anticipates God's final revelation when every knee will bow (Philippians 2:10-11), not from love but from sheer terror for many.

For he will famish all the gods of the earth (ki razah et kol elohei ha'aretz)—'Famish' (razah) means to make lean, to starve. Without worshipers bringing offerings, pagan gods will 'starve.' This is biting satire: idols depend on humans for sustenance (Psalm 115:4-8), while YHWH needs nothing (Acts 17:25). Men shall worship him, every one from his place, even all the isles of the heathen—Universal worship is the eschatological goal. Malachi 1:11 and Revelation 7:9-10 envision this global homage.

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Historical & Cultural Context

This prophecy began fulfillment when Babylon destroyed Moabite/Ammonite temples and their gods proved impotent. Ultimate fulfillment awaits Christ's return, when 'the earth will be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the LORD, as the waters cover the sea' (Habakkuk 2:14).

Reflection Questions

  1. What does it mean that God will 'starve' false gods—how are idols dependent on their worshipers?
  2. How does this prophecy of universal worship encourage missionaries and evangelists facing resistant cultures?
  3. What contemporary 'gods' (ideologies, systems, values) does God's Word expose as powerless and doomed to 'famine'?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 16 words
נוֹרָ֤א1 of 16

will be terrible

H3372

to fear; morally to revere; causatively to frighten

יְהוָה֙2 of 16

The LORD

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

עֲלֵיהֶ֔ם3 of 16
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

כִּ֣י4 of 16
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

רָזָ֔ה5 of 16

unto them for he will famish

H7329

to emaciate, i.e., make (become) thin (literally or figuratively)

אֵ֖ת6 of 16
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

כָּל7 of 16
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

אֱלֹהֵ֣י8 of 16

all the gods

H430

gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of

הָאָ֑רֶץ9 of 16

of the earth

H776

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

וְיִשְׁתַּֽחֲווּ10 of 16

and men shall worship

H7812

to depress, i.e., prostrate (especially reflexive, in homage to royalty or god)

לוֹ֙11 of 16
H0
אִ֣ישׁ12 of 16

him every one

H376

a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)

מִמְּקוֹמ֔וֹ13 of 16

from his place

H4725

properly, a standing, i.e., a spot; but used widely of a locality (general or specific); also (figuratively) of a condition (of body or mind)

כֹּ֖ל14 of 16
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

אִיֵּ֥י15 of 16

even all the isles

H339

properly, a habitable spot (as desirable); dry land, a coast, an island

הַגּוֹיִֽם׃16 of 16

of the heathen

H1471

a foreign nation; hence, a gentile; also (figuratively) a troop of animals, or a flight of locusts


Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Zephaniah. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Zephaniah 2:11 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Zephaniah 2:11 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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