King James Version

What Does Zephaniah 2:5 Mean?

Zephaniah 2:5 in the King James Version says “Woe unto the inhabitants of the sea coast, the nation of the Cherethites! the word of the LORD is against you; O Canaan,... — study this verse from Zephaniah chapter 2 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

Woe unto the inhabitants of the sea coast, the nation of the Cherethites! the word of the LORD is against you; O Canaan, the land of the Philistines, I will even destroy thee, that there shall be no inhabitant.

Zephaniah 2:5 · KJV


Context

3

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.

4

For Gaza shall be forsaken, and Ashkelon a desolation: they shall drive out Ashdod at the noon day, and Ekron shall be rooted up.

5

Woe unto the inhabitants of the sea coast, the nation of the Cherethites! the word of the LORD is against you; O Canaan, the land of the Philistines, I will even destroy thee, that there shall be no inhabitant.

6

And the sea coast shall be dwellings and cottages for shepherds, and folds for flocks.

7

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 . for the LORD: or, when, etc


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Woe unto the inhabitants of the sea coast, the nation of the Cherethites (הוֹי יֹשְׁבֵי חֶבֶל הַיָּם goy Kerethim)—The Cherethites were Philistines from Crete (Ezekiel 25:16, Amos 9:7), giving archaeological support to their Aegean origin. The 'woe' (hoy) is a funeral lament, mourning them as already dead.

O Canaan, the land of the Philistines—Calling Philistia 'Canaan' identifies them with the Canaanites under Joshua's conquest (Joshua 13:2-3). Just as God drove out Canaan to give Israel the land, so He will dispossess Philistia. The promise I will even destroy thee, that there shall be no inhabitant (ve'ha'avadtikh me'ein yoshev) was literally fulfilled—Philistines ceased to exist as a distinct people after successive conquests.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

The Philistines originated from the 'sea peoples' migrations (c. 1200 BC) from the Aegean. By Roman times, the term 'Palestine' (from Philistia) referred to the region, but the ethnic Philistines had vanished, absorbed into surrounding populations—fulfilling Zephaniah's prophecy of total destruction.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does God's complete judgment on Philistia demonstrate that nations and empires are not permanent fixtures despite their apparent strength?
  2. What warnings does the extinction of entire people groups offer to nations that persistently oppose God's purposes?
  3. How should believers respond to enemies of the gospel—with triumphalism or with gospel urgency before judgment falls?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 15 words
ה֗וֹי1 of 15

Woe

H1945

oh!

יוֹשֵֽׁב׃2 of 15

thee that there shall be no inhabitant

H3427

properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry

חֶ֥בֶל3 of 15

coast

H2256

ruin

הַיָּ֖ם4 of 15

of the sea

H3220

a sea (as breaking in noisy surf) or large body of water; specifically (with the article), the mediterranean sea; sometimes a large river, or an artif

גּ֣וֹי5 of 15

the nation

H1471

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

כְּרֵתִ֑ים6 of 15

of the Cherethites

H3774

a kerethite or life-guardsman

דְּבַר7 of 15

the word

H1697

a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause

יְהוָ֣ה8 of 15

of the LORD

H3068

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

עֲלֵיכֶ֗ם9 of 15
H5921

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

כְּנַ֙עַן֙10 of 15

is against you O Canaan

H3667

kenaan, a son a ham; also the country inhabited by him

אֶ֣רֶץ11 of 15

the land

H776

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

פְּלִשְׁתִּ֔ים12 of 15

of the Philistines

H6430

a pelishtite or inhabitant of pelesheth

וְהַאֲבַדְתִּ֖יךְ13 of 15

I will even destroy

H6

properly, to wander away, i.e., lose oneself; by implication to perish (causative, destroy)

מֵאֵ֥ין14 of 15
H369

a nonentity; generally used as a negative particle

יוֹשֵֽׁב׃15 of 15

thee that there shall be no inhabitant

H3427

properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry


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 2:5 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 2:5 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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