King James Version

What Does Zephaniah 3:14 Mean?

Zephaniah 3:14 in the King James Version says “Sing, O daughter of Zion; shout, O Israel; be glad and rejoice with all the heart, O daughter of Jerusalem.” — study this verse from Zephaniah chapter 3 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Sing, O daughter of Zion; shout, O Israel; be glad and rejoice with all the heart, O daughter of Jerusalem.”

Zephaniah 3:14 · KJV

Context

12

I will also leave in the midst of thee an afflicted and poor people, and they shall trust in the name of the LORD.

13

The remnant of Israel shall not do iniquity, nor speak lies; neither shall a deceitful tongue be found in their mouth: for they shall feed and lie down, and none shall make them afraid.

14

Sing, O daughter of Zion; shout, O Israel; be glad and rejoice with all the heart, O daughter of Jerusalem.

15

The LORD hath taken away thy judgments, he hath cast out thine enemy: the king of Israel, even the LORD, is in the midst of thee: thou shalt not see evil any more.

16

In that day it shall be said to Jerusalem, Fear thou not: and to Zion, Let not thine hands be slack. slack: or, faint

Read Zephaniah 3 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Sing, O daughter of Zion; shout, O Israel; be glad and rejoice with all the heart, O daughter of Jerusalem—after judgment and purification (verses 1-13), restoration erupts in joyful worship. The verse issues four commands using different Hebrew terms for celebration, building intensity. "Sing" (roni, רָנִּי) means to cry out joyfully, to give a ringing cry of gladness—the exuberant shout accompanying victory or celebration. "Shout" (hari'u, הָרִיעוּ) means to raise a shout, give a war cry, or sound the trumpet—loud, public declaration of triumph.

"Be glad" (simchi, שִׂמְחִי) means to rejoice, be joyful, experience delight—inner emotional joy. "Rejoice" (aletzi, עָלְצִי) means to exult or triumph—joy expressed in physical movement and celebration. The phrase "with all the heart" (be-khol-lev, בְּכָל־לֵב) emphasizes wholehearted, unreserved celebration—complete abandonment to joy without hesitation or restraint. This contrasts with the half-hearted, superficial repentance earlier condemned (3:7, Jeremiah 3:10).

The three addressees—"daughter of Zion," "Israel," "daughter of Jerusalem"—use poetic variation to address the covenant community. "Daughter" personifies the city/nation as a woman, emphasizing tenderness and covenant relationship. Zion and Jerusalem represent the holy city and God's dwelling place; Israel represents the covenant people collectively. The repetition emphasizes comprehensiveness: all God's people, from every direction and designation, should join unreserved celebration. This anticipates eternal worship when redeemed from every nation join the new song (Revelation 5:9-10, 7:9-10, 19:1-7).

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Historical & Cultural Context

Zephaniah 3:14 begins a concluding section (verses 14-20) of restoration promises following judgment oracles. These verses functioned as hope during the Babylonian exile (586-538 BC) and guided expectations for the return. When Cyrus of Persia issued the decree allowing Jewish return (538 BC, Ezra 1:1-4), it sparked celebration—though the reality of a struggling, weak community rebuilding amidst opposition tempered initial joy. The completed temple dedication (516 BC) brought celebration (Ezra 6:16-22), as did the later dedication of Jerusalem's rebuilt walls (Nehemiah 12:27-43).

However, post-exilic prophets like Haggai, Zechariah, and Malachi indicate the return didn't fully realize Zephaniah's promises. The community remained under foreign domination (Persian, then Greek, then Roman), the temple's glory was modest compared to Solomon's, and spiritual struggles persisted. This drove messianic expectation: greater fulfillment must lie ahead. The prophecy thus pointed beyond immediate restoration to ultimate redemption through Messiah.

The New Testament presents Christ's first coming as beginning fulfillment. Christ's birth announcement echoed Zephaniah: "Behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy...unto you is born...a Saviour" (Luke 2:10-11). Jesus entered Jerusalem to shouts of celebration (Matthew 21:5-9). The resurrection produced joy (Matthew 28:8, Luke 24:52). Yet full realization awaits Christ's return when all mourning ends, death is destroyed, and God's people experience unending joy in His presence (Revelation 21:3-4, 22:1-5).

Reflection Questions

  1. What hinders wholehearted, unreserved celebration of God's salvation, and how can believers cultivate appropriate joy?
  2. How should the church's worship reflect the exuberant celebration Zephaniah describes while maintaining reverent awe?
  3. In what ways does looking forward to ultimate fulfillment in the new creation sustain joy during present trials and partial realization?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 11 words
רָנִּי֙1 of 11

“Sing”

H7442

properly, to creak (or emit a stridulous sound), i.e., to shout (usually for joy)

בַּ֖ת2 of 11

“O daughter”

H1323

a daughter (used in the same wide sense as other terms of relationship, literally and figuratively)

צִיּ֔וֹן3 of 11

“of Zion”

H6726

tsijon (as a permanent capital), a mountain of jerusalem

הָרִ֖יעוּ4 of 11

“shout”

H7321

to mar (especially by breaking); figuratively, to split the ears (with sound), i.e., shout (for alarm or joy)

יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל5 of 11

“O Israel”

H3478

he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity

שִׂמְחִ֤י6 of 11

“be glad”

H8055

probably to brighten up, i.e., (figuratively) be (causatively, make) blithe or gleesome

וְעָלְזִי֙7 of 11

“and rejoice”

H5937

to jump for joy, i.e., exult

בְּכָל8 of 11
H3605

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

לֵ֔ב9 of 11

“with all the heart”

H3820

the heart; also used (figuratively) very widely for the feelings, the will and even the intellect; likewise for the center of anything

בַּ֖ת10 of 11

“O daughter”

H1323

a daughter (used in the same wide sense as other terms of relationship, literally and figuratively)

יְרוּשָׁלִָֽם׃11 of 11

“of Jerusalem”

H3389

jerushalaim or jerushalem, the capital city of palestine

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 3:14 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 3:14 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Isaiah 12:6Zechariah 2:10-11Micah 4:8Psalms 95:1-2Isaiah 65:18-19Zechariah 9:9-10

Places in This Verse

JerusalemSettlement · Modern: Jerusalem · 31.78°N, 35.23°E955 verses across 37 books
ZionSettlement · Modern: Jerusalem · 31.78°N, 35.23°E148 verses across 19 books
View all places in Zephaniah 3 →

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