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Zephaniah

Pronounced zef-uh-NY-uh

boy

✓ In the King James Bible — Yes — Zephaniah appears in the King James Bible; the passages below give the context.

Meaning: "The LORD has hidden; God protects"
Origin: Hebrew

Zephaniah means "the LORD has hidden" or "God protects" in Hebrew. He was a prophet of royal descent who ministered during the reign of King Josiah, shortly before the great spiritual revival that Josiah led. Zephaniah's prophecy begins with sweeping declarations of judgment — "I will utterly consume all things from off the land" — but transitions to one of the most tender passages in the Old Testament: "The LORD thy God in the midst of thee is mighty; he will save, he will rejoice over thee with joy; he will rest in his love, he will joy over thee with singing" (Zephaniah 3:17). This portrait of God singing over His people with joy is unmatched in its intimacy. Zephaniah's message perfectly balances the holiness that demands judgment with the love that delights in restoration.

Spiritual meaning

Zephaniah reveals a God who not only saves but sings over His people with joy. His name — 'God protects' — captures the heart of a Father who hides His children safely in His love.

Related verses (KJV)

"The LORD thy God in the midst of thee is mighty; he will save, he will rejoice over thee with joy; he will rest in his love, he will joy over thee with singing."
Zephaniah 3:17 (KJV) →
"Seek ye the LORD, all ye meek of the earth, which have wrought his judgment; seek righteousness, seek meekness."
Zephaniah 2:3 (KJV) →

Full page for Zephaniah

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