Zephaniah — KJV Bible Study Guide
A free 10-lesson Bible study guide on zephaniah, drawn entirely from the King James Version. Each lesson opens with a study question, gives the verse reference, and offers a short teaching note. Use it for personal devotions, a small group, or a Sunday school class.
The 10 lessons
Lesson 1 · Zephaniah 1:2 (KJV)
In the beginning of the book, the LORD declares He will utterly consume all things from off what?
Answer: The face of the land
Study note. The LORD declares He will consume all things from off the land.
Lesson 2 · Zephaniah 1:1 (KJV)
Zephaniah was the son of Cushi, the son of Gedaliah, the son of Amariah, the son of whom?
Answer: Hezekiah
Study note. The genealogy of Zephaniah is traced back to Hizkiah (Hezekiah).
Lesson 3 · Zephaniah 1:1 (KJV)
During whose reign did the word of the LORD come unto Zephaniah?
Answer: Josiah
Study note. Zephaniah prophesied in the days of Josiah the son of Amon.
Lesson 4 · Zephaniah 1:12 (KJV)
The LORD says He will punish the men that are settled on their what?
Answer: Lees
Study note. The LORD punishes those 'settled on their lees' who say the LORD will not do good or evil.
Lesson 5 · Zephaniah 1:15 (KJV)
How does Zephaniah describe the 'great day of the LORD' in chapter 1?
Answer: A day of wrath, trouble, and distress
Study note. The prophet describes it as a day of wrath, trouble, distress, and gloominess.
Lesson 6 · Zephaniah 2:1 (KJV)
What nation does the prophet call 'O nation not desired'?
Answer: The nation of Israel
Study note. The prophet calls the nation to gather together before the decree brings fierce anger.
Lesson 7 · Zephaniah 2:13 (KJV)
Which city does the LORD say He will make a desolation, and dry like a wilderness?
Answer: Nineveh
Study note. The LORD stretches out His hand against the north to destroy Assyria and Nineveh.
Lesson 8 · Zephaniah 3:3 (KJV)
In chapter 3, how are the princes of the city described?
Answer: Roaring lions
Study note. The text states 'Her princes within her are roaring lions.'
Lesson 9 · Zephaniah 3:9 (KJV)
The LORD promises to turn to the people a 'pure' what, that they may call upon His name?
Answer: Language
Study note. The LORD promises to 'turn to the people a pure language.'
Lesson 10 · Zephaniah 3:17 (KJV)
According to the final chapter, what will the LORD do over His people with joy?
Answer: Joy
Study note. The KJV says 'he will joy over thee with singing.'
Key verses to memorize
The passages this study returns to most often — pick one or two and commit them to memory this week.
Discussion questions
- Which lesson in this study surprised you the most, and why?
- How does zephaniah point us to Jesus Christ and the gospel?
- Pick one verse from the key passages above. How does it shape the way you will pray, read, or live this week?
- Who in your life could you share one of these truths with in the next seven days?