Zephaniah 1 9

Zephaniah 1:9 kjv

In the same day also will I punish all those that leap on the threshold, which fill their masters' houses with violence and deceit.

Zephaniah 1:9 nkjv

In the same day I will punish All those who leap over the threshold, Who fill their masters' houses with violence and deceit.

Zephaniah 1:9 niv

On that day I will punish all who avoid stepping on the threshold, who fill the temple of their gods with violence and deceit.

Zephaniah 1:9 esv

On that day I will punish everyone who leaps over the threshold, and those who fill their master's house with violence and fraud.

Zephaniah 1:9 nlt

Yes, I will punish those who participate in pagan worship ceremonies,
and those who fill their masters' houses with violence and deceit.

Zephaniah 1 verses

Zephaniah 1 9 Meaning

Zephaniah 1:9 declares God's precise judgment "in that day" against a specific group within Judah: those who practice foreign superstitions (symbolized by "leaping over the threshold") and, simultaneously, corruptly fill their "masters’ house with violence and fraud." This highlights the prevalent societal and spiritual decay in Jerusalem where outward adherence to pagan customs coexisted with deep-seated injustice and exploitation, often by those in positions of trust. It condemns both religious syncretism and social corruption as offenses meriting divine retribution.

Zephaniah 1 9 Context

Zephaniah's prophecy unfolds during the reign of King Josiah, a time when Judah, particularly Jerusalem, was plagued by profound spiritual apostasy and moral corruption. Despite Josiah's religious reforms, Zephaniah reveals the deep-seated idolatry and syncretism that persisted among the people, alongside pervasive social injustice. Chapter 1 serves as an oracle of divine judgment, depicting "the Day of the LORD" as an imminent, all-encompassing desolation for Judah due to its sins. Verse 9 specifically targets the blend of pagan superstition and ethical transgression among the inhabitants, particularly those who were in a position to exploit others, reflecting a society whose heart had turned away from the true God and His righteous standards.

Zephaniah 1 9 Word analysis

• "In that day" (בַּיּוֹם הַהוּא - bayyom hahu): A frequent prophetic idiom referring to the "Day of the LORD," which Zephaniah portrays as a day of divine wrath and judgment against unfaithfulness. It signifies a decisive moment of divine intervention.
• "I will punish" (וּפָקַדְתִּי - u-faqadti): From the Hebrew root paqad, meaning to visit, attend to, inspect, appoint, or call to account. In contexts of divine action, especially judgment, it implies a thorough and inescapable reckoning. God Himself is the executor of this judgment.
• "all" (כָּל - kol): Emphasizes the comprehensive nature of the judgment against those specified; no one within that category will escape.
• "who leap over the threshold" (הַדּוֹלֵג עַל הַמִּפְתָּן - haddoleg `al hammiptan): The Hebrew verb dalag means "to leap" or "to jump." The noun miptan means "threshold" or "door-post." This phrase likely refers to a superstitious practice adopted from the Philistines (referenced in 1 Sam 5:5 regarding the priests of Dagon), where one avoided treading on the threshold for fear of incurring ill will from a pagan deity or for general superstitious good fortune. This indicates Judah's adoption of foreign religious customs, reflecting syncretism or deep-seated pagan beliefs among its people despite God's covenant with them.
• "who fill" (הַמְּמַלְאִים - hammemalle'im): The Hebrew root male' means "to fill" or "to be full." It indicates an ongoing or pervasive condition.
• "their master’s house" (בֵּית אֲדֹנֵיהֶם - beyt `adoneihem): Crucially, "their masters’" (plural) house, not necessarily "their own" house. This suggests individuals who are servants, stewards, officials, or those in positions of authority or trust. It implies betrayal of trust and exploitation within the domestic, economic, or governmental structures, enriching themselves at the expense of their employers or the public. It may specifically point to royal or aristocratic officials who enriched themselves through corruption.
• "with violence" (חָמָס - chāmās): This Hebrew term denotes aggressive wrong, oppression, robbery, and physical or economic injustice. It refers to actions that violate peace and legitimate rights.
• "and fraud" (וּמִרְמָה - u-mirmāh): Refers to deceit, treachery, trickery, or dishonesty. It implies unjust gain achieved through cunning or manipulative means.

• Words-group by words-group analysis: "In that day I will punish": Highlights God's active role as the just and decisive judge. The certainty of judgment on "that day" for those targeted. "all who leap over the threshold": Points to the sin of adopting foreign religious customs and superstitions, indicating a lack of exclusive devotion to the Lord. This act reflects a heart drawn to idolatry and worldly beliefs, potentially seeking good fortune outside God's providence. * "who fill their master’s house with violence and fraud": Connects religious syncretism directly with ethical failure. The same people adopting pagan practices are also involved in societal corruption, enriching themselves through oppression, injustice, and deceit. This indicates hypocrisy and a total disregard for the covenant principles of justice and righteousness. It specifically calls out those who, entrusted with managing resources or in positions of service, exploit their power for personal gain. This corruption would likely lead to widespread societal suffering.

Zephaniah 1 9 Bonus section

The mention of "leaping over the threshold" may carry a dual meaning: firstly, its most direct interpretation points to specific cultic/superstitious behavior. Secondly, some interpretations suggest it could metaphorically refer to violent entry or transgression, particularly in the context of robbery. However, the connection to 1 Sam 5:5 makes the superstitious practice the primary interpretation. The specific condemnation of filling "their master's house" highlights that this was often an internal betrayal, not merely external banditry. These individuals were likely household officials, overseers, or royal administrators entrusted with the property and resources of their superiors, but instead, they exploited these positions for personal dishonest gain, indicating a systemic breakdown of trust and justice within the hierarchy of Jerusalem. This corruption deeply infiltrated the socio-economic fabric of Judah.

Zephaniah 1 9 Commentary

Zephaniah 1:9 presents a striking picture of moral and spiritual degradation in Judah, demonstrating how external pagan religious practices ("leaping over the threshold") were intimately linked with internal societal corruption ("filling their master’s house with violence and fraud"). God's impending judgment on "that day" is not arbitrary but precisely targeted at those who indulged in a syncretistic faith – blending devotion to God with foreign superstitions – while simultaneously engaging in widespread injustice. This was not a merely superstitious habit, but an act emblematic of a heart disloyal to the true God. The reference to "their master's house" particularly indicts those in positions of responsibility, likely officials or stewards within noble or royal households, who abused their authority to accumulate wealth through deceitful and violent means. The verse condemns the intertwined sins of religious impurity and social unrighteousness, revealing that outward piety, or superstition, cannot cover for a life marked by oppression and fraud. God holds individuals accountable for both their spiritual compromises and their unethical behavior against fellow humans, emphasizing that true faith must manifest in justice and integrity.