Zephaniah 3 13

Zephaniah 3:13 kjv

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.

Zephaniah 3:13 nkjv

The remnant of Israel shall do no unrighteousness And speak no lies, Nor shall a deceitful tongue be found in their mouth; For they shall feed their flocks and lie down, And no one shall make them afraid."

Zephaniah 3:13 niv

They will do no wrong; they will tell no lies. A deceitful tongue will not be found in their mouths. They will eat and lie down and no one will make them afraid."

Zephaniah 3:13 esv

those who are left in Israel; they shall do no injustice and speak no lies, nor shall there be found in their mouth a deceitful tongue. For they shall graze and lie down, and none shall make them afraid."

Zephaniah 3:13 nlt

The remnant of Israel will do no wrong;
they will never tell lies or deceive one another.
They will eat and sleep in safety,
and no one will make them afraid."

Zephaniah 3 verses

Zephaniah 3 13 meaning

Zephaniah 3:13 describes the character and secure future of the purified remnant of Israel. This transformed people will live in uncompromising righteousness and truth, both in their actions and speech, being entirely free from falsehood and deceit. As a result of God's restorative work and their new character, they will experience profound peace, provision, and absolute security, dwelling without any fear or threat.

Zephaniah 3 13 Context

Zephaniah, a prophet during the reign of King Josiah, foretold the impending judgment of Judah and Jerusalem due to their idolatry, violence, and injustice. However, after pronouncing severe condemnation on Judah and surrounding nations, the prophet shifts tone dramatically in chapter 3, announcing a future restoration. Verses 1-8 describe Jerusalem's utter corruption, while verses 9-13 paint a contrasting picture of God's redemptive work. God will purify a "remnant" not only from Israel but also from other nations, leading them to call upon His name. Zephaniah 3:13, therefore, presents the transformed character and the resultant blessings of this purified, humble, and faithful remnant, who will stand in stark opposition to the corrupt inhabitants previously condemned. This verse highlights the character qualities that will enable them to enjoy God's presence and protection.

Zephaniah 3 13 Word analysis

• The remnant of Israel (שְׁאָר יִשְׂרָאֵל, she'ar Yisra'el): This refers to the faithful survivors whom God preserves and purifies after judgment. It denotes a spiritual core, not merely a numerical survival. It signifies God's electing grace and His continuity with His covenant promises despite national apostasy.
• Shall do no unrighteousness (לֹא־יַעֲשׂוּ עַוְלָה, lo-ya'asu 'avlah): 'Unrighteousness' ('avlah) refers to perversity, injustice, and evil. This phrase means their actions will be entirely free from moral perversion or wicked deeds. Their conduct will be upright and just, reflecting God's character.
• Nor speak lies (וְלֹא־יְדַבְּרוּ כָזָב, v'lo-y'daberu kazav): 'Lies' (kazav) refers to falsehood or deception in general. This indicates an active commitment to truth in all verbal communication, distinguishing them from the earlier corrupt society characterized by deceit.
• Nor shall there be found in their mouth (וְלֹא־יִמָּצֵא בְּפִיהֶם, v'lo-yimatse' b'fihem): This emphasizes the inner integrity being reflected outwardly. It’s not just about not actively speaking lies, but the very disposition to deceit being absent. Their words originate from a heart made truthful.
• A deceitful tongue (לָשׁוֹן תַּרְמִית, lashon tarmit): 'Deceitful' (tarmit) specifically implies cunning, trickery, or hidden treachery, often for selfish gain. The absence of such a tongue signifies deep-seated honesty and purity of motive, contrasting with the manipulative speech prevalent among the wicked.
• For they shall feed (כִּי־הֵמָּה יִרְעוּ, ki-hemmah yir'u): This uses shepherd imagery. To "feed" means they will be pastured, implying divine provision and sustenance. It points to a life of abundance and satisfaction under God's care, much like sheep grazing safely.
• And lie down (וְרָבָצוּ, v'ravatsu): This conveys a sense of deep rest, peace, and security, characteristic of animals resting undisturbed in a safe environment. It signifies the end of anxiety and striving, enjoying tranquil repose.
• And no one shall make them afraid (וְאֵין מַחֲרִיד, v'en macharid): 'Make afraid' (macharid) implies being startled, harassed, or terrorized. This final promise ensures ultimate security. The peace they experience will be complete, divinely protected from all sources of threat or distress, external or internal.

Words-group analysis:

• "shall do no unrighteousness, nor speak lies, nor shall there be found in their mouth a deceitful tongue": This group of phrases highlights the comprehensive ethical transformation of the remnant. It covers both actions (doing no unrighteousness) and words (speaking no lies, having no deceitful tongue), emphasizing integrity, honesty, and truthfulness as core characteristics. It denotes a purified conscience and disciplined life lived openly before God. This spiritual renewal contrasts sharply with the widespread corruption, violence, and deceit earlier condemned in Judah.
• "for they shall feed and lie down and no one shall make them afraid": This group of phrases describes the profound security and prosperity that results from their renewed character and God's blessings. The imagery is pastoral, depicting sheep grazing freely, resting peacefully, and being utterly safe from predators. It illustrates complete provision, rest, and protection. This points to a future of unwavering divine care, where fear and threats are entirely removed, symbolizing a complete restoration of shalom (peace, welfare, wholeness).

Zephaniah 3 13 Bonus section

The vision of the remnant in Zephaniah 3:13 points beyond a merely physical return from exile. It anticipates a deeper, spiritual regeneration that transforms the very heart and conduct of the people. This transformation is not humanly achieved but is a divine work (cf. Ezek 36:26-27). The described state of perfect honesty and fearlessness is characteristic of the new covenant age, where God's law is written on hearts (Jer 31:33). The absence of "deceitful tongue" implies a unity between inner intention and outward expression, which is a mark of true discipleship in the New Testament. This holistic purification prepares the remnant to enjoy uninterrupted fellowship with God in a restored land, anticipating the ultimate reality of the new heavens and new earth where nothing unclean or deceitful will enter (Rev 21:27).

Zephaniah 3 13 Commentary

Zephaniah 3:13 presents a powerful portrait of a transformed people, illustrating that true blessing flows from radical ethical purity and devotion to God. The core message is that the genuine spiritual remnant, shaped by God's refining judgment, will manifest perfect integrity in action and speech, embodying the very truth and righteousness that Judah had so egregiously violated. This internal transformation then directly leads to external security and divine provision. God, as their divine Shepherd, ensures their complete safety and peace. Their rest is not a fleeting comfort but an absolute, unshakeable state of being, protected from all threats. This verse serves as both a prophetic promise of future restoration under Messianic rule and a timeless principle that living righteously and truthfully ushers in divine peace and security. It offers hope for an overcoming future where justice and truth reign, and where God’s people live free from fear under His direct protection.