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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Zephaniah 2:2 before the decree takes effect and the day passes like chaff, before the burning anger of the LORD comes upon you, before the Day of the LORD's anger comes upon you.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/zephaniah/2-2.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/2/36_Zep_02_02.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Zephaniah 2:2 - A Call to Repentance" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="before the decree takes effect and the day passes like chaff, before the burning anger of the LORD comes upon you, before the Day of the LORD's anger comes upon you." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/zephaniah/2-2.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/zephaniah/2-2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/zephaniah/">Zephaniah</a> > <a href="/zephaniah/2.htm">Chapter 2</a> > Verse 2</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad2.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/zephaniah/2-1.htm" title="Zephaniah 2:1">◄</a> Zephaniah 2:2 <a href="/zephaniah/2-3.htm" title="Zephaniah 2:3">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Heb </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv">Verse<a href="/bsb/zephaniah/2.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><a href="/niv/zephaniah/2.htm">New International Version</a> before the decree takes effect and that day passes like windblown chaff, before the LORD&#8217s fierce anger comes upon you, before the day of the LORD&#8217s wrath comes upon you. <a href="/nlt/zephaniah/2.htm">New Living Translation</a> Gather before judgment begins, before your time to repent is blown away like chaff. Act now, before the fierce fury of the LORD falls and the terrible day of the LORD’s anger begins. <a href="/esv/zephaniah/2.htm">English Standard Version</a> before the decree takes effect—before the day passes away like chaff— before there comes upon you the burning anger of the LORD, before there comes upon you the day of the anger of the LORD. <a href="/bsb/zephaniah/2.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> before the decree takes effect and the day passes like chaff, before the burning anger of the LORD comes upon you, before the Day of the LORD’s anger comes upon you. <a href="/kjv/zephaniah/2.htm">King James Bible</a> Before the decree bring forth, before the day pass as the chaff, before the fierce anger of the LORD come upon you, before the day of the LORD'S anger come upon you. <a href="/nkjv/zephaniah/2.htm">New King James Version</a> Before the decree is issued, Or the day passes like chaff, Before the LORD’s fierce anger comes upon you, Before the day of the LORD’s anger comes upon you! <a href="/nasb_/zephaniah/2.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> Before the decree takes effect— The day passes like chaff— Before the burning anger of the LORD comes upon you, Before the day of the LORD’S anger comes upon you. <a href="/nasb/zephaniah/2.htm">NASB 1995</a> Before the decree takes effect— The day passes like the chaff— Before the burning anger of the LORD comes upon you, Before the day of the LORD&#8217S anger comes upon you. <a href="/nasb77/zephaniah/2.htm">NASB 1977 </a> Before the decree takes effect— The day passes like the chaff— Before the burning anger of the LORD comes upon you, Before the day of the LORD’s anger comes upon you. <a href="/lsb/zephaniah/2.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> Before the decree takes effect— The day passes like the chaff— Before the burning anger of Yahweh comes upon you, Before the day of Yahweh’s anger comes upon you. <a href="/amp/zephaniah/2.htm">Amplified Bible</a> Before the decree takes effect [and the time for repentance is lost]— The day passes like the chaff [whirled by the wind]— Before the burning and fierce anger of the LORD comes upon you, Before the day of the wrath of the LORD comes upon you. <a href="/csb/zephaniah/2.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> before the decree takes effect and the day passes like chaff, before the burning of the LORD’s anger overtakes you, before the day of the LORD’s anger overtakes you. <a href="/hcsb/zephaniah/2.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> before the decree takes effect and the day passes like chaff, before the burning of the LORD&#8217s anger overtakes you, before the day of the LORD&#8217s anger overtakes you. <a href="/asv/zephaniah/2.htm">American Standard Version</a> before the decree bring forth, before the day pass as the chaff, before the fierce anger of Jehovah come upon you, before the day of Jehovah's anger come upon you. <a href="/cev/zephaniah/2.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> before it's too late. The LORD has set a time when his fierce anger will strike like a storm and sweep you away. <a href="/erv/zephaniah/2.htm">English Revised Version</a> before the decree bring forth, before the day pass as the chaff, before the fierce anger of the LORD come upon you, before the day of the LORD'S anger come upon you. <a href="/gwt/zephaniah/2.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> before the decree is carried out [and] the day passes like windblown husks, before the LORD's burning anger comes to you, before the day of the LORD's anger comes to you. <a href="/gnt/zephaniah/2.htm">Good News Translation</a> before you are driven away like chaff blown by the wind, before the burning anger of the LORD comes upon you, before the day when he shows his fury. <a href="/isv/zephaniah/2.htm">International Standard Version</a> Before the decree is carried out, before the day flies away like chaff, before the fierce anger of the LORD visits you, before the Day of the LORD's wrath surprises you, <a href="/msb/zephaniah/2.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> before the decree takes effect and the day passes like chaff, before the burning anger of the LORD comes upon you, before the Day of the LORD?s anger comes upon you. <a href="/net/zephaniah/2.htm">NET Bible</a> before God's decree becomes reality and the day of opportunity disappears like windblown chaff, before the LORD's raging anger overtakes you--before the day of the LORD's angry judgment overtakes you! <a href="/nheb/zephaniah/2.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> before the appointed time when the day passes as the chaff, before the fierce anger of the LORD comes on you, before the day of the LORD's anger comes on you. <a href="/wbt/zephaniah/2.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> Before the decree bringeth forth, before the day passeth as the chaff, before the fierce anger of the LORD cometh upon you, before the day of the LORD'S anger cometh upon you. <a href="/web/zephaniah/2.htm">World English Bible</a> before the appointed time when the day passes as the chaff, before the fierce anger of Yahweh comes on you, before the day of Yahweh’s anger comes on you. <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/zephaniah/2.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> Before the bringing forth of a statute, "" The day has passed on as chaff, "" While the heat of the anger of YHWH has not yet come in on you, "" While [the] Day of the anger of YHWH has not yet come in on you, <a href="/ylt/zephaniah/2.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> Before the bringing forth of a statute, As chaff hath the day passed on, While yet not come in upon you doth the heat of the anger of Jehovah, While yet not come in upon you doth a day of the anger of Jehovah, <a href="/slt/zephaniah/2.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> Before the law bring forth, as the chaff the day passing away before the burning of the anger of Jehovah shall not come upon you, before the day of the anger of Jehovah shall not come upon you.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/zephaniah/2.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> Before the decree bring forth the day as dust passing away, before the fierce anger of the Lord come upon you, before the day of the Lord's indignation come upon you. <a href="/cpdv/zephaniah/2.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> Until the decree settles accounts, the day like dust is passing away, before which the wrath of the fury of the Lord may overcome you, before which the day of the anger of the Lord may overcome you. <a href="/nabre/zephaniah/2.htm">New American Bible</a> Before you are driven away, like chaff that disappears; Before there comes upon you the blazing anger of the LORD; Before there comes upon you the day of the LORD’s anger. <a href="/nrsvce/zephaniah/2.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> before you are driven away like the drifting chaff, before there comes upon you the fierce anger of the LORD, before there comes upon you the day of the LORD’s wrath.<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/zephaniah/2.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> Before you become like the chaff which is driven away, before the fierce anger of the LORD comes upon you, before the day of the LORD'S anger reaches you. <a href="/hpbt/zephaniah/2.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a> Before you will be as chaff that passes away and before the heat of the wrath of LORD JEHOVAH will come upon you, and before the day of the wrath of LORD JEHOVAH will come upon you<div class="vheading2">OT Translations</div><a href="/jps/zephaniah/2.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a> Before the decree bring forth The day when one passeth as the chaff, Before the fierce anger of the LORD come upon you, Before the day of the LORD'S anger come upon you. <a href="/sep/zephaniah/2.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a> before ye become as the flower that passes away, before the anger of the Lord come upon you, before the day of the wrath of the Lord come upon you. <a href="/parallel/zephaniah/2-2.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/T0cd_1JKnyY?start=225" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/zephaniah/2.htm">A Call to Repentance</a> 1Gather yourselves, gather together, O shameful nation, 2<a href="/hebrew/2962.htm" title="2962: bə·ṭe·rem (Prep-b:: Adv) -- From an unused root apparently meaning to interrupt or suspend; properly, non-occurrence; used adverbially, not yet or before.">before</a> <a href="/hebrew/2706.htm" title="2706: ḥōq (N-ms) -- Something prescribed or owed, a statute. From chaqaq; an enactment; hence, an appointment.">the decree</a> <a href="/hebrew/3205.htm" title="3205: le·ḏeṯ (V-Qal-Inf) -- A primitive root; to bear young; causatively, to beget; medically, to act as midwife; specifically, to show lineage.">takes effect</a> <a href="/hebrew/3117.htm" title="3117: yō·wm (N-ms) -- Day. From an unused root meaning to be hot; a day, whether literal, or figurative.">and the day</a> <a href="/hebrew/5674.htm" title="5674: ‘ā·ḇar (V-Qal-Perf-3ms) -- To pass over, through, or by, pass on. A primitive root; to cross over; used very widely of any transition; specifically, to cover.">passes</a> <a href="/hebrew/4671.htm" title="4671: kə·mōṣ (Prep-k:: N-ms) -- Chaff, threshed loose). Or mowts; from muwts; chaff (rather) threshed loose).">like chaff,</a> <a href="/hebrew/2962.htm" title="2962: bə·ṭe·rem (Prep-b:: Adv) -- From an unused root apparently meaning to interrupt or suspend; properly, non-occurrence; used adverbially, not yet or before.">before</a> <a href="/hebrew/3808.htm" title="3808: lō- (Adv-NegPrt) -- Not. Or lowi; or loh; a primitive particle; not; by implication, no; often used with other particles."></a> <a href="/hebrew/2740.htm" title="2740: ḥă·rō·wn (N-msc) -- (burning of) anger. Or charon; from charah; a burning of anger.">the burning</a> <a href="/hebrew/639.htm" title="639: ’ap̄- (N-msc) -- A nostril, nose, face, anger. From 'anaph; properly, the nose or nostril; hence, the face, and occasionally a person; also ire.">anger</a> <a href="/hebrew/3068.htm" title="3068: Yah·weh (N-proper-ms) -- The proper name of the God of Israel. From hayah; self-Existent or Eternal; Jehovah, Jewish national name of God.">of the LORD</a> <a href="/hebrew/935.htm" title="935: yā·ḇō·w (V-Qal-Imperf-3ms) -- To come in, come, go in, go. A primitive root; to go or come.">comes</a> <a href="/hebrew/5921.htm" title="5921: ‘ă·lê·ḵem (Prep:: 2mp) -- Properly, the same as al used as a preposition; above, over, upon, or against in a great variety of applications.">upon you,</a> <a href="/hebrew/2962.htm" title="2962: bə·ṭe·rem (Prep-b:: Adv) -- From an unused root apparently meaning to interrupt or suspend; properly, non-occurrence; used adverbially, not yet or before.">before</a> <a href="/hebrew/3808.htm" title="3808: lō- (Adv-NegPrt) -- Not. Or lowi; or loh; a primitive particle; not; by implication, no; often used with other particles."></a> <a href="/hebrew/3117.htm" title="3117: yō·wm (N-msc) -- Day. From an unused root meaning to be hot; a day, whether literal, or figurative.">the Day</a> <a href="/hebrew/3068.htm" title="3068: Yah·weh (N-proper-ms) -- The proper name of the God of Israel. From hayah; self-Existent or Eternal; Jehovah, Jewish national name of God.">of the LORD’s</a> <a href="/hebrew/639.htm" title="639: ’ap̄- (N-msc) -- A nostril, nose, face, anger. From 'anaph; properly, the nose or nostril; hence, the face, and occasionally a person; also ire.">anger</a> <a href="/hebrew/935.htm" title="935: yā·ḇō·w (V-Qal-Imperf-3ms) -- To come in, come, go in, go. A primitive root; to go or come.">comes</a> <a href="/hebrew/5921.htm" title="5921: ‘ă·lê·ḵem (Prep:: 2mp) -- Properly, the same as al used as a preposition; above, over, upon, or against in a great variety of applications.">upon you.</a> 3Seek the LORD, all you humble of the earth who carry out His justice. Seek righteousness; seek humility. Perhaps you will be sheltered on the day of the LORD’s anger.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/isaiah/55-6.htm">Isaiah 55:6-7</a> Seek the LORD while He may be found; call on Him while He is near. / Let the wicked man forsake his way and the unrighteous man his thoughts; let him return to the LORD, that He may have compassion, and to our God, for He will freely pardon. <a href="/joel/2-12.htm">Joel 2:12-14</a> “Yet even now,” declares the LORD, “return to Me with all your heart, with fasting, weeping, and mourning.” / So rend your hearts and not your garments, and return to the LORD your God. For He is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger, abounding in loving devotion. And He relents from sending disaster. / Who knows? He may turn and relent and leave a blessing behind Him—grain and drink offerings for the LORD your God. <a href="/amos/5-6.htm">Amos 5:6</a> Seek the LORD and live, or He will sweep like fire through the house of Joseph; it will devour everything, with no one at Bethel to extinguish it. <a href="/jeremiah/4-4.htm">Jeremiah 4:4</a> Circumcise yourselves to the LORD, and remove the foreskins of your hearts, O men of Judah and people of Jerusalem. Otherwise, My wrath will break out like fire and burn with no one to extinguish it, because of your evil deeds.” <a href="/ezekiel/18-30.htm">Ezekiel 18:30-32</a> Therefore, O house of Israel, I will judge you, each according to his ways, declares the Lord GOD. Repent and turn from all your transgressions, so that your iniquity will not become your downfall. / Cast away from yourselves all the transgressions you have committed, and fashion for yourselves a new heart and a new spirit. Why should you die, O house of Israel? / For I take no pleasure in anyone’s death, declares the Lord GOD. So repent and live! <a href="/isaiah/1-16.htm">Isaiah 1:16-18</a> Wash and cleanse yourselves. Remove your evil deeds from My sight. Stop doing evil! / Learn to do right; seek justice and correct the oppressor. Defend the fatherless and plead the case of the widow.” / “Come now, let us reason together,” says the LORD. “Though your sins are like scarlet, they will be as white as snow; though they are as red as crimson, they will become like wool. <a href="/hosea/10-12.htm">Hosea 10:12</a> Sow for yourselves righteousness and reap the fruit of loving devotion; break up your unplowed ground. For it is time to seek the LORD until He comes and sends righteousness upon you like rain. <a href="/jeremiah/25-5.htm">Jeremiah 25:5</a> The prophets told you, ‘Turn now, each of you, from your evil ways and deeds, and you can dwell in the land that the LORD has given to you and your fathers forever and ever. <a href="/isaiah/26-20.htm">Isaiah 26:20-21</a> Go, my people, enter your rooms and shut your doors behind you. Hide yourselves a little while until the wrath has passed. / For behold, the LORD is coming out of His dwelling to punish the inhabitants of the earth for their iniquity. The earth will reveal her bloodshed and will no longer conceal her slain. <a href="/amos/4-12.htm">Amos 4:12</a> “Therefore, that is what I will do to you, O Israel, and since I will do this to you, prepare to meet your God, O Israel! <a href="/matthew/3-2.htm">Matthew 3:2</a> and saying, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near.” <a href="/luke/13-3.htm">Luke 13:3</a> No, I tell you. But unless you repent, you too will all perish. <a href="/acts/3-19.htm">Acts 3:19</a> Repent, then, and turn back, so that your sins may be wiped away, <a href="/romans/2-4.htm">Romans 2:4</a> Or do you disregard the riches of His kindness, tolerance, and patience, not realizing that God’s kindness leads you to repentance? <a href="/2_peter/3-9.htm">2 Peter 3:9</a> The Lord is not slow in keeping His promise as some understand slowness, but is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish but everyone to come to repentance.</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>Before the decree bring forth, before the day pass as the chaff, before the fierce anger of the LORD come on you, before the day of the LORD's anger come on you.the decree.<a href="/zephaniah/3-8.htm">Zephaniah 3:8</a> Therefore wait ye upon me, saith the LORD, until the day that I rise up to the prey: for my determination is to gather the nations, that I may assemble the kingdoms, to pour upon them mine indignation, even all my fierce anger: for all the earth shall be devoured with the fire of my jealousy.<a href="/2_kings/22-16.htm">2 Kings 22:16,17</a> Thus saith the LORD, Behold, I will bring evil upon this place, and upon the inhabitants thereof, even all the words of the book which the king of Judah hath read: … <a href="/2_kings/23-26.htm">2 Kings 23:26,27</a> Notwithstanding the LORD turned not from the fierceness of his great wrath, wherewith his anger was kindled against Judah, because of all the provocations that Manasseh had provoked him withal… as.<a href="/job/21-18.htm">Job 21:18</a> They are as stubble before the wind, and as chaff that the storm carrieth away.<a href="/psalms/1-4.htm">Psalm 1:4</a> The ungodly are not so: but are like the chaff which the wind driveth away.<a href="/isaiah/17-13.htm">Isaiah 17:13</a> The nations shall rush like the rushing of many waters: but God shall rebuke them, and they shall flee far off, and shall be chased as the chaff of the mountains before the wind, and like a rolling thing before the whirlwind.before the fierce.<a href="/zephaniah/1-18.htm">Zephaniah 1:18</a> Neither their silver nor their gold shall be able to deliver them in the day of the LORD'S wrath; but the whole land shall be devoured by the fire of his jealousy: for he shall make even a speedy riddance of all them that dwell in the land.<a href="/2_chronicles/36-16.htm">2 Chronicles 36:16,17</a> But they mocked the messengers of God, and despised his words, and misused his prophets, until the wrath of the LORD arose against his people, till there was no remedy… <a href="/psalms/2-12.htm">Psalm 2:12</a> Kiss the Son, lest he be angry, and ye perish from the way, when his wrath is kindled but a little. Blessed are all they that put their trust in him.before the day of.<a href="/psalms/95-7.htm">Psalm 95:7,8</a> For he is our God; and we are the people of his pasture, and the sheep of his hand. To day if ye will hear his voice, … <div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/habakkuk/3-12.htm">Anger</a> <a href="/habakkuk/2-3.htm">Appointed</a> <a href="/hosea/13-13.htm">Arrives</a> <a href="/hosea/13-3.htm">Chaff</a> <a href="/micah/7-11.htm">Decree</a> <a href="/micah/4-7.htm">Driven</a> <a href="/jonah/2-9.htm">Effect</a> <a href="/habakkuk/1-8.htm">Fierce</a> <a href="/habakkuk/3-14.htm">Flight</a> <a href="/zephaniah/1-4.htm">Forth</a> <a href="/micah/6-15.htm">Grain</a> <a href="/zephaniah/1-18.htm">LORD's</a> <a href="/micah/7-18.htm">Passes</a> <a href="/micah/7-18.htm">Passeth</a> <a href="/nahum/1-2.htm">Sends</a> <a href="/habakkuk/1-11.htm">Sweeps</a> <a href="/zephaniah/1-12.htm">Time</a> <a href="/zephaniah/1-15.htm">Waste</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/zephaniah/2-3.htm">Anger</a> <a href="/zephaniah/3-7.htm">Appointed</a> <a href="/matthew/12-44.htm">Arrives</a> <a href="/matthew/3-12.htm">Chaff</a> <a href="/luke/2-1.htm">Decree</a> <a href="/zephaniah/2-4.htm">Driven</a> <a href="/matthew/5-33.htm">Effect</a> <a href="/zephaniah/3-8.htm">Fierce</a> <a href="/zephaniah/3-19.htm">Flight</a> <a href="/zephaniah/2-4.htm">Forth</a> <a href="/haggai/1-11.htm">Grain</a> <a href="/zephaniah/2-3.htm">LORD's</a> <a href="/zephaniah/2-15.htm">Passes</a> <a href="/zephaniah/2-15.htm">Passeth</a> <a href="/matthew/5-31.htm">Sends</a> <a href="/1_kings/14-10.htm">Sweeps</a> <a href="/zephaniah/3-9.htm">Time</a> <a href="/zephaniah/2-4.htm">Waste</a><div class="vheading2">Zephaniah 2</div>1. <a href="/zephaniah/2-1.htm">An exhortation to repentance.</a> 4. <a href="/zephaniah/2-4.htm">The judgment of the Philistines,</a> 8. <a href="/zephaniah/2-8.htm">of Moab and Ammon,</a> 12. <a href="/zephaniah/2-12.htm">of Ethiopia,</a> 13. <a href="/zephaniah/2-13.htm">and of Assyria.</a> </div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/zephaniah/2.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/zephaniah/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/zephaniah/2.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div>before the decree takes effect This phrase emphasizes urgency and the need for immediate action. The "decree" refers to God's impending judgment, which is certain and unchangeable once it is set in motion. In the context of Zephaniah, this decree is against Judah and the surrounding nations due to their idolatry and moral corruption. The call to repentance is urgent, as the opportunity to turn back to God is limited. This reflects the biblical theme of God's patience and mercy, giving people time to repent before judgment is executed, as seen in Jonah's warning to Nineveh (<a href="/jonah/3-4.htm">Jonah 3:4</a>).and the day passes like chaff The imagery of chaff, the light and worthless husks separated from grain during threshing, signifies something fleeting and insubstantial. In biblical times, chaff was easily blown away by the wind, symbolizing the swift passing of time and the futility of life without God. This metaphor underscores the transient nature of human life and the urgency of responding to God's call. It echoes <a href="/psalms/1-4.htm">Psalm 1:4</a>, where the wicked are compared to chaff driven by the wind, highlighting the contrast between the righteous and the wicked.before the burning anger of the LORD comes upon you This phrase warns of God's righteous wrath, which is depicted as a consuming fire. The "burning anger" signifies the intensity and purity of God's judgment against sin. Throughout the Old Testament, fire is a common symbol of divine judgment and purification (e.g., Sodom and Gomorrah in <a href="/genesis/19-24.htm">Genesis 19:24</a>, and the refining fire in <a href="/malachi/3-2.htm">Malachi 3:2-3</a>). This serves as a reminder of God's holiness and justice, and the necessity for repentance to avoid His wrath.before the Day of the LORD’s anger comes upon you The "Day of the LORD" is a recurring theme in prophetic literature, referring to a future time when God will intervene decisively in human history to judge the wicked and deliver the righteous. It is both a day of judgment and salvation, depending on one's relationship with God. In Zephaniah, this day is imminent for Judah and the nations, urging them to seek righteousness and humility (<a href="/zephaniah/2-3.htm">Zephaniah 2:3</a>). This concept is further developed in the New Testament, where it is associated with the second coming of Christ and the final judgment (<a href="/2_peter/3-10.htm">2 Peter 3:10</a>, <a href="/revelation/19-11.htm">Revelation 19:11-16</a>).<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/z/zephaniah.htm">Zephaniah</a> A prophet in the Old Testament, Zephaniah's ministry was during the reign of King Josiah of Judah. He is known for his messages of judgment and the call to repentance. 2. <a href="/topical/j/judah.htm">Judah</a> The southern kingdom of Israel, which is the primary audience of Zephaniah's prophecies. Judah was facing impending judgment due to its idolatry and disobedience to God. 3. <a href="/topical/t/the_day_of_the_lord.htm">The Day of the LORD</a> A significant theme in Zephaniah, referring to a time of divine judgment and wrath against sin, but also a time of hope and restoration for the faithful. 4. <a href="/topical/t/the_lord's_anger.htm">The LORD's Anger</a> Represents God's righteous indignation against sin and rebellion. It is a central theme in Zephaniah's call to repentance. 5. <a href="/topical/c/chaff.htm">Chaff</a> A metaphor for something worthless or fleeting, used here to describe the swiftness and inevitability of God's judgment.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/u/urgency_of_repentance.htm">Urgency of Repentance</a> The verse emphasizes the need to repent "before the decree takes effect." Believers are called to examine their lives and turn back to God without delay. <a href="/topical/u/understanding_god's_righteous_anger.htm">Understanding God's Righteous Anger</a> God's anger is not arbitrary but is a response to sin and injustice. Understanding this helps believers appreciate the seriousness of sin and the need for holiness. <a href="/topical/t/the_fleeting_nature_of_life.htm">The Fleeting Nature of Life</a> The imagery of chaff reminds us of the brevity of life and the importance of living with an eternal perspective, prioritizing what truly matters. <a href="/topical/h/hope_in_judgment.htm">Hope in Judgment</a> While the verse speaks of impending judgment, it also implies hope for those who heed the warning and turn to God. God's desire is for repentance and restoration. <a href="/topical/l/living_in_light_of_the_day_of_the_lord.htm">Living in Light of the Day of the LORD</a> Believers are encouraged to live with the awareness that God's ultimate judgment is certain, motivating a life of faithfulness and obedience.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_zephaniah_2.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Zephaniah 2</a> <a href="/q/how_reconcile_zephaniah's_plea_with_no_records.htm">In Zephaniah 2:2–3, how do we reconcile the urgent plea for repentance with the lack of historical records indicating this plea was heard or followed? </a> <a href="/q/how_does_matt_5_22_align_with_john_2_15.htm">Matthew 5:22 - How does equating anger with murder align with other biblical texts where anger seems acceptable (e.g., John 2:15)?</a> <a href="/q/why_does_cyrus's_decree_conflict_historically.htm">Why does the decree of Cyrus in 2 Chronicles 36:22-23 appear to conflict with other historical records about Persian policies toward conquered peoples?</a> <a href="/q/why_no_records_of_hezekiah's_decree.htm">In 2 Chronicles 31:4, why is there no historical or extra-biblical record supporting Hezekiah's decree that provided consistent resources to priests and Levites?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/zephaniah/2.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 2. - Before the decree bring forth. Before the result follows the fiat. The Divine purpose is represented as a woman labouring with child, travailing before it comes to execution. This is thrice repeated in substance, to show the certainty and speed of its arrival. Before the day pass as the chaff. "Before" is not in the Hebrew, and the clause is parenthetical, "Like chaff the day passeth." "The day" must be still the day of the Lord, not the day of life or the day of repentance. God brings on the judgment as easily and as quickly as the wind carries the chaff before it. The Septuagint and Syriac join the two clauses together; thus the LXX., Πρὸ τοῦ γενέσθαι ὑμᾶς ὡς ἄνθος παραπορευόμενον, "Before ye become as a flower that passeth away." And Jerome gives, "Priusquam pariat jussio quasi pulverem transeuntem diem," "Before the decree beget the day which passeth by like the dust." The present Hebrew text does not confirm these versions. The figure of the chaff is common (see <a href="/job/21-18.htm">Job 21:18</a>; <a href="/isaiah/17-13.htm">Isaiah 17:13</a>; <a href="/isaiah/29-5.htm">Isaiah 29:5</a>). <a href="/commentaries/zephaniah/2-2.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div>before בְּטֶ֙רֶם֙ (bə·ṭe·rem) Preposition-b | Adverb <a href="/hebrew/strongs_2962.htm">Strong's 2962: </a> Non-occurrence, not yet, before the decree חֹ֔ק (ḥōq) Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_2706.htm">Strong's 2706: </a> Something prescribed or owed, a statute takes effect לֶ֣דֶת (le·ḏeṯ) Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3205.htm">Strong's 3205: </a> To bear young, to beget, medically, to act as midwife, to show lineage and the day י֑וֹם (yō·wm) Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3117.htm">Strong's 3117: </a> A day passes עָ֣בַר (‘ā·ḇar) Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5674.htm">Strong's 5674: </a> To pass over, through, or by, pass on like chaff, כְּמֹ֖ץ (kə·mōṣ) Preposition-k | Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_4671.htm">Strong's 4671: </a> Chaff, threshed loose) before בְּטֶ֣רֶם ׀ (bə·ṭe·rem) Preposition-b | Adverb <a href="/hebrew/strongs_2962.htm">Strong's 2962: </a> Non-occurrence, not yet, before the burning חֲרוֹן֙ (ḥă·rō·wn) Noun - masculine singular construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_2740.htm">Strong's 2740: </a> A burning of anger anger אַף־ (’ap̄-) Noun - masculine singular construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_639.htm">Strong's 639: </a> The nose, nostril, the face, a person, ire of the LORD יְהוָ֔ה (Yah·weh) Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3068.htm">Strong's 3068: </a> LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel comes יָב֣וֹא (yā·ḇō·w) Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_935.htm">Strong's 935: </a> To come in, come, go in, go upon you, עֲלֵיכֶ֗ם (‘ă·lê·ḵem) Preposition | second person masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5921.htm">Strong's 5921: </a> Above, over, upon, against before בְּטֶ֙רֶם֙ (bə·ṭe·rem) Preposition-b | Adverb <a href="/hebrew/strongs_2962.htm">Strong's 2962: </a> Non-occurrence, not yet, before the Day י֖וֹם (yō·wm) Noun - masculine singular construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3117.htm">Strong's 3117: </a> A day of the LORD’s יְהוָֽה׃ (Yah·weh) Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3068.htm">Strong's 3068: </a> LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel anger אַף־ (’ap̄-) Noun - masculine singular construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_639.htm">Strong's 639: </a> The nose, nostril, the face, a person, ire comes יָב֣וֹא (yā·ḇō·w) Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_935.htm">Strong's 935: </a> To come in, come, go in, go upon you. עֲלֵיכֶ֔ם (‘ă·lê·ḵem) Preposition | second person masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5921.htm">Strong's 5921: </a> Above, over, upon, against <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/zephaniah/2-2.htm">Zephaniah 2:2 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/zephaniah/2-2.htm">Zephaniah 2:2 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/zephaniah/2-2.htm">Zephaniah 2:2 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/zephaniah/2-2.htm">Zephaniah 2:2 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/zephaniah/2-2.htm">Zephaniah 2:2 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/zephaniah/2-2.htm">Zephaniah 2:2 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/zephaniah/2-2.htm">Zephaniah 2:2 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/zephaniah/2-2.htm">Zephaniah 2:2 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/zephaniah/2-2.htm">Zephaniah 2:2 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/zephaniah/2-2.htm">Zephaniah 2:2 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/zephaniah/2-2.htm">OT Prophets: Zephaniah 2:2 Before the appointed time when the day (Zeph. Zep Zp) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/zephaniah/2-1.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Zephaniah 2:1"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Zephaniah 2:1" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/zephaniah/2-3.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Zephaniah 2:3"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Zephaniah 2:3" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>