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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 1:6 and those who turn back from following the LORD, neither seeking the LORD nor inquiring of Him."</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/zephaniah/1-6.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/7/36_Zep_01_06.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Zephaniah 1:6 - Zephaniah Prophesies Judgment on Judah" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="and those who turn back from following the LORD, neither seeking the LORD nor inquiring of Him." /><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/1-6.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/1-6.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/1.htm">Chapter 1</a> > Verse 6</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="/ad6.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/1-5.htm" title="Zephaniah 1:5">◄</a> Zephaniah 1:6 <a href="/zephaniah/1-7.htm" title="Zephaniah 1:7">►</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"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/zephaniah/1.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/zephaniah/1.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />those who turn back from following the LORD and neither seek the LORD nor inquire of him.&#8221<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/zephaniah/1.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />And I will destroy those who used to worship me but now no longer do. They no longer ask for the LORD’s guidance or seek my blessings.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/zephaniah/1.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />those who have turned back from following the LORD, who do not seek the LORD or inquire of him.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/zephaniah/1.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />and those who turn back from following the LORD, neither seeking the LORD nor inquiring of Him.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/zephaniah/1.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />And them that are turned back from the LORD; and <i>those</i> that have not sought the LORD, nor inquired for him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/zephaniah/1.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />Those who have turned back from <i>following</i> the LORD, And have not sought the LORD, nor inquired of Him.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/zephaniah/1.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />And those who have turned back from following the LORD, And those who have not sought the LORD nor inquired of Him.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/zephaniah/1.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />And those who have turned back from following the LORD, And those who have not sought the LORD or inquired of Him.&#8221<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/zephaniah/1.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />And those who have turned back from following the LORD, And those who have not sought the LORD or inquired of Him.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/zephaniah/1.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />And those who have turned back from following Yahweh, And those who have not sought Yahweh or inquired of Him.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/zephaniah/1.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />And those who have turned back from following the LORD, And those who have not sought the LORD [as their most important need] or inquired of Him.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/zephaniah/1.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />and those who turn back from following the LORD, who do not seek the LORD or inquire of him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/zephaniah/1.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />and those who turn back from following the LORD, who do not seek the LORD or inquire of Him. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/zephaniah/1.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />and them that are turned back from following Jehovah; and those that have not sought Jehovah, nor inquired after him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/zephaniah/1.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />Nothing will remain of anyone who has turned away and rejected me. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/zephaniah/1.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />and them that are turned back from following the LORD; and those that have not sought the LORD, nor inquired after him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/zephaniah/1.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />I will remove those who have turned away from following the LORD and those who no longer seek the LORD or ask him for help."<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/zephaniah/1.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />I will destroy those who have turned back and no longer follow me, those who do not come to me or ask me to guide them." <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/zephaniah/1.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />those who turn away from the LORD, don't seek the LORD, and never ask for his help. "<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/zephaniah/1.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />and those who turn back from following the LORD, neither seeking the LORD nor inquiring of Him.?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/zephaniah/1.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />and those who turn their backs on the LORD and do not want the LORD's help or guidance." <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/zephaniah/1.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />those who have turned back from following the LORD, and those who haven't sought the LORD nor inquired after him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/zephaniah/1.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />And them that have turned back from the LORD; and those that have not sought the LORD, nor inquired for him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/zephaniah/1.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />those who have turned back from following Yahweh, and those who haven’t sought Yahweh nor inquired after him. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/zephaniah/1.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />And those removing from after YHWH, "" And who have not sought YHWH, nor implored Him.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/zephaniah/1.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> And those removing from after Jehovah, And who have not sought Jehovah, nor besought Him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/zephaniah/1.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />And those departing from after Jehovah, and who sought not Jehovah, and asked not for him.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/zephaniah/1.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />And them that turn away from following after the Lord, and that have not sought the Lord, nor searched after him. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/zephaniah/1.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />both those who turn aside from following after the Lord, and those who have not sought the Lord, nor inquired about him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/zephaniah/1.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />And those who have turned away from the LORD, and those who have not sought the LORD, who have not inquired of him. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/zephaniah/1.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />those who have turned back from following the LORD, who have not sought the LORD or inquired of him.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/zephaniah/1.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />And those who are turned back from the LORD; and those who have not sought the LORD, nor enquired for him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/zephaniah/1.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />And all who turn from LORD JEHOVAH and all who do not pray to LORD JEHOVAH and are not searching for him<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/zephaniah/1.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />Them also that are turned back from following the LORD; And those that have not sought the LORD, nor inquired after Him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/zephaniah/1.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />and them that turn aside from the Lord, and them that seek not the Lord, and them that cleave not to the Lord.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/zephaniah/1-6.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/T0cd_1JKnyY?start=64" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/zephaniah/1.htm">Zephaniah Prophesies Judgment on Judah</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">5</span>those who bow on the rooftops to worship the host of heaven, those who bow down and swear by the LORD but also swear by Milcom, <span class="reftext">6</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/853.htm" title="853: wə·’eṯ- (Conj-w:: DirObjM) -- Apparent contracted from 'owth in the demonstrative sense of entity; properly, self.">and</a> <a href="/hebrew/5472.htm" title="5472: han·nə·sō·w·ḡîm (Art:: V-Nifal-Prtcpl-mp) -- To move away, backslide. A primitive root; properly, to flinch, i.e. to go back, literally or figuratively.">those who turn back</a> <a href="/hebrew/310.htm" title="310: mê·’a·ḥă·rê (Prep-m) -- The hind or following part. From 'achar; properly, the hind part; generally used as an adverb or conjunction, after.">from following</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.">the LORD,</a> <a href="/hebrew/834.htm" title="834: wa·’ă·šer (Conj-w:: Pro-r) -- Who, which, that. A primitive relative pronoun; who, which, what, that; also when, where, how, because, in order that, etc."></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.">neither</a> <a href="/hebrew/1245.htm" title="1245: ḇiq·šū (V-Piel-Perf-3cp) -- To seek. A primitive root; to search out; by implication, to strive after.">seeking</a> <a href="/hebrew/853.htm" title="853: ’eṯ- (DirObjM) -- Apparent contracted from 'owth in the demonstrative sense of entity; properly, self."></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.">the LORD</a> <a href="/hebrew/3808.htm" title="3808: wə·lō (Conj-w:: Adv-NegPrt) -- Not. Or lowi; or loh; a primitive particle; not; by implication, no; often used with other particles.">nor</a> <a href="/hebrew/1875.htm" title="1875: ḏə·rā·šu·hū (V-Qal-Perf-3cp:: 3ms) -- A primitive root; properly, to tread or frequent; usually to follow; by implication, to seek or ask; specifically to worship.">inquiring of Him.”</a> </span><div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/jeremiah/2-13.htm">Jeremiah 2:13</a></span><br />“For My people have committed two evils: They have forsaken Me, the fountain of living water, and they have dug their own cisterns—broken cisterns that cannot hold water.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/jeremiah/15-6.htm">Jeremiah 15:6</a></span><br />You have forsaken Me, declares the LORD. You have turned your back. So I will stretch out My hand against you and I will destroy you; I am weary of showing compassion.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/hosea/4-6.htm">Hosea 4:6</a></span><br />My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge. Because you have rejected knowledge, I will also reject you as My priests. Since you have forgotten the law of your God, I will also forget your children.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_chronicles/15-2.htm">2 Chronicles 15:2</a></span><br />So he went out to meet Asa and said to him, “Listen to me, Asa and all Judah and Benjamin. The LORD is with you when you are with Him. If you seek Him, He will be found by you, but if you forsake Him, He will forsake you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/1-4.htm">Isaiah 1:4</a></span><br />Alas, O sinful nation, a people laden with iniquity, a brood of evildoers, children who act corruptly! They have forsaken the LORD; they have despised the Holy One of Israel and turned their backs on Him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/jeremiah/17-13.htm">Jeremiah 17:13</a></span><br />O LORD, the hope of Israel, all who abandon You will be put to shame. All who turn away will be written in the dust, for they have abandoned the LORD, the fountain of living water.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_kings/22-17.htm">2 Kings 22:17</a></span><br />because they have forsaken Me and burned incense to other gods, that they might provoke Me to anger with all the works of their hands. My wrath will be kindled against this place and will not be quenched.’<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/deuteronomy/28-20.htm">Deuteronomy 28:20</a></span><br />The LORD will send curses upon you, confusion and reproof in all to which you put your hand, until you are destroyed and quickly perish because of the wickedness you have committed in forsaking Him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/12-10.htm">1 Samuel 12:10</a></span><br />Then they cried out to the LORD and said, ‘We have sinned, for we have forsaken the LORD and served the Baals and Ashtoreths. Now deliver us from the hands of our enemies, that we may serve You.’<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ezekiel/8-18.htm">Ezekiel 8:18</a></span><br />Therefore I will respond with wrath. I will not look on them with pity, nor will I spare them. Although they shout loudly in My ears, I will not listen to them.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/10-33.htm">Matthew 10:33</a></span><br />But whoever denies Me before men, I will also deny him before My Father in heaven.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/9-26.htm">Luke 9:26</a></span><br />If anyone is ashamed of Me and My words, the Son of Man will be ashamed of him when He comes in His glory and in the glory of the Father and of the holy angels.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/hebrews/10-38.htm">Hebrews 10:38-39</a></span><br />But My righteous one will live by faith; and if he shrinks back, I will take no pleasure in him.” / But we are not of those who shrink back and are destroyed, but of those who have faith and preserve their souls.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_timothy/2-12.htm">2 Timothy 2:12</a></span><br />if we endure, we will also reign with Him; if we deny Him, He will also deny us;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/john/12-48.htm">John 12:48</a></span><br />There is a judge for the one who rejects Me and does not receive My words: The word that I have spoken will judge him on the last day.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">And them that are turned back from the LORD; and those that have not sought the LORD, nor inquired for him.</p><p class="hdg">turned.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_samuel/15-11.htm">1 Samuel 15:11</a></b></br> It repenteth me that I have set up Saul <i>to be</i> king: for he is turned back from following me, and hath not performed my commandments. And it grieved Samuel; and he cried unto the LORD all night.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/36-3.htm">Psalm 36:3</a></b></br> The words of his mouth <i>are</i> iniquity and deceit: he hath left off to be wise, <i>and</i> to do good.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/125-5.htm">Psalm 125:5</a></b></br> As for such as turn aside unto their crooked ways, the LORD shall lead them forth with the workers of iniquity: <i>but</i> peace <i>shall be</i> upon Israel.</p><p class="hdg">and those.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/10-4.htm">Psalm 10:4</a></b></br> The wicked, through the pride of his countenance, will not seek <i>after God</i>: God <i>is</i> not in all his thoughts.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/14-2.htm">Psalm 14:2,3</a></b></br> The LORD looked down from heaven upon the children of men, to see if there were any that did understand, <i>and</i> seek God… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/isaiah/43-22.htm">Isaiah 43:22</a></b></br> But thou hast not called upon me, O Jacob; but thou hast been weary of me, O Israel.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/daniel/2-16.htm">Besought</a> <a href="/hosea/8-10.htm">Directions</a> <a href="/daniel/1-20.htm">Enquired</a> <a href="/amos/7-15.htm">Following</a> <a href="/hosea/4-12.htm">Inquire</a> <a href="/daniel/2-27.htm">Inquired</a> <a href="/habakkuk/3-1.htm">Prayer</a> <a href="/nahum/3-11.htm">Seek</a> <a href="/obadiah/1-6.htm">Sought</a> <a href="/micah/7-19.htm">Turn</a> <a href="/habakkuk/2-16.htm">Turned</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/matthew/8-31.htm">Besought</a> <a href="/matthew/8-18.htm">Directions</a> <a href="/matthew/2-7.htm">Enquired</a> <a href="/matthew/8-10.htm">Following</a> <a href="/matthew/2-7.htm">Inquire</a> <a href="/matthew/2-4.htm">Inquired</a> <a href="/zechariah/13-9.htm">Prayer</a> <a href="/zephaniah/2-3.htm">Seek</a> <a href="/zechariah/6-7.htm">Sought</a> <a href="/zephaniah/2-7.htm">Turn</a> <a href="/zephaniah/2-7.htm">Turned</a><div class="vheading2">Zephaniah 1</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/zephaniah/1-1.htm">The time when Zephaniah prophesied.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">2. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/zephaniah/1-2.htm">God's severe judgments against Judah.</a></span><br></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><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <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> <br /><br /> </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/1.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/1.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>and those who turn back from following the LORD,</b><br>This phrase addresses apostasy, a recurring theme in the Old Testament where the Israelites repeatedly turned away from God. Historically, this was a time of spiritual decline in Judah, likely during the reign of King Josiah before his reforms. The act of turning back implies a deliberate choice to abandon the covenant relationship with God, which was central to Israel's identity. This echoes the warnings given in <a href="/deuteronomy/28.htm">Deuteronomy 28</a> about the consequences of forsaking the LORD. The concept of turning back is also seen in the New Testament, such as in <a href="/hebrews/10-38.htm">Hebrews 10:38-39</a>, where believers are warned against shrinking back in faith.<p><b>neither seeking the LORD</b><br>Seeking the LORD involves actively pursuing a relationship with Him through prayer, worship, and obedience. In the cultural context of ancient Judah, seeking God was often associated with going to the temple, offering sacrifices, and adhering to the Law. The failure to seek God indicates a neglect of these practices and a lack of desire for His presence and guidance. This neglect is condemned in other prophetic writings, such as <a href="/isaiah/55-6.htm">Isaiah 55:6</a>, which urges people to seek the LORD while He may be found. The call to seek God is a recurring theme throughout Scripture, emphasizing the importance of a personal and communal relationship with Him.<p><b>nor inquiring of Him.</b><br>Inquiring of the LORD refers to seeking His will and guidance, often through prayer or consulting a prophet. This was a common practice in Israel's history, as seen in the actions of leaders like David (<a href="/1_samuel/23-2.htm">1 Samuel 23:2</a>). The failure to inquire of God suggests a reliance on human wisdom or foreign gods, which was prevalent in Zephaniah's time due to the influence of surrounding nations and their deities. This neglect of divine guidance is a form of spiritual arrogance and self-sufficiency, which is condemned throughout the Bible. The importance of inquiring of God is underscored in <a href="/james/1-5.htm">James 1:5</a>, where believers are encouraged to ask God for wisdom.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/z/zephaniah.htm">Zephaniah</a></b><br>A prophet in the Old Testament, Zephaniah's ministry took place during the reign of King Josiah of Judah. His prophecies focus on the coming judgment of God and the need for repentance.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/j/judah.htm">Judah</a></b><br>The southern kingdom of Israel, which is the primary audience of Zephaniah's prophecies. The people of Judah are warned about their spiritual complacency and idolatry.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_lord.htm">The LORD (Yahweh)</a></b><br>The covenant God of Israel, who desires a relationship with His people and calls them to faithfulness and repentance.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/a/apostasy.htm">Apostasy</a></b><br>The act of turning away from following the LORD, which is a central theme in this verse. It highlights the spiritual decline and unfaithfulness of the people.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/j/judgment_day.htm">Judgment Day</a></b><br>An event prophesied by Zephaniah, where God will execute judgment on those who have turned away from Him, emphasizing the urgency of repentance.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/t/the_danger_of_spiritual_complacency.htm">The Danger of Spiritual Complacency</a></b><br>Spiritual complacency can lead to turning away from God. Believers must remain vigilant in their faith and continually seek the LORD.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_importance_of_seeking_god.htm">The Importance of Seeking God</a></b><br>Actively seeking God is crucial for maintaining a strong relationship with Him. This involves prayer, studying Scripture, and being part of a faith community.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/r/repentance_and_return.htm">Repentance and Return</a></b><br>God calls His people to repentance. Turning back to God involves acknowledging our sins and making a conscious decision to follow Him wholeheartedly.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/c/consequences_of_apostasy.htm">Consequences of Apostasy</a></b><br>Turning away from God has serious consequences, both spiritually and in terms of divine judgment. Understanding this can motivate believers to remain faithful.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/g/god's_desire_for_relationship.htm">God's Desire for Relationship</a></b><br>Despite human unfaithfulness, God desires a relationship with His people. His call to seek Him is an invitation to experience His love and grace.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_zephaniah_1.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Zephaniah 1</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_does_'turn_the_other_cheek'_mean.htm">What is the meaning of 'turn the other cheek'?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_can_i_ensure_my_place_in_heaven.htm">How can I ensure my place in heaven?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_do_setbacks_follow_god's_promise.htm">If God promises to 'prosper' the people upon their return (Deuteronomy 30:9), why does subsequent biblical history show repeated setbacks and suffering?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/is_there_evidence_for_christ's_return.htm">In 2 Thessalonians 1:10, is there any historical or scientific basis for Christ's return with heavenly power?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/zephaniah/1.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 6.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">Them that are turned back from the Lord.</span> This is a third class, vie. apostates and open despisers. Those who follow him no more, renegades who have left his service. The Vulgate reproduces the original by, <span class="accented">qui avertuntur de post tergum Domini.<span class="cmt_word"></span> Those that have not sought the Lord.</span> These are the indifferent, who do not trouble themselves about religion. The chief classes mentioned in these two verses are three, viz. the open idolaters, the syncretists who mingled the worship of Baal with that of Jehovah, and those who despised religion altogether. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/zephaniah/1-6.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">and</span><br /><span class="heb">וְאֶת־</span> <span class="translit">(wə·’eṯ-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Direct object marker<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_853.htm">Strong's 853: </a> </span><span class="str2">Untranslatable mark of the accusative case</span><br /><br /><span class="word">those who turn back</span><br /><span class="heb">הַנְּסוֹגִ֖ים</span> <span class="translit">(han·nə·sō·w·ḡîm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article | Verb - Nifal - Participle - masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5472.htm">Strong's 5472: </a> </span><span class="str2">To move away, backslide</span><br /><br /><span class="word">from [following]</span><br /><span class="heb">מֵאַחֲרֵ֣י</span> <span class="translit">(mê·’a·ḥă·rê)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-m<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_310.htm">Strong's 310: </a> </span><span class="str2">The hind or following part</span><br /><br /><span class="word">the LORD</span><br /><span class="heb">יְהוָ֑ה</span> <span class="translit">(Yah·weh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - proper - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3069.htm">Strong's 3069: </a> </span><span class="str2">YHWH</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and</span><br /><span class="heb">וַאֲשֶׁ֛ר</span> <span class="translit">(wa·’ă·šer)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Pronoun - relative<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_834.htm">Strong's 834: </a> </span><span class="str2">Who, which, what, that, when, where, how, because, in order that</span><br /><br /><span class="word">neither</span><br /><span class="heb">לֹֽא־</span> <span class="translit">(lō-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adverb - Negative particle<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3808.htm">Strong's 3808: </a> </span><span class="str2">Not, no</span><br /><br /><span class="word">seek</span><br /><span class="heb">בִקְשׁ֥וּ</span> <span class="translit">(ḇiq·šū)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Piel - Perfect - third person common plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1245.htm">Strong's 1245: </a> </span><span class="str2">To search out, to strive after</span><br /><br /><span class="word">the LORD</span><br /><span class="heb">יְהוָ֖ה</span> <span class="translit">(Yah·weh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - proper - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3069.htm">Strong's 3069: </a> </span><span class="str2">YHWH</span><br /><br /><span class="word">nor</span><br /><span class="heb">וְלֹ֥א</span> <span class="translit">(wə·lō)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Adverb - Negative particle<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3808.htm">Strong's 3808: </a> </span><span class="str2">Not, no</span><br /><br /><span class="word">inquire of Him.”</span><br /><span class="heb">דְרָשֻֽׁהוּ׃</span> <span class="translit">(ḏə·rā·šu·hū)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person common plural | third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1875.htm">Strong's 1875: </a> </span><span class="str2">To tread, frequent, to follow, to seek, ask, to worship</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/zephaniah/1-6.htm">Zephaniah 1:6 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/zephaniah/1-6.htm">Zephaniah 1:6 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/zephaniah/1-6.htm">Zephaniah 1:6 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/zephaniah/1-6.htm">Zephaniah 1:6 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/zephaniah/1-6.htm">Zephaniah 1:6 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/zephaniah/1-6.htm">Zephaniah 1:6 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/zephaniah/1-6.htm">Zephaniah 1:6 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/zephaniah/1-6.htm">Zephaniah 1:6 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/zephaniah/1-6.htm">Zephaniah 1:6 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/zephaniah/1-6.htm">Zephaniah 1:6 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/zephaniah/1-6.htm">OT Prophets: Zephaniah 1:6 Those who have turned back from following (Zeph. Zep Zp) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/zephaniah/1-5.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Zephaniah 1:5"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Zephaniah 1:5" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/zephaniah/1-7.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Zephaniah 1:7"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Zephaniah 1:7" /></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>