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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 3:6 "I have cut off the nations; their corner towers are destroyed. I have made their streets deserted with no one to pass through. Their cities are laid waste, with no man, no inhabitant.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/zephaniah/3-6.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/3/36_Zep_03_06.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Zephaniah 3:6 - The Judgment on Jerusalem" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="I have cut off the nations; their corner towers are destroyed. 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I have left their streets deserted, with no one passing through. Their cities are laid waste; they are deserted and empty.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/zephaniah/3.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />“I have wiped out many nations, devastating their fortress walls and towers. Their streets are now deserted; their cities lie in silent ruin. There are no survivors— none at all.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/zephaniah/3.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />“I have cut off nations; their battlements are in ruins; I have laid waste their streets so that no one walks in them; their cities have been made desolate, without a man, without an inhabitant.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/zephaniah/3.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />“I have cut off the nations; their corner towers are destroyed. I have made their streets deserted with no one to pass through. Their cities are laid waste, with no man, no inhabitant.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/zephaniah/3.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />I have cut off the nations: their towers are desolate; I made their streets waste, that none passeth by: their cities are destroyed, so that there is no man, that there is none inhabitant.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/zephaniah/3.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />“I have cut off nations, Their fortresses are devastated; I have made their streets desolate, With none passing by. Their cities are destroyed; <i>There is</i> no one, no inhabitant.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/zephaniah/3.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />“I have eliminated nations; Their corner towers are deserted. I have laid waste their streets, With no one passing by; Their cities have been laid waste, Without a person, without an inhabitant.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/zephaniah/3.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />&#8220I have cut off nations; Their corner towers are in ruins. I have made their streets desolate, With no one passing by; Their cities are laid waste, Without a man, without an inhabitant.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/zephaniah/3.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />“I have cut off nations; Their corner towers are in ruins. I have made their streets desolate, With no one passing by; Their cities are laid waste, Without a man, without an inhabitant.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/zephaniah/3.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />“I have cut off nations; Their corner towers are desolate. I have made their streets a waste, With no one passing by; Their cities are laid waste, Without a man, without an inhabitant.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/zephaniah/3.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />“I [the LORD] have cut off <i>and</i> destroyed nations [as a warning to Judah]; Their corner towers (battlements) are in ruins. I have made their streets desolate So that no one passes by; Their cities are destroyed So that there is no man, there is no inhabitant.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/zephaniah/3.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />I have cut off nations; their corner towers are destroyed. I have laid waste their streets, with no one to pass through. Their cities lie devastated, without a person, without an inhabitant.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/zephaniah/3.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />I have cut off nations; their corner towers are destroyed. I have laid waste their streets, with no one to pass through. Their cities lie devastated, without a person, without an inhabitant. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/zephaniah/3.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />I have cut off nations; their battlements are desolate; I have made their streets waste, so that none passeth by; their cities are destroyed, so that there is no man, so that there is no inhabitant.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/zephaniah/3.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />The LORD wiped out nations and left fortresses crumbling in the dirt. Their streets and towns were reduced to ruins and emptied of people. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/zephaniah/3.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />I have cut off nations, their battlements are desolate; I have made their streets waste, that none passeth by: their cities are destroyed, so that there is no man, that there is none inhabitant.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/zephaniah/3.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />"I will cut off the nations. Their towers will be destroyed. I will demolish their streets. No one will walk through them. Their cities will be completely destroyed. Not a single person will be left. No one will be living there.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/zephaniah/3.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />The LORD says, "I have wiped out whole nations; I have destroyed their cities and left their walls and towers in ruins. The cities are deserted; the streets are empty--no one is left. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/zephaniah/3.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />"I have destroyed nations— their fortifications are deserted. I have turned their main thoroughfares into wastelands where no one will travel. Their cities are desolate; as a result, not one man remains— no, not even a single resident.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/zephaniah/3.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />?I have cut off the nations; their corner towers are destroyed. I have made their streets deserted with no one to pass through. Their cities are laid waste, with no man, no inhabitant.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/zephaniah/3.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />"I destroyed nations; their walled cities are in ruins. I turned their streets into ruins; no one passes through them. Their cities are desolate; no one lives there. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/zephaniah/3.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />I have cut off nations. Their battlements are desolate. I have made their streets waste, so that no one passes by. Their cities are destroyed, so that there is no man, so that there is no inhabitant.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/zephaniah/3.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />I have cut off the nations: their towers are desolate; I made their streets waste, that none passeth by: their cities are destroyed, so that there is no man, that there is no inhabitant.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/zephaniah/3.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />I have cut off nations. Their battlements are desolate. I have made their streets waste, so that no one passes by. Their cities are destroyed, so that there is no man, so that there is no inhabitant. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/zephaniah/3.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />“I have cut off nations, "" Desolated have been their chief ones, "" I have laid waste their out-places without any passing by, "" Destroyed have been their cities, "" Without man, without inhabitant.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/zephaniah/3.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> I have cut off nations, Desolated have been their chief ones, I have laid waste their out-places without any passing by, Destroyed have been their cities, Without man, without inhabitant.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/zephaniah/3.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />I cut off the nations: their pinnacles were desolate: I laid waste their streets from none passing by; their cities were destroyed from not a man, from not an inhabitant.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/zephaniah/3.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />I have destroyed the nations, and their towers are beaten down: I have made their ways desert, so that there is none that passeth by: their cities are desolate, there is not a man remaining, nor any inhabitant. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/zephaniah/3.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />I have dispersed the nations, and their towers have been torn down. I have made their ways deserts, until there were none who passed through. Their cities have become desolate, with no man remaining, nor any inhabitant.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/zephaniah/3.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />I have cut down nations, their battlements are laid waste; I have made their streets deserted, with no one passing through; Their cities are devastated, with no one dwelling in them. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/zephaniah/3.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />I have cut off nations; their battlements are in ruins; I have laid waste their streets so that no one walks in them; their cities have been made desolate, without people, without inhabitants.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/zephaniah/3.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />I have destroyed the nations and removed the misery; I have made their streets waste, so that no one walks in them; their cities are desolate, without a man and without the inhabitants.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/zephaniah/3.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />I have destroyed the nations and misery was brought forth; I wasted their streets from lack of any passing through their desolate cities, from lack of a man and from lack of an inhabitant<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/zephaniah/3.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />I have cut off nations, Their corners are desolate; I have made their streets waste, So that none passeth by; Their cities are destroyed, so that there is no man, So that there is no inhabitant.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/zephaniah/3.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />I have brought down the proud with destruction; their corners are destroyed: I will make their ways completely waste, so that none shall go through: their cities are come to an end, by reason of no man living or dwelling <i>in them</i>.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/zephaniah/3-6.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=463" 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/3.htm">The Judgment on Jerusalem</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">5</span>The LORD within her is righteous; He does no wrong. He applies His justice morning by morning; He does not fail at dawn, yet the unjust know no shame. <span class="reftext">6</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/3772.htm" title="3772: hiḵ·rat·tî (V-Hifil-Perf-1cs) -- To cut off, cut down. A primitive root; to cut; by implication, to destroy or consume; specifically, to covenant.">“I have cut off</a> <a href="/hebrew/1471.htm" title="1471: ḡō·w·yim (N-mp) -- Rarely goy; apparently from the same root as gevah; a foreign nation; hence, a Gentile; also a troop of animals, or a flight of locusts.">the nations;</a> <a href="/hebrew/6438.htm" title="6438: pin·nō·w·ṯām (N-fpc:: 3mp) -- A corner. Feminine of pen; an angle; by implication, a pinnacle; figuratively, a chieftain.">their corner towers</a> <a href="/hebrew/8074.htm" title="8074: nā·šam·mū (V-Nifal-Perf-3cp) -- To be desolated or appalled. A primitive root; to stun, i.e. Devastate or stupefy.">are destroyed.</a> <a href="/hebrew/2717.htm" title="2717: he·ḥĕ·raḇ·tî (V-Hifil-Perf-1cs) -- To parch, to desolate, destroy, kill. Or chareb; a primitive root; to parch i.e. to desolate, destroy, kill.">I have made</a> <a href="/hebrew/2351.htm" title="2351: ḥū·ṣō·w·ṯām (N-mpc:: 3mp) -- The outside, a street. Or chuts; from an unused root meaning to sever; properly, separate by a wall, i.e. Outside, outdoors.">their streets deserted</a> <a href="/hebrew/1097.htm" title="1097: mib·bə·lî (Prep-m:: Adv) -- From balah; properly, failure, i.e. Nothing or destruction; usually without, not yet, because not, as long as, etc.">with no one</a> <a href="/hebrew/5674.htm" title="5674: ‘ō·w·ḇêr (V-Qal-Prtcpl-ms) -- To pass over, through, or by, pass on. A primitive root; to cross over; used very widely of any transition; specifically, to cover.">to pass through.</a> <a href="/hebrew/5892.htm" title="5892: ‘ā·rê·hem (N-fpc:: 3mp) -- Excitement. Or par; or ayar; from uwr a city in the widest sense.">Their cities</a> <a href="/hebrew/6658.htm" title="6658: niṣ·dū (V-Nifal-Perf-3cp) -- To chase, to desolate. A primitive root; to chase; by implication, to desolate.">are laid waste,</a> <a href="/hebrew/1097.htm" title="1097: mib·bə·lî- (Prep-m:: Adv) -- From balah; properly, failure, i.e. Nothing or destruction; usually without, not yet, because not, as long as, etc.">with no</a> <a href="/hebrew/376.htm" title="376: ’îš (N-ms) -- Man. Contracted for 'enowsh; a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term.">man,</a> <a href="/hebrew/369.htm" title="369: mê·’ên (Prep-m:: Adv) -- As if from a primitive root meaning to be nothing or not exist; a non-entity; generally used as a negative particle.">no</a> <a href="/hebrew/3427.htm" title="3427: yō·wō·šêḇ (V-Qal-Prtcpl-ms) -- A primitive root; properly, to sit down; by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry.">inhabitant.</a> </span><span class="reftext">7</span>I said, ‘Surely you will fear Me and accept correction.’ Then her dwelling place would not be cut off despite all for which I punished her. But they rose early to corrupt all their deeds.…<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/25-9.htm">Jeremiah 25:9-11</a></span><br />behold, I will summon all the families of the north, declares the LORD, and I will send for My servant Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon, whom I will bring against this land, against its residents, and against all the surrounding nations. So I will devote them to destruction and make them an object of horror and contempt, an everlasting desolation. / Moreover, I will banish from them the sounds of joy and gladness, the voices of the bride and bridegroom, the sound of the millstones, and the light of the lamp. / And this whole land will become a desolate wasteland, and these nations will serve the king of Babylon for seventy years.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/37-26.htm">Isaiah 37:26-27</a></span><br />Have you not heard? Long ago I ordained it; in days of old I planned it. Now I have brought it to pass, that you should crush fortified cities into piles of rubble. / Therefore their inhabitants, devoid of power, are dismayed and ashamed. They are like plants in the field, tender green shoots, grass on the rooftops, scorched before it is grown.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/amos/3-6.htm">Amos 3:6</a></span><br />If a ram’s horn sounds in a city, do the people not tremble? If calamity comes to a city, has not the LORD caused it?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/nahum/3-7.htm">Nahum 3:7</a></span><br />Then all who see you will recoil from you and say, ‘Nineveh is devastated; who will grieve for her?’ Where can I find comforters for you?”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/jeremiah/50-23.htm">Jeremiah 50:23</a></span><br />How the hammer of the whole earth lies broken and shattered! What a horror Babylon has become among the nations!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ezekiel/26-19.htm">Ezekiel 26:19-21</a></span><br />For this is what the Lord GOD says: ‘When I make you a desolate city like other deserted cities, and when I raise up the deep against you so that the mighty waters cover you, / then I will bring you down with those who descend to the Pit, to the people of antiquity. I will make you dwell in the earth below like the ancient ruins, with those who descend to the Pit, so that you will no longer be inhabited or set in splendor in the land of the living. / I will make you an object of horror, and you will be no more. You will be sought, but will never be found,’ declares the Lord GOD.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/14-17.htm">Isaiah 14:17</a></span><br />who turned the world into a desert and destroyed its cities, who refused to let the captives return to their homes?”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/lamentations/2-15.htm">Lamentations 2:15</a></span><br />All who pass by clap their hands at you in scorn. They hiss and shake their heads at the Daughter of Jerusalem: “Is this the city that was called the perfection of beauty, the joy of all the earth?”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/micah/5-11.htm">Micah 5:11-14</a></span><br />I will remove the cities of your land and tear down all your strongholds. / I will cut the sorceries from your hand, and you will have no fortune-tellers. / I will also cut off the carved images and sacred pillars from among you, so that you will no longer bow down to the work of your own hands. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/24-1.htm">Isaiah 24:1-3</a></span><br />Behold, the LORD lays waste the earth and leaves it in ruins. He will twist its surface and scatter its inhabitants— / people and priest alike, servant and master, maid and mistress, buyer and seller, lender and borrower, creditor and debtor. / The earth will be utterly laid waste and thoroughly plundered. For the LORD has spoken this word.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/11-20.htm">Matthew 11:20-24</a></span><br />Then Jesus began to denounce the cities in which most of His miracles had been performed, because they did not repent. / “Woe to you, Chorazin! Woe to you, Bethsaida! For if the miracles that were performed in you had been performed in Tyre and Sidon, they would have repented long ago in sackcloth and ashes. / But I tell you, it will be more bearable for Tyre and Sidon on the day of judgment than for you. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/19-41.htm">Luke 19:41-44</a></span><br />As Jesus approached Jerusalem and saw the city, He wept over it / and said, “If only you had known on this day what would bring you peace! But now it is hidden from your eyes. / For the days will come upon you when your enemies will barricade you and surround you and hem you in on every side. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/revelation/18-21.htm">Revelation 18:21-24</a></span><br />Then a mighty angel picked up a stone the size of a great millstone and cast it into the sea, saying: “With such violence the great city of Babylon will be cast down, never to be seen again. / And the sound of harpists and musicians, of flute players and trumpeters, will never ring out in you again. Nor will any craftsmen of any trade be found in you again, nor the sound of a millstone be heard in you again. / The light of a lamp will never shine in you again, and the voices of a bride and bridegroom will never call out in you again. For your merchants were the great ones of the earth, because all the nations were deceived by your sorcery.” ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/23-37.htm">Matthew 23:37-39</a></span><br />O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, who kills the prophets and stones those sent to her, how often I have longed to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, but you were unwilling! / Look, your house is left to you desolate. / For I tell you that you will not see Me again until you say, ‘Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord.’”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/13-34.htm">Luke 13:34-35</a></span><br />O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, who kills the prophets and stones those sent to her, how often I have longed to gather your children together as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, but you were unwilling! / Look, your house is left to you desolate. And I tell you that you will not see Me again until you say, ‘Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord.’”</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">I have cut off the nations: their towers are desolate; I made their streets waste, that none passes by: their cities are destroyed, so that there is no man, that there is none inhabitant.</p><p class="hdg">cut.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/isaiah/10-1.htm">Isaiah 10:1-34</a></b></br> Woe unto them that decree unrighteous decrees, and that write grievousness <i>which</i> they have prescribed; … </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/isaiah/15-1.htm">Isaiah 15:1-16:14</a></b></br> The burden of Moab. Because in the night Ar of Moab is laid waste, <i>and</i> brought to silence; because in the night Kir of Moab is laid waste, <i>and</i> brought to silence; … </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/isaiah/19-1.htm">Isaiah 19:1-25</a></b></br> The burden of Egypt. Behold, the LORD rideth upon a swift cloud, and shall come into Egypt: and the idols of Egypt shall be moved at his presence, and the heart of Egypt shall melt in the midst of it… </p><p class="hdg">towers.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/zephaniah/1-16.htm">Battlements</a> <a href="/habakkuk/3-6.htm">Broken</a> <a href="/zephaniah/1-16.htm">Cities</a> <a href="/zephaniah/1-16.htm">Corner</a> <a href="/zephaniah/1-16.htm">Corners</a> <a href="/zephaniah/1-11.htm">Cut</a> <a href="/zephaniah/1-13.htm">Demolished</a> <a href="/zephaniah/2-13.htm">Desolate</a> <a href="/amos/7-9.htm">Desolated</a> <a href="/zephaniah/2-5.htm">Destroyed</a> <a href="/zephaniah/2-13.htm">Destruction</a> <a href="/habakkuk/3-5.htm">Goes</a> <a href="/zephaniah/2-5.htm">Inhabitant</a> <a href="/zephaniah/1-13.htm">Laid</a> <a href="/zephaniah/2-14.htm">Nations</a> <a href="/hosea/4-6.htm">Overtaken</a> <a href="/zephaniah/2-15.htm">Passes</a> <a href="/zephaniah/2-15.htm">Passeth</a> <a href="/nahum/1-8.htm">Passing</a> <a href="/zephaniah/2-4.htm">Ruins</a> <a href="/nahum/3-10.htm">Streets</a> <a href="/nahum/3-12.htm">Strongholds</a> <a href="/zephaniah/1-16.htm">Towers</a> <a href="/zephaniah/1-16.htm">Towns</a> <a href="/micah/2-7.htm">Walks</a> <a href="/zephaniah/2-13.htm">Waste</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/2_chronicles/26-15.htm">Battlements</a> <a href="/zechariah/9-10.htm">Broken</a> <a href="/zechariah/1-12.htm">Cities</a> <a href="/zechariah/10-4.htm">Corner</a> <a href="/zechariah/9-15.htm">Corners</a> <a href="/zephaniah/3-7.htm">Cut</a> <a href="/romans/11-3.htm">Demolished</a> <a href="/haggai/1-4.htm">Desolate</a> <a href="/zechariah/7-14.htm">Desolated</a> <a href="/haggai/2-22.htm">Destroyed</a> <a href="/haggai/2-22.htm">Destruction</a> <a href="/zechariah/5-3.htm">Goes</a> <a href="/zechariah/12-8.htm">Inhabitant</a> <a href="/haggai/2-15.htm">Laid</a> <a href="/zephaniah/3-8.htm">Nations</a> <a href="/luke/11-20.htm">Overtaken</a> <a href="/zechariah/9-8.htm">Passes</a> <a href="/zechariah/9-8.htm">Passeth</a> <a href="/matthew/9-9.htm">Passing</a> <a href="/haggai/1-4.htm">Ruins</a> <a href="/zechariah/8-4.htm">Streets</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/10-4.htm">Strongholds</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/10-5.htm">Towers</a> <a href="/zechariah/1-12.htm">Towns</a> <a href="/john/10-4.htm">Walks</a> <a href="/haggai/1-4.htm">Waste</a><div class="vheading2">Zephaniah 3</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/zephaniah/3-1.htm">A sharp reproof of Jerusalem for various sins.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">8. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/zephaniah/3-8.htm">An exhortation to wait for the restoration of Israel,</a></span><br><span class="reftext">14. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/zephaniah/3-14.htm">and to rejoice for their salvation by God.</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/3.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/3.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>I have cut off the nations;</b><br>This phrase reflects God's sovereignty and judgment over the nations. Historically, this can be seen in the context of the Assyrian and Babylonian empires, which were used as instruments of God's judgment. The cutting off of nations is a recurring theme in the Old Testament, where God demonstrates His power over all peoples (<a href="/isaiah/10-5.htm">Isaiah 10:5-19</a>). It also foreshadows the ultimate judgment of all nations at the end of times (<a href="/revelation/19-15.htm">Revelation 19:15</a>).<p><b>their corner towers are destroyed.</b><br>Corner towers were significant in ancient cities as they provided strategic defense points. The destruction of these towers symbolizes the complete dismantling of a nation's defenses and security. This imagery is used to convey the totality of God's judgment, leaving no place of refuge or strength (<a href="/jeremiah/50-15.htm">Jeremiah 50:15</a>). It also serves as a reminder of the futility of relying on human strength and fortifications instead of God (<a href="/psalms/20-7.htm">Psalm 20:7</a>).<p><b>I have made their streets deserted with no one to pass through.</b><br>Deserted streets indicate a city that has been abandoned or destroyed. This desolation is a direct result of divine judgment, leaving once-bustling areas empty and lifeless. The imagery of deserted streets is also used in other prophetic writings to describe the aftermath of God's wrath (<a href="/isaiah/24-10.htm">Isaiah 24:10-12</a>). It serves as a warning of the consequences of sin and rebellion against God.<p><b>Their cities are laid waste,</b><br>The laying waste of cities signifies complete devastation. In the historical context, this could refer to the destruction brought by invading armies, such as the Babylonians' conquest of Jerusalem. This phrase underscores the severity of God's judgment and the fulfillment of prophetic warnings (<a href="/jeremiah/4-7.htm">Jeremiah 4:7</a>). It also points to the ultimate desolation that will occur in the final judgment (<a href="/revelation/18-19.htm">Revelation 18:19</a>).<p><b>with no man, no inhabitant.</b><br>The absence of inhabitants highlights the totality of the destruction. This phrase emphasizes the complete removal of life and activity, leaving the cities utterly desolate. It serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of turning away from God and the reality of His judgment (<a href="/isaiah/6-11.htm">Isaiah 6:11-12</a>). In a broader theological sense, it points to the separation from God that results from sin, which is ultimately rectified through Jesus Christ, who restores and redeems (<a href="/romans/5-18.htm">Romans 5:18-19</a>).<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/n/nations.htm">Nations</a></b><br>Refers to the various peoples and kingdoms surrounding Israel and Judah, often seen as enemies or instruments of God's judgment.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/c/corner_towers.htm">Corner Towers</a></b><br>These were part of the fortifications of ancient cities, symbolizing strength and security. Their desolation indicates complete destruction.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/s/streets.htm">Streets</a></b><br>Represents the daily life and commerce of a city, now empty and lifeless due to divine judgment.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/c/cities.htm">Cities</a></b><br>Symbolize human civilization and community, now destroyed as a result of their sin and rebellion against God.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/g/god's_judgment.htm">God's Judgment</a></b><br>The overarching event in this passage, where God exercises His righteous judgment on the nations for their wickedness.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/g/god's_sovereignty_over_nations.htm">God's Sovereignty Over Nations</a></b><br>God is in control of all nations and their destinies. His judgment is just and serves as a reminder of His ultimate authority.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_consequences_of_sin.htm">The Consequences of Sin</a></b><br>Sin leads to destruction and desolation. The empty streets and ruined cities serve as a stark warning of the consequences of turning away from God.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_call_to_repentance.htm">The Call to Repentance</a></b><br>While judgment is severe, it is also a call to repentance. Recognizing God's power and justice should lead us to seek His mercy and forgiveness.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/h/hope_in_restoration.htm">Hope in Restoration</a></b><br>Despite the desolation, God's ultimate plan includes restoration for those who turn back to Him. This hope should encourage us to remain faithful.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/l/living_in_light_of_god's_judgment.htm">Living in Light of God's Judgment</a></b><br>Understanding God's judgment should influence how we live today, prompting us to pursue righteousness and justice in our own lives.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_zephaniah_3.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Zephaniah 3</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_is_the_lord's_guidance.htm">What is Ashkelon's biblical significance?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_does_zeph._3_9's_'pure_speech'_fit_today.htm">How does the promised 'pure speech' in Zephaniah 3:9 reconcile with the many languages and dialects still present today?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/evidence_of_silver_gold_discarded.htm">Ezekiel 7:19 mentions people throwing their silver and gold in the streets--has any archaeological evidence been found to support this kind of widespread act of desperation?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_does_deut._3_6_align_with_a_loving_god.htm">How does Deuteronomy 3:6, which recounts total destruction of entire populations, reconcile with the idea of a just and loving God?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/zephaniah/3.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verses 6-8.</span> - § 7. <span class="accented">Obdurate and blinded as nations are, these extreme measures are the only way left to secure salvation for Israel and the whole world.</span> <span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 6.</span> - God speaks, showing why he has sent these judgments. <span class="cmt_word">I have cut off the nations.</span> The reference is to facts well known to the hearers (though not specified here); such as the rain of Pentapolis, the destruction of the Canaanites, the defeat of the Chaldeans in Hezekiah's time, the conquest of cities and countries by the Assyrians, and the devastation of Israel itself. <span class="cmt_word">Their towers are desolate.</span> Their towers (see note on Zephaniah 1:16), in which they trusted for defence, are overthrown and lie in ruins. Others translate, "street corners," where people most do congregate. <span class="cmt_word">Streets</span>; perhaps, <span class="accented">roads</span>; signifying the open country. So Keil. <span class="cmt_word">None inhabitant</span> (comp. <a href="/jeremiah/4-7.htm">Jeremiah 4:7</a>). <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/zephaniah/3-6.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">“I have cut off</span><br /><span class="heb">הִכְרַ֣תִּי</span> <span class="translit">(hiḵ·rat·tî)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Hifil - Perfect - first person common singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3772.htm">Strong's 3772: </a> </span><span class="str2">To cut, to destroy, consume, to covenant</span><br /><br /><span class="word">the nations;</span><br /><span class="heb">גוֹיִ֗ם</span> <span class="translit">(ḡō·w·yim)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1471.htm">Strong's 1471: </a> </span><span class="str2">A foreign nation, a Gentile, a troop of animals, a flight of locusts</span><br /><br /><span class="word">their corner towers</span><br /><span class="heb">פִּנּוֹתָ֔ם</span> <span class="translit">(pin·nō·w·ṯām)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - feminine plural construct | third person masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6438.htm">Strong's 6438: </a> </span><span class="str2">An angle, a pinnacle, a chieftain</span><br /><br /><span class="word">are destroyed.</span><br /><span class="heb">נָשַׁ֙מּוּ֙</span> <span class="translit">(nā·šam·mū)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Nifal - Perfect - third person common plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_8074.htm">Strong's 8074: </a> </span><span class="str2">To stun, devastate, stupefy</span><br /><br /><span class="word">I have made</span><br /><span class="heb">הֶחֱרַ֥בְתִּי</span> <span class="translit">(he·ḥĕ·raḇ·tî)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Hifil - Perfect - first person common singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2717.htm">Strong's 2717: </a> </span><span class="str2">To parch, to desolate, destroy, kill</span><br /><br /><span class="word">their streets {deserted}</span><br /><span class="heb">חֽוּצוֹתָ֖ם</span> <span class="translit">(ḥū·ṣō·w·ṯām)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine plural construct | third person masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2351.htm">Strong's 2351: </a> </span><span class="str2">Separate by a, wall, outside, outdoors</span><br /><br /><span class="word">with no one</span><br /><span class="heb">מִבְּלִ֣י</span> <span class="translit">(mib·bə·lî)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-m | Adverb<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1097.htm">Strong's 1097: </a> </span><span class="str2">Failure, nothing, destruction, without, not yet, because not, as long as</span><br /><br /><span class="word">to pass through.</span><br /><span class="heb">עוֹבֵ֑ר</span> <span class="translit">(‘ō·w·ḇêr)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5674.htm">Strong's 5674: </a> </span><span class="str2">To pass over, through, or by, pass on</span><br /><br /><span class="word">Their cities</span><br /><span class="heb">עָרֵיהֶ֛ם</span> <span class="translit">(‘ā·rê·hem)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - feminine plural construct | third person masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5892.htm">Strong's 5892: </a> </span><span class="str2">Excitement</span><br /><br /><span class="word">are laid waste,</span><br /><span class="heb">נִצְדּ֧וּ</span> <span class="translit">(niṣ·dū)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Nifal - Perfect - third person common plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6658.htm">Strong's 6658: </a> </span><span class="str2">To chase, to desolate</span><br /><br /><span class="word">with no</span><br /><span class="heb">מִבְּלִי־</span> <span class="translit">(mib·bə·lî-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-m | Adverb<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1097.htm">Strong's 1097: </a> </span><span class="str2">Failure, nothing, destruction, without, not yet, because not, as long as</span><br /><br /><span class="word">man,</span><br /><span class="heb">אִ֖ישׁ</span> <span class="translit">(’îš)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_376.htm">Strong's 376: </a> </span><span class="str2">A man as an individual, a male person</span><br /><br /><span class="word">no</span><br /><span class="heb">מֵאֵ֥ין</span> <span class="translit">(mê·’ên)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-m | Adverb<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_369.htm">Strong's 369: </a> </span><span class="str2">A non-entity, a negative particle</span><br /><br /><span class="word">inhabitant.</span><br /><span class="heb">יוֹשֵֽׁב׃</span> <span class="translit">(yō·wō·šêḇ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3427.htm">Strong's 3427: </a> </span><span class="str2">To sit down, to dwell, to remain, to settle, to marry</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/zephaniah/3-6.htm">Zephaniah 3:6 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/zephaniah/3-6.htm">Zephaniah 3:6 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/zephaniah/3-6.htm">Zephaniah 3:6 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/zephaniah/3-6.htm">Zephaniah 3:6 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/zephaniah/3-6.htm">Zephaniah 3:6 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/zephaniah/3-6.htm">Zephaniah 3:6 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/zephaniah/3-6.htm">Zephaniah 3:6 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/zephaniah/3-6.htm">Zephaniah 3:6 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/zephaniah/3-6.htm">Zephaniah 3:6 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/zephaniah/3-6.htm">Zephaniah 3:6 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/zephaniah/3-6.htm">OT Prophets: Zephaniah 3:6 I have cut off nations (Zeph. Zep Zp) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/zephaniah/3-5.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Zephaniah 3:5"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Zephaniah 3:5" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/zephaniah/3-7.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Zephaniah 3:7"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Zephaniah 3:7" /></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>