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Zephaniah 1:4 "I will stretch out My hand against Judah and against all who dwell in Jerusalem. I will cut off from this place every remnant of Baal, the names of the idolatrous and pagan priests--
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I will destroy every remnant of Baal worship in this place, the very names of the idolatrous priests—<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/zephaniah/1.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />“I will crush Judah and Jerusalem with my fist and destroy every last trace of their Baal worship. I will put an end to all the idolatrous priests, so that even the memory of them will disappear.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/zephaniah/1.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />“I will stretch out my hand against Judah and against all the inhabitants of Jerusalem; and I will cut off from this place the remnant of Baal and the name of the idolatrous priests along with the priests,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/zephaniah/1.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />“I will stretch out My hand against Judah and against all who dwell in Jerusalem. I will cut off from this place every remnant of Baal, the names of the idolatrous and pagan priests—<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/zephaniah/1.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />I will also stretch out mine hand upon Judah, and upon all the inhabitants of Jerusalem; and I will cut off the remnant of Baal from this place, <i>and</i> the name of the Chemarims with the priests;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/zephaniah/1.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />“I will stretch out My hand against Judah, And against all the inhabitants of Jerusalem. I will cut off every trace of Baal from this place, The names of the idolatrous priests with the <i>pagan</i> priests—<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/zephaniah/1.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />“So I will stretch out My hand against Judah And against all the inhabitants of Jerusalem. And I will eliminate the remnant of Baal from this place, <i>And</i> the names of the idolatrous priests along with the <i>other</i> priests.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/zephaniah/1.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />“So I will stretch out My hand against Judah And against all the inhabitants of Jerusalem. And I will cut off the remnant of Baal from this place, And the names of the idolatrous priests along with the priests.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/zephaniah/1.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />“So I will stretch out My hand against Judah And against all the inhabitants of Jerusalem. And I will cut off the remnant of Baal from this place, <i>And</i> the names of the idolatrous priests along with the priests.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/zephaniah/1.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />“So I will stretch out My hand against Judah And against all the inhabitants of Jerusalem. And I will cut off the remnant of Baal from this place, <i>And</i> the names of the idolatrous priests along with the priests,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/zephaniah/1.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />“I will also stretch out My hand [in judgment] against Judah And against all the inhabitants of Jerusalem. And I will cut off <i>and</i> destroy the remnant of Baal from this place, And the names <i>and</i> remembrance of the idolatrous priests along with the [false] priests,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/zephaniah/1.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />I will stretch out my hand against Judah and against all the residents of Jerusalem. I will cut off every vestige of Baal from this place, the names of the pagan priests along with the priests;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/zephaniah/1.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />I will stretch out My hand against Judah and against all the residents of Jerusalem. I will cut off every vestige of Baal from this place, the names of the pagan priests along with the priests; <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/zephaniah/1.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />And I will stretch out my hand upon Judah, and upon all the inhabitants of Jerusalem; and I will cut off the remnant of Baal from this place, and the name of the Chemarim with the priests;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/zephaniah/1.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />I will reach out to punish Judah and Jerusalem--nothing will remain of the god Baal; nothing will be remembered of his pagan priests. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/zephaniah/1.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />And I will stretch out mine hand upon Judah, and upon all the inhabitants of Jerusalem; and I will cut off the remnant of Baal from this place, and the name of the Chemarim with the priests;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/zephaniah/1.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />"I will use my power against Judah and against those who live in Jerusalem. I will remove the faithful few of Baal from this place and the names of the pagan priests along with my priests.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/zephaniah/1.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />"I will punish the people of Jerusalem and of all Judah. I will destroy the last trace of the worship of Baal there, and no one will even remember the pagan priests who serve him. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/zephaniah/1.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />"I will also stretch out my hand against Judah, and upon all inhabitants of Jerusalem. I'll wipe out every trace of Baal from this place, and the name of the pagan priests , along with my own priests.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/zephaniah/1.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />?I will stretch out My hand against Judah and against all who dwell in Jerusalem. I will cut off from this place every remnant of Baal, the names of the idolatrous and pagan priests?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/zephaniah/1.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />"I will attack Judah and all who live in Jerusalem. I will remove from this place every trace of Baal worship, as well as the very memory of the pagan priests. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/zephaniah/1.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />I will stretch out my hand against Judah, and against all the inhabitants of Jerusalem. I will cut off the remnant of Baal from this place: the name of the idolatrous and pagan priests,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/zephaniah/1.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />I will also stretch out my hand upon Judah and upon all the inhabitants of Jerusalem; and I will cut off the remnant of Baal from this place, and the name of the Chemarims with the priests;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/zephaniah/1.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />I will stretch out my hand against Judah and against all the inhabitants of Jerusalem. I will cut off the remnant of Baal from this place—the name of the idolatrous and pagan priests, <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/zephaniah/1.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />“And I have stretched out My hand against Judah, "" And against all inhabiting Jerusalem, "" And cut off from this place the remnant of Ba‘al, "" The name of the idolatrous priests, with the priests,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/zephaniah/1.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> And stretched out My hand against Judah, And against all inhabiting Jerusalem, And cut off from this place the remnant of Baal, The name of the idolatrous priests, with the priests,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/zephaniah/1.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />And I stretched out my hand upon Judah and upon all the inhabitants of Jerusalem; and I cut off from this place the remnant of Baal, with the name of the obscurations with the priests.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/zephaniah/1.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />And I will stretch out my hand upon Juda, and upon all the inhabitants of Jerusalem: and I will destroy out of this place the remnant of Baal, and the names of the wardens of the temples with the priests: <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/zephaniah/1.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />And I will extend my hand over Judah and over all the inhabitants of Jerusalem. And I will disperse from this place the remnant of Baal, and the names of the administrators along with the priests,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/zephaniah/1.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />I will stretch out my hand against Judah, and against all the inhabitants of Jerusalem; I will eliminate from this place the last vestige of Baal, the name of the idolatrous priests. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/zephaniah/1.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />I will stretch out my hand against Judah, and against all the inhabitants of Jerusalem; and I will cut off from this place every remnant of Baal and the name of the idolatrous priests;<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/zephaniah/1.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />I will also stretch out my hand against Judah and against all the inhabitants of Jerusalem; and I will destroy the remnant of Baal from this place, and the name of the priests in charge, along with the priests;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/zephaniah/1.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />And I shall lift my hands against Yehuda and against all the inhabitants of Jerusalem, and I shall destroy from this place the remnant of Baal, and the name of the Priests with the Priests<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/zephaniah/1.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />And I will stretch out My hand upon Judah, And upon all the inhabitants of Jerusalem; And I will cut off the remnant of Baal from this place, And the name of the idolatrous priests with the priests;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/zephaniah/1.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />And I will stretch out mine hand upon Juda, and upon all the inhabitants of Jerusalem; and I will remove the names of Baal out of this place, and the names of the priests;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/zephaniah/1-4.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=37" 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">3</span>“I will sweep away man and beast; I will sweep away the birds of the air, and the fish of the sea, and the idols with their wicked worshipers. I will cut off mankind from the face of the earth,” declares the LORD. <span class="reftext">4</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/5186.htm" title="5186: wə·nā·ṭî·ṯî (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConjPerf-1cs) -- A primitive root; to stretch or spread out; by implication, to bend away; used in a great variety of application.">“I will stretch out</a> <a href="/hebrew/3027.htm" title="3027: yā·ḏî (N-fsc:: 1cs) -- Hand (indicating power, means, direction, etc.)">My hand</a> <a href="/hebrew/5921.htm" title="5921: ‘al- (Prep) -- Properly, the same as al used as a preposition; above, over, upon, or against in a great variety of applications.">against</a> <a href="/hebrew/3063.htm" title="3063: yə·hū·ḏāh (N-proper-ms) -- From yadah; celebrated; Jehudah, the name of five Israelites; also of the tribe descended from the first, and of its territory.">Judah</a> <a href="/hebrew/5921.htm" title="5921: wə·‘al (Conj-w:: Prep) -- Properly, the same as al used as a preposition; above, over, upon, or against in a great variety of applications.">and against</a> <a href="/hebrew/3605.htm" title="3605: kāl- (N-msc) -- The whole, all. Or kowl; from kalal; properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every.">all</a> <a href="/hebrew/3427.htm" title="3427: yō·wō·šə·ḇê (V-Qal-Prtcpl-mpc) -- A primitive root; properly, to sit down; by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry.">who dwell</a> <a href="/hebrew/3389.htm" title="3389: yə·rū·šā·lim (N-proper-fs) -- Probably foundation of peace, capital city of all Isr. ">in Jerusalem.</a> <a href="/hebrew/3772.htm" title="3772: wə·hiḵ·rat·tî (Conj-w:: V-Hifil-ConjPerf-1cs) -- To cut off, cut down. A primitive root; to cut; by implication, to destroy or consume; specifically, to covenant.">I will cut off</a> <a href="/hebrew/4480.htm" title="4480: min- (Prep) -- From. Or minniy; or minney; for men; properly, a part of; hence, from or out of in many senses.">from</a> <a href="/hebrew/2088.htm" title="2088: haz·zeh (Art:: Pro-ms) -- This, here. A primitive word; the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that.">this</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/4725.htm" title="4725: ham·mā·qō·wm (Art:: N-ms) -- Or maqom; also mqowmah; or mqomah; from quwm; properly, a standing, i.e. A spot; but used widely of a locality; also of a condition.">place</a> <a href="/hebrew/7605.htm" title="7605: šə·’ār (N-msc) -- Rest, residue, remnant. From sha'ar; a remainder.">every remnant</a> <a href="/hebrew/1168.htm" title="1168: hab·ba·‘al (Art:: N-proper-ms) -- Baal -- a heathen god. The same as ba'al; Baal, a Phoenician deity.">of Baal,</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/8034.htm" title="8034: šêm (N-msc) -- A primitive word; an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character.">the names</a> <a href="/hebrew/3649.htm" title="3649: hak·kə·mā·rîm (Art:: N-mp) -- A priest (in idol worship). From kamar; properly, an ascetic, i.e. An idolatrous priest.">of the idolatrous</a> <a href="/hebrew/5973.htm" title="5973: ‘im- (Prep) -- From amam; adverb or preposition, with, in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix.">and</a> <a href="/hebrew/3548.htm" title="3548: hak·kō·hă·nîm (Art:: N-mp) -- Priest. Active participle of kahan; literally, one officiating, a priest; also an acting priest.">pagan priests—</a> </span><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,…<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="/2_kings/23-5.htm">2 Kings 23:5</a></span><br />Josiah also did away with the idolatrous priests ordained by the kings of Judah to burn incense on the high places of the cities of Judah and in the places all around Jerusalem—those who had burned incense to Baal, to the sun and moon, to the constellations, and to all the host of heaven.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_kings/23-4.htm">2 Kings 23:4</a></span><br />Then the king commanded Hilkiah the high priest, the priests second in rank, and the doorkeepers to remove from the temple of the LORD all the articles made for Baal, Asherah, and all the host of heaven. And he burned them outside Jerusalem in the fields of Kidron and carried their ashes to Bethel.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_chronicles/34-4.htm">2 Chronicles 34:4</a></span><br />Then in his presence the altars of the Baals were torn down, and he cut to pieces the incense altars that were above them. He shattered the Asherah poles, the carved idols, and the cast images, crushed them to dust, and scattered them over the graves of those who had sacrificed to them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/hosea/10-5.htm">Hosea 10:5</a></span><br />The people of Samaria will fear for the calf of Beth-aven. Indeed, its people will mourn over it with its idolatrous priests—those who rejoiced in its glory—for it has been taken from them into exile.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/jeremiah/8-2.htm">Jeremiah 8:2</a></span><br />They will be exposed to the sun and moon, and to all the host of heaven which they have loved, served, followed, consulted, and worshiped. Their bones will not be gathered up or buried, but will become like dung lying on the ground.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/jeremiah/19-13.htm">Jeremiah 19:13</a></span><br />The houses of Jerusalem and the houses of the kings of Judah will be defiled like that place, Topheth—all the houses on whose rooftops they burned incense to all the host of heaven and poured out drink offerings to other gods.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_kings/11-5.htm">1 Kings 11:5</a></span><br />Solomon followed Ashtoreth the goddess of the Sidonians and Milcom the abomination of the Ammonites.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_kings/11-7.htm">1 Kings 11:7</a></span><br />At that time on a hill east of Jerusalem, Solomon built a high place for Chemosh the abomination of Moab and for Molech the abomination of the Ammonites.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_kings/21-3.htm">2 Kings 21:3</a></span><br />For he rebuilt the high places that his father Hezekiah had destroyed, and he raised up altars for Baal. He made an Asherah pole, as King Ahab of Israel had done, and he worshiped and served all the host of heaven.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_kings/23-13.htm">2 Kings 23:13</a></span><br />The king also desecrated the high places east of Jerusalem, to the south of the Mount of Corruption, which King Solomon of Israel had built for Ashtoreth the abomination of the Sidonians, for Chemosh the abomination of the Moabites, and for Milcom the abomination of the Ammonites.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ezekiel/8-14.htm">Ezekiel 8:14</a></span><br />Then He brought me to the entrance of the north gate of the house of the LORD, and I saw women sitting there, weeping for Tammuz.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ezekiel/8-16.htm">Ezekiel 8:16</a></span><br />So He brought me to the inner court of the house of the LORD, and there at the entrance to the temple of the LORD, between the portico and the altar, were about twenty-five men with their backs to the temple of the LORD and their faces toward the east; and they were bowing to the east in worship of the sun.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/jeremiah/32-29.htm">Jeremiah 32:29</a></span><br />And the Chaldeans who are fighting against this city will come in, set it on fire, and burn it, along with the houses of those who provoked Me to anger by burning incense to Baal on their rooftops and by pouring out drink offerings to other gods.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_kings/23-12.htm">2 Kings 23:12</a></span><br />He pulled down the altars that the kings of Judah had set up on the roof near the upper chamber of Ahaz, and the altars that Manasseh had set up in the two courtyards of the house of the LORD. The king pulverized them there and threw their dust into the Kidron Valley.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_kings/23-24.htm">2 Kings 23:24</a></span><br />Furthermore, Josiah removed the mediums and spiritists, the household gods and idols, and all the abominations that were seen in the land of Judah and in Jerusalem. He did this to carry out the words of the law written in the book that Hilkiah the priest had found in the house 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 will also stretch out my hand on Judah, and on all the inhabitants of Jerusalem; and I will cut off the remnant of Baal from this place, and the name of the Chemarims with the priests;</p><p class="hdg">stretch.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/exodus/15-12.htm">Exodus 15:12</a></b></br> Thou stretchedst out thy right hand, the earth swallowed them.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/2_kings/21-13.htm">2 Kings 21:13</a></b></br> And I will stretch over Jerusalem the line of Samaria, and the plummet of the house of Ahab: and I will wipe Jerusalem as <i>a man</i> wipeth a dish, wiping <i>it</i>, and turning <i>it</i> upside down.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/isaiah/14-26.htm">Isaiah 14:26,27</a></b></br> This <i>is</i> the purpose that is purposed upon the whole earth: and this <i>is</i> the hand that is stretched out upon all the nations… </p><p class="hdg">the remnant.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/2_kings/23-4.htm">2 Kings 23:4,5</a></b></br> And the king commanded Hilkiah the high priest, and the priests of the second order, and the keepers of the door, to bring forth out of the temple of the LORD all the vessels that were made for Baal, and for the grove, and for all the host of heaven: and he burned them without Jerusalem in the fields of Kidron, and carried the ashes of them unto Bethel… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/2_chronicles/34-4.htm">2 Chronicles 34:4</a></b></br> And they brake down the altars of Baalim in his presence; and the images, that <i>were</i> on high above them, he cut down; and the groves, and the carved images, and the molten images, he brake in pieces, and made dust <i>of them</i>, and strowed <i>it</i> upon the graves of them that had sacrificed unto them.</p><p class="hdg">the Chemarims.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/hosea/10-5.htm">Hosea 10:5</a></b></br> The inhabitants of Samaria shall fear because of the calves of Bethaven: for the people thereof shall mourn over it, and the priests thereof <i>that</i> rejoiced on it, for the glory thereof, because it is departed from it.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/hosea/13-1.htm">Baal</a> <a href="/hosea/13-1.htm">Ba'al</a> <a href="/zephaniah/1-3.htm">Cut</a> <a href="/habakkuk/2-10.htm">Cutting</a> <a href="/habakkuk/3-13.htm">Forth</a> <a href="/habakkuk/3-4.htm">Hand</a> <a href="/hosea/10-5.htm">Idolatrous</a> <a href="/habakkuk/2-17.htm">Inhabitants</a> <a href="/jeremiah/9-26.htm">Inhabiting</a> <a href="/micah/4-8.htm">Jerusalem</a> <a href="/zephaniah/1-1.htm">Judah</a> <a href="/habakkuk/2-4.htm">Live</a> <a href="/hosea/2-17.htm">Names</a> <a href="/lamentations/1-10.htm">Pagan</a> <a href="/micah/3-11.htm">Priests</a> <a href="/habakkuk/2-8.htm">Remnant</a> <a href="/amos/6-7.htm">Stretch</a> <a href="/micah/7-11.htm">Stretched</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/romans/11-4.htm">Baal</a> <a href="/romans/11-4.htm">Ba'al</a> <a href="/zephaniah/1-11.htm">Cut</a> <a href="/zechariah/11-10.htm">Cutting</a> <a href="/zephaniah/2-2.htm">Forth</a> <a href="/zephaniah/1-7.htm">Hand</a> <a href="/2_kings/23-5.htm">Idolatrous</a> <a href="/zephaniah/1-11.htm">Inhabitants</a> <a href="/revelation/17-2.htm">Inhabiting</a> <a href="/zephaniah/1-12.htm">Jerusalem</a> <a href="/zephaniah/2-7.htm">Judah</a> <a href="/zephaniah/2-5.htm">Live</a> <a href="/zechariah/13-2.htm">Names</a> <a href="/matthew/18-17.htm">Pagan</a> <a href="/zephaniah/3-4.htm">Priests</a> <a href="/zephaniah/2-7.htm">Remnant</a> <a href="/zephaniah/2-13.htm">Stretch</a> <a href="/zephaniah/2-13.htm">Stretched</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'; 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The imagery of God stretching out His hand is a common biblical metaphor for divine action, often associated with judgment or deliverance (<a href="/exodus/7-5.htm">Exodus 7:5</a>, <a href="/isaiah/5-25.htm">Isaiah 5:25</a>). Historically, this prophecy is set during the reign of King Josiah, a time of religious reform, yet the people had not fully turned from idolatry. The focus on Judah and Jerusalem highlights the centrality of these locations in Jewish worship and governance, underscoring the seriousness of their apostasy.<p><b>I will cut off from this place every remnant of Baal,</b><br>Baal worship was a persistent issue in Israel's history, representing a significant departure from the worship of Yahweh. The phrase "cut off" suggests a complete eradication, reflecting God's intolerance for idolatry. Baal was a Canaanite deity associated with fertility and storms, and his worship often involved immoral practices. The presence of Baal worship in Judah indicates the syncretism that had infiltrated the religious life of the people, despite previous reforms. This judgment aligns with the first commandment, which prohibits the worship of other gods (<a href="/exodus/20-3.htm">Exodus 20:3</a>).<p><b>the names of the idolatrous and pagan priests—</b><br>The mention of "idolatrous and pagan priests" points to the religious leaders who facilitated and promoted the worship of false gods. These priests were likely involved in rituals that were abominable to Yahweh, leading the people astray. The cutting off of their names signifies not only their physical removal but also the erasure of their influence and legacy. This action fulfills the Deuteronomic law that prescribes the destruction of idolatrous priests (<a href="/deuteronomy/13-5.htm">Deuteronomy 13:5</a>). The focus on names also suggests a deeper spiritual cleansing, as names in the biblical context often represent character and authority.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/j/judah.htm">Judah</a></b><br>The southern kingdom of Israel, consisting of the tribes of Judah and Benjamin. It was the primary audience of Zephaniah's prophecy.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/j/jerusalem.htm">Jerusalem</a></b><br>The capital city of Judah, a central place of worship and political power, and the focal point of God's judgment in this passage.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/b/baal.htm">Baal</a></b><br>A Canaanite deity often associated with fertility and weather, whose worship was a recurring issue for the Israelites, leading them away from the worship of Yahweh.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/p/pagan_priests.htm">Pagan Priests</a></b><br>Religious leaders who facilitated the worship of foreign gods, contrary to the worship of Yahweh.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/i/idolatrous_priests.htm">Idolatrous Priests</a></b><br>Priests who, while possibly serving in the temple, engaged in or supported the worship of idols, blending pagan practices with the worship of Yahweh.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/g/god's_sovereignty_in_judgment.htm">God's Sovereignty in Judgment</a></b><br>God's declaration to "stretch out My hand" signifies His active role in executing judgment. Believers should recognize God's authority over nations and individuals, understanding that His judgments are just and righteous.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_danger_of_syncretism.htm">The Danger of Syncretism</a></b><br>The presence of idolatrous priests indicates a blending of true worship with pagan practices. Christians must guard against syncretism, ensuring that their faith remains pure and undiluted by worldly influences.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_call_to_repentance.htm">The Call to Repentance</a></b><br>The prophecy serves as a warning and a call to repentance. Believers are encouraged to examine their lives for any form of idolatry or compromise and to turn back to wholehearted devotion to God.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_importance_of_spiritual_leadership.htm">The Importance of Spiritual Leadership</a></b><br>The mention of pagan and idolatrous priests highlights the influence of spiritual leaders. It is crucial for leaders in the church to uphold biblical truth and lead by example in faithfulness to God.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/g/god's_faithfulness_to_his_covenant.htm">God's Faithfulness to His Covenant</a></b><br>Despite the judgment pronounced, God's actions are rooted in His covenant relationship with His people. This assures believers of God's faithfulness and His desire for restoration and renewal.<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/why_ongoing_unrest_if_zephaniah_3_fulfilled.htm">If Zephaniah 3’s prophecies were fully realized, why do some biblical texts and modern events suggest ongoing judgment and unrest instead of lasting peace?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_punish_dual_worship_like_false_worship.htm">In Zephaniah 1:4–5, why would God punish those who worship both Him and other gods in the same exact way as those who purely worship false gods? </a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/who_were_the_chemarim_in_the_bible.htm">Who were the Chemarim in the Bible?</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><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">Verses 4-6.</span> - § 3. <span class="accented">The judgment will fall especially upon Judah and Jerusalem for their idolatry.</span> <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/zephaniah/1-4.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 will stretch out</span><br /><span class="heb">וְנָטִ֤יתִי</span> <span class="translit">(wə·nā·ṭî·ṯî)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - first person common singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5186.htm">Strong's 5186: </a> </span><span class="str2">To stretch out, spread out, extend, incline, bend</span><br /><br /><span class="word">My hand</span><br /><span class="heb">יָדִי֙</span> <span class="translit">(yā·ḏî)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - feminine singular construct | first person common singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3027.htm">Strong's 3027: </a> </span><span class="str2">A hand</span><br /><br /><span class="word">against</span><br /><span class="heb">עַל־</span> <span class="translit">(‘al-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5921.htm">Strong's 5921: </a> </span><span class="str2">Above, over, upon, against</span><br /><br /><span class="word">Judah</span><br /><span class="heb">יְהוּדָ֔ה</span> <span class="translit">(yə·hū·ḏāh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - proper - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3063.htm">Strong's 3063: </a> </span><span class="str2">Judah -- 'praised', a son of Jacob, also the southern kingdom, also four Israelites</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and against</span><br /><span class="heb">וְעַ֖ל</span> <span class="translit">(wə·‘al)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Preposition<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5921.htm">Strong's 5921: </a> </span><span class="str2">Above, over, upon, against</span><br /><br /><span class="word">all</span><br /><span class="heb">כָּל־</span> <span class="translit">(kāl-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3605.htm">Strong's 3605: </a> </span><span class="str2">The whole, all, any, every</span><br /><br /><span class="word">who dwell</span><br /><span class="heb">יוֹשְׁבֵ֣י</span> <span class="translit">(yō·wō·šə·ḇê)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine plural construct<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 /><br /><span class="word">in Jerusalem.</span><br /><span class="heb">יְרוּשָׁלִָ֑ם</span> <span class="translit">(yə·rū·šā·lim)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - proper - feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3389.htm">Strong's 3389: </a> </span><span class="str2">Jerusalem -- probably 'foundation of peace', capital city of all Israel</span><br /><br /><span class="word">I will cut off</span><br /><span class="heb">וְהִכְרַתִּ֞י</span> <span class="translit">(wə·hiḵ·rat·tî)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hifil - Conjunctive 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">from</span><br /><span class="heb">מִן־</span> <span class="translit">(min-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4480.htm">Strong's 4480: </a> </span><span class="str2">A part of, from, out of</span><br /><br /><span class="word">this</span><br /><span class="heb">הַזֶּה֙</span> <span class="translit">(haz·zeh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article | Pronoun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2088.htm">Strong's 2088: </a> </span><span class="str2">This, that</span><br /><br /><span class="word">place</span><br /><span class="heb">הַמָּק֤וֹם</span> <span class="translit">(ham·mā·qō·wm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article | Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4725.htm">Strong's 4725: </a> </span><span class="str2">A standing, a spot, a condition</span><br /><br /><span class="word">every remnant</span><br /><span class="heb">שְׁאָ֣ר</span> <span class="translit">(šə·’ār)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7605.htm">Strong's 7605: </a> </span><span class="str2">Rest, residue, remnant</span><br /><br /><span class="word">of Baal,</span><br /><span class="heb">הַבַּ֔עַל</span> <span class="translit">(hab·ba·‘al)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article | Noun - proper - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1168.htm">Strong's 1168: </a> </span><span class="str2">Baal -- a heathen god</span><br /><br /><span class="word">the names</span><br /><span class="heb">שֵׁ֥ם</span> <span class="translit">(šêm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_8034.htm">Strong's 8034: </a> </span><span class="str2">A name</span><br /><br /><span class="word">of the idolatrous</span><br /><span class="heb">הַכְּמָרִ֖ים</span> <span class="translit">(hak·kə·mā·rîm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article | Noun - masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3649.htm">Strong's 3649: </a> </span><span class="str2">An ascetic, an idolatrous priest</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and</span><br /><span class="heb">עִם־</span> <span class="translit">(‘im-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5973.htm">Strong's 5973: </a> </span><span class="str2">With, equally with</span><br /><br /><span class="word">[pagan] priests—</span><br /><span class="heb">הַכֹּהֲנִֽים׃</span> <span class="translit">(hak·kō·hă·nîm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article | Noun - masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3548.htm">Strong's 3548: </a> </span><span class="str2">Priest</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/zephaniah/1-4.htm">Zephaniah 1:4 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/zephaniah/1-4.htm">Zephaniah 1:4 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/zephaniah/1-4.htm">Zephaniah 1:4 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/zephaniah/1-4.htm">Zephaniah 1:4 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/zephaniah/1-4.htm">Zephaniah 1:4 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/zephaniah/1-4.htm">Zephaniah 1:4 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/zephaniah/1-4.htm">Zephaniah 1:4 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/zephaniah/1-4.htm">Zephaniah 1:4 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/zephaniah/1-4.htm">Zephaniah 1:4 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/zephaniah/1-4.htm">Zephaniah 1:4 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/zephaniah/1-4.htm">OT Prophets: Zephaniah 1:4 I will stretch out my hand against (Zeph. 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