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border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad9.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/3-8.htm" title="Zephaniah 3:8">◄</a> Zephaniah 3:9 <a href="/zephaniah/3-10.htm" title="Zephaniah 3:10">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Heb </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv">Verse<a href="/bsb/zephaniah/3.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><a href="/niv/zephaniah/3.htm">New International Version</a> &#8220Then I will purify the lips of the peoples, that all of them may call on the name of the LORD and serve him shoulder to shoulder. <a href="/nlt/zephaniah/3.htm">New Living Translation</a> “Then I will purify the speech of all people, so that everyone can worship the LORD together. <a href="/esv/zephaniah/3.htm">English Standard Version</a> “For at that time I will change the speech of the peoples to a pure speech, that all of them may call upon the name of the LORD and serve him with one accord. <a href="/bsb/zephaniah/3.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> For then I will restore pure lips to the peoples, that all may call upon the name of the LORD and serve Him shoulder to shoulder. <a href="/kjv/zephaniah/3.htm">King James Bible</a> For then will I turn to the people a pure language, that they may all call upon the name of the LORD, to serve him with one consent. <a href="/nkjv/zephaniah/3.htm">New King James Version</a> “For then I will restore to the peoples a pure language, That they all may call on the name of the LORD, To serve Him with one accord. <a href="/nasb_/zephaniah/3.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> “For then I will restore to the peoples pure lips, So that all of them may call on the name of the LORD, To serve Him shoulder to shoulder. <a href="/nasb/zephaniah/3.htm">NASB 1995</a> &#8220For then I will give to the peoples purified lips, That all of them may call on the name of the LORD, To serve Him shoulder to shoulder. <a href="/nasb77/zephaniah/3.htm">NASB 1977 </a> “For then I will give to the peoples purified lips, That all of them may call on the name of the LORD, To serve Him shoulder to shoulder. <a href="/lsb/zephaniah/3.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> For then I will change them to peoples with purified lips, That all of them may call on the name of Yahweh, To serve Him shoulder to shoulder. <a href="/amp/zephaniah/3.htm">Amplified Bible</a> “Then I will give to the peoples [clear and pure speech from] purified lips [which reflect their purified hearts], That all of them may call on the name of the LORD, To serve Him shoulder to shoulder (united). <a href="/csb/zephaniah/3.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> For I will then restore pure speech to the peoples so that all of them may call on the name of the LORD and serve him with a single purpose. <a href="/hcsb/zephaniah/3.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> For I will then restore pure speech to the peoples so that all of them may call on the name of Yahweh and serve Him with a single purpose. <a href="/asv/zephaniah/3.htm">American Standard Version</a> For then will I turn to the peoples of a pure language, that they may all call upon the name of Jehovah, to serve him with one consent. <a href="/cev/zephaniah/3.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> I will purify each language and make those languages acceptable for praising me. Then, with hearts united, everyone will serve only me, the LORD. <a href="/erv/zephaniah/3.htm">English Revised Version</a> For then will I turn to the peoples a pure language, that they may all call upon the name of the LORD, to serve him with one consent. <a href="/gwt/zephaniah/3.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> "Then I will give all people pure lips to worship the LORD and to serve him with one purpose. <a href="/gnt/zephaniah/3.htm">Good News Translation</a> "Then I will change the people of the nations, and they will pray to me alone and not to other gods. They will all obey me. <a href="/isv/zephaniah/3.htm">International Standard Version</a> Indeed, then I will return my people to a pure language so that they all may call upon the name of the LORD, serving him with a united will. <a href="/net/zephaniah/3.htm">NET Bible</a> Know for sure that I will then enable the nations to give me acceptable praise. All of them will invoke the LORD's name when they pray, and will worship him in unison. <a href="/nheb/zephaniah/3.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> For then I will purify the lips of the peoples, that they may all call on the name of the LORD, to serve him shoulder to shoulder. <a href="/wbt/zephaniah/3.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> For then will I turn to the people a pure language, that they may all call upon the name of the LORD, to serve him with one consent.<div class="vheading2">Majority Text Translations</div><a href="/msb/zephaniah/3.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> For then I will restore pure lips to the peoples, that all may call upon the name of the LORD and serve Him shoulder to shoulder. <a href="/web/zephaniah/3.htm">World English Bible</a> For then I will purify the lips of the peoples, that they may all call on Yahweh’s name, to serve him shoulder to shoulder. <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/zephaniah/3.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> For then I turn a pure lip to peoples, "" To call all of them by the Name of YHWH, "" To serve Him [with] one shoulder. <a href="/ylt/zephaniah/3.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> For then do I turn unto peoples a pure lip, To call all of them by the name of Jehovah, To serve Him with one shoulder. <a href="/slt/zephaniah/3.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> For then I will turn to the peoples a purified lip, for all to call upon the name of Jehovah, to serve him with one shoulder.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/zephaniah/3.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> Because then I will restore to the people a chosen lip, that all may call upon the name of the Lord, and may serve him with one shoulder. <a href="/cpdv/zephaniah/3.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> For then I will restore to the people a chosen lip, so that all may invoke the name of the Lord and may serve him with one shoulder. <a href="/nabre/zephaniah/3.htm">New American Bible</a> For then I will make pure the speech of the peoples, That they all may call upon the name of the LORD, to serve him with one accord; <a href="/nrsvce/zephaniah/3.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> At that time I will change the speech of the peoples to a pure speech, that all of them may call on the name of the LORD and serve him with one accord.<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/zephaniah/3.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> For then I will restore to the people a pure speech, that they may call upon the name of the LORD to serve him with one consent. <a href="/hpbt/zephaniah/3.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a> And then I shall return upon the nations the chosen language, that all of them will call in the Name of LORD JEHOVAH, and they shall serve him in one yoke<div class="vheading2">OT Translations</div><a href="/jps/zephaniah/3.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a> For then will I turn to the peoples A pure language, That they may all call upon the name of the LORD, To serve Him with one consent. <a href="/sep/zephaniah/3.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a> For then will I turn to the peoples a tongue for her generation, that all may call on the name of the Lord, to serve him under one yoke. <a href="/parallel/zephaniah/3-9.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/T0cd_1JKnyY?start=519" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/zephaniah/3.htm">Purification of the Nations</a> 9<a href="/hebrew/3588.htm" title="3588: kî- (Conj) -- That, for, when. ">For</a> <a href="/hebrew/227.htm" title="227: ’āz (Adv) -- At that time. A demonstrative adverb; at that time or place; also as a conjunction, therefore.">then</a> <a href="/hebrew/2015.htm" title="2015: ’eh·pōḵ (V-Qal-Imperf-1cs) -- To turn, overturn. A primitive root; to turn about or over; by implication, to change, overturn, return, pervert.">I will restore</a> <a href="/hebrew/1305.htm" title="1305: ḇə·rū·rāh (V-Qal-QalPassPrtcpl-fs) -- To purify, select. A primitive root; to clarify, examine, select.">pure</a> <a href="/hebrew/8193.htm" title="8193: śā·p̄āh (N-fs) -- Or sepheth; probably from caphah or shaphah through the idea of termination; the lip; by implication, language; by analogy, a margin.">lips</a> <a href="/hebrew/413.htm" title="413: ’el- (Prep) -- To, into, towards. ">to</a> <a href="/hebrew/5971.htm" title="5971: ‘am·mîm (N-mp) -- From amam; a people; specifically, a tribe; hence troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock.">the peoples,</a> <a href="/hebrew/3605.htm" title="3605: ḵul·lām (N-msc:: 3mp) -- The whole, all. Or kowl; from kalal; properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every.">that all</a> <a href="/hebrew/7121.htm" title="7121: liq·rō (Prep-l:: V-Qal-Inf) -- To call, proclaim, read. A primitive root; to call out to.">may call</a> <a href="/hebrew/8034.htm" title="8034: bə·šêm (Prep-b:: N-msc) -- A primitive word; an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character.">upon the name</a> <a href="/hebrew/3068.htm" title="3068: Yah·weh (N-proper-ms) -- The proper name of the God of Israel. From hayah; self-Existent or Eternal; Jehovah, Jewish national name of God.">of the LORD</a> <a href="/hebrew/5647.htm" title="5647: lə·‘ā·ḇə·ḏōw (Prep-l:: V-Qal-Inf:: 3ms) -- To work, serve. A primitive root; to work; by implication, to serve, till, enslave, etc.">and serve Him</a> <a href="/hebrew/7926.htm" title="7926: šə·ḵem (N-ms) -- Shoulder. From shakam; the neck as the place of burdens; figuratively, the spur of a hill.">shoulder</a> <a href="/hebrew/259.htm" title="259: ’e·ḥāḏ (Number-ms) -- One. A numeral from 'achad; properly, united, i.e. One; or first.">to shoulder.</a> 10From beyond the rivers of Cush My worshipers, My scattered people, will bring Me an offering.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/isaiah/19-18.htm">Isaiah 19:18</a> In that day five cities in the land of Egypt will speak the language of Canaan and swear allegiance to the LORD of Hosts. One of them will be called the City of the Sun. <a href="/genesis/11-1.htm">Genesis 11:1-9</a> Now the whole world had one language and a common form of speech. / And as people journeyed eastward, they found a plain in the land of Shinar and settled there. / And they said to one another, “Come, let us make bricks and bake them thoroughly.” So they used brick instead of stone, and tar instead of mortar. ... <a href="/acts/2-4.htm">Acts 2:4-11</a> And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them. / Now there were dwelling in Jerusalem God-fearing Jews from every nation under heaven. / And when this sound rang out, a crowd came together in bewilderment, because each one heard them speaking his own language. ... <a href="/revelation/7-9.htm">Revelation 7:9-10</a> After this I looked and saw a multitude too large to count, from every nation and tribe and people and tongue, standing before the throne and before the Lamb. They were wearing white robes and holding palm branches in their hands. / And they cried out in a loud voice: “Salvation to our God, who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb!” <a href="/isaiah/2-2.htm">Isaiah 2:2-3</a> In the last days the mountain of the house of the LORD will be established as the chief of the mountains; it will be raised above the hills, and all nations will stream to it. / And many peoples will come and say: “Come, let us go up to the mountain of the LORD, to the house of the God of Jacob. He will teach us His ways so that we may walk in His paths.” For the law will go forth from Zion, and the word of the LORD from Jerusalem. <a href="/micah/4-1.htm">Micah 4:1-2</a> In the last days the mountain of the house of the LORD will be established as the chief of the mountains; it will be raised above the hills, and the peoples will stream to it. / And many nations will come and say: “Come, let us go up to the mountain of the LORD, to the house of the God of Jacob. He will teach us His ways, so that we may walk in His paths.” For the law will go forth from Zion and the word of the LORD from Jerusalem. <a href="/psalms/86-9.htm">Psalm 86:9</a> All the nations You have made will come and bow before You, O Lord, and they will glorify Your name. <a href="/zechariah/8-20.htm">Zechariah 8:20-23</a> This is what the LORD of Hosts says: “Peoples will yet come—the residents of many cities— / and the residents of one city will go to another, saying: ‘Let us go at once to plead before the LORD and to seek the LORD of Hosts. I myself am going.’ / And many peoples and strong nations will come to seek the LORD of Hosts in Jerusalem and to plead before the LORD.” ... <a href="/malachi/1-11.htm">Malachi 1:11</a> For My name will be great among the nations, from where the sun rises to where it sets. In every place, incense and pure offerings will be presented in My name, because My name will be great among the nations,” says the LORD of Hosts. <a href="/john/4-23.htm">John 4:23-24</a> But a time is coming and has now come when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and in truth, for the Father is seeking such as these to worship Him. / God is Spirit, and His worshipers must worship Him in spirit and in truth.” <a href="/romans/15-6.htm">Romans 15:6</a> so that with one mind and one voice you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. <a href="/philippians/2-10.htm">Philippians 2:10-11</a> that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, / and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. <a href="/isaiah/66-18.htm">Isaiah 66:18-19</a> “And I, knowing their deeds and thoughts, am coming to gather all nations and tongues, and they will come and see My glory. / I will establish a sign among them, and I will send survivors from among them to the nations—to Tarshish, Put, and the archers of Lud; to Tubal, Javan, and the islands far away who have not heard of My fame or seen My glory. So they will proclaim My glory among the nations. <a href="/jeremiah/32-39.htm">Jeremiah 32:39</a> I will give them one heart and one way, so that they will always fear Me for their own good and for the good of their children after them. <a href="/ezekiel/36-23.htm">Ezekiel 36:23-27</a> I will show the holiness of My great name, which has been profaned among the nations—the name you have profaned among them. Then the nations will know that I am the LORD, declares the Lord GOD, when I show My holiness in you before their eyes. / For I will take you from among the nations and gather you out of all the countries, and I will bring you back into your own land. / I will also sprinkle clean water on you, and you will be clean. I will cleanse you from all your impurities and all your idols. ...</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>For then will I turn to the people a pure language, that they may all call on the name of the LORD, to serve him with one consent.will.<a href="/isaiah/19-18.htm">Isaiah 19:18</a> In that day shall five cities in the land of Egypt speak the language of Canaan, and swear to the LORD of hosts; one shall be called, The city of destruction.<a href="/matthew/12-35.htm">Matthew 12:35</a> A good man out of the good treasure of the heart bringeth forth good things: and an evil man out of the evil treasure bringeth forth evil things.<a href="/ephesians/4-29.htm">Ephesians 4:29</a> Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers.language.<a href="/genesis/11-1.htm">Genesis 11:1</a> And the whole earth was of one language, and of one speech.that.<a href="/1_kings/8-41.htm">1 Kings 8:41-43</a> Moreover concerning a stranger, that is not of thy people Israel, but cometh out of a far country for thy name's sake; … <a href="/psalms/22-27.htm">Psalm 22:27</a> All the ends of the world shall remember and turn unto the LORD: and all the kindreds of the nations shall worship before thee.<a href="/psalms/86-9.htm">Psalm 86:9,10</a> All nations whom thou hast made shall come and worship before thee, O Lord; and shall glorify thy name… consent.<div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/habakkuk/1-11.htm">Change</a> <a href="/amos/7-2.htm">Clean</a> <a href="/hosea/8-4.htm">Consent</a> <a href="/habakkuk/3-16.htm">Lips</a> <a href="/habakkuk/2-13.htm">Peoples</a> <a href="/habakkuk/1-13.htm">Pure</a> <a href="/daniel/12-10.htm">Purified</a> <a href="/daniel/12-10.htm">Purify</a> <a href="/micah/6-4.htm">Servants</a> <a href="/hosea/12-12.htm">Serve</a> <a href="/ezekiel/34-21.htm">Shoulder</a> <a href="/habakkuk/3-2.htm">Speech</a> <a href="/zephaniah/2-2.htm">Time</a> <a href="/zephaniah/2-7.htm">Turn</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/zechariah/3-4.htm">Change</a> <a href="/zechariah/3-4.htm">Clean</a> <a href="/luke/11-48.htm">Consent</a> <a href="/malachi/2-7.htm">Lips</a> <a href="/zephaniah/3-20.htm">Peoples</a> <a href="/zechariah/3-5.htm">Pure</a> <a href="/luke/7-23.htm">Purified</a> <a href="/malachi/3-3.htm">Purify</a> <a href="/zechariah/1-6.htm">Servants</a> <a href="/zechariah/4-14.htm">Serve</a> <a href="/zechariah/7-11.htm">Shoulder</a> <a href="/matthew/5-37.htm">Speech</a> <a href="/zephaniah/3-17.htm">Time</a> <a href="/zephaniah/3-20.htm">Turn</a><div class="vheading2">Zephaniah 3</div>1. <a href="/zephaniah/3-1.htm">A sharp reproof of Jerusalem for various sins.</a> 8. <a href="/zephaniah/3-8.htm">An exhortation to wait for the restoration of Israel,</a> 14. <a href="/zephaniah/3-14.htm">and to rejoice for their salvation by God.</a> </div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/zephaniah/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>For then I will restore pure lips to the peoples This phrase indicates a future time of transformation and purification. The "pure lips" symbolize a return to sincere and truthful speech, contrasting with the deceit and idolatry prevalent in Zephaniah's time. The restoration suggests a divine intervention where God cleanses the speech of the nations, reminiscent of the reversal of the Tower of Babel (<a href="/genesis/11.htm">Genesis 11:1-9</a>), where language was confused. This purification aligns with the prophetic vision of a unified worship of God, as seen in <a href="/isaiah/6-5.htm">Isaiah 6:5-7</a>, where the prophet's lips are cleansed by a coal from the altar.that all may call upon the name of the LORD This phrase emphasizes the universal scope of God's redemptive plan. "Call upon the name of the LORD" is a biblical expression for worship and reliance on God, seen in passages like <a href="/joel/2-32.htm">Joel 2:32</a> and <a href="/acts/2-21.htm">Acts 2:21</a>. It signifies a personal and communal relationship with God, where people acknowledge His sovereignty and seek His guidance. This calling is not limited to Israel but extends to all nations, fulfilling the Abrahamic promise that all families of the earth will be blessed (<a href="/genesis/12-3.htm">Genesis 12:3</a>).and serve Him shoulder to shoulder The imagery of serving "shoulder to shoulder" conveys unity and cooperation among the peoples in their worship and service to God. It suggests a harmonious community working together in God's service, reflecting the ideal of the body of Christ as described in <a href="/1_corinthians/12-12.htm">1 Corinthians 12:12-27</a>. This unity is a foretaste of the eschatological hope where divisions are healed, and all believers are united in their devotion to God. The phrase also implies a return to the intended order of creation, where humanity works together in stewardship and worship.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/z/zephaniah.htm">Zephaniah</a> A prophet in the Old Testament, Zephaniah's ministry was during the reign of King Josiah of Judah. His prophecies focus on the coming judgment and the hope of restoration. 2. <a href="/topical/t/the_peoples.htm">The Peoples</a> Refers to the nations or groups of people who will experience a transformation in their speech and worship practices. 3. <a href="/topical/t/the_lord.htm">The LORD (Yahweh)</a> The covenant name of God, emphasizing His relationship with His people and His sovereignty over all nations. 4. <a href="/topical/r/restoration.htm">Restoration</a> The act of God purifying the speech of the peoples, symbolizing a return to true worship and unity. 5. <a href="/topical/p/pure_lips.htm">Pure Lips</a> Symbolic of sincere and truthful speech, free from idolatry and deceit, enabling genuine worship of God.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/t/the_power_of_words.htm">The Power of Words</a> Our speech reflects our heart. Just as God promises to purify the lips of the peoples, we should seek to have our words reflect truth and love, avoiding deceit and idolatry. <a href="/topical/u/unity_in_worship.htm">Unity in Worship</a> The vision of serving God "shoulder to shoulder" calls us to pursue unity within the body of Christ, setting aside divisions to worship and serve together. <a href="/topical/g/god's_redemptive_plan.htm">God's Redemptive Plan</a> Zephaniah's prophecy points to God's ultimate plan to restore and redeem all nations. We are invited to participate in this plan by sharing the gospel and living out our faith. <a href="/topical/h/holiness_in_worship.htm">Holiness in Worship</a> True worship requires purity of heart and speech. We should examine our lives and seek God's cleansing to ensure our worship is genuine and pleasing to Him. <a href="/topical/h/hope_in_restoration.htm">Hope in Restoration</a> Despite the judgment pronounced earlier in Zephaniah, this verse offers hope. God's desire is to restore and renew, reminding us of His grace and mercy.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_zephaniah_3.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Zephaniah 3</a> <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 href="/q/how_to_reconcile_zephaniah_3_17_with_wrath.htm">How do we reconcile Zephaniah 3:17’s depiction of a rejoicing God with earlier passages describing severe wrath and destruction? </a> <a href="/q/records_support_zephaniah_3_events.htm">Are there any historical or archaeological records supporting the specific judgments and restorations mentioned in Zephaniah 3? </a> <a href="/q/who_wrote_zephaniah.htm">Who is the author of the Book of Zephaniah?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/zephaniah/3.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verses 9-20. - Part III. PROMISE OF THE CONVERSION OF THE WORLD AND THE HAPPINESS OF ISRAEL. Verses 9, 10. - § 1. The heathen shall be converted, and shall help in the restoration of Israel. Verse 9. - Will I turn to the people (peoples) a pure language (lip). When his judgments have done their work, God will bring the heathen to the knowledge of him. He will purify their lips, which have been polluted with the names of idols and the worship offered to false gods (<a href="/psalms/16-4.htm">Psalm 16:4</a>; <a href="/hosea/2-17.htm">Hosea 2:17</a>); the confusion of Babel shall be done away, and all shall speak the language of faith in one God. This, of course, points to Messianic times. For "pure lip," the Vulgate has, labium electum; the LXX., by a mistake of a letter (bhedurah for bherurah), γλῶσσαν εἰς γενεὰν αὐτῆς (so. γῆς), "a tongue for her generation." With one consent; literally, with one shoulder; ὑπὸ ζυγὸν ἕνα, "under one yoke" (Septuagint); humero uno (Vulgate). The metaphor implies that all will help to carry the same burden, and to accomplish the same work, bearing the gospel throughout the world, and being all of one mind in the service of Jehovah (<a href="/jeremiah/32-39.htm">Jeremiah 32:39</a>; <a href="/isaiah/19-23.htm">Isaiah 19:23, 24</a>; <a href="/revelation/11-15.htm">Revelation 11:15</a>). <a href="/commentaries/zephaniah/3-9.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div>For כִּֽי־ (kî-) Conjunction <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> A relative conjunction then אָ֛ז (’āz) Adverb <a href="/hebrew/strongs_227.htm">Strong's 227: </a> At that time, place, therefore I will restore אֶהְפֹּ֥ךְ (’eh·pōḵ) Verb - Qal - Imperfect - first person common singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_2015.htm">Strong's 2015: </a> To turn about, over, to change, overturn, return, pervert pure בְרוּרָ֑ה (ḇə·rū·rāh) Verb - Qal - QalPassParticiple - feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1305.htm">Strong's 1305: </a> To clarify, examine, select lips שָׂפָ֣ה (śā·p̄āh) Noun - feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_8193.htm">Strong's 8193: </a> The lip, language, a margin to אֶל־ (’el-) Preposition <a href="/hebrew/strongs_413.htm">Strong's 413: </a> Near, with, among, to the peoples, עַמִּ֖ים (‘am·mîm) Noun - masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5971.htm">Strong's 5971: </a> A people, a tribe, troops, attendants, a flock that all כֻלָּם֙ (ḵul·lām) Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3605.htm">Strong's 3605: </a> The whole, all, any, every may call לִקְרֹ֤א (liq·rō) Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_7121.htm">Strong's 7121: </a> To call, proclaim, read upon the name בְּשֵׁ֣ם (bə·šêm) Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_8034.htm">Strong's 8034: </a> A name of the LORD יְהוָ֔ה (Yah·weh) Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3068.htm">Strong's 3068: </a> LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel and serve Him לְעָבְד֖וֹ (lə·‘ā·ḇə·ḏōw) Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct | third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5647.htm">Strong's 5647: </a> To work, to serve, till, enslave shoulder שְׁכֶ֥ם (šə·ḵem) Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_7926.htm">Strong's 7926: </a> The neck, as the place of burdens, the spur of a, hill to shoulder. אֶחָֽד׃ (’e·ḥāḏ) Number - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_259.htm">Strong's 259: </a> United, one, first <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/zephaniah/3-9.htm">Zephaniah 3:9 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/zephaniah/3-9.htm">Zephaniah 3:9 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/zephaniah/3-9.htm">Zephaniah 3:9 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/zephaniah/3-9.htm">Zephaniah 3:9 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/zephaniah/3-9.htm">Zephaniah 3:9 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/zephaniah/3-9.htm">Zephaniah 3:9 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/zephaniah/3-9.htm">Zephaniah 3:9 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/zephaniah/3-9.htm">Zephaniah 3:9 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/zephaniah/3-9.htm">Zephaniah 3:9 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/zephaniah/3-9.htm">Zephaniah 3:9 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/zephaniah/3-9.htm">OT Prophets: Zephaniah 3:9 For then I will purify the lips (Zeph. Zep Zp) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/zephaniah/3-8.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Zephaniah 3:8"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Zephaniah 3:8" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/zephaniah/3-10.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Zephaniah 3:10"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Zephaniah 3:10" /></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>