Zephaniah 2:15
New International Version
This is the city of revelry that lived in safety. She said to herself, “I am the one! And there is none besides me.” What a ruin she has become, a lair for wild beasts! All who pass by her scoff and shake their fists.

New Living Translation
This is the boisterous city, once so secure. “I am the greatest!” it boasted. “No other city can compare with me!” But now, look how it has become an utter ruin, a haven for wild animals. Everyone passing by will laugh in derision and shake a defiant fist.

English Standard Version
This is the exultant city that lived securely, that said in her heart, “I am, and there is no one else.” What a desolation she has become, a lair for wild beasts! Everyone who passes by her hisses and shakes his fist.

Berean Standard Bible
This carefree city that dwells securely, that thinks to herself: “I am it, and there is none besides me,” what a ruin she has become, a resting place for beasts. Everyone who passes by her hisses and shakes his fist.

King James Bible
This is the rejoicing city that dwelt carelessly, that said in her heart, I am, and there is none beside me: how is she become a desolation, a place for beasts to lie down in! every one that passeth by her shall hiss, and wag his hand.

New King James Version
This is the rejoicing city That dwelt securely, That said in her heart, “I am it, and there is none besides me.” How has she become a desolation, A place for beasts to lie down! Everyone who passes by her Shall hiss and shake his fist.

New American Standard Bible
This is the presumptuous city That dwells securely, Who says in her heart, “I am, and there is no one besides me.” How she has become a desolation, A resting place for animals! Everyone who passes by her will hiss And wave his hand in contempt.

NASB 1995
This is the exultant city Which dwells securely, Who says in her heart, “I am, and there is no one besides me.” How she has become a desolation, A resting place for beasts! Everyone who passes by her will hiss And wave his hand in contempt.

NASB 1977
This is the exultant city Which dwells securely, Who says in her heart, “I am, and there is no one besides me.” How she has become a desolation, A resting place for beasts! Everyone who passes by her will hiss And wave his hand in contempt.

Legacy Standard Bible
This is the exultant city Which inhabits securely, Who says in her heart, “I am, and there is no one besides me.” How she has become an object of horror, A resting place for beasts! Everyone who passes by her will hiss And wave his hand in contempt.

Amplified Bible
This is the joyous city Which dwells carelessly [feeling so secure], Who says in her heart, “I am, and there is no one besides me.” What a desolation she has become, A lair for [wild] animals! Everyone who passes by her will hiss [in scorn] And wave his hand in contempt.

Christian Standard Bible
This is the jubilant city that lives in security, that says to herself: I exist, and there is no one else. What a desolation she has become, a place for wild animals to lie down! Everyone who passes by her scoffs and shakes his fist.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
This is the self-assured city that lives in security, that thinks to herself: I exist, and there is no one else. What a desolation she has become, a place for wild animals to lie down! Everyone who passes by her jeers and shakes his fist.

American Standard Version
This is the joyous city that dwelt carelessly, that said in her heart, I am, and there is none besides me: how is she become a desolation, a place for beasts to lie down in! every one that passeth by her shall hiss, and wag his hand.

Contemporary English Version
This is the glorious city that felt secure and said, "I am the only one!" Now it's merely ruins, a home for wild animals. Every passerby simply sneers and makes vulgar signs.

English Revised Version
This is the joyous city that dwelt carelessly, that said in her heart, I am, and there is none else beside me: how is she become a desolation, a place for beasts to lie down in! every one that passeth by her shall hiss, and wag his hand.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
Is this the arrogant city? Is this the city that used to live securely, the city that used to think to itself, "I'm the only one, and no one else exists but me"? What a wasteland it is now, a resting place for wild animals! All who pass by it will hiss and make an obscene gesture.

Good News Translation
That is what will happen to the city that is so proud of its own power and thinks it is safe. Its people think that their city is the greatest in the world. What a desolate place it will become, a place where wild animals will rest! Everyone who passes by will shrink back in horror.

International Standard Version
This is that carefree city that lived irresponsibly, that told herself, 'Me first!' and, 'There will be no one else!' How ruined she has become— a habitat for wild animals! Everyone who passes by her will sneer at her and make obscene gestures!"

Majority Standard Bible
This carefree city that dwells securely, that thinks to herself: ?I am it, and there is none besides me,? what a ruin she has become, a resting place for beasts. Everyone who passes by her hisses and shakes his fist.

NET Bible
This is how the once-proud city will end up--the city that was so secure. She thought to herself, "I am unique! No one can compare to me!" What a heap of ruins she has become, a place where wild animals live! Everyone who passes by her taunts her and shakes his fist.

New Heart English Bible
This is the joyous city that lived carelessly, that said in her heart, "I am, and there is none besides me." How she has become a desolation, a place for animals to lie down in. Everyone who passes by her will hiss, and shake their fists.

Webster's Bible Translation
This is the rejoicing city that dwelt in security, that said in her heart, I am, and there is none besides me: how is she become a desolation, a place for beasts to lie down in! every one that passeth by her shall hiss, and wag his hand.

World English Bible
This is the joyous city that lived carelessly, that said in her heart, “I am, and there is no one besides me.” How she has become a desolation, a place for animals to lie down in! Everyone who passes by her will hiss and shake their fists.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
This [is] the exulting city that is dwelling confidently, "" That is saying in her heart, "" “I [am], and there is none beside me,” "" How she has been for a desolation, "" A crouching-place for beasts, "" Everyone passing by her hisses, "" He shakes his hand!

Young's Literal Translation
This is the exulting city that is dwelling confidently, That is saying in her heart, 'I am, and beside me there is none,' How hath she been for a desolation, A crouching-place for beasts, Every one passing by her doth hiss, He doth shake his hand!

Smith's Literal Translation
This the exulting city dwelling confidently, saying in her heart, I, and none besides me. How was she for a desolation, a piece of lying down for the beast! all passing by her shall hiss and wave his hand.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
This is the glorious city that dwelt in security: that said in her heart: I am, and there is none beside me: how is she become a desert, a place for beasts to lie down in? every one that passeth by her, shall hiss, and wag his hand.

Catholic Public Domain Version
This is the glorious city, dwelling in trust, which said in her heart, “I am and there is no one other than me.” How has she become a lair for beasts in the desert? All who pass through her will hiss and wag their hand.

New American Bible
Is this the exultant city that dwelt secure, That told itself, “I and there is no one else”? How it has become a waste, a lair for wild animals! Those who pass by it hiss, and shake their fists!

New Revised Standard Version
Is this the exultant city that lived secure, that said to itself, “I am, and there is no one else”? What a desolation it has become, a lair for wild animals! Everyone who passes by it hisses and shakes the fist.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
This is the mighty city that dwelt in security, that said in her heart, I am, and there is none like me; how is she become a desolation, a place for beasts to lie down in! Everyone that passes by her shall be amazed and hiss, and shake his hand, saying,

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
This is the fortified city that had dwelt in quietness and was saying in her heart: ”I am God, and there is none other like me!” How she has come to destruction and a place of herding for beasts! Everyone whoever will pass by it shall be shocked and shall whistle and shall shake his hand and shall say:
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
This is the joyous city That dwelt without care, That said in her heart: 'I am, and there is none else beside me'; How is she become a desolation, A place for beasts to lie down in! Every one that passeth by her Shall hiss, and wag his hand.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
This is the scornful city that dwells securely, that says in her heart, I am, and there is no longer any to be after me: how is she become desolate, a habitation of wild beasts! every one that passes through her shall hiss, and shake his hands.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
The Judgment on Cush and Assyria
14Herds will lie down in her midst, creatures of every kind. Both the desert owl and screech owl will roost atop her pillars. Their calls will sound from the window, but desolation will lie on the threshold, for He will expose the beams of cedar. 15This carefree city that dwells securely, that thinks to herself: “I am it, and there is none besides me,” what a ruin she has become, a resting place for beasts. Everyone who passes by her hisses and shakes his fist.

Cross References
Isaiah 47:8-11
So now hear this, O lover of luxury who sits securely, who says to herself, ‘I am, and there is none besides me. I will never be a widow or know the loss of children.’ / These two things will overtake you in a moment, in a single day: loss of children, and widowhood. They will come upon you in full measure, in spite of your many sorceries and the potency of your spells. / You were secure in your wickedness; you said, ‘No one sees me.’ Your wisdom and knowledge led you astray; you told yourself, ‘I am, and there is none besides me.’ ...

Revelation 18:7-8
As much as she has glorified herself and lived in luxury, give her the same measure of torment and grief. In her heart she says, ‘I sit as queen; I am not a widow and will never see grief.’ / Therefore her plagues will come in one day—death and grief and famine—and she will be consumed by fire, for mighty is the Lord God who judges her.”

Isaiah 13:19-22
And Babylon, the jewel of the kingdoms, the glory of the pride of the Chaldeans, will be overthrown by God like Sodom and Gomorrah. / She will never be inhabited or settled from generation to generation; no nomad will pitch his tent there, no shepherd will rest his flock there. / But desert creatures will lie down there, and howling creatures will fill her houses. Ostriches will dwell there, and wild goats will leap about. ...

Jeremiah 50:39-40
So the desert creatures and hyenas will live there and ostriches will dwell there. It will never again be inhabited or lived in from generation to generation. / As God overthrew Sodom and Gomorrah along with their neighbors,” declares the LORD, “no one will dwell there; no man will abide there.

Revelation 18:2
And he cried out in a mighty voice: “Fallen, fallen is Babylon the great! She has become a lair for demons and a haunt for every unclean spirit, every unclean bird, and every detestable beast.

Isaiah 14:12-15
How you have fallen from heaven, O day star, son of the dawn! You have been cut down to the ground, O destroyer of nations. / You said in your heart: “I will ascend to the heavens; I will raise my throne above the stars of God. I will sit on the mount of assembly, in the far reaches of the north. / I will ascend above the tops of the clouds; I will make myself like the Most High.” ...

Ezekiel 28:2-10
“Son of man, tell the ruler of Tyre that this is what the Lord GOD says: Your heart is proud, and you have said, ‘I am a god; I sit in the seat of gods in the heart of the sea.’ Yet you are a man and not a god, though you have regarded your heart as that of a god. / Behold, you are wiser than Daniel; no secret is hidden from you! / By your wisdom and understanding you have gained your wealth and amassed gold and silver for your treasuries. ...

Revelation 17:5
And on her forehead a mysterious name was written: BABYLON THE GREAT, THE MOTHER OF PROSTITUTES AND OF THE ABOMINATIONS OF THE EARTH.

Jeremiah 51:37
Babylon will become a heap of rubble, a haunt for jackals, an object of horror and scorn, without inhabitant.

Isaiah 34:11-15
The desert owl and screech owl will possess it, and the great owl and raven will dwell in it. The LORD will stretch out over Edom a measuring line of chaos and a plumb line of destruction. / No nobles will be left to proclaim a king, and all her princes will come to nothing. / Her towers will be overgrown with thorns, her fortresses with thistles and briers. She will become a haunt for jackals, an abode for ostriches. ...

Revelation 18:21-24
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.” ...

Isaiah 23:9
The LORD of Hosts planned it, to defile all its glorious beauty, to disgrace all the renowned of the earth.

Jeremiah 49:16-18
The terror you cause and the pride of your heart have deceived you, O dwellers in the clefts of the rocks, O occupiers of the mountain summit. Though you elevate your nest like the eagle, even from there I will bring you down,” declares the LORD. / “Edom will become an object of horror. All who pass by will be appalled and will scoff at all her wounds. / As Sodom and Gomorrah were overthrown along with their neighbors,” says the LORD, “no one will dwell there; no man will abide there.

Obadiah 1:3-4
The pride of your heart has deceived you, O dwellers in the clefts of the rocks whose habitation is the heights, who say in your heart, ‘Who can bring me down to the ground?’ / Though you soar like the eagle and make your nest among the stars, even from there I will bring you down,” declares the LORD.

Revelation 16:19
The great city was split into three parts, and the cities of the nations collapsed. And God remembered Babylon the great and gave her the cup of the wine of the fury of His wrath.


Treasury of Scripture

This is the rejoicing city that dwelled carelessly, that said in her heart, I am, and there is none beside me: how is she become a desolation, a place for beasts to lie down in! every one that passes by her shall hiss, and wag his hand.

the rejoicing.

Isaiah 10:12-14
Wherefore it shall come to pass, that when the Lord hath performed his whole work upon mount Zion and on Jerusalem, I will punish the fruit of the stout heart of the king of Assyria, and the glory of his high looks…

Isaiah 22:2
Thou that art full of stirs, a tumultuous city, a joyous city: thy slain men are not slain with the sword, nor dead in battle.

Isaiah 47:7
And thou saidst, I shall be a lady for ever: so that thou didst not lay these things to thy heart, neither didst remember the latter end of it.

I am.

Isaiah 47:8
Therefore hear now this, thou that art given to pleasures, that dwellest carelessly, that sayest in thine heart, I am, and none else beside me; I shall not sit as a widow, neither shall I know the loss of children:

Ezekiel 28:2,9
Son of man, say unto the prince of Tyrus, Thus saith the Lord GOD; Because thine heart is lifted up, and thou hast said, I am a God, I sit in the seat of God, in the midst of the seas; yet thou art a man, and not God, though thou set thine heart as the heart of God: …

Ezekiel 29:3
Speak, and say, Thus saith the Lord GOD; Behold, I am against thee, Pharaoh king of Egypt, the great dragon that lieth in the midst of his rivers, which hath said, My river is mine own, and I have made it for myself.

how is.

Isaiah 14:4,5
That thou shalt take up this proverb against the king of Babylon, and say, How hath the oppressor ceased! the golden city ceased! …

Lamentations 1:1
How doth the city sit solitary, that was full of people! how is she become as a widow! she that was great among the nations, and princess among the provinces, how is she become tributary!

Lamentations 2:1
How hath the Lord covered the daughter of Zion with a cloud in his anger, and cast down from heaven unto the earth the beauty of Israel, and remembered not his footstool in the day of his anger!

every.

1 Kings 9:7,8
Then will I cut off Israel out of the land which I have given them; and this house, which I have hallowed for my name, will I cast out of my sight; and Israel shall be a proverb and a byword among all people: …

Job 27:23
Men shall clap their hands at him, and shall hiss him out of his place.

Psalm 52:6,7
The righteous also shall see, and fear, and shall laugh at him: …

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Animals Beasts Besides Care Carelessly City Desolation Dwells Dwelt Exultant Fists Hand Heart Hiss Joyous Lie Passes Passeth Rejoicing Resting Securely Shake Wag
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Zephaniah 2
1. An exhortation to repentance.
4. The judgment of the Philistines,
8. of Moab and Ammon,
12. of Ethiopia,
13. and of Assyria.














This carefree city
The phrase refers to Nineveh, the capital of the Assyrian Empire, known for its opulence and sense of invulnerability. The Hebrew word for "carefree" suggests a false sense of security and complacency. Historically, Nineveh was a city of great wealth and power, often feeling untouchable due to its military might and strategic location. This serves as a warning against pride and self-reliance, reminding believers that true security comes only from God.

that dwells securely
This phrase emphasizes the false confidence of Nineveh. The Hebrew root here conveys a sense of dwelling in safety, yet it is ironic because their security was not founded on God. Archaeological findings reveal that Nineveh had massive walls and fortifications, which contributed to its sense of security. However, the Bible teaches that no earthly power can stand against the judgment of God.

that thinks to herself
This introspective phrase highlights the arrogance and self-deception of Nineveh. The city’s self-talk reflects a heart turned inward, away from God. In a broader scriptural context, this mirrors the folly of nations and individuals who trust in their own strength and wisdom rather than seeking God’s guidance and protection.

'I am it, and there is none besides me.'
This declaration of self-sufficiency and uniqueness is reminiscent of the prideful claims of Babylon in Isaiah 47:8. The phrase underscores the sin of pride, which is a recurring theme in the Bible. It serves as a caution against the idolatry of self, where one elevates themselves to a god-like status, forgetting the sovereignty of the true God.

What a ruin she has become
The transformation from a thriving city to a ruin is a vivid picture of divine judgment. The Hebrew word for "ruin" suggests desolation and destruction. Historically, Nineveh was indeed destroyed in 612 BC, fulfilling this prophecy. This serves as a sobering reminder of the consequences of pride and disobedience to God.

a lair for wild beasts!
This imagery of wild animals inhabiting the ruins signifies complete desolation and abandonment. In ancient times, the presence of wild beasts was a sign that a place was uninhabited and forsaken. This reflects the totality of God’s judgment and the reversal of Nineveh’s former glory.

Everyone who passes by her hisses and shakes his fist
The reaction of passersby indicates scorn and derision. The act of hissing and shaking the fist was a common expression of contempt in ancient cultures. This serves as a prophetic warning that those who exalt themselves will ultimately be brought low and become objects of ridicule. It underscores the biblical principle that God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble (James 4:6).

Verse 15. - This is the rejoicing city. Such is the fate of this once exulting city, that dwelt carelessly, secure, with no fear of danger at hand (Isaiah 47:8, on which this passage is founded). I am, and there is none beside me. Thus, in effect, Nineveh claimed for himself the attributes of Almighty God. She stands alone, mistress of nations, a type of the powers of this world, which deify themselves and defy the Lord. Septuagint, Οὐκ ἔστι μετ ἐμὲ ἔτι, "There is no more any after me." Shall hiss. In scorn (Job 27:23; Jeremiah 19:8; Micah 6:16). Wag his hand. He shall shake or wave his hand with the gesture of dismissal, as if saying, "Away with thee! get thee gone!" - a rehearsal of the awful "Depart ye!" in the final judgment (comp. Nahum 3:19).



Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
This
זֹ֞֠את (zōṯ)
Pronoun - feminine singular
Strong's 2063: Hereby in it, likewise, the one other, same, she, so much, such deed, that,

carefree
הָעַלִּיזָה֙ (hā·‘al·lî·zāh)
Article | Adjective - feminine singular
Strong's 5947: Exultant, jubilant

city
הָעִ֤יר (hā·‘îr)
Article | Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 5892: Excitement

that dwells
הַיּוֹשֶׁ֣בֶת (hay·yō·wō·še·ḇeṯ)
Article | Verb - Qal - Participle - feminine singular
Strong's 3427: To sit down, to dwell, to remain, to settle, to marry

securely,
לָבֶ֔טַח (lā·ḇe·ṭaḥ)
Preposition-l | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 983: A place of refuge, safety, safely

that thinks
הָאֹֽמְרָה֙ (hā·’ō·mə·rāh)
Article | Verb - Qal - Participle - feminine singular
Strong's 559: To utter, say

to herself:
בִּלְבָבָ֔הּ (bil·ḇā·ḇāh)
Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular construct | third person feminine singular
Strong's 3824: Inner man, mind, will, heart

‘I [am it],
אֲנִ֖י (’ă·nî)
Pronoun - first person common singular
Strong's 589: I

and [there is] none
וְאַפְסִ֣י (wə·’ap̄·sî)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 657: Cessation, an end, no further, the ankle, foot

besides me,’
ע֑וֹד (‘ō·wḏ)
Adverb
Strong's 5750: Iteration, continuance, again, repeatedly, still, more

what
אֵ֣יךְ ׀ (’êḵ)
Interjection
Strong's 349: How?, how!, where

a ruin
לְשַׁמָּ֗ה (lə·šam·māh)
Preposition-l | Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 8047: Ruin, consternation

she has become,
הָיְתָ֣ה (hā·yə·ṯāh)
Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person feminine singular
Strong's 1961: To fall out, come to pass, become, be

a resting place
מַרְבֵּץ֙ (mar·bêṣ)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 4769: A reclining place, fold

for beasts.
לַֽחַיָּ֔ה (la·ḥay·yāh)
Preposition-l, Article | Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 2416: Alive, raw, fresh, strong, life

Everyone
כֹּ֚ל (kōl)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 3605: The whole, all, any, every

who passes
עוֹבֵ֣ר (‘ō·w·ḇêr)
Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular
Strong's 5674: To pass over, through, or by, pass on

by her
עָלֶ֔יהָ (‘ā·le·hā)
Preposition | third person feminine singular
Strong's 5921: Above, over, upon, against

hisses
יִשְׁרֹ֖ק (yiš·rōq)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 8319: To be shrill, to whistle, hiss

and shakes
יָנִ֥יעַ (yā·nî·a‘)
Verb - Hifil - Imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 5128: To quiver, wave, waver, tremble, totter

his fist.
יָדֽוֹ׃ (yā·ḏōw)
Noun - feminine singular construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 3027: A hand


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OT Prophets: Zephaniah 2:15 This is the joyous city that lived (Zeph. Zep Zp)
Zephaniah 2:14
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