Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version Therefore wait for me,” declares the LORD, “for the day I will stand up to testify. I have decided to assemble the nations, to gather the kingdoms and to pour out my wrath on them— all my fierce anger. The whole world will be consumed by the fire of my jealous anger. New Living Translation Therefore, be patient,” says the LORD. “Soon I will stand and accuse these evil nations. For I have decided to gather the kingdoms of the earth and pour out my fiercest anger and fury on them. All the earth will be devoured by the fire of my jealousy. English Standard Version “Therefore wait for me,” declares the LORD, “for the day when I rise up to seize the prey. For my decision is to gather nations, to assemble kingdoms, to pour out upon them my indignation, all my burning anger; for in the fire of my jealousy all the earth shall be consumed. Berean Standard Bible Therefore wait for Me,” declares the LORD, “until the day I rise to testify. For My decision is to gather nations, to assemble kingdoms, to pour out upon them My indignation—all My burning anger. For all the earth will be consumed by the fire of My jealousy. King James Bible Therefore wait ye upon me, saith the LORD, until the day that I rise up to the prey: for my determination is to gather the nations, that I may assemble the kingdoms, to pour upon them mine indignation, even all my fierce anger: for all the earth shall be devoured with the fire of my jealousy. New King James Version “Therefore wait for Me,” says the LORD, “Until the day I rise up for plunder; My determination is to gather the nations To My assembly of kingdoms, To pour on them My indignation, All My fierce anger; All the earth shall be devoured With the fire of My jealousy. New American Standard Bible “Therefore wait for Me,” declares the LORD, “For the day when I rise up as a witness. Indeed, My decision is to gather nations, To assemble kingdoms, To pour out on them My indignation, All My burning anger; For all the earth will be devoured By the fire of My zeal. NASB 1995 “Therefore wait for Me,” declares the LORD, “For the day when I rise up as a witness. Indeed, My decision is to gather nations, To assemble kingdoms, To pour out on them My indignation, All My burning anger; For all the earth will be devoured By the fire of My zeal. NASB 1977 “Therefore, wait for Me,” declares the LORD, “For the day when I rise up to the prey. Indeed, My decision is to gather nations, To assemble kingdoms, To pour out on them My indignation, All My burning anger; For all the earth will be devoured By the fire of My zeal. Legacy Standard Bible “Therefore wait for Me,” declares Yahweh, “For the day when I rise up as a witness. Indeed, My judgment is to assemble nations, To gather kingdoms, To pour out on them My indignation, All My burning anger; For all the earth will be devoured By the fire of My zeal. Amplified Bible “Therefore [you of the godly remnant of Judah, patiently] wait for Me,” declares the LORD, “[Wait] for the day when I rise up as a witness [against the nations]. For it is My decision and My right to gather the nations, To assemble kingdoms, To pour out on them My indignation, All [the heat of] My burning anger; For [in that day] all the earth shall be consumed By the fire of My zeal. Christian Standard Bible Therefore, wait for me — this is the LORD’s declaration — until the day I rise up for plunder. For my decision is to gather nations, to assemble kingdoms, in order to pour out my indignation on them, all my burning anger; for the whole earth will be consumed by the fire of my jealousy. Holman Christian Standard Bible Therefore, wait for Me— this is the LORD’s declaration— until the day I rise up for plunder. For My decision is to gather nations, to assemble kingdoms, in order to pour out My indignation on them, all My burning anger; for the whole earth will be consumed by the fire of My jealousy. American Standard Version Therefore wait ye for me, saith Jehovah, until the day that I rise up to the prey; for my determination is to gather the nations, that I may assemble the kingdoms, to pour upon them mine indignation, even all my fierce anger; for all the earth shall be devoured with the fire of my jealousy. Contemporary English Version The LORD said: Just wait for the day when I accuse you nations. I have decided on a day, when I will bring together every nation and kingdom and punish them all in my fiery anger. I will become furious and destroy the earth. English Revised Version Therefore wait ye for me, saith the LORD, until the day that I rise up to the prey: for my determination is to gather the nations, that I may assemble the kingdoms, to pour upon them mine indignation, even all my fierce anger; for all the earth shall be devoured with the fire of my jealousy. GOD'S WORD® Translation The LORD declares, "Just wait! One day I will stand up as a witness. I have decided to gather nations, to bring kingdoms together, and to pour my rage, my burning anger, on them. The whole land will be consumed by my fiery fury. Good News Translation "Just wait," the LORD says. "Wait for the day when I rise to accuse the nations. I have made up my mind to gather nations and kingdoms in order to let them feel the force of my anger. The whole earth will be destroyed by the fire of my fury. International Standard Version "Just you wait!" declares the LORD. "The day will come when I stand up as a prosecutor, for I am determined to assemble the nations and to gather the kingdoms, in order to pour out my indignation upon them— all of my fierce anger. All the earth will be consumed by the fire of my jealousy. NET Bible Therefore you must wait patiently for me," says the LORD, "for the day when I attack and take plunder. I have decided to gather nations together and assemble kingdoms, so I can pour out my fury on them--all my raging anger. For the whole earth will be consumed by my fiery anger. New Heart English Bible "Therefore wait for me," says the LORD, "until the day that I rise up as a witness. For my determination is to gather the nations, that I may assemble the kingdoms, to pour on them my indignation, even all my fierce anger. For all the earth will be devoured with the fire of my jealousy. Webster's Bible Translation Therefore wait ye upon me, saith the LORD, until the day that I rise up to the prey: for my determination is to gather the nations, that I may assemble the kingdoms, to pour upon them my indignation, even all my fierce anger: for all the earth shall be devoured with the fire of my jealousy. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleTherefore wait for Me,” declares the LORD, “until the day I rise to testify. For My decision is to gather nations, to assemble kingdoms, to pour out upon them My indignation—all My burning anger. For all the earth will be consumed by the fire of My jealousy. World English Bible “Therefore wait for me”, says Yahweh, “until the day that I rise up to the prey, for my determination is to gather the nations, that I may assemble the kingdoms to pour on them my indignation, even all my fierce anger, for all the earth will be devoured with the fire of my jealousy. Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionTherefore, wait for Me,” "" A declaration of YHWH, "" “For the day of My rising for prey, "" For My judgment [is] to gather nations, "" To assemble kingdoms, "" To pour out on them My indignation, "" All the heat of My anger, "" For by the fire of My jealousy all the earth is consumed. Young's Literal Translation Therefore, wait for Me -- an affirmation of Jehovah, For the day of My rising for prey, For My judgment is to gather nations, To assemble kingdoms, To pour out on them Mine indignation, All the heat of Mine anger, For by the fire of My jealousy consumed is all the earth. Smith's Literal Translation For this, wait for me, says Jehovah, to the day of my rising up for a testimony: for my judgment is to assemble the nations for my gathering the kingdoms to pour upon them my wrath, all the burning of mine anger: for in the fire of my jealousy all the earth shall be devoured. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleWherefore expect me, saith the Lord, in the day of my resurrection that is to come, for my judgment is to assemble the Gentiles, and to gather the kingdoms: and to pour upon them my indignation, all my fierce anger: for with the fire of my jealousy shall all the earth be devoured. Catholic Public Domain Version Because of this, expect me, says the Lord, in the day of my resurrection in the future, for my judgment is to gather together the Gentiles, and to collect the kingdoms, and to pour out over them my indignation, all the fury of my anger. For by the fire of my zeal, all the earth will be devoured. New American Bible Therefore, wait for me—oracle of the LORD— until the day when I arise as accuser; For it is my decision to gather nations, to assemble kingdoms, In order to pour out upon them my wrath, all my blazing anger; For in the fire of my passion all the earth will be consumed. New Revised Standard Version Therefore wait for me, says the LORD, for the day when I arise as a witness. For my decision is to gather nations, to assemble kingdoms, to pour out upon them my indignation, all the heat of my anger; for in the fire of my passion all the earth shall be consumed. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleTherefore wait for me, says the LORD, until the day when I rise up to give testimony; for my judgment is at hand, to gather the nations and to bring the kingdoms near, to pour out my indignation upon them, even all my fierce anger; for in the fire of my zeal shall all the earth be devoured. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated Therefore wait for me, says LORD JEHOVAH, until the day that I rise for a testimony, because my judgment has arrived to gather the nations and to bring the kingdoms to pour upon them my anger and all the heat of my passion, because all the Earth shall be consumed in the fire of my zeal OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917Therefore wait ye for Me, saith the LORD, Until the day that I rise up to the prey; For My determination is to gather the nations, That I may assemble the kingdoms, To pour upon them Mine indignation, Even all My fierce anger; For all the earth shall be devoured With the fire of My jealousy. Brenton Septuagint Translation Therefore wait upon me, saith the Lord, until the day when I rise up for a witness: because my judgment shall be on the gatherings of the nations, to draw to me kings, to pour out upon them all my fierce anger: for the whole earth shall be consumed with the fire of my jealousy. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context The Judgment on Jerusalem…7I said, ‘Surely you will fear Me and accept correction.’ Then her dwelling place would not be cut off despite all for which I punished her. But they rose early to corrupt all their deeds. 8Therefore wait for Me,” declares the LORD, “until the day I rise to testify. For My decision is to gather nations, to assemble kingdoms, to pour out upon them My indignation— all My burning anger. For all the earth will be consumed by the fire of My jealousy. Cross References Isaiah 66:15-16 For behold, the LORD will come with fire—His chariots are like a whirlwind—to execute His anger with fury and His rebuke with flames of fire. / For by fire and by His sword, the LORD will execute judgment on all flesh, and many will be slain by the LORD. Joel 3:2 I will gather all the nations and bring them down to the Valley of Jehoshaphat. There I will enter into judgment against them concerning My people, My inheritance, Israel, whom they have scattered among the nations as they divided up My land. Revelation 16:14-16 These are demonic spirits that perform signs and go out to all the kings of the earth, to assemble them for battle on the great day of God the Almighty. / “Behold, I am coming like a thief. Blessed is the one who remains awake and clothed, so that he will not go naked and let his shame be exposed.” / And they assembled the kings in the place that in Hebrew is called Armageddon. Jeremiah 25:31-33 The tumult will resound to the ends of the earth because the LORD brings a charge against the nations. He brings judgment on all mankind and puts the wicked to the sword,’” declares the LORD. / This is what the LORD of Hosts says: “Behold! Disaster is spreading from nation to nation; a mighty storm is rising from the ends of the earth.” / Those slain by the LORD on that day will be spread from one end of the earth to the other. They will not be mourned, gathered, or buried. They will be like dung lying on the ground. Malachi 4:1 “For behold, the day is coming, burning like a furnace, when all the arrogant and every evildoer will be stubble; the day is coming when I will set them ablaze,” says the LORD of Hosts. “Not a root or branch will be left to them.” Ezekiel 38:18-23 Now on that day when Gog comes against the land of Israel, declares the Lord GOD, My wrath will flare up. / In My zeal and fiery rage I proclaim that on that day there will be a great earthquake in the land of Israel. / The fish of the sea, the birds of the air, the beasts of the field, every creature that crawls upon the ground, and all mankind on the face of the earth will tremble at My presence. The mountains will be thrown down, the cliffs will collapse, and every wall will fall to the ground. ... Revelation 19:15 And from His mouth proceeds a sharp sword with which to strike down the nations, and He will rule them with an iron scepter. He treads the winepress of the fury of the wrath of God the Almighty. Isaiah 2:12 For the Day of the LORD of Hosts will come against all the proud and lofty, against all that is exalted—it will be humbled— Daniel 7:9-10 As I continued to watch, thrones were set in place, and the Ancient of Days took His seat. His clothing was white as snow, and the hair of His head was like pure wool. His throne was flaming with fire, and its wheels were all ablaze. / A river of fire was flowing, coming out from His presence. Thousands upon thousands attended Him, and myriads upon myriads stood before Him. The court was convened, and the books were opened. Matthew 24:30-31 At that time the sign of the Son of Man will appear in heaven, and all the tribes of the earth will mourn. They will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven with power and great glory. / And He will send out His angels with a loud trumpet call, and they will gather His elect from the four winds, from one end of the heavens to the other. Revelation 14:14-20 And I looked and saw a white cloud, and seated on the cloud was One like the Son of Man, with a golden crown on His head and a sharp sickle in His hand. / Then another angel came out of the temple, crying out in a loud voice to the One seated on the cloud, “Swing Your sickle and reap, because the time has come to harvest, for the crop of the earth is ripe.” / So the One seated on the cloud swung His sickle over the earth, and the earth was harvested. ... Isaiah 13:9-11 Behold, the Day of the LORD is coming—cruel, with fury and burning anger—to make the earth a desolation and to destroy the sinners within it. / For the stars of heaven and their constellations will not give their light. The rising sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light. / I will punish the world for its evil and the wicked for their iniquity. I will end the haughtiness of the arrogant and lay low the pride of the ruthless. 2 Thessalonians 1:7-10 and to grant relief to you who are oppressed and to us as well. This will take place when the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven with His mighty angels / in blazing fire, inflicting vengeance on those who do not know God and do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus. / They will suffer the penalty of eternal destruction, separated from the presence of the Lord and the glory of His might, ... Nahum 1:2-6 The LORD is a jealous and avenging God; the LORD is avenging and full of wrath. The LORD takes vengeance on His foes and reserves wrath for His enemies. / The LORD is slow to anger and great in power; the LORD will by no means leave the guilty unpunished. His path is in the whirlwind and storm, and clouds are the dust beneath His feet. / He rebukes the sea and dries it up; He makes all the rivers run dry. Bashan and Carmel wither, and the flower of Lebanon wilts. ... Revelation 6:15-17 Then the kings of the earth, the nobles, the commanders, the rich, the mighty, and every slave and free man hid in the caves and among the rocks of the mountains. / And they said to the mountains and the rocks, “Fall on us and hide us from the face of the One seated on the throne, and from the wrath of the Lamb. / For the great day of Their wrath has come, and who is able to withstand it?” Treasury of Scripture Therefore wait you on me, said the LORD, until the day that I rise up to the prey: for my determination is to gather the nations, that I may assemble the kingdoms, to pour on them my indignation, even all my fierce anger: for all the earth shall be devoured with the fire of my jealousy. wait. Psalm 27:14 Wait on the LORD: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the LORD. Psalm 37:7,34 Rest in the LORD, and wait patiently for him: fret not thyself because of him who prospereth in his way, because of the man who bringeth wicked devices to pass… Psalm 62:1,5 To the chief Musician, to Jeduthun, A Psalm of David. Truly my soul waiteth upon God: from him cometh my salvation… rise. Psalm 12:5 For the oppression of the poor, for the sighing of the needy, now will I arise, saith the LORD; I will set him in safety from him that puffeth at him. Psalm 78:65,66 Then the Lord awaked as one out of sleep, and like a mighty man that shouteth by reason of wine… Isaiah 42:13,14 The LORD shall go forth as a mighty man, he shall stir up jealousy like a man of war: he shall cry, yea, roar; he shall prevail against his enemies… to gather. Ezekiel 38:14-23 Therefore, son of man, prophesy and say unto Gog, Thus saith the Lord GOD; In that day when my people of Israel dwelleth safely, shalt thou not know it? … Joel 3:2,9-16 I will also gather all nations, and will bring them down into the valley of Jehoshaphat, and will plead with them there for my people and for my heritage Israel, whom they have scattered among the nations, and parted my land… Micah 4:11-13 Now also many nations are gathered against thee, that say, Let her be defiled, and let our eye look upon Zion… for all. Zephaniah 1:18 Neither their silver nor their gold shall be able to deliver them in the day of the LORD'S wrath; but the whole land shall be devoured by the fire of his jealousy: for he shall make even a speedy riddance of all them that dwell in the land. Deuteronomy 32:21,22 They have moved me to jealousy with that which is not God; they have provoked me to anger with their vanities: and I will move them to jealousy with those which are not a people; I will provoke them to anger with a foolish nation… Song of Solomon 8:6 Set me as a seal upon thine heart, as a seal upon thine arm: for love is strong as death; jealousy is cruel as the grave: the coals thereof are coals of fire, which hath a most vehement flame. Jump to Previous Anger Assemble Determination Devoured Earth Fierce Fire Gather Indignation Jealousy Kingdoms Nations Pour Prey Rise WaitJump to Next Anger Assemble Determination Devoured Earth Fierce Fire Gather Indignation Jealousy Kingdoms Nations Pour Prey Rise WaitZephaniah 3 1. A sharp reproof of Jerusalem for various sins.8. An exhortation to wait for the restoration of Israel, 14. and to rejoice for their salvation by God. Therefore wait for Me,” declares the LORD This phrase emphasizes the call for patience and trust in God's timing. The command to "wait" is a common biblical theme, seen in passages like Psalm 27:14 and Isaiah 40:31, where waiting on the Lord is associated with strength and renewal. The speaker is the LORD, indicating divine authority and assurance. In the context of Zephaniah, this waiting is not passive but involves active faith and expectation of God's intervention. until the day I rise to testify. For My decision is to gather nations, to assemble kingdoms, to pour out upon them My indignation—all My burning anger. For all the earth will be consumed by the fire of My jealousy. Persons / Places / Events 1. The LORD (Yahweh)The central figure in this verse, declaring His intention to act decisively against the nations. 2. Nations and Kingdoms Represents the collective entities that are gathered for judgment due to their rebellion against God. 3. Day of the LORD A prophetic event characterized by divine judgment and the establishment of God's justice. 4. Indignation and Burning Anger Describes God's righteous wrath against sin and rebellion. 5. Fire of Jealousy Symbolizes God's zealous protection of His holiness and covenant relationship with His people. Teaching Points The Certainty of Divine JudgmentGod's declaration to "wait for Me" assures believers of the certainty of His coming judgment. We are reminded to trust in God's timing and justice. God's Sovereignty Over Nations The gathering of nations and kingdoms underscores God's control over world events. Believers can find comfort in knowing that God is sovereign over all earthly powers. The Righteousness of God's Anger God's indignation and burning anger are expressions of His holiness and justice. This challenges us to align our lives with His righteousness and to repent from sin. The Call to Patience and Faithfulness "Wait for Me" is a call to patience and faithfulness amidst a world that often seems unjust. Believers are encouraged to remain steadfast in their faith. The Purifying Fire of God's Jealousy The fire of God's jealousy is not only destructive but also purifying. It calls us to examine our hearts and remove anything that competes with our devotion to God. Lists and Questions Top 10 Lessons from Zephaniah 3Is God considered a person? How can a loving God allow suffering? Psalm 139:19-22: How do these verses endorsing hatred for the wicked align with other passages in the Bible that command love for one's enemies? In Nahum 1:2, how can God be both loving and yet described as jealous and avenging?Verse 8. - Therefore. Because of the outrage done to God's "long suffering," he must needs punish. Wait ye upon me; wait ye for me. The exhortation is addressed to the pious among the Jews, as in Zephaniah 2:3, and is used in a good sense (Psalm 33:20; Isaiah 8:17), urging them not to despair, but to be patient under the affliction, in the assured hope of salvation. The same expression is used in Habakkuk 2:3. I rise up to the prey. This is a phrase denoting effort and the effecting of some great object. Jehovah seizes the prey when the nations, roused by judgment inflicted, are converted unto him (Isaiah 53:12; Psalm 68:18). The LXX., pointing the last word differently (עד), renders, εἰς ἡμέραν ἀναστάσεώς μου εἰς μαρτύριον: "until the day of my rising up for testimony." Jerome, "In die resurrectionis meae in futurum." The Fathers interpreted this of the times of Messiah - some, of Christ's resurrection from the dead; some, of his rising up to divide the spoil (Genesis 49:9, 27. See St. Augustine, 'De Civil.,' 18:33; Eusebius, 'Dem. Ev.,' 2:17; and Jerome and Cyril, in loc.). But such interpretations are Mien from the intention of the passage, however allowable as glosses. For my determination is; literally, my judgment (mishpat) is. My justice is displayed, as ver. 5. The word, according to Keil, never means, "decree" or "decision." That I may assemble the kingdoms. Not for utter extermination, but to bring them to a better mind (Isaiah 26:9; Joel 3:11, etc.). Fire of my jealousy (Zephaniah 1:18). God will allow no rival anywhere (Nahum 1:2). This is the reason of the severity and universality of the judgment The Masorites note that this ' the only verse in the Bible which contains the whole Hebrew alphabet. Parallel Commentaries ... Hebrew Thereforeלָכֵ֤ן (lā·ḵên) Adverb Strong's 3651: So -- thus wait חַכּוּ־ (ḥak·kū-) Verb - Piel - Imperative - masculine plural Strong's 2442: To adhere to, to await for Me,” לִי֙ (lî) Preposition | first person common singular Strong's Hebrew declares נְאֻם־ (nə·’um-) Noun - masculine singular construct Strong's 5002: An oracle the LORD, יְהוָ֔ה (Yah·weh) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 3068: LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel “until the day לְי֖וֹם (lə·yō·wm) Preposition-l | Noun - masculine singular construct Strong's 3117: A day I rise קוּמִ֣י (qū·mî) Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct | first person common singular Strong's 6965: To arise, stand up, stand to testify. לְעַ֑ד (lə·‘aḏ) Preposition-l | Noun - masculine singular Strong's 5706: Booty, prey For כִּ֣י (kî) Conjunction Strong's 3588: A relative conjunction My decision מִשְׁפָּטִי֩ (miš·pā·ṭî) Noun - masculine singular construct | first person common singular Strong's 4941: A verdict, a sentence, formal decree, divine law, penalty, justice, privilege, style is to gather לֶאֱסֹ֨ף (le·’ĕ·sōp̄) Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct Strong's 622: To gather for, any purpose, to receive, take away, remove nations, גּוֹיִ֜ם (gō·w·yim) Noun - masculine plural Strong's 1471: A foreign nation, a Gentile, a troop of animals, a flight of locusts to assemble לְקָבְצִ֣י (lə·qā·ḇə·ṣî) Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct | first person common singular Strong's 6908: To gather, collect kingdoms, מַמְלָכ֗וֹת (mam·lā·ḵō·wṯ) Noun - feminine plural Strong's 4467: Kingdom, sovereignty, dominion, reign to pour out לִשְׁפֹּ֨ךְ (liš·pōḵ) Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct Strong's 8210: To spill forth, to expend, to sprawl out upon them עֲלֵיהֶ֤ם (‘ă·lê·hem) Preposition | third person masculine plural Strong's 5921: Above, over, upon, against My indignation, זַעְמִי֙ (za‘·mî) Noun - masculine singular construct | first person common singular Strong's 2195: Froth at the mouth, fury all כֹּ֚ל (kōl) Noun - masculine singular construct Strong's 3605: The whole, all, any, every My burning anger. חֲר֣וֹן (ḥă·rō·wn) Noun - masculine singular construct Strong's 2740: A burning of anger For כִּ֚י (kî) Conjunction Strong's 3588: A relative conjunction all כָּל־ (kāl-) Noun - masculine singular construct Strong's 3605: The whole, all, any, every the earth הָאָֽרֶץ׃ (hā·’ā·reṣ) Article | Noun - feminine singular Strong's 776: Earth, land will be consumed תֵּאָכֵ֖ל (tê·’ā·ḵêl) Verb - Nifal - Imperfect - third person feminine singular Strong's 398: To eat by the fire בְּאֵ֣שׁ (bə·’êš) Preposition-b | Noun - common singular construct Strong's 784: A fire of My jealousy. קִנְאָתִ֔י (qin·’ā·ṯî) Noun - feminine singular construct | first person common singular Strong's 7068: Ardor, zeal, jealousy Links Zephaniah 3:8 NIVZephaniah 3:8 NLT Zephaniah 3:8 ESV Zephaniah 3:8 NASB Zephaniah 3:8 KJV Zephaniah 3:8 BibleApps.com Zephaniah 3:8 Biblia Paralela Zephaniah 3:8 Chinese Bible Zephaniah 3:8 French Bible Zephaniah 3:8 Catholic Bible OT Prophets: Zephaniah 3:8 Therefore wait for me says Yahweh until (Zeph. 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