Zephaniah 1:1

KJV

¶ The word of the LORD which came unto Zephaniah the son of Cushi, the son of Gedaliah, the son of Amariah, the son of Hizkiah, in the days of Josiah the son of Amon, king of Judah.

KJV (with Strong's)

The word {H1697} of the LORD {H3068} which came unto Zephaniah {H6846} the son {H1121} of Cushi {H3570}, the son {H1121} of Gedaliah {H1436}, the son {H1121} of Amariah {H568}, the son {H1121} of Hizkiah {H2396}, in the days {H3117} of Josiah {H2977} the son {H1121} of Amon {H526}, king {H4428} of Judah {H3063}.

Complete Jewish Bible

This is the word of ADONAI that came to Tz'fanyah the son of Kushi, the son of G'dalyah, the son of Amaryah, the son of Hizkiyah, during the reign of Yoshiyahu the son of Amon, king of Y'hudah:

Berean Standard Bible

This is the word of the LORD that came to Zephaniah son of Cushi, the son of Gedaliah, the son of Amariah, the son of Hezekiah, in the days of Josiah son of Amon king of Judah:

American Standard Version

The word of Jehovah which came unto Zephaniah the son of Cushi, the son of Gedaliah, the son of Amariah, the son of Hezekiah, in the days of Josiah the son of Amon, king of Judah.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Zephaniah 1:1 serves as the authoritative superscription to the book, meticulously introducing the prophet Zephaniah by name and an unusually extensive four-generation lineage, which likely connects him to King Hezekiah. This verse precisely anchors the prophetic message within a specific historical period, "in the days of Josiah the son of Amon, king of Judah," thereby establishing the divine origin and historical context for the pronouncements of judgment and hope that follow.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** As the opening verse of a prophetic book, Zephaniah 1:1 functions as a foundational superscription, a common literary device found in many prophetic works (e.g., [Isaiah 1:1](/isaiah/1-1 "Isaiah 1:1 - The Vision of Isaiah"), [Jeremiah 1:1-3](/jeremiah/1-1-3 "Jeremiah 1:1-3 - The Words of Jeremiah"), [Hosea 1:1](/hosea/1-1 "Hosea 1:1 - The Word of the LORD to Hosea")). Its primary purpose is to establish the divine authority of the message and the human agency through which it was delivered. The detailed genealogy of Zephaniah, extending four generations, is notably more extensive than typical prophetic introductions, lending additional weight and credibility to his person and message. This specificity immediately grounds the ensuing prophecies in a concrete historical reality, preparing the reader for a message directly relevant to Judah in the late 7th century BCE.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Zephaniah's ministry is explicitly dated to the reign of King Josiah (640-609 BCE). This period followed the long, idolatrous reigns of Manasseh and Amon, during which Judah had deeply entrenched itself in pagan practices, including Baal worship, astral cults, and even child sacrifice. Josiah initiated significant religious reforms, beginning around 622 BCE with the discovery of the Book of the Law ([2 Kings 22](/2_kings/22 "2 Kings 22 - Josiah's Reforms Begin") and [2 Chronicles 34](/2_chronicles/34 "2 Chronicles 34 - Josiah's Spiritual Revival")). Zephaniah's prophecies, particularly their stern warnings against idolatry and social injustice, suggest his ministry likely began in the earlier part of Josiah's reign, perhaps before the full impact of these reforms had taken hold, or at least while the deep-seated corruption still necessitated divine warning. The geopolitical landscape was also shifting, with the Assyrian Empire in decline and the rising power of Babylon, creating an unstable environment for Judah.

* **Key Themes:** This introductory verse immediately introduces several key themes that permeate the book of Zephaniah. Firstly, the theme of **Divine Revelation and Authority** is paramount, as the "word of the LORD" underscores that the subsequent pronouncements are not human opinions but direct, authoritative messages from God. Secondly, the detailed lineage and historical dating establish the **Legitimacy and Authenticity of the Prophet**, affirming Zephaniah as a true messenger in the prophetic tradition. Lastly, the mention of Josiah's reign and Judah highlights the theme of **God's Engagement with History**, demonstrating that divine judgment and salvation are not abstract concepts but are intricately woven into the specific historical circumstances of His people, setting the stage for the coming "Day of the Lord" which is a central motif of the book ([Zephaniah 1:7](/zephaniah/1-7 "Zephaniah 1:7 - The Day of the LORD is Near")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Word (Hebrew, _dâbâr'_):** From the root meaning "to speak," this term signifies more than just an utterance; it denotes a message, a matter, a thing, or an affair. In the context of "the word of the LORD," it carries the weight of divine decree, authoritative pronouncement, and active power. It is not merely information but a potent reality that brings about what it declares.
* **LORD (Hebrew, _Yᵉhôvâh'_):** This is the covenant name of God, often transliterated as Yahweh, signifying "the self-Existent or Eternal." Its use here emphasizes that the message originates from the sovereign, unchanging God who is in covenant relationship with Israel. It underscores His absolute authority and faithfulness, even when delivering messages of judgment.
* **Zephaniah (Hebrew, _Tsᵉphanyâh'_):** This name means "Jah has secreted" or "the LORD has hidden/treasured." This meaning is profoundly significant for the book's message. While much of Zephaniah details widespread judgment and destruction, the name subtly foreshadows the preservation of a remnant—those whom the LORD will hide or treasure from the coming wrath, offering a glimmer of hope amidst the declarations of doom.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"The word of the LORD which came unto Zephaniah":** This opening phrase immediately establishes the divine origin and prophetic nature of the book. It indicates that the message is not Zephaniah's own thoughts or opinions, but a direct, authoritative revelation from Yahweh. The verb "came" (הָיָה, _hayah_) implies a dynamic, active reception of the divine message by the prophet, highlighting his role as a recipient and conveyor of God's truth.
* **"the son of Cushi, the son of Gedaliah, the son of Amariah, the son of Hizkiah":** This unusually extensive four-generation genealogy serves multiple purposes. Firstly, it authenticates Zephaniah's identity and lineage, lending credibility to his prophetic office. Secondly, the tracing back to "Hizkiah" (Hebrew, _Chizqîyâh_), widely believed to be King Hezekiah, suggests a royal lineage for Zephaniah. This connection would have given his message significant weight and perhaps even access to the royal court, underscoring the gravity of his pronouncements to the people and leadership of Judah.
* **"in the days of Josiah the son of Amon, king of Judah":** This precise historical dating anchors the prophecy to a specific time in Judah's history. Josiah's reign was marked by efforts at religious reform following periods of intense idolatry. By dating the prophecy to this period, the verse sets the stage for understanding the socio-religious conditions that necessitated Zephaniah's stern warnings against persistent syncretism, injustice, and spiritual apathy, even amidst a reforming king's efforts. It highlights the deep-seated corruption that still plagued Judah.

#### Literary Devices
Zephaniah 1:1 primarily employs **Superscription** and **Genealogy** as key literary devices. The entire verse functions as a superscription, which is a common feature in prophetic literature, serving to introduce the prophet, the source of the message, and its historical context. This device immediately establishes the **Authority** of the text as divinely inspired, rather than merely human opinion. The detailed genealogy, tracing Zephaniah's lineage back four generations, is a form of **Authentication**, providing a robust background for the prophet. This extended lineage, particularly the implied connection to King Hezekiah, also serves as a subtle form of **Ethos** or credibility, suggesting that the prophet's words carry not only divine weight but also a certain social or political gravitas within Judah. The specific dating to King Josiah's reign functions as a form of **Historical Anchoring**, firmly placing the prophecy within a known historical epoch, allowing readers to understand the socio-political and religious landscape that forms the backdrop for God's message.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Zephaniah 1:1 lays the theological groundwork for the entire book by emphasizing the **sovereignty and communicative nature of God**. The phrase "the word of the LORD came" asserts that God is not a distant deity but one who actively intervenes in human history, revealing His will and purpose. This divine initiative underscores the seriousness of the message, whether it be one of impending judgment or future restoration. The emphasis on Zephaniah's lineage and the specific historical dating further highlights God's engagement with particular people in specific times, demonstrating that His prophetic word is always relevant to the lived realities of His covenant people. This foundational verse thus establishes the divine authority and historical specificity through which God's justice and mercy will be unfolded.

* [Amos 1:1](/amos/1-1 "Amos 1:1 - The Words of Amos")
* [Micah 1:1](/micah/1-1 "Micah 1:1 - The Word of the LORD to Micah")
* [Haggai 1:1](/haggai/1-1 "Haggai 1:1 - The Word of the LORD to Haggai")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Zephaniah 1:1, though a simple introductory verse, offers profound truths for contemporary reflection. It reminds us that God is a speaking God, actively communicating His will and truth to humanity. The authority of His "word" is paramount, transcending human opinion or cultural trends. Just as Zephaniah was called to deliver a message relevant to his specific historical context, God's Word continues to speak powerfully into our present circumstances, calling us to listen, understand, and obey. The detailed historical anchoring encourages us to engage with Scripture not as abstract principles but as living narratives deeply intertwined with human history, prompting us to seek God's truth within our own historical moment. Ultimately, this verse challenges us to consider the source of truth we rely upon and to recognize the enduring relevance and transformative power of God's revealed Word in our lives.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does understanding the divine origin of Zephaniah's message (and all Scripture) impact your approach to reading and applying the Bible?**
* **In what ways does God's Word "come" to us today, and how can we cultivate a greater receptivity to it?**
* **Considering the historical context of Josiah's reforms, what does Zephaniah's prophecy teach us about the persistence of sin and the need for genuine, heart-level repentance, even amidst outward religious activity?**

### FAQ

**Why is Zephaniah's genealogy so detailed compared to other prophets?**

Answer: The detailed four-generation genealogy of Zephaniah, tracing back to "Hizkiah," is notably more extensive than most prophetic introductions (e.g., [Isaiah 1:1](/isaiah/1-1 "Isaiah 1:1 - The Vision of Isaiah") or [Amos 1:1](/amos/1-1 "Amos 1:1 - The Words of Amos")). Scholars widely believe this "Hizkiah" refers to King Hezekiah, making Zephaniah a descendant of royalty. This extensive lineage serves to significantly enhance the prophet's credibility and authority, perhaps granting him a unique standing or access within the royal court of Judah, thereby adding weight to his pronouncements of divine judgment and hope.

**What was the significance of Josiah's reign for Zephaniah's prophecy?**

Answer: King Josiah's reign (640-609 BCE) was a pivotal period in Judah's history, marked by significant religious reforms aimed at eradicating idolatry and restoring pure worship of Yahweh, as detailed in [2 Kings 22-23](/2_kings/22-23 "2 Kings 22-23 - Josiah's Reforms and Covenant Renewal") and [2 Chronicles 34-35](/2_chronicles/34-35 "2 Chronicles 34-35 - Josiah's Widespread Revival"). Zephaniah's ministry likely occurred early in Josiah's reign, before the full implementation of these reforms. His prophecies, with their strong condemnations of idolatry, social injustice, and syncretism, highlight that despite the king's efforts, deep-seated corruption and spiritual apathy persisted among the people. This timing underscores the divine imperative for genuine heart-change and repentance, rather than mere outward religious observance.

**Does Zephaniah's name, "The LORD has hidden," have any special meaning for the book's message?**

Answer: Yes, the meaning of Zephaniah's name, "Jah has secreted" or "the LORD has hidden/treasured," carries profound thematic significance for the book. While much of the prophecy focuses on the impending "Day of the LORD" and widespread judgment, the name subtly foreshadows the concept of a preserved remnant. Amidst the universal destruction, God promises to "hide" or "treasure" a faithful few who will survive the judgment and form the basis for future restoration ([Zephaniah 2:3](/zephaniah/2-3 "Zephaniah 2:3 - Seek the LORD, all you meek of the earth") and [Zephaniah 3:12-13](/zephaniah/3-12-13 "Zephaniah 3:12-13 - The Remnant of Israel")). Thus, the prophet's name itself contains a glimmer of hope and grace within a message predominantly focused on divine wrath.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Zephaniah 1:1 primarily serves as an introductory superscription, its emphasis on "the word of the LORD" coming to a specific prophet in a particular historical context points forward to the ultimate and final Word of God, Jesus Christ. In the Old Testament, God spoke "at various times and in various ways by the prophets" ([Hebrews 1:1](/hebrews/1-1 "Hebrews 1:1 - God's Final Word: His Son")), but in the "last days," He has spoken to us "by His Son" ([Hebrews 1:2](/hebrews/1-2 "Hebrews 1:2 - God Has Spoken by His Son")). Jesus is not merely a messenger of the Word, but He *is* the Word made flesh ([John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh")), the full and complete revelation of God's character and will. Just as Zephaniah's message was anchored in the historical reality of Judah under Josiah, so too is Christ's advent and redemptive work firmly rooted in human history, fulfilling the prophetic promises. The authority established in Zephaniah 1:1 finds its ultimate and perfect embodiment in Christ, through whom God's final and saving word has been delivered to humanity ([John 1:18](/john/1-18 "John 1:18 - No One Has Seen God")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Jeremiah 1:2

To whom the word of the LORD came in the days of Josiah the son of Amon king of Judah, in the thirteenth year of his reign.

2 Chronicles 34:1

¶ Josiah [was] eight years old when he began to reign, and he reigned in Jerusalem one and thirty years.

2 Chronicles 34:33

And Josiah took away all the abominations out of all the countries that [pertained] to the children of Israel, and made all that were present in Israel to serve, [even] to serve the LORD their God. [And] all his days they departed not from following the LORD, the God of their fathers.

Hosea 1:1

¶ The word of the LORD that came unto Hosea, the son of Beeri, in the days of Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz, [and] Hezekiah, kings of Judah, and in the days of Jeroboam the son of Joash, king of Israel.

Ezekiel 1:3

The word of the LORD came expressly unto Ezekiel the priest, the son of Buzi, in the land of the Chaldeans by the river Chebar; and the hand of the LORD was there upon him.

2 Peter 1:19

¶ We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts:

2 Kings 22:1

¶ Josiah [was] eight years old when he began to reign, and he reigned thirty and one years in Jerusalem. And his mother's name [was] Jedidah, the daughter of Adaiah of Boscath.