Zephaniah 1:13

KJV

Therefore their goods shall become a booty, and their houses a desolation: they shall also build houses, but not inhabit [them]; and they shall plant vineyards, but not drink the wine thereof.

KJV (with Strong's)

Therefore their goods {H2428} shall become a booty {H4933}, and their houses {H1004} a desolation {H8077}: they shall also build {H1129} houses {H1004}, but not inhabit {H3427} them; and they shall plant {H5193} vineyards {H3754}, but not drink {H8354} the wine {H3196} thereof.

Complete Jewish Bible

For this, their wealth will be plundered; and their houses will be destroyed. Yes, they will build houses but not live in them; they will plant vineyards but not drink the wine."

Berean Standard Bible

Their wealth will be plundered and their houses laid waste. They will build houses but not inhabit them, and plant vineyards but never drink their wine.

American Standard Version

And their wealth shall become a spoil, and their houses a desolation: yea, they shall build houses, but shall not inhabit them; and they shall plant vineyards, but shall not drink the wine thereof.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Zephaniah 1:13 delivers a severe prophetic warning to Judah, declaring that their material wealth will be plundered, their homes left desolate, and their diligent labor rendered futile. This verse vividly portrays the comprehensive economic and social consequences of their spiritual rebellion and idolatry, serving as a stark illustration of God's impending judgment during the "Day of the Lord." It underscores the vanity of earthly pursuits when detached from divine favor and obedience.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Zephaniah 1:13 is situated within the initial and most intense section of Zephaniah's prophecy (Zephaniah 1:2-18), which focuses on the coming "Day of the Lord" as a day of universal judgment, specifically targeting Judah and Jerusalem. The verses immediately preceding Zephaniah 1:13 detail the sweeping nature of this judgment, describing how God will "cut off man from the land" (Zephaniah 1:3), punish idolaters, those who turn away from the Lord, and those who are complacent (Zephaniah 1:4-6). The prophet then calls for silence before the Lord, for His day is near (Zephaniah 1:7). The judgment progresses from the general to the specific, identifying various groups within Jerusalem who will face divine wrath, including those who fill their masters' houses with violence and deceit (Zephaniah 1:9). Zephaniah 1:10-12 describe the sounds of wailing from various gates and districts of Jerusalem as the judgment unfolds, culminating in God's search for those who are complacent. Thus, verse 13 serves as a concrete manifestation of the economic and social devastation that accompanies this divine reckoning, illustrating the direct consequences of their unfaithfulness.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Zephaniah prophesied during the reign of King Josiah (640-609 BC), a period marked by significant religious syncretism and moral decay in Judah, despite Josiah's later reforms. Before Josiah's reforms began in earnest (around 622 BC), the nation had endured decades of idolatry under Manasseh and Amon. Jerusalem was a hub of pagan worship, with altars to Baal and the host of heaven (Zephaniah 1:4-5), and its inhabitants were characterized by spiritual indifference and a self-assured belief that "the Lord will not do good, neither will he do evil" (Zephaniah 1:12). Economically, Judah was likely engaged in trade, accumulating goods and building houses, reflecting a sense of stability and prosperity. The imagery of plundered goods and desolate houses would have resonated deeply with a people accustomed to the spoils of war and the vulnerability of their cities to invading empires. The curse of building and not inhabiting, or planting and not enjoying, was a well-known covenant curse, understood within the cultural framework of the Mosaic Law as a direct consequence of disobedience to God.
* **Key Themes:** Zephaniah 1:13 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the book of Zephaniah and broader prophetic literature. Firstly, it highlights the theme of **Divine Judgment and Retribution**, demonstrating that God's justice is not abstract but manifests in tangible, devastating consequences for sin. The loss of material possessions and the destruction of homes are direct retributions for Judah's spiritual rebellion and idolatry, as seen throughout the warnings in [Zephaniah 1](/zephaniah/1 "Zephaniah 1 - The Day of the Lord"). Secondly, the verse underscores the **Futility of Earthly Labor and Materialism**. The repeated phrase, "they shall also build houses, but not inhabit [them]; and they shall plant vineyards, but not drink the wine thereof," powerfully illustrates the vanity of human effort and the accumulation of wealth when it is pursued apart from God's blessing and in defiance of His commands. This theme is echoed in other prophetic warnings about misplaced trust in worldly security, such as those found in [Haggai 1:6](/haggai/1-6 "Haggai 1:6 - Sowing Much, Bringing Little"). Finally, the verse exemplifies the **Reversal of Blessings and Covenant Curses**. What were once symbols of prosperity and blessing—goods, houses, and vineyards—become instruments of suffering and loss. This serves as a stark reminder that true security and lasting enjoyment come from God's favor and obedience to His covenant, not from material abundance alone, aligning with the curses outlined in [Deuteronomy 28:30](/deuteronomy/28-30 "Deuteronomy 28:30 - Covenant Curses").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Goods (Hebrew, _chayil'_):** This word (H2428) is rich in meaning, referring to "force, whether of men, means or other resources; an army, wealth, virtue, valor, strength." In this context, it specifically denotes "wealth" or "substance." The use of _chayil_ here emphasizes that not just any possessions, but their very "strength" or "substance" – that which they relied upon for security and prosperity – will be utterly stripped away. It encompasses their accumulated riches, their economic power, and the very foundation of their material well-being.
* **Desolation (Hebrew, _shᵉmâmâh'_):** Derived from a root meaning "to be desolate or waste," _shᵉmâmâh_ (H8077) signifies a state of ruin, emptiness, and utter waste. It paints a vivid picture of abandoned and destroyed homes, not merely damaged but rendered uninhabitable and void. This term conveys the thoroughness and severity of the impending judgment, indicating a complete and devastating destruction that leaves nothing but emptiness where life once thrived.
* **Inhabit (Hebrew, _yâshab'_):** The verb _yâshab_ (H3427) fundamentally means "to sit down," but broadly implies "to dwell, to remain, to settle." In the context of building houses but not inhabiting them, it highlights the cruel irony of their labor. They will expend effort and resources to construct dwellings, but they will never experience the peace, security, and permanence that dwelling implies. This word underscores the complete frustration of their efforts and the denial of the most basic human need for a stable home.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Therefore their goods shall become a booty,"**: This clause immediately establishes the consequence of their actions. The word "therefore" links this outcome directly to the preceding pronouncements of judgment against Judah's sin. "Goods" (their wealth, substance, and possessions) are destined to become "booty," meaning spoils taken in war by an invading force. This signifies a violent, complete, and uncompensated seizure of their material assets, leaving them impoverished and vulnerable.
* **"and their houses a desolation:"**: Following the loss of their movable wealth, their fixed assets—their homes—will also suffer. "Desolation" implies not just damage, but utter ruin, emptiness, and abandonment. This paints a picture of once-vibrant dwellings becoming desolate wastes, uninhabitable and devoid of life, a stark symbol of the collapse of their societal structure and personal security.
* **"they shall also build houses, but not inhabit [them];"**: This phrase introduces a profound irony and a classic covenant curse. Despite their efforts to construct new homes, they will be prevented from dwelling in them. This speaks to the futility of their labor and the frustration of their aspirations. Their diligent work will yield no personal benefit or security; the fruit of their toil will be denied to them, either by death, exile, or the destruction of the very structures they erect.
* **"and they shall plant vineyards, but not drink the wine thereof."**: This second parallel clause reinforces the theme of unfulfilled labor and denied enjoyment. Just as with their houses, their agricultural efforts—planting vineyards, a common source of wealth and joy—will also be in vain. They will not taste the wine produced from their own vines, symbolizing a complete forfeiture of the blessings of the land and the simple pleasures of life. This emphasizes the comprehensive nature of the judgment, affecting every aspect of their material existence and personal satisfaction.

#### Literary Devices
Zephaniah 1:13 masterfully employs several literary devices to convey its powerful message of judgment. **Parallelism** is prominently featured, particularly in the concluding clauses: "they shall also build houses, but not inhabit [them]; and they shall plant vineyards, but not drink the wine thereof." This synonymous or antithetical parallelism emphasizes the consistent theme of unfulfilled labor and denied enjoyment, reinforcing the severity and comprehensiveness of the divine curse. The verse also utilizes profound **Irony**, as the very activities that signify prosperity and security—accumulating goods, building homes, and cultivating vineyards—become the means by which their judgment is manifested. Their efforts to establish themselves are precisely what will be undone. Furthermore, the vivid **Imagery** of "booty" and "desolation" creates a stark and memorable picture of utter ruin and loss, allowing the audience to viscerally grasp the impending devastation. The cumulative effect of these devices is to convey a sense of inescapable and total reversal of fortune, highlighting the futility of human endeavor when it stands in opposition to God's will.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Zephaniah 1:13 profoundly articulates the Old Testament principle of divine retribution, where covenant disobedience leads to tangible curses. It demonstrates that God's justice is not merely punitive but also serves to reveal the emptiness of a life lived apart from Him, especially when trust is placed in material possessions rather than the divine provider. The futility of labor described here is a direct reversal of the blessings promised for obedience, highlighting that true security and enjoyment are contingent upon a right relationship with God. This passage underscores the theological truth that all earthly blessings are gifts from God, and when His people turn away, even their most diligent efforts can be rendered meaningless, serving as a stark warning against idolatry and spiritual complacency.

* [Deuteronomy 28:30](/deuteronomy/28-30 "Deuteronomy 28:30 - Covenant Curses for Disobedience")
* [Amos 5:11](/amos/5-11 "Amos 5:11 - Building Houses, Not Dwelling in Them")
* [Haggai 1:6](/haggai/1-6 "Haggai 1:6 - Sowing Much, Bringing Little")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Zephaniah 1:13 serves as a timeless warning against the dangers of materialism and spiritual complacency. In a world that often equates success with accumulated wealth and possessions, this verse reminds us that true security and lasting satisfaction are not found in earthly endeavors or material abundance. It challenges us to examine where our ultimate trust lies. Are we building our lives on a foundation that can be shaken by economic downturns, natural disasters, or geopolitical instability, or are we investing in that which is eternal? The prophet's words call us to prioritize our relationship with God above all else, recognizing that He is the ultimate source of all blessings and the only true guarantor of peace and security. When we diligently pursue worldly gain without seeking God's kingdom and righteousness, our efforts, however well-intentioned, can ultimately prove futile. This passage encourages a posture of humility, dependence on God, and a re-evaluation of what truly constitutes a "good" or "blessed" life.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways might I be placing my trust in material possessions or worldly security rather than in God?**
* **How does the concept of "building but not inhabiting" or "planting but not drinking" challenge my understanding of success and fulfillment?**
* **What practical steps can I take to reorient my priorities towards God's kingdom and away from excessive materialism?**
* **How can this verse encourage me to cultivate a deeper dependence on God for all my needs, rather than relying solely on my own efforts?**

### FAQ

**What is the "Day of the Lord" mentioned in Zephaniah, and how does this verse relate to it?**

Answer: The "Day of the Lord" in Zephaniah, particularly described in [Zephaniah 1:14-18](/zephaniah/1-14-18 "Zephaniah 1:14-18 - The Great Day of the Lord"), refers to a specific time of divine intervention and judgment. It is portrayed as a day of wrath, distress, desolation, and darkness, bringing about the swift and comprehensive punishment of the wicked, particularly those in Judah and Jerusalem who have turned away from God. Zephaniah 1:13 directly relates to this "Day" by detailing the *economic and social consequences* of that judgment. The loss of goods, the desolation of houses, and the futility of labor are not merely general misfortunes but specific manifestations of God's wrath poured out on a disobedient people during this prophesied day of reckoning. It illustrates how the "Day of the Lord" impacts the everyday lives and material security of those being judged.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Zephaniah 1:13 speaks of the Old Covenant curses for disobedience, its message finds profound Christ-centered fulfillment in the New Covenant. The futility of building and planting without enjoying the fruit foreshadows the ultimate vanity of any life or pursuit not centered on Christ. In the Old Testament, material blessings and curses were often immediate and tangible; however, in Christ, the focus shifts to spiritual realities and an eternal inheritance. Jesus Himself taught against the accumulation of earthly treasures, which "moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal" ([Matthew 6:19](/matthew/6-19 "Matthew 6:19 - Lay Up Treasures in Heaven")), urging His followers instead to "lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven" ([Matthew 6:20](/matthew/6-20 "Matthew 6:20 - Treasures in Heaven")). The judgment described in Zephaniah highlights the insecurity of an existence built on human effort and material possessions, a stark contrast to the secure and eternal "inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you" ([1_peter/1-4](/1-peter/1-4 "1 Peter 1:4 - An Imperishable Inheritance")) that believers receive through Christ. Furthermore, the curse of not inhabiting what one builds or enjoying what one plants is reversed in Christ, who promises true rest and satisfaction for those who come to Him ([Matthew 11:28](/matthew/11-28 "Matthew 11:28 - Come to Me, All Who Are Weary")). He is the true "vine" ([John 15:1](/john/15-1 "John 15:1 - Jesus the True Vine")), and those who abide in Him bear much fruit, experiencing the fullness of joy and purpose that the Old Covenant could not ultimately provide. Thus, Zephaniah's warning ultimately points to the necessity of Christ as the only secure foundation for life and the source of true, lasting fulfillment, where our labor in the Lord is never in vain ([1_corinthians/15-58](/1-corinthians/15-58 "1 Corinthians 15:58 - Labor in the Lord Not in Vain")).

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

Amos 5:11

Forasmuch therefore as your treading [is] upon the poor, and ye take from him burdens of wheat: ye have built houses of hewn stone, but ye shall not dwell in them; ye have planted pleasant vineyards, but ye shall not drink wine of them.

Micah 6:15

Thou shalt sow, but thou shalt not reap; thou shalt tread the olives, but thou shalt not anoint thee with oil; and sweet wine, but shalt not drink wine.

Deuteronomy 28:30

Thou shalt betroth a wife, and another man shall lie with her: thou shalt build an house, and thou shalt not dwell therein: thou shalt plant a vineyard, and shalt not gather the grapes thereof.

Jeremiah 9:19

For a voice of wailing is heard out of Zion, How are we spoiled! we are greatly confounded, because we have forsaken the land, because our dwellings have cast [us] out.

Jeremiah 15:13

Thy substance and thy treasures will I give to the spoil without price, and [that] for all thy sins, even in all thy borders.

Ezekiel 7:21

And I will give it into the hands of the strangers for a prey, and to the wicked of the earth for a spoil; and they shall pollute it.

Deuteronomy 28:39

Thou shalt plant vineyards, and dress [them], but shalt neither drink [of] the wine, nor gather [the grapes]; for the worms shall eat them.