Zephaniah 1:14

KJV

¶ The great day of the LORD [is] near, [it is] near, and hasteth greatly, [even] the voice of the day of the LORD: the mighty man shall cry there bitterly.

KJV (with Strong's)

The great {H1419} day {H3117} of the LORD {H3068} is near {H7138}, it is near {H7138}, and hasteth {H4118} greatly {H3966}, even the voice {H6963} of the day {H3117} of the LORD {H3068}: the mighty man {H1368} shall cry {H6873} there bitterly {H4751}.

Complete Jewish Bible

The great Day of ADONAI is near, near and coming very quickly; Hear the sound of the Day of ADONAI! When it's here, even a warrior will cry bitterly.

Berean Standard Bible

The great Day of the LORD is near— near and coming quickly. Listen, the Day of the LORD! Then the cry of the mighty will be bitter.

American Standard Version

The great day of Jehovah is near, it is near and hasteth greatly, even the voice of the day of Jehovah; the mighty man crieth there bitterly.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Zephaniah 1:14 issues a dire and urgent prophecy concerning the impending "Day of the LORD," portraying it as a moment of swift and overwhelming divine judgment. The verse emphasizes the rapid approach of this day, marked by a terrifying divine voice and universal distress, where even the most powerful and valiant individuals will be rendered helpless, crying out in bitter despair. It serves as a stark warning of the inescapable consequences for a nation steeped in sin.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Zephaniah 1:14 stands as a pivotal declaration within the prophet's opening oracle of judgment against Judah and Jerusalem. The preceding verses (Zephaniah 1:2-13) systematically detail the comprehensive nature of this impending judgment, describing how God will "utterly consume all things from off the land" (Zephaniah 1:2), targeting idolaters, those who turn away from the Lord, and those who do not seek Him. Specific groups, including the princes, the king's children, and merchants, are singled out for their wickedness, emphasizing that no one will escape the divine wrath. Verse 14 intensifies this message by highlighting the immediate and inescapable nature of this "Day of the LORD," setting the stage for the vivid descriptions of its devastation that follow in Zephaniah 1:15-18. This verse acts as a dramatic crescendo, amplifying the urgency and severity of the judgment already introduced.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Zephaniah prophesied during the early reign of King Josiah (c. 640-609 BC), likely before his significant religious reforms (2 Kings 22-23). At this time, Judah was still deeply entrenched in the idolatry and syncretistic practices inherited from the reigns of Manasseh and Amon. Foreign cults, Baal worship, and astral worship were rampant, even within the temple precincts (Zephaniah 1:4-5). Furthermore, social injustice and spiritual apathy were widespread. The "Day of the LORD" in this context primarily refers to the impending invasion by a foreign power, most likely the Babylonians, who would serve as God's instrument of judgment against Judah's unfaithfulness. The cultural understanding of a "mighty man" (Hebrew: *gibbôwr*) would have evoked images of a formidable warrior, a champion, or a powerful leader, making their bitter crying a particularly shocking and impactful image of complete societal collapse and the failure of human strength.
* **Key Themes:** The central theme in Zephaniah 1:14 is the **imminent and inescapable "Day of the LORD."** This phrase, *Yom Yahweh*, is a recurring prophetic motif signifying a time when God decisively intervenes in human history to execute judgment upon His enemies and bring about His righteous will. In Zephaniah, it is overwhelmingly depicted as a day of wrath, destruction, and darkness for the wicked, a time when divine indignation is poured out without restraint, as also seen in [Amos's warning against desiring this day](/amos/5-18-20 "Amos 5:18-20 - Woe to those who desire the Day of the Lord"). Another key theme is **universal distress and the futility of human strength** in the face of divine judgment. The mention of the "mighty man" crying bitterly underscores that no one, regardless of their status, power, or presumed invincibility, will be exempt from the consequences of this judgment. Their usual sources of confidence and security will utterly fail them, leading to profound sorrow and lamentation, a theme also echoed in [Jeremiah's prophecies of national mourning](/jeremiah/4-8 "Jeremiah 4:8 - Call to Lamentation"). Finally, the "voice of the day of the LORD" highlights the **divine agency and terrifying authority** behind this judgment, suggesting a direct, audible manifestation of God's wrath, perhaps through the sounds of war and destruction.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **great (Hebrew, _gâdôwl'_):** This adjective signifies something large, mighty, or important in any sense. When applied to the "Day of the LORD," it conveys the immense scale, significance, and overwhelming power of this coming judgment, distinguishing it as a momentous and unparalleled event.
* **day (Hebrew, _yôwm'_):** While literally meaning a 24-hour period, in prophetic contexts like this, "day" often denotes a specific, defined period of time characterized by particular events or divine intervention. Here, it refers to a decisive era of God's judgment, not necessarily a single literal day, but a concentrated period of divine action.
* **LORD (Hebrew, _Yᵉhôvâh'_):** This is the covenant name of God, Yahweh, emphasizing His self-existent, eternal, and personal nature. The "Day of the LORD" is thus not a random event but a deliberate, sovereign act initiated and executed by the one true God, underscoring His ultimate authority and righteousness.
* **mighty man (Hebrew, _gibbôwr'_):** This term refers to a powerful, valiant warrior, a champion, or a strong leader. Its inclusion here is highly significant, emphasizing that even those considered formidable and invincible in human terms will be utterly helpless and overwhelmed by the judgment, highlighting the absolute supremacy of God's power.
* **bitterly (Hebrew, _mar'_):** This adverb describes the intense, painful, and sorrowful nature of the crying. It denotes a profound and agonizing grief, indicating that the "mighty man's" lamentation will be born of deep anguish, despair, and the crushing realization of their utter defeat and loss.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"The great day of the LORD is near, it is near, and hasteth greatly":** This opening clause delivers a powerful, emphatic declaration of the judgment's imminence. The repetition of "is near" (Hebrew: *qârôwb*) creates a sense of urgency and inevitability, signaling that the time for repentance is short, if not past. The phrase "hasteth greatly" (Hebrew: *mahêr mᵉʼôd*) further intensifies this, suggesting a rapid, unstoppable approach, leaving no room for delay, escape, or mitigation. This emphasizes God's sovereign timing and the swiftness of His justice.
* **"even the voice of the day of the LORD":** This phrase personifies the "Day of the LORD" by attributing a "voice" to it. This "voice" is not merely a sound but an authoritative, terrifying manifestation of God's presence and judgment. It could refer to the clamor of war, the sound of destruction, or a direct divine pronouncement of doom, signifying the overwhelming and undeniable presence of God's wrath. It suggests a judgment that is both seen and heard, leaving no doubt about its divine origin.
* **"the mighty man shall cry there bitterly":** This concluding clause vividly portrays the devastating impact of the "Day of the LORD." Even the "mighty man" (Hebrew: *gibbôwr*), representing the strongest, most valiant, or most influential individuals, will be utterly broken. Their usual sources of strength, confidence, and security will fail them completely. Their "bitter" crying (Hebrew: *mar*) signifies a profound, agonizing lamentation born of despair, helplessness, and the crushing realization of their irreversible fate. This highlights the universal and inescapable nature of God's judgment, affecting all, regardless of their earthly power.

#### Literary Devices
Zephaniah 1:14 employs several potent literary devices to convey its urgent and terrifying message. **Repetition** is prominently used with "is near, it is near," which creates a sense of immediate urgency and emphasizes the inevitability of the impending judgment. This serves to impress upon the audience the critical nature of the moment. **Personification** is evident in "the voice of the day of the LORD," where an abstract concept ("the day") is given a human attribute ("voice"), making the judgment seem active, audible, and imposing. This amplifies the terror and divine authority associated with the coming day. **Hyperbole** is suggested by "the mighty man shall cry there bitterly," implying that the judgment will be so overwhelming that even the most powerful and resilient individuals will be reduced to utter despair and lamentation, underscoring the absolute futility of human strength against divine wrath. The phrase "hasteth greatly" also functions as **intensification**, stressing the rapid and unstoppable progression of this divine intervention.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Zephaniah 1:14 powerfully articulates the Old Testament concept of the "Day of the LORD," a recurring theological motif that signifies a decisive intervention by God in human history to execute judgment and establish His righteous rule. While often referring to specific historical events like the Babylonian invasion for Judah, it also carries eschatological weight, pointing to a future, ultimate day of reckoning for all humanity. This verse underscores God's absolute sovereignty, His intolerance for sin, and the certainty of divine justice, reminding us that His patience is not infinite. It challenges any human presumption of security based on strength, wealth, or status, affirming that all will ultimately stand before the Lord.

* [Joel 2:1-2](/joel/2-1-2 "Joel 2:1-2 - The Day of the Lord is at Hand")
* [Isaiah 13:6-9](/isaiah/13-6-9 "Isaiah 13:6-9 - The Day of the Lord's Wrath")
* [Revelation 6:15-17](/revelation/6-15-17 "Revelation 6:15-17 - Kings and Mighty Men Hide from God's Wrath")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Zephaniah 1:14 serves as a timeless and sobering reminder of God's holiness and His unwavering commitment to justice. For us today, it calls for a profound seriousness about sin and a rejection of complacency. The "Day of the LORD," whether understood as a personal reckoning at death, a historical moment of divine intervention, or the ultimate eschatological judgment, is an inescapable reality. This verse challenges us to examine our lives: are we living in a way that reflects an awareness of God's ultimate authority? Are we relying on our own strength, status, or worldly possessions for security, or are we seeking refuge and salvation in the Lord? It compels us to cultivate spiritual vigilance and a readiness to meet our Creator, urging us to repent, turn from idolatry in all its forms (including the worship of self or material things), and live faithfully in light of His coming.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways might I be complacent about sin in my own life, or in the world around me?**
* **What "mighty" aspects of my life (e.g., career, reputation, financial security) do I rely on more than God? How might they fail me in a time of crisis or judgment?**
* **How does the urgency of "the great day of the LORD is near" impact my daily priorities and spiritual walk?**
* **What does "the voice of the day of the LORD" signify for me personally, and how should I respond to God's authoritative voice today?**

### FAQ
**What is the "Day of the LORD" in Zephaniah?**

Answer: In Zephaniah, the "Day of the LORD" primarily refers to God's impending judgment on Judah and Jerusalem, which would be carried out through the Babylonian invasion and subsequent exile. It is depicted as a specific, historical event (though also carrying broader eschatological implications) where God decisively intervenes to punish the nation for its idolatry, injustice, and spiritual apathy. It is a day of wrath, destruction, and darkness for the wicked, as described vividly in [Zephaniah 1:15-18](/zephaniah/1-15-18 "Zephaniah 1:15-18 - The Horror of the Day of the Lord").

**Why does Zephaniah emphasize the "mighty man" crying bitterly?**

Answer: The emphasis on the "mighty man" (Hebrew: *gibbôwr*, a strong warrior or leader) crying bitterly highlights the universal and inescapable nature of God's judgment. It underscores that no one, regardless of their earthly power, strength, or status, will be able to withstand or escape the divine wrath. Their usual sources of confidence and security will prove utterly useless, leading to profound despair and lamentation. This serves to magnify the overwhelming power of God's judgment and the futility of human resistance against Him, echoing similar sentiments found in [Revelation 6:15-17](/revelation/6-15-17 "Revelation 6:15-17 - Kings and Mighty Men Hide from God's Wrath") concerning the final judgment.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Zephaniah 1:14 vividly portrays a day of judgment and wrath, its ultimate fulfillment and resolution are found in Jesus Christ. The "Day of the LORD" that Zephaniah prophesied pointed to God's righteous judgment against sin, a judgment that ultimately fell upon Christ on the cross. He became the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")), bearing the full weight of divine wrath so that those who believe in Him might be spared. For believers, the "Day of the LORD" is no longer a day of dread but a day of salvation and vindication, because Christ has already endured the bitter crying and the ultimate separation from God on their behalf ([Matthew 27:46](/matthew/27-46 "Matthew 27:46 - Jesus' Cry of Dereliction")). The swiftness and certainty of the "Day of the LORD" now point to Christ's promised return, which will be equally sudden and decisive ([Matthew 24:36-44](/matthew/24-36-44 "Matthew 24:36-44 - The Day and Hour Unknown")), bringing final judgment for the unrepentant and eternal salvation for His redeemed. Thus, Zephaniah's warning compels us to seek refuge in Christ, who is our only hope and deliverance from the wrath to come ([1 Thessalonians 1:10](/1_thessalonians/1-10 "1 Thessalonians 1:10 - Jesus Delivers from Wrath")).

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

Malachi 4:5

Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the LORD:

Ezekiel 30:3

For the day [is] near, even the day of the LORD [is] near, a cloudy day; it shall be the time of the heathen.

Zephaniah 1:7

¶ Hold thy peace at the presence of the Lord GOD: for the day of the LORD [is] at hand: for the LORD hath prepared a sacrifice, he hath bid his guests.

Joel 2:11

And the LORD shall utter his voice before his army: for his camp [is] very great: for [he is] strong that executeth his word: for the day of the LORD [is] great and very terrible; and who can abide it?

Ezekiel 7:12

The time is come, the day draweth near: let not the buyer rejoice, nor the seller mourn: for wrath [is] upon all the multitude thereof.

1 Thessalonians 4:16

For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first:

Isaiah 15:4

And Heshbon shall cry, and Elealeh: their voice shall be heard [even] unto Jahaz: therefore the armed soldiers of Moab shall cry out; his life shall be grievous unto him.