Zephaniah 1:6

KJV

And them that are turned back from the LORD; and [those] that have not sought the LORD, nor enquired for him.

KJV (with Strong's)

And them that are turned back {H5472} from {H310} the LORD {H3068}; and those that have not sought {H1245} the LORD {H3068}, nor enquired {H1875} for him.

Complete Jewish Bible

those who turned away from following ADONAI, and those who haven't sought ADONAI or consulted him at all."

Berean Standard Bible

and those who turn back from following the LORD, neither seeking the LORD nor inquiring of Him.”

American Standard Version

and them that are turned back from following Jehovah; and those that have not sought Jehovah, nor inquired after him.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Zephaniah 1:6 serves as a stark indictment against two distinct categories of unfaithfulness that contributed to Judah's impending judgment on the Day of the Lord: those who had actively apostatized by turning away from the covenant relationship with Yahweh, and those characterized by a passive spiritual indifference, failing to diligently seek or inquire of the Lord. This verse highlights that both deliberate rebellion and negligent apathy are equally offensive to God and incur divine wrath, underscoring the necessity of a vibrant, engaged, and exclusive devotion to the one true God.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Zephaniah 1:6 is embedded within the opening declaration of God's universal judgment, often termed "the Day of the Lord," which is a central theme throughout the book. The preceding verses (Zephaniah 1:2-5) detail the comprehensive nature of this judgment, targeting not only humanity and creation but specifically the idolatrous practices prevalent in Judah. Verse 4 speaks of cutting off the remnant of Baal and the name of the idolatrous priests, while verse 5 condemns those who worship the host of heaven and those who swear by both the Lord and by Milcom. Zephaniah 1:6 then narrows the focus, identifying specific groups within Judah who are culpable due to their spiritual disloyalty, setting the stage for the detailed descriptions of judgment that follow in verses 7-18. It acts as a theological justification for the severity of the coming wrath, pinpointing the spiritual conditions that necessitated such a divine intervention.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The prophet Zephaniah ministered during the early reign of King Josiah (c. 640-609 BC), a period marked by significant spiritual decline in Judah following the long, idolatrous reigns of Manasseh and Amon. Despite Josiah's later reforms (detailed in [2 Kings 22-23](/2_kings/22-23 "2 Kings 22-23 - Josiah's Reforms")), Zephaniah's prophecy predates or coincides with the initial stages of these reforms, addressing a nation deeply entrenched in syncretism and pagan worship. Jerusalem, the capital, was a hub of religious apostasy, with practices like Baal worship, astral worship (venerating the sun, moon, and stars), and even child sacrifice to Molech (though not explicitly mentioned in this verse, it was a pervasive issue) flourishing alongside nominal Yahwism. The people had forgotten their covenant obligations to Yahweh, the God who had delivered them from Egypt and established them in the land. Zephaniah's message was a desperate call to repentance, warning that this spiritual unfaithfulness would lead to national devastation, mirroring the consequences outlined in the covenant curses of [Deuteronomy 28](/deuteronomy/28 "Deuteronomy 28 - Blessings and Curses").
* **Key Themes:** Zephaniah 1:6 contributes significantly to several overarching themes in the book of Zephaniah and broader prophetic literature. The primary theme is **Divine Judgment for Unfaithfulness**, specifically the "Day of the Lord," which is presented as a day of wrath, distress, and desolation for those who have forsaken God. This verse distinguishes between **Active Apostasy** ("them that are turned back from the LORD") and **Passive Spiritual Indifference** ("those that have not sought the LORD, nor enquired for him"), demonstrating that both forms of disloyalty are equally condemned by God. This highlights the covenantal expectation of exclusive and diligent devotion, where God demands wholehearted commitment, not merely the absence of overt rebellion. The verse also implicitly touches upon the theme of **Accountability**, emphasizing that God holds His people responsible for their spiritual state and actions, a concept echoed throughout the Old Testament, for example, in [Jeremiah 2:13](/jeremiah/2-13 "Jeremiah 2:13 - Forsaking the Fountain of Living Waters"), where Israel is rebuked for forsaking the fountain of living waters.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **turned back (Hebrew, _çûwg'_):** This word (H5472) means "to flinch," and by implication, "to go back," either literally (to retreat) or figuratively (to apostatize). In this context, it describes a deliberate, conscious act of turning away from the Lord. It signifies a reversal of allegiance, a departure from the path of faithfulness, indicating a profound betrayal of the covenant relationship. This is not merely a passive drifting but an active withdrawal from God's presence and commands.
* **sought (Hebrew, _bâqash'_):** This term (H1245) is a primitive root meaning "to search out" by any method, specifically in worship or prayer. By implication, it means "to strive after," "to ask," "beg," "beseech," or "desire." Its negation in Zephaniah 1:6 ("have not sought") points to a complete absence of active, diligent pursuit of God's presence, favor, or will. It implies a lack of spiritual discipline, prayer, and earnest desire for communion with the Divine.
* **enquired (Hebrew, _dârash'_):** This word (H1875) means "to tread or frequent," and usually "to follow (for pursuit or search)." By implication, it means "to seek or ask," and specifically "to worship" or "to make inquisition." In the context of Zephaniah 1:6, its negation ("nor enquired for him") signifies a profound indifference to divine instruction, guidance, or communion through prophets, priests, or the Law. It suggests a failure to consult God, to seek His wisdom, or to engage in any form of spiritual discernment, leading to a life lived without reference to His will.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And them that are turned back from the LORD;":** This clause identifies the first group facing judgment: those who have actively and deliberately apostatized. The phrase "turned back" (Hebrew: _çûwg_) implies a conscious reversal of direction, a flinching away from a previously known or acknowledged relationship with Yahweh. This represents a betrayal of the covenant, a deliberate abandonment of the divine path, and a rejection of God's authority and love. These individuals are not merely ignorant but are actively disloyal, having once been on a path toward God but choosing to retreat from it.
* **"and [those] that have not sought the LORD, nor enquired for him.":** This second clause describes a distinct but equally culpable group: those characterized by spiritual apathy and neglect. The double negation ("not sought... nor enquired") emphasizes a complete lack of initiative in their spiritual lives. "Sought" (Hebrew: _bâqash_) implies an active, diligent pursuit of God's presence, will, or favor, often through prayer and worship. "Enquired" (Hebrew: _dârash_) refers to seeking God's guidance, consulting Him through His word or prophets, or inquiring about His ways. Together, these negations paint a picture of profound indifference, spiritual laziness, and a failure to engage with God on any meaningful level. Their sin is not active rebellion but passive disregard, demonstrating a profound lack of desire for God or His instruction.

#### Literary Devices
Zephaniah 1:6 employs several literary devices to underscore its message of judgment. The most prominent is **Parallelism**, specifically **Antithetical Parallelism**, by contrasting two distinct forms of unfaithfulness that lead to the same dire consequence. The first group, "them that are turned back from the LORD," represents active apostasy, a deliberate turning away. This is contrasted with the second group, "those that have not sought the LORD, nor enquired for him," which signifies passive neglect and spiritual indifference. While different in nature, both actions are presented as equally offensive to God, highlighting that a lack of engagement is as serious as outright rebellion. This creates a powerful **Dichotomy**, illustrating the comprehensive nature of Judah's spiritual decay. Furthermore, the use of the divine name **"LORD" (Yᵉhôvâh)** twice in the verse serves as a subtle **Anaphora** and emphasizes the personal nature of the offense: it is against the covenant God Himself that these actions (or inactions) are directed, not merely against abstract principles. The verse also functions as a form of **Categorization**, defining the specific types of people subject to the impending judgment, thereby providing a moral justification for the severity of the "Day of the Lord."

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Zephaniah 1:6 profoundly articulates God's expectation of wholehearted devotion from His covenant people, revealing that both active rebellion and passive spiritual neglect are serious affronts to His holiness and covenant fidelity. It underscores the theological truth that a relationship with God is not merely about avoiding overt sin, but about actively pursuing Him, seeking His will, and maintaining an exclusive allegiance. This verse highlights the danger of spiritual apathy, demonstrating that indifference is not a neutral position but a form of disloyalty that incurs divine judgment, just as active apostasy does. It reinforces the biblical principle that God demands not just outward conformity but inward commitment and a diligent pursuit of His presence and wisdom. The judgment described is a consequence of breaking the covenant, a reminder that God holds His people accountable for their spiritual state and their response to His gracious initiatives.

* [Deuteronomy 6:5](/deuteronomy/6-5 "Deuteronomy 6:5 - Love the LORD with all your heart")
* [Jeremiah 29:13](/jeremiah/29-13 "Jeremiah 29:13 - Seeking God with all your heart")
* [Hebrews 10:26-27](/hebrews/10-26-27 "Hebrews 10:26-27 - Deliberate Sin and Judgment")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Zephaniah 1:6 offers a timeless and piercing challenge to believers today, urging us to examine the true nature of our relationship with God. It serves as a potent reminder that spiritual vitality is not merely the absence of overt rebellion, but the presence of active, diligent pursuit of the Lord. In a world saturated with distractions and competing allegiances, it is easy to drift into spiritual indifference, neglecting prayer, Bible study, and corporate worship, or failing to seek God's guidance in daily decisions. This verse warns that such apathy is not benign; it is a form of disloyalty that grieves the heart of God and carries spiritual consequences. Conversely, it also calls to repentance those who may have actively "turned back" from their faith, offering a sobering perspective on the seriousness of apostasy. Our faith must be dynamic, marked by an ongoing, earnest desire to know God more intimately, to obey His commands, and to live in conscious communion with Him. This verse compels us to cultivate a vibrant, engaged, and exclusive devotion to the Lord, ensuring that our hearts are fully committed to Him, both in active pursuit and unwavering loyalty.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life might I be passively neglecting to "seek the LORD" or "enquire for Him"?**
* **What practical steps can I take to cultivate a more active and diligent pursuit of God in my daily life?**
* **Have there been times when I have "turned back from the LORD" in my life, and what steps did I take (or need to take) to return?**
* **How does the seriousness of spiritual indifference in this verse challenge my understanding of what it means to truly follow Christ?**

### FAQ
**What is the difference between "turned back from the LORD" and "not sought the LORD, nor enquired for him"?**

Answer: Zephaniah 1:6 distinguishes between two forms of unfaithfulness. "Turned back from the LORD" refers to active apostasy (Hebrew: _çûwg'_), a deliberate and conscious decision to abandon one's allegiance to God, often implying a prior relationship or knowledge of Him. It's a reversal of direction, a defection. In contrast, "not sought the LORD, nor enquired for him" describes passive spiritual indifference or neglect. "Sought" (Hebrew: _bâqash'_) implies an active, diligent pursuit of God's presence or will, while "enquired" (Hebrew: _dârash'_) refers to seeking His guidance or consulting Him. The negation of these actions signifies a lack of desire, effort, or engagement with God, rather than an active turning away. Both, however, are condemned, highlighting that God requires active, not passive, devotion.

**Does God truly judge passive indifference as severely as active rebellion?**

Answer: According to Zephaniah 1:6, yes, God considers both active apostasy and passive indifference as grounds for judgment. The verse groups these two categories together as recipients of His wrath on the Day of the Lord. This underscores a crucial biblical principle: God demands wholehearted love and devotion ([Deuteronomy 6:5](/deuteronomy/6-5 "Deuteronomy 6:5 - Love the LORD with all your heart")). A lack of active pursuit of God, a failure to seek His will or inquire of Him, demonstrates a heart that is not fully committed. It implies a disregard for His covenant, His commands, and His desire for relationship, which is as offensive to Him as outright rebellion. The parable of the talents in [Matthew 25:24-30](/matthew/25-24-30 "Matthew 25:24-30 - Parable of the Talents") also illustrates that even passive inaction (burying the talent) can lead to severe consequences.

**How does this verse relate to the concept of grace?**

Answer: While Zephaniah 1:6 emphasizes judgment for unfaithfulness, it implicitly highlights the context of God's prior grace and covenant relationship with Judah. The people were being judged because they had turned away from or neglected the God who had already graciously chosen them, delivered them, and established a covenant with them. The severity of the judgment underscores the preciousness of the grace that was spurned. In the broader biblical narrative, God's judgment is often a call to repentance, an invitation to return to His grace. While this verse focuses on the consequences of rejecting or ignoring God, the ultimate hope for humanity lies in God's redemptive grace, which provides a way back for those who have turned away, and a means of active pursuit for those who desire Him ([Jeremiah 29:13-14](/jeremiah/29-13-14 "Jeremiah 29:13-14 - Seeking and Finding God")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Zephaniah 1:6, with its stern warning against active apostasy and passive indifference, finds its ultimate fulfillment and resolution in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The judgment threatened upon those who "turned back from the LORD" or "have not sought the LORD, nor enquired for him" reveals humanity's pervasive failure to perfectly love God with all their heart, soul, and mind, as commanded in [Deuteronomy 6:5](/deuteronomy/6-5 "Deuteronomy 6:5 - The Greatest Commandment"). Jesus, as the incarnate Son of God, perfectly fulfilled this divine expectation, living a life of unwavering obedience and absolute devotion to the Father, always seeking His will and never turning back ([John 8:29](/john/8-29 "John 8:29 - Jesus Always Does What Pleases the Father")).

Moreover, Christ's atoning sacrifice on the cross addresses the very sins identified in Zephaniah 1:6. He bore the judgment for both active rebellion and passive spiritual apathy, offering forgiveness and reconciliation to all who believe. Through His death and resurrection, He inaugurated the New Covenant, where the law is written on hearts, enabling believers, by the power of the Holy Spirit, to genuinely seek the Lord and inquire of Him ([Hebrews 8:10-12](/hebrebs/8-10-12 "Hebrews 8:10-12 - The New Covenant")). The invitation to "seek the LORD" (as in [Matthew 6:33](/matthew/6-33 "Matthew 6:33 - Seek First the Kingdom of God")) is now extended through Christ, who is the way, the truth, and the life ([John 14:6](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Life")), the ultimate object of our seeking and the source of all divine wisdom. Those who were once far off, whether through active rebellion or passive neglect, are now brought near by the blood of Christ ([Ephesians 2:13](/ephesians/2-13 "Ephesians 2:13 - Brought Near by Christ's Blood")), empowered to live lives of active faith and devotion, no longer under the condemnation of the coming Day of the Lord, but embraced in the grace of God through Him.

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 2:13

For my people have committed two evils; they have forsaken me the fountain of living waters, [and] hewed them out cisterns, broken cisterns, that can hold no water.

Isaiah 1:4

Ah sinful nation, a people laden with iniquity, a seed of evildoers, children that are corrupters: they have forsaken the LORD, they have provoked the Holy One of Israel unto anger, they are gone away backward.

Jeremiah 15:6

Thou hast forsaken me, saith the LORD, thou art gone backward: therefore will I stretch out my hand against thee, and destroy thee; I am weary with repenting.

Jeremiah 2:17

Hast thou not procured this unto thyself, in that thou hast forsaken the LORD thy God, when he led thee by the way?

Hebrews 10:38

Now the just shall live by faith: but if [any man] draw back, my soul shall have no pleasure in him.

Hebrews 10:39

But we are not of them who draw back unto perdition; but of them that believe to the saving of the soul.

Isaiah 9:13

For the people turneth not unto him that smiteth them, neither do they seek the LORD of hosts.