Zephaniah 2:11

KJV

The LORD [will be] terrible unto them: for he will famish all the gods of the earth; and [men] shall worship him, every one from his place, [even] all the isles of the heathen.

KJV (with Strong's)

The LORD {H3068} will be terrible {H3372} unto them: for he will famish {H7329} all the gods {H430} of the earth {H776}; and men shall worship {H7812} him, every one {H376} from his place {H4725}, even all the isles {H339} of the heathen {H1471}.

Complete Jewish Bible

ADONAI will be fearsome against them, for he will make all the earth's gods waste away. Then all the coasts and islands of the nations will worship him, each from its place.

Berean Standard Bible

The LORD will be terrifying to them when He starves all the gods of the earth. Then the nations of every shore will bow in worship to Him, each in its own place.

American Standard Version

Jehovah will be terrible unto them; for he will famish all the gods of the earth; and men shall worship him, every one from his place, even all the isles of the nations.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Zephaniah 2:11 declares the Lord's ultimate and terrifying sovereignty over all false deities and nations, prophesying a future time when He will utterly nullify the power of idols ("famish all the gods of the earth") and establish His universal worship. This verse asserts that people from every corner of the globe, including the most distant "isles of the heathen," will turn from their former allegiances to acknowledge and worship the one true God, each in their own place.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Zephaniah 2:11 stands as a pivotal declaration within a broader prophetic oracle concerning divine judgment. The preceding verses (Zephaniah 2:4-10) meticulously detail the Lord's impending judgments against the surrounding pagan nations: Philistia to the west, Moab and Ammon to the east. These pronouncements emphasize the Lord's justice against those who have oppressed Judah and, crucially, against those who worship false gods and boast against the Lord. Within this tapestry of destruction and divine retribution, Zephaniah 2:11 shifts the focus from the *means* of judgment to its *ultimate outcome*—the vindication of God's exclusive sovereignty and the establishment of His global worship. It serves as a theological climax, explaining *why* these judgments are necessary: to clear the stage for the Lord's universal exaltation. This verse thus transitions from the immediate, localized judgments to a grand, eschatological vision of God's dominion over all the earth, setting the stage for the subsequent promises of restoration and purification for a remnant in Zephaniah 3.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Zephaniah prophesied during the reign of King Josiah (640-609 BC), a period marked by a significant religious reform in Judah aimed at eradicating idolatry and restoring pure worship of Yahweh. However, despite Josiah's efforts, deep-seated pagan practices persisted, influenced by neighboring cultures. The "gods of the earth" mentioned in this verse refer to the numerous national and local deities worshipped by the surrounding peoples—such as Dagon of the Philistines, Chemosh of Moab, and Molech of Ammon—as well as the syncretistic practices that had infiltrated Judah itself. These gods were believed to derive their power and sustenance from the sacrifices and devotion of their worshippers. The concept of "isles of the heathen" (Hebrew: *'iyei hagoyim*) reflects the ancient Near Eastern worldview, where distant coastlands and islands represented the farthest reaches of the known world, beyond the immediate landmasses, inhabited by non-Israelite peoples. The prophecy's scope, therefore, is truly global, encompassing all nations and their respective deities, emphasizing that no corner of the earth or no false god is beyond the reach of the Lord's power and ultimate claim.

* **Key Themes:** Zephaniah 2:11 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the book and broader biblical theology. Firstly, it underscores the **absolute sovereignty of Yahweh** over all creation and all other supposed deities. In a polytheistic world, this declaration asserts that the Lord is not merely the God of Israel, but the supreme God who will demonstrate His unique power by rendering all other gods impotent. This theme is foundational to the prophetic message, challenging any notion of divine plurality or competition. Secondly, the verse highlights the **futility and ultimate demise of idolatry**. By stating that the Lord will "famish all the gods of the earth," it vividly portrays the complete undermining of pagan worship systems, which are dependent on human devotion for their perceived existence. This echoes the biblical critique of idols as powerless creations of human hands, as seen in passages like [Psalm 115:4-7](/psalms/115-4-7 "Psalm 115:4-7 - The Impotence of Idols") or [Isaiah 44:9-20](/isaiah/44-9-20 "Isaiah 44:9-20 - The Folly of Idolatry"). Finally, and perhaps most profoundly, the verse introduces the theme of **universal worship and salvation**. Amidst the judgments, a hopeful vision emerges: a future where people from "every one from his place, even all the isles of the heathen" will turn to worship the Lord. This theme of global inclusion and the ingathering of the nations is a recurring motif in Old Testament prophecy, culminating in the New Testament's fulfillment through Christ, as seen in [Revelation 7:9-10](/revelation/7-9-10 "Revelation 7:9-10 - The Multitude from Every Nation").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **terrible (Hebrew, _yârêʼ'_):** This word (H3372) signifies "to fear," "to revere," or "to dread." When applied to the Lord, as here, it denotes His awe-inspiring and majestic nature, inspiring profound reverence and often a sense of holy dread due to His immense power and holiness. The Lord's actions against the false gods will be so overwhelming and decisive that they will evoke a response of terror and awe from those who witness His display of sovereignty.
* **famish (Hebrew, _râzâh'_):** The Hebrew verb (H7329) means "to emaciate" or "to make (become) thin," literally or figuratively. In this context, it is used metaphorically to describe the complete emasculation and nullification of the pagan gods. They will be deprived of their "sustenance"—the worship, sacrifices, and belief of humanity—rendering them utterly powerless, irrelevant, and effectively "starved" into oblivion. This highlights their inherent nothingness without human veneration.
* **worship (Hebrew, _shâchâh'_):** This primitive root (H7812) means "to depress," "to prostrate," or "to bow (self) down," especially in homage to royalty or God. It conveys an act of humble submission, reverence, and adoration. The prophecy indicates a future where humanity, from all places, will perform this act of profound homage exclusively to the Lord, acknowledging His rightful supremacy.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"The LORD [will be] terrible unto them:"** This clause establishes the divine agent and the nature of His manifestation. "The LORD" (Yahweh, H3068) is the covenant God of Israel, whose character is now revealed as "terrible" (H3372), meaning awe-inspiring, dreadful, and majestic in His power. "Them" refers to the nations and their gods that have defied Him, against whom His judgment is directed. His actions will evoke a profound sense of fear and reverence, demonstrating His unparalleled authority.
* **"for he will famish all the gods of the earth;"** This explains *how* the Lord will be terrible to them. The verb "famish" (H7329) is a powerful metaphor, indicating that the Lord will strip the false gods (H430, *'ĕlôhîym*) of their power, influence, and the worship that sustains their perceived existence. These idols, rooted in the "earth" (H776), representing human constructs and earthly power, will be rendered utterly impotent and irrelevant. This is not a literal starvation but a complete dismantling of their hold over humanity.
* **"and [men] shall worship him, every one from his place, [even] all the isles of the heathen."** This final clause describes the glorious outcome of the Lord's actions. Once the false gods are "famished," humanity will turn to worship the one true God. The phrase "every one from his place" (H376, *'îysh*; H4725, *mâqôwm*) signifies that individuals, regardless of their original location or cultural background, will offer worship. The inclusion of "all the isles of the heathen" (H339, *'îy*; H1471, *gôwy*) emphasizes the universal scope of this future worship, extending beyond Israel to the most distant, non-Israelite lands. It prophesies a global, inclusive turning to Yahweh.

#### Literary Devices
Zephaniah 2:11 employs several powerful literary devices to convey its profound message. **Metaphor** is central, particularly in the phrase "he will famish all the gods of the earth." This vivid image personifies the idols, treating them as entities that require sustenance (worship, sacrifices) and can be starved into oblivion. This effectively communicates their utter dependence on human veneration and their inherent powerlessness without it. The phrase "terrible unto them" also uses **Hyperbole** to emphasize the overwhelming nature of God's power and the fear it will inspire. Furthermore, the verse functions as a **Prophecy**, foretelling a future state where God's sovereignty is universally acknowledged and His worship is global. The inclusion of "all the isles of the heathen" is a form of **Merism** or **Synecdoche**, where "isles" (representing the farthest, most remote parts) stand for the entirety of the Gentile world, emphasizing the comprehensive and universal scope of God's future kingdom and worship. This points to a grand vision of **Universalism**, not in the sense of universal salvation, but of universal recognition and worship of the one true God.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Zephaniah 2:11 is a profound theological statement on the nature of God and the destiny of humanity. It unequivocally asserts the Lord's unique and unchallengeable sovereignty, demonstrating that all humanly constructed deities are ultimately powerless and destined for obsolescence. This "famine" of false gods paves the way for the universal acknowledgment of Yahweh as the one true God, highlighting a core biblical truth: God's ultimate purpose is to receive worship from all creation. This vision of global worship, born out of divine judgment and purification, resonates deeply with the eschatological hope found throughout Scripture, where the knowledge of God will cover the earth as the waters cover the sea, and all nations will stream to Him. It affirms that the trajectory of history is towards the complete vindication of God's name and the establishment of His righteous rule over every sphere of life.

* [Psalm 96:5](/psalms/96-5 "Psalm 96:5 - The Lord Made the Heavens, Idols Are Nothing")
* [Isaiah 45:23](/isaiah/45-23 "Isaiah 45:23 - Every Knee Shall Bow to God")
* [Revelation 15:4](/revelation/15-4 "Revelation 15:4 - All Nations Will Worship God")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Zephaniah 2:11 offers both a sobering warning and a glorious hope for believers today. The warning is clear: any object of our ultimate devotion—whether material possessions, personal ambition, political ideologies, or even self-reliance—that displaces God from the center of our lives is an idol. This verse reminds us that such "gods" are inherently powerless and will ultimately be "famished" by the sovereign hand of the Lord. They cannot deliver on their promises of lasting satisfaction, security, or meaning. Therefore, our application must begin with a rigorous self-examination: What are the idols in my own heart that compete for the worship due to God alone? The hope, however, is even more profound. This prophecy assures us that God's plan is for His glory to fill the earth and for all peoples to worship Him. This fuels our passion for missions and evangelism, knowing that our efforts are aligned with God's unstoppable purpose. We are called to participate in this grand narrative, proclaiming the one true God to a world still captivated by false gods, trusting that He will indeed draw people "every one from his place" to Himself. This verse instills confidence in God's ultimate victory over all darkness and idolatry, encouraging us to live with single-minded devotion and joyful anticipation of His universal reign.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "gods" or idols in my own life or culture might the Lord need to "famish" so that my worship is solely directed to Him?**
* **How does the prophecy of universal worship in Zephaniah 2:11 impact my view of global missions and evangelism?**
* **In what ways can I, from "my place," contribute to the spread of God's worship among those who do not yet know Him?**

### FAQ
**What does it mean that the Lord will "famish all the gods of the earth"?**

Answer: This is a powerful metaphor indicating that the Lord will utterly strip all false gods of their power, influence, and the worship that sustains their perceived existence. In ancient cultures, gods were often believed to be sustained by the sacrifices and devotion of their worshippers. By "famishing" them, God is declaring that He will cut off their "food supply"—the human veneration that gives them any perceived reality or power. This signifies their complete nullification, rendering them impotent, irrelevant, and ultimately revealing them as the non-entities they truly are, in contrast to the living and true God. It's a declaration of their absolute defeat and disappearance from human allegiance.

**How does this prophecy relate to the "isles of the heathen"?**

Answer: The phrase "isles of the heathen" (or "coastlands of the nations") refers to the most distant and remote regions inhabited by non-Israelite peoples. In the ancient world, islands and distant coastlands represented the ends of the known earth. By including them, Zephaniah emphasizes the universal scope of God's future worship. It means that the Lord's dominion and the worship due to Him will not be confined to Israel or even the immediate surrounding nations, but will extend to every corner of the globe, encompassing all peoples and cultures. This highlights God's global redemptive plan, where people from every nation will ultimately acknowledge and worship Him.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Zephaniah 2:11 finds its ultimate and glorious fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The prophecy of the Lord being "terrible" to false gods and establishing universal worship is realized through Christ's triumph over all spiritual powers and His establishment of a new covenant that transcends ethnic and geographical boundaries. Jesus, as the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), disarmed the principalities and powers through His cross, effectively "famishing" the spiritual forces behind idolatry and false worship (cf. [Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ Disarmed the Powers")). His resurrection and ascension signify His supreme authority over all creation, fulfilling the promise that the Lord will be exalted. The universal worship envisioned in Zephaniah is now being gathered through the Great Commission, as the Gospel is proclaimed to "all the nations" (cf. [Matthew 28:19](/matthew/28-19 "Matthew 28:19 - The Great Commission")). Ultimately, the prophecy culminates in the eschatological reality where "at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father" ([Philippians 2:10-11](/philippians/2-10-11 "Philippians 2:10-11 - Every Knee Shall Bow to Jesus")). Thus, Christ is the means by which the gods of the earth are famished and the object of worship for all peoples, from "every one from his place, even all the isles of the heathen."

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

Zechariah 13:2

And it shall come to pass in that day, saith the LORD of hosts, [that] I will cut off the names of the idols out of the land, and they shall no more be remembered: and also I will cause the prophets and the unclean spirit to pass out of the land.

Zechariah 2:11

And many nations shall be joined to the LORD in that day, and shall be my people: and I will dwell in the midst of thee, and thou shalt know that the LORD of hosts hath sent me unto thee.

Genesis 10:5

By these were the isles of the Gentiles divided in their lands; every one after his tongue, after their families, in their nations.

Psalms 138:4

All the kings of the earth shall praise thee, O LORD, when they hear the words of thy mouth.

Zechariah 14:9

And the LORD shall be king over all the earth: in that day shall there be one LORD, and his name one.

Zechariah 14:21

Yea, every pot in Jerusalem and in Judah shall be holiness unto the LORD of hosts: and all they that sacrifice shall come and take of them, and seethe therein: and in that day there shall be no more the Canaanite in the house of the LORD of hosts.

Psalms 117:1

¶ O praise the LORD, all ye nations: praise him, all ye people.