Zephaniah 3:11

KJV

In that day shalt thou not be ashamed for all thy doings, wherein thou hast transgressed against me: for then I will take away out of the midst of thee them that rejoice in thy pride, and thou shalt no more be haughty because of my holy mountain.

KJV (with Strong's)

In that day {H3117} shalt thou not be ashamed {H954} for all thy doings {H5949}, wherein thou hast transgressed {H6586} against me: for then I will take away {H5493} out of the midst {H7130} of thee them that rejoice {H5947} in thy pride {H1346}, and thou shalt no more {H3254} be haughty {H1361} because of my holy {H6944} mountain {H2022}.

Complete Jewish Bible

When that day comes, you will not be ashamed of everything you have done, committing wrongs against me; for then I will remove from among you those of you who take joy in arrogance; you will no longer be full of pride on my holy mountain.

Berean Standard Bible

On that day you will not be put to shame for any of the deeds by which you have transgressed against Me. For then I will remove from among you those who rejoice in their pride, and you will never again be haughty on My holy mountain.

American Standard Version

In that day shalt thou not be put to shame for all thy doings, wherein thou hast transgressed against me; for then I will take away out of the midst of thee thy proudly exulting ones, and thou shalt no more be haughty in my holy mountain.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Zephaniah 3:11 is a prophetic declaration of God's future restoration and purification of His people, particularly Jerusalem. It envisions a day when the shame of past transgressions will be utterly removed, and the deep-seated pride and arrogance that characterized the nation will be purged from their midst. This divine cleansing will lead to a humble people, no longer boasting in their own status or religious privilege, but living in right relationship with God on His holy mountain.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Zephaniah 3:11 stands as a pivotal verse within the concluding section of the book of Zephaniah (Zephaniah 3:9-20). The preceding chapters (Zephaniah 1-2) are dominated by severe pronouncements of judgment against Judah and surrounding nations, detailing the impending "Day of the Lord" as a time of wrath and destruction due to widespread idolatry, injustice, and spiritual apathy. However, beginning in Zephaniah 3:9, there is a dramatic shift to a message of hope, restoration, and salvation for a purified remnant. This verse specifically addresses the internal transformation of Jerusalem, moving from a state of guilt and pride to one of humility and freedom from shame, setting the stage for God's dwelling among them.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Zephaniah prophesied during the reign of King Josiah (640-609 BC), a period marked by a brief but significant religious reform following decades of idolatry under Manasseh and Amon. Despite Josiah's efforts, deep-seated corruption and syncretism persisted in Judah, especially in Jerusalem. The "pride" (H1346, *gaʼăvâh*) and "haughtiness" (H1361, *gâbahh*) mentioned in the verse reflect the spiritual arrogance of the people, who often boasted in their status as God's chosen nation and the presence of the Temple in Jerusalem, rather than genuinely obeying God's covenant. This pride manifested in social injustice, religious hypocrisy, and a false sense of security. The "holy mountain" (H2022, *har qôdesh*) refers to Mount Zion, where the Temple stood, symbolizing God's dwelling place and the center of Israelite worship.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in Zephaniah and the broader prophetic literature. It highlights the theme of **Divine Judgment and Purification**, where God's wrath, though severe, ultimately serves a redemptive purpose to refine His people, removing their impurities, especially pride. It also emphasizes **Restoration and Forgiveness**, promising a future where the shame of past "doings" and "transgressions" is lifted, signifying God's profound grace and willingness to reconcile with a repentant remnant, as seen in the promise of a new covenant in [Jeremiah 31:31-34](/jeremiah/31-31-34 "Jeremiah 31:31-34 - The New Covenant"). Crucially, the verse introduces the theme of **Humility as a Prerequisite for Blessing**, contrasting the haughtiness of the past with a future state where a humble people will dwell securely with God, reflecting the wisdom found in [Proverbs 16:18](/proverbs/16-18 "Proverbs 16:18 - Pride Goes Before Destruction") that "pride goeth before destruction."

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Day (Hebrew, _yôwm'_):** From H3117, meaning "a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an associated term)." In this context, "In that day" signifies a specific, divinely appointed future period, often referring to the eschatological "Day of the Lord" which encompasses both judgment and ultimate salvation. It denotes a decisive turning point in redemptive history.
* **Ashamed (Hebrew, _bûwsh'_):** From H954, meaning "to pale, i.e., by implication to be ashamed; also (by implication) to be disappointed or delayed." Here, it refers to the removal of the deep humiliation, guilt, and disgrace associated with past sins and rebellion against God. The promise is that God's people will no longer experience the internal or external consequences of their transgressions.
* **Pride (Hebrew, _gaʼăvâh'_):** From H1346, meaning "arrogance or majesty; by implication, (concretely) ornament; excellency, haughtiness, highness, pride, proudly, swelling." This word captures the self-exaltation, boasting, and inflated sense of importance that characterized Jerusalem's spiritual state. It is a deep-seated spiritual malady that God promises to eradicate.
* **Haughty (Hebrew, _gâbahh'_):** From H1361, meaning "to soar, i.e. be lofty; figuratively, to be haughty." This verb reinforces the noun "pride," describing the active state of being elevated in one's own eyes, looking down on others, and presuming upon God's favor without genuine obedience. It signifies an arrogant posture that God will remove.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"In that day shalt thou not be ashamed for all thy doings, wherein thou hast transgressed against me:"** This opening clause introduces a future era of divine grace. The phrase "In that day" points to the eschatological time of God's final intervention and restoration. The promise that Jerusalem will "not be ashamed" speaks to a complete removal of the guilt, humiliation, and public disgrace resulting from their past "doings" – their sinful actions – specifically identified as "transgressed against me," highlighting the personal nature of their rebellion against God's covenant. This signifies a profound forgiveness and a new beginning free from the burden of their past.
* **"for then I will take away out of the midst of thee them that rejoice in thy pride,"** This clause reveals the means by which the shame is removed: God's active intervention to purify His people. The phrase "take away out of the midst of thee" indicates a thorough cleansing, a removal from within the community itself. Those "that rejoice in thy pride" are not merely the proud, but those who find satisfaction and delight in their arrogance, perhaps boasting in their religious status, wealth, or perceived invincibility. God promises to purge these individuals or this pervasive attitude from the heart of Jerusalem.
* **"and thou shalt no more be haughty because of my holy mountain."** This final clause describes the ultimate outcome of God's purification: the eradication of haughtiness. The phrase "no more be haughty" emphasizes a permanent transformation of character. The source of this specific pride is identified as "because of my holy mountain," referring to Mount Zion and the Temple. This indicates that even religious privilege or the presence of God's sanctuary had become a source of sinful boasting and false security, rather than inspiring humility and worship. God will remove this misplaced pride, ensuring that His people approach Him with genuine reverence and humility.

#### Literary Devices
Zephaniah 3:11 employs several powerful literary devices. **Prophecy** is central, as the verse foretells a future state of restoration and transformation for Jerusalem, marked by divine intervention. **Contrast** is evident in the stark difference between the past state of shame and transgression and the future state of freedom from shame and pride. The phrase "my holy mountain" functions as **Symbolism**, representing not just a physical location (Mount Zion and the Temple) but also the spiritual identity and covenant relationship of God's people. The purging of those who "rejoice in thy pride" and the cessation of being "haughty" can be seen as a form of **Metonymy**, where the removal of the proud individuals signifies the removal of the sin of pride itself from the community. The overall tone shifts from the harshness of earlier judgments to one of hopeful **Promise**, emphasizing God's ultimate redemptive purpose.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Zephaniah 3:11 offers profound theological insights into God's character and His redemptive plan. It underscores God's unwavering commitment to His covenant people, even in their rebellion, demonstrating His ultimate desire for their purification and restoration. The removal of shame highlights God's complete forgiveness and His capacity to wipe away the stain of sin, allowing for a renewed relationship. Furthermore, the emphasis on purging pride reveals God's opposition to human self-exaltation and His demand for humility as the foundation for true worship and communal flourishing. This divine cleansing is not merely punitive but transformative, aimed at creating a people who rightly honor Him.

* [Isaiah 1:25-26](/isaiah/1-25-26 "Isaiah 1:25-26 - God's Refining Fire")
* [Micah 6:8](/micah/6-8 "Micah 6:8 - What the Lord Requires")
* [James 4:6](/james/4-6 "James 4:6 - God Opposes the Proud")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Zephaniah 3:11 provides a powerful lens through which to examine our own lives and communities. The promise of freedom from shame for past transgressions is a profound comfort, reminding us that through God's grace, our deepest failures can be forgiven and forgotten. This should inspire genuine repentance and a willingness to accept God's cleansing. Simultaneously, the verse serves as a stark warning against pride in all its forms. Whether it's boasting in our accomplishments, our spiritual knowledge, our social status, or even our religious affiliations, pride is an affront to God and a barrier to true communion with Him. We are called to cultivate humility, recognizing that all good things come from God and that our righteousness is found only in Him. This verse encourages us to continually examine our hearts, seeking God's help to root out any lingering arrogance so that we might live as a people wholly devoted to Him, free from self-exaltation, and truly reflecting His glory.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life do I still carry shame from past "doings" or "transgressions," and how can I fully embrace God's promise of freedom from that shame?**
* **What forms of "pride" or "haughtiness" might still be present in my heart or in the community I belong to, and how can I actively work towards their removal?**
* **How might my "holy mountain" – whether it's my church, my spiritual discipline, or my religious identity – inadvertently become a source of pride rather than humility?**
* **What practical steps can I take to cultivate a spirit of genuine humility and dependence on God in my daily life?**

### FAQ

**What does "In that day" refer to in Zephaniah 3:11?**

Answer: "In that day" (H3117, *yôwm*) in Zephaniah 3:11 refers to a future, divinely appointed time of restoration and salvation. While it has immediate implications for the post-exilic return of Judah, its ultimate fulfillment is eschatological, pointing to the comprehensive work of God in the Messianic age and the establishment of His kingdom. It signifies a decisive turning point in history when God intervenes to purify and redeem His people, transforming their character and dwelling among them. This concept of "the Day of the Lord" is a prominent theme throughout prophetic literature, encompassing both judgment for the wicked and salvation for the righteous remnant, as seen in passages like [Joel 2:31-32](/joel/2-31-32 "Joel 2:31-32 - The Great and Terrible Day of the Lord").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Zephaniah 3:11 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ and the new covenant He inaugurated. The promise that God's people "shalt thou not be ashamed for all thy doings, wherein thou hast transgressed against me" is perfectly realized in Christ, who bore our shame and sin on the cross, offering complete forgiveness and justification to all who believe. Through His atoning sacrifice, we are declared righteous and stand before God without condemnation, as articulated in [Romans 8:1](/romans/8-1 "Romans 8:1 - No Condemnation in Christ Jesus"). Furthermore, the prophecy that God "will take away out of the midst of thee them that rejoice in thy pride, and thou shalt no more be haughty because of my holy mountain" speaks to the spiritual transformation wrought by the Holy Spirit in the lives of believers. Christ's work not only removes the penalty of sin but also breaks its power, including the pervasive sin of pride. The new covenant empowers believers to live in humility, recognizing that all boasting is excluded, and our glory is found only in Christ Jesus, as [Philippians 2:3-8](/philippians/2-3-8 "Philippians 2:3-8 - Christ's Humility") beautifully illustrates. The "holy mountain" now finds its spiritual reality in the church, the new Jerusalem, where God dwells among a people purified by Christ's blood, called to live in humility and unity, no longer relying on their own merits but on the grace of God through Christ, the true cornerstone of God's spiritual temple ([Ephesians 2:19-22](/ephesians/2-19-22 "Ephesians 2:19-22 - Fellow Citizens with the Saints")).

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

Isaiah 54:4

Fear not; for thou shalt not be ashamed: neither be thou confounded; for thou shalt not be put to shame: for thou shalt forget the shame of thy youth, and shalt not remember the reproach of thy widowhood any more.

Isaiah 11:9

They shall not hurt nor destroy in all my holy mountain: for the earth shall be full of the knowledge of the LORD, as the waters cover the sea.

Joel 2:26

And ye shall eat in plenty, and be satisfied, and praise the name of the LORD your God, that hath dealt wondrously with you: and my people shall never be ashamed.

Joel 2:27

And ye shall know that I [am] in the midst of Israel, and [that] I [am] the LORD your God, and none else: and my people shall never be ashamed.

Isaiah 61:7

For your shame [ye shall have] double; and [for] confusion they shall rejoice in their portion: therefore in their land they shall possess the double: everlasting joy shall be unto them.

Isaiah 45:17

[But] Israel shall be saved in the LORD with an everlasting salvation: ye shall not be ashamed nor confounded world without end.

1 Peter 2:6

Wherefore also it is contained in the scripture, Behold, I lay in Sion a chief corner stone, elect, precious: and he that believeth on him shall not be confounded.