Zephaniah 3:13

The remnant of Israel shall not do iniquity, nor speak lies; neither shall a deceitful tongue be found in their mouth: for they shall feed and lie down, and none shall make [them] afraid.

The remnant {H7611} of Israel {H3478} shall not do {H6213} iniquity {H5766}, nor speak {H1696} lies {H3577}; neither shall a deceitful {H8649} tongue {H3956} be found {H4672} in their mouth {H6310}: for they shall feed {H7462} and lie down {H7257}, and none shall make them afraid {H2729}.

The remnant of Isra'el will not do wrong, nor will they speak lies, nor will there be found in their mouths a tongue given over to deceit; for they will be able to graze and lie down, with no one to disturb them.

The remnant of Israel will no longer do wrong or speak lies, nor will a deceitful tongue be found in their mouths. But they will feed and lie down, with no one to make them tremble.”

The remnant of Israel shall not do iniquity, nor speak lies; neither shall a deceitful tongue be found in their mouth; for they shall feed and lie down, and none shall make them afraid.

Zephaniah 3:13 describes the transformed character and secure state of a future, purified remnant of Israel. Following prophecies of judgment, this verse offers a vision of restoration, emphasizing moral integrity and divine protection.

Context

The book of Zephaniah, part of the Minor Prophets, delivers a stern warning of the "Day of the Lord" – a time of divine judgment against Judah and surrounding nations due to their idolatry, corruption, and injustice. However, Zephaniah 3 shifts from severe condemnation (Zephaniah 3:1-7) to a profound promise of restoration and blessing for a faithful few. This verse, Zephaniah 3:13, is a key part of this hopeful turning point, painting a picture of the peace and righteousness that await those who remain true to God or are purified through His discipline.

Key Themes

  • The Purified Remnant: This verse focuses on "the remnant of Israel," indicating that not all will be judged. God preserves and purifies a select group who will inherit His blessings. This concept of a faithful remnant is a recurring theme throughout biblical prophecy.
  • Moral and Verbal Purity: The core of their transformation is freedom from sin ("shall not do iniquity") and absolute truthfulness ("nor speak lies; neither shall a deceitful tongue be found in their mouth"). This highlights a complete spiritual renewal, where the people reflect God's holy character in their actions and words.
  • Divine Security and Peace: The promise "they shall feed and lie down, and none shall make them afraid" paints a vivid pastoral scene of profound peace, safety, and abundant provision. This contrasts sharply with the fear and turmoil experienced by the unrighteous, illustrating the ultimate security found under God's protection. This imagery is often associated with the Messianic age of universal peace and safety.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew term for "iniquity" ('awon) often implies not just the act of sin but also the guilt and consequence associated with it. The phrase "deceitful tongue" (lashon remiyah) specifically targets verbal dishonesty, treachery, and misrepresentation, emphasizing the complete integrity of the restored people.

Related Scriptures

The moral transformation described here echoes the New Testament's call to truthfulness, as seen in Ephesians 4:25, which urges believers to "put away lying, speak every man truth with his neighbour." The promise of security and freedom from fear is also a significant theme in prophetic literature, with parallels in Jeremiah 23:4, where God promises shepherds who will feed His flock so "they shall fear no more, nor be dismayed."

Practical Application

Zephaniah 3:13 serves as an enduring encouragement and a call to personal holiness. It reminds us that God values truthfulness and integrity, and that genuine peace and security are found in living righteously under His divine care. For believers today, it encourages striving for moral purity and honesty in all aspects of life, trusting that God provides ultimate safety and rest for those who walk in His ways. It also offers hope for a future where righteousness reigns and fear is banished.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Isaiah 60:21

    Thy people also [shall be] all righteous: they shall inherit the land for ever, the branch of my planting, the work of my hands, that I may be glorified.

  • Revelation 14:5

    And in their mouth was found no guile: for they are without fault before the throne of God.

  • Micah 4:7

    And I will make her that halted a remnant, and her that was cast far off a strong nation: and the LORD shall reign over them in mount Zion from henceforth, even for ever.

  • Zephaniah 2:7

    And the coast shall be for the remnant of the house of Judah; they shall feed thereupon: in the houses of Ashkelon shall they lie down in the evening: for the LORD their God shall visit them, and turn away their captivity.

  • Ezekiel 34:13

    And I will bring them out from the people, and gather them from the countries, and will bring them to their own land, and feed them upon the mountains of Israel by the rivers, and in all the inhabited places of the country.

  • Ezekiel 34:15

    I will feed my flock, and I will cause them to lie down, saith the Lord GOD.

  • Isaiah 17:2

    The cities of Aroer [are] forsaken: they shall be for flocks, which shall lie down, and none shall make [them] afraid.

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