Zephaniah 3:14

KJV

¶ Sing, O daughter of Zion; shout, O Israel; be glad and rejoice with all the heart, O daughter of Jerusalem.

KJV (with Strong's)

Sing {H7442}, O daughter {H1323} of Zion {H6726}; shout {H7321}, O Israel {H3478}; be glad {H8055} and rejoice {H5937} with all the heart {H3820}, O daughter {H1323} of Jerusalem {H3389}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Sing, daughter of Tziyon! Shout, Isra'el! Be glad and rejoice with all your heart, daughter of Yerushalayim!

Berean Standard Bible

Sing for joy, O Daughter of Zion; shout aloud, O Israel! Be glad and rejoice with all your heart, O Daughter of Jerusalem!

American Standard Version

Sing, O daughter of Zion; shout, O Israel; be glad and rejoice with all the heart, O daughter of Jerusalem.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Zephaniah 3:14 issues a fervent, threefold imperative for the people of God—personified as the "daughter of Zion" and "Israel"—to engage in unreserved and communal celebration. This joyous command marks a pivotal turn in the prophetic book, shifting from pronouncements of divine judgment to a glorious anticipation of restoration, purification, and the Lord's redemptive presence among His faithful remnant, prompting an overflowing, wholehearted expression of delight in His salvation.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Zephaniah 3:14 stands as a dramatic and climactic pivot within the book of Zephaniah. The preceding chapters (Zephaniah 1-3:8) are dominated by stern pronouncements of God's impending judgment, not only against Judah for its pervasive idolatry, moral corruption, and spiritual apathy but also against surrounding nations. These oracles detail the "day of the Lord" as a time of wrath and desolation. However, beginning with Zephaniah 3:9, the tone shifts abruptly to one of hope, purification, and restoration. Verses 9-13 describe God's intention to purify the lips of the nations to call upon His name, to gather His dispersed people, and to preserve a humble and righteous remnant within Israel. Verse 14, therefore, serves as the triumphant response to these promises of divine grace, purification, and the removal of all cause for fear, as further elaborated in the subsequent verses which speak of God's presence and rejoicing over His people ([Zephaniah 3:15-17](/zephaniah/3-15-17 "Zephaniah 3:15-17 - God's Presence and Rejoicing")). The call to "sing," "shout," and "rejoice" is not a superficial emotion but a deep, Spirit-wrought response to the profound reversal of their fortunes and the assurance of God's abiding presence.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The prophet Zephaniah ministered during the reign of King Josiah (c. 640-609 BC), a period marked by significant religious and political upheaval in Judah. While Josiah initiated a widespread reform (2 Kings 22-23) to purge idolatry and restore covenant faithfulness, the nation had deeply entrenched pagan practices and social injustices from the reigns of Manasseh and Amon. Zephaniah’s prophecies reflect this spiritual decay, warning of an imminent judgment from the Lord, likely referencing the rising power of Babylon or Scythian invaders as instruments of divine wrath. Culturally, public expressions of joy—singing, shouting, dancing—were integral to Israelite worship and celebration, especially during festivals or in response to military victories and divine deliverance. Conversely, lamentation, weeping, and silence characterized periods of national distress or judgment. Thus, the command to "sing" and "shout" in Zephaniah 3:14 is a profound reversal of the expected response to judgment, signaling a future era of unparalleled divine favor and security, reminiscent of the joy experienced after the [Exodus from Egypt](/exodus/15 "Exodus 15 - The Song of Moses and Miriam").
* **Key Themes:** Zephaniah 3:14 significantly contributes to several overarching themes within the book and broader prophetic literature. Firstly, it highlights **Divine Restoration and Hope**, moving from the pronouncements of judgment to a glorious future where God's people are not merely forgiven but actively brought back into a state of blessing and exuberant joy. This transformation underscores God's ultimate faithfulness to His covenant promises, even after periods of discipline, as seen in passages like [Isaiah 43:1-7](/isaiah/43-1-7 "Isaiah 43:1-7 - God's Redemption and Restoration of Israel"). Secondly, the repeated commands to "sing," "shout," "be glad," and "rejoice with all the heart" emphasize **Heartfelt and Communal Joy and Celebration**. This is not a superficial or forced happiness but a deep, unreserved, and public expression of delight, rooted in God's faithfulness and His acts of salvation. It anticipates a time when the people will experience the fullness of the Lord's presence, which is the ultimate source of their gladness, echoing the joy described in [Psalm 16:11](/psalm/16-11 "Psalm 16:11 - Fullness of Joy in God's Presence"). Thirdly, the verse implicitly points to **God's Presence as the Source of Joy**. The underlying reason for this exuberant celebration is the assurance that the Lord is "in the midst" of His people, signifying His protective, redemptive, and loving participation in their lives, a theme powerfully articulated in [Zephaniah 3:17](/zephaniah/3-17 "Zephaniah 3:17 - The Lord Rejoices Over You"). Finally, the call to joy is specifically directed towards the "daughter of Zion" and "Israel," representing **The Remnant's Triumph**. This future joy is primarily for the faithful remnant who will survive the judgment and experience God's promised salvation, ushering in a new era of peace and security, a concept found in [Isaiah 10:20-22](/isaiah/10-20-22 "Isaiah 10:20-22 - The Remnant of Israel").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Sing (Hebrew, _rânan'_):** From H7442, a primitive root meaning "to creak (or emit a stridulous sound), i.e. to shout (usually for joy)." This word conveys an uninhibited, loud, and joyful vocal expression. It's not a quiet hum but a full-throated outburst of gladness, often associated with public celebration and worship.
* **Shout (Hebrew, _rûwaʻ'_):** From H7321, a primitive root meaning "to mar (especially by breaking); figuratively, to split the ears (with sound), i.e. shout (for alarm or joy)." While it can signify an alarm, in this context, it strongly implies a triumphant, exultant shout, a loud cry of victory or immense joy, designed to be heard far and wide. The combination with "sing" emphasizes the intensity and public nature of the commanded rejoicing.
* **Heart (Hebrew, _lêb'_):** From H3820, a form of H3824, referring to "the heart; also used (figuratively) very widely for the feelings, the will and even the intellect; likewise for the centre of anything." The phrase "with all the heart" (בְּכָל־לֵב, _bekol-lev_) signifies that this joy is to be total, sincere, and emanate from the deepest core of one's being, encompassing one's emotions, will, and understanding. It indicates a complete and unreserved devotion in their celebration, not merely an outward display.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Sing, O daughter of Zion;":** This is an imperative command, calling the personified city of Jerusalem and its inhabitants to break forth in song. "Daughter of Zion" is a common poetic and prophetic designation for Jerusalem, often symbolizing the collective identity of God's people. The command to "sing" (rânan) implies a loud, joyful, and public vocal expression, a response of worship and triumph.
* **"shout, O Israel;":** Another strong imperative, broadening the call to the entire nation of Israel. The word "shout" (rûwaʻ) here denotes a triumphant cry, a loud acclamation of victory or immense joy, indicating an uninhibited and boisterous expression of delight. The parallelism with "daughter of Zion" reinforces the communal and national scope of this commanded rejoicing.
* **"be glad and rejoice with all the heart,":** These two imperatives ("be glad" - sâmach, and "rejoice" - ʻâlaz) further intensify the call to joy. "Be glad" suggests an inner state of cheerfulness, while "rejoice" implies an outward, exuberant display, even "jumping for joy." The crucial addition "with all the heart" (bekol-lev) emphasizes that this joy must be profound, sincere, and complete, originating from the very core of one's being, encompassing intellect, will, and emotion, not merely a superficial or feigned happiness.
* **"O daughter of Jerusalem.":** This final phrase reiterates and reinforces the initial address to "daughter of Zion," creating a poetic parallelism and emphasizing that the call to joy is specifically directed to the capital city and its people, who represent the heart of the nation and the place where God's presence dwells. The repetition underscores the importance and urgency of the command.

#### Literary Devices
Zephaniah 3:14 is rich in **Imperative Mood**, with five direct commands ("Sing," "shout," "be glad," "rejoice") that convey the divine expectation for an active, unreserved response from the people. The verse employs striking **Personification**, addressing Jerusalem and Israel as "daughter of Zion" and "daughter of Jerusalem," imbuing the city and nation with human qualities and making the call to celebration more intimate and direct. **Parallelism** is evident throughout, particularly **Synonymous Parallelism**, where "daughter of Zion" is mirrored by "O Israel" and "O daughter of Jerusalem," and the cluster of verbs ("Sing," "shout," "be glad," "rejoice") all express forms of intense joy. This repetition and layering of commands, known as **Pleonasm** or **Emphasis through Accumulation**, serves to magnify the intensity and totality of the required response. The phrase "with all the heart" functions as a form of **Hyperbole** or **Intensification**, underscoring that the joy should be absolute and pervasive, emanating from the deepest part of their being.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Zephaniah 3:14 is a powerful testament to God's redemptive character and His ultimate faithfulness to His covenant people. It reveals that divine judgment is not God's final word; rather, His ultimate intention is restoration, purification, and the establishment of a joyous, secure relationship with a repentant remnant. The exuberant joy commanded here is not based on human achievement or fleeting circumstances, but on the profound reality of God's presence in their midst and His active work of salvation. This joy is a foretaste of the eschatological hope where God will fully dwell with His people, removing all sorrow and fear, and establishing an eternal kingdom of righteousness and peace. It underscores that true, lasting joy is always rooted in God's character, His promises, and His redemptive acts, inviting His people to respond with unreserved worship and celebration.

* [Isaiah 12:6](/isaiah/12-6 "Isaiah 12:6 - Shout and Sing for Joy!"): "Cry out and shout, thou inhabitant of Zion: for great is the Holy One of Israel in the midst of thee."
* [Joel 2:21-27](/joel/2-21-27 "Joel 2:21-27 - God's Restoration and Blessing"): This passage describes a similar reversal of fortune, where God restores what the locusts have eaten, leading to abundant provision and the people knowing God is in their midst.
* [Psalm 149:1-5](/psalm/149-1-5 "Psalm 149:1-5 - Praise the Lord with Singing and Dancing"): "Let Israel rejoice in him that made him: let the children of Zion be joyful in their King."

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Zephaniah 3:14 offers a profound message of hope and a compelling call to joy for believers in every generation. In a world often characterized by anxiety, sorrow, and uncertainty, this verse reminds us that our deepest and most enduring joy is found not in external circumstances, but in the unwavering presence and redemptive work of God in our lives. Just as ancient Israel was called to celebrate God's promised restoration after judgment, we too are invited to respond with wholehearted gladness to the salvation we have received through Christ. This means cultivating a spirit of gratitude that actively seeks to acknowledge and rejoice in God's faithfulness, even amidst personal trials or global challenges. It encourages us to express our joy authentically and communally, understanding that our celebration is a testimony to the Lord's goodness and a source of encouragement to others. Ultimately, Zephaniah 3:14 challenges us to examine the depth of our own joy in the Lord: Is it a superficial emotion, or does it emanate "with all the heart," reflecting a profound trust in God's abiding presence and His unfailing love?

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What are the "judgments" or difficulties in my life that God is calling me to trust Him to remove, allowing me to "sing" and "shout" with joy?**
* **How can I cultivate a more "wholehearted" joy in the Lord, moving beyond superficial happiness to a deep, abiding delight in His presence?**
* **In what ways can I more actively and communally express my joy in God, both in private worship and public testimony?**

### FAQ

**Why the sudden shift from judgment to joy in Zephaniah?**

Answer: The abrupt shift in Zephaniah from severe pronouncements of judgment (chapters 1-3:8) to exuberant calls for joy and promises of restoration (chapters 3:9-20) highlights a key prophetic pattern: God's ultimate purpose is not merely punishment but purification and redemption. The judgment serves as a crucible to refine His people, leading to the preservation of a righteous remnant. This remnant, having been purged of idolatry and pride, is then prepared to receive God's full blessings and experience His intimate presence. The joy in [Zephaniah 3:14](/zephaniah/3-14 "Zephaniah 3:14 - A Call to Joy") is the divinely ordained response to this promised restoration, signifying the triumph of God's grace over sin and His faithfulness to His covenant promises, as seen in other prophetic books like [Isaiah](/isaiah "The Book of Isaiah") and [Jeremiah](/jeremiah "The Book of Jeremiah") which also contain cycles of judgment and restoration.

**Who are "daughter of Zion" and "daughter of Jerusalem" in this verse?**

Answer: "Daughter of Zion" and "daughter of Jerusalem" are common poetic and prophetic expressions in the Old Testament. They personify the city of Jerusalem and, by extension, its inhabitants and the nation of Israel as a whole. "Zion" refers specifically to the temple mount and often symbolizes the spiritual and political heart of Israel, the dwelling place of God. By addressing them as "daughter," the prophet conveys a sense of intimacy, vulnerability, and collective identity. In this context, these terms are used interchangeably to call the entire covenant community—the people of God—to respond with unreserved joy to the Lord's redemptive work and His promised presence among them. This collective identity is crucial, as the joy is not merely individual but a communal celebration of God's faithfulness to His people.

**Is this joy only for a future, eschatological time, or can believers experience it now?**

Answer: While Zephaniah 3:14 certainly points to a glorious, full eschatological fulfillment when God's kingdom is fully established and all enemies are removed, the principles of joy rooted in God's presence and redemptive work are applicable to believers today. Through the finished work of Christ, we experience a present reality of salvation, forgiveness, and the indwelling Holy Spirit, which are profound reasons for joy. We are part of the new covenant community, the spiritual "daughter of Zion," and God dwells in our midst through His Spirit ([1 Corinthians 3:16](/1_corinthians/3-16 "1 Corinthians 3:16 - You are God's Temple")). Therefore, while we await the ultimate consummation of God's kingdom, we are called to live with a present, heartfelt joy, trusting in God's faithfulness and anticipating the full realization of His promises. This present joy is a down payment on the future glory, as described in [Philippians 4:4](/philippians/4-4 "Philippians 4:4 - Rejoice in the Lord Always").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Zephaniah 3:14, with its vibrant call to unreserved joy and celebration for the "daughter of Zion" because of God's presence, finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The anticipated removal of judgment and the dwelling of the Lord "in the midst" of His people, which causes such exuberant joy in Zephaniah, is fully realized in the person and work of Christ. He is Immanuel, "God with us" ([Matthew 1:23](/matthew/1-23 "Matthew 1:23 - Immanuel")), and through His atoning sacrifice, He has taken away the judgment against us, becoming 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")). The purification of lips and the gathering of a humble remnant, hinted at in Zephaniah 3:9-13, are brought to fruition in the Church, the new spiritual Israel, composed of believers from every nation who confess Christ as Lord ([Galatians 3:28-29](/galatians/3-28-29 "Galatians 3:28-29 - One in Christ")). The Holy Spirit, poured out on believers, enables us to experience God's indwelling presence and fills us with a joy that is "inexpressible and full of glory" ([1 Peter 1:8](/1_peter/1-8 "1 Peter 1:8 - Inexpressible Joy")). Furthermore, the eschatological vision of God dwelling with His people, where He will wipe away every tear and there will be no more sorrow or death ([Revelation 21:3-4](/revelation/21-3-4 "Revelation 21:3-4 - God Dwells with His People")), is the ultimate fulfillment of the joy promised in Zephaniah, with Christ as the central figure of this New Jerusalem. Thus, the ancient call to "sing" and "shout" becomes a perpetual anthem for those who have found their salvation and their very life in Christ, the true source of all wholehearted joy.

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 12:6

Cry out and shout, thou inhabitant of Zion: for great [is] the Holy One of Israel in the midst of thee.

Zechariah 2:10

¶ Sing and rejoice, O daughter of Zion: for, lo, I come, and I will dwell in the midst of thee, saith the LORD.

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.

Micah 4:8

¶ And thou, O tower of the flock, the strong hold of the daughter of Zion, unto thee shall it come, even the first dominion; the kingdom shall come to the daughter of Jerusalem.

Psalms 95:1

¶ O come, let us sing unto the LORD: let us make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation.

Psalms 95:2

Let us come before his presence with thanksgiving, and make a joyful noise unto him with psalms.

Isaiah 65:18

But be ye glad and rejoice for ever [in that] which I create: for, behold, I create Jerusalem a rejoicing, and her people a joy.