


Zephaniah 3:17
Bible Versions
The LORD thy God in the midst of thee [is] mighty; he will save, he will rejoice over thee with joy; he will rest in his love, he will joy over thee with singing.
ADONAI your God is right there with you, as a mighty savior. He will rejoice over you and be glad, he will be silent in his love, he will shout over you with joy."
The LORD your God is among you; He is mighty to save. He will rejoice over you with gladness; He will quiet you with His love; He will rejoice over you with singing.”
Jehovah thy God is in the midst of thee, a mighty one who will save; he will rejoice over thee with joy; he will rest in his love; he will joy over thee with singing.
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Psalms 149:4
For the LORD taketh pleasure in his people: he will beautify the meek with salvation. -
Psalms 147:11
The LORD taketh pleasure in them that fear him, in those that hope in his mercy. -
Isaiah 62:4
Thou shalt no more be termed Forsaken; neither shall thy land any more be termed Desolate: but thou shalt be called Hephzibah, and thy land Beulah: for the LORD delighteth in thee, and thy land shall be married. -
Isaiah 62:5
For [as] a young man marrieth a virgin, [so] shall thy sons marry thee: and [as] the bridegroom rejoiceth over the bride, [so] shall thy God rejoice over thee. -
Jeremiah 32:41
Yea, I will rejoice over them to do them good, and I will plant them in this land assuredly with my whole heart and with my whole soul. -
Hebrews 7:25
Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them. -
Isaiah 12:2
Behold, God [is] my salvation; I will trust, and not be afraid: for the LORD JEHOVAH [is] my strength and [my] song; he also is become my salvation.
Zephaniah 3:17 is a profound declaration of God's character and His deep affection for His people, offering immense comfort and hope. It stands as a powerful promise of restoration after the pronouncements of judgment found earlier in the book.
Context
The prophet Zephaniah ministered in Judah during the reign of King Josiah, a time marked by widespread idolatry and social injustice. While much of the book details the impending "Day of the Lord"—a period of divine judgment against Judah and surrounding nations—it concludes with glorious promises of future restoration for a faithful remnant. This verse is the pinnacle of that hopeful outlook, describing the intimate and joyful relationship God desires to have with His redeemed people, often understood as the restored nation of Israel and, by extension, all believers.
Key Themes
Linguistic Insights
Practical Application
For believers today, Zephaniah 3:17 serves as a powerful reminder of God's unwavering presence, power, and passionate love. It encourages us to:
This verse profoundly reveals the heart of God—not just a powerful ruler, but a loving Father who rejoices over His children.