Zephaniah 3:19

Behold, at that time I will undo all that afflict thee: and I will save her that halteth, and gather her that was driven out; and I will get them praise and fame in every land where they have been put to shame.

Behold, at that time {H6256} I will undo {H6213} all that afflict {H6031} thee: and I will save {H3467} her that halteth {H6760}, and gather {H6908} her that was driven out {H5080}; and I will get {H7760} them praise {H8416} and fame {H8034} in every land {H776} where they have been put to shame {H1322}.

When that time comes, I will deal with all those who oppress you. I will save her who is lame, gather her who was driven away, and make them whose shame spread over the earth the object of praise and renown.

Behold, at that time, I will deal with all who afflict you. I will save the lame and gather the scattered; and I will appoint praise and fame for the disgraced throughout the earth.

Behold, at that time I will deal with all them that afflict thee; and I will save that which is lame, and gather that which was driven away; and I will make them a praise and a name, whose shame hath been in all the earth.

Commentary

Commentary on Zephaniah 3:19 (KJV)

Zephaniah 3:19 is a powerful promise of God's future restoration and vindication for His people, delivered through the prophet Zephaniah. This verse stands as a beacon of hope at the culmination of a book that largely warns of impending judgment upon Judah and the nations. It transitions from prophecies of divine retribution to a glorious vision of God's redemptive work.

Context

The book of Zephaniah was prophesied during the reign of King Josiah (c. 640-609 BC), a time of spiritual revival mixed with lingering idolatry in Judah. While the early chapters detail God's severe judgment on Jerusalem and surrounding nations for their sins, Chapter 3 shifts dramatically to a message of hope and salvation for a remnant. Following verses that speak of God's dwelling among His people and their fear being removed (Zephaniah 3:17), verse 19 specifically addresses the divine reversal of their fortunes.

Key Themes

  • Divine Intervention and Justice: God explicitly states, "I will undo all that afflict thee." This speaks to God's active role in delivering His people from their oppressors and bringing justice to those who caused them suffering. It assures that no injustice will go unnoticed or unaddressed by the Almighty.
  • Restoration and Healing: The promise to "save her that halteth, and gather her that was driven out" highlights God's compassionate care for the vulnerable and the dispersed. "Halteth" refers to those who are weak, lame, or spiritually stumbling, while "driven out" speaks to the exiled or marginalized. This signifies a holistic restoration, both physically and spiritually, bringing back those who were lost or scattered, similar to the shepherd's care described in Ezekiel 34:16.
  • Reversal of Shame to Honor: Perhaps one of the most profound promises is, "I will get them praise and fame in every land where they have been put to shame." This is a complete reversal of their public humiliation. God promises to transform their disgrace into renown, not just within their own land but globally, in the very places where they suffered ignominy. This echoes the promise of double honor for their shame found in Isaiah.

Linguistic Insights

The KJV phrase "undo all that afflict thee" translates the Hebrew verb 'asah (עָשָׂה), which in this context carries the sense of "to deal with," "to punish," or "to bring about judgment" against the oppressors. The terms "halteth" (tsōlē'āh) and "driven out" (nidāḥāh) powerfully convey the physical and spiritual brokenness and dispersion of the people, emphasizing their desperate need for divine intervention. The promise of "praise and fame" (tĕhillāh and shēm) highlights a complete restoration of reputation and honor, a public vindication by God Himself.

Practical Application

Zephaniah 3:19 offers immense comfort and hope for believers today. It reminds us that:

  • God is a God of justice who sees and will ultimately address all forms of affliction and oppression.
  • He cares deeply for the weak, the vulnerable, and those who feel lost or marginalized. No one is beyond His reach or forgotten by His love.
  • Even in times of shame, suffering, or public disgrace, God has the power to turn circumstances around, transforming humiliation into honor and sorrow into joy. This promise assures us that our present difficulties do not define our ultimate destiny in God's plan.
  • This verse points forward to a future eschatological restoration, when God will fully establish His kingdom and gather His people, ensuring their ultimate peace and glory.
Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Isaiah 49:25

    But thus saith the LORD, Even the captives of the mighty shall be taken away, and the prey of the terrible shall be delivered: for I will contend with him that contendeth with thee, and I will save thy children.

  • Isaiah 49:26

    And I will feed them that oppress thee with their own flesh; and they shall be drunken with their own blood, as with sweet wine: and all flesh shall know that I the LORD [am] thy Saviour and thy Redeemer, the mighty One of Jacob.

  • Isaiah 60:14

    The sons also of them that afflicted thee shall come bending unto thee; and all they that despised thee shall bow themselves down at the soles of thy feet; and they shall call thee, The city of the LORD, The Zion of the Holy One of Israel.

  • Jeremiah 30:16

    Therefore all they that devour thee shall be devoured; and all thine adversaries, every one of them, shall go into captivity; and they that spoil thee shall be a spoil, and all that prey upon thee will I give for a prey.

  • Zephaniah 3:15

    The LORD hath taken away thy judgments, he hath cast out thine enemy: the king of Israel, [even] the LORD, [is] in the midst of thee: thou shalt not see evil any more.

  • Micah 7:10

    Then [she that is] mine enemy shall see [it], and shame shall cover her which said unto me, Where is the LORD thy God? mine eyes shall behold her: now shall she be trodden down as the mire of the streets.

  • Ezekiel 34:16

    I will seek that which was lost, and bring again that which was driven away, and will bind up [that which was] broken, and will strengthen that which was sick: but I will destroy the fat and the strong; I will feed them with judgment.
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