Keraia
Zephaniah 2

Zephaniah 2:15

Judgment on Cush and Assyria · Zephaniah 2:12–15
Read Zephaniah 2

Translations

Modern
This carefree city that dwells securely, that thinks to herself: “I am it, and there is none besides me,” what a ruin she has become, a resting place for beasts. Everyone who passes by her hisses and shakes his fist.
Traditional
This is the rejoicing city that dwelt carelessly, that said in her heart, I am, and there is none beside me: how is she become a desolation, a place for beasts to lie down in! every one that passeth by her shall hiss, and wag his hand.
Literal
This is the jubilant city the one dwelling in security, saying in her heart, “I am, and ceases to be another!” How she has become as a desolation, a resting place for the beast! Everyone passing by her will hiss and shake his fist.
Latin
Hæc est civitas gloriosa habitans in confidentia, quæ dicebat in corde suo: Ego sum, et extra me non est alia amplius: quomodo facta est in desertum cubile bestiæ? omnis qui transit per eam sibilabit, et movebit manum suam.

Original

Hebrew
English
This carefree city that dwells securely, that thinks to herself: “I am it, and there is none besides me,” what a ruin she has become, a resting place for beasts. Everyone who passes by her hisses and shakes his fist.

Notes

Zephaniah 2:15

  • ruin: The destruction was certain and could not be reversed (see Nahum 1:14; 2:13; 3:19). Zephaniah saw no future for Assyria or its capital. Nineveh was so completely destroyed that the Greek historian Xenophon passed by its ruins without knowing it was there.

  • hisses and shakes his fist: Those who suffered under Assyria's cruel empire would feel glad seeing it come to an end.

Zephaniah 2:4–15

Zephaniah started his messages with the Philistines, whose kingdom was west of Judah (Zephaniah 2:4–7). He then addressed Moab and Ammon to the east (Zephaniah 2:8–11), and finally mentioned Cush (Ethiopia) to the south (2:12) and Assyria to the north (2:13–15).

Events

Glossary

Book of Zephaniah Nineveh, Ninevite

Topics

Assyria: Prophecies Concerning Beasts: Habitations of Deserted Cities Confidence: False Nineveh: Full of Joy and Carelessness Nineveh: Predictions Respecting: Complete Desolation Nineveh: Predictions Respecting: Degradation and Contempt Put On Nineveh: Zephaniah Foretells the Desolation of Pride: General Scriptures Concerning The Hands: Stretched out in Derision