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◄ Zephaniah 1:4►

New International Version
“I will stretch out my hand against Judah and against all who live in Jerusalem. I will destroy every remnant of Baal worship in this place, the very names of the idolatrous priests—

New Living Translation
“I will crush Judah and Jerusalem with my fist and destroy every last trace of their Baal worship. I will put an end to all the idolatrous priests, so that even the memory of them will disappear.

English Standard Version
“I will stretch out my hand against Judah and against all the inhabitants of Jerusalem; and I will cut off from this place the remnant of Baal and the name of the idolatrous priests along with the priests,

Berean Standard Bible
“I will stretch out My hand against Judah and against all who dwell in Jerusalem. I will cut off from this place every remnant of Baal, the names of the idolatrous and pagan priests—

King James Bible
I will also stretch out mine hand upon Judah, and upon all the inhabitants of Jerusalem; and I will cut off the remnant of Baal from this place,and the name of the Chemarims with the priests;

New King James Version
“I will stretch out My hand against Judah, And against all the inhabitants of Jerusalem. I will cut off every trace of Baal from this place, The names of the idolatrous priests with thepagan priests—

New American Standard Bible
“So I will stretch out My hand against Judah And against all the inhabitants of Jerusalem. And I will eliminate the remnant of Baal from this place,And the names of the idolatrous priests along with theother priests.

NASB 1995
“So I will stretch out My hand against Judah And against all the inhabitants of Jerusalem. And I will cut off the remnant of Baal from this place, And the names of the idolatrous priests along with the priests.

NASB 1977
“So I will stretch out My hand against Judah And against all the inhabitants of Jerusalem. And I will cut off the remnant of Baal from this place,And the names of the idolatrous priests along with the priests.

Legacy Standard Bible
“So I will stretch out My hand against Judah And against all the inhabitants of Jerusalem. And I will cut off the remnant of Baal from this place,And the names of the idolatrous priests along with the priests,

Amplified Bible
“I will also stretch out My hand [in judgment] against Judah And against all the inhabitants of Jerusalem. And I will cut offand destroy the remnant of Baal from this place, And the namesand remembrance of the idolatrous priests along with the [false] priests,

Christian Standard Bible
I will stretch out my hand against Judah and against all the residents of Jerusalem. I will cut off every vestige of Baal from this place, the names of the pagan priests along with the priests;

Holman Christian Standard Bible
I will stretch out My hand against Judah and against all the residents of Jerusalem. I will cut off every vestige of Baal from this place, the names of the pagan priests along with the priests;

American Standard Version
And I will stretch out my hand upon Judah, and upon all the inhabitants of Jerusalem; and I will cut off the remnant of Baal from this place, and the name of the Chemarim with the priests;

Contemporary English Version
I will reach out to punish Judah and Jerusalem--nothing will remain of the god Baal; nothing will be remembered of his pagan priests.

English Revised Version
And I will stretch out mine hand upon Judah, and upon all the inhabitants of Jerusalem; and I will cut off the remnant of Baal from this place, and the name of the Chemarim with the priests;

GOD'S WORD® Translation
"I will use my power against Judah and against those who live in Jerusalem. I will remove the faithful few of Baal from this place and the names of the pagan priests along with my priests.

Good News Translation
"I will punish the people of Jerusalem and of all Judah. I will destroy the last trace of the worship of Baal there, and no one will even remember the pagan priests who serve him.

International Standard Version
"I will also stretch out my hand against Judah, and upon all inhabitants of Jerusalem. I'll wipe out every trace of Baal from this place, and the name of the pagan priests , along with my own priests.

NET Bible
"I will attack Judah and all who live in Jerusalem. I will remove from this place every trace of Baal worship, as well as the very memory of the pagan priests.

New Heart English Bible
I will stretch out my hand against Judah, and against all the inhabitants of Jerusalem. I will cut off the remnant of Baal from this place: the name of the idolatrous and pagan priests,

Webster's Bible Translation
I will also stretch out my hand upon Judah and upon all the inhabitants of Jerusalem; and I will cut off the remnant of Baal from this place, and the name of the Chemarims with the priests;

Majority Text Translations

Majority Standard Bible
“I will stretch out My hand against Judah and against all who dwell in Jerusalem. I will cut off from this place every remnant of Baal, the names of the idolatrous and pagan priests—

World English Bible
I will stretch out my hand against Judah and against all the inhabitants of Jerusalem. I will cut off the remnant of Baal from this place—the name of the idolatrous and pagan priests,

Literal Translations

Literal Standard Version
“And I have stretched out My hand against Judah, "" And against all inhabiting Jerusalem, "" And cut off from this place the remnant of Ba‘al, "" The name of the idolatrous priests, with the priests,

Young's Literal Translation
And stretched out My hand against Judah, And against all inhabiting Jerusalem, And cut off from this place the remnant of Baal, The name of the idolatrous priests, with the priests,

Smith's Literal Translation
And I stretched out my hand upon Judah and upon all the inhabitants of Jerusalem; and I cut off from this place the remnant of Baal, with the name of the obscurations with the priests.

Catholic Translations

Douay-Rheims Bible
And I will stretch out my hand upon Juda, and upon all the inhabitants of Jerusalem: and I will destroy out of this place the remnant of Baal, and the names of the wardens of the temples with the priests:

Catholic Public Domain Version
And I will extend my hand over Judah and over all the inhabitants of Jerusalem. And I will disperse from this place the remnant of Baal, and the names of the administrators along with the priests,

New American Bible
I will stretch out my hand against Judah, and against all the inhabitants of Jerusalem; I will eliminate from this place the last vestige of Baal, the name of the idolatrous priests.

New Revised Standard Version
I will stretch out my hand against Judah, and against all the inhabitants of Jerusalem; and I will cut off from this place every remnant of Baal and the name of the idolatrous priests;

Translations from Aramaic

Lamsa Bible
I will also stretch out my hand against Judah and against all the inhabitants of Jerusalem; and I will destroy the remnant of Baal from this place, and the name of the priests in charge, along with the priests;

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And I shall lift my hands against Yehuda and against all the inhabitants of Jerusalem, and I shall destroy from this place the remnant of Baal, and the name of the Priests with the Priests

OT Translations

JPS Tanakh 1917
And I will stretch out My hand upon Judah, And upon all the inhabitants of Jerusalem; And I will cut off the remnant of Baal from this place, And the name of the idolatrous priests with the priests;

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And I will stretch out mine hand upon Juda, and upon all the inhabitants of Jerusalem; and I will remove the names of Baal out of this place, and the names of the priests;

Additional Translations ...

Audio Bible

Context

Zephaniah Prophesies Judgment on Judah
…3“I will sweep away man and beast; I will sweep away the birds of the air, and the fish of the sea, and the idols with their wicked worshipers. I will cut off mankind from the face of the earth,” declares the LORD.4“I will stretch out My hand against Judah and against all who dwell in Jerusalem.I will cut off from this place every remnant of Baal,the names of the idolatrous and pagan priests—5those who bow on the rooftops to worship the host of heaven, those who bow down and swear by the LORD but also swear by Milcom,…

Berean Standard Bible ·Download

Cross References

2 Kings 23:5
Josiah also did away with the idolatrous priests ordained by the kings of Judah to burn incense on the high places of the cities of Judah and in the places all around Jerusalem—those who had burned incense to Baal, to the sun and moon, to the constellations, and to all the host of heaven.

2 Kings 23:4
Then the king commanded Hilkiah the high priest, the priests second in rank, and the doorkeepers to remove from the temple of the LORD all the articles made for Baal, Asherah, and all the host of heaven. And he burned them outside Jerusalem in the fields of Kidron and carried their ashes to Bethel.

2 Chronicles 34:4
Then in his presence the altars of the Baals were torn down, and he cut to pieces the incense altars that were above them. He shattered the Asherah poles, the carved idols, and the cast images, crushed them to dust, and scattered them over the graves of those who had sacrificed to them.

Hosea 10:5
The people of Samaria will fear for the calf of Beth-aven. Indeed, its people will mourn over it with its idolatrous priests—those who rejoiced in its glory—for it has been taken from them into exile.

Jeremiah 8:2
They will be exposed to the sun and moon, and to all the host of heaven which they have loved, served, followed, consulted, and worshiped. Their bones will not be gathered up or buried, but will become like dung lying on the ground.

Jeremiah 19:13
The houses of Jerusalem and the houses of the kings of Judah will be defiled like that place, Topheth—all the houses on whose rooftops they burned incense to all the host of heaven and poured out drink offerings to other gods.”

1 Kings 11:5
Solomon followed Ashtoreth the goddess of the Sidonians and Milcom the abomination of the Ammonites.

1 Kings 11:7
At that time on a hill east of Jerusalem, Solomon built a high place for Chemosh the abomination of Moab and for Molech the abomination of the Ammonites.

2 Kings 21:3
For he rebuilt the high places that his father Hezekiah had destroyed, and he raised up altars for Baal. He made an Asherah pole, as King Ahab of Israel had done, and he worshiped and served all the host of heaven.

2 Kings 23:13
The king also desecrated the high places east of Jerusalem, to the south of the Mount of Corruption, which King Solomon of Israel had built for Ashtoreth the abomination of the Sidonians, for Chemosh the abomination of the Moabites, and for Milcom the abomination of the Ammonites.

Ezekiel 8:14
Then He brought me to the entrance of the north gate of the house of the LORD, and I saw women sitting there, weeping for Tammuz.

Ezekiel 8:16
So He brought me to the inner court of the house of the LORD, and there at the entrance to the temple of the LORD, between the portico and the altar, were about twenty-five men with their backs to the temple of the LORD and their faces toward the east; and they were bowing to the east in worship of the sun.

Jeremiah 32:29
And the Chaldeans who are fighting against this city will come in, set it on fire, and burn it, along with the houses of those who provoked Me to anger by burning incense to Baal on their rooftops and by pouring out drink offerings to other gods.

2 Kings 23:12
He pulled down the altars that the kings of Judah had set up on the roof near the upper chamber of Ahaz, and the altars that Manasseh had set up in the two courtyards of the house of the LORD. The king pulverized them there and threw their dust into the Kidron Valley.

2 Kings 23:24
Furthermore, Josiah removed the mediums and spiritists, the household gods and idols, and all the abominations that were seen in the land of Judah and in Jerusalem. He did this to carry out the words of the law written in the book that Hilkiah the priest had found in the house of the LORD.

Treasury of Scripture

I will also stretch out my hand on Judah, and on all the inhabitants of Jerusalem; and I will cut off the remnant of Baal from this place, and the name of the Chemarims with the priests;

stretch.

Exodus 15:12
Thou stretchedst out thy right hand, the earth swallowed them.

2 Kings 21:13
And I will stretch over Jerusalem the line of Samaria, and the plummet of the house of Ahab: and I will wipe Jerusalem asa man wipeth a dish, wipingit, and turningit upside down.

Isaiah 14:26,27
Thisis the purpose that is purposed upon the whole earth: and thisis the hand that is stretched out upon all the nations…

the remnant.

2 Kings 23:4,5
And the king commanded Hilkiah the high priest, and the priests of the second order, and the keepers of the door, to bring forth out of the temple of the LORD all the vessels that were made for Baal, and for the grove, and for all the host of heaven: and he burned them without Jerusalem in the fields of Kidron, and carried the ashes of them unto Bethel…

2 Chronicles 34:4
And they brake down the altars of Baalim in his presence; and the images, thatwere on high above them, he cut down; and the groves, and the carved images, and the molten images, he brake in pieces, and made dustof them, and strowedit upon the graves of them that had sacrificed unto them.

the Chemarims.

Hosea 10:5
The inhabitants of Samaria shall fear because of the calves of Bethaven: for the people thereof shall mourn over it, and the priests thereofthat rejoiced on it, for the glory thereof, because it is departed from it.

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Zephaniah 1

1.The time when Zephaniah prophesied.
2.God's severe judgments against Judah.

Study Bible

Book ◦ Chapter

I will stretch out My hand against Judah and against all who dwell in Jerusalem.
This phrase indicates God's impending judgment on Judah and Jerusalem, emphasizing His direct intervention. The imagery of God stretching out His hand is a common biblical metaphor for divine action, often associated with judgment or deliverance (Exodus 7:5,Isaiah 5:25). Historically, this prophecy is set during the reign of King Josiah, a time of religious reform, yet the people had not fully turned from idolatry. The focus on Judah and Jerusalem highlights the centrality of these locations in Jewish worship and governance, underscoring the seriousness of their apostasy.

I will cut off from this place every remnant of Baal,
Baal worship was a persistent issue in Israel's history, representing a significant departure from the worship of Yahweh. The phrase "cut off" suggests a complete eradication, reflecting God's intolerance for idolatry. Baal was a Canaanite deity associated with fertility and storms, and his worship often involved immoral practices. The presence of Baal worship in Judah indicates the syncretism that had infiltrated the religious life of the people, despite previous reforms. This judgment aligns with the first commandment, which prohibits the worship of other gods (Exodus 20:3).

the names of the idolatrous and pagan priests—
The mention of "idolatrous and pagan priests" points to the religious leaders who facilitated and promoted the worship of false gods. These priests were likely involved in rituals that were abominable to Yahweh, leading the people astray. The cutting off of their names signifies not only their physical removal but also the erasure of their influence and legacy. This action fulfills the Deuteronomic law that prescribes the destruction of idolatrous priests (Deuteronomy 13:5). The focus on names also suggests a deeper spiritual cleansing, as names in the biblical context often represent character and authority.

Persons / Places / Events

1.Judah
The southern kingdom of Israel, consisting of the tribes of Judah and Benjamin. It was the primary audience of Zephaniah's prophecy.

2.Jerusalem
The capital city of Judah, a central place of worship and political power, and the focal point of God's judgment in this passage.

3.Baal
A Canaanite deity often associated with fertility and weather, whose worship was a recurring issue for the Israelites, leading them away from the worship of Yahweh.

4.Pagan Priests
Religious leaders who facilitated the worship of foreign gods, contrary to the worship of Yahweh.

5.Idolatrous Priests
Priests who, while possibly serving in the temple, engaged in or supported the worship of idols, blending pagan practices with the worship of Yahweh.

Teaching Points

God's Sovereignty in Judgment
God's declaration to "stretch out My hand" signifies His active role in executing judgment. Believers should recognize God's authority over nations and individuals, understanding that His judgments are just and righteous.

The Danger of Syncretism
The presence of idolatrous priests indicates a blending of true worship with pagan practices. Christians must guard against syncretism, ensuring that their faith remains pure and undiluted by worldly influences.

The Call to Repentance
The prophecy serves as a warning and a call to repentance. Believers are encouraged to examine their lives for any form of idolatry or compromise and to turn back to wholehearted devotion to God.

The Importance of Spiritual Leadership
The mention of pagan and idolatrous priests highlights the influence of spiritual leaders. It is crucial for leaders in the church to uphold biblical truth and lead by example in faithfulness to God.

God's Faithfulness to His Covenant
Despite the judgment pronounced, God's actions are rooted in His covenant relationship with His people. This assures believers of God's faithfulness and His desire for restoration and renewal.

Bible Study Questions and Answers

1.What is the meaning of Zephaniah 1:4?

2.How does Zephaniah 1:4 warn against idolatry in our lives today?

3.What does "cut off every remnant of Baal" teach about purity in worship?

4.How can we identify modern equivalents of "idolatrous priests" in Zephaniah 1:4?

5.How does Zephaniah 1:4 relate to the First Commandment in Exodus 20:3?

6.What practical steps can we take to avoid spiritual complacency as warned here?

7.What does Zephaniah 1:4 reveal about God's judgment on Judah and Jerusalem?

8.How does Zephaniah 1:4 challenge the belief in God's mercy?

9.Why does God specifically target Baal worship in Zephaniah 1:4?

10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Zephaniah 1?

11.If Zephaniah 3’s prophecies were fully realized, why do some biblical texts and modern events suggest ongoing judgment and unrest instead of lasting peace?

12.In Zephaniah 1:4–5, why would God punish those who worship both Him and other gods in the same exact way as those who purely worship false gods?

13.Who were the Chemarim in the Bible?

14.How does the promised “pure speech” in Zephaniah 3:9 reconcile with the many languages and dialects still present today?

What Does Zephaniah 1:4 Mean

I will stretch out My hand against Judah

• The Lord declares personal, decisive involvement; His “hand” pictures unmistakable power and authority (Exodus 9:15;Isaiah 5:25).

• Judah, the covenant people, have drifted so far that the same hand once lifted in protection is now poised in judgment (Deuteronomy 32:36;Hebrews 10:31).

• The verse reminds us that privilege never cancels accountability (Amos 3:2); God’s standards remain unchanged for His own household.

and against all who dwell in Jerusalem

• Judgment sweeps from the countryside right into the capital—no neighborhood is exempt (Jeremiah 25:29;1 Peter 4:17).

• Jerusalem’s temple had become a place of mixture; God refuses to share space with idols (2 Kings 23:4–7).

• The wording underscores collective responsibility: leaders, priests, citizens, everyone is in view.

I will cut off from this place every remnant of Baal

• “Cut off” speaks of total removal—roots, branches, memories (Hosea 2:17).

• Baal worship, imported from surrounding nations, had infiltrated Judah’s heart despite Elijah’s earlier victory on Carmel (1 Kings 18:21, 40).

• The Lord is not content with partial reform; He promises a sweeping purge so thorough that no trace remains (2 Kings 23:13–14).

the names of the idolatrous and pagan priests—

• God targets not only the idols but the influencers who sustain them (2 Kings 23:5;Hosea 10:5).

• “Names” emphasizes reputation and legacy; even their remembrance will vanish (Psalm 9:5).

• By erasing these priests, the Lord clears the way for true worship and guards future generations from their deception (Malachi 2:2).

summary

Zephaniah 1:4 announces the Lord’s unflinching resolve to purify His people. He stretches out His hand against Judah and Jerusalem, uproots every last vestige of Baal, and erases the very memory of those who promoted idolatry. The verse assures us that God’s holiness demands a wholehearted response; He will not share His glory with another, yet His judgment is always aimed at restoring a people devoted to Him alone.

Pulpit Commentary

Verses 4-6. - § 3.The judgment will fall especially upon Judah and Jerusalem for their idolatry.

Parallel Commentaries ...

Hebrew

“I will stretch out
וְנָטִ֤יתִי(wə·nā·ṭî·ṯî)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - first person common singular
Strong's 5186:To stretch out, spread out, extend, incline, bend

My hand
יָדִי֙(yā·ḏî)
Noun - feminine singular construct | first person common singular
Strong's 3027:A hand

against
עַל־(‘al-)
Preposition
Strong's 5921:Above, over, upon, against

Judah
יְהוּדָ֔ה(yə·hū·ḏāh)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3063:Judah -- 'praised', a son of Jacob, also the southern kingdom, also four Israelites

and against
וְעַ֖ל(wə·‘al)
Conjunctive waw | Preposition
Strong's 5921:Above, over, upon, against

all
כָּל־(kāl-)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 3605:The whole, all, any, every

who dwell
יוֹשְׁבֵ֣י(yō·wō·šə·ḇê)
Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine plural construct
Strong's 3427:To sit down, to dwell, to remain, to settle, to marry

in Jerusalem.
יְרוּשָׁלִָ֑ם(yə·rū·šā·lim)
Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 3389:Jerusalem -- probably 'foundation of peace', capital city of all Israel

I will cut off
וְהִכְרַתִּ֞י(wə·hiḵ·rat·tî)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hifil - Conjunctive perfect - first person common singular
Strong's 3772:To cut, to destroy, consume, to covenant

from
מִן־(min-)
Preposition
Strong's 4480:A part of, from, out of

this
הַזֶּה֙(haz·zeh)
Article | Pronoun - masculine singular
Strong's 2088:This, that

place
הַמָּק֤וֹם(ham·mā·qō·wm)
Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 4725:A standing, a spot, a condition

every remnant
שְׁאָ֣ר(šə·’ār)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 7605:Rest, residue, remnant

of Baal,
הַבַּ֔עַל(hab·ba·‘al)
Article | Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 1168:Baal -- a heathen god

the names
שֵׁ֥ם(šêm)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 8034:A name

of the idolatrous
הַכְּמָרִ֖ים(hak·kə·mā·rîm)
Article | Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 3649:An ascetic, an idolatrous priest

and
עִם־(‘im-)
Preposition
Strong's 5973:With, equally with

[pagan] priests—
הַכֹּהֲנִֽים׃(hak·kō·hă·nîm)
Article | Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 3548:Priest

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OT Prophets: Zephaniah 1:4 I will stretch out my hand against (Zeph. Zep Zp)