Zephaniah 2:9 net — Therefore, as surely as I live,” says the LORD of Heaven’s Armies, the God of Israel,“be certain that Moab will become…

NET Bible

"Therefore, as surely as I live,” says the LORD of Heaven’s Armies, the God of Israel,“be certain that Moab will become like Sodom and the Ammonites like Gomorrah. They will be overrun by weeds, filled with salt pits, and permanently desolate. Those of my people who are left will plunder their belongings; those who are left in Judah will take possession of their land.”"

— Zephaniah 2:9, NET Bible

Read in Another Translation

5 of 21 translations

Zephaniah 2:9 in Other Translations

6 versions All translations
  • KJV

    “Therefore as I live, saith the Lord of hosts, the God of Israel, Surely Moab shall be as Sodom, and the children of Ammon as Gomorrah, even the breeding of nettles, and saltpits, and a perpetual desolation: the residue of my people shall spoil them, and the remnant of my people shall possess them.”

  • ASV

    “Therefore as I live, saith Jehovah of hosts, the God of Israel, Surely Moab shall be as Sodom, and the children of Ammon as Gomorrah, a possession of nettles, and saltpits, and a perpetual desolation: the residue of my people shall make a prey of them, and the remnant of my nation shall inherit them. ”

  • WEB

    “Therefore as I live, says Yahweh of Armies, the God of Israel, surely Moab will be as Sodom, and the children of Ammon as Gomorrah, a possession of nettles, and salt pits, and a perpetual desolation. The remnant of my people will plunder them, and the survivors of my nation will inherit them.”

  • DRB

    “Therefore as I live, saith the Lord of hosts the God of Israel, Moab shall be as Sodom, and the children of Ammon as Gomorrha, the dryness of thorns, and heaps of salt, and a desert even for ever: the remnant of my people shall make a spoil of them, and the residue of my nation shall possess them.”

  • BBE

    “For this cause, by my life, says the Lord of armies, the God of Israel, truly Moab will become like Sodom and the children of Ammon like Gomorrah, given up to waste plants and salt pools and unpeopled for ever: the rest of my people will take their property, the overflow of my nation will take their heritage.”

  • KJVA

    “Therefore as I live, saith the Lord of hosts, the God of Israel, Surely Moab shall be as Sodom, and the children of Ammon as Gomorrah, even the breeding of nettles, and saltpits, and a perpetual desolation: the residue of my people shall spoil them, and the remnant of my people shall possess them.”

Zephaniah 2 — Context

6

The seacoast will be used as pasture lands by the shepherds and as pens for their flocks.

7

Those who are left from the kingdom of Judah will take possession of it. By the sea they will graze, in the houses of Ashkelon they will lie down in the evening, for the LORD their God will intervene for them and restore their prosperity.

8

“I have heard Moab’s taunts and the Ammonites’ insults. They taunted my people and verbally harassed those living in Judah.

9

Therefore, as surely as I live,” says the LORD of Heaven’s Armies, the God of Israel,“be certain that Moab will become like Sodom and the Ammonites like Gomorrah. They will be overrun by weeds, filled with salt pits, and permanently desolate. Those of my people who are left will plunder their belongings; those who are left in Judah will take possession of their land.”

10

This is how they will be repaid for their arrogance, for they taunted and verbally harassed the people of the LORD of Heaven’s Armies.

11

The LORD will terrify them, for he will weaken all the gods of the earth. All the distant nations will worship the LORD in their own lands.

12

“You Ethiopians will also die by my sword!”

Zephaniah 2:9 — Frequently Asked Questions

7 questions
What does Zephaniah 2:9 say?
Zephaniah 2:9 in the NET Bible reads: “Therefore, as surely as I live,” says the LORD of Heaven’s Armies, the God of Israel,“be certain that Moab will become like Sodom and the Ammonites like Gomorrah. They will be overrun by weeds, filled with salt pits, and permanently desolate. Those of my people who are left will plunder their belongings; those who are left in Judah will take possession of their land.””
Where is Zephaniah 2:9 in the Bible?
Zephaniah 2:9 is found in the Old Testament, in the book of Zephaniah, chapter 2, verse 9.
Who wrote Zephaniah?
Zephaniah is traditionally attributed to Zephaniah, a descendant of king Hezekiah. It was written c. 640–625 BC.
What is the book of Zephaniah about?
Zephaniah opens with the most thoroughgoing judgment language in the Minor Prophets — a coming day of the LORD against the whole earth — and ends with the LORD himself singing over his redeemed remnant.
What are the major themes of Zephaniah?
Zephaniah explores themes including Day of the LORD, Judgment, Remnant, Joy, Restoration. These themes shape the meaning and context of Zephaniah 2:9.
What translation should I read Zephaniah 2:9 in?
Zephaniah 2:9 is available on GodsGoodBook in the King James Version (KJV), American Standard Version (ASV), World English Bible (WEB), NET Bible, Young's Literal Translation, Darby Bible, Douay-Rheims Bible, and the Bible in Basic English. Each translation reflects different translation philosophies — use the translation picker on this page to compare them, or browse our full translations directory.
How can I memorize Zephaniah 2:9?
Zephaniah 2:9 reads (NET): “Therefore, as surely as I live,” says the LORD of Heaven’s Armies, the God of Israel,“be certain that Moab will become like Sodom and the Ammonites like Gomorrah. They will be overrun by weeds, filled with salt pits, and permanently desolate. Those of my people who are left will plunder their belongings; those who are left in Judah will take possession of their land.”” Read it aloud, break it into short phrases, repeat each phrase three times before adding the next, then put the phrases together. Reading it in multiple translations (above) often helps the meaning settle.
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