Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version That day will be a day of wrath— a day of distress and anguish, a day of trouble and ruin, a day of darkness and gloom, a day of clouds and blackness— New Living Translation It will be a day when the LORD’s anger is poured out— a day of terrible distress and anguish, a day of ruin and desolation, a day of darkness and gloom, a day of clouds and blackness, English Standard Version A day of wrath is that day, a day of distress and anguish, a day of ruin and devastation, a day of darkness and gloom, a day of clouds and thick darkness, Berean Standard Bible That day will be a day of wrath, a day of trouble and distress, a day of destruction and desolation, a day of darkness and gloom, a day of clouds and blackness, Berean Literal Bible A day of wrath is that day, a day of adversity and distress, a day of devastation and desolation, a day of darkness and gloom, a day of cloud and thick darkness, King James Bible That day is a day of wrath, a day of trouble and distress, a day of wasteness and desolation, a day of darkness and gloominess, a day of clouds and thick darkness, New King James Version That day is a day of wrath, A day of trouble and distress, A day of devastation and desolation, A day of darkness and gloominess, A day of clouds and thick darkness, New American Standard Bible That day is a day of anger, A day of trouble and distress, A day of destruction and desolation, A day of darkness and gloom, A day of clouds and thick darkness, NASB 1995 A day of wrath is that day, A day of trouble and distress, A day of destruction and desolation, A day of darkness and gloom, A day of clouds and thick darkness, NASB 1977 A day of wrath is that day, A day of trouble and distress, A day of destruction and desolation, A day of darkness and gloom, A day of clouds and thick darkness, Legacy Standard Bible A day of fury is that day, A day of trouble and distress, A day of destruction and desolation, A day of darkness and thick darkness, A day of clouds and dense gloom, Amplified Bible That day is a day of [the outpouring of the] wrath [of God], A day of trouble and distress, A day of destruction and devastation, A day of darkness and gloom, A day of clouds and thick darkness, Berean Annotated Bible That day will be a day of wrath, a day of trouble and distress, a day of destruction and desolation, a day of darkness and gloom, a day of clouds and blackness, Christian Standard Bible That day is a day of wrath, a day of trouble and distress, a day of destruction and desolation, a day of darkness and gloom, a day of clouds and total darkness, Holman Christian Standard Bible That day is a day of wrath, a day of trouble and distress, a day of destruction and desolation, a day of darkness and gloom, a day of clouds and blackness, American Standard Version That day is a day of wrath, a day of trouble and distress, a day of wasteness and desolation, a day of darkness and gloominess, a day of clouds and thick darkness, Contemporary English Version It will be a time of anger--of trouble and torment, of disaster and destruction, of darkness and despair, of storm clouds and shadows, English Revised Version That day is a day of wrath, a day of trouble and distress, a day of wasteness and desolation, a day of darkness and gloominess, a day of clouds and thick darkness, GOD'S WORD® Translation That day will be a day of overflowing fury, a day of trouble and distress, a day of devastation and desolation, a day of darkness and gloom, a day of clouds and overcast skies, Good News Translation It will be a day of fury, a day of trouble and distress, a day of ruin and destruction, a day of darkness and gloom, a black and cloudy day, International Standard Version That day will be filled with wrath, a day of trouble and tribulation, a day of desolation and devastation, a day of doom and gloom, a day of clouds and shadows, NET Bible That day will be a day of God's anger, a day of distress and hardship, a day of devastation and ruin, a day of darkness and gloom, a day of clouds and dark skies, New Heart English Bible That day is a day of wrath, a day of distress and anguish, a day of trouble and ruin, a day of darkness and gloom, a day of clouds and blackness, Webster's Bible Translation That day is a day of wrath, a day of trouble and distress, a day of wasting and desolation, a day of darkness and gloominess, a day of clouds and thick darkness, Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleThat day will be a day of wrath, a day of trouble and distress, a day of destruction and desolation, a day of darkness and gloom, a day of clouds and blackness, World English Bible That day is a day of wrath, a day of distress and anguish, a day of trouble and ruin, a day of darkness and gloom, a day of clouds and blackness, Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionA day of wrath [is] that day, "" A day of adversity and distress, "" A day of devastation and desolation, "" A day of darkness and gloominess, "" A day of cloud and thick darkness, Berean Literal Bible A day of wrath is that day, a day of adversity and distress, a day of devastation and desolation, a day of darkness and gloom, a day of cloud and thick darkness, Young's Literal Translation A day of wrath is that day, A day of adversity and distress, A day of waste and desolation, A day of darkness and gloominess, A day of cloud and thick darkness. Smith's Literal Translation A day of wrath, that day a day of straits and distress, a day of storm and desolation, a day of darkness and thick darkness, a day of cloud and gloom, Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleThat day is a day of wrath, a day of tribulation and distress, a day of calamity and misery, a day of darkness and obscurity, a day of clouds and whirlwinds, Catholic Public Domain Version That day is a day of wrath, a day of tribulation and anguish, a day of calamity and misery, a day of darkness and gloom, a day of clouds and whirlwinds, New American Bible A day of wrath is that day, a day of distress and anguish, a day of ruin and desolation, A day of darkness and gloom, a day of thick black clouds, New Revised Standard Version That day will be a day of wrath, a day of distress and anguish, a day of ruin and devastation, a day of darkness and gloom, a day of clouds and thick darkness, Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleThat day is a day of wrath, a day of trouble and distress, a day of confusion and desolation, a day of darkness and gloominess, a day of clouds and thick darkness, Peshitta Holy Bible Translated The day is of wrath, the day is the day of trouble and of adversity; the day is of trouble and of destruction; the day is of darkness and of thick darkness; the day is of cloud and of dark fog! OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917That day is a day of wrath, A day of trouble and distress, A day of wasteness and desolation, A day of darkness and gloominess, A day of clouds and thick darkness, Brenton Septuagint Translation A mighty day of wrath is that day, a day of affliction and distress, a day of desolation and destruction, a day of gloominess and darkness, a day of cloud and vapour, Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context The Day of the LORD…14The great Day of the LORD is near—near and coming quickly. Listen, the Day of the LORD! Then the cry of the mighty will be bitter. 15That day will be a day of wrath, a day of trouble and distress, a day of destruction and desolation, a day of darkness and gloom, a day of clouds and blackness, 16a day of horn blast and battle cry against the fortified cities, and against the high corner towers.… Cross References That day will be a day of wrath, Romans 2:5 But because of your hard and unrepentant heart, you are storing up wrath against yourself for the day of wrath, when God’s righteous judgment will be revealed. Revelation 6:17 For the great day of Their wrath has come, and who is able to withstand it?” Psalm 110:5 The Lord is at Your right hand; He will crush kings in the day of His wrath. a day of trouble and distress, Isaiah 22:5 For the Lord GOD of Hosts has set a day of tumult and trampling and confusion in the Valley of Vision—of breaking down the walls and crying to the mountains. Jeremiah 30:7 How awful that day will be! None will be like it! It is the time of Jacob’s distress, but he will be saved out of it. Deuteronomy 28:53 Then you will eat the fruit of your womb, the flesh of the sons and daughters whom the LORD your God has given you, in the siege and distress that your enemy will inflict on you. a day of destruction and desolation, Isaiah 13:6 Wail, for the Day of the LORD is near; it will come as destruction from the Almighty. Ezekiel 6:14 I will stretch out My hand against them, and wherever they live I will make the land a desolate waste, from the wilderness to Diblah. Then they will know that I am the LORD.’” Daniel 9:27 And he will confirm a covenant with many for one week, but in the middle of the week he will put an end to sacrifice and offering. And on the wing of the temple will come the abomination that causes desolation, until the decreed destruction is poured out upon him.” a day of darkness and gloom, Joel 2:2 a day of darkness and gloom, a day of clouds and blackness. Like the dawn overspreading the mountains a great and strong army appears, such as never was of old, nor will ever be in ages to come. Amos 5:18 Woe to you who long for the Day of the LORD! What will the Day of the LORD be for you? It will be darkness and not light. Amos 5:20 Will not the Day of the LORD be darkness and not light, even gloom with no brightness in it? a day of clouds and blackness, Ezekiel 30:3 For the day is near, the Day of the LORD is near. It will be a day of clouds, a time of doom for the nations. Job 3:5 May darkness and gloom reclaim it, and a cloud settle over it; may the blackness of the day overwhelm it. Deuteronomy 4:11 You came near and stood at the base of the mountain, a mountain blazing with fire to the heavens, with black clouds and deep darkness. Joel 2:1-2 Blow the ram’s horn in Zion; sound the alarm on My holy mountain! Let all who dwell in the land tremble, for the Day of the LORD is coming; indeed, it is near— / a day of darkness and gloom, a day of clouds and blackness. Like the dawn overspreading the mountains a great and strong army appears, such as never was of old, nor will ever be in ages to come. Treasury of Scripture That day is a day of wrath, a day of trouble and distress, a day of devastation and desolation, a day of darkness and gloominess, a day of clouds and thick darkness, is. Zephaniah 1:18 Neither their silver nor their gold shall be able to deliver them in the day of the LORD'S wrath; but the whole land shall be devoured by the fire of his jealousy: for he shall make even a speedy riddance of all them that dwell in the land. Zephaniah 2:2 Before the decree bring forth, before the day pass as the chaff, before the fierce anger of the LORD come upon you, before the day of the LORD'S anger come upon you. Isaiah 22:5 For it is a day of trouble, and of treading down, and of perplexity by the Lord GOD of hosts in the valley of vision, breaking down the walls, and of crying to the mountains. a day of darkness. Job 3:4-8 Let that day be darkness; let not God regard it from above, neither let the light shine upon it… Joel 2:2,11 A day of darkness and of gloominess, a day of clouds and of thick darkness, as the morning spread upon the mountains: a great people and a strong; there hath not been ever the like, neither shall be any more after it, even to the years of many generations… Jump to Previous Adversity Anguish Blackness Cloud Clouds Dark Darkness Deep Desolation Destruction Devastation Distress Gloom Gloominess Gross Night Ruin Shade Sorrow Thick Trouble Waste Wasteness Wasting WrathJump to Next Adversity Anguish Blackness Cloud Clouds Dark Darkness Deep Desolation Destruction Devastation Distress Gloom Gloominess Gross Night Ruin Shade Sorrow Thick Trouble Waste Wasteness Wasting WrathZephaniah 1 1. The time when Zephaniah prophesied.2. God's severe judgments against Judah. That day will be a day of wrath The "day of wrath" refers to the Day of the Lord, a recurring theme in prophetic literature, symbolizing God's judgment upon sin. This concept is echoed in other scriptures such as Isaiah 13:9 and Joel 2:31, where the day is depicted as a time of divine retribution. The wrath of God is a response to the persistent rebellion and idolatry of the people, emphasizing His holiness and justice. a day of trouble and distress a day of destruction and desolation a day of darkness and gloom a day of clouds and blackness Persons / Places / Events 1. ZephaniahA prophet in the Old Testament, Zephaniah's ministry took place during the reign of King Josiah of Judah. He is known for his prophecies concerning the Day of the Lord and the coming judgment. 2. Judah The southern kingdom of Israel, which is the primary audience of Zephaniah's prophecies. Judah was facing impending judgment due to its idolatry and disobedience to God. 3. The Day of the Lord A significant theme in Zephaniah, referring to a future time when God will execute judgment on the nations, including Judah, for their sins. Teaching Points Understanding God's WrathThe verse highlights the reality of God's wrath against sin. It is crucial to recognize that God's judgment is a response to persistent disobedience and idolatry. The Seriousness of Sin The vivid imagery of destruction and desolation serves as a reminder of the seriousness of sin and the consequences it brings. Believers are called to examine their lives and repent. Hope in Darkness While the Day of the Lord is described as a day of darkness, believers can find hope in God's promise of restoration and redemption for those who turn to Him. Urgency of Repentance The impending judgment underscores the urgency for repentance and turning back to God. It is a call to live righteously and seek God's mercy. Living in Light of Eternity Understanding the reality of God's judgment should motivate believers to live with an eternal perspective, prioritizing spiritual growth and evangelism. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of Zephaniah 1:15?2. How does Zephaniah 1:15 describe the "day of the LORD"? 3. What emotions are associated with the "day of wrath" in Zephaniah 1:15? 4. How can we prepare for the "day of distress and anguish" today? 5. What other scriptures describe the "day of the LORD" similarly to Zephaniah 1:15? 6. How should Zephaniah 1:15 influence our daily walk with Christ? 7. What does Zephaniah 1:15 reveal about God's judgment and wrath? 8. How does Zephaniah 1:15 relate to the concept of the Day of the Lord? 9. What historical events might Zephaniah 1:15 be referencing? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Zephaniah 1? 11. Are there any historical or archaeological records supporting the total destruction of the Amalekites described in 1 Samuel 15? 12. Isaiah 47:9 – How could both the sudden loss of children and widowhood happen in “a single day” without the record of any swift catastrophic event matching this description? 13. If Isaiah 45:7 claims God creates both light and darkness, does this contradict other passages suggesting evil originates solely from humanity or Satan? 14. How do we reconcile Zephaniah 3:17's depiction of a rejoicing God with earlier passages describing severe wrath and destruction? What Does Zephaniah 1:15 Mean That day will be a day of wrathZephaniah introduces “that day” as the LORD’s settled, righteous anger poured out on unrepentant sin. • Scripture consistently portrays God’s wrath as measured justice, never arbitrary. Romans 2:5 speaks of storing up “wrath against the day of wrath.” • Revelation 6:17 echoes Zephaniah: “For the great day of Their wrath has come, and who is able to withstand it?”. • Nahum 1:2-6 shows the same holy indignation, reminding us that God’s patience has limits when evil persists. The verse underscores that judgment is certain, and it belongs to God alone. a day of trouble and distress Here Zephaniah moves from the cause (divine wrath) to the human experience of it. • Jeremiah 30:7 calls the coming season “the time of Jacob’s trouble,” yet promises deliverance for those who belong to the LORD. • Jesus spoke of “great distress upon the land” (Luke 21:23) before His return, mirroring this phrase. • For the faithful, Psalm 46:1 offers comfort: “God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.” Trouble and distress expose where we place our security; those rooted in God find refuge even when nations tremble. a day of destruction and desolation Zephaniah intensifies the picture: judgment leaves ruin behind. • Isaiah 13:9 warns, “Behold, the day of the LORD is coming—cruel, with fury and burning anger—to make the earth a desolation.” • Joel 1:15 laments, “Alas for the day! For the Day of the LORD is near, and it will come as destruction from the Almighty.” • Jesus referenced Daniel’s “abomination of desolation” (Matthew 24:15), pointing to both near and ultimate fulfillments. The language is not hyperbole; it reflects real devastation awaiting a world that resists God’s rule. a day of darkness and gloom The imagery shifts to the sky: moral and spiritual blackout accompanies physical calamity. • Amos 5:18-20 asks, “Will not the Day of the LORD be darkness, not light?”—a sobering word for any who think lightly of sin. • Joel 2:2 describes “a day of darkness and gloom” when a vast army advances; the gloom is both literal (smoke, ash) and figurative (loss of hope). Darkness in Scripture often signals judgment (Exodus 10:21-23). Yet John 8:12 promises light for those who follow Christ, even in the darkest hour. a day of clouds and blackness Thick clouds cap the scene, concealing the sun and symbolizing God’s overwhelming presence. • Ezekiel 30:3 announces “a time of doom for the nations. A sword will come against Egypt, and anguish will come upon Cush; when the slain fall in Egypt, its wealth will be carried away and its foundations torn down” amid “a day of clouds.” • Revelation 9:2 pictures smoke from the abyss darkening the sky, linking clouds with end-time judgment. When God comes in power, no earthly light can pierce the gloom—only His mercy can. summary Zephaniah 1:15 strings five escalating images to paint the Day of the LORD: wrath, trouble, destruction, darkness, clouds. Taken literally, the verse warns that judgment is unavoidable for persistent rebellion. Yet within each description Scripture offers threads of hope: refuge in God during trouble, light in Christ amid darkness, deliverance for those who repent. The passage urges every generation to turn to the LORD while there is still time, trusting His salvation to carry us safely through the day that is coming. Verse 15. - That day is a day of wrath; Vulgate, Dies irae, dies illa, words which form the commencement of the famous hymn. The better to describe the terrible nature of the judgment, the prophet crowds together all available expressions of terror and calamity. First, it is a day when God's anger shall blaze forth (Isaiah 9:18). Of trouble and distress. In its effects upon sinners (Job 15:24). Of wasteness and desolation. As if things returned to the primeval chaos (Genesis 1:2; comp. Job 30:3; Job 38:27, where there is a similar combination; see note on Nahum 2:10). Of darkness and gloominess (Joel 2:2; Amos 5:18, 20). Of clouds and thick darkness (Deuteronomy 4:11; comp. Habakkuk 3:11).Parallel Commentaries ... Hebrew Thatהַה֑וּא (ha·hū) Article | Pronoun - third person masculine singular Strong's 1931: He, self, the same, this, that, as, are day will be י֥וֹם (yō·wm) Noun - masculine singular construct Strong's 3117: A day a day הַיּ֣וֹם (hay·yō·wm) Article | Noun - masculine singular Strong's 3117: A day of wrath, עֶבְרָ֖ה (‘eḇ·rāh) Noun - feminine singular Strong's 5678: Overflow, arrogance, fury a day י֧וֹם (yō·wm) Noun - masculine singular construct Strong's 3117: A day of trouble צָרָ֣ה (ṣā·rāh) Noun - feminine singular Strong's 6869: Tightness, a female rival and distress, וּמְצוּקָ֗ה (ū·mə·ṣū·qāh) Conjunctive waw | Noun - feminine singular Strong's 4691: Narrowness, trouble a day י֤וֹם (yō·wm) Noun - masculine singular construct Strong's 3117: A day of destruction שֹׁאָה֙ (šō·’āh) Noun - feminine singular Strong's 7722: A tempest, devastation and desolation, וּמְשׁוֹאָ֔ה (ū·mə·šō·w·’āh) Conjunctive waw | Noun - feminine singular Strong's 4875: Desolation a day י֥וֹם (yō·wm) Noun - masculine singular construct Strong's 3117: A day of darkness חֹ֙שֶׁךְ֙ (ḥō·šeḵ) Noun - masculine singular Strong's 2822: The dark, darkness, misery, destruction, death, ignorance, sorrow, wickedness and gloom, וַאֲפֵלָ֔ה (wa·’ă·p̄ê·lāh) Conjunctive waw | Noun - feminine singular Strong's 653: Duskiness, misfortune, concealment a day י֥וֹם (yō·wm) Noun - masculine singular construct Strong's 3117: A day of clouds עָנָ֖ן (‘ā·nān) Noun - masculine singular Strong's 6051: A cloud, the nimbus, thunder-cloud and blackness, וַעֲרָפֶֽל׃ (wa·‘ă·rā·p̄el) Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular Strong's 6205: Cloud, heavy cloud Links Zephaniah 1:15 NIVZephaniah 1:15 NLT Zephaniah 1:15 ESV Zephaniah 1:15 NASB Zephaniah 1:15 KJV Zephaniah 1:15 BibleApps.com Zephaniah 1:15 Biblia Paralela Zephaniah 1:15 Chinese Bible Zephaniah 1:15 French Bible Zephaniah 1:15 Catholic Bible OT Prophets: Zephaniah 1:15 That day is a day of wrath (Zeph. Zep Zp) |
    |