Zephaniah

/ˌzɛfəˈnaɪə/ noun

Definition

A Hebrew prophet of the 7th century BCE and the biblical book bearing his name, which contains prophecies of judgment and restoration.

Etymology

From Hebrew Tzefanyah meaning 'Yahweh has hidden' or 'protected by Yahweh', composed of tzafan (to hide) and Yah (shortened form of Yahweh). The name reflects the prophet's message of divine protection for the faithful.

Kelly Says

Zephaniah is unique among the minor prophets for providing his genealogy back four generations, suggesting he may have been of royal blood related to King Hezekiah. His prophecies introduce the concept of 'the Day of the Lord' that would later influence Christian eschatology.

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