- 1 Zephaniah 1 1 Zephaniah 1 (18 verses in the MT) opens: The word of YHWH which came to Zephaniah the son of Cushi, the son of Gedaliah, the son of Amariah, the son of Hizkiah, in the days of Josiah the son of Amon, king of Judah. The middle of the chapter continues: And it shall come to pass in that day, says YHWH, the noise of a cry from the fish gate, and an howling from the second, and a great crashing from the hills. It closes: Neither their silver nor their gold shall be able to deliver them in the day of YHWH'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.
- 2 Zephaniah 2 2 Zephaniah 2 (15 verses in the MT) opens: Gather yourselves together, yea, gather together, O nation not desired; The middle of the chapter continues: I have heard the reproach of Moab, and the revilings of the children of Ammon, whereby they have reproached my people, and magnified against their border. It closes: This the rejoicing city that dwelt carelessly, that said in her heart, I , and 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, wag his hand.
- 3 Zephaniah 3 3 Zephaniah 3 (20 verses in the MT) opens: Woe to her that is filthy and polluted, to the oppressing city! The middle of the chapter continues: In that day shall you not be ashamed for all your doings, wherein you have transgressed against me: for then I will take away out of the midst of you them that rejoice in your pride, and you shall no more be haughty. It closes: At that time will I bring you , even in the time that I gather you: for I will make you a name and a praise among all people of the earth, when I turn back your captivity before your eyes, says YHWH.