Bible Strands
Zephaniah 3:16
On that day they will say to Jerusalem: “Do not fear, O Zion; do not let your hands fall limp.
Berean Standard Bible
Follow its threads on the canvas →
Study note
Setting — A prophetic voice addresses Jerusalem and Zion, commanding them to cease fear and physical discouragement on a specific future day. This declaration immediately follows the announcement that Yahweh has removed Israel’s punishment and turned back her enemies.
The words — The Hebrew phrase בַּיּוֹם הַהּואּּ (ba/yom ha/hu') translates literally to "on the day that," marking a definitive temporal marker. The imperative אַל־תִּירָאִי (al/tira'î) commands "do not be afraid," directed specifically to Zion.
The thread — The command to reject fear and strengthen discouraged limbs echoes in Isaiah 35:3 and Isaiah 41:10, where Yahweh promises presence and strength. The New Testament later applies this exact imagery to spiritual endurance in Hebrews 12:12.
Why it lands — The text demands immediate obedience to a divine command against paralysis and terror. It requires the reader to recognize that fear is incompatible with the reality of God’s present kingship and saving action.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Hebrew words
King James Version
In that day it shall be said to Jerusalem, Fear thou not: and to Zion, Let not thine hands be slack.
Cross-references
- Hebrews 12:12 Therefore strengthen your limp hands and weak knees.
- Isaiah 35:3 Strengthen the limp hands and steady the feeble knees!
- Isaiah 41:10 Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be afraid, for I am your God. I will strengthen you; I will surely help you; I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.
- Ephesians 3:13 So I ask you not to be discouraged because of my sufferings for you, which are your glory.
- Galatians 6:9 Let us not grow weary in well-doing, for in due time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.
- Isaiah 44:2 This is the word of the LORD, your Maker, who formed you from the womb and who will help you: “Do not be afraid, O Jacob My servant, Jeshurun, whom I have chosen.
- 2 Corinthians 4:1 Therefore, since God in His mercy has given us this ministry, we do not lose heart.
- Revelation 2:3 Without growing weary, you have persevered and endured many things for the sake of My name.
- Job 4:3 Surely you have instructed many, and have strengthened their feeble hands.
- Isaiah 40:9 Go up on a high mountain, O Zion, herald of good news. Raise your voice loudly, O Jerusalem, herald of good news. Lift it up, do not be afraid! Say to the cities of Judah, “Here is your God!”