The great day of the LORD is near, it is near, and hasteth greatly, even the voice of the day of the LORD: the mighty man shall cry there bitterly.

ZEPHANIAH 1:14KJV
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Zephaniah 1:14 (KJV)

What does Zephaniah 1:14 mean?

Zephaniah 1:14 warns that the "great day of the LORD" is very close and approaching quickly, bringing such fear and distress that even the strongest people will cry out in anguish. The verse emphasizes the nearness and seriousness of this coming day of judgment.

The prophet Zephaniah is speaking to the people of Judah, announcing God's impending judgment because of their unfaithfulness. The "day of the LORD" refers to a time when God will act decisively to punish wrongdoing. The language highlights urgency ("it is near, and hasteth greatly") and the overwhelming nature of what is coming, showing that no one, not even the mighty, will be able to stand confidently.

The Hebrew behind Zephaniah 1:14

  • "Great" (גָּדוֹל, gadol): This word means "large" or "mighty," stressing the significance and magnitude of the coming day.
  • "Near" (קָרוֹב, qarov): Repeated twice for emphasis, this word means "close at hand," underlining that the event is not far off but imminent.
  • "Hasteth greatly" (מַהֵר מְאֹד, maher me'od): The phrase means "coming very quickly," adding to the sense of urgency and inevitability.
  • "Cry" (צָעַק, tsa'aq) and "bitterly" (מָר, mar): The word for "cry" means to call out or wail, and "bitterly" means with deep sorrow or distress, showing that even the strongest ("mighty man") will be overwhelmed by what happens.

Why Zephaniah 1:14 matters

  • Zephaniah 1:14 clears up the idea that God's judgment is distant or uncertain; the repeated language about nearness and speed makes it clear that it is about to happen.
  • The verse emphasizes that no one is exempt from this judgment, not even the "mighty man," which challenges any sense of security based on strength or status.
  • This verse sets the tone for the rest of Zephaniah's warnings, helping the reader understand the seriousness of the coming "day of the LORD" and why the prophet urges people to pay attention.

Where else these words appear

“cry” Hebrew H6873 · used in 2 verses

  • Isaiah 42:13 The LORD shall go forth as a mighty man, he shall stir up jealousy like a man of war: he shall cry, yea, roar; he shall prevail against his enemies.

“hasteth” Hebrew H4118 · used in 17 verses

  • Exodus 32:8 They have turned aside quickly out of the way which I commanded them: they have made them a molten calf, and have worshipped it, and have sacrificed thereunto, and said, These be thy gods, O Israel, which have brought thee up out of the land of Egypt.
  • Deuteronomy 9:12 And the LORD said unto me, Arise, get thee down quickly from hence; for thy people which thou hast brought forth out of Egypt have corrupted themselves; they are quickly turned aside out of the way which I commanded them; they have made them a molten image.
  • Judges 2:23 Therefore the LORD left those nations, without driving them out hastily; neither delivered he them into the hand of Joshua.

“bitterly” Hebrew H4751 · used in 35 verses

  • Genesis 27:34 And when Esau heard the words of his father, he cried with a great and exceeding bitter cry, and said unto his father, Bless me, even me also, O my father.
  • 2 Samuel 2:26 Then Abner called to Joab, and said, Shall the sword devour for ever? knowest thou not that it will be bitterness in the latter end? how long shall it be then, ere thou bid the people return from following their brethren?
  • Ecclesiastes 7:26 And I find more bitter than death the woman, whose heart is snares and nets, and her hands as bands: whoso pleaseth God shall escape from her; but the sinner shall be taken by her.

“near” Hebrew H7138 · used in 76 verses

  • Genesis 19:20 Behold now, this city is near to flee unto, and it is a little one: Oh, let me escape thither,( is it not a little one?) and my soul shall live.
  • 1 Kings 21:2 And Ahab spake unto Naboth, saying, Give me thy vineyard, that I may have it for a garden of herbs, because it is near unto my house: and I will give thee for it a better vineyard than it; or, if it seem good to thee, I will give thee the worth of it in money.
  • Isaiah 51:5 My righteousness is near; my salvation is gone forth, and mine arms shall judge the people; the isles shall wait upon me, and on mine arm shall they trust.