I will also stretch out mine hand upon Judah, and upon all the inhabitants of Jerusalem; and I will cut off the remnant of Baal from this place, and the name of the Chemarims with the priests;

ZEPHANIAH 1:4KJV
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Zephaniah 1:4 (KJV)

What does Zephaniah 1:4 mean?

Zephaniah 1:4 describes God declaring that He will act in judgment against Judah and Jerusalem, removing all traces of Baal worship and the names of idolatrous priests from the land. The verse signals a coming end to idol worship and those who led it among God’s people.

The prophet Zephaniah is speaking on behalf of God to the people of Judah, specifically those living in Jerusalem. The situation is one of warning: God is about to punish the nation for turning to idols, especially Baal, and for allowing certain priests—called "Chemarims"—to lead people astray. The verse emphasizes that God’s judgment will be thorough, targeting both the practices and the people involved in false worship.

The Hebrew behind Zephaniah 1:4

  • בַּעַל (Baal, H1168): This word refers to the Canaanite storm and fertility god. Mentioning Baal highlights that the people had adopted foreign, forbidden worship practices, which was a major reason for God’s judgment.
  • כְּמָרִים (Chemarims, H3649): This term is often understood as "idolatrous priests" or "black-robed priests." These were not the regular priests (כֹּהֲנִים, kohanim, H3548) of Israel, but those who served idols. The verse distinguishes between these two groups, showing that God’s judgment is especially aimed at those who promoted idol worship.
  • שֵׁם (shem, H8034): Meaning "name," this word here signals not just the removal of people, but the erasing of their reputation and memory. God’s judgment is so complete that even the names of these idolatrous priests will be forgotten.

Why Zephaniah 1:4 matters

  • Zephaniah 1:4 clarifies that God’s judgment is not just against idol worship in general, but specifically targets the leaders and structures that supported it within His own people.
  • The verse connects to the wider passage by showing that God’s coming judgment is thorough and leaves no room for compromise with idolatry; even the memory of false worship will be erased.
  • Understanding the distinction between the "Chemarims" and the regular priests helps readers see the seriousness of mixing true worship with foreign practices, a key issue for the prophets.

Where else these words appear

“Chemarims” Hebrew H3649 · used in 3 verses

  • 2 Kings 23:5 And he put down the idolatrous priests, whom the kings of Judah had ordained to burn incense in the high places in the cities of Judah, and in the places round about Jerusalem; them also that burned incense unto Baal, to the sun, and to the moon, and to the planets, and to all the host of heaven.
  • Hosea 10:5 The inhabitants of Samaria shall fear because of the calves of Bethaven: for the people thereof shall mourn over it, and the priests thereof that rejoiced on it, for the glory thereof, because it is departed from it.

“remnant” Hebrew H7605 · used in 25 verses

  • 1 Chronicles 11:8 And he built the city round about, even from Millo round about: and Joab repaired the rest of the city.
  • Nehemiah 11:1 And the rulers of the people dwelt at Jerusalem: the rest of the people also cast lots, to bring one of ten to dwell in Jerusalem the holy city, and nine parts to dwell in other cities.
  • Isaiah 11:11 And it shall come to pass in that day, that the Lord shall set his hand again the second time to recover the remnant of his people, which shall be left, from Assyria, and from Egypt, and from Pathros, and from Cush, and from Elam, and from Shinar, and from Hamath, and from the islands of the sea.

“Baal” Hebrew H1168 · used in 68 verses

  • Judges 2:11 And the children of Israel did evil in the sight of the LORD, and served Baalim:
  • 1 Kings 19:18 Yet I have left me seven thousand in Israel, all the knees which have not bowed unto Baal, and every mouth which hath not kissed him.
  • 2 Chronicles 17:3 And the LORD was with Jehoshaphat, because he walked in the first ways of his father David, and sought not unto Baalim;