I will also leave in the midst of thee an afflicted and poor people, and they shall trust in the name of the LORD.

ZEPHANIAH 3:12KJV
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Zephaniah 3:12 (KJV)

What does Zephaniah 3:12 mean?

Zephaniah 3:12 describes how God promises to leave a group of humble and needy people in Jerusalem, and these people will put their trust in the name of the LORD. Instead of the proud or self-reliant, those who remain will be those who depend on God.

The prophet Zephaniah is speaking to the people of Jerusalem during a time of warning and judgment. After describing coming punishment, Zephaniah shares that God will preserve a faithful remnant—people who are described as "afflicted and poor"—who will rely on God rather than themselves or their resources.

The Hebrew behind Zephaniah 3:12

  • "Afflicted" (עָנִי, ʿani): This word often means someone who is humble, oppressed, or lowly, not just financially poor but also those who have been brought low by circumstances. It highlights the kind of people God values in this context.
  • "Poor" (דַּל, dal): This word refers to those who lack power, influence, or wealth. The pairing with "afflicted" emphasizes both humility and neediness.
  • "Trust" (חָסָה, chasah): This word means to seek refuge or to put confidence in someone for protection. Here, it shows that the remnant's hope and safety come from relying on God, not on their own strength.
  • "Name" (שֵׁם, shem): In Hebrew thought, "name" often stands for a person's character or reputation. Trusting in the "name of the LORD" (יְהוָה, YHWH) means trusting in God's character and faithfulness.

Why Zephaniah 3:12 matters

  • Zephaniah 3:12 clarifies that God's concern is not for the powerful or self-sufficient, but for those who are humble and recognize their need for Him.
  • The verse connects to the larger message of Zephaniah, showing that after judgment, God will restore a faithful group who depend on Him alone.
  • Understanding the original words for "afflicted" and "poor" helps readers see that God values humility and trust, not just outward religious practice or status.

Where else these words appear

“trust” Hebrew H2620 · used in 36 verses

  • Deuteronomy 32:37 And he shall say, Where are their gods, their rock in whom they trusted,
  • Psalms 18:2 The LORD is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust; my buckler, and the horn of my salvation, and my high tower.
  • Psalms 71:1 In thee, O LORD, do I put my trust: let me never be put to confusion.

“poor” Hebrew H1800 · used in 46 verses

  • Exodus 23:3 Neither shalt thou countenance a poor man in his cause.
  • Psalms 41:1 To the chief Musician, A Psalm of David. Blessed is he that considereth the poor: the LORD will deliver him in time of trouble.
  • Proverbs 28:11 The rich man is wise in his own conceit; but the poor that hath understanding searcheth him out.

“afflicted” Hebrew H6041 · used in 78 verses

  • Exodus 22:25 If thou lend money to any of my people that is poor by thee, thou shalt not be to him as an usurer, neither shalt thou lay upon him usury.
  • Psalms 34:6 This poor man cried, and the LORD heard him, and saved him out of all his troubles.
  • Proverbs 31:20 She stretcheth out her hand to the poor; yea, she reacheth forth her hands to the needy.

“leave” Hebrew H7604 · used in 123 verses

  • Genesis 7:23 And every living substance was destroyed which was upon the face of the ground, both man, and cattle, and the creeping things, and the fowl of the heaven; and they were destroyed from the earth: and Noah only remained alive, and they that were with him in the ark.
  • Joshua 13:1 Now Joshua was old and stricken in years; and the LORD said unto him, Thou art old and stricken in years, and there remaineth yet very much land to be possessed.
  • Ezra 9:15 O LORD God of Israel, thou art righteous: for we remain yet escaped, as it is this day: behold, we are before thee in our trespasses: for we cannot stand before thee because of this.