Zephaniah 3:19-20

3:19 Look, at that time I will deal with those who mistreated you.

I will rescue the lame sheep ¹ 

and gather together the scattered sheep.

I will take away their humiliation

and make the whole earth admire and respect them. ² 

3:20 At that time I will lead you –

at the time I gather you together. ³ 

Be sure of this! ⁴  I will make all the nations of the earth respect and admire you ⁵ 

when you see me restore you,” ⁶  says the Lord.

[3:19]  ¹ tn The word “sheep” is supplied for clarification. As in Mic 4:6-7, the exiles are here pictured as injured and scattered sheep whom the divine shepherd rescues from danger.

[3:19]  ² tn Heb “I will make them into praise and a name, in all the earth, their shame.” The present translation assumes that “their shame” specifies “them” and that “name” stands here for a good reputation.

[3:20]  ³ tn In this line the second person pronoun is masculine plural, indicating that the exiles are addressed.

[3:20]  ⁴ tn Or “for.”

[3:20]  ⁵ tn Heb “I will make you into a name and praise among all the peoples of the earth.” Here the word “name” carries the nuance of “good reputation.”

[3:20]  ⁶ tn Heb “when I restore your fortunes to your eyes.” See the note on the phrase “restore them” in 2:7.