The Church Fathers on this verse

Zephaniah 3:5Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

The just Lord is in the midst thereof, he will not do iniquity: in the morning, in the morning he will bring his judgment to light, and it shall not be hid: but the wicked man hath not known shame.

Douay-Rheims

יְהוָ֤ה צַדִּיק֙ בְּקִרְבָּ֔הּ לֹ֥א יַעֲשֶׂ֖ה עַוְלָ֑ה בַּבֹּ֨קֶר בַּבֹּ֜קֶר מִשְׁפָּט֨וֹ יִתֵּ֤ן לָאוֹר֙ לֹ֣א נֶעְדָּ֔ר וְלֹֽא־יוֹדֵ֥עַ עַוָּ֖ל בֹּֽשֶׁת׃

Hebrew (Masoretic text)

The Church Fathers on this verse

2 Church Fathers comment on this verse

Cyrill of Alexandria

5th centuryChurch Father

Truth and injustice cannot coexist, nor can purity and impurity be regarded as the same; for “what communion can there be between light and darkness?” (2 Cor. 6:14). It is evident that such contrasting elements are inherently in conflict and far from harmonious. If the Almighty cherishes righteousness and is unacquainted with unrighteousness, how could the transgressions of the Jews persist or go unpunished? It appears that one form of injustice was to overlook the criminal, to refrain from bringing the unrighteous—those who disregarded the law and held in esteem what should rightfully cause shame—to justice. Consequently, since “the Lord is righteous in the midst of Him, and cannot do unrighteousness,” He does not tolerate those who habitually engage in wrongdoing.

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He will execute “His judgment in the morning,” meaning that it will be as evident as daylight, no longer softening the consequences of His wrath but revealing them openly, placing prophetic truths in view of all. He will not permit “offense” to encroach upon “strife” or bring about retribution; for after judgment is rendered upon the wicked, unrighteousness will be entirely eradicated, as there will be no longer any perpetrators. Thus, those who are truly wise should recognize that the Lord delights in truth and does not accept wrongdoers. However, if anyone repents and mourns for their sins, they will encounter His mercy and seek His forgiveness, thereby avoiding the snare and deserved punishment. Yet, if one remains indifferent, unwilling to alter their course toward righteousness and continues to dwell in their sins, they will ultimately perish and fall under the Lord’s wrath, for He does not tolerate sin indefinitely.

Theodoret of Cyrus

5th centuryChurch Father

The Prophet declares that when they boldly commit such deeds in Jerusalem, the Lord remains just within it and cannot act unjustly. His judgment will be revealed in the morning light, and He will not conceal Himself; He cannot tolerate wickedness in suffering or the disputes that arise from wrongdoing. The Lord will swiftly bring retribution upon those who have engaged in such great evil, indicated by the phrase “The morning is morning,” which conveys promptness, while “Into the light” signifies that this will occur publicly and transparently, not behind closed doors. The Lord will accomplish this by striking down the arrogance of iniquity and ensuring it does not triumph in the end.

Cross references

Passages read together with this verse.