Book of Zephaniah - Chapter 1 - Verse 14

The verse "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." is a warning of impending judgment and the coming of the day of the LORD. In the context of the Bible, the day of the LORD signifies a time of reckoning, when God will intervene in human affairs to bring judgment upon the wicked and deliverance to the righteous. The repetition of "it is near, and hasteth greatly" emphasizes the urgency and imminence of this day. The mention of the mighty man crying bitterly indicates that even the strongest and most powerful individuals will not be able to escape the judgment that is to come. This verse serves as a reminder to heed God's warnings and turn from wickedness before it is too late.

When examining the theological interpretation of the verse from Zephaniah 1:14, it is crucial to understand the context in which it was written. The prophet Zephaniah is warning the people of Judah about the impending judgment of the Lord due to their disobedience and sin. The repetition of the phrase "the great day of the Lord is near" emphasizes the urgency and seriousness of the situation. This day is described as hastening greatly, signifying the swift approach of divine judgment. The mention of the mighty man crying bitterly suggests that even the strong and powerful will not be able to escape the consequences of their actions.

Furthermore, a word study on the phrase "the great day of the Lord" reveals its significance in biblical prophecy as a day of reckoning and divine justice. Throughout the Bible, this phrase is often associated with the final judgment and the establishment of God's kingdom on earth. The use of powerful language in this verse underscores the magnitude of the events that will unfold on this day, serving as a stark warning to those who continue in disobedience and rebellion against God.