Definition: Ye Ethiopians also, ye [shall be] slain by my sword.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Zephaniah 2:12. It’s a really powerful and somewhat unsettling statement. Here's an explanation in simple terms: What it means: This verse is saying that the people of Ethiopia (a region in Africa) will be utterly destroyed by God's hand – specifically, by His sword. Let's unpack it piece by piece: “Zephaniah 2:12” : This refers to a prophecy written by the prophet Zephaniah in ancient Israel. It’s a message of impending doom. “Ye Ethiopians also, ye [shall be] slain…” : "Ye" is a plural pronoun, meaning "you all." So this verse applies to all people who live in Ethiopia. “Also” emphasizes that it's not just one small group; it’s the entire population of Ethiopia. “Shall be slain” means they will die. "...by my sword." : This is the crucial part. It suggests that God is using a specific weapon – His sword – to bring about their destruction. What does this mean in context? This verse has been interpreted in several ways throughout history, and it’s important to understand the original meaning within its ancient Jewish text: A Historical Disaster: The most common interpretation is that this was a prophecy about a devastating invasion by the Egyptians (who controlled Ethiopia at the time) that would ultimately lead to the destruction of Ethiopia. The 'sword' refers to the Egyptian army. A Symbolic Warning: Some scholars believe it’s a more symbolic message – a warning against complacency and wickedness in Ethiopia, urging them to turn away from idolatry and seek God. It could be about resisting oppressive rule or societal corruption. Important Note: The exact meaning of the verse has been debated over centuries. There's no single, universally accepted explanation. --- To help me explain it even better for you , could you tell me: What are you hoping to understand about this verse? (Are you curious about its historical context, its symbolic meaning, or something else?)