Definition: In that day it shall be said to Jerusalem, Fear thou not: [and to] Zion, Let not thine hands be slack.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Zephaniah 3:16. It's a really important and somewhat dramatic message about the future. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: This verse is telling us that God is going to judge Jerusalem (and Zion, which is often interpreted as referring to Israel) harshly. But he also offers a promise of hope and encourages people to not give up. Let's unpack it word by word: “In that day” : This refers to a specific future time – likely in the near future, possibly around the time of Jesus’s ministry. “It shall be said” : This is a powerful statement – it means this judgment will happen eventually . “To Jerusalem” : God is going to punish Jerusalem, which is the capital city and often seen as representing Israel's spiritual center. “Fear thou not” : This is a crucial part of the message. It’s saying that people shouldn't be terrified – don't worry about the judgment. “[and to] Zion” : This refers to Jerusalem, but it's also interpreted as representing the whole nation of Israel – all of God’s chosen people. “Let not thine hands be slack” : This is the key part that emphasizes hope and action. It means don’t become complacent or stop working for God. Don’t give up on righteousness, justice, and doing what's right. Putting it all together – a simplified interpretation: Zephaniah is warning Jerusalem to prepare for a terrible time. He says that God will ultimately judge them harshly, but he also tells them that they shouldn't be paralyzed by fear. He urges them to remain active and engaged in righteousness, to continue striving for justice and goodness, even when things seem bleak. Important Note: The exact meaning of "Zion" is debated among scholars. It could refer to the entire nation of Israel, or it might symbolize God's people as a whole. --- Disclaimer: I am an AI Chatbot and not a religious expert. This explanation is based on interpretations of biblical texts and should be considered one interpretation amongst many. Do you want me to: Explain another verse? Discuss the context of Zephaniah 3:16 in more detail?