Definition: I have cut off the nations: their towers are desolate; I made their streets waste, that none passeth by: their cities are destroyed, so that there is no man, that there is none inhabitant.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Zephaniah 3:6. It's a really powerful and dramatic statement about the future. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: This verse describes a complete destruction of nations – essentially, a total annihilation. It’s saying that God is actively destroying these nations with terrible consequences. Let’s unpack it piece by piece: “I have cut off the nations…” : This means God has deliberately taken action to eliminate these nations. He's not just passively allowing things to happen; he’s actively stopping them. “…their towers are desolate.” : Think of towering cities or structures – huge, impressive buildings. These “towers” represent the power and prosperity of these nations. They’re now empty and abandoned. “I made their streets waste…” : This is a key part. The "streets" refer to roads and pathways. They've been ruined, choked with trash, and become unusable. It suggests a complete lack of progress and life. “…that none passeth by.” : There’s no one left to see or experience anything. No travelers, no merchants, no people – just an empty space. “Their cities are destroyed…” : This is the most violent part. The cities themselves have been utterly destroyed. They're crumbling and falling apart. “…so that there is no man, that there is none inhabitant.” : This is the devastating consequence of the destruction. There’s no human life left – no people, no families, nothing at all. It’s a complete absence of humanity. Overall Meaning & Context: Zephaniah 3:6 is a prophetic warning about the end times and the ultimate judgment of God. It speaks of a time when God will punish these nations with utter destruction and emptiness. The verse highlights that God's justice and power are at work, and there’s no escape for those who oppose him. Important Note: It’s important to remember that this is a prophecy . It’s meant to be taken seriously as a glimpse into the future. It doesn’t necessarily mean literal destruction in the way we often imagine. It speaks more about God's judgment and the consequences of rejecting him. Do you want me to: Explain a specific aspect of this verse in more detail (e.g., its symbolism)? Provide some context for the book Zephaniah?