Intercontinental Church of God - Chicago Church
Affiliated with the Garner Ted Armstrong Evangelistic Association

                Considered a teaching, initiated in the days of the Worldwide Church of God, and still maintained within most of the varied and numerous Sabbath-keeping Churches of God today; is the belief that when Jesus Christ returns to set up the Kingdom of God on earth, God will give every human being a new language, one pure and distinct universal  language.

                For many, it is understood that at the commencement of the Millennium, the wonderful World Tomorrow, and continuing into the time of the second resurrection judgment period, there will be only one language spoken by all nations of the earth; a new language, which every human being will speak.

                 Is this teaching true? Is it true that at the return of Christ until the fulfillment of the Great Eighth Day (the Last Great Day), the world, that is to say, every human being will speak one language; a new universal language?

                Will God give all the nations a new and singular language (one language) when Jesus Christ returns to establish the Kingdom of God here on earth?

                Does Zephaniah 3:9 reveal to us that all the nations will be given, by God, the ability to speak one new language or will God clean up and purge, making pure, the lips of the people?

Will people everywhere living into the Millennium, be liberated from the language barrier, which separates the nations today; the language barrier that has existed since the Tower of Babel?

Will these people have removed from them their native tongue, their spoken language, only to be given by God the mind to speak one new language; all speaking the same language?

            In view of this concept, there are those who believe the actual new and only one language, which will be spoken during the Millennium and into the second resurrection period, will be the Hebrew language, which of course these proponents believe was the original language spoken by Adam.

            Do the Scriptures support the one new language teaching or do the Scriptures indicate there will still be varied and different language(s) among the nation(s) of the earth well into the Millennium?

            Is it possible that the one new language teaching is erroneous; as a result of a wrong interpretation of the only Bible verse which was used to support this idea?

Is it possible that the premise originally conceived was false, and consequently this teaching is in error?

Can God accomplish His objective of a harmonious, serene, wonderful world tomorrow; a productive, God-oriented, Christ-ruled millennial existence, in which there is cooperation and peace among all the nations of the world; all this being accomplished without a one, universal new language spoken by every human being?

Is it possible for nations to live in harmony and peace with one another even if they all do not speak the same language?

 Does not the Bible give record of a time when Israel was at peace with its neighboring nations, even though each spoke a different language, other than the language which Israel spoke?

Can salvation and eternal life be granted to those individuals who come up in the second resurrection even if these individuals come up speaking their innate native tongue, their birth language, their learnt language?

Is language somehow an impediment to the Salvation Process and the giving of eternal life, so much so that God must provide a new universal language for all the nations? Or can God grant eternal life, regardless of the language one speaks?

Based on the one Bible verse (Zephaniah 3:9) that is used to justify the new language, the one pure language teaching, do we learn that humanity indeed will be given one new language; or is the Bible, and in particular, this one verse, communicating something entirely different?

What exactly does the Bible teach regarding the concept of one new language being given to all the nations and peoples of the earth at the return of Christ?

Let us search the Scriptures for the answer.

Zephaniah 3:9 – What does this verse reveal?

Zephaniah 3:9 is the only Bible verse that has been used to support the “one new language” teaching. This verse reads as follows:  for then I will turn to the people a pure language, that they may all call upon the name of the Lord, to serve him with one consent.

The King James Version (KJV) has been quoted above and the particular phrase of concern, which the King James translators wrote is pure language.

To start, we can logically see the phrase pure language (which is used here) is different from the phrase one language or new language. Neither phrase one language nor new language was written by the KJV translators.

What about other translations or Bible versions of this verse. What do they communicate to us?

Notice the New American Standard Bible version: for then I will give to the peoples purified lips, that all of them may call on the name of the Lord, to serve Him shoulder to shoulder.

Next, the New Revised Standard version: At that time I will change the speech of the peoples to a pure speech, that all may call on the name of the Lord and serve him with one accord.

Now the Revised English Bible version: Then I shall restore pure lips to all peoples that they may invoke the Lord by name and serve him with one accord.

Notice the New American Bible: For then I will change and purify the lips of the peoples that they may all call upon the name of the Lord, to serve him with one accord.

Notice the New Jerusalem Bible: Yes, then I shall purge the lips of the peoples, so that all may invoke the name of Yahweh and serve him shoulder to shoulder.

One more version; the New International Version: Then I will purify the lips of the peoples, that all may call on the name of the Lord and serve him shoulder to shoulder.

Is Zephaniah 3:9 communicating the idea of a one language, a new universal language being given to the people (to the nations) or is something else being communicated here?

What is meant by the phrase pure language, as the King James translators used?

What is meant by the phrases; purify the lips, restore pure lips, pure speech, purge the lips?

Why are different translations rendered?

Just what is being communicated to us in this verse?

Are all the different translations actually communicating the same understanding?

As we continue in this study, it will become clear why these different translational phrases, which we have read above, were written the way they were.

To understand the meaning of this verse; to understand what is being communicated to us, even as we read the various translations, we need to understand the context of the verse.

In addition, logically, an understanding of original Hebrew words and their definitions or meanings will be most helpful.

Zephaniah 3:9 in the original Hebrew text

As quoted directly from the Interlinear Bible (an English Bible translation in which the Old Testament has been taken from the Hebrew Masoretic Text), Zephaniah 3:9 states the following: for then I will change to the peoples a lip clear, to call of all them by the name of Yahweh, to serve him with shoulder one.

Cleaning up this verse to sound more grammatically correct, we would read it as follows: For then I will give a clear lip to the people that they all call by the name of Jehovah, to serve him with one shoulder.

The phrase that was rendered pure language in the KJV is rendered clear lip in the Interlinear Bible.

Once again we notice that neither phrase one language nor a new language was communicated, even when reading from the original Hebrew.

The phrases a pure language or a clear lip are both translated from the Hebrew phrase barar ((pronounced baw-rar) (Strong’s 1305)) sahphah ((pronounced saw-faw), (Strong’s 8193)).

Of course since Hebrew writing is read from right to left (as opposed to the English which is read from left to right), the Hebrew phrase would read sahphah barar. Literally translated, this phrase would be read as either language pure or lip clear. Translated in the English language we would change the word order to read pure language or clear lip and so we understand the phrase barar sahphah.

In order to understand whether (or not) Zephaniah 3:9 is explaining that all nations, all people across the earth will be given a new language or one language, let us next take a look at each Hebrew word and understand the meaning of each; let us understand what the Hebrew language is communicating to us.

The Hebrew Word Barar 

The meaning or definition of the Hebrew word barar is: a prim root; to clarify (i.e. brighten) examine, select, make bright, choice, chosen, cleanse (be clean), clearly, polished, (show self) pure (ify), purge (out).

The word barar was the Hebrew word written in Zephaniah 3:9 and either of the English words pure or clear are correctly translated and appropriate, given the context (as we will continue to understand).

Of interest, notice what Hebrew words (as then translated into English) were not used when Zephaniah wrote what he did.

Neither of the two following Hebrew words were used in Zephaniah 3:9.

1) chaadash (Strong’s 2319 meaning new, fresh, new thing).

2) beriah (Strong’s 1278 meaning a creation, a novelty, a new thing).

Likewise, when we read Zephaniah 3:9, we do not read any English word which is translated from the Hebrew word echad (Strong’s 259 meaning one or united, only – expressing the ordinal number/concept or relating to that which is singular in existence).

In Zephaniah 3:9, we do not read of a one or a new language. Rather we read of a pure or a clear (barar) language.

As applied to Zephaniah 3:9, in its context, barar means pure or clear, not one or new.

Now, let us ask: should we conclude that the word language is the correct KJV translated word, which should be used in Zephaniah 3:9 or is there another understanding being communicated to us?

Is there a more appropriate word which the KJV translators should have used rather than having used the English word language?

The Hebrew Word Sahphah

The meaning or definition of the Hebrew word sahphah is: lip, lips, language, speech, talk (vain) words, shore, bank, brink, brim, side, edge, boarder, binding. 

The Hebrew word sahphah is used a total of 165 times in the Scriptures. Most frequently and the vast majority of the time, when sahphah is used in the Scriptures, it is translated as lip(s); referring to the organ of speech we call the lips.

There are some dozen times in total sahphah is translated as bank, brink, brim, side, edge, boarder, binding.

 In the KJV, sahphah was translated (by the 1611 translators) as the English word language only seven times.

The primary meaning or definition of sahphah is not that of a spoken language (the linguistic sound uttered by the peoples of a particular region, nation, etc); rather that of lips, or one’s speech as associated with the lips.

In the KJV Bible, we read the English word language(s) a total of 34 times. The more frequently used Hebrew word, as translated into English for language is lashown or leshonah (Strong’s 3956). The meaning of this word is tongue, babbler, talker, language, speaker. Leshonah is more often translated as tongue.

When lashown or leshonah is used in the Scriptures, it is most consistently translated as the tongue, the organ found in one’s mouth, necessary to produce speech, as associated with one’s spoken language.

Both Hebrew words sahphah and lashown (or leshonah) are rarely translated directly as the English word language (the linguistic utterance emanating from the mouth, as associated with the nation or region one lives); for that concept of language is not the expressed or primary meaning of either word.

In Zephaniah 3:9, the written Hebrew word was sahphah. As defined in its context, sahphah expresses the concept of the lips, the organ of speech associated with one’s talk or speech.

The Hebrew word sahphah expresses the fact that the lips are the gate of speech, across which one’s language is pronounced and flows out into the air to be heard in the ear. Speech is uttered through or across the lips, which is the brim or boarder, the edge of one’s expression of thought.

Lip(s) and language can be synonymous, for both define that which is the verbal expression of one’s thoughts.

Likewise, tongue and language can be synonymous. The tongue is an organ of speech and one’s innate or birth tongue is the language one speaks, having been taught to speak from birth.

In addition to one’s birth language, an individual can learn to speak another language or other languages. For example, instead of just speaking the English language, one can go to school to learn to speak French, German, Spanish, Japanese, etc. Consequently one can be multi-lingual (multi-tongued).

In the Old Testament, the more common expression for language is tongue (lashown (or leshonah)). Notice Genesis 10:5, 20 and 31, where tongue(s) (lashown) is unmistakably used to communicate the idea of language.

Likewise, we find this concept taught and expounded in the New Testament when we read of the Pentecost Miracle. Now when this was noised abroad, the multitude came together and were confounded, because that every man heard them speak in his own language. And they were all amazed and marvelled saying one to another, Behold are not all these which speak Galileans?  And how hear we every man in our own tongue, wherein we were born? (Acts 2:6-8 KJV)

Paul asks the question: Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels … (1 Corinthians 13:1). Clearly, Paul was expressing the concept of the language of men or the language of angels. From this phrase, we can understand that tongue and language can be synonymous.

Once again, the idea that language is related to the speech organ called the tongue, as we read in 1 Corinthians 14:23: If therefore the whole church be come together into one place and all speak with tongues ….

Both the lips and the tongue are necessary for the production of speech and both convey an association with the speech or language one would speak.

Language and lips, just like language and tongue can be synonymous.

Yet, the overwhelming number of times sahphah is used in the scriptures, it is translated and meant to convey an understanding of lips, the organ of speech located at the edge or brim of the mouth.

Now was Zephaniah 3:9 referring to language or lip (the lips)?

Was Zephaniah referring to a pure or a clear language or a pure or a clear lip; or both? Or was he communicating something else? 

Clearly, however Zephaniah was not talking about one or a new language or lip.

Zephaniah 3:9 in context

The book of Zephaniah is all of three chapters. Zephaniah was a prophet who was sent to Judah in the days of Josiah, circa 625BC and shortly thereafter. Josiah enacted many righteous reforms, but after Josiah died, the leaders and the people reverted to their sinful ways.

In prophesying to the children of Judah, Zephaniah writes: I will also stretch out mine hand upon Judah, and upon all the inhabitants of Jerusalem; and I will cut off the remnant of Baal from this place, and the name of the Chemarims with the priests; And them that worship the host of heaven upon the housetops; and them that worship and that swear by the Lord, and that swear by Malcham; And them that are turned back from the Lord; and those that have not sought the Lord, nor enquired for him (Zephaniah 1:4-6).

Judah was guilty of committing grievous sins before the Eternal. Two particular sins they committed constantly, for which God made clear, He would destroy and stretch out His hand against Judah, was the sin of idolatry and the sin of worshipping the pagan gods of the nations surrounding them.

How often within the prophecies was it said of Israel and Judah that their worship of the Lord was in vain, as they went after the heathen gods, worshipping the hosts of heaven and following after and serving Baal.

More grievous was their mixed religious practices; worshipping (swear by, speaking the names of) Yahweh and Baal at the same time, in the same service, so to speak.

Through all of the prophets’ writings, it was made clear, Israel and Judah both would go into captivity as a result of their Sabbath breaking, the breaking of the land sabbaths and their worship of the pagan gods of the nations surrounding them, as they rejected the true worship of the God of Israel.

Zephaniah made it clear; Judah was impure and polluted before God; their worship was contaminated, tainted and filthy before their God, the only True God. They constantly brought the names of the pagan gods to their lips.

Now, let us continue reading of God’s rebuke of Judah and its capital Jerusalem, as we read in the 3^rd chapter of Zephaniah.  Woe to her that is filthy and polluted, to the oppressing city! She obeyed not the voice; she received not correction; she trusted not in the Lord; she drew not near to her God. Her princes within her are roaring lions; her judges are evening wolves; they gnaw not the bones till the morrow (Zephaniah 3:1-3).

Judah, to whom Zephaniah is writing, was unfaithful to God Almighty.

Let us now continue, reading Zephaniah 3:4–17, in context.

Her prophets are light and treacherous persons: her priests have polluted the sanctuary, they have done violence to the law. The just Eternal is in the midst thereof; he will not do iniquity: every morning doth he bring his judgment to light, he faileth not; but the unjust knoweth no shame. 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. I said, Surely thou wilt fear me, thou wilt receive instruction; so their dwelling should not be cut off, howsoever I punished them: but they rose early, and corrupted all their doings. Therefore wait ye upon me, saith the Eternal, until the day that I rise up to the prey: for my determination is to gather the [nations], that I may assemble the kingdoms, to pour upon them mine indignation, even all my fierce anger: for all the earth shall be devoured with the fire of my jealousy. For then will I turn to the [people] a pure language that they may all call upon the name of the Eternal, to serve him with one consent. From beyond the rivers of Ethiopia my suppliants, even the daughter of my dispersed, shall bring mine offering. In that day shalt thou not be ashamed for all thy doings, wherein thou hast transgressed against me: for then I will take away out of the midst of thee them that rejoice in thy pride, and thou shalt no more be haughty because of my holy mountain. I will also leave in the midst of thee an afflicted and poor people, and they shall trust in the name of the Eternal. The remnant of Israel shall not do iniquity, nor speak lies; neither shall a deceitful tongue be found in their mouth: for they shall feed and lie down, and none shall make them afraid. Sing, O daughter of Zion; shout, O Israel; be glad and rejoice with all the heart, O daughter of Jerusalem. The Eternal hath taken away thy judgments, he hath cast out thine enemy: the king of Israel, even the Eternal, is in the midst of thee: thou shalt not see evil any more. In that day it shall be said to Jerusalem, Fear thou not: and to Zion, Let not thine hands be slack. The Eternal thy God in the midst of thee is mighty; he will save, he will rejoice over thee with joy; he will rest in his love, he will joy over thee with singing (Zephaniah 3:4–17).

            (The [bracketed words] we will discuss shortly.)

To summarize these verses, we see God’s involvement with His people, in particular the Children of Judah.

Verse 6-7, Zephaniah explains that God’s judgment on the other nations should have been a stern warning to the Children of Judah, but they would not receive instruction nor would they repent.

Verse 8 – this summary verse will be fulfilled at the time of the Tribulation, just prior to Christ’s return, when God will pour out judgment and punishment on all the nations of the earth.

Verses 9-17 describes the Millennium at which time God will provide for the people a pure language which will allow harmonious worship of God; allowing one religion to be kept consensually by Israel and Judah [both  who are God’s people, His chosen]. God’s people will come back to Him and Israel will no longer do iniquity, will not speak lies, nor have a deceitful tongue. All Israel will trust in God and shall be at peace. God’s suppliants, the children of His dispersed, all those whom God sent into captivity, as their punishment for disobedience, will come back to God, bringing His required offerings, which God will accept.

Specifically and unequivocally, Zephaniah, the 3^rd chapter is speaking to the children of Judah and the children of Israel. God’s people are the point of interest, the subject of the matter; the recipients of Zephaniah’s message.

Regarding the Bracketed Words

What is interesting and very relevant in the discussion of the one or new language teaching is the awareness of just who it is God was talking to in the book of Zephaniah.

It is clear that the Zephaniah’s prime audience was not the nations, but Judah and Israel.

The bracketed words reveal proof of this fact.

The English word nations as read in verses 6 and 8, is translated from the Hebrew word gohyim or goy (Strong’s 1471). This Hebrew word communicates the concept of a foreign nation, a gentile nation, a pagan or heathen nation or peoples.

Gohyim, as taken in context in Zephaniah 3 does not refer to Israelites or the Children of Judah. Gohyim are gentile nations, gentile people.

People, as we read in verse 9, is translated from the Hebrew word am (Strong’s 5971), and its meaning is a tribe, a flock, a congregated unit, a nation.

The English word people in verse 9 is not translated from the Hebrew word gohyim.

The etymology of the Hebrew word am expresses the concept of a people who are viewed by one of themselves. In other words, people who are like the one discussing them.  

Both Zephaniah and God had something in common with the people God said He would turn to or give a pure or clear lip or language. The people under discussion in Zephaniah 3:9 are the Children of Judah (and Israel); not the nations of the earth.

Additional information regarding gohyim and am reveals to us that:

1)      Gohyim or goy is considered a derogatory term for non-Israelites or heathen people.

2)      Gohyim or goy refers to a group of people or nation usually with territorial or governmental overtones; a group of individuals who are united with respect to language, land and government. In general, goy is a grouping of people, of mixed association, but united.

3)      Am bears subjective and personal overtones, showing a familial or personal relationship.

4)      Am more often refers to the whole of the nation formed and united primarily by their descent from a common ancestor; possessing strong blood ties, social interrelationships and interaction.

5)      The word am suggests subjective personal interrelationships based on common familial ancestry and/or a covenantal union, while goy suggests a political entity with a land of its own.

6)      Goy does not necessarily emphasize blood tie, rather a mixed-race of people. If blood ties are emphasized, the blood is non-Israelitish.

7)      Am emphasizes a flock and this emphasis is not to be overlooked. Israel is considered God’s flock. God’s promise to Israel is that He will gather them and protect them as a shepherd does His flock. Thus shall they know that I the Lord their God am with them, and that they even the house of Israel are my people, saith the Lord God. And ye are my flock, the flock of my pasture, men and I am your God, saith the Lord (Ezekiel 34:30-31).

When God spoke to Judah through the prophet Zephaniah, informing them that He would provide a clear or pure lip, He was speaking to His am and not to the gohyim.

God was not telling the nations that He would provide for them a pure language or a pure lip.

God was telling Judah, specifically His people; He would provide for them a pure language or a pure lip. God was showing Israel (and Judah) that they will be separated from the nations. This theme is consistent within the books of the prophets.

For example, consider Ezekiel 34:28-30 speaking of Israel: and they shall no more be a prey to the heathen [gohyim], neither shall the beasts of the land devour them; but they shall dwell safely and none shall make them afraid. And I will raise up for them a plant of renown, and they shall no more be consumed with hunger of the land, neither bear the shame of the heathen [gohyim] any more. Thus shall they know that I the Lord their God am with them and they, the House of Israel are my people [am], saith the Lord God.

Likewise we read: And say unto them, thus saith the Lord God, Behold I will take the children of Israel from among the heathen [gohyim] whither they be gone and will gather them on every side and bring them into their own land … Moreover I will make a covenant of peace with them; it shall be an ever lasting covenant with them: and I will place them and multiply them and will set my sanctuary in the midst of them for evermore. My tabernacle also shall be with them: yea, I will be their God and they shall be my people [am]. And the heathen [gohyim] shall know that I am the Lord that do sanctify Israel, when my sanctuary shall be in the midst of them for evermore (Ezekiel 37:21, 26-28).

Specifically, Zephaniah was speaking to God’s people [am] and not to the nations [gohyim].

In Zephaniah 3:9, it is Israel, and in particular, the Children of Judah (and not the nations), who will receive from God a pure lip or a pure language.

Taken in context, Zephaniah 3:9 reveals

that God will literally provide for, will turn to His people a pure lip.

As taken in context, as read above, we learn that The Almighty, through the writing of Zephaniah is communicating a splendid fact that in the Millennium, Israel will worship [only] the one and only True God. Israel will finally be at peace and at peace with God because the nations of Judah and Israel will worship Him in unity, with full consent, shoulder to shoulder, in one accord.

This theme is consistent throughout the prophets. Israel will worship Jesus Christ and will live under His rule and authority. Israel and Judah will understand the truth of God and will learn of Him and will worship Him.

When the God of Israel, known as Jesus Christ returns to the earth to commence His Millennial reign, He will purify the lips of Judah and Israel, providing the people a pure lip, allowing Israel to call upon Him with pure lips, with lips that are no longer defiled.

In order for true worship to be enacted, the lips, the mouth and the heart of the people will need to be purged, cleansed and renewed; purified and cleared. This reality is the actually and is a primary concept realized as part of baptism, conversion and the salvation process.

No longer will Israel worship the pagan gods, taking the names of these gods to their mouths, letting those names pass across their lips; but Christ will clean their lips, purifying their lips, fitting His people for service and worship of Him.

God turns to (gives and provides for) Israel a pure lip, by purifying their sinful lips and removing the names of the pagan gods from them. He does so in order that the people may be able to call upon him with pure lips. 

Notice in principle how this can be done. Consider Isaiah 6:5-7. Then said I, Woe is me! For I am undone: because I am a man of unclean lips and I dwell in the midst of people [Hebrew: am] of unclean lips: for mine eyes have seen the King, the Lord of Hosts. Then flew one of the seraphims unto me, having a live coal in his hand which he had taken with the tongs from off the altar: And he laid it upon my mouth and said, Lo this hath touched thy lips and thine iniquity is taken away and thy sin is purged.

The concept of the touching of the lips, to purify them is also found in the book of Daniel. Notice Daniel 10:16: And behold one like the similitude of the sons of men touched my lips: then I opened my mouth and spake ….

In the book of Malachi, we learn that the lips of the priests must be pure and sinless, as they have a duty and responsibility before God, to offer right words of worship and truth.

Notice Malachi 2:5-7, my covenant was with him of life and peace and I gave them to him for the fear wherewith he feared me and was afraid before my name. The law of truth was in his mouth and iniquity was not found in his lips: he walked with me in peace and equity and did turn many away from iniquity. For the priest’s lips should keep knowledge and they should seek the law at his mouth; for he is the messenger of the Lord of hosts.

In the three Scripture verses, we just read above, in all occurrences, the English word lips is translated from the Hebrew word sahphah.

God will turn to the Children of Israel and Judah

a pure lip so they can call upon Him and serve Him in truth

In Zephaniah 3:9, sahphah does not mean, it is not to be interpreted as language (the speech or linguistic sound uttered from the mouth as a result of one’s nationality or region in which one lives).

Rather sahphah is properly translated as lip, referring to the organ of speech we call the lips, from which every human being expresses the thoughts of his heart, his mind, his character, his nature and his form of worship.

As is clearly evident in the history of mankind, even evident today, men’s lips (regardless of the language(s) they speak) are defiled by the worship of and the pronouncement of the names of their false gods.

And so was the sin of Israel and Judah. And this evil will be rectified as the lips of the Children of Israel, will be purged, and will be made clear and pure (barar), when Christ returns.

Speaking of the restoration of Israel, to a pure form of worship, with purified lips, at the return of Christ, consider Hosea 2:17: For I will take away the names of Baalim out of her mouth and they shall be no more remembered by their names.

Zachariah 13:2 reveals that at the commencement of the Millennium, Christ will cut off the names of the idols out of the land and they shall be no more remembered ….

Notice David’s confession unto God; Psalm 16:4. Their sorrow shall be multiplied that hasten after another god; their drink offering of blood will I not offer, nor take up their names into my lips.

True worship of God is found in pure lips, being faithful to the command, and in all things that I have said unto you be circumspect: and make no mention of the names of other gods, neither let it be heard out of thy mouth (Exodus 23:13).

When God turns to Israel pure and clear, clean and purged lips, they will call upon the name of God and worship Him with one consent, in one accord. Israel will serve God, serving Christ as the King of the earth, in unanimity, shoulder to shoulder, with one consent.

A pure language or a clear lip explains not the concept of a language spoken which is native to one’s nationality but rather to the purity of worship and integrity of the mouth, which God will require, and the right kind of lips and attitude one must have in order to worship God.

At his return Christ will intervene to stop the pagan, idol-worship which is prevalent within Modern-day Israel and in every religion extant on the earth today (cf. Micah 5:13-15). Ironically, in many ways modern, nominal Christianity promotes idolatry and pagan worship. The names of the pagan gods are voiced across the lips of many Christians.

Whereas Israel practiced pagan idolatry, they will, once they are provided with purified lips, worship Christ and speak only His name.

The purifying of the lips of Israel signifies the renewal and purification of a speech, heart and mind and the language of worship, which was once defilement to God. The blasphemies spoken will be forgiven and the hearts of the people will be set in service and worship of God, as their lips, their mouth, and their tongues will speak of the God of truth. With pure lips they will call upon the name of God. So Zephaniah 3:9 confirms.

Whosoever Will Call Upon the Name of the Lord

Just as this promise has been given to God’s Firstfruits, the Church today, so it will be offered to those in the Millennium and those brought up in the second resurrection judgment. Notice: and it shall come to pass that whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be saved (Acts 2:21)

Paul taught Timothy to flee also youthful lusts: but follow righteousness, faith, charity, peace with them that call on the Lord out of a pure heart (2 Timothy 2:22).

Notice: But what saith it? The word is nigh thee, even in thy mouth and in thy heart: that is the word of faith, which we preach. That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus and shalt believe in thine heart that God raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believes unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. For as the scripture saith. Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed. For there is no difference between Jew and Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him. For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved (Romans 10:8-13).

Certainly, we can understand in principle and practice, the fact that Israel (at Christ’s return) and the nations will have a new language of worship; a new and purified, clear and clean lips when it comes to God. No longer will Israel or the nations have defiled lips that speak the names of pagan gods, which could never save the people.

The lips and the tongues of the nations will be purified and purged, as they all will be able to call on the name of the Eternal; not on the names of Allah, Buddha or any other pagan, Satan-inspired deity know today or known throughout history.

Even those who abuse the name of Christ, preaching a false Jesus (as Christ and Paul spoke of – Matthew 24:5; 2 Corinthians 11:4), will need to repent and by so doing, be given pure lips.

The whole world will worship the only one true God, Jesus Christ. And the Lord shall be King over all the earth: in that day shall there be one Lord and His name one. … And it shall come to pass that every one that is left of all the nations which came against Jerusalem shall even go up from year to year to worship the King, the Lord of Hosts and to keep the feast of tabernacles (Zechariah 14:9, 16).

Likewise we understand the following scriptures.

Yea, many people and strong nations shall come to seek the Lord of hosts in Jerusalem and to pray before the Lord (Zechariah 8:23).

But in the last days it shall come to pass that the mountain of the House of the Lord shall be established in the top of the mountains and it shall be exalted above the hills and people shall flow into it. And many nations shall come and say, Come and let us go up to the mountain of the Lord and to the house of the God of Jacob and he will teach us of his ways and we will walk in his paths; for the law shall go forth from Zion and the word of the Lord from Jerusalem (Micah 4:1-2).

And it shall come to pass, that from one new moon to another and from one sabbath to another, shall all flesh come to worship before me, saith the Lord (Isaiah 66:23).

How will all nations be able to worship Jesus Christ?

The scriptures make it clear that God requires purity of heart, mind and spirit; of lips that speak truth and of lips that call out to Him in truth. And God will require this of every nation, not just Israel.

When God turns to, not only Israel but eventually to all the nations, a pure lip, the people will worship Him in truth and as Zephaniah puts it, they will all call upon the name of the Lord to serve him with one consent.

God will turn to; will provide a pure lip.

Do the Scriptures indicate there will be

multiple languages during the Millennium?

Again the question is asked - Is it true that at Christ’s second coming until the time of the fulfillment of the Last Great Day, the world, that is to say, every human being will speak one language; a new language?

Will people everywhere be liberated from the language barrier which exists today; will all people have removed from them their birth language, only to be given by God the ability to speak one new language; the same language?

What we know to be completely clear is the fact that there is no specific Bible verse which states categorically, every nation will speak a new language or one language when Christ returns. The Bible does not speak of a new or one pure language given to all the nations.

Likewise, there is no Bible verse that states every nation will retain its native tongue or will speak the language it spoke prior to Christ’s return.

            There is no thus saith the Lord statement made either way – specifically or as a matter of fact.

However, let us notice what the Word of God speaks regarding languages during the Millennium.

Notice Isaiah 66:18: For I know their works and their thoughts: it shall come that I will gather all nations and tongues and they shall come and see my glory.

Now of a truth, we do not read that when God gathers all nations and tongues, He will change their languages or give them all one new language. Likewise, we do not read that their tongues will remain as they were before Christ returned. We do however see that all the peoples of the earth, all nations and tongues will, at the return of Christ, see and know the one true God. We see that there is a distinction among the nations; there are different nations and different tongues (languages) that exist, who will all see and know God during the Millennium.

Why would there be a mention of tongues unless different tongues exist at Christ’s return.

Now the possibility exists that Christ will gather the nations together and will then at that time change their languages to one universal new language as they see his glory. But such an idea is speculative; certainly not definitive and certainly not mentioned in this verse or any other Bible verse. No “giving of a new language” is mentioned.

Next notice Isaiah 19:18-19: In that day shall five cities in the land of Egypt speak the language of Canaan and swear to the Lord of hosts … In that day there shall be an altar to the Lord of hosts in the midst of the land of Egypt ….

To understand the context of this verse it would be beneficial to read verses 16-25. In summary, we read that during the Millennium, Egypt will receive blessings from God because they will show Him reverence and they will worship Him. The Egyptians (who are today Muslims by religion) will worship the God of Israel. Egypt will understand all that is necessary to worship Jesus Christ. Likewise, Egypt will live at peace with Israel and Assyria.

These verses along with Zechariah 14:16-19 provide a clearer picture of the process Egypt will undergo as they learn to worship God during the early years of the Millennium. Obedience will not come instantly or automatically.

With the background set, it is incumbent upon us to ask a question. Does Isaiah 19:18 explain to us that God will give Egypt a new language or the Egyptians will speak one universal language?

No, it does not. Rather notice what we read. … speak the language of Canaan ….

During the Millennium, the Egyptians will speak the language of Canaan.

Now; could the language of Canaan be the one language which God will give all the inhabitants of the earth at Christ’s return?

Could the language of Canaan be the new language all human beings will have and will speak at the start of the Millennium and on into the second resurrection?

We would have to lean toward saying “yes” based on this verse; that is if we allow, as being a true teaching, the belief that God will provide a new “universal” one language for all the nations of the earth to speak, when Christ returns.

However, the reality is the language of Canaan is certainly not a new language. It is an old language, well understood by the ancients. The language of Canaan is not pure or clear, either.

Could the language of Canaan have a prophetic meaning, referring to the Hebrew (Jewish) language?

That thought is highly speculative, with no support provided in the Scriptures.

Consider now one more scripture; Zechariah 8:20-23. Thus saith the Lord of hosts; It shall come to pass that there shall come people and the inhabitants of many cities: and the inhabitants of one city shall go to another, saying let us go speedily to pray before the Lord and to seek the Lord of hosts: I will go also. Yea, many people and strong nations shall come to seek the Lord of hosts in Jerusalem and to pray before the Lord. Thus saith the Lord of hosts; in those days it shall come to pass that ten men shall take hold out of all languages of the nations, even shall take hold of the skirt of him that is a Jew, saying We will go with you, for we have heard that God is with you.

So great will be the salvation of Christ during the Millennium that all nations will desire to worship and know Him. All languages of the nations will seek the Lord and pray to Him, to worship before Him.

All languages of the nations (the gentiles) will strive to seek the Jews because they will see that God is with the Jews, just as He has promised throughout the books of the prophets.

The phrase ten men signifies an indefinite number or fullness of men.

Notice Genesis 31:7, Leviticus 26:26 and 1 Samuel 1:8. Ten is used in symbolic significance just like Ecclesiastes 8:12, where Solomon references the number 100 in symbolic significance, meaning “all the time” or “always” or “completely.”

Ten men denotes a great and complete multitude.

Ten men shall take hold out of all languages of the nations signifies that every national entity with its unique language (tongue) on earth will have a representative (if not many representatives) who will go to the Jews, to learn of God.

They will see that God is blessing Israel and Judah and they will want a part of the action. They too will want to be on God’s good side! They too, will want to worship the God of Truth.

In the Millennium, all nations and all languages will worship the one True God.

The firstfruits provide a Witness

The concept of one new language is rather insignificant when measured up to the reality and the necessity that there will be one pure and one true form of worship observed by all the nations of the earth, as all call upon the name of the Lord, with pure lips.

Regardless of the language and nationality of the person, if that individual does not practice, out of a pure lip, out of a pure heart, the true worship of God, then that person will not be acceptable to God.

 If an individual does not have the Spirit of God; if an individual is not of pure and clear lips; if an individual does not possess a heart, mind and spirit, which is faithful and true to God, then it is rather immaterial as to what language that person speaks.

Christ said the time will come and now is when the true worshipper shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth (John 4:23). 

And so regarding all the nations and languages of the earth extant during the Millennium; if a nation or peoples do not worship God with a pure lip, in spirit and in truth, then of what matter is it if that nation speaks the same new language as all the other nations on the earth?

What difference does it make, the spoken language of the person, if the following admonition is not lived up to: For he that will love life, and see good days, let him refrain his tongue from evil, and his lips that they speak no guile: Let him eschew evil, and do good; let him seek peace, and ensue it (1 Peter 3:10-11).

Can we understand why one new language is insignificant to the Salvation Process?

The miracle of Pentecost reveals the truth that God can, through the power of His Holy Spirit, communicate His truth and teach an individual how to worship Him in true worship, in spirit and in truth; to overcome sin and the temptations of Satan, to grow in the conversion process and to become Christ-like; and that individual can be successful at all this regardless of the language he or she speaks.

The firstfruits of the first century comprised of Jew and Gentile, of peoples of different languages and tongues.

Realizing the miracle God performed and is even now performing among the firstfruits, provides ample proof that one’s language, one’s native tongue is of little significance in the Salvation process. Language is not an impediment to salvation and true worship of God; neither is one language necessary for all to speak.

With regard to the second resurrection, once again the question is asked; why would all these people, all the nations and languages that have died, need to be given a new, one universal language in order to enter into the salvation process?

The most important element those in the second resurrection need to be given is God’s Holy and Righteous Spirit.  Rather than a new language placed in the mind of a person, it is the very Spirit of God that must dwell and thrive within a converted human being; this is paramount to the salvation process and the giving of the gift of eternal life.

God has called and today is calling firstfruits from all nations and languages. The process of salvation which is evident among the firstfruits today can just as easily suffice for the general harvest in the future.

One universal language would not necessarily facilitate the salvation process, for it certainly does not today.

Interestingly enough, one’s language (which consists of both written and verbal cultural elements) is actually a vital part of one’s existence, of one’s personality and one’s understanding and knowledge base. To take away one’s language, supplanting it with a new universal language is to take away one’s identity and experience. 

Of course with God all things are possible; but are all things practical?

When one is resurrected, one will come up and will have to understand repentance and the salvation process. Those who come up to the resurrection of judgment will have to be shown exactly how he or she failed at life, in the experiences and culture he or she grew up in.

Those in the second resurrection lived a life of “dead works.” Each will need to repent of their dead works, of the works and life that was uniquely his or her own, as each lived it in their place and time, city and nation, culture and language that defined his or her unique life and living experience.

More than being given a new language, those who are resurrected to judgment will need to be given a pure lip that they may call upon the name of the Lord, to serve him with one consent.

Can God give all who are brought up in the second resurrection a new language, having their minds reprogrammed to understand that language?

Of certainty that idea is possible; as all things with God are possible.

However, is it practical?

During the second resurrection, Gods’ spirit will be available for those who want it and during the second resurrection God can just as easily communicate to humanity, the general harvest, just as He communicates to His firstfruits, today.

More so, God’s firstfruits (of many walks of life and language, culture and time) will be well equipped to aid Christ in the massive work of salvation for the general harvest of humanity.

The firstfruits have already proven language is immaterial to the salvation process.

Those brought up in the second resurrection will be given their chance at salvation; to participate in the same process the firstfruits underwent. The firstfruits learned to overcome and worship God faithfully, having a pure lip while speaking their own, native language.

The firstfruits were not given a new language; rather they were given God’s Holy Spirit.

So too will those in the second resurrection be given the opportunity to live with the power of God’s Spirit within them. Language is not the issue. Being given a new language is not critical, rather overcoming and worshipping God in spirit and in truth, with barar sahphah (a pure lip) is requisite.

Regarding the belief of one new language; since there is not one scripture which states, thus saith the Lord, all we can do is wait until Christ returns to see if this will happen.

Never the less, at the time when the one new language teaching was introduced to the church, the interpretation of Zephaniah 3:9 was inaccurate. Zephaniah 3:9 was interpreted incorrectly; as a result, the premise leading to the one new language teaching was and is false.

What we can be assured of; what the Scriptures do reveal is: God will turn to the people a pure, purified, purged and clear lip – allowing them to, with honor and in righteousness, call upon His name, worshipping Him and speaking of Him in truth.

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