28 The second person verb form (“you must wait patiently”) is masculine plural, indicating that a group is being addressed. Perhaps the humble individuals addressed earlier (see 2:3) are in view. Because of Jerusalem’s sin, they must patiently wait for judgment to pass before their vindication arrives.
29 Heb “when I arise for plunder.” The present translation takes עַד (’ad) as “plunder.” Some, following the , repoint the term עֵד (’ed) and translate, “as a witness” (cf. , , ). In this case the Lord uses a legal metaphor to picture himself as testifying against his enemies. Adele Berlin takes לְעַד (lé’ad) in a temporal sense (“forever”) and translates “once and for all” (Zephaniah [ 25A], ).
30 Heb “for my decision is.”
31 Or “certainly.”

In other versions

ESVEnglish Standard Version

“Therefore wait for me,” declares the Lord,

“for the day when I rise up to seize the prey.

For my decision is to gather nations,

to assemble kingdoms,

to pour out upon them my indignation,

all my burning anger;

for in the fire of my jealousy

all the earth shall be consumed.

NIVNew International Version (2011)

Therefore wait for me,”

declares the Lord,

“for the day I will stand up to testify.

I have decided to assemble the nations,

to gather the kingdoms

and to pour out my wrath on them—

all my fierce anger.

The whole world will be consumed

by the fire of my jealous anger.

CSBChristian Standard Bible

Therefore, wait for me—

this is the Lord’s declaration—

until the day I rise up for plunder.

For my decision is to gather nations,

to assemble kingdoms,

in order to pour out my indignation on them,

all my burning anger;

for the whole earth will be consumed

by the fire of my jealousy.

NLTNew Living Translation

Therefore, be patient,” says the Lord.

“Soon I will stand and accuse these evil nations.

For I have decided to gather the kingdoms of the earth

and pour out my fiercest anger and fury on them.

All the earth will be devoured

by the fire of my jealousy.

LEBThe Lexham English Bible

“Therefore, wait for me”—a declaration of Yahweh—

“for the day of my rising as a witness.

For my decision is to gather nations,

to assemble kingdoms,

to pour out my wrath upon them, all my burning anger.

For by the fire of my anger all the land shall be consumed.

KJV 1900King James Version

Therefore wait ye upon me, saith the Lord,

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.

Public Domain