Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version Her officials within her are roaring lions; her rulers are evening wolves, who leave nothing for the morning. New Living Translation Its leaders are like roaring lions hunting for their victims. Its judges are like ravenous wolves at evening time, who by dawn have left no trace of their prey. English Standard Version Her officials within her are roaring lions; her judges are evening wolves that leave nothing till the morning. Berean Standard Bible Her princes are roaring lions; her judges are evening wolves, leaving nothing for the morning. Berean Literal Bible Her princes within her are roaring lions, her judges are wolves of the evening leaving nothing for the morning. King James Bible Her princes within her are roaring lions; her judges are evening wolves; they gnaw not the bones till the morrow. New King James Version Her princes in her midst are roaring lions; Her judges are evening wolves That leave not a bone till morning. New American Standard Bible Her leaders within her are roaring lions, Her judges are wolves at evening; They have no bones to gnaw in the morning. NASB 1995 Her princes within her are roaring lions, Her judges are wolves at evening; They leave nothing for the morning. NASB 1977 Her princes within her are roaring lions, Her judges are wolves at evening; They leave nothing for the morning. Legacy Standard Bible Her princes in her midst are roaring lions; Her judges are wolves at evening; They leave nothing to gnaw for the morning. Amplified Bible Her officials within her are roaring lions; Her judges are [as hungry as] the wolves at evening, They leave nothing for the morning. Berean Annotated Bible Her princes are roaring lions; her judges are evening wolves, leaving nothing for the morning. Christian Standard Bible The princes within her are roaring lions; her judges are wolves of the night, which leave nothing for the morning. Holman Christian Standard Bible The princes within her are roaring lions; her judges are wolves of the night, which leave nothing for the morning. American Standard Version Her princes in the midst of her are roaring lions; her judges are evening wolves; they leave nothing till the morrow. Contemporary English Version Its officials are roaring lions, its judges are wolves; in the evening they attack, by morning nothing is left. English Revised Version Her princes in the midst of her are roaring lions; her judges are evening wolves; they leave nothing till the morrow. GOD'S WORD® Translation Its officials are [like] roaring lions. Its judges are [like] wolves in the evening. They leave nothing to gnaw on for the morning. Good News Translation Its officials are like roaring lions; its judges are like hungry wolves, too greedy to leave a bone until morning. International Standard Version Its national officials are roaring lions; its judges are like wolves of the night that don't leave the bones for the morning. NET Bible Her princes are as fierce as roaring lions; her rulers are as hungry as wolves in the desert, who completely devour their prey by morning. New Heart English Bible Her princes in the midst of her are roaring lions. Her judges are evening wolves. They leave nothing until the next day. Webster's Bible Translation Her princes within her are roaring lions; her judges are evening wolves; they gnaw not the bones till the morrow. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleHer princes are roaring lions; her judges are evening wolves, leaving nothing for the morning. World English Bible Her princes within her are roaring lions. Her judges are evening wolves. They leave nothing until the next day. Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionHer heads in her midst [are] roaring lions, "" Her judges [are] wolves [as in] evening, "" They have not gnawn the bone in the morning. Berean Literal Bible Her princes within her are roaring lions, her judges are wolves of the evening leaving nothing for the morning. Young's Literal Translation Her heads in her midst are roaring lions, Her judges are evening wolves, They have not gnawn the bone in the morning. Smith's Literal Translation Her chiefs in the midst of her are roaring lions; her judges evening wolves; they laid not up for the morning. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleHer princes are in the midst of her as roaring lions: her judges are evening wolves, they left nothing for the morning. Catholic Public Domain Version Her leaders are in her midst like roaring lions. Her judges are evening wolves; they leave nothing for the morning. New American Bible Its officials within it are roaring lions; Its judges are desert wolves that have no bones to gnaw by morning. New Revised Standard Version The officials within it are roaring lions; its judges are evening wolves that leave nothing until the morning. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleHer princes within her are roaring like lions; her judges are like evening wolves; they wait not for the morning. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated Her Princes within her roar like lionesses and her Judges are like evening wolves and do not wait for morning OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917Her princes in the midst of her are roaring lions; Her judges are wolves of the desert, They leave not a bone for the morrow. Brenton Septuagint Translation Her princes within her were as roaring lions, her judges as the wolves of Arabia; they remained not till the morrow. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context The Judgment on Jerusalem…2She heeded no voice; she accepted no correction. She does not trust in the LORD; she has not drawn near to her God. 3Her princes are roaring lions; her judges are evening wolves, leaving nothing for the morning. 4Her prophets are reckless, faithless men. Her priests profane the sanctuary; they do violence to the law.… Cross References Her princes are roaring lions; Proverbs 28:15 Like a roaring lion or a charging bear is a wicked ruler over a helpless people. Ezekiel 19:6 He prowled among the lions, and became a young lion. After learning to tear his prey, he devoured men. Proverbs 19:12 A king’s rage is like the roar of a lion, but his favor is like dew on the grass. her judges are evening wolves, Jeremiah 5:6 Therefore a lion from the forest will strike them down, a wolf from the desert will ravage them. A leopard will lie in wait near their cities, and everyone who ventures out will be torn to pieces. For their rebellious acts are many, and their unfaithful deeds are numerous. Acts 20:29 I know that after my departure, savage wolves will come in among you and will not spare the flock. John 10:12 The hired hand is not the shepherd, and the sheep are not his own. When he sees the wolf coming, he abandons the sheep and runs away. Then the wolf pounces on them and scatters the flock. leaving nothing for the morning. Exodus 12:10 Do not leave any of it until morning; before the morning you must burn up any part that is left over. Leviticus 7:15 The meat of the sacrifice of his peace offering of thanksgiving must be eaten on the day he offers it; none of it may be left until morning. Exodus 16:19 Then Moses said to them, “No one may keep any of it until morning.” Ezekiel 22:27 Her officials within her are like wolves tearing their prey, shedding blood, and destroying lives for dishonest gain. Micah 3:1-3 Then I said: “Hear now, O leaders of Jacob, you rulers of the house of Israel. Should you not know justice? / You hate good and love evil. You tear the skin from my people and strip the flesh from their bones. / You eat the flesh of my people after stripping off their skin and breaking their bones. You chop them up like flesh for the cooking pot, like meat in a cauldron.” Isaiah 56:10-11 Israel’s watchmen are blind, they are all oblivious; they are all mute dogs, they cannot bark; they are dreamers lying around, loving to slumber. / Like ravenous dogs, they are never satisfied. They are shepherds with no discernment; they all turn to their own way, each one seeking his own gain: Jeremiah 5:26-28 For among My people are wicked men; they watch like fowlers lying in wait; they set a trap to catch men. / Like cages full of birds, so their houses are full of deceit. Therefore they have become powerful and rich. / They have grown fat and sleek, and have excelled in the deeds of the wicked. They have not taken up the cause of the fatherless, that they might prosper; nor have they defended the rights of the needy. Hosea 7:3-7 They delight the king with their evil, and the princes with their lies. / They are all adulterers, like an oven heated by a baker who needs not stoke the fire from the kneading to the rising of the dough. / The princes are inflamed with wine on the day of our king; so he joins hands with those who mock him. … Jeremiah 23:1-2 “Woe to the shepherds who destroy and scatter the sheep of My pasture!” declares the LORD. / Therefore this is what the LORD, the God of Israel, says about the shepherds who tend My people: “You have scattered My flock and driven them away, and have not attended to them. Behold, I will attend to you for the evil of your deeds, declares the LORD. Isaiah 1:23 Your rulers are rebels, friends of thieves. They all love bribes and chasing after rewards. They do not defend the fatherless, and the plea of the widow never comes before them. Treasury of Scripture Her princes within her are roaring lions; her judges are evening wolves; they gnaw not the bones till the morrow. princes. Job 4:8-11 Even as I have seen, they that plow iniquity, and sow wickedness, reap the same… Psalm 10:8-10 He sitteth in the lurking places of the villages: in the secret places doth he murder the innocent: his eyes are privily set against the poor… Proverbs 28:15 As a roaring lion, and a ranging bear; so is a wicked ruler over the poor people. evening. Jeremiah 5:6 Wherefore a lion out of the forest shall slay them, and a wolf of the evenings shall spoil them, a leopard shall watch over their cities: every one that goeth out thence shall be torn in pieces: because their transgressions are many, and their backslidings are increased. Habakkuk 1:8 Their horses also are swifter than the leopards, and are more fierce than the evening wolves: and their horsemen shall spread themselves, and their horsemen shall come from far; they shall fly as the eagle that hasteth to eat. Jump to Previous Bone Bones Crushing Desert Evening Gnaw Heads Judges Lions Midst Morning Morrow Officials Princes Roaring Within WolvesJump to Next Bone Bones Crushing Desert Evening Gnaw Heads Judges Lions Midst Morning Morrow Officials Princes Roaring Within WolvesZephaniah 3 1. A sharp reproof of Jerusalem for various sins.8. An exhortation to wait for the restoration of Israel, 14. and to rejoice for their salvation by God. Her princes are roaring lions; The phrase "Her princes are roaring lions" uses the imagery of lions to describe the leaders of Jerusalem. In the ancient Near East, lions were symbols of power and ferocity. This metaphor suggests that the princes, or leaders, are oppressive and predatory, exploiting their power for personal gain. The lion imagery is also used in other parts of Scripture to describe destructive leaders, such as in Ezekiel 22:25, where the princes are likened to roaring lions tearing their prey. This reflects a failure in leadership, as they are meant to protect and serve the people, not devour them. her judges are evening wolves, leaving nothing for the morning. Persons / Places / Events 1. PrincesThese are the leaders or rulers of Jerusalem, who are described metaphorically as "roaring lions," indicating their oppressive and predatory nature. 2. Judges The judicial authorities in Jerusalem, likened to "evening wolves," suggesting their greed and the way they devour the people they are meant to protect. 3. Jerusalem The city being addressed in this passage, representing the center of Judah's political and religious life. 4. Zephaniah The prophet delivering God's message, calling out the corruption and injustice in Jerusalem. 5. The People of Jerusalem The citizens who suffer under the corrupt leadership and are the intended audience of Zephaniah's warning. Teaching Points The Dangers of Corrupt LeadershipCorrupt leaders are likened to predators, emphasizing the destructive impact they have on society. This calls for discernment and accountability in leadership roles. The Role of Justice in Society Judges are meant to uphold justice, but when they fail, society suffers. This highlights the importance of integrity and righteousness in positions of authority. God's Awareness and Judgment God is aware of the injustices and will hold leaders accountable. This serves as a reminder of God's sovereignty and justice. The Call to Righteous Leadership Believers are called to be leaders who reflect God's character, promoting justice and mercy rather than exploitation. Hope for Restoration Despite the corruption, God's message through Zephaniah includes hope for restoration and renewal, encouraging believers to trust in God's redemptive plan. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of Zephaniah 3:3?2. How does Zephaniah 3:3 describe the leaders' behavior, and why is it significant? 3. What parallels exist between Zephaniah 3:3 and today's leadership challenges? 4. How can Christians ensure they are not like the "roaring lions" in leadership? 5. What scriptural principles counteract the behaviors described in Zephaniah 3:3? 6. How can we pray for leaders in light of Zephaniah 3:3's warnings? 7. How does Zephaniah 3:3 reflect the corruption of leaders in ancient Judah? 8. What historical context influenced the message of Zephaniah 3:3? 9. How does Zephaniah 3:3 challenge our understanding of justice and leadership? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Zephaniah 3? 11. Why does Zephaniah 3 depict divine punishment that seems inconsistent with a benevolent deity found elsewhere in the Bible? 12. Are there any historical or archaeological records supporting the specific judgments and restorations mentioned in Zephaniah 3? 13. How do we reconcile Zephaniah 3:17's depiction of a rejoicing God with earlier passages describing severe wrath and destruction? 14. How does the promised 'pure speech' in Zephaniah 3:9 reconcile with the many languages and dialects still present today? What Does Zephaniah 3:3 Mean Her princes are roaring lions– Zephaniah points to the ruling class in Jerusalem, accusing them of devouring the very people they were meant to protect. • Roaring lions hunt with strength and intimidation; likewise the princes ruled by fear (Proverbs 28:15). • Instead of defending the weak, they seized property and oppressed the vulnerable, echoing Ezekiel 22:6-7 and Jeremiah 5:26-28. • The roar suggests public, brazen sin—leadership that no longer bothers to hide corruption (Micah 3:9-11). her judges are evening wolves – Judges, charged with upholding God-given justice, had become predators. • Wolves hunt at dusk when prey is most defenseless; corrupt judges exploited cases under cover of “legal” darkness (Ezekiel 22:27). • Evening wolves are noted for relentless appetite (Habakkuk 1:8); so these officials never tired of bribes and dishonest gain (Isaiah 1:23). • By twisting the law they mirrored the wolf imagery Paul later applies to false teachers in Acts 20:29. leaving nothing for the morning – After a night of predation, neither lion nor wolf leaves scraps; so the leaders’ greed stripped the land bare. • Victims awakened to empty barns, empty purses, and empty hope (Micah 3:1-3). • The phrase underscores total, not partial, devastation—like fields gleaned so thoroughly that no sheaf remains (Isaiah 17:5-6). • God had taught Israel to leave leftovers for the needy (Leviticus 19:9-10), yet these leaders left “nothing,” revealing hearts opposite His own. summary Zephaniah 3:3 paints a threefold portrait of civic and judicial leadership gone feral: princes roaring like lions, judges ravaging like evening wolves, and a populace picked clean by dawn. The imagery exposes open, habitual oppression, calls God’s people to recognize corrupted authority for what it is, and anticipates the Lord’s righteous intervention that Zephaniah will soon describe. Verse 3. - Roaring lions. The princes, who ought to protect the people, are ready to tear them in pieces and devour them (Proverbs 28:15). Probably the violence and arrogance of the chiefs had increased during the minority of the king. This must have been written before the great reformation. Evening wolves (see note on Habakkuk 1:8). The judges, whose duty it was to administer justice and to set an example of equity and virtue, are themselves most cruel and rapacious. They gnaw not the bones till tomorrow; they gnaw no bones in the morning; that is, they are so greedy that they eat up all their prey at once and leave nothing till the morning. The versions drop the metaphor, and render, "They leave not to the morning" (comp. Ezekiel 22:27).Parallel Commentaries ... Hebrew Her princesשָׂרֶ֣יהָ (śā·re·hā) Noun - masculine plural construct | third person feminine singular Strong's 8269: Chieftain, chief, ruler, official, captain, prince are roaring שֹֽׁאֲגִ֑ים (šō·’ă·ḡîm) Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine plural Strong's 7580: To rumble, moan lions; אֲרָי֖וֹת (’ă·rā·yō·wṯ) Noun - masculine plural construct Strong's 738: A lion her judges [are] שֹׁפְטֶ֙יהָ֙ (šō·p̄ə·ṭe·hā) Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine plural construct | third person feminine singular Strong's 8199: To judge, pronounce sentence, to vindicate, punish, to govern, to litigate evening עֶ֔רֶב (‘e·reḇ) Noun - masculine singular Strong's 6153: Evening wolves, זְאֵ֣בֵי (zə·’ê·ḇê) Noun - masculine plural construct Strong's 2061: A wolf leaving גָרְמ֖וּ (ḡā·rə·mū) Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person common plural Strong's 1633: To bone, denude, the bones nothing לֹ֥א (lō) Adverb - Negative particle Strong's 3808: Not, no for the morning. לַבֹּֽקֶר׃ (lab·bō·qer) Preposition-l, Article | Noun - masculine singular Strong's 1242: Dawn, morning Links Zephaniah 3:3 NIVZephaniah 3:3 NLT Zephaniah 3:3 ESV Zephaniah 3:3 NASB Zephaniah 3:3 KJV Zephaniah 3:3 BibleApps.com Zephaniah 3:3 Biblia Paralela Zephaniah 3:3 Chinese Bible Zephaniah 3:3 French Bible Zephaniah 3:3 Catholic Bible OT Prophets: Zephaniah 3:3 Her princes in the midst of her (Zeph. 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