Zephaniah 3:3
Zephaniah 3:3 in Multiple Translations
Her princes are roaring lions; her judges are evening wolves, leaving nothing for the morning.
Her princes within her are roaring lions; her judges are evening wolves; they gnaw not the bones till the morrow.
Her princes in the midst of her are roaring lions; her judges are evening wolves; they leave nothing till the morrow.
Her rulers are like loud-voiced lions in her; her judges are wolves of the evening, crushing up the bones before the morning.
Your leaders are as greedy as roaring lions; your judges are ravenous wolves that leave nothing behind by morning.
Her princes within her are as roaring lyons: her iudges are as wolues in the euening, which leaue not the bones till the morow.
Her heads in her midst [are] roaring lions, Her judges [are] evening wolves, They have not gnawn the bone in the morning.
Her princes within her are roaring lions. Her judges are evening wolves. They leave nothing until the next day.
Her princes within her are roaring lions; her judges are evening wolves; they gnaw not the bones till the morrow.
Her princes are in the midst of her as roaring lions: her judges are evening wolves, they left nothing for the morning.
Their leaders are like [MET] roaring lions; they are like [MET] wolves that attack other animals during the evening, and eat everything that they kill, with the result that the next morning there is nothing left of those animals to eat.
Berean Amplified Bible — Zephaniah 3:3
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Zephaniah 3:3 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
שָׂרֶ֣י/הָ
בְ/קִרְבָּ֔/הּ
אֲרָי֖וֹת
שֹֽׁאֲגִ֑ים
שֹׁפְטֶ֨י/הָ֙
זְאֵ֣בֵי
עֶ֔רֶב
לֹ֥א
גָרְמ֖וּ
לַ/בֹּֽקֶר
שָׂרֶ֣י/הָ
sar
H8269
ruler
N-mp | Suff
בְ/קִרְבָּ֔/הּ
qereb
H7130
entrails
Prep | N-ms | Suff
אֲרָי֖וֹת
ʼărîy
H738
lion
N-mp
שֹֽׁאֲגִ֑ים
shâʼag
H7580
to roar
V-Qal
שֹׁפְטֶ֨י/הָ֙
shâphaṭ
H8199
to judge
V-Qal | Suff
זְאֵ֣בֵי
zᵉʼêb
H2061
wolf
N-mp
עֶ֔רֶב
ʻereb
H6153
evening
N-ms
לֹ֥א
lôʼ
H3808
not
Part
גָרְמ֖וּ
gâram
H1633
to reserve
V-Qal-Perf-3cp
לַ/בֹּֽקֶר
bôqer
H1242
morning
Prep | N-ms
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — Zephaniah 3:3
שָׂרֶ֣י/הָ
sar
H8269
"ruler"
N-mp | Suff
A leader or person in charge, like a prince or captain, as seen in the Bible with King David and other rulers.
Definition: 1) prince, ruler, leader, chief, chieftain, official, captain 1a) chieftain, leader 1b) vassal, noble, official (under king) 1c) captain, general, commander (military) 1d) chief, head, overseer (of other official classes) 1e) heads, princes (of religious office) 1f) elders (of representative leaders of people) 1g) merchant-princes (of rank and dignity) 1h) patron-angel 1i) Ruler of rulers (of God) 1j) warden
Usage: Occurs in 368 OT verses. KJV: captain (that had rule), chief (captain), general, governor, keeper, lord,(-task-)master, prince(-ipal), ruler, steward. See also: Genesis 12:15; 1 Kings 22:32; 2 Chronicles 32:21.
בְ/קִרְבָּ֔/הּ
qereb
H7130
"entrails"
Prep | N-ms | Suff
This Hebrew word means the inner part or midst of something, whether physical or emotional, and can refer to the entrails of an animal or the seat of thought and emotion. In 1 Kings 17:21, it describes Elijah's emotional plea to God.
Definition: : among/within 1) midst, among, inner part, middle 1a) inward part 1a1) physical sense 1a2) as seat of thought and emotion 1a3) as faculty of thought and emotion 1b) in the midst, among, from among (of a number of persons) 1c) entrails (of sacrificial animals) Also means: qe.rev (קֶ֫רֶב ": inner_parts" H7130H)
Usage: Occurs in 220 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] among, [idiom] before, bowels, [idiom] unto charge, [phrase] eat (up), [idiom] heart, [idiom] him, [idiom] in, inward ([idiom] -ly, part, -s, thought), midst, [phrase] out of, purtenance, [idiom] therein, [idiom] through, [idiom] within self. See also: Genesis 18:12; Joshua 7:12; Psalms 5:10.
אֲרָי֖וֹת
ʼărîy
H738
"lion"
N-mp
In biblical times, a lion was a symbol of strength and power, and is often mentioned in stories like Daniel in the lions' den. The word for lion appears in various forms, including pictures or images of lions, and is used in books like 1 Kings and 2 Kings.
Definition: 1) lion 1a) pictures or images of lions
Usage: Occurs in 71 OT verses. KJV: (young) lion, [phrase] pierce (from the margin). See also: Genesis 49:9; Proverbs 22:13; Psalms 7:3.
שֹֽׁאֲגִ֑ים
shâʼag
H7580
"to roar"
V-Qal
This Hebrew word means to roar, like a lion or a conqueror, and is also used to describe God's powerful voice. It appears in the Bible to convey a sense of intense power or distress. In Psalm 104:21, it describes the roar of a lion.
Definition: 1) (Qal) to roar 1a) of lion, conqueror, Jehovah, cry of distress
Usage: Occurs in 17 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] mightily, roar. See also: Judges 14:5; Jeremiah 25:30; Psalms 22:14.
שֹׁפְטֶ֨י/הָ֙
shâphaṭ
H8199
"to judge"
V-Qal | Suff
To shaphat means to judge or govern, and can also mean to vindicate or punish. In the Bible, this term is often used to describe God's role as a judge, as well as human judges and rulers.
Definition: 1) to judge, govern, vindicate, punish 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to act as law-giver or judge or governor (of God, man) 1a1a) to rule, govern, judge 1a2) to decide controversy (of God, man) 1a3) to execute judgment 1a3a) discriminating (of man) 1a3b) vindicating 1a3c) condemning and punishing 1a3d) at theophanic advent for final judgment 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to enter into controversy, plead, have controversy together 1b2) to be judged 1c) (Poel) judge, opponent-at-law (participle)
Usage: Occurs in 182 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] avenge, [idiom] that condemn, contend, defend, execute (judgment), (be a) judge(-ment), [idiom] needs, plead, reason, rule. See also: Genesis 16:5; Psalms 9:5; Psalms 2:10.
זְאֵ֣בֵי
zᵉʼêb
H2061
"wolf"
N-mp
Ze'ev means wolf in Hebrew, an animal mentioned in the Bible, often symbolizing danger or fierceness.
Definition: wolf
Usage: Occurs in 7 OT verses. KJV: wolf. See also: Genesis 49:27; Jeremiah 5:6; Isaiah 11:6.
עֶ֔רֶב
ʻereb
H6153
"evening"
N-ms
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means evening or sunset, like when God created daylight and darkness in Genesis. It refers to the time of day, often marking the end of a workday. This word is used in many verses, including Exodus and Psalms.
Definition: 1) evening, night, sunset 1a) evening, sunset 1b) night
Usage: Occurs in 125 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] day, even(-ing, tide), night. See also: Genesis 1:5; Numbers 19:19; Psalms 30:6.
לֹ֥א
lôʼ
H3808
"not"
Part
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.
גָרְמ֖וּ
gâram
H1633
"to reserve"
V-Qal-Perf-3cp
This verb means to break bones, often in the sense of gnawing or crunching them. It is a vivid and intense image used in some biblical passages.
Definition: 1) to cut off, reserve, lay aside, leave, save 1a) (Qal) to reserve
Usage: Occurs in 3 OT verses. KJV: gnaw the bones, break. See also: Numbers 24:8; Ezekiel 23:34; Zephaniah 3:3.
לַ/בֹּֽקֶר
bôqer
H1242
"morning"
Prep | N-ms
The break of day or morning, a time of new beginnings, as in the morning sacrifices in Exodus 29:39 or the resurrection of Jesus on the first day of the week in John 20:1.
Definition: 1) morning, break of day 1a) morning 1a1) of end of night 1a2) of coming of daylight 1a3) of coming of sunrise 1a4) of beginning of day 1a5) of bright joy after night of distress (fig.) 1b) morrow, next day, next morning
Usage: Occurs in 189 OT verses. KJV: ([phrase]) day, early, morning, morrow. See also: Genesis 1:5; 1 Samuel 11:11; Psalms 5:4.
Study Notes — Zephaniah 3:3
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Zephaniah 3:3 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Zephaniah 3:3
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Zephaniah 3:3
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Zephaniah 3:3
- Trapp's Commentary on Zephaniah 3:3
- Ellicott's Commentary on Zephaniah 3:3
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Zephaniah 3:3
- Cambridge Bible on Zephaniah 3:3
- Barnes' Notes on Zephaniah 3:3
- Whedon's Commentary on Zephaniah 3:3
- Sermons on Zephaniah 3:3
Context — Judgment on Jerusalem
1Woe to the city of oppressors, rebellious and defiled!
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. 5The LORD within her is righteous; He does no wrong. He applies His justice morning by morning; He does not fail at dawn, yet the unjust know no shame.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Habakkuk 1:8 | Their horses are swifter than leopards, fiercer than wolves of the night. Their horsemen charge ahead, and their cavalry comes from afar. They fly like a vulture, swooping down to devour. |
| 2 | Ezekiel 22:25–27 | The conspiracy of the princes in her midst is like a roaring lion tearing its prey. They devour the people, seize the treasures and precious things, and multiply the widows within her. Her priests do violence to My law and profane My holy things. They make no distinction between the holy and the common, and they fail to distinguish between the clean and the unclean. They disregard My Sabbaths, so that I am profaned among them. Her officials within her are like wolves tearing their prey, shedding blood, and destroying lives for dishonest gain. |
| 3 | 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. |
| 4 | Jeremiah 22:17 | “But your eyes and heart are set on nothing except your own dishonest gain, on shedding innocent blood, on practicing extortion and oppression.” |
| 5 | Job 4:8–11 | As I have observed, those who plow iniquity and those who sow trouble reap the same. By the breath of God they perish, and by the blast of His anger they are consumed. The lion may roar, and the fierce lion may growl, yet the teeth of the young lions are broken. The old lion perishes for lack of prey, and the cubs of the lioness are scattered. |
| 6 | Micah 3:1–4 | 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.” Then they will cry out to the LORD, but He will not answer them. At that time He will hide His face from them because of the evil they have done. |
| 7 | Micah 3:9–11 | Now hear this, O leaders of the house of Jacob and rulers of the house of Israel, who despise justice and pervert all that is right, who build Zion with bloodshed and Jerusalem with iniquity. Her leaders judge for a bribe, her priests teach for a price, and her prophets practice divination for money. Yet they lean upon the LORD, saying, “Is not the LORD among us? No disaster can come upon us.” |
| 8 | Psalms 10:8–10 | He lies in wait near the villages; in ambush he slays the innocent; his eyes watch in stealth for the helpless. He lies in wait like a lion in a thicket; he lurks to seize the oppressed; he catches the lowly in his net. They are crushed and beaten down; the hapless fall prey to his strength. |
| 9 | Ezekiel 22:6 | See how every prince of Israel within you has used his power to shed blood. |
| 10 | 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. |
Zephaniah 3:3 Summary
This verse describes the leaders of a city as being like fierce animals, using their power to hurt and oppress others. The princes are compared to roaring lions, and the judges are like evening wolves that leave nothing but destruction behind. This shows that the city's leaders have turned away from God and are acting in selfish and harmful ways, unlike the leaders described in Deuteronomy 1:13, who are to be wise, understanding, and knowledgeable. As we read this verse, we can reflect on the importance of seeking God's guidance and righteousness in our own lives, and pray for leaders who will act with justice and compassion, as described in Psalm 101:1, where the psalmist says 'I will sing of your love and justice'.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is meant by 'roaring lions' in Zephaniah 3:3?
The phrase 'roaring lions' refers to the princes of the city who use their power to oppress and devour the weak, much like lions do to their prey, as seen in Proverbs 28:15, where it says 'a roaring lion and a charging bear' are symbols of oppressive leaders.
How do the 'evening wolves' of Zephaniah 3:3 relate to the judges of the city?
The 'evening wolves' represent the judges who, like wolves, prey on the innocent under the cover of darkness, leaving nothing but destruction for the morning, highlighting their corrupt and predatory nature, similar to what is described in Matthew 7:15, where false prophets are likened to wolves in sheep's clothing.
What does this verse reveal about the spiritual condition of the city's leaders?
This verse shows that the leaders of the city, both princes and judges, are morally corrupt and devoid of spiritual guidance, as they are compared to fierce animals rather than being described as righteous or just, unlike the description of leaders in Exodus 18:21, who are to be chosen for their fear of God and trustworthiness.
How does this verse relate to the overall message of Zephaniah?
Zephaniah 3:3 contributes to the book's themes of judgment and restoration, emphasizing the need for spiritual reform among the city's leaders, as the prophet calls the people to return to the Lord and seek His righteousness, as stated in Zephaniah 2:3, where it says 'Seek the Lord, all you humble of the earth, who carry out what He commands.'
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways in which the leaders in my own community might be acting like 'roaring lions' or 'evening wolves', and how can I pray for them?
- How can I, as a follower of God, avoid being influenced by the corrupt systems of this world and instead seek to be a force for righteousness and justice?
- What does it mean for me to 'leave nothing for the morning' in terms of my own actions and decisions, and how can I ensure that my daily choices are guided by a desire to honor God?
- In what ways can I seek to be a leader or influencer in my own sphere, using my position to protect and serve others rather than to exploit or oppress them?
Gill's Exposition on Zephaniah 3:3
Her princes within her [are] roaring lions,.... Or, "as roaring lions"; there being a defect of the note of similitude; which is supplied by the Targum, Septuagint, Vulgate Latin, Syriac, and Arabic versions.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Zephaniah 3:3
Her princes within her are roaring lions; her judges are evening wolves; they gnaw not the bones till the morrow. Her princes within her are roaring lions - "roaring" for pray (Proverbs 28:15; Ezekiel 22:27; Amos 3:4; Micah 2:2).
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Zephaniah 3:3
Her princes; persons of principal place and authority about the king, chief officers in civil matters. and, which is worse, her own princes, born and bred among them, who should have been most tender and just. Are roaring lions; which hunt for prey, are ever tearing or threatening, affrighting or devouring. Such the Assyrian princes were, ,12. Such, and no better, are the princes in Judah and Jerusalem. Her judges; elders of cities, magistrates of lower rank; or it may be the sanhedrim. Evening wolves; most hungry, insatiable, and cruel, like wolves of the evening whetted with hunger and fasting, . They gnaw not the bones till the morrow; they leave nothing to be eat or the morrow, they devour all presently. Her princes; persons of principal place and authority about the king, chief officers in civil matters. and, which is worse, her own princes, born and bred among them, who should have been most tender and just. They gnaw not the bones till the morrow; they leave nothing to be eat or the morrow, they devour all presently.
Trapp's Commentary on Zephaniah 3:3
Zephaniah 3:3 Her princes within her [are] roaring lions; her judges [are] evening wolves; they gnaw not the bones till the morrow.Ver. 3. Her princes within her are roaring lions] Roaring over the meaner sort, and tearing them with their claws. Her judges are evening wolves] See Habakkuk 1:8. This rapacity and bribery they had learned (likely) under Manassah and Amon; and exercised under good Josiah, who either knew it not, or could not redress it. Est ergo periculi plena reipublicae forma, quae ab uno dependet, saith Gualther here. And Tertullian telleth us, that one special thing the primitive Christians prayed for the emperor was, that God would send him Senatum fidelem, a faithful senate, pious councillors, good subordinates. Of Aurelian’ s council it was said, that by them the good emperor, who might know nothing but as they informed him, was even bought and sold. Alphonsus, King of Aragon, said that princes were for this in a worse condition than other people; because they could seldom hear the truth of things. Augustus bitterly bewailed the death of Varus; because now, said he, I have none about me that will deal truly with me. The Grand Signior goes often abroad that he may receive poor men’ s petitions, and right them upon the greatest beshaws, who, bewitched by bribery, have denied them justice.
And hence it hath been ever observed, that few of his chief officers die in their beds. These evening wolves many times have not a morrow left them to gnaw the bones in.
Ellicott's Commentary on Zephaniah 3:3
(3) Till the morrow.—Better, on the morrow. The meaning is just the opposite to that given in the Authorised Version. They are so greedy that they devour their prey instantly, leaving no portion of it for the morrow.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Zephaniah 3:3
Verse 3. Her princes - are roaring lions] Tearing all to pieces without shadow of law, except their own despotic power. Her judges are evening wolves] Being a little afraid of the lion-like princes, they practise their unjust dealings from evening to morning, and take the day to find their rest. They gnaw not the bones till the morrow.] They devour the flesh in the night, and gnaw the bones and extract the marrow afterwards. They use all violence and predatory oppression, like wild beasts; they shun the light, and turn day into night by their revellings.
Cambridge Bible on Zephaniah 3:3
3. Every class does evil, each in its own way. A very full parallel is Ezekiel 22:25-28 (in Ezekiel 22:25 read princes). The “princes” may be the royal house, or the magnates in whose hands lay the judicial and governing power. Ezek. describing the princes says, they are “like a roaring lion ravening the prey; they have devoured souls; they have taken the treasure; they have made her widows many.” The “judges” are compared to evening wolves (Habakkuk 1:8), less powerful than the lions but no less insatiable and murderous. Ezekiel 22:27, “wolves ravening the prey, to shed blood, to destroy souls, to get dishonest gain.” Judicial corruption and murder are often complained of by the prophets; Isaiah 1:23; Micah 3:11; cf. Jeremiah 22:17; Ezekiel 22:12. gnaw not the bones till the morrow] The term rendered “gnaw the bones” occurs Numbers 24:8, where, however, the word “bones” is expressed; also Ezekiel 23:34, “thou shalt gnaw the sherds thereof.” With this sense the clause might mean, evening wolves that gnawed not (the) bones in the morning; the idea being that the wolves having had no prey in the morning were keen from hunger and ferocious in the evening. Others suppose the word to be different from that in Numbers 24:8, and to be allied to an Aramaic root signifying to cut off (a part), hence to reserve, leave over; and render, evening wolves that leave nothing over till the morning,—their insatiable voracity devouring everything, hide and hair, at once. It must be acknowledged that this sense of leave over is somewhat conjectural.
Barnes' Notes on Zephaniah 3:3
The prophet having declared the wickedness of the whole city, rehearses how each in Church and state, the ministers of God in either, who should have corrected the evil, themselves aggravated it.
Whedon's Commentary on Zephaniah 3:3
WOE UPON THE CITY OF , Zephaniah 3:1-7.In Zephaniah 3:1, the prophet turns once more to Jerusalem, “the rebellious and unclean, the city of oppression.” He strikes the same notes as in chapter i,
Sermons on Zephaniah 3:3
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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Intercession - Part 2 by Derek Prince | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the abundance of spiritual light available to the current generation through various media such as television, radio, tapes, and books. He wa |
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The Secret of Holiness by Dennis Kinlaw | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of finding just one person who deals honestly and seeks the truth in order to bring salvation and forgiveness to a city. The s |
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(Through the Bible) Jeremiah 3-5 by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the need for people to turn away from worldly distractions and dedicate themselves fully to God and spiritual matters. He quotes from the bo |
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2 Peter 2:14 by John Gill | John Gill expounds on 2 Peter 2:14, emphasizing the dangers of lust and the corrupting influence of false teachers who entice unstable souls. He highlights that the eyes can lead t |
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Of Rules to Find Out Covetousness by William Gouge | William Gouge preaches on the dangers of covetousness, providing seven directions to help identify and avoid this sin. He emphasizes the importance of examining one's inward desire |
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Genesis #18 Ch. 27-29 God's Principle of Retribution by Chuck Missler | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of knowing the author of the Bible, just as in business, it's not what you know but who you know. The story of Jacob and Esau |
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Sowing and Reaping by Catherine Booth | Catherine Booth preaches on the universal principle of sowing and reaping, emphasizing that just as in the physical world, there is a direct correlation between what one sows and w |