Ezekiel 22:27

KJV

Her princes in the midst thereof [are] like wolves ravening the prey, to shed blood, [and] to destroy souls, to get dishonest gain.

KJV (with Strong's)

Her princes {H8269} in the midst {H7130} thereof are like wolves {H2061} ravening {H2963} the prey {H2964}, to shed {H8210} blood {H1818}, and to destroy {H6} souls {H5315}, to get {H1214} dishonest gain {H1215}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Her leaders in it are like wolves tearing up the prey to shed blood and destroy people, in order to benefit unjustly.

Berean Standard Bible

Her officials within her are like wolves tearing their prey, shedding blood, and destroying lives for dishonest gain.

American Standard Version

Her princes in the midst thereof are like wolves ravening the prey, to shed blood, and to destroy souls, that they may get dishonest gain.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezekiel 22:27 delivers a stark and powerful divine indictment against the corrupt civil and judicial leaders of Jerusalem, portraying them as rapacious wolves who mercilessly exploit and devour the populace. This verse unmasks their true character as predators, driven by an insatiable lust for power and illicit wealth, leading them to shed innocent blood and spiritually destroy the very people they were appointed by God to protect. It stands as a searing testament to God's profound abhorrence of injustice and the devastating consequences of leadership that prioritizes selfish gain over the welfare and lives of the community.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Ezekiel 22:27 is deeply embedded within a comprehensive and scathing oracle of judgment in [Ezekiel 22](/ezekiel/22 "Ezekiel 22 - Jerusalem's Sins and Judgment"), where God systematically exposes the pervasive moral and spiritual decay that had infected every stratum of Jerusalemite society just prior to its final destruction by Babylon. The chapter functions as a divine courtroom, meticulously listing the manifold sins—from widespread idolatry among the people and the profaning of sacred things by priests, to the deceit of prophets and the corruption of the city's princes. This particular verse zeroes in on the "princes," or civil leaders, highlighting their egregious abuse of power, which stands in stark contrast to the divine standard for righteous governance. Their actions, as depicted here, serve as a primary justification for the impending divine wrath and the Babylonian exile, a central theme described throughout the entire book of [Ezekiel](/ezekiel/1 "The Book of Ezekiel").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The prophet Ezekiel ministered during the tumultuous period of the Babylonian exile, specifically to the Jewish captives who had already been deported from Judah. At the time this prophecy was delivered, Jerusalem was still standing, but its moral and spiritual fabric was severely compromised, leading inevitably to its catastrophic downfall in 586 BC. The "princes" (שָׂר, *sar*) were the ruling elite, holding positions of immense authority and responsibility for upholding justice, administering law, and protecting the vulnerable segments of society. However, in this period, they had become instruments of oppression, mirroring the broader societal breakdown and the pervasive unfaithfulness to God's covenant. Their actions, as vividly depicted in this verse, reflect a profound and tragic failure of leadership, where personal greed and a ruthless thirst for power superseded their God-given mandate to govern righteously, contributing directly to the societal chaos and divine judgment that culminated in the destruction of the city and the temple, as graphically foretold in [Ezekiel 24](/ezekiel/24 "Ezekiel 24 - The Siege of Jerusalem").
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully articulates and reinforces several overarching themes found within the book of Ezekiel and the broader prophetic tradition. It vividly illustrates the theme of **Corrupt Leadership**, portraying rulers who flagrantly abuse their God-given authority for personal gain rather than for the welfare of their subjects, a stark and tragic contrast to the ideal of a righteous king or shepherd found in passages like [Psalm 72](/psalms/72 "Psalm 72 - A Prayer for the King"). The **Predatory Nature of Sin** is highlighted through the chilling and unforgettable metaphor of "wolves ravening the prey," emphasizing the ruthless, violent, and exploitative behavior of these leaders who, astonishingly, devour their own people. Their actions lead directly to **Violence and Destruction**, specifically "shedding blood" (implying judicial murder or violent oppression) and "destroying souls" (encompassing both physical and spiritual ruin), underscoring the lethal and far-reaching impact of their injustice. The ultimate motivation, **Dishonest Gain** (Hebrew: *betsaʻ*), reveals the deep-seated avarice that fueled their wickedness, a sin consistently and severely condemned in the Law and Prophets, as seen in [Exodus 18:21](/exodus/18-21 "Exodus 18:21 - Qualities of Leaders") and [Isaiah 1:23](/isaiah/1-23 "Isaiah 1:23 - The Corrupt Rulers of Judah"). Fundamentally, the verse underscores God's unwavering **Divine Abhorrence of Injustice** and His absolute commitment to holding those in power accountable for their stewardship.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **wolves (Hebrew, _zᵉʼêb'_):** Derived from an unused root meaning "to be yellow," this word (H2061) literally means "a wolf." The comparison to wolves immediately evokes images of ferocity, cunning, and predatory behavior. Wolves are known for hunting in packs and preying on the vulnerable, especially sheep. This metaphor powerfully conveys the ruthless, unmerciful, and destructive nature of Jerusalem's leaders, who, far from being shepherds, acted as savage predators against their own flock, mirroring the very antithesis of righteous care.
* **ravening (Hebrew, _ṭâraph'_):** This primitive root (H2963) means "to pluck off or pull to pieces," or "to rend in pieces." When combined with "wolves," it intensifies the image of brutal, violent dismemberment. It signifies not just eating, but tearing apart with savage aggression, leaving behind only devastation. This word underscores the extreme violence and destructive intent of the princes, who were not merely taking from the people, but actively tearing them apart through their unjust actions, leaving them utterly devastated and without recourse.
* **dishonest gain (Hebrew, _betsaʻ'_):** From the root (H1214) meaning "to break off" or "plunder," this noun (H1215) refers to plunder, and by extension, gain that is usually unjust or illicit. It encompasses covetousness, ill-gotten wealth, or profit acquired through exploitation, bribery, or violence. This term reveals the ultimate, corrupting motivation behind the princes' destructive actions: an insatiable greed that drove them to commit heinous acts for personal enrichment, a sin consistently condemned throughout the Old Testament as a perversion of justice and an affront to God's righteousness, as seen in [Proverbs 1:19](/proverbs/1-19 "Proverbs 1:19 - The End of the Greedy").

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Her princes in the midst thereof are like wolves ravening the prey":** This opening clause establishes the core simile, immediately casting the leaders of Jerusalem in a negative, predatory light. The "princes" (civil and judicial authorities) are depicted not as protectors or shepherds, but as savage "wolves" tearing apart their "prey"—the very people they were meant to serve and safeguard. This vividly illustrates their complete dereliction of duty and the tragic inversion of their God-ordained role, highlighting their betrayal of trust.
* **"to shed blood":** This phrase directly points to the violent and murderous consequences of the princes' actions. "Shedding blood" can refer to literal murder, often through corrupt judicial processes (e.g., condemning the innocent for personal gain), or to the violent oppression that leads to the death or destruction of the populace. It highlights the extreme nature of their cruelty and their utter disregard for human life, which is sacred to God.
* **"and to destroy souls":** Building on the previous clause, "destroying souls" (Hebrew: *nephesh*, referring to the whole person, life, or being) indicates a profound and comprehensive ruination. This is not merely physical harm but encompasses the complete devastation of individuals and communities—their livelihoods, well-being, and spiritual integrity. It speaks to the systemic nature of the princes' corruption, which left people utterly broken, without hope, and spiritually bankrupt.
* **"to get dishonest gain":** This final clause reveals the driving motivation behind all their destructive actions. The "dishonest gain" (Hebrew: *betsaʻ*) refers to ill-gotten wealth acquired through bribery, extortion, oppression, or other illicit means. It exposes the insatiable avarice that fueled their predatory behavior, making it clear that their violence and destruction were not random acts but calculated efforts to enrich themselves at the expense of others, demonstrating a profound spiritual bankruptcy and a complete lack of moral compass.

#### Literary Devices
Ezekiel 22:27 is rich with powerful literary devices that amplify its message of divine condemnation and the severity of Jerusalem's corruption. The most prominent is the **Simile**, where the "princes" are explicitly compared to "wolves ravening the prey." This comparison is not merely descriptive; it functions as a potent **Metaphor**, transforming the abstract concept of corrupt leadership into a concrete, terrifying image of predatory animals. The wolf, a feared and ruthless predator, symbolizes the brutal, violent, and exploitative nature of these leaders, highlighting their complete abandonment of their pastoral duty to the people they were meant to protect. Furthermore, the phrase "to destroy souls" employs a form of **Hyperbole** or intense imagery, suggesting not just physical death but the complete spiritual, psychological, and societal ruin inflicted by the princes' actions. This emphasizes the profound and devastating impact of their corruption, extending beyond mere material loss to the very essence of human life and community. The cumulative effect of these devices is to paint a vivid and horrifying picture of moral decay, underscoring the severity of the leaders' sin and justifying the impending divine judgment.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezekiel 22:27 serves as a profound theological statement on the nature of righteous governance and God's unwavering commitment to justice. It underscores that leadership, whether political, spiritual, or familial, is a sacred trust from God, intended for the welfare and protection of the people. When those in authority abuse their power, exploit the vulnerable, and are driven by selfish gain, they not only betray their human responsibility but also directly defy God's character, who is inherently just and righteous. The verse highlights the destructive power of unchecked greed and the systemic corruption it engenders, leading to violence, oppression, and societal breakdown. It reveals God's deep abhorrence for such injustice, signaling that He will hold leaders accountable for their actions, particularly when they harm the "least of these" and subvert the very foundations of a just society.

* [Proverbs 28:15](/proverbs/28-15 "Proverbs 28:15 - A Wicked Ruler")
* [Micah 3:2-3](/micah/3-2 "Micah 3:2-3 - Corrupt Leaders")
* [Matthew 7:15](/matthew/7-15 "Matthew 7:15 - Beware of False Prophets")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ezekiel 22:27 resonates deeply in every age, serving as a timeless and urgent warning against the corrupting influence of power and greed in leadership. It challenges us to critically examine the character and motivations of those in authority, whether in government, business, religious institutions, or even within our own families and communities. The verse calls for vigilance against leaders who prioritize personal enrichment and self-interest over the well-being of those they are meant to serve, reminding us that true leadership, as modeled by God Himself, is characterized by integrity, justice, and sacrificial care for the vulnerable. For individuals, it encourages a profound commitment to personal righteousness, resisting the temptation of "dishonest gain" in all its insidious forms, and actively working for justice within our own spheres of influence. It also reminds us that God sees every act of oppression and injustice, and His righteous judgment will ultimately prevail, offering a beacon of hope to the oppressed and a sobering warning to the oppressor.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways might the "ravenous wolf" metaphor apply to forms of leadership or influence in our world today, beyond just political leaders?**
* **How does the pursuit of "dishonest gain" manifest in contemporary society, and what are its destructive consequences for individuals and communities?**
* **What is my role, as an individual and as part of the body of Christ, in challenging or resisting systems of injustice and corruption?**
* **How can I ensure that my own actions and aspirations are not driven by a desire for "dishonest gain" but by integrity, service, and a heart for God's justice?**

### FAQ
**What does "princes" refer to in this context, and why are they singled out?**

Answer: In Ezekiel 22:27, "princes" (Hebrew: *sar*) refers to the civil and judicial leaders of Jerusalem—the ruling elite. They are specifically singled out because, as those in positions of immense power and authority, they bore a greater responsibility for upholding justice, administering the law, and maintaining social order. Their corruption was particularly egregious and offensive to God because they were entrusted by Him to govern righteously, yet they became the primary perpetrators of injustice, exploiting their own people for personal gain. This highlights the severe consequences when those at the top fail to fulfill their divine mandate, leading to widespread societal decay and divine judgment, as seen throughout [Ezekiel 22](/ezekiel/22 "Ezekiel 22 - Jerusalem's Sins and Judgment").

**Why are these leaders compared to "wolves ravening the prey"?**

Answer: The comparison to "wolves ravening the prey" is a powerful and chilling **simile** that vividly illustrates the predatory and destructive nature of Jerusalem's corrupt leaders. Wolves are known for their ferocity, cunning, and their tendency to hunt and tear apart vulnerable animals, often in packs. This metaphor underscores that these leaders, far from being shepherds who protect their flock, acted as savage predators, mercilessly exploiting and destroying the very people they were supposed to serve. The term "ravening" (Hebrew: *ṭâraph*) emphasizes the brutal, tearing, and violent manner in which they acquired their ill-gotten gains, leading to the "shedding of blood" and "destroying of souls," as the verse states. This imagery of predatory false leaders is also used in the New Testament to describe false teachers in [Matthew 7:15](/matthew/7-15 "Matthew 7:15 - Beware of False Prophets").

**What is "dishonest gain" and why is it so condemned in the Bible?**

Answer: "Dishonest gain" (Hebrew: *betsaʻ*) refers to wealth or profit acquired through illicit, unjust, or exploitative means. This could include bribery, extortion, oppression of the poor, usury, or any form of acquiring riches by violating ethical and moral principles and God's law. The Bible consistently condemns dishonest gain because it directly violates God's character of justice and righteousness. It is often achieved at the expense of the vulnerable, leading to their suffering and destruction, as seen in [Ezekiel 22:27](/ezekiel/22-27 "Ezekiel 22:27 - Corrupt Princes"). Such practices demonstrate a heart driven by greed rather than love for neighbor or obedience to God's law, and are frequently denounced by prophets and wisdom literature alike, for example, in [Proverbs 1:19](/proverbs/1-19 "Proverbs 1:19 - The End of the Greedy") and [Jeremiah 6:13](/jeremiah/6-13 "Jeremiah 6:13 - Greed of Prophets and Priests"), because they undermine the very fabric of a righteous society.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ezekiel 22:27, with its searing indictment of corrupt, predatory leadership, finds its ultimate fulfillment and profound contrast in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The "princes" of Jerusalem were like ravening wolves, destroying souls and shedding blood for dishonest gain, embodying the very antithesis of righteous authority and true shepherding. In stark contrast, Jesus declared Himself the [Good Shepherd](/john/10-11 "John 10:11 - The Good Shepherd"), who "lays down his life for the sheep," rather than preying upon them. While the leaders of Ezekiel's day were driven by *betsaʻ* (dishonest gain), Jesus, though rich, [became poor for our sakes](/2_corinthians/8-9 "2 Corinthians 8:9 - Christ's Example of Generosity"), offering Himself as the ultimate sacrifice to "shed blood" not for personal enrichment, but for the [redemption of souls](/ephesians/1-7 "Ephesians 1:7 - Redemption Through His Blood"). He came not to destroy but to give [life, and life more abundantly](/john/10-10 "John 10:10 - The Thief and the Shepherd"), providing spiritual and eternal sustenance. The prophetic longing for a righteous ruler, hinted at in passages like [Isaiah 9:6-7](/isaiah/9-6 "Isaiah 9:6 - The Prince of Peace"), is fully realized in Christ, who perfectly embodies justice, truth, and self-sacrificial love. He is the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world, and simultaneously the Lion of Judah who will one day return to judge the living and the dead, bringing an end to all injustice and establishing His eternal kingdom of righteousness, as foretold in [Revelation 19:11-16](/revelation/19-11 "Revelation 19:11-16 - The Rider on the White Horse").

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Ezekiel 22:13

Behold, therefore I have smitten mine hand at thy dishonest gain which thou hast made, and at thy blood which hath been in the midst of thee.

Ezekiel 22:6

Behold, the princes of Israel, every one were in thee to their power to shed blood.

Isaiah 1:23

Thy princes [are] rebellious, and companions of thieves: every one loveth gifts, and followeth after rewards: they judge not the fatherless, neither doth the cause of the widow come unto them.

Micah 3:9

Hear this, I pray you, ye heads of the house of Jacob, and princes of the house of Israel, that abhor judgment, and pervert all equity.

Micah 3:11

The heads thereof judge for reward, and the priests thereof teach for hire, and the prophets thereof divine for money: yet will they lean upon the LORD, and say, [Is] not the LORD among us? none evil can come upon us.

Hosea 7:1

¶ When I would have healed Israel, then the iniquity of Ephraim was discovered, and the wickedness of Samaria: for they commit falsehood; and the thief cometh in, [and] the troop of robbers spoileth without.

Hosea 7:7

They are all hot as an oven, and have devoured their judges; all their kings are fallen: [there is] none among them that calleth unto me.