Zephaniah 3:3

KJV

Her princes within her [are] roaring lions; her judges [are] evening wolves; they gnaw not the bones till the morrow.

KJV (with Strong's)

Her princes {H8269} within {H7130} her are roaring {H7580} lions {H738}; her judges {H8199} are evening {H6153} wolves {H2061}; they gnaw not the bones {H1633} till the morrow {H1242}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Her leaders there with her are roaring lions, her judges desert wolves, who don't leave even a bone for tomorrow.

Berean Standard Bible

Her princes are roaring lions; her judges are evening wolves, leaving 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.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Zephaniah 3:3 delivers a searing indictment against the corrupt leadership of Jerusalem, portraying its princes and judges as predatory animals. Through vivid metaphors, the prophet exposes their insatiable greed, ruthless exploitation, and utter disregard for justice, likening them to "roaring lions" and "evening wolves" who consume their prey with such ferocity that they leave nothing behind, even for the morrow. This verse serves as a powerful condemnation of those entrusted with authority who instead become instruments of oppression.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Zephaniah 3:3 is situated within a broader prophetic oracle against Jerusalem, which Zephaniah begins by labeling "the oppressing city" in [Zephaniah 3:1](/zephaniah/3-1 "Zephaniah 3:1 - The Rebellious City"). The preceding verses detail the city's moral and spiritual decay, highlighting its refusal to heed God's voice, accept discipline, or trust in the Lord. This specific verse then narrows the focus, directly implicating the city's civil and judicial authorities as primary agents of this corruption. It forms part of a larger pattern in prophetic literature where the spiritual state of a nation is often reflected in the integrity (or lack thereof) of its leadership. The subsequent verses in [Zephaniah 3](/zephaniah/3 "Zephaniah 3 - Judgment and Restoration") continue to elaborate on Jerusalem's sins before shifting to a promise of future restoration for a purified remnant.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Zephaniah prophesied during the reign of King Josiah (640-609 BC), likely in the early part of his reign before the major religious reforms of 622 BC. This period was marked by significant syncretism and idolatry, a legacy of previous kings like Manasseh and Amon. Judah was caught between the declining Assyrian Empire and the rising power of Babylon and Egypt. Internally, despite Josiah's later reforms, there was widespread social injustice, corruption, and moral decay, particularly among the elite. Princes and judges, meant to uphold the Mosaic Law and ensure justice for the vulnerable, were instead exploiting the populace. The imagery of lions and wolves would have been immediately recognizable to an ancient Near Eastern audience, as these predators were common threats to livestock and people, symbolizing unchecked power and destructive greed.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in Zephaniah and the broader prophetic corpus. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Corruption of Authority**, demonstrating how those entrusted with power – civil and judicial leaders – abused their positions for personal gain, becoming predators rather than protectors of the people. Secondly, it highlights the pervasive **Social Injustice** prevalent in Judah, where the very foundations of law and order were subverted, leading to the oppression and exploitation of the common people. This echoes similar condemnations found in other prophetic books, such as [Micah's lament](/micah/3-2-3 "Micah 3:2-3 - Leaders Devouring the People") that leaders "devour the flesh of my people" or [Ezekiel's indictment](/ezekiel/22-27 "Ezekiel 22:27 - Princes as Wolves Tearing Prey") of princes acting like "wolves tearing the prey." Finally, Zephaniah 3:3 reinforces the theme of **Divine Accountability**, emphasizing that God observes and will judge such wickedness, especially among those in positions of influence who are meant to embody His justice.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **roaring (Hebrew, _shâʼag'_):** From H7580, a primitive root meaning "to rumble or moan." In this context, it describes the sound made by a lion, signifying aggressive, intimidating, and predatory vocalizations. It suggests the princes' decrees or actions were not for justice but for terrorizing and overpowering the populace, like a lion's roar before it attacks its prey.
* **wolves (Hebrew, _zᵉʼêb'_):** From H2061, meaning "a wolf." Wolves are known for their cunning, ferocity, and insatiable hunger, often hunting in packs, especially at night. This metaphor for the judges conveys their predatory nature, operating stealthily and ruthlessly to exploit, much like wolves descend upon their victims.
* **gnaw not the bones (Hebrew, _gâram'_):** From H1633, a primitive root meaning "to be spare or skeleton-like," used causatively to mean "to bone, i.e. denude (by extensive, craunch) the bones." This vivid imagery describes the extreme extent of their consumption. It implies that the judges are so ravenous and thorough in their exploitation that they strip their victims bare, leaving absolutely nothing behind, not even bones for later.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Her princes within her are roaring lions;"**: This clause indicts the civil leaders of Jerusalem. The "princes" (H8269, _sar_), who should have been guardians and wise administrators, are instead likened to "roaring lions" (H738, _ʼărîy_). The "roaring" (H7580, _shâʼag_) emphasizes their aggressive, intimidating, and destructive nature. Like powerful, predatory beasts, they use their authority not to protect but to terrorize and devour the vulnerable, seizing assets and power with overwhelming force.
* **"her judges are evening wolves;"**: This second clause turns to the judicial authorities. The "judges" (H8199, _shâphaṭ_), meant to be impartial dispensers of justice, are compared to "evening wolves" (H6153, _ʻereb_ H2061, _zᵉʼêb_). The "evening" aspect suggests they operate under the cover of darkness, perhaps implying clandestine or corrupt dealings, while "wolves" highlight their cunning, ferocity, and rapacious hunger. They are not shepherds of justice but predators of the innocent.
* **"they gnaw not the bones till the morrow."**: This concluding phrase intensifies the imagery of the "evening wolves" (the judges), vividly illustrating the depth of their greed and ruthlessness. The phrase "gnaw not the bones" (H1633, _gâram_) implies an exhaustive, complete consumption. To "gnaw not the bones till the morrow" (H1242, _bôqer_) signifies that their hunger is so immediate and insatiable that they devour everything without delay or restraint, leaving nothing for later or for anyone else. There is no mercy, no satisfaction, and no limit to their rapacious appetites.

#### Literary Devices
Zephaniah 3:3 is rich in **Zoomorphism** and **Metaphor**, powerfully comparing human leaders to predatory animals. The princes are not *like* roaring lions; they *are* roaring lions, suggesting a complete embodiment of the animal's destructive characteristics. Similarly, the judges *are* evening wolves. This direct comparison creates a visceral sense of their brutality and insatiable hunger. The phrase "they gnaw not the bones till the morrow" employs striking **Hyperbole** to emphasize the extreme, unrestrained nature of their greed and exploitation. This vivid **Imagery** evokes a strong emotional response, painting a picture of a society utterly ravaged by its own leadership, where the powerful leave no scrap for the weak. The prophet's use of these devices ensures the message is not merely understood but felt, highlighting the moral depravity and the urgent need for divine intervention.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Zephaniah 3:3 profoundly illustrates the theological truth that God holds leaders accountable for their stewardship of power. It underscores the divine expectation for justice and righteousness in governance, contrasting sharply with the predatory behavior of Judah's elite. The verse reveals God's deep concern for the oppressed and His condemnation of those who exploit the vulnerable, reflecting a core aspect of His character as a righteous Judge who defends the cause of the poor and needy. This passage serves as a timeless warning against the abuse of authority and a call for integrity in leadership, reminding us that true power is meant for service, not self-enrichment.

* [Proverbs 28:15](/proverbs/28-15 "Proverbs 28:15 - Wicked Rulers are Roaring Lions")
* [Ezekiel 22:27](/ezekiel/22-27 "Ezekiel 22:27 - Princes as Wolves Tearing Prey")
* [Micah 3:2-3](/micah/3-2-3 "Micah 3:2-3 - Leaders Devouring the People")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Zephaniah 3:3 serves as a stark mirror, reflecting the enduring human propensity for corruption when power is unchecked and accountability is absent. For believers today, this passage calls for a vigilant stance against injustice in all its forms, whether in political, economic, or even ecclesiastical spheres. It compels us to pray for righteous leaders, to advocate for the marginalized, and to actively participate in systems that promote equity and compassion. Furthermore, it prompts profound self-examination: where might we, in our own spheres of influence, however small, exhibit tendencies towards greed, exploitation, or the abuse of power? Are we, by our actions or inactions, contributing to the "gnawing of bones" in our communities, or are we seeking to build up and protect? This verse reminds us that true spiritual health is inseparable from social justice, and that God's heart beats for the oppressed.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways might the "roaring lions" and "evening wolves" manifest in leadership today, whether in government, business, or religious institutions?**
* **How can individual believers actively work against systems of injustice and exploitation in their communities?**
* **What personal "bones" might we be "gnawing" or consuming without restraint, and how can we cultivate a spirit of generosity and justice?**
* **How does Zephaniah's condemnation of corrupt leaders challenge our understanding of Christian leadership and service?**

### FAQ
**What does "they gnaw not the bones till the morrow" truly mean in the context of Zephaniah 3:3?**

Answer: This vivid phrase emphasizes the extreme, insatiable greed and ruthlessness of Jerusalem's judges. It means they are so ravenous and thorough in their exploitation that they consume everything immediately and completely, leaving absolutely nothing behind for later, or for anyone else. There is no restraint, no mercy, and no satisfaction of their rapacious appetites. It paints a picture of total devastation wrought by their corruption, where victims are stripped bare, with no hope of recovery or relief, because their oppressors have left nothing remaining, much like a predator that consumes every last morsel of its prey. This imagery underscores the urgency and severity of the judgment Zephaniah proclaims against such leaders.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Zephaniah 3:3 powerfully exposes the corrupt and predatory nature of Judah's human leadership, it simultaneously points to the profound need for a righteous King, a just Judge who would not exploit but truly shepherd His people. This ultimate fulfillment is found in Jesus Christ. Unlike the "roaring lions" and "evening wolves" who devoured their flock, Jesus is the [Good Shepherd](/john/10-11 "John 10:11 - Jesus, the Good Shepherd") who lays down His life for His sheep, protecting them from all predators. He is the [righteous Judge](/john/5-22 "John 5:22 - The Father Has Entrusted All Judgment to the Son") who condemns injustice and upholds truth, not with a roar of oppression but with the quiet authority of divine love. His earthly ministry was marked by a constant confrontation with the corrupt religious and political leaders of His day, who, like those in Zephaniah's time, often exploited the people for their own gain (e.g., [Matthew 23:13-36](/matthew/23-13-36 "Matthew 23:13-36 - Woes to the Scribes and Pharisees")). Ultimately, Christ's sacrifice on the cross was the perfect act of justice, paying the penalty for human sin and establishing a kingdom founded on righteousness, peace, and true equity, radically contrasting with the predatory rule described in Zephaniah 3:3. His return will bring the final and complete eradication of all corrupt authority, establishing His perfect and eternal reign of justice (e.g., [Revelation 19:11](/revelation/19-11 "Revelation 19:11 - 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

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.

Ezekiel 22:25

[There is] a conspiracy of her prophets in the midst thereof, like a roaring lion ravening the prey; they have devoured souls; they have taken the treasure and precious things; they have made her many widows in the midst thereof.

Ezekiel 22:27

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

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.

Job 4:8

Even as I have seen, they that plow iniquity, and sow wickedness, reap the same.

Job 4:11

The old lion perisheth for lack of prey, and the stout lion's whelps are scattered abroad.

Psalms 10:8

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.