Zephaniah 3:3 kjv — Her princes within her are roaring lions; her judges are evening wolves; they gnaw not the bones till the morrow.

King James Version

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

— Zephaniah 3:3, King James Version

Read in Another Translation

5 of 21 translations

Zephaniah 3:3 in Other Translations

6 versions All translations

Zephaniah 3 — Context

1

Woe to her that is filthy and polluted, to the oppressing city!

2

She obeyed not the voice; she received not correction; she trusted not in the Lord; she drew not near to her God.

3

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

4

Her prophets are light and treacherous persons: her priests have polluted the sanctuary, they have done violence to the law.

5

The just Lord is in the midst thereof; he will not do iniquity: every morning doth he bring his judgment to light, he faileth not; but the unjust knoweth no shame.

6

I have cut off the nations: their towers are desolate; I made their streets waste, that none passeth by: their cities are destroyed, so that there is no man, that there is none inhabitant.

Zephaniah 3:3 — Frequently Asked Questions

7 questions
What does Zephaniah 3:3 say?
Zephaniah 3:3 in the King James Version reads: “Her princes within her are roaring lions; her judges are evening wolves; they gnaw not the bones till the morrow.”
Where is Zephaniah 3:3 in the Bible?
Zephaniah 3:3 is found in the Old Testament, in the book of Zephaniah, chapter 3, verse 3.
Who wrote Zephaniah?
Zephaniah is traditionally attributed to Zephaniah, a descendant of king Hezekiah. It was written c. 640–625 BC.
What is the book of Zephaniah about?
Zephaniah opens with the most thoroughgoing judgment language in the Minor Prophets — a coming day of the LORD against the whole earth — and ends with the LORD himself singing over his redeemed remnant.
What are the major themes of Zephaniah?
Zephaniah explores themes including Day of the LORD, Judgment, Remnant, Joy, Restoration. These themes shape the meaning and context of Zephaniah 3:3.
What translation should I read Zephaniah 3:3 in?
Zephaniah 3:3 is available on GodsGoodBook in the King James Version (KJV), American Standard Version (ASV), World English Bible (WEB), NET Bible, Young's Literal Translation, Darby Bible, Douay-Rheims Bible, and the Bible in Basic English. Each translation reflects different translation philosophies — use the translation picker on this page to compare them, or browse our full translations directory.
How can I memorize Zephaniah 3:3?
Zephaniah 3:3 reads (KJV): “Her princes within her are roaring lions; her judges are evening wolves; they gnaw not the bones till the morrow.” Read it aloud, break it into short phrases, repeat each phrase three times before adding the next, then put the phrases together. Reading it in multiple translations (above) often helps the meaning settle.
GodsGoodBook logo

GodsGoodBook

Making God's Word accessible to everyone

Experience the Bible like never before with multiple translations, powerful search tools, and features to make God's Word personal to you. Completely free, forever.

Features

15+ Bible Translations
Powerful Search Tools
Highlight & Annotate
Share Verses
100% Free Forever
© 2025 GodsGoodBookVersion 1.8.2