Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version Her officials within her are like wolves tearing their prey; they shed blood and kill people to make unjust gain. New Living Translation Your leaders are like wolves who tear apart their victims. They actually destroy people’s lives for money! English Standard Version Her princes in her midst are like wolves tearing the prey, shedding blood, destroying lives to get dishonest gain. Berean Standard Bible Her officials within her are like wolves tearing their prey, shedding blood, and destroying lives for dishonest gain. Berean Literal Bible Her princes within her are like wolves tearing the prey, to shed blood, to destroy souls, and to break off dishonest gain. King James Bible Her princes in the midst thereof are like wolves ravening the prey, to shed blood, and to destroy souls, to get dishonest gain. New King James Version Her princes in her midst are like wolves tearing the prey, to shed blood, to destroy people, and to get dishonest gain. New American Standard Bible Her leaders within her are like wolves tearing the prey, by shedding blood and destroying lives in order to make dishonest profit. NASB 1995 “Her princes within her are like wolves tearing the prey, by shedding blood and destroying lives in order to get dishonest gain. NASB 1977 “Her princes within her are like wolves tearing the prey, by shedding blood and destroying lives in order to get dishonest gain. Legacy Standard Bible Her princes within her are like wolves tearing the prey by shedding blood and destroying lives in order to get greedy gain. Amplified Bible Her princes within her are like wolves tearing and devouring the prey, shedding blood and destroying lives in order to get dishonest gain. Berean Annotated Bible Her officials within her are like wolves tearing their prey, shedding blood, and destroying lives for dishonest gain. Christian Standard Bible “Her officials within her are like wolves tearing their prey, shedding blood, and destroying lives in order to make profit dishonestly. Holman Christian Standard Bible Her officials within her are like wolves tearing their prey, shedding blood, and destroying lives in order to make profit dishonestly. 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. Contemporary English Version Israel's officials are like ferocious wolves, ripping their victims apart. They make a dishonest living by injuring and killing people. English Revised 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. GOD'S WORD® Translation Your leaders are like wolves that tear their prey into pieces. They murder and destroy people to make excessive profits. Good News Translation The government officials are like wolves tearing apart the animals they have killed. They commit murder in order to get rich. International Standard Version Her princes within her are like wolves tearing their prey apart. They shed blood, destroying souls, and make unjust gain. NET Bible Her officials are like wolves in her midst rending their prey--shedding blood and destroying lives--so they can get dishonest profit. New Heart English Bible Her officials in its midst are like wolves ravening the prey, to shed blood, and to destroy souls, that they may get dishonest gain. Webster's Bible Translation Her princes in the midst of her are like wolves ravening the prey, to shed blood, and to destroy souls, to get dishonest gain. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleHer officials within her are like wolves tearing their prey, shedding blood, and destroying lives for dishonest gain. World English Bible Her princes within it are like wolves ravening the prey, to shed blood and to destroy souls, that they may get dishonest gain. Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionIts princes [are] as wolves in its midst, "" Tearing prey, to shed blood, to destroy souls, "" For the sake of gaining dishonest gain. Berean Literal Bible Her princes within her are like wolves tearing the prey, to shed blood, to destroy souls, and to break off dishonest gain. Young's Literal Translation Its princes in its midst are as wolves, Tearing prey, to shed blood, to destroy souls, For the sake of gaining dishonest gain. Smith's Literal Translation Her chiefs in her midst as wolves rending the prey, to pour out blood, to destroy souls, for the sake of plundering plunder. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleHer princes in the midst of her, are like wolves ravening the prey to shed blood, and to destroy souls, and to run after gains through covetousness. Catholic Public Domain Version Her leaders in her midst are like wolves seizing the prey: to shed blood, and to perish souls, and to continually pursue profit with avarice. New American Bible Within her, her officials are like wolves tearing prey, shedding blood and destroying lives to extort profit. New Revised Standard Version Its officials within it are like wolves tearing the prey, shedding blood, destroying lives to get dishonest gain. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleHer princes in the midst of her are like wolves tearing the prey, to shed blood and to destroy lives, to get dishonest gain. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated Her Princes do violence within her like wolves to shed blood and to destroy souls that they would possess property OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917Her princes in the midst thereof are like wolves ravening the prey: to shed blood, and to destroy souls, so as to get dishonest gain. Brenton Septuagint Translation Her princes in the midst of her are as wolves ravening to shed blood, that they may get dishonest gain. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context The Sins of Prophets, Priests, Princes…26Her 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. 27Her officials within her are like wolves tearing their prey, shedding blood, and destroying lives for dishonest gain. 28Her prophets whitewash these deeds by false visions and lying divinations, saying, ‘This is what the Lord GOD says,’ when the LORD has not spoken.… Cross References Her officials within her Isaiah 3:14-15 The LORD brings this charge against the elders and leaders of His people: “You have devoured the vineyard; the plunder of the poor is in your houses. / Why do you crush My people and grind the faces of the poor?” declares the Lord GOD of Hosts. Micah 3:1 Then I said: “Hear now, O leaders of Jacob, you rulers of the house of Israel. Should you not know justice? 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. are like wolves tearing their prey, Zephaniah 3:3 Her princes are roaring lions; her judges are evening wolves, leaving nothing for the morning. Matthew 7:15 Beware of false prophets. They come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves. Acts 20:29 I know that after my departure, savage wolves will come in among you and will not spare the flock. shedding blood, Proverbs 6:17 haughty eyes, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood, Isaiah 59:7 Their feet run to evil; they are swift to shed innocent blood. Their thoughts are sinful thoughts; ruin and destruction lie in their wake. Jeremiah 7:6 if you no longer oppress the foreigner and the fatherless and the widow, and if you no longer shed innocent blood in this place or follow other gods to your own harm, and destroying lives Psalm 94:21-23 They band together against the righteous and condemn the innocent to death. / But the LORD has been my stronghold, and my God is my rock of refuge. / He will bring upon them their own iniquity and destroy them for their wickedness. The LORD our God will destroy them. Jeremiah 11:19 For I was like a gentle lamb led to slaughter; I did not know that they had plotted against me: “Let us destroy the tree with its fruit; let us cut him off from the land of the living, that his name may be remembered no more.” Proverbs 1:11-12 If they say, “Come along, let us lie in wait for blood, let us ambush the innocent without cause, / let us swallow them alive like Sheol, and whole like those descending into the Pit. for dishonest gain. Micah 3:11 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.” Proverbs 1:19 Such is the fate of all who are greedy, whose unjust gain takes the lives of its possessors. Jeremiah 6:13 “For from the least of them to the greatest, all are greedy for gain; from prophet to priest, all practice deceit. 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. Treasury of Scripture Her princes in the middle thereof are like wolves ravening the prey, to shed blood, and to destroy souls, to get dishonest gain. princes Ezekiel 22:6 Behold, the princes of Israel, every one were in thee to their power to shed blood. Ezekiel 19:3-6 And she brought up one of her whelps: it became a young lion, and it learned to catch the prey; it devoured men… Ezekiel 22:6 Behold, the princes of Israel, every one were in thee to their power to shed blood. to get 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. Matthew 21:13 And said unto them, It is written, My house shall be called the house of prayer; but ye have made it a den of thieves. James 5:1-4 Go to now, ye rich men, weep and howl for your miseries that shall come upon you… Jump to Previous Blood Causing Death Destroy Destroying Destruction Dishonest Food Gain Gaining Kill Midst Officials Order Prey Princes Putting Ravening Rulers Sake Shed Shedding Souls Tearing Thereof Violently Within WolvesJump to Next Blood Causing Death Destroy Destroying Destruction Dishonest Food Gain Gaining Kill Midst Officials Order Prey Princes Putting Ravening Rulers Sake Shed Shedding Souls Tearing Thereof Violently Within WolvesEzekiel 22 1. A catalogue of sins in Jerusalem, and the dispersion of the Jews in consequence17. God will burn them as dross in his furnace 23. The general corruption of prophets, priests, princes, and the people Her officials within her This phrase refers to the leaders and rulers of Jerusalem. In the context of Ezekiel, these officials are the political and religious leaders who were expected to guide the people according to God's laws. Historically, the leaders of Israel were often criticized by the prophets for their failure to uphold justice and righteousness. This criticism is consistent with other prophetic writings, such as those found in Isaiah and Jeremiah, where leaders are held accountable for the nation's moral and spiritual decline. are like wolves tearing their prey shedding blood and destroying lives for dishonest gain Persons / Places / Events 1. EzekielA prophet during the Babylonian exile, Ezekiel was called by God to deliver messages of judgment and hope to the Israelites. 2. Officials The leaders and rulers of Israel, who are being condemned for their corrupt and violent behavior. 3. Jerusalem The city where these events are taking place, representing the center of religious and political life for the Israelites. 4. Wolves A metaphor used to describe the predatory and destructive nature of the officials. 5. Dishonest Gain The corrupt practices and exploitation carried out by the leaders for personal benefit. Teaching Points The Dangers of Corrupt LeadershipLeaders have a responsibility to serve and protect their people. When they become corrupt, they can cause great harm, as seen in Ezekiel's condemnation of the officials. The Call for Righteousness Believers are called to pursue justice and righteousness, standing against corruption and exploitation in all forms. The Role of Accountability Just as Ezekiel held the leaders accountable, Christians are called to hold their leaders accountable to God's standards. The Importance of Discernment Believers must be discerning of those in authority, recognizing the signs of corrupt leadership and responding appropriately. Trust in God's Justice Despite the presence of corrupt leaders, God’s justice will ultimately prevail, and He will hold all accountable for their actions. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of Ezekiel 22:27?2. How does Ezekiel 22:27 describe the leaders' behavior towards their people? 3. What actions in Ezekiel 22:27 parallel modern-day leadership failures? 4. How can Christians ensure they don't act like "wolves tearing prey"? 5. What other scriptures warn against leaders exploiting their followers? 6. How should believers respond to leaders who "shed blood to destroy lives"? 7. How does Ezekiel 22:27 reflect the corruption of leaders in ancient Israel? 8. What historical context led to the condemnation in Ezekiel 22:27? 9. How does Ezekiel 22:27 challenge modern views on leadership and justice? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Ezekiel 22? 11. Does the mention of Tarshish and other distant lands in Ezekiel 27 align with known ancient geography and historical records? 12. What are Jacob's prophecies in the Bible? 13. In Ezekiel 17:3-4, how can the imagery of a great eagle plucking off the top of a cedar be reconciled with actual historical events or natural realities? 14. What does the Bible say about societal hierarchy? What Does Ezekiel 22:27 Mean Her officials within her“Her officials within her...” (Ezekiel 22:27) • Ezekiel has already pointed to those in positions of authority as prime culprits in Judah’s collapse (Ezekiel 22:6, 12). • These “officials” encompass princes, judges, and administrators who were expected to uphold covenant justice (2 Chronicles 19:6–7). • Instead of being shepherds after God’s heart, they mirror the leaders denounced in Micah 3:1–3 and Zephaniah 3:3—men who twist the law and prey on the weak. • The phrase reminds us leadership begins “within” the city; corruption is an inside job, not an external threat. are like wolves tearing their prey “...are like wolves tearing their prey...” (Ezekiel 22:27) • Wolves picture ferocity, speed, and a pack mentality—predators that leave nothing but scattered remains (Acts 20:29; Matthew 7:15). • God uses this metaphor to show how officials devour the defenseless rather than defend them. • Micah 3:2–3 parallels the image, portraying rulers who “tear the skin from My people.” • The simile highlights deliberate, calculated cruelty, not accidental harm. shedding blood “...shedding blood...” (Ezekiel 22:27) • Ezekiel 22 opens with repeated charges of bloodshed (vv. 2–4, 6). The leaders are implicated in violence that ranges from judicial murder to sanctioned oppression. • Jeremiah 22:17 echoes this charge: “Your eyes and your heart are set only on dishonest gain...on shedding innocent blood.” • Blood guilt cries out to God (Genesis 4:10). Under the Law, it defiles the land and demands judgment (Numbers 35:33). • The phrase leaves no doubt that the rulers’ sins are lethal, not merely administrative. and destroying lives “...and destroying lives...” (Ezekiel 22:27) • Beyond physical death, lives are “destroyed” through exploitation—families pushed into debt, inheritance fields confiscated (Proverbs 22:22–23). • Proverbs 1:16 describes a similar mindset: “They rush to shed blood.” • Jesus later contrasts Himself with such predators: “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy” (John 10:10). • God’s design was always life-giving leadership (Psalm 72:12–14); these officials invert that calling. for dishonest gain “...for dishonest gain.” (Ezekiel 22:27) • The motive is greed—bribes, land-grabs, unjust taxes (Ezekiel 22:12–13). • Exodus 18:21 sets the standard: leaders must “hate dishonest gain.” Their failure shows complete covenant breach. • 1 Timothy 6:10 later warns that the love of money still drives destructive behavior. • In God’s courtroom, motive matters; profit gained at the expense of human life invites His wrath (Amos 5:11–12). summary Ezekiel 22:27 exposes leaders who should protect but instead prey. Operating from the heart of the city, they act like wolves—ferocious, organized, and unrelenting. Their violence spills actual blood, shatters lives, and springs from greed that mocks God’s standards. The verse stands as a timeless warning: when those entrusted with authority pursue selfish gain, society unravels and divine judgment follows, yet it also points us to the Shepherd-King who rules with justice and sacrificial care. (27) Her princes.--These are not only the kings, but also the nobles and those in authority at court--in other words, the ruling class. Their injustice and violence is a constant theme for prophetic rebuke.Verse 27. - Wolves (comp. Habakkuk 1:8; Zephaniah 3:3; Matthew 7:15; Acts 20:29).Parallel Commentaries ... Hebrew Her officialsשָׂרֶ֣יהָ (śā·re·hā) Noun - masculine plural construct | third person feminine singular Strong's 8269: Chieftain, chief, ruler, official, captain, prince within בְקִרְבָּ֔הּ (ḇə·qir·bāh) Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular construct | third person feminine singular Strong's 7130: The nearest part, the center her are like wolves כִּזְאֵבִ֖ים (kiz·’ê·ḇîm) Preposition-k | Noun - masculine plural Strong's 2061: A wolf tearing טֹ֣רְפֵי (ṭō·rə·p̄ê) Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine plural construct Strong's 2963: To pluck off, pull to pieces, to supply with food their prey, טָ֑רֶף (ṭā·rep̄) Noun - masculine singular Strong's 2964: Something torn, a fragment, a fresh leaf, prey, food shedding לִשְׁפָּךְ־ (liš·pāḵ-) Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct Strong's 8210: To spill forth, to expend, to sprawl out blood, דָּם֙ (dām) Noun - masculine singular Strong's 1818: Blood, of man, an animal, the juice of the grape, bloodshed and destroying לְאַבֵּ֣ד (lə·’ab·bêḏ) Preposition-l | Verb - Piel - Infinitive construct Strong's 6: To wander away, lose oneself, to perish lives נְפָשׁ֔וֹת (nə·p̄ā·šō·wṯ) Noun - feminine plural Strong's 5315: A soul, living being, life, self, person, desire, passion, appetite, emotion for לְמַ֖עַן (lə·ma·‘an) Conjunction Strong's 4616: Purpose -- intent dishonest gain. בְּצֹ֥עַ (bə·ṣō·a‘) Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct Strong's 1214: To cut off, break off, gain by violence Links Ezekiel 22:27 NIVEzekiel 22:27 NLT Ezekiel 22:27 ESV Ezekiel 22:27 NASB Ezekiel 22:27 KJV Ezekiel 22:27 BibleApps.com Ezekiel 22:27 Biblia Paralela Ezekiel 22:27 Chinese Bible Ezekiel 22:27 French Bible Ezekiel 22:27 Catholic Bible OT Prophets: Ezekiel 22:27 Her princes in its midst are like (Ezek. Eze Ezk) |
    |