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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Zephaniah 3:4 Her prophets are reckless, faithless men. Her priests profane the sanctuary; they do violence to the law.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/zephaniah/3-4.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/1/36_Zep_03_04.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Zephaniah 3:4 - The Judgment on Jerusalem" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="Her prophets are reckless, faithless men. 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Her priests profane the sanctuary and do violence to the law.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/zephaniah/3.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />Its prophets are arrogant liars seeking their own gain. Its priests defile the Temple by disobeying God’s instructions.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/zephaniah/3.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />Her prophets are fickle, treacherous men; her priests profane what is holy; they do violence to the law.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/zephaniah/3.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />Her prophets are reckless, faithless men. Her priests profane the sanctuary; they do violence to the law.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/zephaniah/3.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />Her prophets <i>are</i> light <i>and</i> treacherous persons: her priests have polluted the sanctuary, they have done violence to the law.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/zephaniah/3.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />Her prophets are insolent, treacherous people; Her priests have polluted the sanctuary, They have done violence to the law.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/zephaniah/3.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />Her prophets are insolent, treacherous men; Her priests have profaned the sanctuary. They have done violence to the Law.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/zephaniah/3.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />Her prophets are reckless, treacherous men; Her priests have profaned the sanctuary. They have done violence to the law.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/zephaniah/3.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />Her prophets are reckless, treacherous men; Her priests have profaned the sanctuary. They have done violence to the law.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/zephaniah/3.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />Her prophets are reckless, treacherous men; Her priests have profaned the sanctuary. They have done violence to the law.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/zephaniah/3.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />Her prophets are reckless and treacherous men; Her priests have profaned the sanctuary; They have done violence to the law [by pretending their word is God’s word].<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/zephaniah/3.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Her prophets are reckless — treacherous men. Her priests profane the sanctuary; they do violence to instruction.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/zephaniah/3.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Her prophets are reckless— treacherous men. Her priests profane the sanctuary; they do violence to instruction. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/zephaniah/3.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />Her prophets are light and treacherous persons; her priests have profaned the sanctuary, they have done violence to the law.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/zephaniah/3.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />Jerusalem's prophets are proud and not to be trusted. The priests have disgraced the place of worship and abused God's Law. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/zephaniah/3.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />Her prophets are light and treacherous persons: her priests have profaned the sanctuary, they have done violence to the law.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/zephaniah/3.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />Its prophets are reckless and unfaithful. Its priests contaminate what is holy. They violate the teachings.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/zephaniah/3.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />The prophets are irresponsible and treacherous; the priests defile what is sacred, and twist the law of God to their own advantage. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/zephaniah/3.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />Its prophets are arrogant and treacherous. Its priests have contaminated the sanctuary. They give perverse interpretations of the Law. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/zephaniah/3.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />Her prophets are reckless, faithless men. Her priests profane the sanctuary; they do violence to the law.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/zephaniah/3.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />Her prophets are proud; they are deceitful men. Her priests defile what is holy; they break God's laws. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/zephaniah/3.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />Her prophets are arrogant and treacherous people. Her priests have profaned the sanctuary. They have done violence to the law.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/zephaniah/3.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />Her prophets are light and treacherous persons: her priests have polluted the sanctuary, they have done violence to the law.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/zephaniah/3.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />Her prophets are arrogant and treacherous people. Her priests have profaned the sanctuary. They have done violence to the law. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/zephaniah/3.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />Her prophets unstable—men of treachery, "" Her priests have defiled the sanctuary, "" They have violated the Law.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/zephaniah/3.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> Her prophets unstable -- men of treachery, Her priests have polluted the sanctuary, They have violated the law.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/zephaniah/3.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />Her prophets vain-glorious men of treacheries: her priests defiled the holy place, they violated the law.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/zephaniah/3.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />Her prophets are senseless men without faith: her priests have polluted the sanctuary, they have acted unjustly against the law. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/zephaniah/3.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />Her prophets are crazed; men without faith. Her priests have polluted what is holy; they have acted unjustly against the law.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/zephaniah/3.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />Its prophets are reckless, treacherous people; Its priests profane what is holy, and do violence to the law. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/zephaniah/3.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />Its prophets are reckless, faithless persons; its priests have profaned what is sacred, they have done violence to the law.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/zephaniah/3.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />Her prophets are wanton and treacherous persons; her priests have polluted the sanctuary, they have done violence to the law.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/zephaniah/3.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />Her Prophets act lewdly and are evil men, and her Priests have defiled the Holy Place and they have done violence to the Law<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/zephaniah/3.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />Her prophets are wanton And treacherous persons; Her priests have profaned that which is holy, They have done violence to the law.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/zephaniah/3.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />Her prophets are light <i>and</i> scornful men: her priests profane the holy things, and sinfully transgress the law.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/zephaniah/3-4.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/T0cd_1JKnyY?start=440" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/zephaniah/3.htm">The Judgment on Jerusalem</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">3</span>Her princes are roaring lions; her judges are evening wolves, leaving nothing for the morning. <span class="reftext">4</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/5030.htm" title="5030: nə·ḇî·’e·hā (N-mpc:: 3fs) -- A spokesman, speaker, prophet. From naba'; a prophet or inspired man.">Her prophets</a> <a href="/hebrew/6348.htm" title="6348: pō·ḥă·zîm (V-Qal-Prtcpl-mp) -- To be wanton or reckless. A primitive root; to bubble up or froth, i.e. to be unimportant.">are reckless,</a> <a href="/hebrew/900.htm" title="900: bō·ḡə·ḏō·wṯ (N-fp) -- Treachery. Feminine plural active participle of bagad; treacheries.">faithless</a> <a href="/hebrew/582.htm" title="582: ’an·šê (N-mpc) -- Man, mankind. From 'anash; properly, a mortal; hence, a man in general.">men.</a> <a href="/hebrew/3548.htm" title="3548: kō·hă·ne·hā (N-mpc:: 3fs) -- Priest. Active participle of kahan; literally, one officiating, a priest; also an acting priest.">Her priests</a> <a href="/hebrew/2490.htm" title="2490: ḥil·lə·lū- (V-Piel-Perf-3cp) -- A primitive root; properly, to bore, i.e. to wound, to dissolve; figuratively, to profane, to break, to begin; denom. to play.">profane</a> <a href="/hebrew/6944.htm" title="6944: qō·ḏeš (N-ms) -- Apartness, sacredness. From qadash; a sacred place or thing; rarely abstract, sanctity.">the sanctuary;</a> <a href="/hebrew/2554.htm" title="2554: ḥā·mə·sū (V-Qal-Perf-3cp) -- To treat violently or wrong. A primitive root; to be violent; by implication, to maltreat.">they do violence to</a> <a href="/hebrew/8451.htm" title="8451: tō·w·rāh (N-fs) -- Direction, instruction, law. Or torah; from yarah; a precept or statute, especially the Decalogue or Pentateuch.">the law.</a> </span><span class="reftext">5</span>The 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.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/jeremiah/23-11.htm">Jeremiah 23:11</a></span><br />“For both prophet and priest are ungodly; even in My house I have found their wickedness,” declares the LORD.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ezekiel/22-26.htm">Ezekiel 22:26</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/micah/3-11.htm">Micah 3:11</a></span><br />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.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/23-27.htm">Matthew 23:27-28</a></span><br />Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You are like whitewashed tombs, which look beautiful on the outside but on the inside are full of dead men’s bones and every kind of impurity. / In the same way, on the outside you appear to be righteous, but on the inside you are full of hypocrisy and wickedness.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/lamentations/4-13.htm">Lamentations 4:13</a></span><br />But this was for the sins of her prophets and the guilt of her priests, who shed the blood of the righteous in her midst.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/hosea/9-7.htm">Hosea 9:7</a></span><br />The days of punishment have come; the days of retribution have arrived—let Israel know it. The prophet is called a fool, and the inspired man insane, because of the greatness of your iniquity and hostility.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/jeremiah/6-13.htm">Jeremiah 6:13</a></span><br />“For from the least of them to the greatest, all are greedy for gain; from prophet to priest, all practice deceit.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/56-10.htm">Isaiah 56:10-11</a></span><br />Israel’s watchmen are blind, they are all oblivious; they are all mute dogs, they cannot bark; they are dreamers lying around, loving to slumber. / Like ravenous dogs, they are never satisfied. They are shepherds with no discernment; they all turn to their own way, each one seeking his own gain:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/23-13.htm">Matthew 23:13</a></span><br />Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You shut the kingdom of heaven in men’s faces. You yourselves do not enter, nor will you let in those who wish to enter.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ezekiel/13-3.htm">Ezekiel 13:3</a></span><br />This is what the Lord GOD says: Woe to the foolish prophets who follow their own spirit yet have seen nothing.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/jeremiah/8-10.htm">Jeremiah 8:10</a></span><br />Therefore I will give their wives to other men and their fields to new owners. For from the least of them to the greatest, all are greedy for gain; from prophet to priest, all practice deceit.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/malachi/2-7.htm">Malachi 2:7-8</a></span><br />For the lips of a priest should preserve knowledge, and people should seek instruction from his mouth, because he is the messenger of the LORD of Hosts. / But you have departed from the way, and your instruction has caused many to stumble. You have violated the covenant of Levi,” says the LORD of Hosts.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/11-39.htm">Luke 11:39-42</a></span><br />Then the Lord said, “Now you Pharisees clean the outside of the cup and dish, but inside you are full of greed and wickedness. / You fools! Did not the One who made the outside make the inside as well? / But give as alms the things that are within you, and behold, everything will be clean for you. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/jeremiah/14-14.htm">Jeremiah 14:14</a></span><br />“The prophets are prophesying lies in My name,” replied the LORD. “I did not send them or appoint them or speak to them. They are prophesying to you a false vision, a worthless divination, the futility and delusion of their own minds.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_peter/2-1.htm">2 Peter 2:1-3</a></span><br />Now there were also false prophets among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you. They will secretly introduce destructive heresies, even denying the Master who bought them—bringing swift destruction on themselves. / Many will follow in their depravity, and because of them the way of truth will be defamed. / In their greed, these false teachers will exploit you with deceptive words. The longstanding verdict against them remains in force, and their destruction does not sleep.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">Her prophets are light and treacherous persons: her priests have polluted the sanctuary, they have done violence to the law.</p><p class="hdg">light.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/isaiah/9-15.htm">Isaiah 9:15</a></b></br> The ancient and honourable, he <i>is</i> the head; and the prophet that teacheth lies, he <i>is</i> the tail.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/isaiah/56-10.htm">Isaiah 56:10-12</a></b></br> His watchmen <i>are</i> blind: they are all ignorant, they <i>are</i> all dumb dogs, they cannot bark; sleeping, lying down, loving to slumber… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/jeremiah/5-31.htm">Jeremiah 5:31</a></b></br> The prophets prophesy falsely, and the priests bear rule by their means; and my people love <i>to have it</i> so: and what will ye do in the end thereof?</p><p class="hdg">her priests.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_samuel/2-12.htm">1 Samuel 2:12-17,22</a></b></br> Now the sons of Eli <i>were</i> sons of Belial; they knew not the LORD… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/ezekiel/22-26.htm">Ezekiel 22:26</a></b></br> Her priests have violated my law, and have profaned mine holy things: they have put no difference between the holy and profane, neither have they shewed <i>difference</i> between the unclean and the clean, and have hid their eyes from my sabbaths, and I am profaned among them.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/ezekiel/44-7.htm">Ezekiel 44:7,8</a></b></br> In that ye have brought <i>into my sanctuary</i> strangers, uncircumcised in heart, and uncircumcised in flesh, to be in my sanctuary, to pollute it, <i>even</i> my house, when ye offer my bread, the fat and the blood, and they have broken my covenant because of all your abominations… </p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/zephaniah/2-10.htm">Arrogant</a> <a href="/zephaniah/1-9.htm">Deceit</a> <a href="/hosea/10-2.htm">Faithless</a> <a href="/zephaniah/1-9.htm">Full</a> <a href="/proverbs/28-19.htm">Good-For-Nothing</a> <a href="/zephaniah/1-7.htm">Holy</a> <a href="/habakkuk/1-7.htm">Law</a> <a href="/jonah/4-11.htm">Persons</a> <a href="/zephaniah/3-1.htm">Polluted</a> <a href="/zephaniah/1-4.htm">Priests</a> <a href="/amos/2-7.htm">Profane</a> <a href="/micah/4-11.htm">Profaned</a> <a href="/micah/3-11.htm">Prophets</a> <a href="/proverbs/14-16.htm">Reckless</a> <a href="/micah/5-13.htm">Sacred</a> <a href="/amos/7-13.htm">Sanctuary</a> <a href="/habakkuk/2-5.htm">Treacherous</a> <a href="/hosea/7-3.htm">Treachery</a> <a href="/zephaniah/3-1.htm">Unclean</a> <a href="/daniel/11-32.htm">Violated</a> <a href="/zephaniah/1-9.htm">Violence</a> <a href="/zephaniah/1-13.htm">Violently</a> <a href="/nahum/3-4.htm">Wanton</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/malachi/3-13.htm">Arrogant</a> <a href="/zephaniah/3-13.htm">Deceit</a> <a href="/malachi/2-10.htm">Faithless</a> <a href="/zephaniah/3-14.htm">Full</a> <a href="/matthew/5-22.htm">Good-For-Nothing</a> <a href="/zephaniah/3-11.htm">Holy</a> <a href="/haggai/2-11.htm">Law</a> <a href="/malachi/1-9.htm">Persons</a> <a href="/malachi/1-7.htm">Polluted</a> <a href="/haggai/2-11.htm">Priests</a> <a href="/malachi/1-12.htm">Profane</a> <a href="/malachi/1-12.htm">Profaned</a> <a href="/zechariah/1-4.htm">Prophets</a> <a href="/mark/7-22.htm">Reckless</a> <a href="/zechariah/14-20.htm">Sacred</a> <a href="/malachi/2-11.htm">Sanctuary</a> <a href="/acts/20-3.htm">Treacherous</a> <a href="/leviticus/26-40.htm">Treachery</a> <a href="/haggai/2-13.htm">Unclean</a> <a href="/malachi/2-8.htm">Violated</a> <a href="/malachi/1-13.htm">Violence</a> <a href="/matthew/8-32.htm">Violently</a> <a href="/1_timothy/5-6.htm">Wanton</a><div class="vheading2">Zephaniah 3</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/zephaniah/3-1.htm">A sharp reproof of Jerusalem for various sins.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">8. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/zephaniah/3-8.htm">An exhortation to wait for the restoration of Israel,</a></span><br><span class="reftext">14. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/zephaniah/3-14.htm">and to rejoice for their salvation by God.</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/zephaniah/3.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/zephaniah/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/zephaniah/3.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>Her prophets are reckless, faithless men.</b><br>The prophets in Zephaniah's time were expected to be the mouthpieces of God, delivering His messages to the people. However, these prophets were described as reckless, indicating a lack of carefulness and responsibility in their duties. The term "faithless" suggests a betrayal of their divine calling, as they were not adhering to the truth of God's word. This reflects a broader theme in the Old Testament where false prophets led the people astray (<a href="/jeremiah/23-16.htm">Jeremiah 23:16-17</a>). The failure of the prophets is a significant issue, as they were supposed to guide the nation spiritually. This phrase highlights the spiritual decay and corruption among the leaders of Judah, which is a recurring theme in the prophetic books.<p><b>Her priests profane the sanctuary;</b><br>The priests were responsible for maintaining the sanctity of the temple, the central place of worship for the Israelites. To "profane the sanctuary" means they were defiling what was holy, possibly through improper sacrifices or allowing idolatrous practices (<a href="/ezekiel/22-26.htm">Ezekiel 22:26</a>). This desecration of the temple was a grave sin, as the sanctuary was where God's presence dwelt among His people. The priests' actions would have been seen as a direct affront to God, undermining the covenant relationship between God and Israel. This reflects the broader issue of religious leaders failing in their duties, a problem also addressed by other prophets like Malachi (<a href="/malachi/2.htm">Malachi 2:1-9</a>).<p><b>they do violence to the law.</b><br>The law, or Torah, was the foundation of Israelite society, encompassing moral, ceremonial, and civil guidelines. To "do violence to the law" implies a distortion or outright rejection of God's commandments. This could involve misinterpretation, neglect, or manipulation of the law for personal gain. Such actions would lead to injustice and societal breakdown, as the law was intended to reflect God's righteousness and justice (<a href="/deuteronomy/4-8.htm">Deuteronomy 4:8</a>). This phrase underscores the theme of covenant unfaithfulness, as the leaders were not upholding the standards set by God. The failure to adhere to the law is a recurring issue in the Old Testament, often leading to calls for repentance and warnings of impending judgment (<a href="/isaiah/5-20.htm">Isaiah 5:20-24</a>).<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/p/prophets.htm">Prophets</a></b><br>In the context of Zephaniah, these are individuals who were supposed to be God's messengers but had become reckless and treacherous, leading the people astray.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/p/priests.htm">Priests</a></b><br>Religious leaders responsible for maintaining the sanctity of the temple and the law, yet they are described as profaning the sanctuary and doing violence to the law.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/s/sanctuary.htm">Sanctuary</a></b><br>The holy place where God was worshiped, which the priests were defiling through their actions.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/l/law.htm">Law</a></b><br>Refers to the Torah, the divine instructions given to the Israelites, which the priests were supposed to uphold but were instead violating.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/j/jerusalem.htm">Jerusalem</a></b><br>The city where these events are taking place, representing the spiritual and political center of Judah.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/t/the_responsibility_of_leadership.htm">The Responsibility of Leadership</a></b><br>Spiritual leaders have a significant responsibility to guide their communities in truth and righteousness. When they fail, it leads to widespread corruption and spiritual decay.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_sanctity_of_worship.htm">The Sanctity of Worship</a></b><br>The sanctuary represents a place of holiness. As believers, we must ensure that our worship remains pure and aligned with God's commands.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_importance_of_the_law.htm">The Importance of the Law</a></b><br>God's law is not just a set of rules but a guide for living a life that honors Him. Violating the law leads to spiritual harm and separation from God.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_consequences_of_treachery.htm">The Consequences of Treachery</a></b><br>Recklessness and treachery in spiritual matters have severe consequences, not just for the leaders but for the entire community.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/c/call_to_repentance.htm">Call to Repentance</a></b><br>Recognizing the failures of leaders and individuals alike should lead to repentance and a return to God's ways.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_zephaniah_3.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Zephaniah 3</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_aren't_prophets'_betrayals_recorded.htm">In Jeremiah 2:8, why do historical records and other biblical accounts seemingly fail to mention the prophets and priests abandoning the Lord so decisively? </a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_severe_punishment_for_unclean_priests.htm">In Leviticus 22:3, why would a loving God issue such a severe punishment for priests who approach holy things while unclean?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/1_samuel_3_7_-_how_did_samuel_know_god.htm">1 Samuel 3:7 - How could a child with no prior knowledge of God accurately identify and respond to a supernatural voice?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/is_there_proof_joshua's_crowning_occurred.htm">What evidence exists that Joshua's crowning (Zechariah 6:9-15) actually took place as recorded, given the lack of external documentation?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/zephaniah/3.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 4.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">Her prophets.</span> These are the false prophets, who have no true mission from God (comp. <a href="/micah/2-11.htm">Micah 2:11</a>; <a href="/micah/3-5.htm">Micah 3:5</a>). <span class="cmt_word">Light</span>; either, <span class="accented">frivolous</span> or <span class="accented">empty boasters.</span> The word means properly, "boiling over," like water. Vulgate, <span class="accented">vesani</span>; Septuagint, <span class="greek">πνευματοφόροι</span>, which means, probably, not "inspired by an (evil) spirit," but "carried away by the wind," "light" (comp. <a href="/matthew/11-7.htm">Matthew 11:7</a>). <span class="cmt_word">Treacherous persons;</span> literally, <span class="accented">men of treacheries</span>, who uttered their own fancies as if they were commissioned by God, and so really opposed him whom they professed to represent (<a href="/jeremiah/23-32.htm">Jeremiah 23:32</a>). <span class="cmt_word">Her priests have polluted the sanctuary</span> (<span class="accented">what is holy</span>). Not the temple only, but all that has to do with God's service, worship, rites, sacrifices; they make no distinction between what is sacred and what is profane (<a href="/ezekiel/22-26.htm">Ezekiel 22:26</a>). <span class="cmt_word">They have done violence to the Law.</span> Chiefly, doubtless, by distorting its meaning, and neither observing it themselves nor teaching others to keep it. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/zephaniah/3-4.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">Her prophets</span><br /><span class="heb">נְבִיאֶ֙יהָ֙</span> <span class="translit">(nə·ḇî·’e·hā)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine plural construct | third person feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5030.htm">Strong's 5030: </a> </span><span class="str2">A spokesman, speaker, prophet</span><br /><br /><span class="word">are reckless,</span><br /><span class="heb">פֹּֽחֲזִ֔ים</span> <span class="translit">(pō·ḥă·zîm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6348.htm">Strong's 6348: </a> </span><span class="str2">To bubble up, froth, to be unimportant</span><br /><br /><span class="word">faithless</span><br /><span class="heb">בֹּֽגְד֑וֹת</span> <span class="translit">(bō·ḡə·ḏō·wṯ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - feminine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_900.htm">Strong's 900: </a> </span><span class="str2">Treacheries</span><br /><br /><span class="word">men.</span><br /><span class="heb">אַנְשֵׁ֖י</span> <span class="translit">(’an·šê)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine plural construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_582.htm">Strong's 582: </a> </span><span class="str2">Man, mankind</span><br /><br /><span class="word">Her priests</span><br /><span class="heb">כֹּהֲנֶ֙יהָ֙</span> <span class="translit">(kō·hă·ne·hā)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine plural construct | third person feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3548.htm">Strong's 3548: </a> </span><span class="str2">Priest</span><br /><br /><span class="word">profane</span><br /><span class="heb">חִלְּלוּ־</span> <span class="translit">(ḥil·lə·lū-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Piel - Perfect - third person common plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2490.htm">Strong's 2490: </a> </span><span class="str2">To bore, to wound, to dissolve, to profane, to break, to begin, to play</span><br /><br /><span class="word">the sanctuary;</span><br /><span class="heb">קֹ֔דֶשׁ</span> <span class="translit">(qō·ḏeš)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6944.htm">Strong's 6944: </a> </span><span class="str2">A sacred place, thing, sanctity</span><br /><br /><span class="word">they do violence to</span><br /><span class="heb">חָמְס֖וּ</span> <span class="translit">(ḥā·mə·sū)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person common plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2554.htm">Strong's 2554: </a> </span><span class="str2">To treat violently or wrong</span><br /><br /><span class="word">the law.</span><br /><span class="heb">תּוֹרָֽה׃</span> <span class="translit">(tō·w·rāh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_8451.htm">Strong's 8451: </a> </span><span class="str2">Direction, instruction, law</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/zephaniah/3-4.htm">Zephaniah 3:4 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/zephaniah/3-4.htm">Zephaniah 3:4 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/zephaniah/3-4.htm">Zephaniah 3:4 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/zephaniah/3-4.htm">Zephaniah 3:4 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/zephaniah/3-4.htm">Zephaniah 3:4 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/zephaniah/3-4.htm">Zephaniah 3:4 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/zephaniah/3-4.htm">Zephaniah 3:4 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/zephaniah/3-4.htm">Zephaniah 3:4 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/zephaniah/3-4.htm">Zephaniah 3:4 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/zephaniah/3-4.htm">Zephaniah 3:4 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/zephaniah/3-4.htm">OT Prophets: Zephaniah 3:4 Her prophets are arrogant and treacherous people (Zeph. Zep Zp) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/zephaniah/3-3.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Zephaniah 3:3"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Zephaniah 3:3" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/zephaniah/3-5.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Zephaniah 3:5"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Zephaniah 3:5" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>