Definition: Her princes within her [are] roaring lions; her judges [are] evening wolves; they gnaw not the bones till the morrow.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this biblical verse together. It's a pretty powerful and symbolic description of human behavior. Here's what it means in simpler terms: Overall Meaning: This verse paints a picture of a group of people – likely leaders or those in power – who are consumed by negativity, selfishness, and a desire for revenge. They’re not content to just let things happen; they're actively trying to cause harm and destruction. Let’s unpack each part: “Her princes within her [are] roaring lions…” "Princes" refers to leaders or rulers. “Roaring lions” represents a wild, aggressive, and destructive force – someone who is constantly complaining, arguing, and causing trouble. This suggests they're driven by anger and a need to dominate. “Her judges [are] evening wolves…” "Judges" are the people in positions of authority – like kings or governors. “Evening wolves” symbolizes those who are sly, manipulative, and seeking to cause harm without truly trying to help anyone. They’re constantly plotting and scheming to hurt others. “They gnaw not the bones till the morrow.” This is the key part. "Gnawing" means to chew or devour – it's a very active process. “Till the morrow” means "until tomorrow." This means they’re not stopping their destructive behavior until something worse happens. They’re constantly working, planning, and causing harm right now , without any real consequence or remorse. In essence, the verse warns against: Uncontrolled anger and resentment: The "lions" represent someone who is easily provoked and prone to violence. Selfishness and malice: The “wolves” symbolize those driven by a desire for personal gain at the expense of others. Lack of remorse or responsibility: They aren't taking ownership of their actions; they continue to cause harm without feeling guilt or regret. It’s a warning about potential danger! It suggests that these individuals are in a state of imbalance and could lead to significant problems for those around them. Does this make sense so far? Do you want me to: Explain the context of this verse within the larger Bible? (e.g., what was happening at the time?) Give you some examples of how this concept might apply in real life? Explore a different interpretation of the verse?