Behold, the princes of Israel in you, every one according to his power, have been bent on shedding blood: This verse shows the political disorder in Jerusalem—the leaders of the people were corrupt and were murdering their opponents. The attention-getting Hebrew particle hinneh rendered Behold, highlights the words that follow. The princes of Israel in you refers to Jerusalem’s leaders. The Hebrew word for princes does not imply royalty (see 21.12), but simply “chiefs” or “rulers” (New American Standard Bible, Revised English Bible). The pronoun you refers to Jerusalem. Every one according to his power refers to the way the leaders misused their position and power for their own selfish purposes, even if it meant killing others. Have been bent on shedding blood means they were determined to kill others. Contemporary English Version renders this verse well by saying “Your own leaders use their power to murder.” Bible en français courant is also good with “Among you, each ruler abuses his power and commits murders.” New Century Version says “Jerusalem, see how each ruler of Israel in you has been trying to kill people.” Another possible model is:

• Look, the leaders of Israel who are within your walls abuse their power and are determined to commit murders.

Quoted with permission from Gross, Carl & Stine, Philip C. A Handbook on Ezekiel. (UBS Helps for Translators). Miami: UBS, 2016. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .