King James Version

What Does Ezekiel 13:10 Mean?

Ezekiel 13:10 in the King James Version says “Because, even because they have seduced my people, saying, Peace; and there was no peace; and one built up a wall, and, ...” — study this verse from Ezekiel chapter 13 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Because, even because they have seduced my people, saying, Peace; and there was no peace; and one built up a wall, and, lo, others daubed it with untempered morter: a wall: or, a slight wall”

Ezekiel 13:10 · KJV

Peace

Context

8

Therefore thus saith the Lord GOD; Because ye have spoken vanity, and seen lies, therefore, behold, I am against you, saith the Lord GOD.

9

And mine hand shall be upon the prophets that see vanity, and that divine lies: they shall not be in the assembly of my people, neither shall they be written in the writing of the house of Israel, neither shall they enter into the land of Israel; and ye shall know that I am the Lord GOD. assembly: or, secret, or, counsel

10

Because, even because they have seduced my people, saying, Peace; and there was no peace; and one built up a wall, and, lo, others daubed it with untempered morter: a wall: or, a slight wall

11

Say unto them which daub it with untempered morter, that it shall fall: there shall be an overflowing shower; and ye, O great hailstones , shall fall; and a stormy wind shall rend it.

12

Lo, when the wall is fallen, shall it not be said unto you, Where is the daubing wherewith ye have daubed it?

Read Ezekiel 13 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
"Because, even because they have seduced my people, saying, Peace; and there was no peace; and one built up a wall, and, lo, others daubed it with untempered morter." False prophets offered false security ("Peace") when judgment approached. The wall metaphor depicts superficial solutions to fundamental problems—cosmetic repair when structural replacement is needed. "Untempered mortar" (whitewash) creates appearance of solidity while lacking substance. This warns against easy solutions to sin's problem. Only Christ's atonement provides genuine peace; human religion offers mere whitewash.

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Historical & Cultural Context

While Ezekiel warned of coming judgment (591 BC), false prophets promised peace and quick return to Jerusalem. Their optimistic predictions contradicted God's revealed truth but pleased exiles wanting encouragement. The whitewashed wall symbolized superficial religiosity masking deep corruption. When Babylon attacked (586 BC), the false prophets' promises proved worthless—the wall collapsed. The pattern repeats: false assurance crumbles when tested. Only truth grounded in God's Word withstands examination and trial.

Reflection Questions

  1. What modern equivalents exist to whitewashed walls—superficial solutions to deep spiritual problems?
  2. How do you distinguish between genuine peace from God versus false assurance from human optimism?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 16 words
יַ֣עַן1 of 16
H3282

properly, heed; by implication, purpose (sake or account); used adverbially to indicate the reason or cause

וּבְיַ֜עַן2 of 16
H3282

properly, heed; by implication, purpose (sake or account); used adverbially to indicate the reason or cause

הִטְע֧וּ3 of 16

“Because even because they have seduced”

H2937

to wander; causatively to lead astray

אֶת4 of 16
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

עַמִּ֛י5 of 16

“my people”

H5971

a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock

לֵאמֹ֥ר6 of 16

“saying”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

שָׁל֑וֹם7 of 16

“Peace”

H7965

safe, i.e., (figuratively) well, happy, friendly; also (abstractly) welfare, i.e., health, prosperity, peace

וְאֵ֣ין8 of 16
H369

a nonentity; generally used as a negative particle

שָׁל֑וֹם9 of 16

“Peace”

H7965

safe, i.e., (figuratively) well, happy, friendly; also (abstractly) welfare, i.e., health, prosperity, peace

וְהוּא֙10 of 16
H1931

he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo

בֹּ֣נֶה11 of 16

“and one built up”

H1129

to build (literally and figuratively)

חַ֔יִץ12 of 16

“a wall”

H2434

a wall

וְהִנָּ֛ם13 of 16

“and lo”

H2009

lo!

טָחִ֥ים14 of 16

“others daubed”

H2902

to smear, especially with lime

אֹת֖וֹ15 of 16
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

תָּפֵֽל׃16 of 16

“it with untempered”

H8602

plaster (as gummy) or slime; (figuratively) frivolity

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Ezekiel. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Ezekiel 13:10 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Ezekiel 13:10 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Ezekiel 13:16Ezekiel 22:28Jeremiah 14:132 Kings 21:9Jeremiah 8:11Jeremiah 6:14

Test Your Knowledge

Ezekiel 13 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterEzekiel Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

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