King James Version

What Does Ezekiel 13:11 Mean?

Ezekiel 13:11 in the King James Version says “Say unto them which daub it with untempered morter, that it shall fall: there shall be an overflowing shower; and ye, O ...” — study this verse from Ezekiel chapter 13 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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.”

Ezekiel 13:11 · KJV

Context

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?

13

Therefore thus saith the Lord GOD; I will even rend it with a stormy wind in my fury; and there shall be an overflowing shower in mine anger, and great hailstones in my fury to consume it.

Read Ezekiel 13 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
God addresses false prophecy related to Overflowing shower. This verse contributes to the comprehensive exposure of false teaching that enabled Israel's apostasy. The specific practices condemned show how false prophecy mixed superstition with claims of divine authority, leading people astray from covenant faithfulness.

The Hebrew terminology indicates concrete practices that promised protection or favor through human manipulation rather than covenant obedience. These represent attempts to control or manipulate divine blessing through ritual or magical means rather than submission to God's revealed will. Such practices directly violated monotheistic faith.

From a Reformed perspective, this warns against any attempt to manipulate God through religious practices divorced from heart obedience. Judgment washes away false securities. True relationship with God requires faith in His promises and submission to His commands, not manipulative rituals or techniques.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Historical context shows various superstitious practices in pre-exilic Israel combining folk religion with claims of Yahwistic authority. Archaeological evidence includes amulets, magical texts, and fertility cult objects showing syncretism. These practices promised protection or blessing through human technique rather than covenant faithfulness, directly violating first and second commandments. Judgment washes away false securities within this cultural context of widespread religious syncretism.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does this condemnation challenge modern attempts to manipulate God through religious techniques?
  2. What does Overflowing shower teach about the difference between faith and superstition?
  3. In what ways might contemporary Christianity compromise biblical faith with cultural superstitions?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 15 words
אֱמֹ֛ר1 of 15

“Say”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

אֶל2 of 15
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

טָחֵ֥י3 of 15

“unto them which daub”

H2902

to smear, especially with lime

תָפֵ֖ל4 of 15

“it with untempered”

H8602

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

תִּפֹּ֔לְנָה5 of 15

“morter that it shall fall”

H5307

to fall, in a great variety of applications (intransitive or causative, literal or figurative)

הָיָ֣ה׀6 of 15
H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

גֶּ֣שֶׁם7 of 15

“shower”

H1653

a shower

שׁוֹטֵ֗ף8 of 15

“there shall be an overflowing”

H7857

to gush; by implication, to inundate, cleanse; by analogy, to gallop, conquer

וְאַתֵּ֜נָה9 of 15

“and ye”

H859

thou and thee, or (plural) ye and you

אַבְנֵ֤י10 of 15
H68

a stone

אֶלְגָּבִישׁ֙11 of 15

“O great hailstones”

H417

hail (as if a great pearl)

תִּפֹּ֔לְנָה12 of 15

“morter that it shall fall”

H5307

to fall, in a great variety of applications (intransitive or causative, literal or figurative)

וְר֥וּחַ13 of 15

“wind”

H7307

wind; by resemblance breath, i.e., a sensible (or even violent) exhalation; figuratively, life, anger, unsubstantiality; by extension, a region of the

סְעָר֖וֹת14 of 15

“and a stormy”

H5591

a hurricane

תְּבַקֵּֽעַ׃15 of 15

“shall rend”

H1234

to cleave; generally, to rend, break, rip or open

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 13:11 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 13:11 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Ezekiel 38:22Isaiah 28:2Psalms 18:13-14Nahum 1:7-8Psalms 11:6Isaiah 32:19

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