King James Version

What Does Ezekiel 13:12 Mean?

Ezekiel 13:12 in the King James Version says “Lo, when the wall is fallen, shall it not be said unto you, Where is the daubing wherewith ye have daubed it?” — study this verse from Ezekiel chapter 13 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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

Ezekiel 13:12 · KJV

Context

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.

14

So will I break down the wall that ye have daubed with untempered morter, and bring it down to the ground, so that the foundation thereof shall be discovered, and it shall fall, and ye shall be consumed in the midst thereof: and ye shall know that I am the LORD.

Read Ezekiel 13 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
God addresses false prophecy related to Where is daubing?. 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. Exposed falsehood during crisis. 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. Exposed falsehood during crisis 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 Where is daubing? 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 · 10 words
וְהִנֵּ֖ה1 of 10
H2009

lo!

נָפַ֣ל2 of 10

“is fallen”

H5307

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

הַקִּ֑יר3 of 10

“Lo when the wall”

H7023

a wall (as built in a trench)

הֲלוֹא֙4 of 10
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

יֵאָמֵ֣ר5 of 10

“shall it not be said”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

אֲלֵיכֶ֔ם6 of 10
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

אַיֵּ֥ה7 of 10
H346

where?

הַטִּ֖יחַ8 of 10

“unto you Where is the daubing”

H2915

mortar or plaster

אֲשֶׁ֥ר9 of 10
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

טַחְתֶּֽם׃10 of 10

“wherewith ye have daubed”

H2902

to smear, especially with lime

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 13:12 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 13:12 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Judges 10:14Jeremiah 29:31-32Jeremiah 2:28Jeremiah 37:192 Kings 3:13Judges 9:38

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