King James Version

What Does Ezekiel 13:14 Mean?

Ezekiel 13:14 in the King James Version says “So will I break down the wall that ye have daubed with untempered morter, and bring it down to the ground, so that the f...” — study this verse from Ezekiel chapter 13 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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.”

Ezekiel 13:14 · KJV

Context

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.

15

Thus will I accomplish my wrath upon the wall, and upon them that have daubed it with untempered morter, and will say unto you, The wall is no more, neither they that daubed it;

16

To wit, the prophets of Israel which prophesy concerning Jerusalem, and which see visions of peace for her, and there is no peace, saith the Lord GOD.

Read Ezekiel 13 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
God addresses false prophecy related to Foundation discovered. 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. Truth exposed in judgment. 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. Truth exposed in judgment 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 Foundation discovered 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 · 18 words
וְהָ֨רַסְתִּ֜י1 of 18

“So will I break down”

H2040

to pull down or in pieces, break, destroy

אֶת2 of 18
H853

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

הַקִּ֨יר3 of 18

“the wall”

H7023

a wall (as built in a trench)

אֲשֶׁר4 of 18
H834

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

טַחְתֶּ֥ם5 of 18

“that ye have daubed”

H2902

to smear, especially with lime

תָּפֵ֛ל6 of 18

“with untempered”

H8602

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

וְהִגַּעְתִּ֥יהוּ7 of 18

“morter and bring”

H5060

properly, to touch, i.e., lay the hand upon (for any purpose; euphemistically, to lie with a woman); by implication, to reach (figuratively, to arrive

אֶל8 of 18
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

הָאָ֖רֶץ9 of 18

“it down to the ground”

H776

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

וְנִגְלָ֣ה10 of 18

“thereof shall be discovered”

H1540

to denude (especially in a disgraceful sense); by implication, to exile (captives being usually stripped); figuratively, to reveal

יְסֹד֑וֹ11 of 18

“so that the foundation”

H3247

a foundation (literally or figuratively)

וְנָֽפְלָה֙12 of 18

“and it shall fall”

H5307

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

וּכְלִיתֶ֣ם13 of 18

“and ye shall be consumed”

H3615

to end, whether intransitive (to cease, be finished, perish) or transitive (to complete, prepare, consume)

בְּתוֹכָ֔הּ14 of 18

“in the midst”

H8432

a bisection, i.e., (by implication) the center

וִֽידַעְתֶּ֖ם15 of 18

“thereof and ye shall know”

H3045

to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o

כִּֽי16 of 18
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

אֲנִ֥י17 of 18
H589

i

יְהוָֽה׃18 of 18

“that I am the LORD”

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

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 13:14 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 13:14 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Jeremiah 6:15Jeremiah 14:15Micah 1:6Ezekiel 13:9Ezekiel 13:23Habakkuk 3:13

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