King James Version

What Does Ezekiel 13:15 Mean?

Ezekiel 13:15 in the King James Version says “Thus will I accomplish my wrath upon the wall, and upon them that have daubed it with untempered morter, and will say un...” — study this verse from Ezekiel chapter 13 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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;”

Ezekiel 13:15 · KJV

Context

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.

17

Likewise, thou son of man, set thy face against the daughters of thy people, which prophesy out of their own heart; and prophesy thou against them,

Read Ezekiel 13 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
God addresses false prophecy related to Wall no more. 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. Complete destruction of false confidence. 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. Complete destruction of false confidence 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 Wall no more 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 · 14 words
וְכִלֵּיתִ֤י1 of 14

“Thus will I accomplish”

H3615

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

אֶת2 of 14
H853

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

חֲמָתִי֙3 of 14

“my wrath”

H2534

heat; figuratively, anger, poison (from its fever)

הַקִּ֔יר4 of 14

“unto you The wall”

H7023

a wall (as built in a trench)

הַטָּחִ֥ים5 of 14

“and upon them that have daubed”

H2902

to smear, especially with lime

אֹת֖וֹ6 of 14
H853

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

תָּפֵ֑ל7 of 14

“it with untempered”

H8602

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

וְאֹמַ֤ר8 of 14

“morter and will say”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

לָכֶם֙9 of 14
H0
אֵ֣ין10 of 14
H369

a nonentity; generally used as a negative particle

הַקִּ֔יר11 of 14

“unto you The wall”

H7023

a wall (as built in a trench)

וְאֵ֖ין12 of 14
H369

a nonentity; generally used as a negative particle

הַטָּחִ֥ים13 of 14

“and upon them that have daubed”

H2902

to smear, especially with lime

אֹתֽוֹ׃14 of 14
H853

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

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 13:15 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 13:15 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Isaiah 30:13Nehemiah 4:3Psalms 62:3

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