King James Version

What Does Ezekiel 13:16 Mean?

Ezekiel 13:16 in the King James Version says “To wit, the prophets of Israel which prophesy concerning Jerusalem, and which see visions of peace for her, and there is...” — study this verse from Ezekiel chapter 13 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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.”

Ezekiel 13:16 · KJV

Peace

Context

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,

18

And say, Thus saith the Lord GOD; Woe to the women that sew pillows to all armholes , and make kerchiefs upon the head of every stature to hunt souls! Will ye hunt the souls of my people, and will ye save the souls alive that come unto you? armholes: or, elbows

Read Ezekiel 13 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
God addresses false prophecy related to Prophets of Jerusalem. 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. Named the guilty parties. 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. Named the guilty parties 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 Prophets of Jerusalem 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
נְבִיאֵ֣י1 of 14

“To wit the prophets”

H5030

a prophet or (generally) inspired man

יִשְׂרָאֵ֗ל2 of 14

“of Israel”

H3478

he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity

הַֽנִבְּאִים֙3 of 14

“which prophesy”

H5012

to prophesy, i.e., speak (or sing) by inspiration (in prediction or simple discourse)

אֶל4 of 14
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

יְר֣וּשָׁלִַ֔ם5 of 14

“concerning Jerusalem”

H3389

jerushalaim or jerushalem, the capital city of palestine

וְהַחֹזִ֥ים6 of 14

“and which see”

H2374

a beholder in vision; also a compact (as looked upon with approval)

לָ֖הּ7 of 14
H0
חֲז֣וֹן8 of 14

“visions”

H2377

a sight (mentally), i.e., a dream, revelation, or oracle

שָׁלֹ֔ם9 of 14

“for her and there is no peace”

H7965

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

וְאֵ֣ין10 of 14
H369

a nonentity; generally used as a negative particle

שָׁלֹ֔ם11 of 14

“for her and there is no peace”

H7965

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

נְאֻ֖ם12 of 14

“saith”

H5002

an oracle

אֲדֹנָ֥י13 of 14

“the Lord”

H136

the lord (used as a proper name of god only)

יְהוִֹֽה׃14 of 14

“GOD”

H3069

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 13:16 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 13:16 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Ezekiel 13:10Jeremiah 6:14Jeremiah 8:11Jeremiah 5:31Isaiah 57:20-21Isaiah 48:22

Places in This Verse

JerusalemSettlement · Modern: Jerusalem · 31.78°N, 35.23°E955 verses across 37 books
View all places in Ezekiel 13 →

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