King James Version

What Does Ezekiel 13:17 Mean?

Ezekiel 13:17 in the King James Version says “Likewise, thou son of man, set thy face against the daughters of thy people, which prophesy out of their own heart; and ...” — study this verse from Ezekiel chapter 13 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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,”

Ezekiel 13:17 · KJV

Context

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

19

And will ye pollute me among my people for handfuls of barley and for pieces of bread, to slay the souls that should not die, and to save the souls alive that should not live, by your lying to my people that hear your lies?

Read Ezekiel 13 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
God addresses false prophecy related to Daughters prophesying. 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. Female false prophets condemned. 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. Female false prophets condemned 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 Daughters prophesying 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 · 12 words
וְאַתָּ֣ה1 of 12
H859

thou and thee, or (plural) ye and you

בֶן2 of 12

“Likewise thou son”

H1121

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

אָדָ֗ם3 of 12

“of man”

H120

ruddy i.e., a human being (an individual or the species, mankind, etc.)

שִׂ֤ים4 of 12

“set”

H7760

to put (used in a great variety of applications, literal, figurative, inferentially, and elliptically)

פָּנֶ֙יךָ֙5 of 12

“thy face”

H6440

the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi

אֶל6 of 12
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

בְּנ֣וֹת7 of 12

“against the daughters”

H1323

a daughter (used in the same wide sense as other terms of relationship, literally and figuratively)

עַמְּךָ֔8 of 12

“of thy people”

H5971

a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock

וְהִנָּבֵ֖א9 of 12

“and prophesy”

H5012

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

מִֽלִּבְּהֶ֑ן10 of 12

“out of their own heart”

H3820

the heart; also used (figuratively) very widely for the feelings, the will and even the intellect; likewise for the center of anything

וְהִנָּבֵ֖א11 of 12

“and prophesy”

H5012

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

עֲלֵיהֶֽן׃12 of 12
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

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 13:17 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 13:17 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Ezekiel 13:2Revelation 2:20Judges 4:42 Kings 22:14Luke 2:36Isaiah 4:4

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