King James Version

What Does Ezekiel 13:18 Mean?

Ezekiel 13:18 in the King James Version says “And say, Thus saith the Lord GOD; Woe to the women that sew pillows to all armholes , and make kerchiefs upon the head o... — study this verse from Ezekiel chapter 13 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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

Ezekiel 13:18 · KJV


Context

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?

20

Wherefore thus saith the Lord GOD; Behold, I am against your pillows, wherewith ye there hunt the souls to make them fly, and I will tear them from your arms, and will let the souls go, even the souls that ye hunt to make them fly. to make: or, into gardens


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
God addresses false prophecy related to Sew pillows. 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. Magical manipulations exposed. True relationship with God requires faith in His promises and submission to His commands, not manipulative rituals or techniques.

KJV Study — Public Domain

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. Magical manipulations exposed 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 Sew pillows 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 · 26 words
אָמַ֣ר׀1 of 26

And say

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

כֹּה2 of 26
H3541

properly, like this, i.e., by implication, (of manner) thus (or so); also (of place) here (or hither); or (of time) now

אָמַ֣ר׀3 of 26

And say

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

אֲדֹנָ֣י4 of 26

the Lord

H136

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

יְהוִ֗ה5 of 26

GOD

H3069

god

הוֹי֩6 of 26

Woe

H1945

oh!

לִֽמְתַפְּר֨וֹת7 of 26

to the women that sew

H8609

to sew

כְּסָת֜וֹת8 of 26

pillows

H3704

a cushion or pillow (as covering a seat or bed)

עַ֣ל׀9 of 26
H5921

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

כָּל10 of 26
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

אַצִּילֵ֣י11 of 26

to all armholes

H679

a joint of the hand (i.e., knuckle); also (according to some) a party-wall (ezekiel 41:8)

יָדַ֗י12 of 26
H3027

a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v

וְעֹשׂ֧וֹת13 of 26

and make

H6213

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

הַמִּסְפָּח֛וֹת14 of 26

kerchiefs

H4555

a veil (as spread out)

עַל15 of 26
H5921

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

רֹ֥אשׁ16 of 26

upon the head

H7218

the head (as most easily shaken), whether literal or figurative (in many applications, of place, time, rank, itc.)

כָּל17 of 26
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

קוֹמָ֖ה18 of 26

of every stature

H6967

height

תְּצוֹדֵ֣דְנָה19 of 26

Will ye hunt

H6679

to victual (for a journey)

וּנְפָשׁ֖וֹת20 of 26

souls

H5315

properly, a breathing creature, i.e., animal of (abstractly) vitality; used very widely in a literal, accommodated or figurative sense (bodily or ment

וּנְפָשׁ֖וֹת21 of 26

souls

H5315

properly, a breathing creature, i.e., animal of (abstractly) vitality; used very widely in a literal, accommodated or figurative sense (bodily or ment

תְּצוֹדֵ֣דְנָה22 of 26

Will ye hunt

H6679

to victual (for a journey)

לְעַמִּ֔י23 of 26

of my people

H5971

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

וּנְפָשׁ֖וֹת24 of 26

souls

H5315

properly, a breathing creature, i.e., animal of (abstractly) vitality; used very widely in a literal, accommodated or figurative sense (bodily or ment

תְחַיֶּֽינָה׃25 of 26

alive

H2421

to live, whether literally or figuratively; causatively, to revive

תְחַיֶּֽינָה׃26 of 26

alive

H2421

to live, whether literally or figuratively; causatively, to revive


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 13:18 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 13:18 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Test Your Knowledge

Continue Your Study