King James Version

What Does Ezekiel 13:5 Mean?

Ezekiel 13:5 in the King James Version says “Ye have not gone up into the gaps, neither made up the hedge for the house of Israel to stand in the battle in the day o...” — study this verse from Ezekiel chapter 13 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Ye have not gone up into the gaps, neither made up the hedge for the house of Israel to stand in the battle in the day of the LORD. gaps: or, breaches made: Heb. hedged the hedge”

Ezekiel 13:5 · KJV

Context

3

Thus saith the Lord GOD; Woe unto the foolish prophets, that follow their own spirit, and have seen nothing! follow: Heb. walk after and: or, and things which they have not seen

4

O Israel, thy prophets are like the foxes in the deserts.

5

Ye have not gone up into the gaps, neither made up the hedge for the house of Israel to stand in the battle in the day of the LORD. gaps: or, breaches made: Heb. hedged the hedge

6

They have seen vanity and lying divination, saying, The LORD saith: and the LORD hath not sent them: and they have made others to hope that they would confirm the word.

7

Have ye not seen a vain vision, and have ye not spoken a lying divination, whereas ye say, The LORD saith it; albeit I have not spoken?

Read Ezekiel 13 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
God continues His indictment: 'Ye have not gone up into the gaps, neither made up the hedge for the house of Israel to stand in the battle in the day of the LORD.' False prophets failed their duty to 'stand in the gap'—interceding and calling for repentance to avert judgment. The Hebrew perats (פֶּרֶץ, 'gap/breach') indicates broken walls needing repair; gader (גָּדֵר, 'hedge/wall') represents protective barriers.

True prophets stood in gaps through intercession (Ezekiel 22:30, Exodus 32:11-14, Numbers 14:13-19) and through prophetic ministry calling people back to covenant faithfulness. False prophets did neither—no intercession, no calls to repentance, only false assurances of peace. They left the nation defenseless against coming judgment by failing to address spiritual breaches.

From a Reformed perspective, this illustrates pastoral responsibility—ministers must address sin, call for repentance, intercede for congregations, and strengthen spiritual defenses through sound doctrine. Failing these duties leaves people vulnerable to judgment and deception. True pastoral care includes uncomfortable confrontations and warnings, not just comfortable affirmations.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The military imagery ('stand in the battle in the day of the LORD') depicts judgment as divine warfare against sin. The Day of the LORD is prophetic shorthand for divine judgment, whether historical (Babylonian invasion) or eschatological (final judgment). Prophets were spiritual commanders responsible for preparing people for this confrontation through repentance and covenant renewal.

Moses and Samuel exemplified standing in the gap through intercession (Exodus 32, Numbers 14, 1 Samuel 7, 12). Jeremiah tried but was forbidden to intercede (Jeremiah 7:16, 11:14, 14:11) because judgment time had come. Ezekiel similarly couldn't avert judgment but faithfully warned. False prophets neither interceded nor warned, leaving people entirely unprepared for coming judgment.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does 'standing in the gap' teach about intercessory prayer's role in ministry?
  2. How does failure to address spiritual breaches leave people vulnerable to judgment?
  3. In what ways can modern ministers fail to prepare congregations for spiritual warfare and judgment?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 12 words
לֹ֤א1 of 12
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

עֲלִיתֶם֙2 of 12

“Ye have not gone up”

H5927

to ascend, intransitively (be high) or actively (mount); used in a great variety of senses, primary and secondary, literal and figurative

בַּפְּרָצ֔וֹת3 of 12

“into the gaps”

H6556

a break (literally or figuratively)

וַתִּגְדְּר֥וּ4 of 12

“neither made up”

H1443

to wall in or around

גָדֵ֖ר5 of 12

“the hedge”

H1447

a circumvallation; by implication, an inclosure

עַל6 of 12
H5921

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

בֵּ֣ית7 of 12

“for the house”

H1004

a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)

יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל8 of 12

“of Israel”

H3478

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

לַעֲמֹ֥ד9 of 12

“to stand”

H5975

to stand, in various relations (literal and figurative, intransitive and transitive)

בַּמִּלְחָמָ֖ה10 of 12

“in the battle”

H4421

a battle (i.e., the engagement); generally, war (i.e., war-fare)

בְּי֥וֹם11 of 12

“in the day”

H3117

a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso

יְהוָֽה׃12 of 12

“of 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 13:5 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 13:5 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Ezekiel 22:30Isaiah 58:12Psalms 106:23Isaiah 13:9Jeremiah 23:22Isaiah 13:6

Test Your Knowledge

Ezekiel 13 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterEzekiel Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

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