King James Version

What Does Ezekiel 22:25 Mean?

Ezekiel 22:25 in the King James Version says “There is a conspiracy of her prophets in the midst thereof, like a roaring lion ravening the prey; they have devoured so...” — study this verse from Ezekiel chapter 22 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“There is a conspiracy of her prophets in the midst thereof, like a roaring lion ravening the prey; they have devoured souls; they have taken the treasure and precious things; they have made her many widows in the midst thereof.”

Ezekiel 22:25 · KJV

Context

23

And the word of the LORD came unto me, saying,

24

Son of man, say unto her, Thou art the land that is not cleansed, nor rained upon in the day of indignation.

25

There is a conspiracy of her prophets in the midst thereof, like a roaring lion ravening the prey; they have devoured souls; they have taken the treasure and precious things; they have made her many widows in the midst thereof.

26

Her priests have violated my law, and have profaned mine holy things: they have put no difference between the holy and profane, neither have they shewed difference between the unclean and the clean, and have hid their eyes from my sabbaths, and I am profaned among them. violated: Heb. offered violence to

27

Her princes in the midst thereof are like wolves ravening the prey, to shed blood, and to destroy souls, to get dishonest gain.

Read Ezekiel 22 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
There is a conspiracy of her prophets (קֶשֶׁר נְבִיאֶיהָ, qesher nevi'eha)—the term qesher denotes treasonous plotting, used elsewhere for political coups (2 Kings 15:15). False prophets formed a corrupt cabal, acting like a roaring lion ravening the prey (כַּאֲרִי שׁוֹאֵג טֹרֵף טָרֶף). The predatory imagery exposes religious leaders who devoured souls (נֶפֶשׁ אָכְלוּ, nefesh akhlu)—consuming lives for profit rather than shepherding.

They have made her many widows—through unjust executions and land seizures, these prophets destroyed families while enriching themselves with choser (חֹסֶן, treasure). Jesus later condemned scribes who 'devour widows' houses' (Mark 12:40), the same predatory religion.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Ezekiel prophesied from Babylonian exile (593-571 BC) against Jerusalem's leadership. False prophets like Hananiah (Jeremiah 28) promised peace while the city careened toward destruction. These religious con artists used divine claims to legitimize plunder, making them doubly culpable—both thieves and blasphemers.

Reflection Questions

  1. How do religious leaders today 'devour souls' through manipulation or exploitation for personal gain?
  2. What distinguishes true prophetic ministry from the predatory 'conspiracy' Ezekiel denounces?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 15 words
קֶ֤שֶׁר1 of 15

“There is a conspiracy”

H7195

an (unlawful) alliance

נְבִיאֶ֙יהָ֙2 of 15

“of her prophets”

H5030

a prophet or (generally) inspired man

בְתוֹכָֽהּ׃3 of 15

“in the midst”

H8432

a bisection, i.e., (by implication) the center

כַּאֲרִ֥י4 of 15

“lion”

H738

a lion

שׁוֹאֵ֖ג5 of 15

“thereof like a roaring”

H7580

to rumble or moan

טֹ֣רֵֽף6 of 15

“ravening”

H2963

to pluck off or pull to pieces; causatively to supply with food (as in morsels)

טָ֑רֶף7 of 15

“the prey”

H2964

something torn, i.e., a fragment, e.g., a fresh leaf, prey, food

נֶ֣פֶשׁ8 of 15

“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

אָכָ֗לוּ9 of 15

“they have devoured”

H398

to eat (literally or figuratively)

חֹ֤סֶן10 of 15

“the treasure”

H2633

wealth

וִיקָר֙11 of 15

“and precious things”

H3366

value, i.e., (concretely) wealth; abstractly, costliness, dignity

יִקָּ֔חוּ12 of 15

“they have taken”

H3947

to take (in the widest variety of applications)

אַלְמְנוֹתֶ֖יהָ13 of 15

“widows”

H490

a widow; also a desolate place

הִרְבּ֥וּ14 of 15

“they have made her many”

H7235

to increase (in whatever respect)

בְתוֹכָֽהּ׃15 of 15

“in the midst”

H8432

a bisection, i.e., (by implication) the center

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 22:25 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 22:25 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Hosea 6:9Ezekiel 13:19Jeremiah 2:34Jeremiah 11:9Ezekiel 22:27-29Luke 20:47

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