Old Testament

Ezekiel 13:10

Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.

ClearClear Bible Translation

This is happening because they have led my people astray, saying, 'Peace!' when there is no peace. When someone builds a wall, others cover it with untempered mortar.

Compare translations
KJVKing James Version

Because, even because they have seduced my people, saying, Peace; and there was no peace; and one built up a wall, and, lo, others daubed it with untempered morter:

What Ezekiel 13:10 means

Plain-English insight for readers

In this passage, God is expressing frustration with leaders who mislead the people by falsely proclaiming peace. They are giving a false sense of security, ignoring the real dangers that exist. The metaphor of building a wall with untempered mortar illustrates how their efforts are weak and unreliable. Just as a wall built poorly cannot stand, their promises of peace are empty. This situation leads to a false hope among the people, who believe they are safe when they are not. God is calling out these leaders for their dishonesty and the harm they cause. The message is clear: true peace cannot be built on lies and superficial assurances. Instead, it requires honesty and a solid foundation. The leaders must recognize their responsibility to guide the people truthfully, rather than leading them into danger with false claims. This warning serves as a reminder to seek genuine peace and to be wary of those who offer comfort without truth, as it can lead to devastating consequences.

How to apply Ezekiel 13:10 to your life

Reflect on the sources of guidance in your life. Are they leading you toward genuine peace or false security? Seek out voices that speak truthfully, even if it’s uncomfortable. Build your life on solid foundations, not on empty promises. Choose honesty in your own interactions with others as well, fostering true connections and understanding.

Curated for this public verse page. Ezekiel Summary

Explore more of the Bible

Learn the Bible through its people and places

Get to know the people in Scripture through illustrated stories, and explore the places where they lived and traveled.

A painting of Daniel and his three friends eating vegetables and drinking water in a Babylonian hall, while other young men eat the king's food and drink wine and the steward looks on

Illustrated scene from Daniel's story: Faithful at the King's Table (Daniel 1:1–21)

Meet the people of the Bible

Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.

Daniel

A ruined stone tower with a doorway at Burj Beitin, lit by low evening sun under a cloudy sky.

Photo: Bukvoed, via Wikimedia Commons. License: CC BY 4.0. Source. Location: Burj Beitin, Beitin, Ramallah and al-Bireh Governorate, West Bank. Resized for the web.

Explore the places of the Bible

See where biblical events happened, why each place matters, and what archaeology helps us understand.

Bethel

Where Jacob dreamed of a stairway to heaven and met God.

Get full access with one subscription

Explore the people and places of the Bible. Read summaries of every book, with images and clear explanations covering every chapter. Access all these features and our Bible study tools with one subscription.

See Plans

Ask AI about Ezekiel 13:10

Ask a question about this verse and get a clear answer, with Bible references you can read for yourself.

Every Bible book, explained chapter by chapter

Explore summaries of every book of the Bible, with images and easy-to-understand explanations covering every chapter.

Keep studying Ezekiel 13:10

At a Glance — the Book of Ezekiel

Author
Ezekiel the prophet
Written
Around 590 BC
Genre
Prophecy
Original Audience
Exiled Israelites in Babylon

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick, clear answers about this verse

What does Ezekiel 13:10 mean?

Ezekiel 13:10 addresses the issue of leaders misleading the people by falsely proclaiming peace when there is none. It highlights the danger of giving a false sense of security and the consequences of ignoring real threats.

What is the significance of untempered mortar in Ezekiel 13:10?

The untempered mortar in Ezekiel 13:10 symbolizes weak and unreliable efforts. Just as a wall built with poor materials cannot stand, the promises of peace made by false leaders are empty and cannot provide true safety.

How does Ezekiel 13:10 relate to leadership accountability?

Ezekiel 13:10 underscores the responsibility of leaders to guide their people truthfully. It warns against the harm caused by misleading claims, stressing that leaders must be held accountable for their words and actions.

What themes are present in Ezekiel 13:10?

Key themes in Ezekiel 13:10 include false security, the importance of truthful leadership, the contrast between truth and lies, and the pursuit of genuine peace. These themes highlight the dangers of deception in spiritual guidance.

Daily Verse — straight to your inbox

A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.