Old Testament

Ezekiel 13:14

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

ClearClear Bible Translation

I will tear down the wall you have coated with untempered mortar and bring it to the ground, revealing its foundation. It will collapse, and you will be consumed within it. Then you will know that I am the LORD.

Compare translations
KJVKing James Version

So will I break down the wall that ye have daubed with untempered morter, and bring it down to the ground, so that the foundation thereof shall be discovered, and it shall fall, and ye shall be consumed in the midst thereof: and ye shall know that I am the LORD.

What Ezekiel 13:14 means

Plain-English insight for readers

In this passage, God is declaring that He will dismantle a false sense of security represented by a wall built with poor materials. This wall symbolizes the deceptive beliefs and practices that people rely on for safety. When God tears it down, the true foundation will be exposed, showing that it was never strong enough to stand. The collapse of the wall will lead to destruction for those who trusted in it. This act serves as a powerful reminder of God's authority and the consequences of ignoring His truth. Ultimately, the people will realize that God is the one in control, and their misplaced trust will lead to their downfall. This moment of revelation is meant to awaken them to the reality of their situation and the importance of building their lives on a solid foundation of truth. It emphasizes the need for genuine faith rather than superficial appearances that can easily crumble under pressure. God’s actions reveal His desire for people to understand and acknowledge His sovereignty.

How to apply Ezekiel 13:14 to your life

Reflect on what you rely on for security in your life. Are these foundations strong and true, or are they merely superficial? Seek to build your life on principles that are solid and enduring, rooted in honesty and faith. Trust in God’s guidance to lead you to a firm foundation that will not fail you. Remember, true security comes from acknowledging His power and truth in your life.

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 13:14

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 13:14

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 13:14 mean?

Ezekiel 13:14 means that God will destroy false sources of security, represented by a wall built with poor materials. This act reveals the true weakness of what people rely on for safety, leading to their downfall and a realization of God's authority.

What is the meaning of 'untampered mortar' in Ezekiel 13:14?

'Untempered mortar' refers to a weak and inadequate material used in construction, symbolizing the false beliefs and practices that people trust for protection. It highlights the danger of relying on something that lacks true strength.

How does Ezekiel 13:14 relate to personal security?

Ezekiel 13:14 encourages individuals to examine what they rely on for security in their lives. It warns against trusting in superficial or weak foundations and emphasizes the importance of building on solid, truthful principles.

What themes are present in Ezekiel 13:14?

The themes in Ezekiel 13:14 include false security, divine authority, the revelation of truth, and the consequences of deception. These themes highlight the importance of genuine faith and the dangers of misplaced trust.

Daily Verse — straight to your inbox

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