Old Testament
Ezekiel 13:18
The Clear Bible Translation matches the King James Version, written at a 10th-grade reading level in plain English
At a Glance
In this passage, God expresses His anger towards certain women who are misleading His people.
- Author
- Ezekiel the prophet
- Written
- Around 590 BC
- Genre
- Prophecy
- Original Audience
- Exiled Israelites in Babylon
and say, 'This is what the Lord GOD says: Woe to the women who sew pillows to all armholes and make kerchiefs for the head of every stature to hunt souls! Will you hunt the souls of my people and save the souls alive that come to you?'
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?
Verse Analysis
Plain-English insight for readers
In this passage, God expresses His anger towards certain women who are misleading His people. They create deceptive items, like pillows and head coverings, which symbolize false comfort and security. Instead of guiding people towards truth, they are hunting for souls, leading them away from God. This act of manipulation is serious because it endangers the lives of those who trust them. God questions their intentions, highlighting the danger of their actions. He emphasizes that they cannot truly save anyone; only He has the power to do that. This message serves as a warning against false prophets and those who exploit others for their gain. It reminds us to seek genuine guidance and to be wary of those who offer empty promises. The passage calls for accountability and integrity in leadership, urging us to be discerning about who we follow and trust in our spiritual journeys. Ultimately, it challenges us to reflect on our own actions and motivations in how we influence others. Explore related deception.
Related Bible verses
How to apply Ezekiel 13:18 to your life
We should be cautious about who we listen to for guidance in our lives. It's important to seek out leaders and mentors who are honest and have our best interests at heart. Reflect on your own influence on others and strive to be a source of genuine support and truth. Avoid those who offer false comfort and empty promises, and instead, seek authentic relationships that lead to growth and understanding. Trust in God as the
Curated for this public verse page. Ezekiel Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Ezekiel 13:18 mean by 'sew pillows to all armholes'?
In Ezekiel 13:18, the phrase 'sew pillows to all armholes' symbolizes the false comfort and security that certain women were providing to the people. These women were creating deceptive items that represented a misleading sense of safety, rather than guiding people towards true spiritual truth. God condemns this act because it leads His people away from Him and puts their souls in danger.
Who are the women mentioned in Ezekiel 13:18?
The women referred to in Ezekiel 13:18 are likely false prophets or leaders who mislead the people of Israel. They are criticized for their manipulative actions, as they create deceptive symbols of comfort while actually hunting for souls to lead astray. This passage serves as a warning against those who exploit others for their own gain, rather than providing genuine spiritual guidance.
What is the significance of 'hunting souls' in this verse?
The term 'hunting souls' in Ezekiel 13:18 signifies the predatory nature of the false leaders who seek to lead people away from God. Instead of nurturing and guiding the souls of the people, they are actively seeking to ensnare them in deception. This highlights the seriousness of their actions, as they endanger the spiritual well-being of those who trust them.
How can we apply the message of Ezekiel 13:18 today?
The message of Ezekiel 13:18 encourages us to be discerning about whom we choose to follow for spiritual guidance. We should seek leaders and mentors who are honest and genuinely care for our well-being. Additionally, it prompts us to reflect on our own influence on others, ensuring that we provide authentic support and truth rather than empty promises. Trusting in God and His guidance is essential in navigating spiritual relationships.
The Book of Ezekiel
Ezekiel 1: Visions of God
The word of the LORD comes to Ezekiel the priest, the son of Buzi, by the river Chebar in the land of the Chaldeans. He sees visions of God as the heavens open. A great cloud comes from the north with a fire flashing continually and brightness around it, and from the midst appears something like glowing metal. From the fire emerge four living creatures, each with the likeness of a man. Each has four faces and four wings, and their legs are straight with feet like a calf's foot, shining like polished brass. Their faces are those of a man, a lion, an ox, and an eagle, and their wings are joined one to another as they move straight forward without turning.
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