Old Testament
Ezekiel 13:19
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
And will you dishonor me among my people for handfuls of barley and pieces of bread, to kill the souls that should not die and to spare the souls that should not live, by lying to my people who hear your lies?
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And will ye pollute me among my people for handfuls of barley and for pieces of bread, to slay the souls that should not die, and to save the souls alive that should not live, by your lying to my people that hear your lies?
What Ezekiel 13:19 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, God is expressing deep frustration with those who mislead His people for trivial gains, like a few grains of barley or small pieces of bread. These false prophets are not only dishonoring God but also harming the lives of innocent people. They are responsible for causing the death of those who should live and sparing those who should not. This manipulation is rooted in deceit, as they lie to the people who trust them. God is highlighting the seriousness of their actions, showing that their greed and dishonesty have dire consequences. The message is clear: misleading others for personal gain is a grave offense. It’s a call to recognize the weight of our words and actions, especially when they affect others' lives. God desires truth and integrity among His people, urging them to seek what is right rather than what is easy or profitable. This verse serves as a reminder of the responsibility we have to speak truthfully and care for one another, rather than exploiting others for our benefit.
How to apply Ezekiel 13:19 to your life
Reflect on how your words and actions impact others. Are you being honest and supportive, or are you tempted to mislead for personal gain? Strive to be a source of truth and encouragement in your community, valuing integrity over convenience. Remember, your influence matters greatly in the lives of those around you. Choose wisely in your interactions with others, prioritizing their well-being over selfish desires. Be a voice of truth.
Curated for this public verse page. Ezekiel Summary
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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 13:19 mean about dishonoring God?
Ezekiel 13:19 highlights how false prophets dishonor God by misleading His people for trivial gains. They prioritize personal profit over the truth, leading to the spiritual harm of innocent individuals. This dishonor stems from their deceitful actions, which ultimately betray the trust of those who look to them for guidance.
How does this verse relate to the consequences of deceit?
The verse illustrates that deceit has serious consequences, as it leads to the death of those who should live and the preservation of those who should not. This reflects the moral responsibility of leaders and influencers to speak truthfully, as their lies can have devastating effects on the lives of others.
What can we learn about integrity from Ezekiel 13:19?
Ezekiel 13:19 teaches the importance of integrity in our words and actions. It emphasizes that we should not exploit others for personal gain, but rather strive to be honest and supportive. Integrity fosters trust and ensures that we contribute positively to our communities, aligning our actions with God's desire for truth.
Why is it important to speak truthfully according to this verse?
Speaking truthfully is crucial because it upholds the well-being of others and honors God. Ezekiel 13:19 warns against the dangers of deceit, showing that misleading others can lead to dire consequences. By valuing honesty, we protect those around us and fulfill our responsibility to guide them rightly.
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