Ezekiel 13:17-23 · Bible study
Ezekiel 13:17-23 Commentary: Prophesying from the Heart
Hebrew · 11 what the commentators say
Meaning in one sentence
Ezekiel 13:17-23 examines God's judgment on false prophetesses who spoke from their own imagination, used occult practices, and exploited the vulnerable
Research Summary
- Meaning: God condemns false prophetesses who manipulate people with occult practices and false promises for personal gain, and He promises to deliver the ensnared.
- Key words: “Prophesy out of their own heart,” “pillows/magic bands,” “veils/kerchiefs,” “hunt souls,” “handfuls of barley.”
- Main debate: Whether the bands and veils were literal magical objects used in sorcery, or symbolic actions promising security and victory.
- Theological theme: God alone is the source of true prophecy; He defends the vulnerable from spiritual exploitation and reveals His identity through judgment.
- Best use: A warning against spiritual abuse, false authority, and mercenary ministry; a comfort that God sees deception and acts to free His people.
Translation Comparison
BSB Berean Standard Bible 2020
17Now, O son of man, set your face against the daughters of your people who prophesy out of their own imagination. Prophesy against them
18and tell them that this is what the Lord GOD says: Woe to the women who sew magic charms on their wrists and make veils for the heads of people of every height, in order to ensnare their souls. Will you ensnare the souls of My people but preserve your own?
19You have profaned Me among My people for handfuls of barley and scraps of bread. By lying to My people who would listen, you have killed those who should not have died and spared those who should not have lived.
20Therefore this is what the Lord GOD says: See, I am against the magic charms with which you ensnare souls like birds, and I will tear them from your arms. So I will free the souls you have ensnared like birds.
21I will also tear off your veils and deliver My people from your hands, so that they will no longer be prey in your hands. Then you will know that I am the LORD.
22Because you have disheartened the righteous with your lies, even though I have caused them no grief, and because you have encouraged the wicked not to turn from their evil ways to save their lives,
23therefore you will no longer see false visions or practice divination. I will deliver My people from your hands. Then you will know that I am the LORD.”
WEB World English Bible 2000
17You, son of man, set your face against the daughters of your people, who prophesy out of their own heart; and prophesy against them,
18and say, “The Lord Yahweh says: ‘Woe to the women who sew magic bands on all elbows and make veils for the head of persons of every stature to hunt souls! Will you hunt the souls of my people and save souls alive for yourselves?
19You have profaned me among my people for handfuls of barley and for pieces of bread, to kill the souls who should not die and to save the souls alive who should not live, by your lying to my people who listen to lies.’
20“Therefore the Lord Yahweh says: ‘Behold, I am against your magic bands, with which you hunt the souls to make them fly, and I will tear them from your arms. I will let the souls fly free, even the souls whom you ensnare like birds.
21I will also tear your veils and deliver my people out of your hand; and they will no longer be in your hand to be ensnared. Then you will know that I am Yahweh.
22Because with lies you have grieved the heart of the righteous, whom I have not made sad; and strengthened the hands of the wicked, that he should not return from his wicked way, and be saved alive.
23Therefore you shall no more see false visions nor practice divination. I will deliver my people out of your hand. Then you will know that I am Yahweh.’”
KJV King James Version 1769
17Likewise, thou son of man, set thy face against the daughters of thy people, which prophesy out of their own heart; and prophesy thou against them,
18And 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?
19And 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?
20Wherefore thus saith the Lord God; Behold, I am against your pillows, wherewith ye there hunt the souls to make them fly, and I will tear them from your arms, and will let the souls go, even the souls that ye hunt to make them fly.
21Your kerchiefs also will I tear, and deliver my people out of your hand, and they shall be no more in your hand to be hunted; and ye shall know that I am the Lord.
22Because with lies ye have made the heart of the righteous sad, whom I have not made sad; and strengthened the hands of the wicked, that he should not return from his wicked way, by promising him life:
23Therefore ye shall see no more vanity, nor divine divinations: for I will deliver my people out of your hand: and ye shall know that I am the Lord.
ASV American Standard Version 1901
17And thou, son of man, set thy face against the daughters of thy people, that prophesy out of their own heart; and prophesy thou against them,
18and say, Thus saith the Lord Jehovah: Woe to the women that sew pillows upon all elbows, and make kerchiefs for the head of persons of every stature to hunt souls! Will ye hunt the souls of my people, and save souls alive for yourselves?
19And ye have profaned 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 hearken unto lies.
20Wherefore thus saith the Lord Jehovah: Behold, I am against your pillows, wherewith ye there hunt the souls to make them fly, and I will tear them from your arms; and I will let the souls go, even the souls that ye hunt to make them fly.
21Your kerchiefs also will I tear, and deliver my people out of your hand, and they shall be no more in your hand to be hunted; and ye shall know that I am Jehovah.
22Because with lies ye have grieved the heart of the righteous, whom I have not made sad, and strengthened the hands of the wicked, that he should not return from his wicked way, and be saved alive;
23Therefore ye shall no more see false visions, nor divine divinations: and I will deliver my people out of your hand; and ye shall know that I am Jehovah.
YLT Young's Literal Translation 1898
17And thou, son of man, set thy face against the daughters of thy people, who are prophesying out of their own heart, and prophesy concerning them,
18And thou hast said: Thus said the Lord Jehovah: Woe to those sowing pillows for all joints of the arm, And to those making the kerchiefs For the head of every stature--to hunt souls, The souls do ye hunt of My people? And the souls ye have do ye keep alive?
19Yea, ye pierce Me concerning My people, For handfuls of barley, And for pieces of bread, to put to death Souls that should not die, And to keep alive souls that should not live, By your lying to My people--hearkening to lies.
20Therefore, thus said the Lord Jehovah: Lo, I am against your pillows, With which ye are hunting there the souls of the flourishing, And I have rent them from off your arms, And have sent away the souls that ye are hunting, The souls of the flourishing.
21And I have torn your kerchiefs, And delivered My people out of your hand, And they are no more in your hand for a prey, And ye have known that I am Jehovah.
22Because of paining the heart of the righteous with falsehood, And I have not pained it, And strengthening the hands of the wicked, So as not to turn back from his evil way, To keep him alive,
23Therefore, vanity ye do not see, And divination ye do not divine again, And I have delivered My people out of your hand, And ye have known that I am Jehovah!'
Darby Darby Bible 1890
17And thou, son of man, set thy face against the daughters of thy people, who prophesy out of their own heart; and prophesy against them,
18and say, Thus saith the Lord Jehovah: Woe unto the women that sew pillows for all wrists, and that make veils for the head [of persons] of every stature to catch souls! Will ye catch the souls of my people, and will ye save your own souls alive?
19And will ye profane me among my people for handfuls of barley and for morsels 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 listen to lying?
20Wherefore thus saith the Lord Jehovah: Behold, I am against your pillows, that the souls which ye catch by their means may fly away; and I will tear them from your arms, and will let the souls go, the souls that ye catch, that they may fly away.
21And I will tear your veils and deliver my people out of your hand, and they shall be no more in your hand to be hunted; and ye shall know that I [am] Jehovah.
22Because with falsehood ye have grieved the heart of the righteous, whom I have not made sad; and have strengthened the hands of the wicked, that he should not return from his wicked way, to save his life:
23therefore ye shall no more see vanity, nor divine divinations; and I will deliver my people out of your hand: and ye shall know that I [am] Jehovah.
Douay-Rheims Douay-Rheims Bible 1899
17And thou, son of man, set thy face against the daughters of thy people that prophesy out of their own heart: and do thou prophesy against them,
18And say: Thus saith the Lord God: Woe to them that sew cushions under every elbow: and make pillows for the heads of persons of every age to catch souls: and when they caught the souls of my people, they gave life to their souls.
19And they violated me among my people, for a handful of barley, and a piece of bread, to kill souls which should not die, and to save souls alive which should not live, telling lies to my people that believe lies.
20Therefore thus saith the Lord God: Behold I declare against your cushions, wherewith you catch flying souls: and I will tear them off from your arms: and I will let go the soul that you catch, the souls that should fly.
21And I will tear your pillows, and will deliver my people out of your hand, neither shall they be any more in your hands to be a prey: and you shall know that I am the Lord.
22Because with lies you have made the heart of the just to mourn, whom I have not made sorrowful: and have strengthened the hands of the wicked, that he should not return from his evil way, and live.
23Therefore you shall not see vain things, nor divine divinations any more, and I will deliver my people out of your hand: and you shall know that I am the Lord.
Verse in Context
Scholars' Consensus
Commentators across traditions agree that Ezekiel 13:17-23 is a direct judgment from God against women who claimed prophetic authority but spoke from their own hearts rather than divine revelation. Calvin, Barnes, and Matthew Henry emphasize that legitimate prophetesses existed in Israel, Miriam, Deborah, Huldah, yet these women imitated the outward form without the Spirit. They used objects described as pillows, magic bands, or veils to hunt souls, meaning they manipulated people through supernatural pretenses. Their motive was mercenary: handfuls of barley and pieces of bread. They profaned God’s name by claiming His authority for their lies. Their effect was devastating: they saddened the righteous and strengthened the wicked in sin. God’s response is to tear away these objects, set the captives free, and end the false prophecies. The repeated refrain “Then you will know that I am Yahweh” shows that judgment serves to reveal God’s true identity. The passage thus contrasts human invention with divine revelation and emphasizes God’s care for those ensnared by deception.
How settled is the interpretation?
Interpretive difficulty: Medium
Main views:
- Literal magical objects: The BSB translates the items as 'magic charms'; the context of 'hunting souls' and 'divination' suggests tangible talismans used in sorcery.
- Symbolic prophetic actions: Wesley and JFB interpret the pillows and veils as symbols of security and victory, similar to the symbolic acts Ezekiel himself performed (e.g., Ezekiel 4:3).
- Ritual divination accessories: The Cambridge Bible and Calvin describe them as items used in occult rituals to lend an air of mystery and authority to the women's predictions.
What is clear: God opposed these women’s deceptive practices, which were motivated by personal gain, and He promised to rescue those who had been ensnared, revealing Himself as the true God.
What Scholars Agree and Debate
| Topic | Agreed | Debated |
|---|---|---|
| Nature of the objects (pillows/bands and veils) | Christians agree these were physical items used by the women in their prophetic or divinatory practices. | Some interpret them as literal magical charms or amulets (BSB, Keil & Delitzsch), while others see them as symbolic props representing the false security and victory the women promised (Wesley, JFB). |
| The practice of prophecy by women | All traditions recognize that God appointed women as true prophetesses in Israel (Miriam, Deborah, Huldah). | The existence of this passage does not settle broader debates about women’s roles in ministry today; different denominations apply the principles of discernment and authority differently. |
| Motive of the false prophetesses | Commentators agree they acted for personal gain, as shown by the paltry payment of barley and bread. | Some emphasize simple greed; others see a desperate attempt to survive during famine, though this does not excuse their methods. |
| Meaning of 'hunt souls' and 'save souls alive' | Most agree the women ensnared people through deceptive promises, leading them to spiritual ruin. | The phrase 'save souls alive' is ambiguous: it may mean they claimed to preserve the lives of their clients in the coming destruction, or that they sought to preserve their own lives by profiting from deception (Barnes). |
Historical & Cultural Context
Ezekiel prophesied during the Babylonian exile, a time of national trauma for Israel. The people had lost their land, temple, and king. In this crisis, many sought comforting words, and false prophets readily supplied them. Chapter 13 first rebukes male prophets who deceived the people with false promises of peace (verses 1-16). Then the focus shifts to women who followed similar practices.
In the ancient Near East, women often served as mediums, sorceresses, or priestesses in pagan cults. The Hebrew words for the objects, rendered “pillows” (KJV) or “magic bands” (BSB), suggest amulets or charms worn on the arms or wrists. The “veils” (or kerchiefs) were likely head coverings used in divination or ritual. Commentators like Wesley and JFB interpret these as symbolic props meant to convey security and victory. Their fee, a handful of barley or a piece of bread, shows the paltry payment they received, mercenary prophecy at its cheapest.
By “hunting souls,” they trapped the vulnerable, offering false hope to the wicked and undeserved condemnation to the righteous. The mention of “gardens” (in one marginal reading) hints at idolatrous fertility rites. True prophetesses like Deborah (Judges 4:4) and Huldah (2 Kings 22:14) spoke God’s word faithfully; these women were a counterfeit. God’s promise to tear the bands and veils pictures a rescue operation: He will break the tools of deception and set the captives free.
Textual Notes
The consulted sources note no significant variants in the Hebrew text of Ezekiel 13:17-23. The Cambridge Bible mentions a possible scribal error in verse 18 where the Hebrew could read “my hands” instead of “all hand/joints,” but it observes that none of the ancient versions reproduce that reading. The passage is stable across the manuscript tradition.
Reception History
Early Christian writers saw in this passage a warning against false teachers who mix truth with error for personal profit. Medieval interpreters often allegorized the pillows and veils as symbols of worldly security and spiritual deception. Reformation-era exegetes, especially Calvin, emphasized the contrast between human invention and divine revelation. In modern times, this text is frequently applied to discussions of spiritual abuse, financial exploitation in ministry, and the need for discernment in prophetic claims. The passage also comforts those who feel trapped in manipulative religious systems, reminding them that God actively works to set captives free and reveal His true identity.
Preaching This Verse
Three-point outline
- The Source of False Prophecy, These women prophesied “out of their own heart.” Jeremiah 23:16 echoes this: false prophets speak visions of their own minds, not from God’s mouth.
- The Strategy of False Prophecy, They used magical bands and veils to hunt souls. The physical objects were tools of manipulation, promising security to the undeserving and despair to the righteous.
- The Judgment and Deliverance, God declares, “I am against your magic bands” (v.20). He tears them off, frees the captured souls, and ends the false visions. The goal: “Then you will know that I am Yahweh.”
Five-point outline
- Prophesying from the heart (v.17), The root sin: speaking what we imagine, not what God reveals.
- Manipulative methods (v.18), Magic bands and veils: occult or symbolic props that prey on human fear.
- Mercenary motives (v.19), Barley and bread: trivial profit that profanes God’s name.
- Moral confusion (v.22), They saddened the righteous and strengthened the wicked, reversing God’s order.
- Divine reversal (vv.20-23), God tears down the tools, rescues the prey, and silences the false prophets. The end of the matter is knowledge of the Lord.
Illustration hooks
- A church where a leader repeatedly says “The Lord told me” to steer decisions, but the words never come to pass. Who benefits? Who gets hurt?
- An online “prophet” who sells personal prophecies for a fee. The cheap price (like handfuls of barley) disguises real harm to the vulnerable.
- A friend who only listens to voices that tell them “peace, peace,” rejecting any call to repentance. False comfort can be deadly.
Questions your congregation is asking
- How can I tell if a prophecy is from God or from someone’s own heart?
- Are women allowed to be prophets today? What does the Bible say?
- What should I do if I feel spiritually manipulated or controlled?
Leading a Discussion
This passage reveals the danger of claiming to speak for God when He has not sent you. The false prophetesses used spiritual practices to exploit people for small gain. Their lies had real consequences: they disheartened the righteous and hardened the wicked. God steps in to tear down their tools and rescue those trapped in deception.
Discussion questions
- What do the objects, magic bands and veils, tell you about the methods these women used? Why would people be drawn to them?
- Verse 19 says they “profaned” God among His people. What does it mean to profane God’s name by claiming His authority falsely?
- The women are accused of “hunting souls.” How would you describe their relationship to the people they ministered to?
- How does verse 22 summarize the damage they caused? In what ways do similar dynamics appear in spiritual leadership today?
- God says He will tear the bands and veils and set the souls free. What does this tell us about God’s character and His concern for the vulnerable?
- The phrase “Then you will know that I am Yahweh” appears twice. Why is that the ultimate goal of God’s judgment?
- How can our small group or church test prophecies and teachings to ensure they come from God and not from anyone’s own heart?
Cross-References
Source: Treasury of Scripture Knowledge (TSK, public domain)
| Judges 4:4 | Now Deborah, a prophetess, the wife of Lappidoth, judged Israel at that time. |
| II Kings 22:14 | So Hilkiah the priest, Ahikam, Achbor, Shaphan, and Asaiah went to Huldah the prophetess, the wife of Shallum the son of Tikvah, the son of Harhas, keeper of the wardrobe (now she lived in Jerusalem in the second quarter); and they talked with her. |
| Isaiah 3:16 | Moreover Yahweh said, “Because the daughters of Zion are arrogant, and walk with outstretched necks and flirting eyes, walking daintily as they go, jingling ornaments on their feet; |
| Isaiah 3:26 | Her gates shall lament and mourn. She shall be desolate and sit on the ground. |
| Isaiah 4:4 | when the Lord shall have washed away the filth of the daughters of Zion, and shall have purged the blood of Jerusalem from within it, by the spirit of justice and by the spirit of burning. |
| Ezekiel 4:3 | Take for yourself an iron pan and set it for a wall of iron between you and the city. Then set your face toward it. It will be besieged, and you shall lay siege against it. This shall be a sign to the house of Israel. |
| Ezekiel 13:2 | “Son of man, prophesy against the prophets of Israel who prophesy, and say to those who prophesy out of their own heart, ‘Hear Yahweh’s word: |
| Ezekiel 20:46 | “Son of man, set your face toward the south, and preach toward the south, and prophesy against the forest of the field in the south. |
Cross-reference data from OpenBible.info (CC BY 4.0). Commentaries are public domain.
For personal reflection
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What the Commentators Say
10 public-domain commentaries, condensed into plain language.
Adam Clarke's Commentary Methodist/Wesleyan 1826
Clarke argues that false prophetesses existed precisely because true ones did, since false religion always mimics the real. He interprets the pillows and kerchiefs as symbols of the soft, voluptuous lifestyle these women promoted to lure people into idolatry, hunting souls with enticements rather than truth.
Barnes' Notes on the Bible Protestant 1832
Barnes stresses that an organized class of prophetesses was foreign to Israel's tradition; women like Miriam and Huldah were individually inspired, not part of a guild. The so-called prophetesses in Ezekiel represent a slide into pagan magic, using veils and charms as props to appear mysterious and profiting from cheap offerings.
Calvin's Commentaries Reformed 1564
Calvin emphasizes that Satan corrupts even legitimate spiritual gifts by counterfeiting them with deceptive ceremonies. He notes God allowed women to prophesy at times as a rebuke to men, but Satan exploited this by using false prophetesses who dazzled the simple with outward rituals because they lacked anything substantial to offer.
Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges Anglican 1880
Cambridge Bible notes that these false prophetesses used physical props like fillets and veils in their divination, literally binding and covering people to "hunt souls" for personal profit. Their prophecies reversed God's truth, promising life to the wicked and disaster to the righteous, all for trivial payment like handfuls of barley.
Geneva Bible Notes Reformed 1599
The Geneva notes highlight God's specific judgment against false prophetesses who deceive His people for personal gain, hunting souls with their lies in exchange for barley and bread. God declares He will tear away their deceptive pillows and veils, freeing those they have trapped. Their false prophecies have saddened the righteous and encouraged the wicked in sin, but God will deliver His people.
Gill's Exposition of the Bible Baptist 1748
Gill focuses on the brazenness and greed of the false prophetesses who, seeking petty gain, used pillows and kerchiefs as superstitious props to lull people into false security. He sees this as a pattern repeated in later false teachers who abuse God's name to exploit the vulnerable and harden sinners in their wicked ways.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Commentary Protestant 1871
JFB draws attention to the false prophetesses' specific symbolic acts—sewing cushions to lean on and veiling heads with kerchiefs. These tricks created a counterfeit spiritual ecstasy and false sense of peace, luring people for paltry gain. He notes that their sin was aggravated because they committed it among God's own people.
Keil & Delitzsch OT Commentary Protestant 1876
Keil-Delitzsch reads the coverings and caps not as literal objects but as figures: the false prophetesses sew coverings over God's hand to hide His rebuke, and make caps that fit each listener's head, flattering them with lies. Their aim is to trap souls for destruction while securing their own survival.
Matthew Henry's Commentary Reformed/Presbyterian 1710
Henry focuses on the specific harm these false prophetesses caused: they comforted the wicked with promises of life, keeping them from repentance, while they discouraged the righteous whom God had not saddened. Their spiritual manipulation, done for petty gain, perverted God's word and enslaved souls through lies.
Wesley's Explanatory Notes Methodist/Wesleyan 1754
Wesley interprets the pillows and kerchiefs as the prophetesses' tools for deceiving people: they promised security and victory to everyone who consulted them, hunting souls with false assurances for a small reward. He notes they claimed divine authority for empty predictions, polluting God's name, but those prophecies would ultimately vanish and confound them.