Ezekiel Chapter 13 · Verse 10
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:
Original Language Analysis
יַ֣עַן
H3282
יַ֣עַן
Strong's:
H3282
Word #:
1 of 16
properly, heed; by implication, purpose (sake or account); used adverbially to indicate the reason or cause
וּבְיַ֜עַן
H3282
וּבְיַ֜עַן
Strong's:
H3282
Word #:
2 of 16
properly, heed; by implication, purpose (sake or account); used adverbially to indicate the reason or cause
הִטְע֧וּ
Because even because they have seduced
H2937
הִטְע֧וּ
Because even because they have seduced
Strong's:
H2937
Word #:
3 of 16
to wander; causatively to lead astray
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
4 of 16
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
עַמִּ֛י
my people
H5971
עַמִּ֛י
my people
Strong's:
H5971
Word #:
5 of 16
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
שָׁל֑וֹם
Peace
H7965
שָׁל֑וֹם
Peace
Strong's:
H7965
Word #:
7 of 16
safe, i.e., (figuratively) well, happy, friendly; also (abstractly) welfare, i.e., health, prosperity, peace
וְאֵ֣ין
H369
שָׁל֑וֹם
Peace
H7965
שָׁל֑וֹם
Peace
Strong's:
H7965
Word #:
9 of 16
safe, i.e., (figuratively) well, happy, friendly; also (abstractly) welfare, i.e., health, prosperity, peace
וְהוּא֙
H1931
וְהוּא֙
Strong's:
H1931
Word #:
10 of 16
he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo
Cross References
Ezekiel 22:28And her prophets have daubed them with untempered morter, seeing vanity, and divining lies unto them, saying, Thus saith the Lord GOD, when the LORD hath not spoken.Ezekiel 13:16To wit, the prophets of Israel which prophesy concerning Jerusalem, and which see visions of peace for her, and there is no peace, saith the Lord GOD.Jeremiah 14:13Then said I, Ah, Lord GOD! behold, the prophets say unto them, Ye shall not see the sword, neither shall ye have famine; but I will give you assured peace in this place.Jeremiah 6:14They have healed also the hurt of the daughter of my people slightly, saying, Peace, peace; when there is no peace.Jeremiah 8:11For they have healed the hurt of the daughter of my people slightly, saying, Peace, peace; when there is no peace.2 Kings 21:9But they hearkened not: and Manasseh seduced them to do more evil than did the nations whom the LORD destroyed before the children of Israel.
Historical Context
While Ezekiel warned of coming judgment (591 BC), false prophets promised peace and quick return to Jerusalem. Their optimistic predictions contradicted God's revealed truth but pleased exiles wanting encouragement. The whitewashed wall symbolized superficial religiosity masking deep corruption. When Babylon attacked (586 BC), the false prophets' promises proved worthless—the wall collapsed. The pattern repeats: false assurance crumbles when tested. Only truth grounded in God's Word withstands examination and trial.
Questions for Reflection
- What modern equivalents exist to whitewashed walls—superficial solutions to deep spiritual problems?
- How do you distinguish between genuine peace from God versus false assurance from human optimism?
Analysis & Commentary
"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." False prophets offered false security ("Peace") when judgment approached. The wall metaphor depicts superficial solutions to fundamental problems—cosmetic repair when structural replacement is needed. "Untempered mortar" (whitewash) creates appearance of solidity while lacking substance. This warns against easy solutions to sin's problem. Only Christ's atonement provides genuine peace; human religion offers mere whitewash.