Ezekiel 13:18
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?
Original Language Analysis
כֹּה
H3541
כֹּה
Strong's:
H3541
Word #:
2 of 26
properly, like this, i.e., by implication, (of manner) thus (or so); also (of place) here (or hither); or (of time) now
עַ֣ל׀
H5921
עַ֣ל׀
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
9 of 26
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
כָּל
H3605
כָּל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
10 of 26
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
אַצִּילֵ֣י
to all armholes
H679
אַצִּילֵ֣י
to all armholes
Strong's:
H679
Word #:
11 of 26
a joint of the hand (i.e., knuckle); also (according to some) a party-wall (ezekiel 41:8)
יָדַ֗י
H3027
יָדַ֗י
Strong's:
H3027
Word #:
12 of 26
a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v
וְעֹשׂ֧וֹת
and make
H6213
וְעֹשׂ֧וֹת
and make
Strong's:
H6213
Word #:
13 of 26
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
עַל
H5921
עַל
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
15 of 26
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
רֹ֥אשׁ
upon the head
H7218
רֹ֥אשׁ
upon the head
Strong's:
H7218
Word #:
16 of 26
the head (as most easily shaken), whether literal or figurative (in many applications, of place, time, rank, itc.)
כָּל
H3605
כָּל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
17 of 26
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
וּנְפָשׁ֖וֹת
souls
H5315
וּנְפָשׁ֖וֹת
souls
Strong's:
H5315
Word #:
20 of 26
properly, a breathing creature, i.e., animal of (abstractly) vitality; used very widely in a literal, accommodated or figurative sense (bodily or ment
וּנְפָשׁ֖וֹת
souls
H5315
וּנְפָשׁ֖וֹת
souls
Strong's:
H5315
Word #:
21 of 26
properly, a breathing creature, i.e., animal of (abstractly) vitality; used very widely in a literal, accommodated or figurative sense (bodily or ment
לְעַמִּ֔י
of my people
H5971
לְעַמִּ֔י
of my people
Strong's:
H5971
Word #:
23 of 26
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
וּנְפָשׁ֖וֹת
souls
H5315
וּנְפָשׁ֖וֹת
souls
Strong's:
H5315
Word #:
24 of 26
properly, a breathing creature, i.e., animal of (abstractly) vitality; used very widely in a literal, accommodated or figurative sense (bodily or ment
Cross References
2 Peter 2:14Having eyes full of adultery, and that cannot cease from sin; beguiling unstable souls: an heart they have exercised with covetous practices; cursed children:Ezekiel 13:20Wherefore 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.Jeremiah 6:14They have healed also the hurt of the daughter of my people slightly, saying, Peace, peace; when there is no peace.Ezekiel 22:25There is a conspiracy of her prophets in the midst thereof, like a roaring lion ravening the prey; they have devoured souls; they have taken the treasure and precious things; they have made her many widows in the midst thereof.2 Timothy 4:3For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears;
Historical Context
Historical context shows various superstitious practices in pre-exilic Israel combining folk religion with claims of Yahwistic authority. Archaeological evidence includes amulets, magical texts, and fertility cult objects showing syncretism. These practices promised protection or blessing through human technique rather than covenant faithfulness, directly violating first and second commandments. Magical manipulations exposed within this cultural context of widespread religious syncretism.
Questions for Reflection
- How does this condemnation challenge modern attempts to manipulate God through religious techniques?
- What does Sew pillows teach about the difference between faith and superstition?
- In what ways might contemporary Christianity compromise biblical faith with cultural superstitions?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
God addresses false prophecy related to Sew pillows. This verse contributes to the comprehensive exposure of false teaching that enabled Israel's apostasy. The specific practices condemned show how false prophecy mixed superstition with claims of divine authority, leading people astray from covenant faithfulness.
The Hebrew terminology indicates concrete practices that promised protection or favor through human manipulation rather than covenant obedience. These represent attempts to control or manipulate divine blessing through ritual or magical means rather than submission to God's revealed will. Such practices directly violated monotheistic faith.
From a Reformed perspective, this warns against any attempt to manipulate God through religious practices divorced from heart obedience. Magical manipulations exposed. True relationship with God requires faith in His promises and submission to His commands, not manipulative rituals or techniques.