Ezekiel 22:25
There 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.
Original Language Analysis
בְתוֹכָֽהּ׃
in the midst
H8432
בְתוֹכָֽהּ׃
in the midst
Strong's:
H8432
Word #:
3 of 15
a bisection, i.e., (by implication) the center
טֹ֣רֵֽף
ravening
H2963
טֹ֣רֵֽף
ravening
Strong's:
H2963
Word #:
6 of 15
to pluck off or pull to pieces; causatively to supply with food (as in morsels)
טָ֑רֶף
the prey
H2964
טָ֑רֶף
the prey
Strong's:
H2964
Word #:
7 of 15
something torn, i.e., a fragment, e.g., a fresh leaf, prey, food
נֶ֣פֶשׁ
souls
H5315
נֶ֣פֶשׁ
souls
Strong's:
H5315
Word #:
8 of 15
properly, a breathing creature, i.e., animal of (abstractly) vitality; used very widely in a literal, accommodated or figurative sense (bodily or ment
וִיקָר֙
and precious things
H3366
וִיקָר֙
and precious things
Strong's:
H3366
Word #:
11 of 15
value, i.e., (concretely) wealth; abstractly, costliness, dignity
יִקָּ֔חוּ
they have taken
H3947
יִקָּ֔חוּ
they have taken
Strong's:
H3947
Word #:
12 of 15
to take (in the widest variety of applications)
Cross References
Hosea 6:9And as troops of robbers wait for a man, so the company of priests murder in the way by consent: for they commit lewdness.Jeremiah 2:34Also in thy skirts is found the blood of the souls of the poor innocents: I have not found it by secret search, but upon all these.Jeremiah 11:9And the LORD said unto me, A conspiracy is found among the men of Judah, and among the inhabitants of Jerusalem.Ezekiel 13:19And 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?
Historical Context
Ezekiel prophesied from Babylonian exile (593-571 BC) against Jerusalem's leadership. False prophets like Hananiah (Jeremiah 28) promised peace while the city careened toward destruction. These religious con artists used divine claims to legitimize plunder, making them doubly culpable—both thieves and blasphemers.
Questions for Reflection
- How do religious leaders today 'devour souls' through manipulation or exploitation for personal gain?
- What distinguishes true prophetic ministry from the predatory 'conspiracy' Ezekiel denounces?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
There is a conspiracy of her prophets (קֶשֶׁר נְבִיאֶיהָ, qesher nevi'eha)—the term qesher denotes treasonous plotting, used elsewhere for political coups (2 Kings 15:15). False prophets formed a corrupt cabal, acting like a roaring lion ravening the prey (כַּאֲרִי שׁוֹאֵג טֹרֵף טָרֶף). The predatory imagery exposes religious leaders who devoured souls (נֶפֶשׁ אָכְלוּ, nefesh akhlu)—consuming lives for profit rather than shepherding.
They have made her many widows—through unjust executions and land seizures, these prophets destroyed families while enriching themselves with choser (חֹסֶן, treasure). Jesus later condemned scribes who 'devour widows' houses' (Mark 12:40), the same predatory religion.