What does Ezekiel 13:20 mean?

"Wherefore 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." - Ezekiel 13:20

"Wherefore 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." - Ezekiel 13:20

Ezekiel 13:20 in the King James Version of the Bible reads: "Wherefore 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."

This verse is part of a larger passage in the book of Ezekiel in which the prophet is warning the people of Israel about the false prophets and diviners who are deceiving them. In the preceding verses, Ezekiel condemns these false prophets for their lies and deceit, and in verse 20, he specifically addresses their use of "pillows" to "hunt the souls" and make them "fly."

The use of "pillows" in this context is symbolic of the false prophets' methods of seduction and manipulation. In ancient times, pillows were often used in divination practices, where individuals would recline and enter into a trance-like state to receive visions or messages from the spirit world. The false prophets in Ezekiel's time were using these pillows as a tool to deceive the people, luring them into a false sense of security and leading them astray.

The phrase "wherewith ye there hunt the souls to make them fly" further emphasizes the deceptive and manipulative nature of the false prophets. They were preying on the souls of the people, exploiting their vulnerabilities and fears in order to control and manipulate them. The mention of making souls "fly" could be interpreted as a reference to the false prophets promising deliverance or escape from their troubles, only to lead them further into spiritual bondage and deception.

The consequences of their actions are outlined in the latter part of the verse, where God declares, "I will tear them from your arms, and will let the souls go, even the souls that ye hunt to make them fly." This imagery of God tearing away the souls that the false prophets had ensnared with their deceitful practices reflects the swift and decisive judgment that will befall those who lead others astray.

The themes of deception, manipulation, and false prophecy present in this verse are reflective of the broader context of the book of Ezekiel. Throughout the book, Ezekiel is tasked with delivering messages of warning and judgment to the people of Israel, particularly in relation to their spiritual infidelity and the consequences of their disobedience to God. The false prophets and diviners, who falsely claim to speak on behalf of God, are condemned for their exploitation of the people and their role in leading them away from the true path of righteousness.

In a broader theological sense, this passage serves as a warning against placing our trust in false prophets and deceptive practices. It speaks to the importance of discerning the truth and seeking genuine spiritual guidance, rather than being led astray by those who seek to manipulate and exploit others for their own gain.

In conclusion, Ezekiel 13:20 in the King James Version of the Bible serves as a powerful reminder of the dangers of false prophecy and deception. The use of symbolic language and imagery conveys the gravity of the consequences for those who lead others astray, and the verse underscores the importance of remaining vigilant and discerning in matters of faith and spirituality. It is a call to seek truth and authenticity in our spiritual pursuits, and a reminder of the ultimate accountability we have to God for our actions.

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Ezekiel 13:20 Artwork

Ezekiel 13:20 - "Wherefore 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."

Ezekiel 13:20 - "Wherefore 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."

"Wherefore 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." - Ezekiel 13:20

"Wherefore 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." - Ezekiel 13:20

Ezekiel 20:41

Ezekiel 20:41

Ezekiel 20:40

Ezekiel 20:40

Ezekiel 20:41

Ezekiel 20:41

Ezekiel 20:41

Ezekiel 20:41

Ezekiel 20:40

Ezekiel 20:40

Ezekiel 20:40

Ezekiel 20:40

Ezekiel 20:41

Ezekiel 20:41

Ezekiel 20:40

Ezekiel 20:40

Ezekiel 20:41

Ezekiel 20:41

Ezekiel 20:41

Ezekiel 20:41

Ezekiel 28:13

Ezekiel 28:13

Ezekiel 20:13 - "But the house of Israel rebelled against me in the wilderness: they walked not in my statutes, and they despised my judgments, which if a man do, he shall even live in them; and my sabbaths they greatly polluted: then I said, I would pour out my fury upon them in the wilderness, to consume them."

Ezekiel 20:13 - "But the house of Israel rebelled against me in the wilderness: they walked not in my statutes, and they despised my judgments, which if a man do, he shall even live in them; and my sabbaths they greatly polluted: then I said, I would pour out my fury upon them in the wilderness, to consume them."

Ezekiel 27:20 - "Dedan was thy merchant in precious clothes for chariots."

Ezekiel 27:20 - "Dedan was thy merchant in precious clothes for chariots."

Ezekiel 20:2 - "Then came the word of the LORD unto me, saying,"

Ezekiel 20:2 - "Then came the word of the LORD unto me, saying,"

Luke 13:20-21

Luke 13:20-21

Luke 13:20-21

Luke 13:20-21

Luke 13:20-21

Luke 13:20-21

Luke 13:20-21

Luke 13:20-21

Luke 13:20-21

Luke 13:20-21

Ezekiel 1:6-13

Ezekiel 1:6-13

Ezekiel 28:20 - "¶ Again the word of the LORD came unto me, saying,"

Ezekiel 28:20 - "¶ Again the word of the LORD came unto me, saying,"

Ezekiel 20:45 - "¶ Moreover the word of the LORD came unto me, saying,"

Ezekiel 20:45 - "¶ Moreover the word of the LORD came unto me, saying,"

Ezekiel 20:20 - "And hallow my sabbaths; and they shall be a sign between me and you, that ye may know that I am the LORD your God."

Ezekiel 20:20 - "And hallow my sabbaths; and they shall be a sign between me and you, that ye may know that I am the LORD your God."

hebrew 13:20

hebrew 13:20

Genesis 20-13

Genesis 20-13

Ezekiel 37:20 - "¶ And the sticks whereon thou writest shall be in thine hand before their eyes."

Ezekiel 37:20 - "¶ And the sticks whereon thou writest shall be in thine hand before their eyes."

Ezekiel 13:1 - "And the word of the LORD came unto me, saying,"

Ezekiel 13:1 - "And the word of the LORD came unto me, saying,"

Exodus 20:13 - "Thou shalt not kill."

Exodus 20:13 - "Thou shalt not kill."