Ezekiel 13:18 Meaning and Explanation
“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?”
King James Version (KJV)
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Read Full Chapter →False prophetesses use magical practices and divination rituals to deceive and enslave vulnerable people.
The Context of Ezekiel 13:18
Prophetesses use magical practices to exploit and deceive Israel.
What Does Ezekiel 13:18 Mean?
The prophetesses create pillows and kerchiefs (likely magical objects or ritual items used in divination). They 'sew pillows to all armholes' and fashion head coverings for various groups—suggesting they customize their deceptive practices for different victims.
The verb 'hunt' emphasizes predatory behavior. These women actively entrap souls, making people dependent on their rituals and false promises. The question 'Will ye hunt the souls of my people' confronts their exploitative practice directly.
Ezekiel 13:18 in the Original Language
nephesh (נֶפֶשׁ), 'souls' — the inner life, will, and consciousness of a person; these prophetesses target people's deepest vulnerabilities.
Frequently Asked Questions About Ezekiel 13:18
What does Ezekiel 13:18 mean?
False prophetesses use magical practices and divination rituals to deceive and enslave vulnerable people.
What is the context of Ezekiel 13:18?
Prophetesses use magical practices to exploit and deceive Israel.