Ezekiel 13:4 Meaning and Explanation
“O Israel, thy prophets are like the foxes in the deserts.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Israel's false prophets are compared to foxes—cunning, destructive, and isolated.
The Context of Ezekiel 13:4
Israel's false prophets are likened to crafty, destructive desert foxes.
What Does Ezekiel 13:4 Mean?
The metaphor of foxes conveys cunning and predatory behavior. Foxes were known in ancient Israel for sneaking through vineyards and destroying crops. This image suggests deception and damage hidden behind apparent harmlessness.
Foxes in the desert are also solitary, scavenging creatures—a fitting comparison to prophets who speak from private ambition rather than from God's established community and truth. They operate outside the boundaries of genuine prophetic authority.
Ezekiel 13:4 in the Original Language
shuowl (שׁוּעָל), 'fox' — a cunning predator; used metaphorically to convey deception and destruction.
Frequently Asked Questions About Ezekiel 13:4
What does Ezekiel 13:4 mean?
Israel's false prophets are compared to foxes—cunning, destructive, and isolated.
What is the context of Ezekiel 13:4?
Israel's false prophets are likened to crafty, destructive desert foxes.