Ezekiel 13:12

KJV

Lo, when the wall is fallen, shall it not be said unto you, Where [is] the daubing wherewith ye have daubed [it]?

KJV (with Strong's)

Lo, when the wall {H7023} is fallen {H5307}, shall it not be said {H559} unto you, Where is the daubing {H2915} wherewith ye have daubed {H2902} it?

Complete Jewish Bible

and the wall will fall down. Then people will ask you, 'Where is the whitewash you used to "plaster" it?'"

Berean Standard Bible

Surely when the wall has fallen, you will not be asked, ‘Where is the whitewash with which you covered it?’

American Standard Version

Lo, when the wall is fallen, shall it not be said unto you, Where is the daubing wherewith ye have daubed it?

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezekiel 13:12 powerfully interrogates the deceptive practices of false prophets in ancient Israel, using the vivid metaphor of a shoddily constructed wall covered with flimsy plaster. The verse declares the inevitable collapse of this fraudulent edifice, posing a rhetorical question that exposes the utter futility and ultimate disappearance of the false assurances and superficial coverings offered by those who prophesied lies in the Lord's name. It underscores God's unwavering judgment against falsehood and the inescapable exposure of all deception.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Ezekiel 13 forms a scathing indictment against the false prophets and prophetesses who were active in Judah and among the exiles in Babylon. Immediately preceding [Ezekiel 13:12](/ezekiel/13-12 "Ezekiel 13:12 - The Fallen Wall"), the Lord, through Ezekiel, condemns these individuals for speaking "peace, when there is no peace" ([Ezekiel 13:10](/ezekiel/13-10 "Ezekiel 13:10 - False Peace")) and for building a flimsy "wall" of deceptive assurances, which they then covered with "untempered mortar" (or whitewash). This imagery, introduced in [Ezekiel 13:10-11](/ezekiel/13-10 "Ezekiel 13:10-11 - The Untempered Mortar"), sets the stage for the rhetorical question of verse 12. The "wall" represents the false sense of security and prosperity these prophets promised, while the "daubing" symbolizes their superficial, worthless pronouncements designed to conceal the inherent weakness of their message. The subsequent verses in [Ezekiel 13](/ezekiel/13 "Ezekiel 13 - Prophecy Against False Prophets") continue to elaborate on the devastating judgment that will befall these false prophets and those who believed their lies, emphasizing the complete destruction of their deceptive work.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The prophecies in Ezekiel were delivered during the Babylonian exile (c. 597-571 BC), a period of immense national trauma for the Israelites. Many false prophets emerged, offering comforting but untrue messages of imminent deliverance from Babylon and a quick return to Jerusalem, directly contradicting Jeremiah's call for submission to Babylonian rule and Ezekiel's prophecies of continued judgment. In ancient Near Eastern construction, walls were often built of mud brick or rough stone, then plastered with a layer of mortar or whitewash for aesthetic appeal and protection. "Untempered mortar" (Hebrew: *tāphēl*) referred to a poorly mixed, unstable plaster that would not bind properly and offered no structural integrity. This imagery would have been readily understood by Ezekiel's audience, vividly illustrating the deceptive and ultimately destructive nature of the false prophets' messages, which offered only a superficial covering over a fundamentally unsound reality.
* **Key Themes:** [Ezekiel 13:12](/ezekiel/13-12 "Ezekiel 13:12 - The Fallen Wall") contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the book of Ezekiel and the prophetic literature. Firstly, it powerfully underscores the theme of **Divine Judgment against Falsehood and Deception**. God's holy character demands that truth prevail, and those who mislead His people, especially in His name, face severe consequences. Secondly, the verse highlights the **Futility of Human Deception** when confronted by divine reality; no amount of whitewash can conceal fundamental weakness or avert God's decreed judgment. Thirdly, it implicitly calls for **Spiritual Discernment** among God's people, urging them to distinguish between true prophecy, which aligns with God's revealed will and often involves uncomfortable truths, and false prophecy, which offers easy comfort but leads to ruin. This discernment is crucial for the survival and faithfulness of the covenant community, as seen throughout [Ezekiel](/ezekiel "The Book of Ezekiel").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Wall (Hebrew, _qîyr'_):** From the root *qûr*, meaning "to dig" or "to bore," suggesting a wall built in a trench or foundation. In this context (H7023), it refers to a physical barrier or structure, but here it is used metaphorically to represent the deceptive assurances and false security constructed by the false prophets. The collapse of this *qîyr* signifies the utter destruction of their fraudulent promises.
* **Fallen (Hebrew, _nâphal'_):** A primitive root (H5307) with a broad range of meanings, including to fall, collapse, fail, or be overthrown. In [Ezekiel 13:12](/ezekiel/13-12 "Ezekiel 13:12 - The Fallen Wall"), it vividly describes the inevitable and complete collapse of the wall built by the false prophets, emphasizing the destructive consequences of their deceit. The verb's intensity underscores the finality of God's judgment.
* **Daubing (Hebrew, _ṭîyach'_):** Derived from *ṭûwach* (H2902), meaning "to smear" or "to plaster." *Ṭîyach* (H2915) specifically refers to the mortar or plaster used to cover a wall. In this passage, it symbolizes the superficial, worthless, and deceptive pronouncements of the false prophets, which were intended to conceal the inherent weakness and instability of their messages, but ultimately offered no genuine protection or substance.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Lo, when the wall is fallen":** This opening phrase serves as a dramatic declaration, signaling the inevitable and catastrophic collapse of the deceptive structure (the false prophecies and assurances) erected by the false prophets. "Lo" (KJV) or "Behold" emphasizes the certainty and visual impact of this impending event, drawing the audience's attention to the divine judgment.
* **"shall it not be said unto you":** This introduces a rhetorical question, designed not to elicit an answer but to underscore a self-evident truth and deliver a stinging indictment. The "you" refers directly to the false prophets, implicating them in the failure and exposing their culpability.
* **"Where [is] the daubing wherewith ye have daubed [it]?":** This is the core of the rhetorical question. Once the wall has fallen, revealing its inherent weakness, the question mocks the superficial "daubing" (whitewash or flimsy plaster) that was supposed to conceal its flaws. It highlights the utter uselessness of the false prophets' deceptive words and actions, which offered no real protection or stability and have now vanished along with the collapsed structure. The question implies that the "daubing" was never truly substantial and has been completely obliterated by the judgment.

#### Literary Devices
Ezekiel 13:12 is rich in **Metaphor** and **Rhetorical Question**. The central metaphor is that of the "wall" and its "daubing" (or whitewash), which represents the false prophecies and the superficial assurances offered by the deceitful prophets. The wall itself is flimsy and unstable, symbolizing the inherent weakness and untruthfulness of their messages, while the daubing is the outward show of peace and security that conceals the rotten foundation. The inevitable collapse of this wall vividly portrays the certain judgment and exposure of all falsehood. The entire verse is framed as a **Rhetorical Question** ("shall it not be said unto you, Where [is] the daubing...?"), which serves to emphasize the obviousness of the false prophets' failure and the complete disappearance of their deceptive work. This device powerfully indicts the prophets, leaving them without defense and highlighting the futility of their efforts. The **Imagery** of a crumbling, whitewashed wall is highly evocative, making the abstract concept of false prophecy tangible and its consequences starkly clear to the audience.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezekiel 13:12 profoundly underscores God's unwavering commitment to truth and His severe judgment against those who propagate falsehood, especially in His name. It reveals that superficiality and deception, no matter how appealing or comforting they may seem in the short term, are utterly powerless against the reality of divine judgment. The collapse of the daubed wall serves as a powerful theological statement: God will expose all pretense and bring to ruin anything not built on His solid truth. This passage warns against both speaking and believing lies, emphasizing the critical importance of discerning true revelation from God.

* [Jeremiah 23:16-17](/jeremiah/23-16 "False Prophets and Peace")
* [Matthew 7:26-27](/matthew/7-26 "The Foolish Builder")
* [1 John 4:1](/1_john/4-1 "Test the Spirits")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ezekiel 13:12 serves as a timeless and urgent warning for believers in every generation. In an age saturated with information and competing voices, the call to spiritual discernment is more critical than ever. We are challenged to examine the foundations upon which we build our lives, our beliefs, and our hopes. Are we relying on superficial comforts, easy answers, or popular narratives that lack the substance of God's unchanging truth? Or are we diligently seeking and adhering to the Word of God, even when it demands repentance, sacrifice, or challenges our preconceived notions? This verse urges us to be wary of those who offer "peace, when there is no peace," whether from pulpits, media, or even within our own hearts. Only that which is built on the solid rock of Christ and His truth will endure the storms of life and the ultimate judgment of God.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "walls" or false assurances might I be building or relying upon in my own life that are not founded on God's truth?**
* **How can I better discern between genuine spiritual truth and deceptive, superficial messages in my daily life?**
* **What are the practical implications of building my faith on a "solid foundation" versus "untempered mortar" in my relationships, finances, or spiritual disciplines?**

### FAQ
**What is the "wall" and "daubing" in Ezekiel 13:12?**

In [Ezekiel 13:12](/ezekiel/13-12 "Ezekiel 13:12 - The Fallen Wall") and the surrounding context, the "wall" is a metaphor for the false and misleading prophecies uttered by the unfaithful prophets of Israel. These prophets promised peace, security, and a swift end to the Babylonian exile, which were lies. The "daubing" (or whitewash/untempered mortar) represents the superficial, worthless, and deceptive words used by these prophets to cover up the inherent weakness and falsehood of their messages. It was a flimsy covering designed to make a structurally unsound "wall" appear strong and appealing, but it offered no real protection or stability.

**Why does God ask "Where is the daubing?" after the wall falls?**

This is a rhetorical question that emphasizes the complete failure and disappearance of the false prophets' deceptive work. When the wall (their false prophecies) inevitably collapses under God's judgment, the "daubing" (their superficial assurances) will also be gone, proving its utter worthlessness. The question highlights that the "daubing" was never substantial and could not withstand the reality of God's judgment. It serves as a stinging indictment, exposing the futility of their lies and leaving them without any defense or explanation for their failed predictions, as seen in the broader judgment against false prophets in [Ezekiel 13](/ezekiel/13 "Ezekiel 13 - Prophecy Against False Prophets").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ezekiel 13:12, with its stark imagery of a crumbling, whitewashed wall, finds its ultimate fulfillment and counterpoint in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The false prophets offered a flimsy, deceptive peace, a "daubing" over a foundation of lies, which was destined to collapse under the weight of God's judgment. In contrast, Jesus is the very embodiment of truth, the one who declares, "I am the way, and the truth, and the life" ([John 14:6](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus is the Way, Truth, Life")). He is the "chief cornerstone" ([Ephesians 2:20](/ephesians/2-20 "Ephesians 2:20 - Christ the Cornerstone")), the solid foundation upon which God's true spiritual temple is built, a foundation that can never be shaken or collapse ([1 Corinthians 3:11](/1_corinthians/3-11 "1 Corinthians 3:11 - No Other Foundation")). While the false prophets promised a false peace that vanished with the wall, Christ offers a true and lasting peace, a peace that transcends understanding and endures through all trials ([John 14:27](/john/14-27 "John 14:27 - Jesus' Peace")). The judgment against the "daubed wall" of human deception foreshadows the ultimate triumph of Christ's kingdom, built on the unshakeable truth of God's Word, over all forms of falsehood and spiritual instability, ensuring that His "wall" of salvation stands eternally firm ([Isaiah 26:1](/isaiah/26-1 "Isaiah 26:1 - Salvation as Walls and Bulwarks")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Lamentations 2:14

Thy prophets have seen vain and foolish things for thee: and they have not discovered thine iniquity, to turn away thy captivity; but have seen for thee false burdens and causes of banishment.

Lamentations 2:15

All that pass by clap [their] hands at thee; they hiss and wag their head at the daughter of Jerusalem, [saying, Is] this the city that [men] call The perfection of beauty, The joy of the whole earth?

Judges 9:38

Then said Zebul unto him, Where [is] now thy mouth, wherewith thou saidst, Who [is] Abimelech, that we should serve him? [is] not this the people that thou hast despised? go out, I pray now, and fight with them.

Judges 10:14

Go and cry unto the gods which ye have chosen; let them deliver you in the time of your tribulation.

2 Kings 3:13

And Elisha said unto the king of Israel, What have I to do with thee? get thee to the prophets of thy father, and to the prophets of thy mother. And the king of Israel said unto him, Nay: for the LORD hath called these three kings together, to deliver them into the hand of Moab.

Jeremiah 29:31

Send to all them of the captivity, saying, Thus saith the LORD concerning Shemaiah the Nehelamite; Because that Shemaiah hath prophesied unto you, and I sent him not, and he caused you to trust in a lie:

Jeremiah 29:32

Therefore thus saith the LORD; Behold, I will punish Shemaiah the Nehelamite, and his seed: he shall not have a man to dwell among this people; neither shall he behold the good that I will do for my people, saith the LORD; because he hath taught rebellion against the LORD.