Ezekiel 13:18

KJV

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?

KJV (with Strong's)

And say {H559}, Thus saith {H559} the Lord {H136} GOD {H3069}; Woe {H1945} to the women that sew {H8609} pillows {H3704} to all armholes {H679}{H3027}, and make {H6213} kerchiefs {H4555} upon the head {H7218} of every stature {H6967} to hunt {H6679} souls {H5315}! Will ye hunt {H6679} the souls {H5315} of my people {H5971}, and will ye save {H2421} the souls {H5315} alive {H2421} that come unto you?

Complete Jewish Bible

tell them that Adonai ELOHIM says, 'Woe to the women who sew magic pads for all arm joints and put veils over people of all sizes, in order to hunt human lives! Will you hunt down the lives of my people while you keep your own lives safe?

Berean Standard Bible

and tell them that this is what the Lord GOD says: Woe to the women who sew magic charms on their wrists and make veils for the heads of people of every height, in order to ensnare their souls. Will you ensnare the souls of My people but preserve your own?

American Standard Version

and say, Thus saith the Lord Jehovah: Woe to the women that sew pillows upon all elbows, and make kerchiefs for the head of persons of every stature to hunt souls! Will ye hunt the souls of my people, and save souls alive for yourselves?

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezekiel 13:18 delivers a powerful prophetic denunciation from the Lord GOD against false prophetesses in ancient Israel. These women are condemned for their deceptive practices, symbolized by "pillows" sewn to armholes and "kerchiefs" made for heads, which they used to ensnare and exploit the souls of God's people. The verse highlights their predatory spiritual manipulation, questioning their perverse claim to "save souls alive" while actively leading them astray, underscoring the severe divine judgment awaiting those who corrupt God's truth for personal gain.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Ezekiel 13:18 is situated within a broader prophetic indictment against false prophets and prophetesses in Israel, beginning in [Ezekiel 13:1](/ezekiel/13-1 "Ezekiel 13 - Denunciation of False Prophets"). The preceding verses ([Ezekiel 13:1-16](/ezekiel/13-1 "Ezekiel 13:1-16 - False Prophets Denounced")) primarily target male prophets who prophesied "out of their own hearts" and built a "flimsy wall" of false peace, which God promised to tear down. [Ezekiel 13:17](/ezekiel/13-17 "Ezekiel 13:17 - False Prophetesses Denounced") then shifts focus specifically to the "daughters of your people who prophesy out of their own imagination," setting the immediate stage for the detailed condemnation in verse 18. This verse, along with the subsequent verses ([Ezekiel 13:19-23](/ezekiel/13-19 "Ezekiel 13:19-23 - God's Judgment on False Prophetesses")), elaborates on their specific methods of deception and God's promised intervention to deliver His people from their snares. The entire chapter functions as a stark contrast between God's true word and the self-serving lies of those who claim to speak for Him.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Ezekiel prophesied during the Babylonian exile, a period of immense national crisis and spiritual confusion for Judah. Many people, desperate for hope, were susceptible to false messages of peace and imminent return, which contradicted God's true message of judgment and prolonged exile. In this environment, various forms of divination, magic, and syncretistic practices flourished. The "pillows" and "kerchiefs" mentioned in the verse likely refer to objects used in such practices – perhaps amulets, charms, or ritualistic garments designed to induce a trance, offer false protection, or symbolize the prophetesses' supposed authority and power to manipulate spiritual forces. These items were not merely fashion accessories but instruments of their trade, culturally understood as tools for divination or magical influence, used to ensnare people who sought comfort or guidance outside of God's revealed will. The prophetesses preyed on the vulnerability of the people, offering a deceptive sense of security or a false promise of life in a time of death and despair.

* **Key Themes:** The central themes in Ezekiel 13:18 revolve around **spiritual deception** and **manipulation**, particularly the danger posed by those who pervert God's truth for personal gain. The imagery of "hunting souls" powerfully conveys the predatory nature of false prophecy, contrasting sharply with God's desire to preserve and give life to His people (as seen in [Ezekiel 18:23](/ezekiel/18-23 "Ezekiel 18:23 - God's Desire for Repentance")). The verse also highlights the theme of **false security versus true salvation**, as the "pillows" and "kerchiefs" symbolize the deceptive comforts offered, which ultimately lead to spiritual death rather than life. This directly opposes the true comfort and peace found only in God's genuine word and His covenant faithfulness, a theme woven throughout Ezekiel's prophecies concerning restoration and the new covenant ([Ezekiel 36:26-27](/ezekiel/36-26 "Ezekiel 36:26-27 - The New Heart and Spirit")). Ultimately, the verse underscores God's **zealous judgment against those who mislead His flock**, emphasizing His protective care for His people and His intolerance for spiritual fraud, aligning with the broader prophetic warnings against false teachers found in the Old and New Testaments.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Woe (Hebrew, _hôwy'_):** This is an exclamation of lament, grief, or judgment. It signifies a pronouncement of doom or severe condemnation. In this context, it is a divine declaration of impending judgment and sorrow against the false prophetesses, emphasizing the seriousness of their offense in God's eyes. It is not merely an expression of sadness but a solemn pronouncement of divine displeasure and the consequences that will follow.
* **hunt (Hebrew, _tsûwd'_):** This primitive root means "to lie alongside (i.e., in wait)" or "to catch an animal." Figuratively, it implies trapping or ensnaring. The use of this word vividly portrays the predatory and deceptive nature of the prophetesses' actions. They are not guiding or nurturing souls but rather actively pursuing them with the intent to capture and exploit, much like a hunter traps prey. This highlights their malicious intent and the dangerous spiritual snare they set for the people.
* **souls (Hebrew, _nephesh'_):** Derived from a root meaning "to breathe," _nephesh_ refers broadly to a breathing creature, vitality, or the very essence of a person. It can denote the life, mind, self, or individual being. In this verse, "souls" signifies the very lives and spiritual well-being of God's people. The prophetesses were not merely deceiving minds but endangering the fundamental existence and eternal destiny of individuals, making their spiritual manipulation a matter of life and death in the most profound sense.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"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":** This opening clause sets the scene for a divine pronouncement of judgment. The "Lord GOD" (Adonai YHWH) emphasizes the supreme authority behind this condemnation. The "woe" is directed at specific "women" – the false prophetesses. Their deceptive methods are immediately introduced through two symbolic actions: "sewing pillows to all armholes" and "making kerchiefs upon the head of every stature." The "pillows" (Hebrew: _kesathoth_) likely refer to bands, cushions, or perhaps magical armbands/amulets, suggesting a false sense of comfort, ease, or protection offered to their followers. The "kerchiefs" (Hebrew: _misphachoth_) were probably elaborate veils or head coverings, possibly used in their divinatory rituals to create an aura of mystical authority or to symbolize a supposed spiritual covering. The phrase "every stature" implies that their deceptive practices were indiscriminately applied to all who came to them, regardless of their background or spiritual need, indicating a widespread and pervasive influence.
* **"to hunt souls!":** This phrase directly states the malicious intent behind their actions. The "pillows" and "kerchiefs" were not benign items but instruments in a predatory spiritual enterprise. To "hunt souls" (Hebrew: _tsud nepheshoth_) is a powerful metaphor, likening their spiritual manipulation to a hunter trapping animals. It reveals their objective: to ensnare, control, and exploit people's spiritual lives for their own gain, rather than guiding them toward God. This highlights the grave danger they posed, leading people away from truth and into spiritual bondage or death.
* **"Will ye hunt the souls of my people, and will ye save the souls alive that come unto you?":** This is a powerful rhetorical question, expressing God's indignation and exposing the hypocrisy of the false prophetesses. The first part, "Will ye hunt the souls of my people," reiterates the predatory nature of their work, emphasizing that their victims are "my people" – God's own chosen flock, whom He values and protects. The second part, "and will ye save the souls alive that come unto you?", highlights the perverse contradiction in their claims. They pretended to offer life or salvation, yet their actions were leading people to spiritual death. God's question challenges their false claims of life-giving power, revealing that their true objective was destruction, not preservation. It underscores the immense value God places on human souls and His anger at those who endanger them.

#### Literary Devices
Ezekiel 13:18 employs several potent literary devices to convey its message of condemnation. **Symbolism** is central, with the "pillows to all armholes" and "kerchiefs upon the head of every stature" serving as powerful symbols of the false comfort, deceptive security, and manipulative spiritual authority offered by the prophetesses. These objects represent the tangible means by which they ensnared their followers, lulling them into a false sense of peace. The phrase "to hunt souls" is a vivid **metaphor**, likening the prophetesses to predatory hunters and the people to their unsuspecting prey. This imagery emphasizes the deliberate, malicious, and exploitative nature of their spiritual manipulation, highlighting the grave danger posed to the spiritual well-being and very lives of God's people. Finally, the verse concludes with a sharp **rhetorical question**: "Will ye hunt the souls of my people, and will ye save the souls alive that come unto you?" This question is not meant to be answered but to underscore God's indignation, expose the inherent contradiction in the prophetesses' actions, and emphasize the immense value God places on the souls they sought to destroy. These devices collectively amplify the severity of the prophetesses' sin and the certainty of God's coming judgment.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezekiel 13:18 profoundly connects to the broader biblical theme of the critical importance of spiritual discernment and the severe consequences of false teaching. It underscores God's unwavering commitment to the truth and His protective care for His people against those who would lead them astray. The "hunting of souls" speaks to the immense value God places on human life and spiritual integrity, revealing His righteous anger against any who would exploit or endanger it for personal gain. This passage serves as a timeless warning that true spiritual comfort and security come only from the Lord GOD and His unadulterated word, not from human contrivances or deceptive promises. It highlights the stark contrast between those who genuinely seek to build up God's people in truth and those who, like ravenous wolves, seek to devour them through lies and manipulation, ultimately leading to spiritual death rather than life.

* [Jeremiah 14:14](/jeremiah/14-14 "Jeremiah 14:14 - False Prophets Speak Lies") - "Then the Lord said to me, 'The prophets are prophesying lies in my name. I have not sent them or appointed them or spoken to them. They are prophesying to you false visions, divinations, idolatries and the delusions of their own minds.'"
* [Matthew 7:15](/matthew/7-15 "Matthew 7:15 - Beware of False Prophets") - "Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep's clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves."
* [2 Peter 2:1-3](/2_peter/2-1 "2 Peter 2:1-3 - False Teachers and Their Destruction") - "But there were also false prophets among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you. They will secretly introduce destructive heresies, even denying the sovereign Lord who bought them—bringing swift destruction on themselves. Many will follow their depraved conduct and will bring the way of truth into disrepute. In their greed these teachers will exploit you with fabricated stories."

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ezekiel 13:18 is a timeless and potent reminder for believers in every generation to cultivate spiritual discernment and to be vigilant against all forms of deception that masquerade as truth or comfort. In a world saturated with diverse voices and spiritual claims, this passage calls us to critically examine the source and substance of every message, ensuring it aligns with the unchanging Word of God. We are challenged to recognize that true spiritual security and peace are found not in external rituals, human assurances, or comforting lies, but in a genuine, repentant relationship with the Lord GOD, who alone is the source of life and truth. This verse compels us to guard our hearts and minds, to cling to sound doctrine, and to prioritize the spiritual well-being of ourselves and others above any fleeting sense of ease or false promise. It encourages us to pray for wisdom to discern the "hunting of souls" in our contemporary context, whether through manipulative spiritual leaders, deceptive ideologies, or any message that diverts us from the narrow path of Christ.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How can I cultivate greater spiritual discernment in my own life to recognize subtle forms of deception?**
* **What "pillows" or "kerchiefs" (false comforts, deceptive assurances) might I be relying on instead of trusting fully in God's truth?**
* **In what ways might I, even unintentionally, contribute to or fall prey to spiritual manipulation in my community or personal life?**
* **How does God's strong condemnation of those who "hunt souls" deepen my appreciation for the value He places on every individual's spiritual well-being?**

### FAQ

**What were the "pillows" and "kerchiefs" and why were they used by the prophetesses?**

Answer: The "pillows" (Hebrew: _kesathoth_) and "kerchiefs" (Hebrew: _misphachoth_) were likely not ordinary items but symbolic and possibly ritualistic objects used by the false prophetesses in their deceptive practices. The "pillows" or "bands" sewn to armholes probably represented charms or amulets designed to offer a false sense of comfort, security, or even magical protection to their followers, or perhaps to the prophetesses themselves to enhance their perceived power. The "kerchiefs" or "veils" placed on heads were likely ornate head coverings used in their divination rituals, perhaps to create an aura of spiritual authority, to induce a trance-like state, or to symbolically "cover" or control the minds of those they sought to influence. These items were instruments of their spiritual manipulation, designed to ensnare and lull people into a false sense of peace, thereby "hunting souls" by preventing them from seeking true repentance and God's genuine word, as seen in [Ezekiel 13:19](/ezekiel/13-19 "Ezekiel 13:19 - False Prophetesses Condemned for Gain").

**Why is "hunting souls" considered such a grave offense by God?**

Answer: "Hunting souls" (Hebrew: _tsud nepheshoth_) is a grave offense because it signifies a predatory and destructive act against the very essence of a person's life and spiritual well-being. God places immense value on human souls, having created humanity in His image ([Genesis 1:27](/genesis/1-27 "Genesis 1:27 - Creation of Man in God's Image")). False prophetesses who "hunt souls" are not merely misleading people but actively seeking to ensnare, exploit, and ultimately lead them away from the life and truth found in God, towards spiritual death. This is a direct affront to God's character as the Giver of life and the Good Shepherd who protects His flock ([John 10:11](/john/10-11 "John 10:11 - Jesus the Good Shepherd")). Their actions pervert the sacred role of a prophet, which is to guide people to God, into a self-serving enterprise that endangers eternal destinies. God's rhetorical question in the verse, "Will ye hunt the souls of my people, and will ye save the souls alive that come unto you?", underscores His indignation at this perversion and the immense value He places on His people's lives.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ezekiel 13:18, with its stark condemnation of those who "hunt souls" and offer false comfort, finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus, the true Shepherd of souls. While the false prophetesses sought to ensnare and exploit for their own gain, leading people to spiritual death, Jesus came not to hunt and destroy but to seek and save the lost ([Luke 19:10](/luke/19-10 "Luke 19:10 - Jesus Came to Seek and Save the Lost")). He is the Good Shepherd who lays down His life for the sheep, offering genuine life and security, in stark contrast to the "thieves and robbers" who come only to steal, kill, and destroy ([John 10:10-11](/john/10-10 "John 10:10-11 - The Good Shepherd and the Thief")). The false comfort offered by the "pillows" and "kerchiefs" is utterly superseded by the true peace and rest found in Christ, who invites all who are weary and burdened to come to Him for true rest for their souls ([Matthew 11:28-30](/matthew/11-28 "Matthew 11:28-30 - Come to Me, All Who Are Weary")). Unlike those who claimed to "save souls alive" through deceptive means, Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Life, the only one through whom true spiritual life and salvation are found ([John 14:6](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus the Way, Truth, and Life")). His sacrifice on the cross broke the power of spiritual deception and delivered humanity from the snare of sin and death, offering eternal life to all who believe, thereby truly saving souls alive.

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

2 Peter 2:14

Having eyes full of adultery, and that cannot cease from sin; beguiling unstable souls: an heart they have exercised with covetous practices; cursed children:

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.

Jeremiah 6:14

They have healed also the hurt [of the daughter] of my people slightly, saying, Peace, peace; when [there is] no peace.

2 Timothy 4:3

For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears;

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.

Jeremiah 4:10

Then said I, Ah, Lord GOD! surely thou hast greatly deceived this people and Jerusalem, saying, Ye shall have peace; whereas the sword reacheth unto the soul.

Ezekiel 13:10

¶ Because, even because they have seduced my people, saying, Peace; and [there was] no peace; and one built up a wall, and, lo, others daubed it with untempered [morter]: