Ezekiel 13:20

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

Wherefore thus saith {H559} the Lord {H136} GOD {H3069}; Behold, I am against your pillows {H3704}, wherewith ye {H859} there hunt {H6679} the souls {H5315} to make them fly {H6524}, and I will tear {H7167} them from your arms {H2220}, and will let the souls {H5315} go {H7971}, even the souls {H5315} that ye hunt {H6679} to make them fly {H6524}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Therefore here is what Adonai ELOHIM says: 'I am against your pads, with which you hunt human lives like birds; I will tear them from your arms and let the lives go, yes, the human lives that you hunt like birds.

Berean Standard Bible

Therefore this is what the Lord GOD says: See, I am against the magic charms with which you ensnare souls like birds, and I will tear them from your arms. So I will free the souls you have ensnared like birds.

American Standard Version

Wherefore thus saith the Lord Jehovah: 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 I will let the souls go, even the souls that ye hunt to make them fly.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezekiel 13:20 presents a powerful divine indictment against false prophetesses in Israel, declaring God's resolute opposition to their deceptive spiritual practices. The Lord GOD vows to dismantle the very instruments they use to ensnare and manipulate souls, forcefully liberating those who have been spiritually hunted and bound by their lies. This verse underscores God's unwavering commitment to truth, justice, and the freedom of His people from spiritual bondage, promising a decisive intervention against those who pervert His word for selfish gain.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Ezekiel 13:20 is situated within a broader prophetic oracle (Ezekiel 13:1-23) where the Lord GOD vehemently condemns both male and female false prophets who deceive the people of Israel. The preceding verses (Ezekiel 13:17-19) specifically target the "daughters of your people who prophesy out of their own imagination," detailing their use of "magic bands" (often translated as "pillows" or "armbands") and "veils" to "hunt souls." These women are accused of profaning God among His people for "handfuls of barley and bits of bread," promising peace where there is no peace and discouraging the righteous while encouraging the wicked. Verse 20 serves as the climax of this specific denunciation, articulating God's direct, active intervention to counteract their destructive influence and liberate their victims.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The prophet Ezekiel ministered during the Babylonian exile (circa 593-571 BC), a period of profound national crisis for Judah. Many Judeans, including Ezekiel, had been deported to Babylon, while others remained in Jerusalem. In this climate of uncertainty and despair, false prophets emerged, offering comforting but deceptive messages of imminent peace and a swift return from exile, directly contradicting God's true message delivered through prophets like Jeremiah and Ezekiel. These false assurances were particularly dangerous as they prevented the people from repenting and accepting God's judgment. The mention of "pillows" or "magic bands" and "veils" hints at specific divinatory or magical practices common in the ancient Near East, where such items might have been used in rituals to induce trances, cast spells, or symbolize spiritual binding and control. God's condemnation here is not just against false teaching but against the paganistic, manipulative practices that accompanied it.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in Ezekiel and the prophetic literature. Firstly, it highlights the theme of **Divine Judgment against Falsehood**, emphasizing God's intolerance for spiritual deception and His commitment to holding accountable those who mislead His people. This aligns with warnings against false prophets throughout Scripture, such as in [Deuteronomy 18:20](/deuteronomy/18-20 "Deuteronomy 18:20 - Warning Against False Prophets") and [Jeremiah 14:14](/jeremiah/14-14 "Jeremiah 14:14 - False Prophets in Israel"). Secondly, it underscores God's **Sovereignty and Protection of His People**, demonstrating His active intervention to rescue the vulnerable from spiritual bondage. Even when His people are led astray, God remains faithful to His covenant, as seen in His promise to be a shepherd to His flock in [Ezekiel 34](/ezekiel/34 "Ezekiel 34 - The Lord as Shepherd"). Thirdly, the passage implicitly emphasizes the **Value of the Soul (Nephesh)**, portraying it as something precious that God seeks to liberate from ensnarement, reflecting a broader biblical concern for the spiritual well-being and freedom of individuals.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Pillows (Hebrew, _keçeth'_):** According to Strong's H3704, this word refers to "a cushion or pillow (as covering a seat or bed)." In the context of Ezekiel 13:20, while literally meaning a cushion, its application here is deeply symbolic and likely refers to the "magic bands" or "amulets" mentioned in other translations. These were objects used by the false prophetesses, perhaps to comfort or ensnare their victims, or to symbolize their deceptive spiritual authority and the false sense of security they offered. God's declaration, "I am against your pillows," signifies His direct opposition to these instruments of spiritual manipulation and the false comfort they provided.
* **Hunt (Hebrew, _tsûwd'_):** Strong's H6679 defines this as "to lie alongside (i.e. in wait); by implication, to catch an animal (figuratively, men); to victual (for a journey)." The use of "hunt" vividly portrays the predatory and cunning nature of the false prophetesses. They were not merely mistaken; they actively sought to trap and control the "souls" of the people, much like a hunter stalks prey. This highlights the malicious intent behind their spiritual deception.
* **Souls (Hebrew, _nephesh'_):** Strong's H5315 describes _nephesh_ as "a breathing creature, i.e. animal of (abstractly) vitality; used very widely in a literal, accommodated or figurative sense (bodily or mental)." This comprehensive term encompasses the entire person—their life, vitality, mind, desires, and very being. When the text says they "hunt the souls," it means they sought to control the very essence of people's lives, their spiritual destinies, and their relationship with God. God's promise to "let the souls go" signifies a complete liberation of the individual from this spiritual bondage.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Wherefore thus saith the Lord GOD; Behold, I [am] against your pillows":** This opening declares a divine oracle, emphasizing the absolute authority of the message. The phrase "I am against your pillows" signifies God's direct, personal, and forceful opposition to the specific instruments and methods used by the false prophetesses. These "pillows" or "magic bands" symbolize their deceptive practices and the false sense of security or control they offered.
* **"wherewith ye there hunt the souls to make [them] fly":** This clause reveals the purpose and effect of their deceptive tools. The prophetesses used these "pillows" to "hunt" (ensnare, trap) the "souls" (the very lives and beings) of the people. The phrase "to make them fly" can be interpreted in several ways: perhaps to make them flee from God's true word, to cause them to despair (as if their hope takes flight), or even to make them "flourish" in a false sense of security that leads to destruction. It underscores the manipulative power they sought over people's spiritual destinies.
* **"and I will tear them from your arms":** This is God's active response. "Tear them" (from the Hebrew _qâraʻ_, to rend or rip) indicates a violent, decisive, and forceful removal of these deceptive instruments from the control of the false prophetesses. "From your arms" signifies the source of their power and influence, implying that God will strip them of their ability to manipulate.
* **"and will let the souls go, [even] the souls that ye hunt to make [them] fly":** This final clause reiterates God's ultimate purpose: the liberation of the oppressed. The repetition of "the souls that ye hunt to make them fly" emphasizes that God's intervention is specifically for those who have been targeted and ensnared. He will not only disarm the deceivers but will actively release their captives, restoring their freedom and autonomy from spiritual bondage.

#### Literary Devices
Ezekiel 13:20 is rich in **Metaphor** and **Personification**. The "pillows" or "magic bands" serve as a central **Metaphor** for the deceptive tools and practices of the false prophetesses, representing their spiritual manipulation and false comfort. The act of "hunting the souls" is a powerful **Metaphor** that **Personifies** the souls as vulnerable prey, highlighting the predatory nature of the deceivers. This imagery evokes a sense of danger and entrapment. Furthermore, God's declaration, "I will tear them from your arms," employs vivid **Anthropomorphism**, attributing human-like actions (tearing, arms) to God to convey the intensity and directness of His intervention. The repetition of "the souls that ye hunt to make them fly" acts as **Anaphora** and **Emphasis**, underscoring the specific victims of the deception and God's unwavering focus on their liberation.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezekiel 13:20 profoundly illustrates God's unyielding opposition to spiritual deception and His compassionate commitment to liberating His people from its grasp. This verse underscores the sacredness of truth and the severe consequences for those who pervert it for personal gain, particularly when it leads God's flock astray. It reveals a God who is not passive in the face of injustice and manipulation but actively intervenes to dismantle the strongholds of falsehood and set the captives free. The divine judgment pronounced here is not merely punitive but redemptive, aimed at restoring the spiritual integrity and freedom of those who have been ensnared.

* [Isaiah 42:7](/isaiah/42-7 "Isaiah 42:7 - Opening Blind Eyes and Freeing Prisoners")
* [Jeremiah 23:1-2](/jeremiah/23-1 "Jeremiah 23:1-2 - Woes to False Shepherds")
* [Matthew 7:15](/matthew/7-15 "Matthew 7:15 - Beware of False Prophets")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ezekiel 13:20 serves as a timeless warning and a profound source of hope for believers today. In a world saturated with information and competing spiritual claims, the call to discern truth from deception is more critical than ever. We are reminded that spiritual manipulation, often cloaked in comforting or seemingly authoritative language, remains a potent threat to the "souls" of individuals. This passage urges us to cultivate a robust spiritual discernment, rooted in the unchanging truth of God's Word, so that we may not be swayed by every wind of doctrine or ensnared by those who seek to exploit spiritual vulnerabilities. More importantly, it offers immense reassurance: God is actively against those who "hunt souls." If we find ourselves or others caught in spiritual bondage, whether by false teaching, manipulative relationships, or deceptive ideologies, this verse proclaims God's powerful intent to "tear" away the instruments of deception and "let the souls go." It is a call to trust in His liberating power and to seek freedom in Him alone.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does this passage challenge my understanding of spiritual authority and discernment in today's world?**
* **In what ways might "pillows" or "magic bands" manifest in contemporary spiritual deception, offering false comfort or control?**
* **How can I actively participate in God's work of "letting the souls go" by sharing truth and promoting spiritual freedom?**

### FAQ
**What exactly are these "pillows" or "magic bands" mentioned in the verse?**

Answer: The Hebrew word _keçeth_ (H3704), translated as "pillows" in the KJV, literally means a cushion or pillow. However, in the context of Ezekiel 13, many modern translations render it as "magic bands," "amulets," "headbands," or "veils." Scholars debate the precise nature of these objects, but the consensus is that they were symbolic or literal items used by the false prophetesses in their divinatory practices. They likely served to enhance their deceptive prophecies, perhaps by creating a sense of comfort or security for those they ensnared, or by symbolizing the spiritual binding and control they exerted over their victims. God's condemnation is directed not just at the objects themselves, but at the manipulative and ungodly spiritual practices they facilitated, which were designed to "hunt the souls" of the people. The emphasis is on the *purpose* of these items: to deceive and control.

**How does God "tear them from your arms" and "let the souls go"?**

Answer: God's action of "tearing them from your arms" signifies a forceful, decisive, and complete dismantling of the false prophetesses' power and influence. The "arms" (Hebrew _zᵉrôwaʻ_, H2220) represent their strength, authority, and ability to manipulate. God's tearing away of their "pillows" or "magic bands" means He will strip them of their tools of deception, rendering them powerless. Subsequently, God "lets the souls go" (Hebrew _shâlach_, H7971), meaning He releases, sends away, or sets free those who were trapped. This liberation is a direct act of divine intervention, demonstrating God's sovereignty over all spiritual forces, both true and false. It implies that God will expose the deception, break the spiritual bonds, and restore freedom to those who were spiritually ensnared, often through His true prophetic word and the unfolding of His righteous judgment, as seen throughout the book of [Ezekiel](/ezekiel/1 "Ezekiel - The Book of Ezekiel").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ezekiel 13:20, with its depiction of God liberating souls from the snares of false prophets, finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. He is the true Prophet, whose words are not of human imagination but are the very words of God, bringing life and truth, not deception. Where false prophets "hunt souls" to ensnare them, Jesus declares His mission to seek and save the lost, stating, "The Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost" ([Luke 19:10](/luke/19-10 "Luke 19:10 - Jesus Seeks the Lost")). He is the Good Shepherd who lays down His life for the sheep, actively protecting them from spiritual predators and false teachers who come "in sheep's clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves" ([Matthew 7:15](/matthew/7-15 "Matthew 7:15 - Beware of False Prophets")). Through His atoning sacrifice on the cross, Jesus "tore away" the power of sin and death, which are the ultimate ensnarers of the soul, liberating humanity from spiritual bondage. He fulfills the promise of God to "let the souls go," ushering in an era where those who believe in Him are set free from the dominion of darkness and brought into His marvelous light ([Colossians 1:13](/colossians/1-13 "Colossians 1:13 - Delivered from Darkness")). His Spirit, the Spirit of Truth, empowers believers to discern between truth and falsehood, enabling them to resist the deceptive "pillows" of the enemy and walk in the glorious freedom of the children of God ([John 16:13](/john/16-13 "John 16:13 - The Spirit of Truth")).

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

Ezekiel 13:18

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?

2 Timothy 3:8

Now as Jannes and Jambres withstood Moses, so do these also resist the truth: men of corrupt minds, reprobate concerning the faith.

2 Timothy 3:9

But they shall proceed no further: for their folly shall be manifest unto all [men], as theirs also was.

Ezekiel 13:8

Therefore thus saith the Lord GOD; Because ye have spoken vanity, and seen lies, therefore, behold, I [am] against you, saith the Lord GOD.

Ezekiel 13:9

And mine hand shall be upon the prophets that see vanity, and that divine lies: they shall not be in the assembly of my people, neither shall they be written in the writing of the house of Israel, neither shall they enter into the land of Israel; and ye shall know that I [am] the Lord GOD.

Ezekiel 13:15

Thus will I accomplish my wrath upon the wall, and upon them that have daubed it with untempered [morter], and will say unto you, The wall [is] no [more], neither they that daubed it;

Ezekiel 13:16

[To wit], the prophets of Israel which prophesy concerning Jerusalem, and which see visions of peace for her, and [there is] no peace, saith the Lord GOD.