Ezekiel 14:9

KJV

And if the prophet be deceived when he hath spoken a thing, I the LORD have deceived that prophet, and I will stretch out my hand upon him, and will destroy him from the midst of my people Israel.

KJV (with Strong's)

And if the prophet {H5030} be deceived {H6601} when he hath spoken {H1696} a thing {H1697}, I the LORD {H3068} have deceived {H6601} that prophet {H5030}, and I will stretch out {H5186} my hand {H3027} upon him, and will destroy {H8045} him from the midst {H8432} of my people {H5971} Israel {H3478}.

Complete Jewish Bible

"'Now, whenever a prophet is enticed into speaking a word, it will be I, ADONAI, who will have enticed that prophet. I will stretch out my hand over him and destroy him from among my people Isra'el.

Berean Standard Bible

But if the prophet is enticed to speak a message, then it was I the LORD who enticed him, and I will stretch out My hand against him and destroy him from among My people Israel.

American Standard Version

And if the prophet be deceived and speak a word, I, Jehovah, have deceived that prophet, and I will stretch out my hand upon him, and will destroy him from the midst of my people Israel.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezekiel 14:9 delivers a challenging and profound declaration of God's absolute sovereignty and righteous judgment over false prophecy. It reveals that when a prophet, already prone to deceit or speaking falsely, is deceived, the LORD Himself orchestrates or permits this deception as a divine act of judgment. This is not an active instigation of evil, but rather a judicial permission or orchestration of circumstances that allows the prophet to fall deeper into the very deception they propagate, ultimately leading to their destruction and removal from the covenant community of Israel.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is deeply embedded within a broader prophetic discourse in [Ezekiel 14](/ezekiel/14 "Ezekiel 14 - God's Judgment on Idolatry and False Prophets"), where God addresses the pervasive spiritual corruption among the elders of Israel. Despite their outward show of seeking divine counsel, these elders harbored idols in their hearts, a grievous offense against the Holy God. The LORD declares that He will indeed answer such idolaters, but His response will be one of judgment and exposure, not comfort or genuine guidance ([Ezekiel 14:4-5](/ezekiel/14-4-5 "Ezekiel 14:4-5 - God's Answer to Idolaters")). This divine judgment extends directly to the false prophets who mislead the people, enabling their sin. Verses [Ezekiel 14:7-8](/ezekiel/14-7-8 "Ezekiel 14:7-8 - Consequences for Idolaters and False Prophets") emphasize the severe consequences for both the individual idolater and the prophet who enables their spiritual rebellion. [Ezekiel 14:9](/ezekiel/14-9 "Ezekiel 14:9 - God's Judgment on Deceived Prophets") specifically elaborates on the precise mechanism of divine judgment upon the deceitful prophet, underscoring God's direct involvement in their downfall as a just consequence of their unfaithfulness and the people's idolatry. The entire passage highlights God's unwavering commitment to purifying His people and upholding the integrity of His divine word.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The book of Ezekiel is set during the tumultuous period of the Babylonian exile, a time of immense national crisis, spiritual introspection, and profound theological questioning for the people of Israel. Many Israelites, both those remaining in Judah and those already in exile, continued to cling to idolatry and sought comforting, yet ultimately deceptive, messages from prophets who promised "peace, peace" when there was no peace ([Jeremiah 6:14](/jeremiah/6-14 "Jeremiah 6:14 - False Prophets and Peace")). False prophets were a persistent and dangerous problem in ancient Israel, often directly contradicting the true prophets of the LORD and offering reassuring but ultimately destructive messages that undermined genuine repentance and faith. Mosaic law explicitly outlined the severe penalty for any prophet who presumed to speak in God's name what He had not commanded, or who spoke in the name of other gods ([Deuteronomy 18:20-22](/deuteronomy/18-20-22 "Deuteronomy 18:20-22 - Testing a Prophet")). In this turbulent and spiritually compromised era, discerning true prophecy from false was absolutely critical for the spiritual survival and health of the covenant community. God's declaration in [Ezekiel 14:9](/ezekiel/14-9 "Ezekiel 14:9 - God's Judgment on Deceived Prophets") serves as a stark and terrifying warning against both those who prophesy falsely and those who actively seek out such deceit, powerfully highlighting God's active, judicial role in judging such pervasive spiritual corruption within His covenant people.
* **Key Themes:** The central theme powerfully underscored by [Ezekiel 14:9](/ezekiel/14-9 "Ezekiel 14:9 - God's Judgment on Deceived Prophets") is **Divine Sovereignty and Judgment**. God's shocking declaration, "I the LORD have deceived that prophet," reveals His absolute and meticulous control over all circumstances, even extending to the consequences of human sin and spiritual rebellion. This is presented as a judicial act, a divine permission or orchestration of delusion, rather than an active instigation of evil, often a direct consequence of the prophet's own spiritual corruption or the people's desire for soothing falsehoods, as vividly illustrated in the narrative of [1 Kings 22:23](/1_kings/22-23 "1 Kings 22:23 - The Lying Spirit Deceives Ahab's Prophets"). Another crucial and deeply intertwined theme is the **Consequences of False Prophecy**. The verse explicitly states, "and I will stretch out my hand upon him, and will destroy him from the midst of my people Israel," emphasizing the severe and decisive divine retribution reserved for those who presume to speak for God but deliberately mislead His people. False prophets posed a grave danger to Israel's spiritual purity and their covenant relationship with God, and their removal was deemed essential for the spiritual health and integrity of the community. Finally, the passage implicitly highlights the vital theme of **Discerning Truth**, placing a heavy and solemn responsibility on listeners to diligently test what is spoken against God's established word and His unchanging character, a timeless principle powerfully echoed in the New Testament command to "[test the spirits](/1_john/4-1 "1 John 4:1 - Test the Spirits")" to see whether they are from God.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Prophet (Hebrew, _nâbîyʼ_):** From H5030, this term refers to an inspired man, one who is called to speak for God, conveying His divine message to humanity. In the context of [Ezekiel 14:9](/ezekiel/14-9 "Ezekiel 14:9 - God's Judgment on Deceived Prophets"), it denotes an individual who claims this sacred office and authority but is either self-deceived or deliberately misleading the people. The verse starkly highlights the immense gravity of this role and the severe, divinely ordained consequences when it is corrupted and abused.
* **Deceived (Hebrew, _pâthâh_):** From H6601, this root word primarily means "to open," but figuratively, it carries the sense "to be simple," "to delude," "to entice," or "to persuade." When God is the subject of this verb, as is explicitly the case here, it implies a judicial act of allowing or sending a strong delusion. It does not suggest that God actively instigates falsehood or evil in a malicious sense, but rather that He permits the prophet to fall deeper into the very deception they are prone to, often as a direct consequence of their own spiritual state, their unfaithfulness, or the people's desire for lies. This divine "deception" is thus a form of righteous judgment, allowing the prophet's inherent corruption to fully manifest and lead to their ultimate downfall and exposure.
* **Hand (Hebrew, _yâd_):** From H3027, this term literally refers to the physical "hand" but is used extensively and profoundly in a vast variety of applications, both literally and figuratively, throughout the Old Testament. In the powerful phrase "stretch out my hand," it functions as a potent **anthropomorphism**, signifying God's direct, forceful, and authoritative intervention. Here, it specifically denotes a decisive act of judgment, demonstrating God's sovereign power and unyielding will to execute His divine decree, particularly to destroy the false prophet who has defiled His name and misled His people.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And if the prophet be deceived when he hath spoken a thing,"**: This opening clause establishes the specific condition under which divine judgment will occur. It describes a scenario where a prophet, having delivered a message (referred to as "a thing" or `dâbâr`, H1697, meaning a word or matter), is subsequently found to be "deceived" (`pâthâh`, H6601). The passive voice, "be deceived," suggests that the deception has taken firm hold of the prophet, indicating a state of being under delusion. This deception is not presented as an innocent mistake but is often portrayed as a direct consequence of the prophet's own spiritual inclination toward falsehood or the people's deep-seated idolatry that craves comforting lies.
* **"I the LORD have deceived that prophet,"**: This is the most striking and central declaration of the verse, articulating a profound theological truth. The explicit use of the divine name "the LORD" (`Yᵉhôvâh`, H3068) emphasizes the absolute authority, unchangeable character, and sovereign identity of the speaker. God takes full responsibility for the prophet's deception, not in the sense of actively causing them to lie initially, but in a judicial and retributive sense. It implies that God permits or orchestrates circumstances that allow the prophet's inherent inclination to falsehood to lead to their complete delusion, serving as a severe judgment upon them and often upon the people who eagerly seek out their deceptive messages. This is a powerful and terrifying act of divine retribution against spiritual rebellion.
* **"and I will stretch out my hand upon him,"**: This phrase employs a vivid and powerful **anthropomorphism**, portraying God's direct, forceful, and active intervention in human affairs. The idiom "stretching out the hand" (`nâṭâh`, H5186, with `yâd`, H3027) is a common biblical expression for the exertion of divine power, whether in judgment or salvation. In this context, it unequivocally signifies a decisive, punitive, and inescapable act of judgment directly aimed at the false prophet, demonstrating God's unassailable might.
* **"and will destroy him from the midst of my people Israel."**: This concluding clause states the ultimate and irreversible consequence of the prophet's deception and God's judgment. The verb "destroy" (`shâmad`, H8045) conveys a sense of utter desolation, annihilation, and removal. The false prophet will be completely eliminated from the community of "my people Israel" (`ʻam`, H5971, with `Yisrâʼêl`, H3478), signifying not merely physical death but a profound excommunication and a complete loss of status and identity within the sacred covenant nation. This reinforces God's unwavering commitment to purifying His people, maintaining the sanctity of His name, and decisively removing all sources of spiritual corruption.

#### Literary Devices
[Ezekiel 14:9](/ezekiel/14-9 "Ezekiel 14:9 - God's Judgment on Deceived Prophets") is rich in literary devices that amplify its theological weight and underscore its profound message of divine judgment. The most prominent device is **Anthropomorphism**, vividly present in the phrase "I will stretch out my hand upon him." This attributes a human physical action—the stretching out of a hand—to God, making His direct, powerful, and decisive intervention in judgment tangible and comprehensible to the reader, emphasizing His active sovereignty. There is also a profound **Paradox** or **Divine Irony** in the shocking statement, "I the LORD have deceived that prophet." This is not to be understood as God being inherently deceitful or the author of evil, but rather as a judicial act where God permits or orchestrates a strong delusion upon those who have already chosen to embrace falsehood or whose hearts are set on idols, making them susceptible to lies. This divine "deception" is a form of righteous judgment, allowing individuals to reap the bitter consequences of their own spiritual rebellion and inclination towards untruth. Furthermore, the language employs powerful **Judgment Language**, with terms like "destroy him from the midst of my people Israel," which unequivocally underscores the severity, finality, and public nature of God's retribution against false prophecy, emphasizing the purity and sanctity God demands from His covenant community.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
[Ezekiel 14:9](/ezekiel/14-9 "Ezekiel 14:9 - God's Judgment on Deceived Prophets") powerfully articulates God's absolute and meticulous sovereignty, extending even over the dark realm of deception and falsehood, particularly when it pertains to those who claim to speak in His sacred name. This verse does not imply that God is the author of evil or that He actively instigates lies in a malevolent sense. Rather, it reveals a profound judicial principle: when a prophet is already inclined to speak falsely, or when people actively seek out deceitful counsel because their hearts are stubbornly set on idols, God, in His righteous and perfect judgment, may permit or even orchestrate circumstances that allow such a prophet to be further deluded. This divine "deception" is therefore a consequence, a just retribution that ultimately leads to the prophet's exposure, disgrace, and destruction. It profoundly underscores God's unwavering commitment to protecting the integrity of His holy word and purifying His people from all forms of spiritual corruption, demonstrating that even the dire consequences of human sin and rebellion ultimately fall under His sovereign and just control.

* [1 Kings 22:23](/1_kings/22-23 "1 Kings 22:23 - The Lying Spirit Deceives Ahab's Prophets")
* [2 Thessalonians 2:11-12](/2_thessalonians/2-11-12 "2 Thessalonians 2:11-12 - God Sends a Strong Delusion")
* [1 John 4:1](/1_john/4-1 "1 John 4:1 - Test the Spirits")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
[Ezekiel 14:9](/ezekiel/14-9 "Ezekiel 14:9 - God's Judgment on Deceived Prophets") stands as a stark and sobering reminder of the profound responsibility incumbent upon those who claim to speak for God, and the critical, life-preserving need for discerning truth among those who listen. In an age saturated with information, competing narratives, and diverse spiritual claims, this verse compels us to cultivate a deep, unwavering reliance on God's established Word as our ultimate and unchanging standard of truth. It challenges us to honestly examine our own hearts: are we genuinely seeking God's unvarnished truth, or are we, much like the elders of Israel, harboring "idols" (whether they be material desires, personal biases, comforting falsehoods, or a craving for affirmation) that make us dangerously susceptible to deception? The severe divine judgment described here serves as a powerful and urgent warning against both propagating and embracing spiritual lies. It calls us to adopt a posture of profound humility, unceasing vigilance, and constant, diligent testing of all spiritual messages against the unchanging character and the revealed will of God. Our spiritual integrity, our very spiritual safety, and our faithfulness depend entirely on our unwavering commitment to truth, rooted in a sincere and undivided heart before the LORD.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the concept of God "deceiving" a prophet, understood in a judicial sense, challenge or deepen your understanding of divine sovereignty and justice?**
* **What contemporary "idols of the heart" might make individuals or communities particularly susceptible to spiritual deception today, and how can they be identified?**
* **In what practical and tangible ways can believers diligently "test the spirits" and discern true prophecy or teaching from false, in light of the principles revealed in this passage?**
* **What is the personal responsibility of a listener to God's Word, knowing that God may, in His sovereign judgment, allow deception to take root as a consequence of unfaithfulness?**

### FAQ
**Does Ezekiel 14:9 mean God actively makes people lie or causes evil?**

Answer: No, [Ezekiel 14:9](/ezekiel/14-9 "Ezekiel 14:9 - God's Judgment on Deceived Prophets") does not mean God actively causes evil or directly instigates lies in a malevolent sense. The Hebrew verb for "deceived" (`pâthâh`, H6601) in this specific context, when God is the subject, refers to a judicial act of allowing or sending a strong delusion. It is a consequence of a prophet's own spiritual corruption, their unfaithfulness, or the people's stubborn desire for falsehoods. This concept is similar to how God "hardened Pharaoh's heart" in [Exodus 4:21](/exodus/4-21 "Exodus 4:21 - God Hardens Pharaoh's Heart"), or how He allowed a "lying spirit" to deceive Ahab's prophets in [1 Kings 22:23](/1_kings/22-23 "1 Kings 22:23 - The Lying Spirit Deceives Ahab's Prophets"). In such instances, God permits those who have already chosen to embrace or seek out deception to fall deeper into it, as a form of righteous judgment. It powerfully highlights God's absolute sovereignty over the consequences of human sin, even allowing the natural, destructive trajectory of rebellion and spiritual blindness to lead to ultimate destruction.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
[Ezekiel 14:9](/ezekiel/14-9 "Ezekiel 14:9 - God's Judgment on Deceived Prophets"), with its stark portrayal of divine judgment against false prophets and the removal of corruption from God's people, finds its ultimate fulfillment and resolution in the person and redemptive work of Jesus Christ. He is the true and faithful Prophet, promised by Moses in [Deuteronomy 18:15](/deuteronomy/18-15 "Deuteronomy 18:15 - The Prophet Like Moses"), who never spoke a single word of deception but always declared the unvarnished, perfect truth of God. Unlike the false prophets of Ezekiel's day who were prone to deception or actively led others astray, Jesus embodies truth itself, boldly declaring, "I am the way, the truth, and the life" ([John 14:6](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus is the Way, Truth, Life")). He consistently exposed the hypocrisy and spiritual blindness of false religious leaders, not by deceiving them, but by confronting their lies with the pure, penetrating light of divine truth ([Matthew 23](/matthew/23 "Matthew 23 - Woes to the Scribes and Pharisees")). Furthermore, Jesus' atoning sacrifice on the cross addresses the very root cause of all deception—human sin—and provides the only means for humanity to be freed from its pervasive bondage to lies and spiritual delusion ([John 8:32](/john/8-32 "John 8:32 - The Truth Will Set You Free")). Ultimately, as the returning King and righteous Judge, Christ will execute final and perfect judgment upon all who have propagated or embraced deception, definitively removing them from "the midst of His people" forever, thereby perfectly fulfilling the destructive judgment promised in [Ezekiel 14:9](/ezekiel/14-9 "Ezekiel 14:9 - God's Judgment on Deceived Prophets") and establishing His kingdom of unblemished truth and righteousness ([Revelation 19:11-16](/revelation/19-11-16 "Revelation 19:11-16 - Christ's Return as Judge")).

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

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 20:25

Wherefore I gave them also statutes [that were] not good, and judgments whereby they should not live;

Isaiah 66:4

I also will choose their delusions, and will bring their fears upon them; because when I called, none did answer; when I spake, they did not hear: but they did evil before mine eyes, and chose [that] in which I delighted not.

Isaiah 9:12

The Syrians before, and the Philistines behind; and they shall devour Israel with open mouth. For all this his anger is not turned away, but his hand [is] stretched out still.

Ezekiel 16:27

Behold, therefore I have stretched out my hand over thee, and have diminished thine ordinary [food], and delivered thee unto the will of them that hate thee, the daughters of the Philistines, which are ashamed of thy lewd way.

Jeremiah 14:15

Therefore thus saith the LORD concerning the prophets that prophesy in my name, and I sent them not, yet they say, Sword and famine shall not be in this land; By sword and famine shall those prophets be consumed.

2 Samuel 12:11

Thus saith the LORD, Behold, I will raise up evil against thee out of thine own house, and I will take thy wives before thine eyes, and give [them] unto thy neighbour, and he shall lie with thy wives in the sight of this sun.