Ezekiel 22:25

KJV

[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.

KJV (with Strong's)

There is a conspiracy {H7195} of her prophets {H5030} in the midst {H8432} thereof, like a roaring {H7580} lion {H738} ravening {H2963} the prey {H2964}; they have devoured {H398} souls {H5315}; they have taken {H3947} the treasure {H2633} and precious things {H3366}; they have made her many {H7235} widows {H490} in the midst {H8432} thereof.

Complete Jewish Bible

There is a conspiracy of prophets in it like a roaring lion tearing up the prey; they have devoured people, seized wealth and valuables, and widowed many in it.

Berean Standard Bible

The conspiracy of the princes in her midst is like a roaring lion tearing its prey. They devour the people, seize the treasures and precious things, and multiply the widows within her.

American Standard Version

There is a conspiracy of her prophets in the midst thereof, like a roaring lion ravening the prey: they have devoured souls; they take treasure and precious things; they have made her widows many in the midst thereof.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezekiel 22:25 delivers a searing indictment against the false prophets in Jerusalem, portraying them as a predatory "conspiracy" likened to a "roaring lion ravening the prey." These corrupt spiritual leaders are accused of devastating the populace by "devouring souls," illicitly seizing "treasure and precious things," and inflicting profound societal harm by making "many widows." The verse vividly exposes the profound spiritual and material exploitation perpetrated by those entrusted with guiding the nation, highlighting their active role in Jerusalem's moral decay and impending judgment.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Ezekiel 22 is a powerful and relentless oracle of judgment against Jerusalem, frequently referred to as "the bloody city" due to its pervasive sin and violence. The chapter systematically exposes the corruption across all strata of society: princes, priests, prophets, and the common people. Verses 1-16 detail the city's abominations, leading to God's decision to scatter its inhabitants. Verses 17-22 use the metaphor of a refining furnace to describe the intense judgment awaiting Jerusalem. Ezekiel 22:25, specifically, falls within a section (vv. 23-31) that details the specific sins of each societal group, with the prophets being singled out for their egregious betrayal of their divine calling. This verse immediately precedes the condemnation of the priests (v. 26), princes (v. 27), and the people of the land (v. 29), underscoring the widespread nature of the corruption that permeated every level of leadership and society, leading to the absence of anyone "to stand in the gap" for the land [Ezekiel 22:30](/ezekiel/22-30 "Ezekiel 22:30 - No One to Stand in the Gap").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The prophecies in Ezekiel were delivered during a tumultuous period leading up to and during the Babylonian exile. Jerusalem was teetering on the brink of final destruction, largely due to its persistent idolatry, social injustice, and rejection of God's covenant. In ancient Israel, prophets held a crucial role as divine messengers, interpreting God's will and calling the nation to repentance. However, a significant problem existed with false prophets who claimed divine inspiration but spoke lies, often prophesying peace when there was no peace, merely to gain favor or material wealth. These false prophets often contradicted true prophets like Jeremiah and Ezekiel, who delivered unpopular messages of impending judgment. The cultural context includes a society where religious leaders wielded significant influence, and their corruption would have had a devastating ripple effect, eroding moral foundations and leading the people further astray from the Law of Moses [Deuteronomy 18:20-22](/deuteronomy/18-20 "Deuteronomy 18:20-22 - Testing a Prophet").
* **Key Themes:** Ezekiel 22:25 powerfully contributes to several key themes prevalent in the book of Ezekiel and broader prophetic literature. First, it highlights the theme of **divine judgment** against sin, particularly the sin of unfaithful leadership. God's holiness demands accountability, and those who lead His people astray will face severe consequences. Second, the verse underscores the theme of **prophetic corruption and deception**, a recurring concern throughout the Old Testament. False prophets not only failed to deliver God's truth but actively engaged in destructive practices, leading the nation into idolatry and injustice. Third, it emphasizes **social injustice and exploitation**, revealing how spiritual malpractice directly translated into material and social harm, especially against the vulnerable. The "devouring of souls" and "making of widows" are direct consequences of the leaders' greed and lack of integrity. Finally, the verse speaks to the theme of **spiritual decay**, illustrating how the absence of true spiritual guidance leads to widespread moral collapse and the forfeiture of God's protection, ultimately culminating in the tragic fall of Jerusalem [Ezekiel 24:1-14](/ezekiel/24 "Ezekiel 24 - The Boiling Pot and Jerusalem's Destruction").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Conspiracy (Hebrew, _qesher'_):** From H7195, this word denotes an "unlawful alliance," "confederacy," or "treason." Its use here signifies that the prophets' actions were not merely individual failings but a deliberate, organized plot or rebellion against divine truth and the well-being of the people. It implies a malicious intent and a unified effort to subvert righteousness for their own gain.
* **Ravening (Hebrew, _ṭâraph'_):** From H2963, this primitive root means "to pluck off or pull to pieces," or "to rend in pieces." When paired with "prey," it vividly describes a violent, tearing, and consuming act, much like a wild beast devouring its kill. This emphasizes the brutal, merciless, and destructive nature of the false prophets' exploitation, leaving nothing but ruin in their wake.
* **Souls (Hebrew, _nephesh'_):** From H5315, this word is highly versatile, referring to a "breathing creature," "vitality," "life," "person," "self," or "mind." In this context, "devoured souls" indicates not only the physical harm or death that might result from their actions but, more profoundly, the spiritual and moral ruin inflicted upon individuals. They led people away from God, into sin, and toward spiritual death, consuming their very essence and connection to the divine.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"There is a conspiracy of her prophets in the midst thereof":** This opening clause immediately establishes the grave accusation: the prophets, who should have been God's faithful messengers, were instead engaged in a treacherous, organized plot within Jerusalem. The term "conspiracy" (qesher) highlights the deliberate and malicious nature of their collective actions, indicating a betrayal of their sacred trust.
* **"like a roaring lion ravening the prey;":** This powerful simile vividly illustrates the predatory nature of these false prophets. A "roaring lion" is a fearsome image of power, aggression, and insatiable hunger. "Ravening the prey" depicts a violent, tearing, and consuming act, underscoring their merciless exploitation and destruction of the people, whom they should have protected.
* **"they have devoured souls;":** This clause reveals the spiritual and existential devastation caused by the false prophets. "Devouring souls" signifies leading people into spiritual ruin, away from God's truth and into sin, ultimately resulting in spiritual death or profound moral corruption. It speaks to the destruction of individuals' very essence and their relationship with the divine.
* **"they have taken the treasure and precious things;":** This accusation exposes the prophets' profound greed and material exploitation. Beyond spiritual harm, they actively plundered the nation's wealth and valuable possessions. This highlights their self-serving motives, prioritizing personal enrichment over the spiritual and material well-being of the people they were supposed to serve.
* **"they have made her many widows in the midst thereof.":** This devastating consequence points to the direct societal harm and injustice inflicted by the prophets' actions. Their false judgments, encouragement of violence, or general corruption could have led to the deaths of men, leaving their wives as vulnerable widows. This phrase encapsulates the profound suffering, broken families, and social instability directly resulting from their predatory behavior.

#### Literary Devices
Ezekiel 22:25 is rich in powerful literary devices that amplify its message of condemnation. The most prominent is the **Simile**, "like a roaring lion ravening the prey." This comparison immediately establishes the prophets as savage, merciless predators, directly contrasting with the expected role of a shepherd or spiritual guide. The "roaring" emphasizes their aggressive and intimidating presence, while "ravening the prey" highlights their violent, destructive, and exploitative actions. This imagery is a stark **Metaphor** for their spiritual and material consumption of the people. The phrase "devoured souls" employs **Synecdoche** (or perhaps **Metonymy**), where "souls" represents the entire person—their spiritual life, well-being, and even physical existence—underscoring the comprehensive ruin they inflicted. The description of their actions also uses **Hyperbole** to emphasize the extreme nature of their depravity and the widespread devastation they caused, particularly in the phrase "made her many widows," which paints a picture of immense suffering and societal breakdown.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezekiel 22:25 serves as a profound theological warning against the dangers of corrupt leadership, particularly within the spiritual realm. It underscores God's unwavering demand for integrity and justice from those who claim to speak in His name. The passage highlights that spiritual malpractice is not benign; it has tangible, devastating consequences, leading to both spiritual ruin ("devoured souls") and profound social injustice ("made her many widows"). This verse reveals God's deep concern for the vulnerable and His fierce opposition to those who exploit His people for personal gain. It reinforces the biblical principle that true spiritual authority is characterized by self-sacrifice and service, not by predatory exploitation.

* [Matthew 7:15](/matthew/7-15 "Matthew 7:15 - Beware of False Prophets")
* [2 Peter 2:1-3](/2_peter/2-1 "2 Peter 2:1-3 - False Teachers and Their Destruction")
* [Jeremiah 23:1-4](/jeremiah/23-1 "Jeremiah 23:1-4 - Woe to the Shepherds")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ezekiel 22:25 stands as a timeless warning for all generations, urging vigilance against those who would exploit spiritual authority for personal gain. For contemporary believers, this passage underscores the vital importance of discerning truth from deception. We are called to rigorously evaluate all spiritual messages, teachings, and leaders against the unchanging standard of God's written Word. This means cultivating a deep familiarity with Scripture, praying for discernment, and seeking counsel from mature, biblically sound believers. The verse also challenges us to consider our own roles and responsibilities within our communities. Are we contributing to justice and protection for the vulnerable, or are we passively allowing exploitation to occur? It calls us to actively support and pray for genuine spiritual leaders who faithfully shepherd God's flock with integrity, compassion, and a commitment to truth, embodying the selfless heart of the Good Shepherd, rather than the predatory nature of the lion.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How can I cultivate greater spiritual discernment to identify false teachings or exploitative leadership in my own context?**
* **In what ways might I be inadvertently contributing to or overlooking injustices within my community, similar to the societal decay described in Ezekiel?**
* **What practical steps can I take to support and encourage genuine, biblically faithful spiritual leaders?**
* **How does the "devouring of souls" manifest in contemporary society, and what is my role in protecting myself and others from such spiritual harm?**

### FAQ
**Who were these "prophets" in Ezekiel 22:25, and what made their conspiracy so dangerous?**

Answer: The "prophets" mentioned in Ezekiel 22:25 were individuals in Jerusalem who claimed to speak for God but were, in fact, false prophets. Their conspiracy was dangerous because they formed an "unlawful alliance" ([H7195](/ezekiel/22-25 "Ezekiel 22:25 - Conspiracy"))—a deliberate, organized plot—to deceive and exploit the people. Instead of delivering God's truth and calling for repentance, they prophesied lies, often promising peace and prosperity when judgment was imminent. This not only led the people further into sin and away from God but also facilitated their material exploitation, as these prophets "taken the treasure and precious things" ([Ezekiel 22:25](/ezekiel/22-25 "Ezekiel 22:25 - Taken Treasure and Precious Things")). Their actions undermined true faith, corrupted society, and directly contributed to Jerusalem's moral decay and eventual destruction.

**What does it mean that they "devoured souls"?**

Answer: The phrase "devoured souls" ([H5315](/ezekiel/22-25 "Ezekiel 22:25 - Devoured Souls")) signifies more than just physical harm; it points to profound spiritual and moral destruction. The Hebrew word `nephesh` (soul) can refer to a person's life, vitality, mind, or very being. By leading people astray with false prophecies, encouraging sin, and prioritizing their own gain, these prophets led individuals into spiritual ruin, away from genuine faith and obedience to God. They corrupted the spiritual essence of the people, causing them to lose their connection to God and to embrace practices that led to their ultimate downfall. This spiritual exploitation was arguably more devastating than their material theft, as it impacted eternal well-being.

**Why does the verse specifically mention "making many widows"?**

Answer: The mention of "making many widows" ([H490](/ezekiel/22-25 "Ezekiel 22:25 - Made Widows")) highlights the severe social and personal consequences of the prophets' corruption. Widows in ancient society were among the most vulnerable and dependent members, often without legal or financial protection. The prophets' unjust practices, false judgments, incitement to violence, or general societal decay fostered by their leadership could have directly or indirectly led to the deaths of men, leaving their wives destitute. This phrase underscores the profound human suffering, broken families, and widespread injustice that resulted from the prophets' predatory behavior, demonstrating that their spiritual corruption had tangible, devastating impacts on the most defenseless members of society.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ezekiel 22:25, with its stark portrayal of predatory false prophets, finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the stark contrast between these corrupt leaders and Jesus Christ, the True Shepherd. While the prophets of Ezekiel's day "devoured souls" and exploited the flock, Jesus declared, "I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep" [John 10:11](/john/10-11 "John 10:11 - Jesus the Good Shepherd"). He came not to take "treasure and precious things" but to give Himself as the ultimate "Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world" [John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"). The "conspiracy" of false prophets led to spiritual ruin and societal devastation, making "many widows." In contrast, Jesus consistently warned against false teachers, describing them as "ravening wolves" in sheep's clothing [Matthew 7:15](/matthew/7-15 "Matthew 7:15 - Beware of False Prophets"), thereby validating the prophetic critique of Ezekiel. He came to gather the lost sheep of Israel [Matthew 15:24](/matthew/15-24 "Matthew 15:24 - Jesus Sent to the Lost Sheep"), to bring life abundant [John 10:10](/john/10-10 "John 10:10 - Life Abundant"), and to offer true spiritual nourishment. Furthermore, Jesus' ministry consistently demonstrated compassion for the vulnerable, including widows [Luke 7:11-17](/luke/7-11 "Luke 7:11-17 - Jesus Raises the Widow's Son"), directly counteracting the injustices perpetrated by the corrupt leaders. His sacrifice on the cross ultimately provides the means for souls to be redeemed, not devoured, offering eternal life to all who believe, thus fulfilling the deepest need exposed by the prophet Ezekiel.

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

Hosea 6:9

And as troops of robbers wait for a man, [so] the company of priests murder in the way by consent: for they commit lewdness.

Ezekiel 13:19

And will ye pollute me among my people for handfuls of barley and for pieces of bread, to slay the souls that should not die, and to save the souls alive that should not live, by your lying to my people that hear [your] lies?

Jeremiah 2:34

Also in thy skirts is found the blood of the souls of the poor innocents: I have not found it by secret search, but upon all these.

Jeremiah 11:9

And the LORD said unto me, A conspiracy is found among the men of Judah, and among the inhabitants of Jerusalem.

Mark 12:40

Which devour widows' houses, and for a pretence make long prayers: these shall receive greater damnation.

Luke 20:47

Which devour widows' houses, and for a shew make long prayers: the same shall receive greater damnation.

Jeremiah 5:30

A wonderful and horrible thing is committed in the land;