Ezekiel 22:28

KJV

And her prophets have daubed them with untempered [morter], seeing vanity, and divining lies unto them, saying, Thus saith the Lord GOD, when the LORD hath not spoken.

KJV (with Strong's)

And her prophets {H5030} have daubed {H2902} them with untempered {H8602} morter, seeing {H2374} vanity {H7723}, and divining {H7080} lies {H3577} unto them, saying {H559}, Thus saith {H559} the Lord {H136} GOD {H3069}, when the LORD {H3068} hath not spoken {H1696}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Her prophets have "plastered" for them with whitewash, seeing false visions and divining lies for them, saying, "Thus says Adonai ELOHIM," when ADONAI has not spoken.

Berean Standard Bible

Her prophets whitewash these deeds by false visions and lying divinations, saying, ‘This is what the Lord GOD says,’ when the LORD has not spoken.

American Standard Version

And her prophets have daubed for them with untempered mortar, seeing false visions, and divining lies unto them, saying, Thus saith the Lord Jehovah, when Jehovah hath not spoken.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezekiel 22:28 delivers a severe indictment against the false prophets in Jerusalem, exposing their spiritual deception and the catastrophic consequences of their actions. They are depicted as builders who "daub" a crumbling wall with "untempered mortar," offering a superficial and ultimately destructive sense of security. Their gravest sin is claiming divine authority by declaring, "Thus saith the Lord GOD," when in fact, the Lord has not spoken, thereby misleading the people into a false sense of peace while the nation stands on the precipice of divine judgment.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Ezekiel 22 is a powerful and comprehensive "catalogue of sins" committed by the city of Jerusalem, serving as a divine indictment against its widespread corruption and moral decay. The chapter systematically exposes the transgressions of various societal groups: the princes (vv. 6-12), the priests (vv. 26), and the people (vv. 3-5, 13-16). Within this broader indictment, verses 23-31 focus specifically on the collective failure of Jerusalem's leadership, culminating in God's search for a righteous intercessor (v. 30) and the subsequent outpouring of His wrath (v. 31). Verse 28, therefore, specifically targets the prophets, positioning their deceitful practices as a critical component of the national spiritual rot, contributing directly to the city's impending destruction. This imagery of "untempered mortar" echoes and reinforces the earlier, more extensive condemnation of false prophets in [Ezekiel 13](/ezekiel/13 "Ezekiel 13 - Condemnation of False Prophets").

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** This prophecy is delivered during a tumultuous period in Judah's history, specifically during the Babylonian exile, though Ezekiel's messages often address the sins that led to the exile and the continued rebellion in Jerusalem. The city of Jerusalem, though besieged and eventually destroyed, was still a hub of religious and political activity. Prophets held a significant, often influential, role in ancient Israelite society, serving as God's spokespersons, interpreters of divine will, and moral guardians. However, alongside true prophets, there were always those who claimed divine inspiration for personal gain, popularity, or political expediency. The cultural expectation was that a prophet's word was God's word, making the deception described in this verse particularly heinous. The people, desperate for good news amidst impending doom, were susceptible to comforting lies, making the false prophets' work even more insidious.

* **Key Themes:** The verse powerfully contributes to several key themes prevalent in Ezekiel and the broader prophetic literature. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Spiritual Deception**, highlighting how false prophets actively "see vanity" and "divine lies," creating a dangerous illusion of security for the people. This contrasts sharply with the true prophetic ministry, which calls for repentance and adherence to God's truth, as seen in the warnings of [Jeremiah 14:14](/jeremiah/14-14 "Jeremiah 14:14 - False Prophets and Deception"). Secondly, the verse emphasizes the severe sin of **False Authority and Blasphemy**. The audacious claim, "Thus saith the Lord GOD, when the LORD hath not spoken," is a direct usurpation of God's holy name and authority, a violation of the third commandment found in [Exodus 20:7](/exodus/20-7 "Exodus 20:7 - The Third Commandment"). This act not only misleads the people but also profanes the very essence of divine communication. Finally, the vivid **Metaphor of Untempered Mortar** (also found in [Ezekiel 13:10-15](/ezekiel/13-10 "Ezekiel 13:10-15 - The Folly of Untempered Mortar")) serves as a powerful visual of the superficiality and ultimate futility of the false prophets' messages, which provide no genuine strength or protection against the inevitable divine judgment.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **prophets (Hebrew, _nâbîyʼ_):** This term refers to an inspired person, one who speaks for God. In this context, it highlights the tragic irony and profound betrayal of those who were supposed to be God's mouthpieces but instead became agents of deception. Their failure to speak truth was a perversion of their sacred calling.
* **daubed (Hebrew, _ṭûwach_):** Meaning "to smear, especially with lime" or "to plaster," this word vividly portrays the superficiality of the false prophets' work. They are not genuinely repairing or strengthening the spiritual "wall" of the nation, but merely covering over its cracks and weaknesses with a thin, deceptive facade. It implies a quick, shoddy job designed to hide rather than to heal.
* **untempered (Hebrew, _tâphêl_):** This word describes something "insipid," "unseasoned," or "foolish." When applied to mortar, it denotes a mixture lacking the proper components or proportions, rendering it weak and ineffective. It perfectly illustrates the nature of the false prophets' messages: they may appear to offer stability or comfort, but they are devoid of true substance, divine truth, or lasting power, leading to inevitable collapse.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And her prophets have daubed them with untempered [morter]":** This clause introduces the primary accusation against Jerusalem's prophets, using the powerful architectural metaphor. The "them" refers to the people, or more broadly, the spiritual and moral fabric of the nation, which the prophets have superficially covered with their false assurances, much like weak, improperly mixed mortar applied to a crumbling wall.
* **"seeing vanity, and divining lies unto them":** This phrase elaborates on the nature of the prophets' deception. "Seeing vanity" (Hebrew: _shâvᵉʼ_, meaning emptiness, worthlessness, or falsehood) indicates that their visions and pronouncements were not from God but were empty delusions. "Divining lies" (Hebrew: _kâzâb_, meaning falsehood, deceit) explicitly states that their prophecies were deliberate fabrications, not genuine divine revelation. They actively sought and propagated untruths.
* **"saying, Thus saith the Lord GOD, when the LORD hath not spoken.":** This is the climax of the indictment, revealing the ultimate blasphemy. The false prophets audaciously co-opted the sacred prophetic formula, "Thus saith the Lord GOD" (Hebrew: _ʼĂdônây Yᵉhôvih_), a declaration of divine authority, to lend credibility to their own lies. The damning truth, "when the LORD (Hebrew: _Yᵉhôvâh_) hath not spoken," exposes their profound spiritual fraud, highlighting their usurpation of God's name and their complete lack of divine mandate.

#### Literary Devices
Ezekiel 22:28 is rich in literary devices that amplify its message of condemnation. The most prominent is the **Metaphor** of "daubing with untempered mortar." This imagery, also found in [Ezekiel 13](/ezekiel/13 "Ezekiel 13 - The Folly of Untempered Mortar"), vividly portrays the superficial and ultimately destructive nature of the false prophets' work. Just as weak mortar cannot hold a wall, their empty assurances cannot protect the nation from divine judgment. The act of "daubing" suggests a cover-up, a deceptive attempt to hide underlying decay rather than to bring true healing. There is also profound **Irony** in the prophets' claim, "Thus saith the Lord GOD, when the LORD hath not spoken." Those who are supposed to be God's voice are, in fact, speaking their own lies, directly contradicting the very source of authority they invoke. This highlights the audacious nature of their blasphemy. The **Repetition** of "Lord GOD" and "LORD" within the same clause serves to emphasize the absolute nature of God's authority and the severity of the prophets' transgression in falsely invoking His name.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezekiel 22:28 powerfully underscores the sanctity of divine revelation and the grave danger of spiritual deception. It reveals God's profound intolerance for those who profane His name and mislead His people, highlighting the critical importance of discerning truth from falsehood. The passage asserts that God's word is pure, authoritative, and singular, and any deviation or false claim of its utterance carries severe consequences. This prophetic condemnation serves as a timeless warning against any message that offers false comfort, ignores sin, or claims divine sanction without genuine divine origin, ultimately leading to spiritual ruin rather than true restoration.

* [Jeremiah 14:14](/jeremiah/14-14 "Jeremiah 14:14 - False Prophecies and Deception")
* [Matthew 7:15](/matthew/7-15 "Matthew 7:15 - Warning Against False Prophets")
* [2 Peter 2:1](/2_peter/2-1 "2 Peter 2:1 - False Teachers Among You")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ezekiel 22:28 stands as an enduring call for spiritual discernment in every age. In a world saturated with information and diverse voices claiming authority, this verse compels us to critically evaluate all teachings and messages, especially those presented as divine truth. We are challenged to prioritize God's unchanging Word above comforting falsehoods or popular narratives that may offer superficial peace but lack true spiritual integrity. Just as the "untempered mortar" could not save Jerusalem, appealing messages that ignore sin, deny biblical truth, or promise prosperity without holiness will ultimately lead to spiritual collapse. True spiritual health requires a robust commitment to truth, a willingness to confront uncomfortable realities, and an unwavering reliance on the authentic voice of God as revealed in Scripture.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How do I discern between true spiritual teaching and "untempered mortar" in my own life and in the messages I consume?**
* **Am I more inclined to seek comforting words, even if they lack biblical depth, or am I willing to embrace challenging truths that lead to genuine spiritual growth?**
* **In what ways might I, or my community, be susceptible to "seeing vanity and divining lies" by prioritizing human wisdom or cultural trends over divine revelation?**
* **What practical steps can I take to deepen my understanding of God's Word and cultivate greater spiritual discernment?**

### FAQ

**What exactly is "untempered mortar" in the biblical context?**

Answer: "Untempered mortar" (Hebrew: _tâphêl_) refers to a plaster or mixture that is poorly prepared, lacking the necessary ingredients or proper proportions to make it strong and durable. It might look like real mortar, but it has no structural integrity. In Ezekiel 22:28, it's a powerful metaphor for the false prophets' messages: they offered superficial comfort and false assurances that appeared to hold things together but provided no real strength or protection against the impending divine judgment. This imagery is also prominently used in [Ezekiel 13:10-15](/ezekiel/13-10 "The Folly of Untempered Mortar") to describe the deceptive work of false prophets.

**Why is it such a severe sin for the prophets to say, "Thus saith the Lord GOD, when the LORD hath not spoken"?**

Answer: This act is considered a grave sin because it involves a direct usurpation and profanation of God's holy name and authority. The phrase "Thus saith the Lord GOD" is the sacred formula by which true prophets conveyed divine revelation. By falsely using this phrase, these prophets were not merely mistaken; they were intentionally deceiving the people, claiming God's sanction for their own lies and leading the nation astray. This is a direct violation of the third commandment, which warns against taking the Lord's name in vain ([Exodus 20:7](/exodus/20-7 "Exodus 20:7 - The Third Commandment")), and it undermines the very foundation of trust between God and His people. It is a form of spiritual treason, as it misrepresents the character and will of the Almighty.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ezekiel 22:28, with its stark condemnation of false prophets, finds profound Christ-centered fulfillment in Jesus as the ultimate and true Prophet, the very embodiment of God's spoken word. Unlike the prophets who "daubed with untempered mortar" and spoke lies, Jesus is the solid foundation, the "chief cornerstone" upon whom God's true spiritual house is built ([Ephesians 2:20](/ephesians/2-20 "Ephesians 2:20 - Christ the Cornerstone")). He did not merely claim to speak for God; He _is_ God's Word made flesh ([John 1:1, 14](/john/1-1 "John 1:1 - The Word Became Flesh")). His message was never "vanity" or "lies," but the absolute truth that sets people free ([John 8:32](/john/8-32 "John 8:32 - The Truth Sets Free")). Jesus consistently exposed the hypocrisy and false teachings of the religious leaders of His day, warning His disciples to "beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep's clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves" ([Matthew 7:15](/matthew/7-15 "Matthew 7:15 - Warning Against False Prophets")). He is the one who truly declares, "Thus saith the Lord," because He is the Lord, and every word He speaks is from the Father ([John 12:49-50](/john/12-49 "John 12:49 - Jesus Speaks the Father's Words")). In Christ, we find the perfect contrast to the deceptive prophets of Ezekiel's day: He is the faithful and true witness ([Revelation 3:14](/revelation/3-14 "Revelation 3:14 - The Faithful and True Witness")), the source of all truth, and the one who provides the genuine, enduring foundation for salvation and eternal life ([1 Corinthians 3:11](/1_corinthians/3-11 "1 Corinthians 3:11 - Christ the Foundation")).

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 13:6

They have seen vanity and lying divination, saying, The LORD saith: and the LORD hath not sent them: and they have made [others] to hope that they would confirm the word.

Ezekiel 13:7

Have ye not seen a vain vision, and have ye not spoken a lying divination, whereas ye say, The LORD saith [it]; albeit I have not spoken?

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]:

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.

Jeremiah 23:25

I have heard what the prophets said, that prophesy lies in my name, saying, I have dreamed, I have dreamed.

Jeremiah 23:32

Behold, I [am] against them that prophesy false dreams, saith the LORD, and do tell them, and cause my people to err by their lies, and by their lightness; yet I sent them not, nor commanded them: therefore they shall not profit this people at all, saith the LORD.

Jeremiah 23:21

I have not sent these prophets, yet they ran: I have not spoken to them, yet they prophesied.