Ezekiel 13:17 Bible Verse Meaning, Explanation & Context
"You, son of man, set your face against the daughters of your people, who prophesy out of their own heart; and prophesy against them,"
Sitting at the heart of the chapter, this verse is part of the central message. Read this verse with nearby lines and chapter themes to avoid out-of-context interpretation.
Verse Navigation
Surrounding Context
These nearby verses help interpret Ezekiel 13:17 inside the chapter flow.
Ezekiel 13:15
Thus I will accomplish my wrath on the wall, and on those who have plastered it with whitewash. I will tell you, "The wall is no more, nor those who plastered it—
Ezekiel 13:16
to wit, the prophets of Israel who prophesy concerning Jerusalem, and who see visions of peace for her, and there is no peace,"" says the Lord Yahweh.""
Ezekiel 13:17
You, son of man, set your face against the daughters of your people, who prophesy out of their own heart; and prophesy against them,
Ezekiel 13:18
and say, "The Lord Yahweh says: "Woe to the women who sew magic bands on all elbows and make veils for the head of persons of every stature to hunt souls! Will you hunt the souls of my people and save souls alive for yourselves?
Ezekiel 13:19
You have profaned me among my people for handfuls of barley and for pieces of bread, to kill the souls who should not die and to save the souls alive who should not live, by your lying to my people who listen to lies."
Meaning and Themes
Ezekiel 13:17 contains Scripture that reveals God's heart and invites personal response.
Reflection Questions
- What does the word "daughters" suggest about God's character or His purposes in this verse?
- Read the verses immediately before and after Ezekiel 13:17. How does the surrounding context change the way you understand this verse?
- If you were explaining Ezekiel 13:17 to a friend, what is the one main idea you would share?
Praying This Verse
"Heavenly Father, as I read Ezekiel 13:17 — "You, son of man, set your face against the daughters of your people, who prophesy out of their own heart; and prophesy a…" — open my heart to understand what You are saying. Teach me about Your truth through this passage. Let these words shape how I think and act today. Help me carry this truth into every conversation and decision I face. In Jesus' name, amen."
Start with this prayer, then personalize it to your real situation.
5-Day Verse Study Plan
Day 1 — Read
Read Ezekiel 13 in full. Mark where verse 17 sits and observe the flow of the chapter.
Day 2 — Observe
Read Ezekiel 13:17 three times slowly. Write down every detail you notice: who is speaking, what is promised, and what action is described.
Day 3 — Interpret
Ask: What did Ezekiel 13:17 mean to its original audience? Compare the wording in different translations if possible.
Day 4 — Apply
Write one sentence about how Ezekiel 13:17 applies to your life this week. Share it with a friend or journal about it.
Day 5 — Pray
Turn Ezekiel 13:17 into a personal prayer. Thank God for what the verse teaches, and ask Him to help you live it out.
Personalized Next Paths
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When you need peace
Use this verse to calm anxious thoughts and turn stress into prayer.
When you need direction
Turn this verse into a decision-making framework for real choices.
When you need gratitude
RecommendedUse this verse to shift from pressure to thanksgiving and trust.
When you need relational wisdom
Apply this verse to family, marriage, friendship, or team conflict.
Common Questions
What does Ezekiel 13:17 mean?
Ezekiel 13:17 is best understood by reading the full chapter. The meaning deepens when you see what comes before and after.
How can I apply Ezekiel 13:17 to my life today?
Start by reading Ezekiel 13:17 slowly: "You, son of man, set your face against the daughters of your people, who prophesy out of their own h…" Ask what it reveals about God, whether there is a command or promise, and how the truth connects to a situation you are facing right now.
Is Ezekiel 13:17 a good verse to memorize?
Memorizing individual verses strengthens your faith. Read Ezekiel 13:17 aloud several times, write it from memory, and revisit it throughout the week. Psalm 119:11 says, "Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee."
Next Steps
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