Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version “Now, son of man, set your face against the daughters of your people who prophesy out of their own imagination. Prophesy against them New Living Translation “Now, son of man, speak out against the women who prophesy from their own imaginations. English Standard Version “And you, son of man, set your face against the daughters of your people, who prophesy out of their own hearts. Prophesy against them Berean Standard Bible Now, O son of man, set your face against the daughters of your people who prophesy out of their own imagination. Prophesy against them Berean Literal Bible And you, O son of man, set your face against the daughters of your people, those prophesying from their own heart, and prophesy against them, King James Bible Likewise, thou son of man, set thy face against the daughters of thy people, which prophesy out of their own heart; and prophesy thou against them, New King James Version “Likewise, son of man, set your face against the daughters of your people, who prophesy out of their own heart; prophesy against them, New American Standard Bible “Now you, son of man, set your face against the daughters of your people who are talking like prophets from their own imagination. Prophesy against them NASB 1995 “Now you, son of man, set your face against the daughters of your people who are prophesying from their own inspiration. Prophesy against them NASB 1977 “Now you, son of man, set your face against the daughters of your people who are prophesying from their own inspiration. Prophesy against them, Legacy Standard Bible “Now as for you, son of man, set your face against the daughters of your people who are prophesying from their own heart. Prophesy against them Amplified Bible “Now you, son of man, set your face against the daughters of your people who are prophesying out of [the wishful thinking of] their own mind (inspiration). Prophesy against them Berean Annotated Bible Now, O son of man, set your face against the daughters of your people who prophesy out of their own imagination. Prophesy against them Christian Standard Bible “Now you, son of man, face the women among your people who prophesy out of their own imagination, and prophesy against them. Holman Christian Standard Bible Now, son of man, turn toward the women of your people who prophesy out of their own imagination. Prophesy against them American Standard Version And thou, son of man, set thy face against the daughters of thy people, that prophesy out of their own heart; and prophesy thou against them, Contemporary English Version Ezekiel, son of man, now condemn the women of Israel who preach messages that come from their own imagination. English Revised Version And thou, son of man, set thy face against the daughters of thy people, which prophesy out of their own heart; and prophesy thou against them, GOD'S WORD® Translation "Son of man, look at the women among your people who make up prophecies, and prophesy against them. Good News Translation The LORD said, "Now, mortal man, look at the women among your people who make up predictions. Denounce them International Standard Version "And now, Son of Man, turn toward and oppose the women of your people who prophesy according to their own wrong inclinations and prophesy against them. NET Bible "As for you, son of man, turn toward the daughters of your people who are prophesying from their imagination. Prophesy against them New Heart English Bible "You, son of man, set your face against the daughters of your people, who prophesy out of their own heart; and prophesy against them, Webster's Bible Translation Likewise, thou son of man, set thy face against the daughters of thy people, who prophesy out of their own heart; and prophesy thou against them, Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleNow, O son of man, set your face against the daughters of your people who prophesy out of their own imagination. Prophesy against them World English Bible You, son of man, set your face against the daughters of your people, who prophesy out of their own heart; and prophesy against them, Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionAnd you, son of man, set your face against the daughters of your people, who are prophesying out of their own heart, and prophesy concerning them, Berean Literal Bible And you, O son of man, set your face against the daughters of your people, those prophesying from their own heart, and prophesy against them, Young's Literal Translation And thou, son of man, set thy face against the daughters of thy people, who are prophesying out of their own heart, and prophesy concerning them, Smith's Literal Translation And thou son of man, set thy face against the daughters of thy people prophesying from their heart, and prophesy thou against them. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleAnd thou, son of man, set thy face against the daughters of thy people that prophesy out of their own heart: and do thou prophesy against them, Catholic Public Domain Version And as for you, son of man, set your face against the daughters of your people, who prophesy from their own heart. And prophesy about them, New American Bible As for you, son of man, now set your face against the daughters of your people who play the prophet from their own thoughts, and prophesy against them. New Revised Standard Version As for you, mortal, set your face against the daughters of your people, who prophesy out of their own imagination; prophesy against them Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleLikewise, you Son of man, set your face against the daughters of your people, who prophesy out of their own heart; and prophesy against them, and say to them, Peshitta Holy Bible Translated And you, son of man, set your face against the daughters of your people who prophesy from their hearts, and prophesy against them and say to them: OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917And thou, son of man, set thy face against the daughters of thy people, that prophesy out of their own heart; and prophesy thou against them, Brenton Septuagint Translation And thou, son of man, set thy face firmly against the daughters of thy people, that prophesy out of their own heart; and prophesy against them. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context The False Prophetesses17Now, O son of man, set your face against the daughters of your people who prophesy out of their own imagination. Prophesy against them 18and tell them that this is what the Lord GOD says: Woe to the women who sew magic charms on their wrists and make veils for the heads of people of every height, in order to ensnare their souls. Will you ensnare the souls of My people but preserve your own?… Cross References Now, O son of man, Ezekiel 2:1 “Son of man,” He said to me, “stand up on your feet and I will speak to you.” Ezekiel 2:3 “Son of man,” He said to me, “I am sending you to the Israelites, to a rebellious nation that has rebelled against Me. To this very day they and their fathers have rebelled against Me. Ezekiel 3:10 “Son of man,” He added, “listen carefully to all the words I speak to you, and take them to heart. set your face against Ezekiel 25:2 “Son of man, set your face against the Ammonites and prophesy against them. Ezekiel 28:21 “Son of man, set your face against Sidon and prophesy against her. Ezekiel 29:2 “Son of man, set your face against Pharaoh king of Egypt and prophesy against him and against all Egypt. the daughters of your people Jeremiah 14:17 You are to speak this word to them: ‘My eyes overflow with tears; day and night they do not cease, for the virgin daughter of my people has been shattered by a crushing blow, a severely grievous wound. Lamentations 2:13 What can I say for you? To what can I compare you, O Daughter of Jerusalem? To what can I liken you, that I may console you, O Virgin Daughter of Zion? For your wound is as deep as the sea. Who can ever heal you? Lamentations 1:15 The Lord has rejected all the mighty men in my midst; He has summoned an army against me to crush my young warriors. Like grapes in a winepress, the Lord has trampled the Virgin Daughter of Judah. who prophesy out of their own imagination. Jeremiah 14:14 “The prophets are prophesying lies in My name,” replied the LORD. “I did not send them or appoint them or speak to them. They are prophesying to you a false vision, a worthless divination, the futility and delusion of their own minds. Jeremiah 23:16 This is what the LORD of Hosts says: “Do not listen to the words of the prophets who prophesy to you. They are filling you with false hopes. They speak visions from their own minds, not from the mouth of the LORD. Jeremiah 23:26 How long will this continue in the hearts of these prophets who prophesy falsehood, these prophets of the delusion of their own minds? Prophesy against them Ezekiel 6:2 “Son of man, set your face against the mountains of Israel and prophesy against them. Ezekiel 21:2 “Son of man, set your face against Jerusalem and preach against the sanctuaries. Prophesy against the land of Israel Ezekiel 34:2 “Son of man, prophesy against the shepherds of Israel. Prophesy and tell them that this is what the Lord GOD says: ‘Woe to the shepherds of Israel, who only feed themselves! Should not the shepherds feed their flock? Matthew 7:15 Beware of false prophets. They come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves. Treasury of Scripture Likewise, you son of man, set your face against the daughters of your people, which prophesy out of their own heart; and prophesy you against them, set thy Ezekiel 4:3 Moreover take thou unto thee an iron pan, and set it for a wall of iron between thee and the city: and set thy face against it, and it shall be besieged, and thou shalt lay siege against it. This shall be a sign to the house of Israel. Ezekiel 20:46 Son of man, set thy face toward the south, and drop thy word toward the south, and prophesy against the forest of the south field; Ezekiel 21:2 Son of man, set thy face toward Jerusalem, and drop thy word toward the holy places, and prophesy against the land of Israel, the daughters Isaiah 3:16 Moreover the LORD saith, Because the daughters of Zion are haughty, and walk with stretched forth necks and wanton eyes, walking and mincing as they go, and making a tinkling with their feet: Isaiah 4:4 When the Lord shall have washed away the filth of the daughters of Zion, and shall have purged the blood of Jerusalem from the midst thereof by the spirit of judgment, and by the spirit of burning. prophesy Judges 4:4 And Deborah, a prophetess, the wife of Lapidoth, she judged Israel at that time. 2 Kings 22:14 So Hilkiah the priest, and Ahikam, and Achbor, and Shaphan, and Asahiah, went unto Huldah the prophetess, the wife of Shallum the son of Tikvah, the son of Harhas, keeper of the wardrobe; (now she dwelt in Jerusalem in the college;) and they communed with her. Luke 2:36 And there was one Anna, a prophetess, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Aser: she was of a great age, and had lived with an husband seven years from her virginity; out of Ezekiel 13:2 Son of man, prophesy against the prophets of Israel that prophesy, and say thou unto them that prophesy out of their own hearts, Hear ye the word of the LORD; Revelation 2:20 Notwithstanding I have a few things against thee, because thou sufferest that woman Jezebel, which calleth herself a prophetess, to teach and to seduce my servants to commit fornication, and to eat things sacrificed unto idols. Jump to Previous Acting Daughters Face Heart Imagination Inspiration Likewise Minds Part Pleasure Prophesy Prophesying Prophet Prophets TurnedJump to Next Acting Daughters Face Heart Imagination Inspiration Likewise Minds Part Pleasure Prophesy Prophesying Prophet Prophets TurnedEzekiel 13 1. The reproof of false prophets10. and their untempered mortar 17. Of prophecies and their pillows Now, O son of man The term "son of man" is a title used frequently in the book of Ezekiel, emphasizing the prophet's humanity and his role as a representative of the people. It underscores the distinction between God and man, highlighting Ezekiel's position as a mediator of divine messages. This title is also used in the New Testament, notably by Jesus, to emphasize His role as the Messiah and His identification with humanity. set your face against the daughters of your people who prophesy out of their own imagination Prophesy against them Persons / Places / Events 1. EzekielA prophet called by God to deliver His messages to the Israelites during their exile in Babylon. He is often referred to as "son of man" in the book. 2. False Prophetesses Women among the Israelites who claimed to prophesy but did so from their own imaginations rather than from divine inspiration. 3. The Israelites God's chosen people, who were in exile in Babylon due to their disobedience and idolatry. 4. Babylon The place of exile for the Israelites, representing a period of judgment and correction from God. 5. Prophecy The act of delivering messages from God, which in this context, is being falsely claimed by certain women. Teaching Points Discernment in ProphecyBelievers must exercise discernment when encountering those who claim to speak for God. Not all who prophesy are truly inspired by the Holy Spirit. The Danger of Imagination Relying on one's imagination rather than God's revelation can lead to deception and spiritual harm. True prophecy aligns with Scripture and God's character. Accountability in Leadership Spiritual leaders, including those who prophesy, are accountable to God and the community. They must ensure their messages are rooted in truth. The Role of Women in Ministry While women have significant roles in ministry, this passage warns against the misuse of spiritual gifts and authority, applicable to all believers. The Importance of Repentance When confronted with false teachings or prophecies, the community must turn back to God, seeking His truth and guidance. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of Ezekiel 13:17?2. How can we discern false prophets as warned in Ezekiel 13:17 today? 3. What does Ezekiel 13:17 teach about the dangers of false visions? 4. How does Ezekiel 13:17 connect to Jesus' warnings in Matthew 7:15? 5. How should believers respond to false teachings in light of Ezekiel 13:17? 6. What practical steps can we take to uphold truth in our communities? 7. What does Ezekiel 13:17 reveal about false prophets in ancient Israel? 8. How does Ezekiel 13:17 challenge the authenticity of modern-day prophecy? 9. Why does God specifically address women in Ezekiel 13:17? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Ezekiel 13? 11. How can we address apparent contradictions between Ezekiel 13's condemnation of false prophecy and other scriptures that emphasize God's sovereignty over all prophecy? 12. Why does Nehemiah resort to physical force (Nehemiah 13:25) to enforce marriage laws, and doesn't this contradict other scriptures urging gentleness and compassion? 13. How do we reconcile the harsh condemnation of 'false prophets' in Ezekiel 13:2-3 with claims about genuine prophecies elsewhere in the Bible? 14. How should we address the seeming inconsistency between 2 Samuel 5:13, which mentions David taking more wives and concubines, and other biblical texts condemning polygamy? What Does Ezekiel 13:17 Mean Now, O son of manEzekiel is addressed by God with the familiar title, highlighting his humanity yet underscoring the divine authority behind his words (Ezekiel 2:1). • The phrase reminds us that ordinary people can become extraordinary messengers when God speaks through them (1 Corinthians 1:27-29). • Like Ezekiel, every believer is called to listen first, then speak God’s truth (James 1:19). set your face against This is an unmistakable call to deliberate, unwavering confrontation. God does not ask the prophet to negotiate but to stand firm, just as He earlier said, “Son of man, set your face toward the mountains of Israel and prophesy against them” (Ezekiel 6:2). • “Setting the face” pictures determined resolve (Luke 9:51). • Faithfulness sometimes means opposing popular voices for the sake of God’s honor (Galatians 1:10). the daughters of your people These women were members of the covenant community yet had drifted into deception. • Scripture honors genuine female prophecy (Exodus 15:20; Acts 21:9), but here the office is abused. • Isaiah 3:16-17 exposes similar misconduct among “daughters of Zion,” warning that privilege never excuses error. • Their closeness to God’s people made their lies more dangerous (2 Peter 2:1). who prophesy out of their own imagination The problem is the source: their own hearts, not God’s. Jeremiah 23:16 states it plainly, “They speak visions from their own minds, not from the mouth of the LORD.” • Counterfeit prophecy often: – Appeals to felt needs (2 Timothy 4:3). – Ignores repentance (Jeremiah 6:14). – Promises peace without obedience (Micah 3:5). • True prophecy aligns with prior revelation (Deuteronomy 13:1-3) and exalts God’s character (Revelation 19:10). Prophesy against them God commands Ezekiel to expose the fraud, not remain silent. • Confrontation protects the flock (Ezekiel 33:7-9; Titus 1:11). • It also offers the deceivers a final chance to repent (2 Peter 3:9). • The prophet must rely on God’s word, not personal anger, echoing Elijah’s stand against the prophets of Baal (1 Kings 18:17-18). summary Ezekiel 13:17 calls God’s messenger to face down false voices within the community. The verse moves from the prophet’s commissioning, through his resolute posture, identifies the offenders, exposes their self-generated messages, and concludes with God’s charge to confront. The passage reminds us that real prophecy is anchored in divine revelation, demands courage, and seeks the spiritual safety of God’s people. (17-23) Likewise, thou son of man, set thy face . . .--This passage deals with a class of people the false prophetesses, who are not mentioned elsewhere in the Old Testament. True prophetesses, as in the case of Miriam (Exodus 15:20), Deborah (Judges 4:4), and, at this very time, Huldah (2Kings 22:14; 2Chronicles 34:22), and somewhat later, Noadiah (Nehemiah 6:14), are frequently spoken of, and continued to exist in New Testament times, as in the case of Anna (Luke 2:36). It was naturally to be expected that as false prophets dogged the steps of the true, the same thing would happen with the other sex, and we find express mention of a false prophetess in Revelation 2:20. Their course, in prophesying "out of their own heart" deceiving the people, was essentially the same as that of the false prophets; but they are described as doing this in ways suited to their sex. Of the general meaning of this description there can be no doubt; but it is difficult to follow it with certainty in the details, because of the occurrence of some words of uncertain meaning, found nowhere else, and of some others in an unusual sense. Without attempting a discussion of each single word, (which would be useless except with a careful examination of the original), the following is given as the most probable translation of Ezekiel 13:18-21; but it is to be remembered that several of the words, like the similar ones in Isaiah 3:16-24, are so uncertain that there is a difference of opinion in regard to their exact meaning :--"Woe to those who fasten charms on every finger-joint, that place kerchiefs on heads of every height to snare souls. Will ye snare the souls of my people, and keep your own souls alive? (19) And will ye profane me with my people for handfuls of barley, and for pieces of bread, to slay souls that should not die, and to make live souls that should not live, by your lying to my people who hearken to a lie? (20) Therefore, thus saith the Lord Jehovah, Behold, I am against your charms, when ye snare the souls like birds, and I will tear them from your arms, and will let the souls go, the souls that ye are snaring like birds. (21) Your kerchiefs also will I tear, and deliver my people out of your hand, and they shall be no more in your hand to be snared; and ye shall know that I am the Lord." (See Excursus 8 at the end of this book, on Ezekiel 13:6-7; Ezekiel 13:14.) . . . Verse 17. - Set thy face against the daughters of thy people. Here we note that the formula, "thy people," of Ezekiel 3:11 reappears. The section which follows (vers. 17-23) throws an interesting side light on the position of women in the religious life of Israel. For good as for evil, their influence was stronger there than in most other nations. Miriam had led the way (Exodus 15:21), and had been followed by Deborah (Judges 5:4). Huldah had been almost as prominent in Josiah's reformation as Hilkiah the high priest (2 Kings 22:14-20; 2 Chronicles 34:22). It was but natural that there should be women on the other side also, guiding their own sex; and it is probable that Ezekiel had in his thoughts some special leaders who headed the women of Jerusalem in their opposition to Jeremiah, as afterwards at Pathros (Jeremiah 44:15). So, later on, we have the prophetess Noadiah heading the opposition to Nehemiah (Nehemiah 6:14); and in the New Testament, on the one hand, Anns (Luke 2:36) and the daughters of Philip (Acts 21:9), and on the other, the ill-regulated prophetesses of Corinth (1 Corinthians 11:5) and the woman Jezebel, who called herself a prophetess (Revelation 2:20).Parallel Commentaries ... Hebrew Now,וְאַתָּ֣ה (wə·’at·tāh) Conjunctive waw | Pronoun - second person masculine singular Strong's 859: Thou and thee, ye and you O son בֶן־ (ḇen-) Noun - masculine singular construct Strong's 1121: A son of man, אָדָ֗ם (’ā·ḏām) Noun - masculine singular Strong's 120: Ruddy, a human being set שִׂ֤ים (śîm) Verb - Qal - Imperative - masculine singular Strong's 7760: Put -- to put, place, set your face פָּנֶ֙יךָ֙ (pā·ne·ḵā) Noun - common plural construct | second person masculine singular Strong's 6440: The face against אֶל־ (’el-) Preposition Strong's 413: Near, with, among, to the daughters בְּנ֣וֹת (bə·nō·wṯ) Noun - feminine plural construct Strong's 1323: A daughter of your people עַמְּךָ֔ (‘am·mə·ḵā) Noun - masculine singular construct | second person masculine singular Strong's 5971: A people, a tribe, troops, attendants, a flock who prophesy הַמִּֽתְנַבְּא֖וֹת (ham·miṯ·nab·bə·’ō·wṯ) Article | Verb - Hitpael - Participle - feminine plural Strong's 5012: To prophesy, speak, by inspiration out of their own imagination. מִֽלִּבְּהֶ֑ן (mil·lib·bə·hen) Preposition-m | Noun - masculine singular construct | third person feminine plural Strong's 3820: The heart, the feelings, the will, the intellect, centre Prophesy וְהִנָּבֵ֖א (wə·hin·nā·ḇê) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Nifal - Imperative - masculine singular Strong's 5012: To prophesy, speak, by inspiration against them עֲלֵיהֶֽן׃ (‘ă·lê·hen) Preposition | third person feminine plural Strong's 5921: Above, over, upon, against Links Ezekiel 13:17 NIVEzekiel 13:17 NLT Ezekiel 13:17 ESV Ezekiel 13:17 NASB Ezekiel 13:17 KJV Ezekiel 13:17 BibleApps.com Ezekiel 13:17 Biblia Paralela Ezekiel 13:17 Chinese Bible Ezekiel 13:17 French Bible Ezekiel 13:17 Catholic Bible OT Prophets: Ezekiel 13:17 You son of man set your face (Ezek. 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