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 hunted; and ye shall know that I am the LORD.

EZEKIEL 13:21KJV
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Ezekiel 13:21 (KJV)

What does Ezekiel 13:21 mean?

Ezekiel 13:21 says that God will tear away the "kerchiefs" used by false prophets, rescuing His people from their control so they will no longer be trapped or deceived, and everyone will recognize that He is the true LORD. The verse is about God ending the harmful influence of these deceivers and making His power and identity clear.

In this part of Ezekiel, God is speaking through the prophet Ezekiel to warn against false prophets—specifically women using magical items (like "kerchiefs") to mislead people in Jerusalem. The verse uses vivid language to show God’s promise to break the hold these deceivers have, freeing the people who have been spiritually "hunted" or trapped by their lies.

The Hebrew behind Ezekiel 13:21

  • כְּרָאִיל (kerā’îl, "kerchiefs"): This word refers to some kind of cloth or veil, often understood as a magical or ritual item used by the false prophetesses. Its exact meaning is uncertain, but it points to deceptive practices meant to control or influence others.
  • קָרַע (qāra‘, "tear"): This verb means to rip or tear apart. God’s action here is forceful, showing that He will completely remove the deceptive tools of the false prophets.
  • נָצַל (nāṣal, "deliver"): This word means to snatch away or rescue. It emphasizes that God is actively saving His people from danger or oppression.
  • מָצוֹד (māṣôd, "hunted"): This word carries the sense of being trapped or preyed upon, like animals caught in a snare. It highlights how the people were being spiritually captured by the false prophets’ schemes.

Why Ezekiel 13:21 matters

  • Ezekiel 13:21 clears up that the "kerchiefs" are not just ordinary clothing but represent deceptive spiritual practices used to manipulate people.
  • The verse emphasizes God’s determination to protect His people from spiritual harm and false guidance, showing His care and authority.
  • This verse connects to the larger passage where God confronts false prophets, making it clear that their power is temporary and will be broken by God’s intervention.

Where else these words appear

“kerchiefs” Hebrew H4555 · used in 2 verses

  • Ezekiel 13:18 And say, Thus saith the Lord GOD; Woe to the women that sew pillows to all armholes, and make kerchiefs upon the head of every stature to hunt souls! Will ye hunt the souls of my people, and will ye save the souls alive that come unto you?

“hunted” Hebrew H4686 · used in 22 verses

  • 1 Samuel 22:4 And he brought them before the king of Moab: and they dwelt with him all the while that David was in the hold.
  • 2 Samuel 23:14 And David was then in an hold, and the garrison of the Philistines was then in Bethlehem.
  • Psalms 31:3 For thou art my rock and my fortress; therefore for thy name's sake lead me, and guide me.

“tear” Hebrew H7167 · used in 60 verses

  • Genesis 37:29 And Reuben returned unto the pit; and, behold, Joseph was not in the pit; and he rent his clothes.
  • 1 Kings 11:11 Wherefore the LORD said unto Solomon, Forasmuch as this is done of thee, and thou hast not kept my covenant and my statutes, which I have commanded thee, I will surely rend the kingdom from thee, and will give it to thy servant.
  • 2 Chronicles 34:19 And it came to pass, when the king had heard the words of the law, that he rent his clothes.