Because with lies ye have made the heart of the righteous sad, whom I have not made sad; and strengthened the hands of the wicked, that he should not return from his wicked way, by promising him life:

EZEKIEL 13:22KJV
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Ezekiel 13:22 (KJV)

What does Ezekiel 13:22 mean?

Ezekiel 13:22 says that false prophets have discouraged righteous people with lies and given false hope to wicked people, making them feel secure in their wrongdoing instead of turning away from it. God is rebuking these prophets for causing harm by twisting the truth and misleading both the innocent and the guilty.

In this verse, God speaks through Ezekiel to confront false prophets in Israel who claimed to speak for Him but actually spread misleading messages. These prophets made good people feel guilty or hopeless ("made the heart of the righteous sad") and encouraged wicked people to continue their bad behavior by falsely assuring them they would be safe ("promising him life"). The verse highlights how dangerous and damaging false teaching can be in a community.

The Hebrew behind Ezekiel 13:22

  • "lies" (שֶׁקֶר, sheqer): This word means deliberate falsehood or deception. The verse stresses that the harm comes from intentional dishonesty, not just mistakes.
  • "heart" (לֵב, lev): In Hebrew thought, the "heart" is the center of a person's feelings and decisions. Making the "heart of the righteous sad" means deeply discouraging those who are trying to do right.
  • "sad" (כָּאָה, ka'ah): This word can mean to wound or break. The verse points out that the righteous were emotionally or spiritually wounded by the lies.
  • "strengthened" (חָזַק, chazaq): This means to make someone stronger or more confident. Here, it refers to giving the wicked more boldness to keep doing wrong.
  • "wicked" (רָשָׁע, rasha‘): This word describes people who act against what is right. The verse contrasts the harm done to the righteous with the encouragement given to the wicked.

Why Ezekiel 13:22 matters

  • Ezekiel 13:22 clarifies that God holds leaders and teachers responsible for the spiritual well-being of others, especially when their words influence people toward good or evil.
  • The verse reveals that false assurance is as damaging as false accusation; both can lead people away from what is right.
  • This verse connects to the wider passage where God condemns false prophets for misleading His people, showing that spiritual deception has real consequences for both individuals and the community.

Where else these words appear

“sad” Hebrew H3512 · used in 3 verses

  • Psalms 109:16 Because that he remembered not to shew mercy, but persecuted the poor and needy man, that he might even slay the broken in heart.
  • Daniel 11:30 For the ships of Chittim shall come against him: therefore he shall be grieved, and return, and have indignation against the holy covenant: so shall he do; he shall even return, and have intelligence with them that forsake the holy covenant.

“sad” Hebrew H3510 · used in 8 verses

  • Genesis 34:25 And it came to pass on the third day, when they were sore, that two of the sons of Jacob, Simeon and Levi, Dinah's brethren, took each man his sword, and came upon the city boldly, and slew all the males.
  • Job 5:18 For he maketh sore, and bindeth up: he woundeth, and his hands make whole.
  • Psalms 69:29 But I am poor and sorrowful: let thy salvation, O God, set me up on high.

“lies” Hebrew H8267 · used in 109 verses

  • Exodus 5:9 Let there more work be laid upon the men, that they may labour therein; and let them not regard vain words.
  • Psalms 144:8 Whose mouth speaketh vanity, and their right hand is a right hand of falsehood.
  • Jeremiah 7:9 Will ye steal, murder, and commit adultery, and swear falsely, and burn incense unto Baal, and walk after other gods whom ye know not;