And if the prophet be deceived when he hath spoken a thing, I the LORD have deceived that prophet, and I will stretch out my hand upon him, and will destroy him from the midst of my people Israel.

EZEKIEL 14:9KJV
Know the Bible

Ezekiel 14:9 (KJV)

What does Ezekiel 14:9 mean?

Ezekiel 14:9 says that if a prophet is deceived and speaks falsely, it is because the LORD has allowed that deception, and God will punish that prophet by removing him from among the people of Israel. The verse emphasizes that God is ultimately in control, even over those who claim to speak for Him, and will hold false prophets accountable.

In this passage, God is speaking through Ezekiel to the elders of Israel, who have come to inquire of the LORD while harboring idolatry in their hearts. The verse warns that prophets who mislead the people—whether by their own fault or by God's judgment—will face severe consequences. The context shows that God is responding to persistent unfaithfulness, making clear that both the deceived prophet and those seeking deceptive messages will not escape judgment.

The Hebrew behind Ezekiel 14:9

  • "Deceived" (פָּתָה, pathah): This word means to be enticed or led astray. Here, it shows that the prophet's deception is not just accidental but allowed or even orchestrated by God as a form of judgment.
  • "Destroy" (שָׁמַד, shamad): This word means to wipe out or exterminate. Its use here underlines the seriousness of the punishment God promises for false prophets.
  • "Prophet" (נָבִיא, navi): This term refers to someone who claims to speak for God. The verse highlights that even those with this title are not immune from being deceived or judged.

Why Ezekiel 14:9 matters

  • Ezekiel 14:9 clarifies that God is not powerless when false prophets arise; instead, He may allow deception as a consequence for persistent rebellion against Him.
  • The verse warns against seeking spiritual guidance while harboring hidden sin, as both seeker and prophet can fall under judgment.
  • This verse connects to the wider passage by showing that God’s justice applies to everyone, including those who appear religious or authoritative, and that accountability is a key theme in Ezekiel’s message.

Where else these words appear

“deceived” Hebrew H6601 · used in 26 verses

  • Genesis 9:27 God shall enlarge Japheth, and he shall dwell in the tents of Shem; and Canaan shall be his servant.
  • 1 Kings 22:22 And the LORD said unto him, Wherewith? And he said, I will go forth, and I will be a lying spirit in the mouth of all his prophets. And he said, Thou shalt persuade him, and prevail also: go forth, and do so.
  • Proverbs 1:10 My son, if sinners entice thee, consent thou not.

“destroy” Hebrew H8045 · used in 86 verses

  • Genesis 34:30 And Jacob said to Simeon and Levi, Ye have troubled me to make me to stink among the inhabitants of the land, among the Canaanites and the Perizzites: and I being few in number, they shall gather themselves together against me, and slay me; and I shall be destroyed, I and my house.
  • Deuteronomy 31:3 The LORD thy God, he will go over before thee, and he will destroy these nations from before thee, and thou shalt possess them: and Joshua, he shall go over before thee, as the LORD hath said.
  • Esther 4:8 Also he gave him the copy of the writing of the decree that was given at Shushan to destroy them, to shew it unto Esther, and to declare it unto her, and to charge her that she should go in unto the king, to make supplication unto him, and to make request before him for her people.