Ezekiel 13:12
Ezekiel 13:12 in Multiple Translations
Surely when the wall has fallen, you will not be asked, ‘Where is the whitewash with which you covered it?’
Lo, when the wall is fallen, shall it not be said unto you, Where is the daubing wherewith ye have daubed it?
Lo, when the wall is fallen, shall it not be said unto you, Where is the daubing wherewith ye have daubed it?
And when the wall has come down, will they not say to you, Where is the whitewash which you put on it?
Don't you think that when the wall collapses people are going to ask you, ‘What happened to the whitewash you painted it with?’
Lo, when the wall is fallen, shall it not bee sayd vnto you, Where is the daubing wherewith ye haue daubed it?
And lo, fallen hath the wall! Doth not one say unto you, Where [is] the daubing that ye daubed?
Behold, when the wall has fallen, won’t it be said to you, “Where is the plaster with which you have plastered it?”
Lo, when the wall hath fallen, shall it not be said to you, Where is the daubing with which ye have daubed it ?
Behold, when the wall is fallen: shall it not be said to you: Where is the daubing wherewith you have daubed it?
When the wall falls down, the people will certainly say to those prophets, “The white paint certainly did not [RHQ] make the wall strong!”
Berean Amplified Bible — Ezekiel 13:12
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Ezekiel 13:12 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וְ/הִנֵּ֖ה
נָפַ֣ל
הַ/קִּ֑יר
הֲ/לוֹא֙
יֵאָמֵ֣ר
אֲלֵי/כֶ֔ם
אַיֵּ֥ה
הַ/טִּ֖יחַ
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
טַחְתֶּֽם
וְ/הִנֵּ֖ה
hinnêh
H2009
behold
Conj | Part
נָפַ֣ל
nâphal
H5307
to fall
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
הַ/קִּ֑יר
qîyr
H7023
wall
Art | N-ms
הֲ/לוֹא֙
lôʼ
H3808
not
Part | Part
יֵאָמֵ֣ר
ʼâmar
H559
to say
V-Niphal-Imperf-3ms
אֲלֵי/כֶ֔ם
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Prep | Suff
אַיֵּ֥ה
ʼayêh
H346
where?
Part
הַ/טִּ֖יחַ
ṭîyach
H2915
coating
Art | N-ms
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
ʼăsher
H834
which
Rel
טַחְתֶּֽם
ṭûwach
H2902
to overspread
V-Qal-Perf-2mp
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Ezekiel 13:12
וְ/הִנֵּ֖ה
hinnêh
H2009
"behold"
Conj | Part
This Hebrew word is an expression that means 'behold' or 'look', often used to draw attention to something. It appears in Genesis and Isaiah, and is translated as 'behold' or 'lo' in the KJV.
Definition: behold, lo, see, if
Usage: Occurs in 799 OT verses. KJV: behold, lo, see. See also: Genesis 1:29; Genesis 42:35; Deuteronomy 19:18.
נָפַ֣ל
nâphal
H5307
"to fall"
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to fall, and it's used in many ways, like falling down, failing, or being defeated. It appears in books like Genesis and Isaiah. God's people often fell away from Him, but He always offered a way back.
Definition: : fall/drop/fail 1) to fall, lie, be cast down, fail 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to fall 1a2) to fall (of violent death) 1a3) to fall prostrate, prostrate oneself before 1a4) to fall upon, attack, desert, fall away to, go away to, fall into the hand of 1a5) to fall short, fail, fall out, turn out, result 1a6) to settle, waste away, be offered, be inferior to 1a7) to lie, lie prostrate 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to cause to fall, fell, throw down, knock out, lay prostrate 1b2) to overthrow 1b3) to make the lot fall, assign by lot, apportion by lot 1b4) to let drop, cause to fail (fig.) 1b5) to cause to fall 1c) (Hithpael) 1c1) to throw or prostrate oneself, throw oneself upon 1c2) to lie prostrate, prostrate oneself 1d) (Pilel) to fall
Usage: Occurs in 403 OT verses. KJV: be accepted, cast (down, self, (lots), out), cease, die, divide (by lot), (let) fail, (cause to, let, make, ready to) fall (away, down, -en, -ing), fell(-ing), fugitive, have (inheritance), inferior, be judged (by mistake for H6419 (פָּלַל)), lay (along), (cause to) lie down, light (down), be ([idiom] hast) lost, lying, overthrow, overwhelm, perish, present(-ed, -ing), (make to) rot, slay, smite out, [idiom] surely, throw down. See also: Genesis 2:21; 1 Samuel 17:52; Esther 9:3.
הַ/קִּ֑יר
qîyr
H7023
"wall"
Art | N-ms
In the Bible, this word means a wall, often referring to the walls of houses, chambers, or even the altar. It is used to describe structures built for protection or division. The KJV translates it as wall or side.
Definition: 1) wall, side 1a) wall (of house or chamber) 1b) the sides (of the altar)
Usage: Occurs in 64 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] mason, side, town, [idiom] very, wall. See also: Exodus 30:3; 2 Chronicles 3:11; Psalms 62:4.
הֲ/לוֹא֙
lôʼ
H3808
"not"
Part | Part
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.
יֵאָמֵ֣ר
ʼâmar
H559
"to say"
V-Niphal-Imperf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to say or speak, and it's used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to command, promise, or think, and it's translated in the KJV as 'answer', 'appoint', or 'command'.
Definition: 1) to say, speak, utter 1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend 1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called 1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly 1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)
Usage: Occurs in 4337 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet. See also: Genesis 1:3; Genesis 18:23; Genesis 25:32.
אֲלֵי/כֶ֔ם
ʼêl
H413
"to(wards)"
Prep | Suff
This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.
Definition: 1) to, toward, unto (of motion) 2) into (limit is actually entered) 2a) in among 3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion) 4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character) 5) in addition to, to 6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of 7) according to (rule or standard) 8) at, by, against (of one's presence) 9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)
Usage: Occurs in 4205 OT verses. KJV: about, according to, after, against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and, by, concerning, for, from, [idiom] hath, in(-to), near, (out) of, over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether, with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:9; Genesis 21:14; Genesis 31:13.
אַיֵּ֥ה
ʼayêh
H346
"where?"
Part
The Hebrew word for where, used to ask for the location of someone or something. It appears in various biblical contexts, including rhetorical questions.
Definition: 1) where? 1a) of persons, things 1b) rhetorical
Usage: Occurs in 40 OT verses. KJV: where. See also: Genesis 18:9; Isaiah 33:18; Psalms 42:4.
הַ/טִּ֖יחַ
ṭîyach
H2915
"coating"
Art | N-ms
This word means a coating or plaster, like mortar used in construction. It is used in the Bible to describe the process of daubing or covering something with a layer of material.
Definition: a coating, plaster
Usage: Occurs in 1 OT verses. KJV: daubing. See also: Ezekiel 13:12.
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
ʼăsher
H834
"which"
Rel
This Hebrew word is a conjunction that connects ideas and events in the Bible, like in the book of Genesis, where it's used to describe the relationship between God and His creation.
Definition: A: 1) (relative part.) 1a) which, who 1b) that which 2) (conj) 2a) that (in obj clause) 2b) when 2c) since 2d) as 2e) conditional if B: Beth+ 1) in (that) which 2) (adv) 2a) where 3) (conj) 3a) in that, inasmuch as 3b) on account of C: Mem+ 1) from (or than) that which 2) from (the place) where 3) from (the fact) that, since D: Kaph+ 1) (conj.), according as, as, when 1a) according to that which, according as, as 1b) with a causal force: in so far as, since 1c) with a temporal force: when
Usage: Occurs in 4440 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, [idiom] alike, as (soon as), because, [idiom] every, for, [phrase] forasmuch, [phrase] from whence, [phrase] how(-soever), [idiom] if, (so) that ((thing) which, wherein), [idiom] though, [phrase] until, [phrase] whatsoever, when, where ([phrase] -as, -in, -of, -on, -soever, -with), which, whilst, [phrase] whither(-soever), who(-m, -soever, -se). As it is indeclinable, it is often accompanied by the personal pronoun expletively, used to show the connection. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 20:9; Genesis 31:16.
טַחְתֶּֽם
ṭûwach
H2902
"to overspread"
V-Qal-Perf-2mp
To be smeared means to apply a layer of something, like plaster or mud. This verb is used to describe covering or overlaying a surface.
Definition: 1) to spread over, overlay, plaster, cover over, coat, besmear 1a) (Qal) to overspread, coat, overlay 1b) (Niphal) to be coated, be plastered
Usage: Occurs in 11 OT verses. KJV: daub, overlay, plaister, smut. See also: Leviticus 14:42; Ezekiel 13:10; Isaiah 44:18.
Study Notes — Ezekiel 13:12
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Ezekiel 13:12 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Ezekiel 13:12
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Ezekiel 13:12
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Ezekiel 13:12
- Trapp's Commentary on Ezekiel 13:12
- Ellicott's Commentary on Ezekiel 13:12
- Cambridge Bible on Ezekiel 13:12
- Whedon's Commentary on Ezekiel 13:12
- Sermons on Ezekiel 13:12
Context — Reproof of False Prophets
10Because they have led My people astray, saying, ‘Peace,’ when there is no peace, and whitewashing any flimsy wall that is built,
11tell those whitewashing the wall that it will fall. Rain will come in torrents, I will send hailstones plunging down, and a windstorm will burst forth.
12Surely when the wall has fallen, you will not be asked, ‘Where is the whitewash with which you covered it?’
13Therefore this is what the Lord GOD says: In My wrath I will release a windstorm, and in My anger torrents of rain and hail will fall with destructive fury. 14I will tear down the wall you whitewashed and level it to the ground, so that its foundation is exposed. The city will fall, and you will be destroyed within it. Then you will know that I am the LORD.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 Kings 3:13 | Elisha, however, said to the king of Israel, “What have we to do with each other? Go to the prophets of your father and of your mother!” “No,” replied the king of Israel, “for it is the LORD who has summoned these three kings to deliver them into the hand of Moab.” |
| 2 | Lamentations 2:14–15 | The visions of your prophets were empty and deceptive; they did not expose your guilt to ward off your captivity. The burdens they envisioned for you were empty and misleading. All who pass by clap their hands at you in scorn. They hiss and shake their heads at the Daughter of Jerusalem: “Is this the city that was called the perfection of beauty, the joy of all the earth?” |
| 3 | Judges 9:38 | “Where is your gloating now?” Zebul replied. “You said, ‘Who is Abimelech that we should serve him?’ Are these not the people you ridiculed? Go out now and fight them!” |
| 4 | Jeremiah 29:31–32 | “Send a message telling all the exiles what the LORD says concerning Shemaiah the Nehelamite. Because Shemaiah has prophesied to you—though I did not send him—and has made you trust in a lie, this is what the LORD says: ‘I will surely punish Shemaiah the Nehelamite and his descendants. He will have no one left among this people, nor will he see the good that I will bring to My people, declares the LORD, for he has preached rebellion against the LORD.’” |
| 5 | Jeremiah 37:19 | Where are your prophets who prophesied to you, claiming, ‘The king of Babylon will not come against you or this land’? |
| 6 | Jeremiah 2:28 | But where are the gods you made for yourselves? Let them rise up in your time of trouble and save you if they can; for your gods are as numerous as your cities, O Judah. |
| 7 | Judges 10:14 | Go and cry out to the gods you have chosen. Let them save you in your time of trouble.” |
| 8 | Deuteronomy 32:37 | He will say: “Where are their gods, the rock in which they took refuge, |
Ezekiel 13:12 Summary
[Ezekiel 13:12 is saying that when something fake or superficial falls apart, people will not be concerned with the fake coverings or appearances, but rather with the destruction and chaos that has occurred. This verse is a reminder that God sees through all pretenses and will ultimately expose and destroy all that is false. As seen in Matthew 7:24-27, we must build our lives on the solid foundation of Jesus Christ, and not rely on superficial or temporary solutions. By doing so, we can avoid the destruction and chaos that comes from building on shaky ground.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the meaning of the 'whitewash' in Ezekiel 13:12?
The 'whitewash' refers to a thin, superficial layer of plaster or paint used to cover up the true condition of something, much like the false prophets in Ezekiel 13:10 were covering up the true spiritual condition of the people with empty promises of peace, as seen in Jeremiah 6:14 and Jeremiah 8:11.
Why will the people not be asked about the whitewash when the wall falls?
The people will not be asked about the whitewash because it will be clear that it was a futile attempt to cover up the truth, and the focus will shift to the destruction and chaos that has occurred, much like in Ezekiel 13:14 where the wall is torn down and the city falls.
Is this verse only talking about physical walls and buildings?
No, this verse is using the physical wall as a metaphor for the spiritual walls and strongholds that people build to protect themselves from the truth, as seen in 2 Corinthians 10:4, and the destruction of these walls represents the collapse of false security and the exposure of sin.
What is the main point of Ezekiel 13:12?
The main point of Ezekiel 13:12 is that God will not be fooled by superficial appearances or empty promises, and He will ultimately expose and destroy all that is false and deceiving, as seen in Ezekiel 13:13 and Matthew 7:24-27.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways that I may be 'whitewashing' my own spiritual walls, and how can I allow God to expose and tear them down?
- How can I distinguish between true and false prophets, and what are some characteristics of false prophets that I should be aware of, as seen in Matthew 7:15-20?
- What are some areas of my life where I may be relying on superficial or temporary solutions, and how can I seek a deeper, more lasting solution in God, as seen in Psalm 127:1?
- How can I apply the principle of Ezekiel 13:12 to my own life, and what are some ways that I can build on the solid foundation of Jesus Christ, as seen in 1 Corinthians 3:10-15?
Gill's Exposition on Ezekiel 13:12
Lo, when the wall is fallen,.... Jerusalem is taken: shall it not be said unto you; the false prophets, by the people who had been deceived by them: where [is] the daubing wherewith ye have daubed [it]?
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Ezekiel 13:12
Lo, when the wall is fallen, shall it not be said unto you, Where is the daubing wherewith ye have daubed it? When the wall is fallen, shall it not be said unto you.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Ezekiel 13:12
Will not men thenceforth laugh you to scorn? you that built, you that daubed, you that applauded the wall, will they not upbraid you with your folly?
Trapp's Commentary on Ezekiel 13:12
Ezekiel 13:12 Lo, when the wall is fallen, shall it not be said unto you, Where [is] the daubing wherewith ye have daubed [it]?Ver. 12. Lo, when the wall is fallen.] As fall it will, and with a force, because made of ill mortar; and they that stand under it for shelter shall perish, as did sometimes seven and twenty thousand of Benhadad’ s men in Aphek. Vocat autem eloquentiara secularem et rhetoricam inanem, lutum sine palea, &c., saith Oecolampadius here - i.e., by untempered mortar is meant worldly eloquence and empty rhetoric in sermons; this is as sand without lime, or as lime without litter, hair, chaff, or the like stuff to hold it together. Where is the daubing?] What is your false doctrine come to? your work is lost, if not your souls.
Ellicott's Commentary on Ezekiel 13:12
(12) Where is the daubing?—The basis of all their false prophesying being destroyed by the coming judgments, the folly and falsehood of their words would be exposed to the eyes of all. As it is said in Ezekiel 13:14, the wall itself being thrown down to its very foundation, they who have tried to make the people trust in it shall be overwhelmed in its ruin.
Cambridge Bible on Ezekiel 13:12
12. Confusion of the false prophets.
Whedon's Commentary on Ezekiel 13:12
12. Where is the daubing — Without God and holiness the defenses of the city are rotten, and the prophet’s work is but the veneer which shall make the wreck more conspicuous.
Sermons on Ezekiel 13:12
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Sing Praises With Understanding by Carter Conlon | In this sermon, the preacher begins by emphasizing the importance of taking a pause from our daily activities and engaging in a time of worship. He shares the story of Elisha and h |
|
Why Men Rest in Duties by Thomas Shepard | Thomas Shepard preaches about the reasons why men tend to rely on their own efforts and good works for salvation instead of fully trusting in Jesus Christ. He explains that this re |