In the biblical context, the reproof of false prophetesses is a significant theme, particularly in the Old Testament, where the integrity and truth of prophetic messages are of utmost importance. The Bible emphasizes the need for discernment and the rejection of false teachings, which can lead the faithful astray.

Ezekiel 13:17-23
One of the primary passages addressing false prophetesses is found in the book of Ezekiel. In Ezekiel 13:17-23, the prophet Ezekiel is instructed by God to confront the women of Israel who prophesy out of their own imaginations. The Berean Standard Bible states:

"Now, son of man, set your face against the daughters of your people who prophesy out of their own imagination. Prophesy against them and say, ‘This is what the Lord GOD says: Woe to the women who sew magic charms on all their wrists and make veils of various lengths for their heads in order to ensnare people. Will you ensnare the lives of My people but preserve your own? You have profaned Me among My people for a few handfuls of barley and scraps of bread. By lying to My people, who listen to lies, you have killed those who should not have died and spared those who should not live.’"

This passage highlights several key issues with false prophetesses: they prophesy from their own imaginations rather than from divine revelation, they engage in practices that ensnare and deceive, and they exploit their position for personal gain. The false prophetesses are condemned for leading people away from the truth and for their role in the spiritual and physical harm of others.

Characteristics of False Prophetesses
The Bible outlines specific characteristics and behaviors that identify false prophetesses. These include:

1. Self-Derived Prophecies: Unlike true prophets who speak the words given by God, false prophetesses deliver messages that originate from their own thoughts and desires (Ezekiel 13:17).

2. Deceptive Practices: They employ methods that are meant to deceive and manipulate, such as the use of magic charms and veils (Ezekiel 13:18).

3. Material Gain: Their prophecies are often motivated by material gain, as they accept payment in the form of barley and bread, thus profaning the sacred duty of prophecy (Ezekiel 13:19).

4. Misdirection of Judgment: They are accused of causing the death of the innocent and sparing the guilty, thereby perverting justice and truth (Ezekiel 13:19).

Divine Judgment
The reproof of false prophetesses is accompanied by a declaration of divine judgment. God, through Ezekiel, pronounces woe upon these women, indicating severe consequences for their actions. The passage in Ezekiel 13:20-23 continues:

"Therefore, this is what the Lord GOD says: ‘Behold, I am against your magic charms with which you ensnare souls like birds, and I will tear them from your arms. I will free the souls you have ensnared like birds. I will tear off your veils and deliver My people from your hands, so that they will no longer be prey in your hands. Then you will know that I am the LORD. Because you have disheartened the righteous with your lies, when I had brought them no grief, and because you have encouraged the wicked not to turn from their evil ways and save their lives, therefore you will no longer see false visions or practice divination. I will deliver My people from your hands. Then you will know that I am the LORD.’"

God's judgment involves the removal of their deceptive powers and the liberation of those they have ensnared. This divine intervention serves as a reminder of God's sovereignty and His commitment to truth and justice. The false prophetesses are ultimately exposed and rendered powerless, affirming that God will not tolerate the distortion of His word or the misleading of His people.

New Testament Context
While the New Testament does not specifically address false prophetesses, it continues the theme of warning against false prophets and teachers. Jesus Himself warns in Matthew 7:15 , "Beware of false prophets. They come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves." The apostle Paul also cautions against false teachings in his epistles, emphasizing the need for sound doctrine and vigilance against deception (2 Timothy 4:3-4).

In summary, the reproof of false prophetesses in the Bible underscores the importance of discerning true prophecy from falsehood, the dangers of deceptive practices, and the assurance of divine justice against those who lead others astray.