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Ezekiel 13:6

Ezekiel 13:6 in Multiple Translations

They see false visions and speak lying divinations. They claim, ‘Thus declares the LORD,’ when the LORD did not send them; yet they wait for the fulfillment of their message.

They have seen vanity and lying divination, saying, The LORD saith: and the LORD hath not sent them: and they have made others to hope that they would confirm the word.

They have seen falsehood and lying divination, that say, Jehovah saith; but Jehovah hath not sent them: and they have made men to hope that the word would be confirmed.

They have seen visions without substance and made use of secret arts, who say, The Lord has said; and the Lord has not sent them: hoping that the word would have effect.

The visions they see are false, and the prophecies they give are lies. They claim, ‘This is what the Lord says,’ when the Lord didn't send them. Even so they still expect their message to be fulfilled!

They haue seene vanitie, and lying diuination, saying, The Lord sayth it, and the Lord hath not sent them: and they haue made others to hope that they would cofirme the word of their prophecie.

They have seen vanity, and lying divination, Who are saying: An affirmation of Jehovah, And Jehovah hath not sent them, And they have hoped to establish a word.

They have seen falsehood and lying divination, who say, ‘The LORD says;’ but the LORD has not sent them. They have made men to hope that the word would be confirmed.

They have seen vanity and lying divination, saying, The LORD saith: and the LORD hath not sent them: and they have made others to hope that they would confirm the word.

They see vain things, and they foretell lies, saying: The Lord saith: whereas the Lord hath not sent them: and they have persisted to confirm what they have said.

The visions and prophecies of those prophets are false. They say, 'Yahweh told me this,' but I have not sent themto you to be my prophets. But they expect that what they prophesy will truly happen!

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Berean Amplified Bible — Ezekiel 13:6

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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 13:6 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB
HEB חָ֤זוּ שָׁוְא֙ וְ/קֶ֣סֶם כָּזָ֔ב הָ/אֹֽמְרִים֙ נְאֻם יְהוָ֔ה וַֽ/יהוָ֖ה לֹ֣א שְׁלָחָ֑/ם וְ/יִֽחֲל֖וּ לְ/קַיֵּ֥ם דָּבָֽר
חָ֤זוּ châzâh H2372 to see V-Qal-Perf-3cp
שָׁוְא֙ shâvᵉʼ H7723 vanity N-ms
וְ/קֶ֣סֶם qeçem H7081 divination Conj | N-ms
כָּזָ֔ב kâzâb H3577 lie N-ms
הָ/אֹֽמְרִים֙ ʼâmar H559 to say Art | V-Qal
נְאֻם nᵉʼum H5002 utterance N-ms
יְהוָ֔ה Yᵉhôvâh H3068 The Lord N-proper
וַֽ/יהוָ֖ה Yᵉhôvâh H3068 The Lord Conj | N-proper
לֹ֣א lôʼ H3808 not Part
שְׁלָחָ֑/ם shâlach H7971 to send V-Qal-Perf-3ms | Suff
וְ/יִֽחֲל֖וּ yâchal H3176 to wait Conj | V-Piel-3cp
לְ/קַיֵּ֥ם qûwm H6965 -kamai Prep | V-Piel-Inf-a
דָּבָֽר dâbâr H1697 Chronicles N-ms
Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — Ezekiel 13:6

חָ֤זוּ châzâh H2372 "to see" V-Qal-Perf-3cp
Chazah means to see or perceive, and can also mean to have a vision or prophesy. It is used to describe seeing something with your eyes or in your mind.
Definition: 1) to see, perceive, look, behold, prophesy, provide 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to see, behold 1a2) to see as a seer in the ecstatic state 1a3) to see, perceive 1a3a) with the intelligence 1a3b) to see (by experience) 1a3c) to provide Aramaic equivalent: cha.zah (חֲזָה "to see" H2370)
Usage: Occurs in 47 OT verses. KJV: behold, look, prophesy, provide, see. See also: Exodus 18:21; Proverbs 24:32; Psalms 11:4.
שָׁוְא֙ shâvᵉʼ H7723 "vanity" N-ms
Vanity or falsehood, this word describes something empty, useless, or deceitful, like the idols worshipped by the Israelites in Isaiah 41:29, or the lies and false promises spoken by false prophets in Jeremiah 23:25.
Definition: : false 1) emptiness, vanity, falsehood 1a) emptiness, nothingness, vanity 1b) emptiness of speech, lying 1c) worthlessness (of conduct) Also means: shav (שָׁוְא ": vain" H7723H)
Usage: Occurs in 48 OT verses. KJV: false(-ly), lie, lying, vain, vanity. See also: Exodus 20:7; Isaiah 1:13; Psalms 12:3.
וְ/קֶ֣סֶם qeçem H7081 "divination" Conj | N-ms
This Hebrew word refers to the act of seeking guidance through witchcraft or divination, which was common among false prophets. It can also mean a reward or payment for such services. The Bible warns against these practices in Deuteronomy and other books.
Definition: 1) divination, witchcraft 1a) of the nations, Balaam 1b) of false prophets 1c) in a good sense (king's lips as oracles)
Usage: Occurs in 11 OT verses. KJV: (reward of) divination, divine sentence, witchcraft. See also: Numbers 22:7; Proverbs 16:10; Jeremiah 14:14.
כָּזָ֔ב kâzâb H3577 "lie" N-ms
A lie or falsehood is what this word represents, whether it is a literal untruth or a figurative idol, and is often used to describe the deceitful nature of humanity.
Definition: a lie, untruth, falsehood, deceptive thing
Usage: Occurs in 29 OT verses. KJV: deceitful, false, leasing, + liar, lie, lying. See also: Psalms 4:3; Proverbs 30:8; Psalms 5:7.
הָ/אֹֽמְרִים֙ ʼâmar H559 "to say" Art | V-Qal
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.
נְאֻם nᵉʼum H5002 "utterance" N-ms
This word refers to an utterance or declaration from God, often through a prophet. It is used in the Bible to describe a revelation or message from God, like in Exodus or Numbers.
Definition: 1) (Qal) utterance, declaration (of prophet) 1a) utterance, declaration, revelation (of prophet in ecstatic state) 1b) utterance, declaration (elsewhere always preceding divine name)
Usage: Occurs in 358 OT verses. KJV: (hath) said, saith. See also: Genesis 22:16; Jeremiah 22:16; Psalms 36:2.
יְהוָ֔ה Yᵉhôvâh H3068 "The Lord" N-proper
Yehovah is another name for God, often translated as 'the Lord'. It is a national name for God in the Jewish faith. This name is used throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)
Usage: Occurs in 5522 OT verses. KJV: Jehovah, the Lord. Compare H3050 (יָהּ), H3069 (יְהֹוִה). See also: Genesis 2:4; Genesis 24:42; Exodus 8:8.
וַֽ/יהוָ֖ה Yᵉhôvâh H3068 "The Lord" Conj | N-proper
Yehovah is another name for God, often translated as 'the Lord'. It is a national name for God in the Jewish faith. This name is used throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)
Usage: Occurs in 5522 OT verses. KJV: Jehovah, the Lord. Compare H3050 (יָהּ), H3069 (יְהֹוִה). See also: Genesis 2:4; Genesis 24:42; Exodus 8:8.
לֹ֣א lôʼ H3808 "not" 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.
שְׁלָחָ֑/ם shâlach H7971 "to send" V-Qal-Perf-3ms | Suff
To send or depart is the meaning of this Hebrew word, which has various applications in the Bible. It can describe sending someone or something away, or letting something go.
Definition: : depart/send 1) to send, send away, let go, stretch out 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to send 1a2) to stretch out, extend, direct 1a3) to send away 1a4) to let loose 1b) (Niphal) to be sent 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to send off or away or out or forth, dismiss, give over, cast out 1c2) to let go, set free 1c3) to shoot forth (of branches) 1c4) to let down 1c5) to shoot 1d) (Pual) to be sent off, be put away, be divorced, be impelled 1e) (Hiphil) to send
Usage: Occurs in 790 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] any wise, appoint, bring (on the way), cast (away, out), conduct, [idiom] earnestly, forsake, give (up), grow long, lay, leave, let depart (down, go, loose), push away, put (away, forth, in, out), reach forth, send (away, forth, out), set, shoot (forth, out), sow, spread, stretch forth (out). See also: Genesis 3:22; Exodus 9:27; Joshua 14:11.
וְ/יִֽחֲל֖וּ yâchal H3176 "to wait" Conj | V-Piel-3cp
To wait or be patient is the meaning of this verb, used to describe hoping or trusting in something, as seen in various KJV translations.
Definition: : wait[for_time] 1) to wait, hope, expect 1a) (Niphal) to wait 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to wait, await, tarry 1b2) to wait for, hope for 1c) (Hiphil) to wait, tarry, wait for, hope for Also means: ya.chal (יָחַל ": hope" H3176H)
Usage: Occurs in 41 OT verses. KJV: (cause to, have, make to) hope, be pained, stay, tarry, trust, wait. See also: Genesis 8:12; Psalms 69:4; Psalms 31:25.
לְ/קַיֵּ֥ם qûwm H6965 "-kamai" Prep | V-Piel-Inf-a
Qum means to rise or stand up, used in various contexts like rising to power or standing firm, as seen in Jeremiah and Ezra.
Definition: Combined with lev (לֵב "Leb" H3820B) § -Kamai = "my adversary" Leb-kamai, i.e., people of Gambulai
Usage: Occurs in 596 OT verses. KJV: abide, accomplish, [idiom] be clearer, confirm, continue, decree, [idiom] be dim, endure, [idiom] enemy, enjoin, get up, make good, help, hold, (help to) lift up (again), make, [idiom] but newly, ordain, perform, pitch, raise (up), rear (up), remain, (a-) rise (up) (again, against), rouse up, set (up), (e-) stablish, (make to) stand (up), stir up, strengthen, succeed, (as-, make) sure(-ly), (be) up(-hold, -rising). See also: Genesis 4:8; Numbers 30:13; Ruth 4:10.
דָּבָֽר dâbâr H1697 "Chronicles" N-ms
A word or thing, like a matter or affair, as seen in the book of Chronicles where it refers to the events and words of kings. It can also mean a cause or reason for something.
Definition: This name means word, speaking
Usage: Occurs in 1290 OT verses. KJV: act, advice, affair, answer, [idiom] any such (thing), because of, book, business, care, case, cause, certain rate, [phrase] chronicles, commandment, [idiom] commune(-ication), [phrase] concern(-ing), [phrase] confer, counsel, [phrase] dearth, decree, deed, [idiom] disease, due, duty, effect, [phrase] eloquent, errand, (evil favoured-) ness, [phrase] glory, [phrase] harm, hurt, [phrase] iniquity, [phrase] judgment, language, [phrase] lying, manner, matter, message, (no) thing, oracle, [idiom] ought, [idiom] parts, [phrase] pertaining, [phrase] please, portion, [phrase] power, promise, provision, purpose, question, rate, reason, report, request, [idiom] (as hast) said, sake, saying, sentence, [phrase] sign, [phrase] so, some (uncleanness), somewhat to say, [phrase] song, speech, [idiom] spoken, talk, task, [phrase] that, [idiom] there done, thing (concerning), thought, [phrase] thus, tidings, what(-soever), [phrase] wherewith, which, word, work. See also: Genesis 11:1; Exodus 23:8; Deuteronomy 18:21.

Study Notes — Ezekiel 13:6

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1 Jeremiah 29:8 For this is what the LORD of Hosts, the God of Israel, says: “Do not be deceived by the prophets and diviners among you, and do not listen to the dreams you elicit from them.
2 Ezekiel 22:28 Her prophets whitewash these deeds by false visions and lying divinations, saying, ‘This is what the Lord GOD says,’ when the LORD has not spoken.
3 Jeremiah 28:15 Then the prophet Jeremiah said to the prophet Hananiah, “Listen, Hananiah! The LORD did not send you, but you have persuaded this people to trust in a lie.
4 Jeremiah 37:19 Where are your prophets who prophesied to you, claiming, ‘The king of Babylon will not come against you or this land’?
5 Ezekiel 21:29 while they offer false visions for you and lying divinations about you— to be placed on the necks of the wicked who are slain, whose day has come, the time of their final punishment.
6 Jeremiah 14:14 “The prophets are prophesying lies in My name,” replied the LORD. “I did not send them or appoint them or speak to them. They are prophesying to you a false vision, a worthless divination, the futility and delusion of their own minds.
7 Zechariah 10:2 For idols speak deceit and diviners see illusions; they tell false dreams and offer empty comfort. Therefore the people wander like sheep, oppressed for lack of a shepherd.
8 Mark 13:6 Many will come in My name, claiming, ‘I am He,’ and will deceive many.
9 Ezekiel 13:7 Haven’t you seen a false vision and spoken a lying divination when you proclaim, ‘Thus declares the LORD,’ even though I have not spoken?
10 Jeremiah 23:31–32 “Yes,” declares the LORD, “I am against the prophets who wag their own tongues and proclaim, ‘The LORD declares it.’” “Indeed,” declares the LORD, “I am against those who prophesy false dreams and retell them to lead My people astray with their reckless lies. It was not I who sent them or commanded them, and they are of no benefit at all to these people,” declares the LORD.

Ezekiel 13:6 Summary

Ezekiel 13:6 is talking about prophets who claim to speak for God, but are actually speaking lies. They say that God has sent them, but really, He hasn't (Ezekiel 13:6-7). This is a serious sin, and God will judge those who do it (Ezekiel 13:8, Deuteronomy 18:20). We can learn from this verse to always be honest and truthful, and to make sure that our words and actions are in line with what God says in the Bible (Psalm 119:160). By doing so, we can avoid speaking lies and instead speak the truth in love, just like God wants us to (Ephesians 4:15).

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the main issue with the prophets in Ezekiel 13:6?

The main issue is that they are speaking lies and claiming that God has sent them, when in reality, He has not (Ezekiel 13:6-7). This is a form of false prophecy that is condemned by God.

Why do the prophets in Ezekiel 13:6 claim to speak for God?

The prophets claim to speak for God in order to gain credibility and authority, but in reality, they are speaking their own words and not God's (Ezekiel 13:6, Jeremiah 23:21).

What is the consequence of speaking false prophecies?

The consequence of speaking false prophecies is that God will be against those who do so, and they will face judgment (Ezekiel 13:8, Deuteronomy 18:20).

How can we distinguish between true and false prophecies?

We can distinguish between true and false prophecies by testing them against the teachings of Scripture and by examining the character and fruit of the prophet (Deuteronomy 13:1-5, Matthew 7:15-20).

Reflection Questions

  1. What are some ways that I may be guilty of speaking lies or false prophecies in my own life, and how can I repent of these sins?
  2. How can I be more discerning when listening to prophecies or teachings from others, and what are some red flags that may indicate a false prophecy?
  3. What is the difference between a true prophet and a false prophet, and how can I identify which is which?
  4. In what ways can I be more faithful to speak the truth and to represent God accurately in my own words and actions?

Gill's Exposition on Ezekiel 13:6

They have seen vanity, and lying divination,.... The visions the false prophets pretended to see were nothing but the fruit of their own fancies and imaginations, and had nothing real in them; and

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Ezekiel 13:6

They have seen vanity and lying divination, saying, The LORD saith: and the LORD hath not sent them: and they have made others to hope that they would confirm the word.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Ezekiel 13:6

They have seen; they pretend to have seen, but still they see nothing, as . The prophet speaks as if indeed they had seen, but the very censure of the things they said they saw clears it, that all was but pretence. Vanity and lying divination; things that have no ground or foundation, and which will never be, and are therefore called vanity and lying divinations. The Lord saith; foretelleth and promiseth. Hath not sent them; never revealed any such thing to them, or bade them tell the Jews any such thing. They have made others; by their pretences and arguments they have wheedled some into a belief of their word, and into a hope of that they promise; and so the credulous Jew is undone by his prophet, who tells him all is well, and needs no alteration, and all will be well, and they need fear no desolation.

Trapp's Commentary on Ezekiel 13:6

Ezekiel 13:6 They have seen vanity and lying divination, saying, The LORD saith: and the LORD hath not sent them: and they have made [others] to hope that they would confirm the word.Ver. 6. They have seen vanity.] This is soon seen. Saying, The Lord saith.] By a lying pretence, familiar with falsaries, to father their fancies upon God.

Ellicott's Commentary on Ezekiel 13:6

(6) They have made others to hope.—Omit the word “others,” which is not in the original, and translate, “The Lord hath not sent them that they should hope”—i.e., they have no ground to expect that their prophecies will prove true, because they have no warrant for uttering them. D: ON CHAPTER 13:6, 7, AND 17. In these verses a broad and crucial distinction is made between the self-imagined vision and that which is sent from the Lord. It may be that in this case the prophets and prophetesses were untrue to their own convictions, and wilfully declared what they knew to be false; or it may be that they simply uttered as God’s message that which they had persuaded themselves would be the issue. This point is not entirely clear from the passage, and is of secondary importance. What deserves to be carefully noted is the difference here made between subjective views of truth—that which conies “out of their own heart”—and those objective communications which God gave to His true prophets. This distinction has a most important bearing upon the whole subject of revelation, and establishes clearly the fact that the Scriptures look upon it as something expressly communicated to their writers, and not as a thing which could be the result of their own thought and reflection. He, therefore, who puts “Thus saith the Lord” before that which God has not in some objective way made known to him, must fall under the condemnation pronounced here and elsewhere upon “the prophet which shall presume to speak a word in my name, which I have not commanded him to speak” (Deuteronomy 18:20).

Cambridge Bible on Ezekiel 13:6

6, 7. Their prophecies are false: they are self-deceived 6. have made others to hope] Rather: they have hoped for the confirmation of the word. The usual sense of the verb is to “hope;” only in a single passage (Psalms 119:49) does it appear to mean to “cause to hope.” The false prophets looked for the confirmation (in fulfilment) of their prophecies and visions—they were self-deceived, not consciously false. Prophecy being an inward thing, a speaking by the spirit in the mind and to the mind, there was no external criterion, and while the true prophet had the witness in himself that he was true, the false prophet might not be aware that he was false (Jeremiah 23:21; Jeremiah 23:31). It is an interesting question what kind of mental experience the true prophet had, which verified to him his own genuineness. Ezekiel 13:8-9. Chastisement from Jehovah upon these prophets. Because these prophets speak falsely Jehovah is against them, for he is the living and the true (Ezekiel 13:8); but that which God is against must speedily feel the effects of his opposition—his hand will be upon them (Ezekiel 13:9). There is no inert, inoperative opposition on God’s part. The sweep of his operation is so vast that its movement may be unperceived, as the earth appears to stand still, though moving with inconceivable rapidity, but its effect will become apparent.

Barnes' Notes on Ezekiel 13:6

And they have made others ... - Rather, “and they hope for the confirmation of their word.” They come to believe their own lies.

Whedon's Commentary on Ezekiel 13:6

6. Have made others to hope — Rather, they hoped for the word to be confirmed.

Sermons on Ezekiel 13:6

SermonDescription
Carter Conlon Prayer for a Desperate Hour by Carter Conlon This sermon emphasizes the power of prayer in desperate times, calling for a revival of prayer and seeking God's intervention in the nation. Drawing from Ezekiel 22:28-30, the mess
Milton Green (The Church in the Last Days) 12 - the Harlot Church by Milton Green In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of following the Word of God rather than the traditions of men. He encourages listeners to listen to the entire series of tape
Zac Poonen Through the Bible - Zechariah by Zac Poonen In this sermon, the preacher discusses various visions and messages from the Lord. He emphasizes the importance of true fasting and worship that is focused on pleasing God rather t
Sanjay Poonen God's Calling for Us to Be Shepherds by Sanjay Poonen This sermon emphasizes the importance of being a shepherd to those around us, drawing parallels to the responsibilities and challenges faced by older siblings. It highlights the ne
John W. Bramhall Studies in Zechariah 09 Zechariah 10: by John W. Bramhall In this sermon, the speaker discusses the false shepherds who have misled God's people and brought upon them the anger of God. However, amidst the judgment, there is a promise that
Art Katz The Origin of True Preaching by Art Katz In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of the community of believers and their role in guiding and correcting one another. He encourages open communication and feed
Miki Hardy (Where Is the Church Going) 6. One Day We Will Give an Account to God by Miki Hardy In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of staying true to the gospel of Jesus Christ and not getting involved in messages that have no sense or are meant to enterta

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