Ezekiel 13:7
Ezekiel 13:7 in Multiple Translations
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?
Have ye not seen a vain vision, and have ye not spoken a lying divination, whereas ye say, The LORD saith it; albeit I have not spoken?
Have ye not seen a false vision, and have ye not spoken a lying divination, in that ye say, Jehovah saith; albeit I have not spoken?
Have you not seen a vision without substance and have you not falsely made use of secret arts, when you say, The Lord has said; though I have said nothing?
Isn't it a false vision that you people saw? Isn't it a prophecy of lies when you announce, ‘This is what the Lord says,’ even though I haven't said anything?
Haue ye not seene a vaine vision? and haue yee not spoken a lying diuination? ye say, The Lord sayth it, albeit I haue not spoken.
A vain vision have ye not seen, And a lying divination spoken, When ye say: An affirmation of Jehovah, And I have not spoken?
Haven’t you seen a false vision, and haven’t you spoken a lying divination, in that you say, ‘The LORD says;’ but I have not spoken?”
Have ye not seen a vain vision, and have ye not spoken a lying divination, whereas ye say, The LORD saith it , although I have not spoken?
Have you not seen a vain vision and spoken a lying divination: and you say: The Lord saith: whereas I have not spoken.
They say that they have seen visions, but those visions are false, and the things that they prophesy are lies [RHQ]. They say, 'Yahweh told me this,' but I have told them nothing!”
Berean Amplified Bible — Ezekiel 13:7
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 13:7 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
הֲ/ל֤וֹא
מַֽחֲזֵה
שָׁוְא֙
חֲזִיתֶ֔ם
וּ/מִקְסַ֥ם
כָּזָ֖ב
אֲמַרְתֶּ֑ם
וְ/אֹֽמְרִים֙
נְאֻם
יְהוָ֔ה
וַ/אֲנִ֖י
לֹ֥א
דִבַּֽרְתִּי
הֲ/ל֤וֹא
lôʼ
H3808
not
Part | Part
מַֽחֲזֵה
machăzeh
H4236
vision
N-ms
שָׁוְא֙
shâvᵉʼ
H7723
vanity
N-ms
חֲזִיתֶ֔ם
châzâh
H2372
to see
V-Qal-Perf-2mp
וּ/מִקְסַ֥ם
miqçâm
H4738
divination
Conj | N-ms
כָּזָ֖ב
kâzâb
H3577
lie
N-ms
אֲמַרְתֶּ֑ם
ʼâmar
H559
to say
V-Qal-Perf-2mp
וְ/אֹֽמְרִים֙
ʼâmar
H559
to say
Conj | V-Qal
נְאֻם
nᵉʼum
H5002
utterance
N-ms
יְהוָ֔ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
The Lord
N-proper
וַ/אֲנִ֖י
ʼănîy
H589
I
Conj | Pron
לֹ֥א
lôʼ
H3808
not
Part
דִבַּֽרְתִּי
dâbar
H1696
to speak
V-Piel-Perf-1cs
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Ezekiel 13:7
הֲ/ל֤וֹא
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.
מַֽחֲזֵה
machăzeh
H4236
"vision"
N-ms
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means a vision, like a prophetic dream. It appears in the book of Isaiah and Ezekiel, describing their experiences with God. The word is used to describe a vision from God.
Definition: vision (in the ecstatic state)
Usage: Occurs in 4 OT verses. KJV: vision. See also: Genesis 15:1; Numbers 24:16; Ezekiel 13:7.
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.
חֲזִיתֶ֔ם
châzâh
H2372
"to see"
V-Qal-Perf-2mp
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.
וּ/מִקְסַ֥ם
miqçâm
H4738
"divination"
Conj | N-ms
This word refers to the practice of seeking guidance or insight through supernatural means, like fortune-telling or magic, and is translated as divination in the KJV.
Definition: divination
Usage: Occurs in 2 OT verses. KJV: divination. See also: Ezekiel 12:24; Ezekiel 13:7.
כָּזָ֖ב
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.
אֲמַרְתֶּ֑ם
ʼâmar
H559
"to say"
V-Qal-Perf-2mp
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.
וְ/אֹֽמְרִים֙
ʼâmar
H559
"to say"
Conj | 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.
וַ/אֲנִ֖י
ʼănîy
H589
"I"
Conj | Pron
This Hebrew word is a simple way of saying 'I' or 'me', often used for emphasis. It is used by people like David in the Psalms to express their thoughts and feelings. The word is a basic part of the Hebrew language.
Definition: I (first pers. sing. -usually used for emphasis)
Usage: Occurs in 803 OT verses. KJV: I, (as for) me, mine, myself, we, [idiom] which, [idiom] who. See also: Genesis 6:17; Leviticus 19:36; 1 Samuel 25:24.
לֹ֥א
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.
דִבַּֽרְתִּי
dâbar
H1696
"to speak"
V-Piel-Perf-1cs
To speak or communicate, like God speaking to Moses in Exodus or a king commanding his people. It can also mean to promise or warn someone.
Definition: : speak/tell/command 1) to speak, declare, converse, command, promise, warn, threaten, sing 1a) (Qal) to speak 1b) (Niphal) to speak with one another, talk 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to speak 1c2) to promise 1d) (Pual) to be spoken 1e) (Hithpael) to speak 1f) (Hiphil) to lead away, put to flight
Usage: Occurs in 1049 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, bid, command, commune, declare, destroy, give, name, promise, pronounce, rehearse, say, speak, be spokesman, subdue, talk, teach, tell, think, use (entreaties), utter, [idiom] well, [idiom] work. See also: Genesis 8:15; Exodus 12:25; Leviticus 23:9.
Study Notes — Ezekiel 13:7
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Ezekiel 13:7 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Ezekiel 13:7
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Ezekiel 13:7
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Ezekiel 13:7
- Trapp's Commentary on Ezekiel 13:7
- Ellicott's Commentary on Ezekiel 13:7
- Cambridge Bible on Ezekiel 13:7
- Whedon's Commentary on Ezekiel 13:7
- Sermons on Ezekiel 13:7
Context — Reproof of False Prophets
5You did not go up to the gaps or restore the wall around the house of Israel so that it would stand in the battle on the Day of the LORD.
6They 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.
7Haven’t you seen a false vision and spoken a lying divination when you proclaim, ‘Thus declares the LORD,’ even though I have not spoken?
8Therefore this is what the Lord GOD says: Because you have uttered vain words and seen false visions, I am against you, declares the Lord GOD. 9My hand will be against the prophets who see false visions and speak lying divinations. They will not belong to the council of My people or be recorded in the register of the house of Israel, nor will they enter the land of Israel. Then you will know that I am the Lord GOD.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ezekiel 13:6 | 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. |
| 2 | Matthew 24:23–24 | At that time, if anyone says to you, ‘Look, here is the Christ!’ or ‘There He is!’ do not believe it. For false Christs and false prophets will appear and perform great signs and wonders that would deceive even the elect, if that were possible. |
| 3 | Ezekiel 13:2–3 | “Son of man, prophesy against the prophets of Israel who are now prophesying. Tell those who prophesy out of their own imagination: Hear the word of the LORD! This is what the Lord GOD says: Woe to the foolish prophets who follow their own spirit, yet have seen nothing. |
Ezekiel 13:7 Summary
Ezekiel 13:7 is a warning against speaking lies or false visions in God's name. This means that we should be careful not to claim that God is saying something when He has not actually spoken. Instead, we should seek to hear from God through His Word, as seen in Psalm 119:105, and align our words and actions with His truth. By doing so, we can avoid speaking false prophecies and instead proclaim the true message of God's love and redemption, as seen in John 3:16.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a false vision in the context of Ezekiel 13:7?
A false vision refers to a prophetic message that is not from God, as seen in Ezekiel 13:7, where the prophets proclaim 'Thus declares the Lord' even though God did not speak, similar to the false prophets in Deuteronomy 13:1-5 who lead people astray with their words.
Why do the prophets in Ezekiel 13:7 claim to speak for the Lord when they have not heard from Him?
The prophets claim to speak for the Lord to gain credibility and authority, but in reality, they are speaking their own words, as warned against in Jeremiah 23:16, where the Lord says that the prophets are speaking visions from their own minds.
How can we distinguish between true and false prophecy according to Ezekiel 13:7?
We can distinguish between true and false prophecy by examining whether the prophecy aligns with God's character and previous revelations, as seen in Isaiah 8:20, where it is written that if a prophecy does not align with the law and the testimony, there is no light in it.
What is the consequence of speaking false prophecies in God's name according to Ezekiel 13:7?
The consequence of speaking false prophecies in God's name is that God will be against the prophet, as stated in Ezekiel 13:8, and they will face judgment, as seen in Ezekiel 13:9, where it is written that they will not belong to the council of God's people.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways that I may be proclaiming 'Thus declares the Lord' without actually hearing from Him, and how can I correct this in my own life?
- How can I discern whether a prophetic message is truly from God or just a product of human imagination, and what role should Scripture play in this discernment process?
- In what ways can I ensure that my words and actions are aligned with God's truth, rather than speaking lies or false visions, and what accountability can I put in place to help me stay on track?
- What are some potential consequences of speaking false prophecies in God's name, both for myself and for those who hear my words, and how can I humble myself before the Lord to avoid this?
Gill's Exposition on Ezekiel 13:7
Have ye not seen a vain vision,.... A vision only in pretence, and not in reality; the effect of their own fancy, and not anything shown them by the Lord: and have ye not spoken a lying divination;
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Ezekiel 13:7
Have ye not seen a vain vision, and have ye not spoken a lying divination, whereas ye say, The LORD saith it; albeit I have not spoken? No JFB commentary on this verse.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Ezekiel 13:7
Consider with your own consciences; do they not tell you that all is vain pretence which you make? Can you think Jerusalem can escape, or the first captives be returned, and all this so soon? Is not this vain to be imagined, and they vainer that imagine and believe it? If it should come to pass, which it never shall, yet herein you are convicted liars; you say the Lord saith, whereas he hath said no such thing, nay, the contrary hath God spoken to what you speak, and the event shall be as contrary to your expectation, which is of good; but behold evil cometh out of the north, and great destruction.
Trapp's Commentary on Ezekiel 13:7
Ezekiel 13:7 Have ye not seen a vain vision, and have ye not spoken a lying divination, whereas ye say, The LORD saith [it]; albeit I have not spoken?Ver. 7. Have ye not seen a vain vision?] i.e., I appeal to your own consciences, have ye not falsely feigned all? Seducers are extremely impudent, with perverse minds, and cauterised consciences.
Ellicott's Commentary on Ezekiel 13:7
(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 13:7
1–9. The lying prophets are like foxes among the ruins (1) Ezekiel 13:1-3. The inspiration of these prophets is not from the spirit of God but from their own heart. (2) Ezekiel 13:4-5. Consequently so far as the state was concerned they were like foxes among the ruins; they burrowed among these and only helped to bring down what might still be standing. (3) Ezekiel 13:6-7. They deceived the people, and were self-deceived. They prophesied lies, and looked that God would establish their lies. (4) Ezekiel 13:8-9. Therefore destruction shall overtake them.
The people of the Lord, when the day of chastisement has passed, shall be again a people in their own land, but the names of these prophets shall not be found among them.
Whedon's Commentary on Ezekiel 13:7
7. Ye say, The Lord saith it — They boldly lay claim for themselves to the only true source of prophetic inspiration; but the Lord himself repudiates them as liars and deceivers of the people.
Sermons on Ezekiel 13:7
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Holl-02 the Broken Down Altar by Art Katz | In this sermon, the preacher highlights the issue of living beyond one's means and being absorbed with material possessions. He emphasizes that the world's definition of success an |
|
(Matthew) ch.23:7-24:11 by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of not neglecting the big things while focusing on the small things. He criticizes those who strain out a net but swallow a wh |
|
Jesus Teaches About the Coming Kingdom Luke 17:20-37 by David Servant | David Servant preaches about the anticipation of God's kingdom ruling over the earth, a promise awaited by both the Jewish people and Christians, with Jesus being the future ruler. |
|
Peter's Sermon by Welcome Detweiler | In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the importance of delivering a united message when preaching the word of God. He uses the example of Peter's sermon after the day of Pentecos |