Ezekiel 13:1

KJV

¶ And the word of the LORD came unto me, saying,

KJV (with Strong's)

And the word {H1697} of the LORD {H3068} came unto me, saying {H559},

Complete Jewish Bible

The word of ADONAI came to me:

Berean Standard Bible

Then the word of the LORD came to me, saying,

American Standard Version

And the word of Jehovah came unto me, saying,

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezekiel 13:1 serves as a foundational declaration, unequivocally establishing the divine origin and absolute authority of the prophetic message that follows. This concise verse acts as an authoritative preamble to God's severe indictment against the false prophets and prophetesses in Israel, making it clear that the words Ezekiel is about to deliver are not his own human thoughts or speculations, but a direct, unadulterated, and powerful revelation from the sovereign LORD Himself, thereby distinguishing his true prophetic ministry from the deceptive pronouncements of those who speak from their own imaginations.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Ezekiel 13:1 marks a significant transition within the book of Ezekiel. It immediately follows a series of intense oracles of judgment against Jerusalem and Judah (chapters 4-12), which vividly depict the impending siege, famine, and exile through symbolic actions and direct pronouncements. Chapter 12, in particular, concludes with a strong emphasis on the certainty and imminence of God's judgment, dispelling any false hopes of a delayed fulfillment. With chapter 13, the focus shifts from the people's general sin and the city's impending doom to a specific and crucial group: the false prophets and prophetesses who perpetuated deceit and undermined the true prophetic word. This introductory verse, "And the word of the LORD came unto me, saying," functions as a critical literary device, signaling a new, divinely initiated message and setting the stage for the severe condemnation of those who speak lies in God's name, as detailed in [Ezekiel 13:3-16](/ezekiel/13-3-16 "Ezekiel 13:3-16 - Condemnation of False Prophets"). It underscores that the ensuing denunciation of false prophecy is not Ezekiel's personal opinion, but God's authoritative judgment.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Ezekiel ministered during one of the most tumultuous periods in Judah's history: the Babylonian exile. Following Nebuchadnezzar's first siege of Jerusalem in 597 BC, many, including Ezekiel, had been deported to Babylon. While the true prophets like Jeremiah in Jerusalem and Ezekiel among the exiles proclaimed messages of judgment, repentance, and a prolonged exile (e.g., [Jeremiah 29:8-9](/jeremiah/29-8-9 "Jeremiah 29:8-9 - Warning Against False Prophets in Exile")), a multitude of false prophets flourished. These charlatans offered comforting but deceptive messages of peace, a swift return from exile, and the immediate restoration of the temple and nation. This created a deeply confusing and dangerous spiritual environment, as the people were desperate for hope and often preferred the soothing lies to the harsh truth. In this context, it was absolutely imperative for God to clearly authenticate His true messengers and expose the charlatans who exploited the people's desperation and desire for comfort, making the divine authentication of Ezekiel's message in this verse particularly vital.

* **Key Themes:** This verse introduces and reinforces several pivotal themes that resonate throughout Ezekiel and the broader prophetic literature. Foremost is the theme of **Divine Revelation**, emphasizing that God is not silent but actively communicates His will, truth, and judgment to humanity, particularly through His chosen prophets. This directly connects to the theme of **Prophetic Authority**, where the prophet's legitimacy and the power of their message are derived solely from the divine source, not from personal charisma, popular appeal, or human wisdom. The phrase "the word of the LORD came unto me" also underscores the critical theme of **Discernment**, implicitly challenging the audience to distinguish between God's authentic word and human fabrications, a theme that becomes explicitly central in the subsequent verses of [Ezekiel 13](/ezekiel/13 "Ezekiel 13 - Condemnation of False Prophets"). Ultimately, by establishing the divine origin of the message, this verse sets the stage for the theme of **Divine Judgment** against those who corrupt God's truth and lead His people astray, highlighting God's righteous anger against spiritual deception.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Word (Hebrew, _dâbâr'_):** From H1697 (dâbâr), this term signifies far more than a mere utterance or sound; it encompasses a "matter," "thing," "affair," "decree," or "message." When paired with "LORD" (Yᵉhôvâh), it denotes a powerful, active, and authoritative divine communication that carries the weight of God's will and has the inherent capacity to bring about what it declares. It is not just information, but a dynamic force that shapes reality and reveals God's purposes.
* **LORD (Hebrew, _Yᵉhôvâh'_):** From H3068 (Yᵉhôvâh), this is the Tetragrammaton, the sacred personal name of God, often transliterated as "Yahweh." It emphasizes God's self-existence, eternal nature, and covenant faithfulness as the one true God of Israel. The use of "LORD" here underscores that the message originates from the supreme, sovereign God, the ultimate authority, setting it apart from any human or pagan source and imbuing it with absolute truth and power.
* **Saying (Hebrew, _ʼâmar'_):** From H559 (ʼâmar), a primitive root meaning "to say," "to speak," or "to declare," used with great latitude. In this context, it highlights the direct, explicit, and verbal nature of God's communication to Ezekiel. It indicates that the preceding "word of the LORD" was not a vague impression or a general sense, but a clear, articulate, and specific message, ready to be delivered by the prophet. It signifies the commencement of a direct divine discourse.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the word of the LORD came unto me,"**: This foundational clause establishes the divine origin and authoritative nature of the message Ezekiel is about to deliver. It signifies a direct, personal, and undeniable encounter between the sovereign God (Yᵉhôvâh) and His chosen prophet. The "word of the LORD" (dâbâr Yᵉhôvâh) is not merely a concept or an idea; it is an active, dynamic entity that "comes" to Ezekiel, implying a revelation that is both initiated by God and received by the prophet, empowering him to speak on God's behalf. This phrase is a standard prophetic formula, found frequently in the Old Testament, serving to authenticate the prophet's message and distinguish it from human opinion or other sources.
* **"saying,"**: This participial clause further clarifies the nature of the "word of the LORD." It indicates that the divine communication was articulate, verbal, and conveyed specific instructions or pronouncements. It implies that what follows is the direct content of God's spoken message to Ezekiel, setting the stage for the detailed condemnation of false prophets in the subsequent verses. This word signals that the divine communication is not merely an internal impression, but a clear, audible, or otherwise distinct message that demands to be articulated.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device at play in Ezekiel 13:1 is **Formulaic Language**. The phrase "And the word of the LORD came unto me, saying" is a recurring prophetic formula found throughout the books of the Old Testament prophets (e.g., [Jeremiah 1:2](/jeremiah/1-2 "Jeremiah 1:2 - The Word of the Lord to Jeremiah"), [Hosea 1:1](/hosea/1-1 "Hosea 1:1 - The Word of the Lord to Hosea"), [Joel 1:1](/joel/1-1 "Joel 1:1 - The Word of the Lord to Joel")). This repetition serves several crucial functions: it establishes the **Divine Authority** of the message, distinguishing it unequivocally from human opinion, political commentary, or personal bias; it emphasizes the **Authenticity** of the prophet's calling, as he is merely a faithful mouthpiece for God; and it creates a sense of **Anticipation** in the reader, signaling that a significant, divinely ordained, and often weighty message is about to unfold. The simplicity of the verse, coupled with its profound implications regarding the source of truth, also demonstrates a form of **Understatement**, as this brief introduction precedes a powerful and scathing denunciation of those who dared to speak without God's authorization.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezekiel 13:1 grounds the entire subsequent prophecy in the bedrock of divine revelation. It highlights God's active involvement in human history, not merely as a distant deity but as one who speaks directly to His people through chosen vessels. This verse underscores the fundamental theological truth that all true prophecy and spiritual authority originate from God alone. In a world saturated with competing voices and claims to truth, this declaration serves as a timeless reminder that discerning God's authentic message requires attentiveness to its divine source and character. The stark contrast with the false prophets, who speak from their own hearts and imaginations, emphasizes the critical importance of distinguishing between human wisdom and divine truth, a discernment vital for the spiritual health of God's people then and now. It establishes the standard by which all prophetic claims, and indeed all spiritual teachings, must be judged: their origin in the unadulterated word of the sovereign LORD.

* [Jeremiah 1:9](/jeremiah/1-9 "Jeremiah 1:9 - God Puts His Words in Jeremiah's Mouth")
* [Isaiah 55:11](/isaiah/55-11 "Isaiah 55:11 - God's Word Accomplishes His Purpose")
* [Hebrews 4:12](/hebrews/4-12 "Hebrews 4:12 - The Living and Active Word of God")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ezekiel 13:1 serves as a profound and enduring reminder that the ultimate source of truth and spiritual guidance is God Himself. In an age of abundant information, diverse voices, and a proliferation of spiritual claims, this verse calls us to critically evaluate the origin and authority of every message we encounter, especially those claiming spiritual insight or divine revelation. Just as Ezekiel's message was authenticated by its divine source, so too must our faith, understanding, and worldview be rooted in God's revealed Word. This verse challenges us to cultivate a deep hunger for God's truth, to diligently study Scripture as the primary means through which He speaks today, and to pray for discernment so that we may distinguish between genuine divine revelation and human fabrication, thereby avoiding deception and building our lives on an unshakeable foundation of truth. It compels us to ask: Is what I am hearing, reading, or believing truly "the word of the LORD," or is it merely the word of man, however well-intentioned or appealing?

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does recognizing the divine origin and absolute authority of Scripture impact your personal approach to reading, studying, and obeying it?**
* **In what contemporary forms do "false prophets" or deceptive spiritual messages manifest themselves today, and how can the principle of divine authentication in Ezekiel 13:1 help us discern them?**
* **What specific disciplines or practices can you cultivate in your life to ensure that your spiritual understanding and convictions are primarily shaped by "the word of the LORD" rather than human opinions, cultural trends, or personal desires?**

### FAQ
**What is the significance of the phrase "the word of the LORD came unto me" in prophetic literature?**

Answer: This phrase is a foundational and recurring formula throughout the Old Testament prophetic books, signaling that the message delivered by the prophet is not of human origin but is a direct, authoritative revelation from God Himself. It serves to authenticate the prophet's ministry and imbue their words with divine authority, distinguishing them from false prophets who speak from their own imagination or for personal gain. For instance, prophets like [Jeremiah](/jeremiah/1 "Jeremiah 1 - The Call of Jeremiah") and [Hosea](/hosea/1 "Hosea 1 - The Word of the Lord to Hosea") begin their ministries with similar declarations, establishing the divine mandate behind their often challenging messages. This formula emphasizes that the prophet is merely a mouthpiece for God, ensuring that the audience understands the message carries the weight and truth of the Almighty.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Ezekiel 13:1 directly concerns the authentication of God's word through His Old Testament prophets, it finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person of Jesus Christ. Jesus is not merely a prophet through whom the word of the Lord came; He *is* the Word of the Lord incarnate, as [John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh") declares, "And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us." In Christ, God's self-revelation reaches its apex and perfect embodiment. The divine message, once delivered through diverse prophetic voices and in various forms, now resides fully and perfectly in one person. Jesus speaks with inherent authority, not because the word "came unto Him" from an external source, but because He is the very source of divine truth and revelation (cf. [John 14:6](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Life")). He is the ultimate "Amen" to all of God's promises ([2 Corinthians 1:20](/2_corinthians/1-20 "2 Corinthians 1:20 - All God's Promises are Yes in Christ")), embodying the powerful, active, and life-giving "word" that accomplishes God's purposes, just as [Isaiah 55:11](/isaiah/55-11 "Isaiah 55:11 - God's Word Accomplishes His Purpose") foretold. Therefore, Ezekiel 13:1, by emphasizing the divine origin and authority of God's word, points forward to the supreme and final revelation of God's word in Jesus Christ, who perfectly communicates, embodies, and fulfills the Father's will for humanity.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.