Ezekiel 13:16

KJV

[To wit], the prophets of Israel which prophesy concerning Jerusalem, and which see visions of peace for her, and [there is] no peace, saith the Lord GOD.

KJV (with Strong's)

To wit, the prophets {H5030} of Israel {H3478} which prophesy {H5012} concerning Jerusalem {H3389}, and which see {H2374} visions {H2377} of peace {H7965} for her, and there is no peace {H7965}, saith {H5002} the Lord {H136} GOD {H3069}.

Complete Jewish Bible

that is, the prophets of Isra'el who prophesy about Yerushalayim and see visions of peace for her when there is no peace," says Adonai ELOHIM.'

Berean Standard Bible

those prophets of Israel who prophesied to Jerusalem and saw a vision of peace for her when there was no peace, declares the Lord GOD.’

American Standard Version

to wit, the prophets of Israel that prophesy concerning Jerusalem, and that see visions of peace for her, and there is no peace, saith the Lord Jehovah.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezekiel 13:16 delivers a severe divine indictment against the false prophets of Israel who, despite Jerusalem's profound spiritual decay and the Lord's impending judgment, persistently offered deceptive assurances of "peace" and security. These self-proclaimed seers contradicted the true message of God's righteous wrath, fabricating visions of well-being where none existed, thereby lulling the people into a dangerous complacency and preventing them from acknowledging their sin and turning to divine truth. This verse powerfully underscores the gravity of speaking presumptuously in God's name, especially when such messages undermine the call to repentance and lead a people astray in the face of divine judgment.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Ezekiel 13:16 is embedded within a powerful prophetic oracle (Ezekiel 13) that specifically targets the false prophets and prophetesses active in Jerusalem and among the exiles in Babylon. This chapter immediately follows a series of denunciations against Jerusalem's pervasive idolatry, moral corruption, and covenant unfaithfulness, which set the stage for the city's inevitable destruction. The false prophets' messages of "peace" stand in stark, damning contrast to the consistent warnings of judgment proclaimed by true prophets like Ezekiel and Jeremiah. The entire chapter functions as an exposé of spiritual deception, detailing how these false messages, likened to "whitewash" over a crumbling wall, prevented the people from perceiving the true depth of their sin and the imminent divine wrath. The condemnation in this verse serves to highlight the devastating consequences of such spiritual blindness, which ultimately hindered any possibility of national repentance or preparation for the coming catastrophe.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The historical setting for Ezekiel 13 is the tumultuous period leading up to and during the Babylonian exile, specifically the late 7th to early 6th century BCE. Jerusalem had already experienced one deportation of its elite (597 BCE) and was under immense political and military pressure from the burgeoning Neo-Babylonian Empire, facing the final, devastating siege and destruction in 586 BCE. In this climate of national crisis, despair, and uncertainty, the populace desperately craved hope and reassurance. False prophets exploited this deep-seated longing, delivering popular, comforting messages that aligned with the people's desires rather than God's difficult, unpalatable truth. Culturally, prophets were central figures in ancient Israelite society, serving as divine intermediaries. However, discerning between true and false prophets was a perennial challenge, typically based on whether their prophecies materialized and if their messages aligned with established covenantal law and God's character. The false prophets of Ezekiel's day failed both tests, promising `shalom` (a comprehensive state of peace, wholeness, and prosperity) when God's judgment was imminent due to the nation's persistent idolatry, injustice, and rebellion against His covenant.
* **Key Themes:** This verse significantly contributes to several overarching themes prominent in Ezekiel and the broader prophetic literature. Firstly, it powerfully illustrates **The Peril of False Prophecy**, emphasizing the profound spiritual danger posed by those who claim divine inspiration but speak from their own deceitful hearts, delivering messages that are appealing but ultimately destructive. This theme resonates throughout the Old Testament, finding strong echoes in [Jeremiah's scathing condemnations of prophets who prophesy lies in God's name](/jeremiah/14-14 "Jeremiah 14:14 - False Prophets Speak Lies"). Secondly, the verse underscores the **Sovereignty and Authority of God's Word** against human deception. The stark antithesis between the false prophets' fabricated "visions of peace" and the definitive divine declaration, "there is no peace, saith the Lord GOD," powerfully asserts that God's truth stands supreme and unassailable against all human fabrications and lies. This divine pronouncement reveals God's ultimate control over history and His unwavering commitment to righteous justice. Thirdly, Ezekiel 13:16 illuminates the dire **Consequences of Unrepentance**. The false promises of peace served to mask the underlying spiritual sickness and moral corruption that necessitated God's judgment, thereby hindering the people's opportunity for genuine repentance and restoration. The true path to peace, as revealed in other prophetic books, consistently involved turning from sin and returning to God's covenant, as exemplified by [Isaiah's call for obedience as the path to true peace](/isaiah/48-18 "Isaiah 48:18 - Obedience Brings Peace").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Prophets (Hebrew, _nâbîyʼ_):** From H5030, meaning "a prophet or (generally) inspired man." In this context, the term refers to individuals who claimed to speak on behalf of God, but whose messages were ultimately self-generated and deceptive. While the word itself does not inherently denote falsehood, the surrounding context in Ezekiel 13 unequivocally identifies these individuals as illegitimate in their prophetic claims, acting as false intermediaries who misled the people.
* **Visions (Hebrew, _châzôwn_):** From H2377, meaning "a sight (mentally), i.e. a dream, revelation, or oracle; vision." This word points to the supposed source of the false prophets' messages—divine revelation. However, Ezekiel exposes these "visions" as mere fabrications, products of their own imagination or deceitful hearts, rather than genuine encounters with the divine or true prophetic insight from the Lord.
* **Peace (Hebrew, _shâlôwm_):** From H7965, meaning "safe, i.e. (figuratively) well, happy, friendly; also (abstractly) welfare, i.e. health, prosperity, peace." This is a rich, comprehensive term encompassing wholeness, completeness, well-being, and flourishing in every sense. The false prophets promised this holistic state of `shalom` for Jerusalem, which was in stark contrast to the reality of its spiritual brokenness, moral decay, and impending destruction. The powerful repetition of "peace" in the verse highlights the ironic and tragic contradiction inherent in their deceptive message.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"[To wit], the prophets of Israel which prophesy concerning Jerusalem,..."**: This opening clause precisely identifies the subjects of the divine condemnation: the self-proclaimed prophets operating within the nation of Israel, specifically those whose prophetic activity and messages are centered on the city of Jerusalem. The introductory phrase "to wit" functions to clarify and specify that the ensuing description directly pertains to these particular individuals, emphasizing that they are not foreign seers but those from within the covenant community, making their deception all the more egregious and harmful.
* **"...and which see visions of peace for her,..."**: This clause elaborates on the content and nature of their false prophecy. They claim to receive "visions"—supposed divine revelations—that promise "peace" for Jerusalem. This promised `shalom` (security, prosperity, and well-being) suggested that God would protect the city from its enemies and restore its fortunes, despite its rampant sin and rebellion. This was the comforting, desired message the people longed to hear, a deceptive assurance that directly contradicted the harsh reality of their spiritual condition and the looming Babylonian threat.
* **"...and [there is] no peace, saith the Lord GOD."**: This final, climactic clause delivers the authoritative divine verdict, directly and emphatically refuting the false prophets' claims. The absolute declaration, "there is no peace," comes directly from "the Lord GOD" (`Adonai Yahweh`), highlighting His supreme authority, unchallengeable truth, and righteous judgment. This statement exposes the utter falsehood of the prophets' fabricated visions and underscores the severe reality of Jerusalem's situation—a situation of divine judgment, not peace or security. The contrast between the false promise and the divine reality is stark, absolute, and devastating.

#### Literary Devices
Ezekiel 13:16 masterfully employs several literary devices to convey its powerful and condemnatory message. **Irony** is central to the verse, as the very individuals who claim to speak for God are shown to be His adversaries, promising "peace" when God Himself definitively declares "no peace." This creates a profound sense of dramatic tension and highlights the fundamentally deceptive nature of their ministry. The strategic **Repetition** of the word "peace" (`shâlôwm`) serves to emphasize the core of the false prophets' message while simultaneously underscoring its utter emptiness and contradiction. The phrase "visions of peace... and there is no peace" is a potent example of **Antithesis** or **Juxtaposition**, placing the false human promise directly against the divine reality, thereby amplifying the deceit and the severity of the situation. Finally, the concluding phrase, "saith the Lord GOD," functions as a powerful **Divine Oracle** or **Authoritative Declaration**, lending ultimate weight, undeniable truth, and unchallengeable finality to the condemnation, contrasting the flimsy, self-generated words of humans with the unshakeable, sovereign word of the Almighty.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezekiel 13:16 serves as a profound theological statement on the nature of divine truth and the destructive power of human deception. It illustrates that true peace (`shalom`) is not merely the absence of conflict, nor is it a state that can be manufactured by human assurances or wishful thinking. Rather, genuine `shalom` is intrinsically rooted in a right relationship with God, characterized by obedience, righteousness, and a humble willingness to confront and repent of sin. The false prophets' message of "peace" was a spiritual opiate, designed to soothe the people's anxieties but ultimately preventing them from facing their rebellion and seeking true reconciliation with God. This verse underscores the critical importance of spiritual discernment, reminding believers that not every message claiming divine origin is truly from God. It teaches that God's truth, even when difficult or painful, is ultimately for our good, leading to genuine well-being and salvation, while comforting lies lead inevitably to destruction and spiritual ruin.

* [Jeremiah 14:14](/jeremiah/14-14 "Jeremiah 14:14 - False Prophets Speak Lies") - "Then the LORD said unto me, The prophets prophesy lies in my name: I sent them not, neither have I commanded them, neither spake unto them: they prophesy unto you a false vision and divination, and a thing of nought, and the deceit of their heart."
* [Deuteronomy 18:20-22](/deuteronomy/18-20-22 "Deuteronomy 18:20-22 - Test of a True Prophet") - "But the prophet, which shall presume to speak a word in my name, which I have not commanded him to speak, or that shall speak in the name of other gods, even that prophet shall die... When a prophet speaketh in the name of the LORD, if the thing follow not, nor come to pass, that is the thing which the LORD hath not spoken, but the prophet hath spoken it presumptuously: thou shalt not be afraid of him."
* [1 John 4:1](/1_john/4-1 "1 John 4:1 - Test the Spirits") - "Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world."

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ezekiel 13:16 offers a timeless and urgent warning for believers in every generation, compelling us to cultivate profound spiritual discernment. In a world saturated with information, conflicting ideologies, and competing voices claiming authority, it is more crucial than ever to test all teachings, prophecies, and assurances against the unchanging, authoritative, and living Word of God. We must be particularly wary of messages that offer comforting but unbiblical assurances, especially those that downplay the reality of sin, the necessity of genuine repentance, or the absolute holiness and justice of God. True peace is not found in denying difficult truths, avoiding accountability for our actions, or embracing superficial comfort, but in humbly submitting to the Lord GOD, whose words, though sometimes challenging or convicting, are always true and ultimately lead to genuine well-being, reconciliation, and salvation. This verse calls us to be vigilant against any voice, whether from within or outside the church, that promises "peace" or prosperity without first addressing the foundational need for reconciliation with God through truth, righteousness, and heartfelt repentance.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Ezekiel 13:16 challenge my understanding of what "peace" truly means, both personally and corporately, beyond mere absence of conflict?**
* **What voices, messages, or cultural narratives in my life might be offering a false sense of peace or security, similar to the prophets in Jerusalem?**
* **How can I cultivate greater spiritual discernment to distinguish between genuine biblical truth and deceptive teachings that sound comforting but are ultimately unbiblical or misleading?**
* **In what areas of my life might I be prone to seeking comforting lies or convenient half-truths instead of humbly embracing God's sometimes challenging but always redemptive truth?**

### FAQ
**What is the significance of the false prophets promising "peace" when there was "no peace"?**

Answer: The profound significance lies in the devastating deception and spiritual danger it posed. The Hebrew word for "peace" is `shalom`, which means much more than just the absence of conflict; it encompasses wholeness, well-being, prosperity, security, and harmony in every aspect of life. By promising `shalom` for Jerusalem, the false prophets were assuring the people that God was with them, that they would be safe from their enemies, and that their prosperity would continue, despite their rampant sin, idolatry, and God's declared judgment. This message was a direct contradiction to the reality of God's impending wrath and the urgent warnings of true prophets like Ezekiel and Jeremiah. It lulled the people into a false sense of security, preventing them from repenting of their wickedness and turning back to God, thus accelerating their path to destruction. This highlights the destructive power of comforting lies that obscure divine truth and hinder genuine repentance, as seen in [Jeremiah's lament over those who cry "Peace, peace; when there is no peace"](/jeremiah/6-14 "Jeremiah 6:14 - False Peace When There Is None").

**How can believers today apply the warning of Ezekiel 13:16 to modern contexts?**

Answer: The warning of Ezekiel 13:16 is profoundly relevant for believers today, primarily concerning the vital practice of spiritual discernment. It teaches us to critically evaluate all teachings, prophecies, and spiritual claims against the unchanging, authoritative standard of God's Word. We must be wary of messages that offer easy comfort, promise prosperity without repentance, or present a gospel that minimizes sin, downplays the need for holiness, or disregards God's justice. Any message that promises "peace" (well-being, success, freedom from trouble) while ignoring or contradicting biblical truth about God's character, His righteous demands, or His call to obedience should be viewed with extreme suspicion. The Apostle John urges believers to "test the spirits," because "many false prophets have gone out into the world" ([1 John 4:1](/1_john/4-1 "1 John 4:1 - Test the Spirits")). This means grounding ourselves deeply in Scripture, seeking wisdom from mature, biblically sound believers, and relying on the Holy Spirit to guide us into all truth, ensuring that the peace we pursue is truly from God, not from human fabrication or worldly wisdom.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ezekiel 13:16, with its stark contrast between false promises of peace and the divine declaration of "no peace," finds its ultimate fulfillment and profound resolution in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The false prophets of Israel offered a counterfeit `shalom` that could not deliver Jerusalem from its spiritual bondage or physical ruin, for their words were born of human deceit, not divine truth. In radical contrast, Jesus is the true source of peace, not through denial of reality, but through a courageous confrontation of sin and a radical reconciliation with God. He is the prophesied **Prince of Peace** ([Isaiah 9:6](/isaiah/9-6 "Isaiah 9:6 - Prince of Peace")), who ultimately brings peace not by ignoring judgment, but by bearing the full weight of it on the cross. His sacrificial death at Calvary shattered the wall of hostility between God and humanity, creating genuine, lasting peace ([Ephesians 2:14-16](/ephesians/2-14-16 "Ephesians 2:14-16 - Christ Our Peace")). Unlike the false prophets who spoke from their own hearts and imaginations, Jesus spoke only what He heard from the Father, declaring, "My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you" ([John 14:27](/john/14-27 "John 14:27 - Christ's Gift of Peace")). He is the true Prophet, greater than Moses, whose words are not based on human presumption but on divine truth, leading to eternal life and true `shalom` for all who believe and obey Him ([Deuteronomy 18:15](/deuteronomy/18-15 "Deuteronomy 18:15 - The Prophet Like Moses"); [Acts 3:22](/acts/3-22 "Acts 3:22 - Peter's Sermon on the Prophet")). In Christ, the "no peace" of a sin-laden world under judgment is transformed into the profound, lasting peace of God's kingdom, a peace that surpasses all understanding and guards our hearts and minds ([Philippians 4:7](/philippians/4-7 "Philippians 4:7 - The Peace of God")).

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.

Cross-References

Jeremiah 6:14

They have healed also the hurt [of the daughter] of my people slightly, saying, Peace, peace; when [there is] no peace.

Ezekiel 13:10

¶ Because, even because they have seduced my people, saying, Peace; and [there was] no peace; and one built up a wall, and, lo, others daubed it with untempered [morter]:

Jeremiah 8:11

For they have healed the hurt of the daughter of my people slightly, saying, Peace, peace; when [there is] no peace.

Isaiah 48:22

[There is] no peace, saith the LORD, unto the wicked.

Isaiah 57:20

But the wicked [are] like the troubled sea, when it cannot rest, whose waters cast up mire and dirt.

Isaiah 57:21

[There is] no peace, saith my God, to the wicked.

Jeremiah 5:31

The prophets prophesy falsely, and the priests bear rule by their means; and my people love [to have it] so: and what will ye do in the end thereof?