Ezekiel 13:2

KJV

Son of man, prophesy against the prophets of Israel that prophesy, and say thou unto them that prophesy out of their own hearts, Hear ye the word of the LORD;

KJV (with Strong's)

Son {H1121} of man {H120}, prophesy {H5012} against the prophets {H5030} of Israel {H3478} that prophesy {H5012}, and say {H559} thou unto them that prophesy {H5030} out of their own hearts {H3820}, Hear {H8085} ye the word {H1697} of the LORD {H3068};

Complete Jewish Bible

"Human being, prophesy against the prophets of Isra'el who prophesy. Tell those prophesying out of their own thoughts, 'Listen to what ADONAI says!

Berean Standard Bible

“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!

American Standard Version

Son of man, prophesy against the prophets of Israel that prophesy, and say thou unto them that prophesy out of their own heart, Hear ye the word of Jehovah:

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezekiel 13:2 initiates a powerful divine indictment against the false prophets operating within Israel during the Babylonian exile. The prophet Ezekiel, addressed as "Son of man," is commanded by the LORD to confront these individuals who claim to speak for God but whose messages originate from their own deceitful imaginations and desires rather than from divine revelation. This verse sets the stage for a crucial distinction between authentic prophecy, which flows from God's authoritative word, and counterfeit prophecy, which serves only human agendas, urging the people to heed God's true message.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Ezekiel 13:2 marks the beginning of a sustained and severe denunciation of false prophets and prophetesses that extends through the entire chapter. This passage immediately follows Ezekiel's vision of the glory of the LORD departing from the temple in [Ezekiel 10](/ezekiel/10 "Ezekiel 10 - The Glory of the LORD Departs"), underscoring the spiritual bankruptcy and impending judgment upon Jerusalem. The false prophets, by offering deceptive assurances of peace and a swift return from exile, directly contradicted the grim reality of God's judgment that Ezekiel was commissioned to proclaim. Their messages created a dangerous spiritual delusion among the exiles, hindering repentance and genuine spiritual preparation for the long period of divine discipline. The phrase "prophesy against the prophets of Israel that prophesy" highlights a pervasive problem within the community, indicating that these false voices were numerous and influential.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The setting for Ezekiel's prophecy is the Babylonian exile, specifically among the Jewish community deported to Tel Abib by the Kebar River (cf. [Ezekiel 1:1-3](/ezekiel/1-1 "Ezekiel 1:1-3 - Ezekiel's Call and Setting")). This was a period of immense national trauma and spiritual disorientation. The people, stripped of their land, temple, and king, were desperate for hope and answers. In this vacuum, false prophets thrived, preying on the people's longing for immediate restoration. They often mimicked the true prophets in their outward expressions but lacked divine authority. Culturally, prophets played a vital role in ancient Israel as God's spokespersons, making the distinction between true and false prophecy a matter of national survival and spiritual integrity. The false prophets' messages of "peace, peace" (cf. [Jeremiah 6:14](/jeremiah/6-14 "Jeremiah 6:14 - False Prophets and Shallow Healing")) directly undermined the call to repentance and submission to God's judgment that true prophets like Ezekiel and Jeremiah delivered.
* **Key Themes:** This verse introduces several pivotal themes central to the book of Ezekiel and biblical prophecy. The primary theme is the **Authenticity and Authority of Prophecy**, emphasizing that true prophecy originates solely from God, contrasting sharply with human-generated messages. This leads to the theme of **Divine Discernment**, where the people are called to distinguish between God's authoritative word and human fabrications, a critical skill for spiritual survival (cf. [Deuteronomy 18:20-22](/deuteronomy/18-20 "Deuteronomy 18:20-22 - Distinguishing True and False Prophets")). Another significant theme is the **Consequences of False Leadership**, as the false prophets' deceptive messages led the people astray, offering false hope instead of the necessary call to repentance and submission to God's will. Their self-serving pronouncements ultimately contributed to the spiritual decay and continued rebellion of Israel, exacerbating their plight during the exile.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Son of man (Hebrew, _bên ʼâdâm'_):** This is a compound phrase combining H1121 (_bên_), meaning "son" (as a builder of the family name, in the widest sense, including relationship, quality, or condition), and H120 (_ʼâdâm_), meaning "human being" or "mankind." In Ezekiel, "Son of man" is God's primary address to the prophet, occurring over ninety times. It emphasizes Ezekiel's humanity and mortality, setting him apart from the divine source of his message, yet also highlighting his representative role as a human messenger to a human audience. It underscores the vast chasm between the divine speaker (the LORD) and the human recipient (Ezekiel), and by extension, between God's word and human words.
* **hearts (Hebrew, _lêb'_):** This word (H3820) refers to the "heart," often used figuratively and very widely for the feelings, the will, and even the intellect; likewise for the center of anything. When the false prophets "prophesy out of their own hearts," it signifies that their messages originate from their internal desires, imaginations, self-interest, or emotional impulses, rather than from divine inspiration or revelation. It points to a fundamental self-generation of their message, contrasting sharply with the true prophet who speaks only what God has put in their mouth (cf. [Jeremiah 23:16](/jeremiah/23-16 "Jeremiah 23:16 - Jeremiah's Warning Against False Prophets")).
* **word of the LORD (Hebrew, _dâbâr Yᵉhôvâh'_):** This phrase combines H1697 (_dâbâr_), meaning "a word," "matter," or "thing" (by implication, a cause or act), and H3068 (_Yᵉhôvâh_), the Jewish national name of God, referring to the "self-Existent or Eternal One." The "word of the LORD" represents God's authoritative, revealed message, which is the ultimate standard for truth and the source of all genuine prophecy. The command "Hear ye the word of the LORD" serves as a direct challenge to the false prophets and an urgent call to the people to prioritize God's authentic message over human fabrications.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Son of man, prophesy against the prophets of Israel that prophesy":** This opening command establishes Ezekiel's divine commission and the specific target of his prophetic message. "Son of man" emphasizes Ezekiel's human nature as God's chosen messenger. The repetition of "prophesy" and "prophets" immediately frames the issue as a direct confrontation with those who claim the prophetic office but have usurped its authority. It signals a divine judgment against a widespread problem within the community of exiles.
* **"and say thou unto them that prophesy out of their own hearts":** This clause reveals the core accusation against these false prophets. Their messages do not originate from God but from their internal, self-generated sources—their desires, imaginations, or personal agendas. This highlights the fundamental difference between true prophecy (divinely inspired) and false prophecy (humanly contrived), emphasizing the deceitful and self-serving nature of their pronouncements.
* **"Hear ye the word of the LORD;":** This concluding imperative is a powerful call to discernment and obedience. It serves as a stark contrast to the messages of the false prophets. The command is directed not only at the false prophets themselves, challenging them to listen to the true source of authority, but also implicitly at the people, urging them to distinguish between genuine divine revelation and human fabrication. It underscores that God's authoritative word is the ultimate standard against which all prophetic claims must be measured.

#### Literary Devices
Ezekiel 13:2 employs several potent literary devices to convey its message. The direct address, **Apostrophe**, is evident in "Son of man," which immediately establishes the divine speaker and the human recipient, underscoring the gravity of the message. There is a strong use of **Contrast** throughout the verse, setting the "word of the LORD" against those who "prophesy out of their own hearts," thereby highlighting the fundamental difference between divine truth and human deception. The **Repetition** of the root "prophesy" (Hebrew _nâbâʼ_) and "prophets" (Hebrew _nâbîyʼ_) emphasizes the pervasive nature of the problem and the specific target of God's judgment. Furthermore, the verse uses **Imperative Mood** ("prophesy," "say," "Hear ye"), conveying the urgency and authority of God's command. This direct, commanding language leaves no ambiguity about the divine will and the seriousness of the false prophets' transgression.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezekiel 13:2 serves as a timeless warning against spiritual deception and underscores the paramount importance of divine authority in all matters of faith. It establishes a fundamental theological principle: true spiritual guidance flows solely from the revealed "word of the LORD," not from human intellect, emotion, or self-interest. This distinction is crucial for the health and integrity of God's people, as false prophecy, while often comforting in the short term, ultimately leads to spiritual ruin and a misapprehension of God's true character and purposes. The passage calls believers to cultivate a posture of discernment, continually testing all claims of truth against the established revelation of God.

* [Deuteronomy 18:20-22](/deuteronomy/18-20 "Deuteronomy 18:20-22 - Distinguishing True and False Prophets")
* [Jeremiah 23:16](/jeremiah/23-16 "Jeremiah 23:16 - Jeremiah's Warning Against False Prophets")
* [1 John 4:1](/1_john/4-1 "1 John 4:1 - Test the Spirits")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ezekiel 13:2 holds profound and enduring relevance for believers today, serving as a vital call to spiritual vigilance and discernment in an age saturated with diverse voices claiming spiritual authority. The warning against those who "prophesy out of their own hearts" reminds us that genuine spiritual truth is not born from human ingenuity, emotional fervor, or popular opinion, but from the authoritative, unchanging Word of God. We are challenged to critically evaluate all teachings, messages, and spiritual claims, ensuring they align perfectly with the revealed Scriptures. This requires a deep commitment to studying God's Word, allowing it to be the ultimate plumb line for our faith and practice. For those in positions of spiritual leadership, this verse is a sobering reminder of the immense responsibility to speak only what is consistent with God's truth, resisting the temptation to cater to popular sentiment or personal ambition. Our ultimate loyalty must be to "the word of the LORD," ensuring that our messages build up, correct, and guide God's people according to His perfect will, rather than leading them astray with comforting but ultimately deceptive words.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How do I actively discern between messages that originate from "the word of the LORD" and those that might come "out of their own hearts" in my daily life?**
* **What disciplines can I cultivate to deepen my understanding and reliance on God's authoritative Word?**
* **In what ways might I, or those I listen to, be tempted to speak or act from personal desires or opinions rather than from divine truth?**
* **How can I lovingly but firmly challenge false teachings or deceptive messages within my sphere of influence, always pointing back to the "word of the LORD"?**

### FAQ
**What is the significance of God addressing Ezekiel as "Son of man"?**

Answer: The address "Son of man" (Hebrew: _ben-adam_) is used over 90 times in the book of Ezekiel. It serves primarily to emphasize Ezekiel's humanity and mortality, distinguishing him sharply from the divine speaker, the LORD. This designation underscores his role as a human representative speaking on behalf of God to a rebellious human audience. It highlights the immense gap between the divine and the human, yet also God's condescension in choosing a mortal to deliver His weighty messages of judgment and hope. It also foreshadows the ultimate "Son of Man" in the New Testament, Jesus Christ, who perfectly embodies both humanity and divinity (cf. [Daniel 7:13](/daniel/7-13 "Daniel 7:13 - The Son of Man Coming with the Clouds")).

**How can we identify false prophecy or teaching today, based on this verse?**

Answer: Ezekiel 13:2 provides a crucial criterion: false prophecy originates "out of their own hearts," meaning from human imagination, desires, or self-interest, rather than from divine revelation. To identify false teaching today, we must compare all messages against the established "word of the LORD" found in the Bible. If a teaching contradicts Scripture, promotes self-serving agendas, offers false comfort without a call to repentance, or appeals primarily to emotions or personal gain rather than biblical truth, it likely stems from a human heart, not God. The ultimate test is fidelity to God's revealed Word (cf. [Acts 17:11](/acts/17-11 "Acts 17:11 - The Bereans' Diligence")).

**Why is it so dangerous to "prophesy out of their own hearts"?**

Answer: Prophesying out of one's own heart is dangerous because it substitutes human opinion and desire for divine truth, leading people astray from God's actual will and purposes. It creates a false sense of security or a distorted view of reality, preventing genuine repentance and spiritual growth. Such messages often cater to what people want to hear rather than what they need to hear, ultimately undermining faith in the true God and His authoritative word. This deception can have eternal consequences, as it misleads individuals away from the path of righteousness and into spiritual delusion (cf. [2 Timothy 4:3-4](/2_timothy/4-3 "2 Timothy 4:3-4 - People Will Seek Teachers Who Tickle Their Ears")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ezekiel 13:2, with its stark contrast between false prophecy originating from human hearts and the authoritative "word of the LORD," finds its ultimate fulfillment and resolution in Jesus Christ. He is the quintessential Prophet, the very embodiment of the "word of the LORD" made flesh (cf. [John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh")). Unlike the false prophets who spoke from their own hearts, Jesus consistently declared, "I do nothing on my own authority, but speak just as the Father taught me" (cf. [John 8:28](/john/8-28 "John 8:28 - Jesus Speaks What the Father Taught")). He is the truth (cf. [John 14:6](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Life")), and His words are spirit and life (cf. [John 6:63](/john/6-63 "John 6:63 - Jesus' Words Give Life")). The call to "Hear ye the word of the LORD" culminates in the New Testament's exhortation to "listen to him!" (cf. [Matthew 17:5](/matthew/17-5 "Matthew 17:5 - The Transfiguration and God's Voice")). In Christ, God's definitive and final word has been spoken (cf. [Hebrews 1:1-2](/hebrews/1-1 "Hebrews 1:1-2 - God Has Spoken Through His Son")), rendering all human-generated "prophecy" that contradicts Him null and void. He is the ultimate standard by which all truth claims, past and present, must be measured, offering true hope and salvation rather than the deceptive promises of human invention.

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

Ezekiel 13:17

¶ Likewise, thou son of man, set thy face against the daughters of thy people, which prophesy out of their own heart; and prophesy thou against them,

Jeremiah 37:19

Where [are] now your prophets which prophesied unto you, saying, The king of Babylon shall not come against you, nor against this land?

Ezekiel 22:28

And her prophets have daubed them with untempered [morter], seeing vanity, and divining lies unto them, saying, Thus saith the Lord GOD, when the LORD hath not spoken.

Isaiah 1:10

¶ Hear the word of the LORD, ye rulers of Sodom; give ear unto the law of our God, ye people of Gomorrah.

Ezekiel 22:25

[There is] a conspiracy of her prophets in the midst thereof, like a roaring lion ravening the prey; they have devoured souls; they have taken the treasure and precious things; they have made her many widows in the midst thereof.

Isaiah 9:15

The ancient and honourable, he [is] the head; and the prophet that teacheth lies, he [is] the tail.

Jeremiah 29:20

Hear ye therefore the word of the LORD, all ye of the captivity, whom I have sent from Jerusalem to Babylon: