Ezekiel 13:6

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

They have seen {H2372} vanity {H7723} and lying {H3577} divination {H7081}, saying {H559}, The LORD {H3068} saith {H5002}: and the LORD {H3068} hath not sent {H7971} them: and they have made others to hope {H3176} that they would confirm {H6965} the word {H1697}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Their visions are futile and their divination is false; they say, 'ADONAI says,' when ADONAI has not sent them; yet they hope that the word will be confirmed.

Berean Standard Bible

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.

American Standard Version

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.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezekiel 13:6 delivers a severe indictment against the false prophets in Judah, exposing their deceptive practices and the profound spiritual harm they inflicted upon the people. These individuals claimed divine inspiration, asserting that their visions and pronouncements originated from the LORD, when in reality, their messages were nothing more than empty fabrications and fraudulent divinations. By speaking presumptuously in God's name without His commission, they fostered a dangerous, false hope among the populace, leading them away from genuine repentance and the truth of God's impending judgment.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Ezekiel 13:6 is situated within a scathing denunciation of false prophets and prophetesses in Judah, forming a crucial part of Ezekiel's broader prophetic ministry. The chapter opens with God's direct address to Ezekiel, instructing him to prophesy against these deceivers (Ezekiel 13:1-2). The preceding verses (Ezekiel 13:3-5) establish the general charge, likening the false prophets to "foxes in the deserts" who fail to "build up the wall" of Israel, a metaphor for their inability to provide true spiritual defense or guidance in a time of national crisis. Ezekiel 13:6 then sharpens this accusation by detailing the specific nature of their deceit—their claims of divine visions and pronouncements are exposed as "vanity and lying divination." This verse sets the stage for God's explicit judgment against them in the subsequent verses (Ezekiel 13:7-16), where the consequences of their falsehood are meticulously outlined, emphasizing the distinction between genuine divine revelation and human invention.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** During the tumultuous period of the late Judean monarchy and the early stages of the Babylonian exile (6th century BCE), prophecy was a central feature of Israelite society. True prophets, such as Jeremiah and Ezekiel, delivered God's challenging messages of judgment and a call to repentance. However, the period was also plagued by a proliferation of false prophets who offered more comforting, yet ultimately deceptive, messages of peace and prosperity. This was particularly appealing to a people facing national catastrophe, as they desperately sought reassurance and a quick end to their suffering. Culturally, the practice of "divination" (Hebrew: *qeçem*) was associated with pagan practices and was strictly forbidden in Israel under the Mosaic Law (cf. [Deuteronomy 18:10-12](/deuteronomy/18-10-12 "Deuteronomy 18:10-12 - Abominable Practices")). The false prophets' use of such methods, even while claiming to speak for Yahweh, underscored their profound spiritual corruption and syncretism. Their messages often resonated with the people's desires, making it exceedingly difficult for the common person to discern between divine truth and human fabrication, especially when the true prophetic word was often grim and unpopular.
* **Key Themes:** Ezekiel 13:6 directly contributes to several major themes woven throughout the book of Ezekiel and the broader prophetic literature. A primary theme is **Spiritual Deception and the Peril of False Prophecy**. The verse unequivocally condemns those who "have seen vanity and lying divination," emphasizing that their messages are empty, worthless, and rooted in falsehood, not divine truth. This highlights the constant biblical call for discernment against those who would lead God's people astray, a theme echoed profoundly in [Jeremiah 23](/jeremiah/23 "Jeremiah 23 - Denunciation of False Prophets") and later by Christ in [Matthew 7:15-20](/matthew/7-15-20 "Matthew 7:15-20 - False Prophets"). Another crucial theme is the **Usurpation of Divine Authority**. The phrase "saying, The LORD saith: and the LORD hath not sent them" reveals the ultimate offense: presumptuously claiming God's name and authority without His commission. This is a direct violation of God's holiness and truth, a theme central to the covenant relationship and explicitly forbidden by the Third Commandment in [Exodus 20:7](/exodus/20-7 "Exodus 20:7 - The Third Commandment"). Finally, the verse underscores the theme of **False Hope and Misguidance**. By "making [others] to hope that they would confirm the word," these deceivers exploited the people's yearning for peace, offering false assurances that prevented genuine repentance and adherence to God's true word. This contrasts sharply with the true, covenantal hope God offers, even amidst judgment, as seen in [Jeremiah 29:11](/jeremiah/29-11 "Jeremiah 29:11 - God's Plans for Hope and a Future").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Vanity (Hebrew, _shâvᵉʼ'_):** From H7723, this term denotes emptiness, worthlessness, ruin, and deceit. It is the same word used in the Ten Commandments for taking God's name "in vain" ([Exodus 20:7](/exodus/20-7 "Exodus 20:7 - The Third Commandment")), implying a profound disrespect and a claim to something that is ultimately unsubstantial and false. Here, it describes the nature of the false prophets' visions—they are devoid of truth and substance, leading to destruction and disappointment.
* **Lying (Hebrew, _kâzâb'_):** From H3577, this word signifies falsehood, deceit, and untruth. When combined with "divination," it emphasizes that the prophecies are not merely mistaken but intentionally deceptive, originating from a source other than divine truth. It highlights the deliberate, fraudulent nature of their deception, contrasting sharply with the truthfulness of God.
* **Sent (Hebrew, _shâlach'_):** From H7971, this primitive root means "to send away, for, or out." In the context of prophecy, it signifies divine commissioning and authorization. The explicit statement "and the LORD hath not sent them" is the core of the indictment, revealing that these prophets lacked any legitimate divine mandate, rendering their claims utterly illegitimate.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"They have seen vanity and lying divination,":** This clause immediately identifies the source and nature of the false prophets' pronouncements. Their "visions" (implied by "seen," from *châzâh*) are not from God but are empty (*shâvᵉʼ*) and inherently deceitful (*kâzâb*). The term "divination" (*qeçem*) further condemns their practices as forbidden and originating from human or demonic sources, not divine revelation.
* **"saying, The LORD saith:":** This is the gravest part of their offense. They audaciously claim the authority of *Yᵉhôvâh* (H3068), the sacred, covenant God of Israel, by prefacing their false messages with the sacred formula "Thus says the LORD" (*nᵉʼum Yᵉhôvâh*). This act is a direct blasphemy and a profound betrayal of trust, as they mimic true prophecy to lend credibility to their lies.
* **"and the LORD hath not sent them:":** This pivotal declaration by God through Ezekiel directly refutes the false prophets' claims. It is a divine, authoritative denial of their commission. Despite their assertions, God explicitly states that He has no part in their ministry; they are self-appointed, not divinely appointed. This exposes their fundamental illegitimacy and the severity of their deception.
* **"and they have made [others] to hope that they would confirm the word.":** This final clause reveals the devastating consequence of their deception. By presenting their false prophecies as divine truth, they instilled a baseless "hope" (*yâchal*) in the people. This hope was tied to the expectation that their fabricated "word" (*dâbâr*) would be "confirmed" (*qûwm*), meaning it would come to pass, thereby validating their authority and providing false reassurance instead of leading the people to repentance and true faith.

#### Literary Devices
Ezekiel 13:6 employs several powerful literary devices to underscore its message. **Juxtaposition** is central, sharply contrasting the false prophets' audacious claims ("The LORD saith") with the divine reality ("and the LORD hath not sent them"). This immediate and direct contradiction highlights the audacity of their deception and the clarity of God's judgment. **Irony** is also present, as those who claim to "see" visions are depicted as seeing only "vanity," emphasizing the emptiness and worthlessness of their supposed insights. The phrase "lying divination" is a form of **Pleonasm** or **Redundancy for Emphasis**, as divination itself was often associated with falsehood and forbidden practices in Israelite thought; adding "lying" intensifies the condemnation, leaving no doubt about the fraudulent nature of their practices. Furthermore, the verse uses **Direct Address** from God ("the LORD hath not sent them"), lending ultimate authority to the refutation of the false prophets' claims and demonstrating God's active involvement in exposing their deceit.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezekiel 13:6 powerfully articulates the biblical concern with spiritual authenticity and the severe consequences of misrepresenting God. It underscores God's absolute truthfulness and His intolerance for those who would speak falsely in His name, thereby leading His people astray. Theologically, it affirms God's sovereignty over revelation, emphasizing that true prophecy originates solely from Him and is always consistent with His character and prior word. The false prophets' actions are not merely errors but a profound ethical and theological transgression, undermining the very foundation of trust between God and His people. This passage serves as a timeless warning against any message, however comforting, that deviates from divine truth, reminding believers of the critical need for discernment and adherence to God's revealed will.

* [Deuteronomy 18:20-22](/deuteronomy/18-20-22 "Deuteronomy 18:20-22 - The Test of a Prophet")
* [Jeremiah 14:14](/jeremiah/14-14 "Jeremiah 14:14 - False Visions and Divinations")
* [2 Peter 2:1-3](/2_peter/2-1-3 "2 Peter 2:1-3 - False Teachers Among You")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ezekiel 13:6 serves as a timeless and urgent warning for believers in every generation. In a world saturated with information and diverse spiritual claims, the call to discernment is paramount. We are challenged to critically evaluate all teachings and prophecies, not by their emotional appeal or popularity, but by their unwavering alignment with the revealed Word of God. This verse reminds us that true spiritual authority comes only from God's commission, not from human ambition or self-proclaimed insight. It compels us to be wary of messages that offer superficial comfort or false hope, especially when such messages contradict biblical truth or encourage complacency in sin. Our hope must be anchored in the unfailing character and promises of the true God, not in the fleeting assurances of human invention. We are called to cultivate a deep familiarity with Scripture, allowing it to be the plumb line against which all spiritual claims are measured, ensuring that we are not led astray by "vanity and lying divination" but are built up by God's authentic and life-giving word.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does this passage challenge me to discern between true and false spiritual messages in my own life and in the broader Christian community?**
* **What are some contemporary forms of "vanity and lying divination" that might lead people to false hope instead of genuine repentance and faith in God?**
* **In what ways might I, or my community, be tempted to seek comforting words that contradict God's truth, rather than embracing difficult truths that lead to growth?**
* **How does a deep understanding of God's character, as revealed in Scripture, equip me to identify those whom "the LORD hath not sent"?**

### FAQ

**What is meant by "vanity and lying divination" in this context?**

Answer: "Vanity" (Hebrew: *shâvᵉʼ*) refers to something empty, worthless, or deceitful. It implies that the visions and messages of these false prophets had no substance, truth, or divine origin; they were mere illusions or fabrications. "Lying divination" (Hebrew: *qeçem kâzâb*) emphasizes that these pronouncements were not only false but also derived from forbidden practices of divination, which were strictly condemned by God (e.g., [Deuteronomy 18:10-12](/deuteronomy/18-10-12 "Deuteronomy 18:10-12 - Abominable Practices")). It means their prophecies were fraudulent, rooted in human imagination or demonic influence, rather than being genuine revelations from the LORD.

**Why was false prophecy so dangerous in ancient Israel?**

Answer: False prophecy was incredibly dangerous because it directly undermined God's authority and led His people astray. By claiming to speak in God's name ("The LORD saith") when God had not sent them, these prophets usurped divine authority and diluted the true prophetic word. They offered false hope and comfort, telling the people what they wanted to hear (e.g., peace instead of judgment), which prevented them from repenting and turning back to God. This spiritual deception had severe consequences, as it fostered complacency, encouraged continued sin, and ultimately exposed the people to God's righteous judgment without adequate warning or preparation. It blurred the lines between truth and falsehood, making discernment difficult and jeopardizing the nation's spiritual well-being.

**How can we identify false prophets or deceptive teachings today, based on the principles in Ezekiel 13:6?**

Answer: The principles in Ezekiel 13:6 provide timeless guidance for identifying false teachings. First, **examine the source and substance:** Do the messages align with the established Word of God (Scripture)? If they are "vanity" or "lying divination"—empty, contradictory to biblical truth, or derived from non-biblical sources—they are false. Second, **check their claims of authority:** Do they claim to speak for God but contradict His character or revealed will? As Ezekiel 13:6 states, "the LORD hath not sent them" if their message is not from Him. Third, **observe the fruit of their ministry:** Do their teachings lead people to genuine repentance, holiness, and a deeper relationship with the true God, or do they foster false hope, complacency in sin, or self-centeredness? Jesus warned, "You will recognize them by their fruits" ([Matthew 7:16](/matthew/7-16 "Matthew 7:16 - You Will Recognize Them by Their Fruits")). True spiritual messages will always point to Christ and align with the entirety of God's revelation.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ezekiel 13:6, with its stark condemnation of false prophets, finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and ministry of Jesus. He is the **true Prophet** par excellence, the one whom the Father truly "sent" (cf. [John 3:17](/john/3-17 "John 3:17 - God Sent His Son into the World"), [John 5:36](/john/5-36 "John 5:36 - The Works the Father Has Given Me to Accomplish")). Unlike the false prophets who spoke "vanity and lying divination" from their own imaginations, Jesus is the very **Word of God incarnate** ([John 1:1](/john/1-1 "John 1:1 - The Word Was with God"), [John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh")), whose every utterance is truth and life ([John 6:68](/john/6-68 "John 6:68 - Words of Eternal Life")). He did not make people hope in a false word, but offered genuine, eternal hope grounded in His own sacrificial work and resurrection ([Romans 5:5](/romans/5-5 "Romans 5:5 - Hope Does Not Put Us to Shame")). Jesus Himself warned against false prophets and teachers who would come "in sheep's clothing" but inwardly are "ravenous wolves" ([Matthew 7:15](/matthew/7-15 "Matthew 7:15 - Beware of False Prophets")), demonstrating that the discernment called for in Ezekiel's day remains critical. The Holy Spirit, whom Christ sends, is the **Spirit of Truth** ([John 16:13](/john/16-13 "John 16:13 - The Spirit of Truth Guides into All Truth")), guiding believers into all truth and enabling them to discern between true and false teachings, ensuring that God's people are no longer swayed by those whom the LORD has not sent. In Christ, all true prophecy finds its culmination and confirmation, and through Him, we receive the authentic and life-giving word 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 29:8

¶ For thus saith the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel; Let not your prophets and your diviners, that [be] in the midst of you, deceive you, neither hearken to your dreams which ye cause to be dreamed.

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.

Jeremiah 28:15

Then said the prophet Jeremiah unto Hananiah the prophet, Hear now, Hananiah; The LORD hath not sent thee; but thou makest this people to trust in a lie.

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 21:29

Whiles they see vanity unto thee, whiles they divine a lie unto thee, to bring thee upon the necks of [them that are] slain, of the wicked, whose day is come, when their iniquity [shall have] an end.

Jeremiah 14:14

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.

Zechariah 10:2

For the idols have spoken vanity, and the diviners have seen a lie, and have told false dreams; they comfort in vain: therefore they went their way as a flock, they were troubled, because [there was] no shepherd.