Ezekiel 13:6

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.

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}.

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.

They see false visions and speak lying divinations. They claim, โ€˜Thus declares the LORD,โ€™ when the LORD did not send them; yet they wait for the fulfillment of their message.

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

Ezekiel 13:6 delivers a stern indictment against the false prophets of Israel during a critical period in their history, emphasizing their deceptive practices and the damaging impact on the people.

Context

This verse is part of a broader denunciation in Ezekiel chapter 13 against the false prophets and prophetesses who were active in Judah during the time leading up to and during the Babylonian exile. While Ezekiel delivered God's true, often harsh, message of judgment and future restoration, these false prophets offered comforting but ultimately deceitful words of peace and security. Their messages often contradicted God's revealed will, creating a dangerous spiritual climate where people were led astray by false hopes rather than facing the truth of their sin and impending judgment.

Key Themes

  • Spiritual Deception: The verse directly condemns those who "have seen vanity and lying divination." This refers to prophecies that originate from their own imaginations or demonic influence, not from God. The word "vanity" (Hebrew: shav) implies emptiness, worthlessness, and deceit, highlighting the utter lack of substance in their supposed visions.
  • Usurpation of Divine Authority: The phrase "saying, The LORD saith: and the LORD hath not sent them" is a grave accusation. These false prophets presumptuously claimed divine inspiration, speaking in God's name without His commission. This was a direct violation of God's holiness and truth, mimicking genuine prophecy for personal gain or popularity. This act of speaking falsely in God's name is strongly condemned throughout Scripture, as seen in Deuteronomy 18:20.
  • False Hope and Misguidance: By "making [others] to hope that they would confirm the word," these deceivers exploited the people's desire for positive news and an end to their troubles. They offered false assurances of peace and prosperity, leading the people to trust in lies rather than turning to God in genuine repentance. This contrasts sharply with the true hope God offers, which is grounded in His faithfulness and covenant, even in times of discipline, as expressed in Jeremiah 29:11.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew term for "vanity" is shav (ืฉึธืื•ึฐื), which can mean emptiness, worthlessness, or deceit. It's the same word used in the Ten Commandments for taking God's name "in vain." "Lying divination" translates qesem kazav (ืงึถืกึถื ื›ึธึผื–ึธื‘), emphasizing the fraudulent and unauthorized nature of their prophetic claims, rooted in human invention rather than divine revelation.

Practical Application

Ezekiel 13:6 serves as a timeless warning against spiritual deception. In every era, there is a need for discernment to distinguish true spiritual messages from false ones. Believers are called to test all things and hold fast to what is good, ensuring that teachings align with the established Word of God. We must be wary of those who offer comforting words that contradict biblical truth or encourage complacency in sin. The ultimate test of any spiritual claim is whether it aligns with God's revealed character and truth found in His Scriptures, and whether it leads people to genuine repentance and faith in Him, rather than false hope.

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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated โ€” the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Jeremiah 29:8

    ยถ 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.