Ezekiel 13:7

KJV

Have ye not seen a vain vision, and have ye not spoken a lying divination, whereas ye say, The LORD saith [it]; albeit I have not spoken?

KJV (with Strong's)

Have ye not seen {H2372} a vain {H7723} vision {H4236}, and have ye not spoken {H1696} a lying {H3577} divination {H4738}, whereas ye say {H559}, The LORD {H3068} saith {H5002} it; albeit I have not spoken {H559}?

Complete Jewish Bible

Haven't you had a futile vision and spoken a false divination when you say, 'ADONAI says,' and I have not spoken?

Berean Standard Bible

Haven’t you seen a false vision and spoken a lying divination when you proclaim, ‘Thus declares the LORD,’ even though I have not spoken?

American Standard Version

Have ye not seen a false vision, and have ye not spoken a lying divination, in that ye say, Jehovah saith; albeit I have not spoken?

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezekiel 13:7 delivers a scathing divine indictment against the false prophets in Israel, unequivocally exposing their pronouncements as self-generated deceptions rather than genuine divine revelations. This verse powerfully condemns their "vain visions" and "lying divinations," highlighting the profound audacity of their claim to speak for the LORD when, in fact, God explicitly declares He has not uttered a single word through them. It underscores the immense gravity of misrepresenting divine authority and the spiritual peril of falsehood, which offers deceptive comfort and diverts God's people from the path of repentance, truth, and obedience.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Ezekiel 13 is a focused prophetic oracle delivered by the LORD through Ezekiel, specifically targeting the false prophets and prophetesses who were dangerously misleading the people of Israel during a critical period of national judgment and exile. This chapter immediately follows prophecies against Jerusalem's pervasive idolatry and precedes further condemnations of the nation's deep spiritual corruption. The broader book of Ezekiel is characterized by its vivid imagery, pronouncements of divine judgment, and eventual promise of restoration, consistently emphasizing God's absolute sovereignty and the accountability of His people. Within this chapter, Ezekiel 13:7 follows the LORD's direct confrontation of these false prophets, describing their pronouncements as "folly" and "empty visions" (e.g., as stated in [Ezekiel 13:3](/ezekiel/13-3 "Ezekiel 13:3 - Against Foolish Prophets")). The subsequent verses continue to expose their deceit, vividly likening them to those who "build a wall and daub it with untempered mortar" ([Ezekiel 13:10](/ezekiel/13-10 "Ezekiel 13:10 - The Untempered Mortar")), a powerful metaphor signifying their attempts to provide a superficial and ultimately fragile sense of security that will inevitably collapse under the weight of divine judgment.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The prophecies in Ezekiel were delivered to the Jewish exiles in Babylon and those remaining in Jerusalem during the tumultuous early 6th century BCE, a period marked by the Babylonian captivity. This was a time of immense national trauma, spiritual confusion, and desperate longing for restoration. In this climate, false prophets emerged, both among the exiles and in Jerusalem, offering popular messages of peace, quick return from exile, and an immediate end to suffering. These pronouncements directly contradicted the inconvenient but true messages proclaimed by God's authentic messengers like Ezekiel and Jeremiah, as seen in the confrontation between Jeremiah and Hananiah in [Jeremiah 28](/jeremiah/28 "Jeremiah 28 - Jeremiah vs. Hananiah"). The people, eager for comfort and reassurance in their distress, often preferred these pleasant lies to the harsh reality of God's impending judgment and prolonged discipline. Divination, in various forms, was a common practice in the ancient Near East, often involving illicit means of seeking knowledge from deities or spirits. True prophecy, in stark contrast, was understood as a direct, unmediated word from Yahweh, distinct from and superior to pagan divination. Ezekiel 13:7 powerfully highlights the cultural tension between genuine divine revelation and humanly fabricated or demonically inspired pronouncements.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within Ezekiel and the broader prophetic literature. Foremost is the theme of **false prophecy** versus **true prophecy**, emphasizing the critical distinction between God's authoritative word and human invention. It underscores the grave sin of **usurpation of divine authority**, as the false prophets dare to claim "The LORD saith it" when God explicitly denies speaking. This highlights the theme of **divine sovereignty** and the exclusive right of Yahweh to reveal His will. The verse also implicitly addresses the theme of **discernment**, challenging the people to distinguish between comforting lies and uncomfortable truths, a crucial aspect of spiritual maturity and survival during times of crisis. Finally, it profoundly touches upon the **consequences of deception**, both for the deceivers and the deceived, as false hope ultimately leads to greater disillusionment and judgment, a concept echoed in passages like [Jeremiah 14:14](/jeremiah/14-14 "Jeremiah 14:14 - False Prophets and Deception").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Vain (Hebrew, _shâv'_):** From H7723, this word denotes emptiness, falsehood, worthlessness, and futility. When applied to "vision," it emphasizes that the visions of these false prophets are not merely incorrect or mistaken, but utterly devoid of substance, truth, or divine inspiration. They are empty, hollow, and ultimately lead to ruin, reflecting a destructive and deceptive nature that promises something but delivers nothing of value.
* **Lying (Hebrew, _kâzâb'_):** From H3577, this term directly signifies falsehood, untruth, and deceit. Coupled with "divination," it unequivocally labels the pronouncements as deliberate fabrications, not just errors of judgment. It highlights the intentionality of the deception, indicating that these prophets were not merely self-deluded but actively propagating untruths. This word carries a strong moral condemnation of their deceitful practices, emphasizing their active participation in spreading untruth.
* **Saith (Hebrew, _nᵉʼum'_):** From H5002, this word specifically refers to an "oracle" or a divine utterance, often used to introduce a direct word from God (e.g., "the oracle of the LORD"). The false prophets used this precise, sacred term to lend an air of divine authority to their fabrications, claiming their words were direct messages from Yahweh. The dramatic irony and immense severity of the verse lie in God's immediate and emphatic refutation, "albeit I have not spoken," directly contradicting their blasphemous misuse of this hallowed term.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Have ye not seen a vain vision":** This rhetorical question points to the corrupted source of the false prophets' messages—not from God, but from their own imaginations, desires, or even demonic influence. The term "vain" (Hebrew: *shâv'*) underscores that these purported visions are fundamentally flawed, lacking any divine substance or truth, and thus leading to deceptive pronouncements that are utterly worthless.
* **"and have ye not spoken a lying divination":** This clause condemns the actual pronouncements made by the false prophets. Their "divination" (Hebrew: *miqçâm*), a practice often associated with illicit or pagan means of seeking knowledge, is explicitly labeled as "lying" (Hebrew: *kâzâb'*), emphasizing its deceitful and illegitimate nature. Their words are not just mistaken but are intentionally false and designed to mislead God's people.
* **"whereas ye say, The LORD saith [it]; albeit I have not spoken?":** This is the most damning part of the indictment, revealing the core of their offense. The false prophets audaciously claim divine authority ("The LORD saith [it]," Hebrew: *nᵉʼum YHWH*) for their fabricated messages, directly usurping God's name and character. The LORD's immediate and emphatic denial ("albeit I have not spoken") highlights the immense gravity of their sin—a direct challenge to God's sovereignty and truthfulness, exposing their pronouncements as pure human invention, completely devoid of divine origin.

#### Literary Devices
Ezekiel 13:7 effectively employs several literary devices to convey its powerful message of condemnation. The verse begins with a **Rhetorical Question** ("Have ye not seen... and have ye not spoken...?"), which is not intended to elicit an answer but rather to make a forceful assertion and condemnation, implying that the guilt of the false prophets is self-evident and undeniable. This is followed by stark **Juxtaposition** in the latter half of the verse: "whereas ye say, The LORD saith [it]; albeit I have not spoken?" This direct contrast between the false prophets' audacious claim and God's emphatic denial creates a dramatic tension that powerfully underscores the severity of their deception and the absolute clarity of God's non-involvement. Furthermore, there is a strong element of **Irony** in the false prophets' use of the sacred phrase "The LORD saith" (Hebrew: *nᵉʼum YHWH*), which is typically reserved for genuine divine oracles, to legitimize their own falsehoods. The divine response then reveals the tragic irony of their self-proclaimed authority. The **Repetition** of the concept of falsehood through "vain vision" and "lying divination" reinforces the pervasive and intentional nature of their deceit, leaving no doubt about the character of their pronouncements.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezekiel 13:7 is a profound theological statement on the nature of divine truth, human falsehood, and the sacredness of God's name. It underscores that God is the sole source of true revelation, and any claim to speak on His behalf without His authorization is a grave offense. This verse highlights the danger of spiritual deception, not merely as an intellectual error but as a moral corruption that misleads God's people and undermines their trust in His authentic word. The audacity of claiming "The LORD saith it" when He has not spoken reveals a profound disrespect for divine authority and a willingness to exploit spiritual hunger for personal gain or popularity. The theological implication is clear: God is a God of truth, and His word is pure; any deviation or fabrication attributed to Him is an affront to His character and sovereignty, demanding a severe response.

* [Deuteronomy 18:20-22](/deuteronomy/18-20-22 "The Test of a Prophet")
* [Jeremiah 23:25-28](/jeremiah/23-25-28 "False Dreams vs. God's Word")
* [Matthew 7:15-20](/matthew/7-15-20 "False Prophets Known by Their Fruits")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ezekiel 13:7 remains strikingly relevant for believers today, serving as a timeless warning against spiritual deception in an age saturated with information and diverse voices claiming spiritual authority. It calls us to cultivate a profound sense of discernment, rigorously testing every message, teaching, or prophecy against the unchanging standard of God's revealed Word. We must be wary of those who offer comforting narratives that contradict biblical truth or who appeal to human desires for peace and prosperity without acknowledging the profound need for repentance and obedience. True spiritual guidance flows from a humble submission to God's will and a faithful proclamation of His truth, even when it is challenging or unpopular. For those who teach, preach, or lead in any spiritual capacity, this verse is a sobering reminder of the immense responsibility involved in handling God's Word. To misrepresent God's message or falsely claim His authority is a serious offense, not only against God but also against the people who are misled, potentially leading them astray from the path of life and into spiritual peril. Our ultimate allegiance must be to the truth of God, not to popular opinion, personal gain, or fleeting trends.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How do I discern between messages that truly come from God and those that are "vain visions" or "lying divinations" in today's complex spiritual landscape?**
* **Am I more inclined to seek out comforting messages, even if they lack biblical grounding, or to humbly embrace challenging truths from God's Word that call for transformation?**
* **In what ways might I, or those I follow, be tempted to speak or act "as if the LORD has spoken" when He has not, perhaps through presumption or misinterpretation?**
* **What steps can I consistently take to deepen my understanding of God's revealed Word and strengthen my spiritual discernment in an increasingly noisy world?**

### FAQ
**What is the "vain vision" and "lying divination" referring to?**

Answer: The "vain vision" refers to the supposed revelations or insights that the false prophets claimed to receive, which were actually empty, worthless, and utterly devoid of divine origin or truth. They were products of human imagination, self-deception, or perhaps even demonic influence, rather than genuine encounters with God. These visions were "vain" (Hebrew: *shâv'*) because they offered no real substance or divine guidance. The "lying divination" refers to the actual pronouncements or prophecies that these individuals spoke. The term "divination" (Hebrew: *miqçâm*) often implies illicit or pagan methods of seeking knowledge of the future, distinct from true prophecy which comes directly from Yahweh. Coupled with "lying" (Hebrew: *kâzâb'*), it emphasizes that these pronouncements were not merely mistaken but were deliberate falsehoods, intended to deceive and mislead the people by offering false hope or a distorted view of God's will.

**Why is it so serious for prophets to claim "The LORD saith it" when He hasn't spoken?**

Answer: This is considered an extremely grave sin because it directly usurps God's authority and character, bordering on blasphemy. When a prophet claims "The LORD saith it" (Hebrew: *nᵉʼum YHWH*), they are essentially putting words into the mouth of God, misrepresenting His will, and attributing falsehoods to the Holy One. This act undermines God's sovereignty, compromises His truthfulness, and leads His people astray into spiritual danger. It is a profound violation of the third commandment, treating God's name and reputation lightly. For the people, it creates spiritual confusion, preventing them from discerning God's true message and hindering their repentance or obedience. The consequences for such a false prophet, as outlined in [Deuteronomy 18:20](/deuteronomy/18-20 "Deuteronomy 18:20 - The Penalty for False Prophecy"), were severe, even death, because of the profound damage caused by such deception to the covenant community.

**How can we distinguish true prophecy from false prophecy today?**

Answer: While direct prophetic utterances may manifest differently today than in ancient Israel, the biblical principles of discernment from Ezekiel 13:7 and other passages remain vital. First and foremost, true prophecy and spiritual teaching will always align with the established, unchanging Word of God found in the Bible. Any message that contradicts biblical doctrine, God's character, or His commands should be rejected as false (e.g., [2 Timothy 3:16](/2_timothy/3-16 "2 Timothy 3:16 - All Scripture is God-breathed")). Second, consider the fruit of the prophet or teacher's life and ministry, as Jesus taught in [Matthew 7:15-20](/matthew/7-15-20 "Matthew 7:15-20 - False Prophets by Their Fruits"). Do they exhibit humility, godliness, and a desire for God's glory, or are they driven by personal gain, popularity, or self-exaltation? Third, true prophecy often brings conviction, calls to repentance, and builds up the body of Christ, even if it's challenging, whereas false prophecy often offers only comforting, self-serving messages without a call to holiness or accountability. Finally, pray for spiritual discernment and rely on the Holy Spirit to guide you into all truth ([John 16:13](/john/16-13 "John 16:13 - The Spirit of Truth")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ezekiel 13:7, with its stark condemnation of false prophets who speak what the LORD has not uttered, finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in Jesus as the quintessential and final Prophet, the very embodiment of God's truth. Unlike the "vain visions" and "lying divinations" of those condemned in Ezekiel, Jesus spoke only what He heard from the Father, declaring, "For I have not spoken of myself; but the Father which sent me, he gave me a commandment, what I should say, and what I should speak" ([John 12:49](/john/12-49 "John 12:49 - Jesus Speaks the Father's Words")). He is the Word made flesh ([John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh")), the perfect revelation of God, whose every word is truth and life, never a "vain vision" or "lying divination." Where false prophets offered deceptive peace and comfort, Jesus proclaimed the true peace that comes through reconciliation with God, often challenging comfortable assumptions and calling for radical repentance, even stating He came "not to bring peace, but a sword" ([Matthew 10:34](/matthew/10-34 "Matthew 10:34 - Jesus Brings Division")). He is the "faithful and true witness" ([Revelation 3:14](/revelation/3-14 "Revelation 3:14 - The Faithful and True Witness")), in stark contrast to those who spoke "lying divination." Through His life, death, and resurrection, Jesus fulfilled all true prophecy concerning the Messiah ([Luke 24:44](/luke/24-44 "Luke 24:44 - Fulfillment of Scripture")), silencing all other voices claiming to speak for God, for in Him, God has spoken His final and complete word to humanity ([Hebrews 1:1-2](/hebrews/1-1-2 "Hebrews 1:1-2 - God Has Spoken by His Son")). His authority is absolute, and His words are the eternal standard by which all other claims to truth must be measured, ensuring that those who follow Him will never be led astray by "vain visions."

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

Matthew 24:23

Then if any man shall say unto you, Lo, here [is] Christ, or there; believe [it] not.

Matthew 24:24

For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if [it were] possible, they shall deceive the very elect.

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.

Ezekiel 13:2

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;

Ezekiel 13:3

Thus saith the Lord GOD; Woe unto the foolish prophets, that follow their own spirit, and have seen nothing!