King James Version

What Does Ezekiel 13:2 Mean?

Ezekiel 13:2 in the King James Version says “Son of man, prophesy against the prophets of Israel that prophesy, and say thou unto them that prophesy out of their own...” — study this verse from Ezekiel chapter 13 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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; that prophesy out: Heb. that are prophets out of their own hearts”

Ezekiel 13:2 · KJV

Context

1

And the word of the LORD came unto me, saying,

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; that prophesy out: Heb. that are prophets out of their own hearts

3

Thus saith the Lord GOD; Woe unto the foolish prophets, that follow their own spirit, and have seen nothing! follow: Heb. walk after and: or, and things which they have not seen

4

O Israel, thy prophets are like the foxes in the deserts.

Read Ezekiel 13 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
God commands: '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 must prophesy against false prophets, identifying their core error—they 'prophesy out of their own hearts' rather than receiving divine revelation. The Hebrew mil-libbam (מִלִּבָּם, 'from their heart') indicates self-generated messages, not God-given ones.

The command to tell them 'Hear ye the word of the LORD' is ironic—those claiming to speak for God must themselves hear His actual word through true prophets. They need to become listeners/receivers rather than self-appointed speakers. This exposes their presumption—speaking for God without being sent or commissioned (Jeremiah 23:21).

From a Reformed perspective, this warns against ministry based on human wisdom, personal opinion, or contemporary trends rather than biblical revelation. True ministry involves receiving and transmitting God's Word (1 Corinthians 11:23, 15:3), not inventing messages. The sufficiency of Scripture means ministers needn't create new revelation but must faithfully exposit existing revelation.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

The phrase 'prophesy out of their own hearts' indicates false prophets invented messages they thought would be popular, profitable, or politically expedient. Jeremiah accused them of speaking visions 'of their own heart, and not out of the mouth of the LORD' (Jeremiah 23:16). They prophesied what audiences wanted rather than what God said.

This pattern continues in Christian history—prosperity preachers promising wealth, therapeutic ministers avoiding sin/judgment, political religionists blessing national agendas. Any teaching prioritizing human desires over biblical revelation repeats this ancient error. The test: does teaching align with Scripture's full counsel or merely with contemporary preferences?

Reflection Questions

  1. How can you discern whether teaching originates from Scripture or from human preferences and cultural trends?
  2. What does prophesying 'out of their own hearts' teach about the danger of eisegesis versus exegesis?
  3. In what ways might even well-intentioned ministers substitute their wisdom for God's revelation?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 13 words
בֶּן1 of 13

“Son”

H1121

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

אָדָ֕ם2 of 13

“of man”

H120

ruddy i.e., a human being (an individual or the species, mankind, etc.)

הַנִּבָּאִ֑ים3 of 13

“prophesy”

H5012

to prophesy, i.e., speak (or sing) by inspiration (in prediction or simple discourse)

אֶל4 of 13
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

לִנְבִיאֵ֣י5 of 13

“against the prophets”

H5030

a prophet or (generally) inspired man

יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל6 of 13

“of Israel”

H3478

he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity

הַנִּבָּאִ֑ים7 of 13

“prophesy”

H5012

to prophesy, i.e., speak (or sing) by inspiration (in prediction or simple discourse)

וְאָֽמַרְתָּ֙8 of 13

“and say”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

לִנְבִיאֵ֣י9 of 13

“against the prophets”

H5030

a prophet or (generally) inspired man

מִלִּבָּ֔ם10 of 13

“out of their own hearts”

H3820

the heart; also used (figuratively) very widely for the feelings, the will and even the intellect; likewise for the center of anything

שִׁמְע֖וּ11 of 13

“Hear”

H8085

to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)

דְּבַר12 of 13

“ye the word”

H1697

a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause

יְהוָֽה׃13 of 13

“of the LORD”

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Ezekiel. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Ezekiel 13:2 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Ezekiel 13:2 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Ezekiel 13:17Jeremiah 37:19Ezekiel 22:28Isaiah 1:10Ezekiel 22:25Isaiah 9:15

Test Your Knowledge

Ezekiel 13 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterEzekiel Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

Continue Your Study

Read Ezekiel 13 with CommentaryAll Ezekiel ChaptersComplete Ezekiel QuizBible CharactersNave's Topical BibleAll Bible Quizzes