King James Version
What Does Ezekiel 13:3 Mean?
“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”
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.
5
Ye have not gone up into the gaps, neither made up the hedge for the house of Israel to stand in the battle in the day of the LORD. gaps: or, breaches made: Heb. hedged the hedge
Topics in This Verse
Commentary
Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers(3) **Foolish prophets.**—They were certainly foolish who undertook to forge the name of the Omniscient, as it were, to utterances of their own devising. Folly according to the use of the word in the Old Testament, was not merely an intellectual failing, but was always associated with moral obliquity. (See Psalm 14:1, and Proverbs throughout.) The last clause of the verse is better expressed in the margin: these prophets were. “seers of that which they have not seen.”
Charles John Ellicott (1819–1905). Public Domain.
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 13:3 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 13:3
Cross-references from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge