King James Version

What Does Ezekiel 13:3 Mean?

Ezekiel 13:3 in the King James Version says “Thus saith the Lord GOD; Woe unto the foolish prophets, that follow their own spirit, and have seen nothing! follow: Heb... — study this verse from Ezekiel chapter 13 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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

Ezekiel 13:3 · 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.

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


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
"Thus saith the Lord GOD; Woe unto the foolish prophets, that follow their own spirit, and have seen nothing!" False prophets speak from imagination rather than revelation. The phrase "follow their own spirit" contrasts with genuine prophets who deliver God's words. The "seen nothing" exposes their lack of divine vision despite claims. This pattern continues: false teachers invent messages pleasing audiences rather than proclaiming uncomfortable truth. The Reformed emphasis on Scripture's sole authority guards against adding human speculation to divine revelation.

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Historical & Cultural Context

False prophets plagued Israel throughout history, offering false assurances of peace when judgment loomed (591 BC). Jeremiah faced similar opposition (Jeremiah 23:16-17). These false prophets spoke what people wanted to hear, gaining popularity while true prophets suffered rejection. The exiles preferred comforting lies over uncomfortable truth. This pattern repeats: false teachers gain followings by tickling ears (2 Timothy 4:3) while faithful ministers face opposition. Discernment requires testing messages against Scripture, not popularity.

Reflection Questions

  1. How do you distinguish between messages from God versus human speculation dressed in religious language?
  2. What characteristics identify false prophets who follow their own spirit?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 14 words
כֹּ֤ה1 of 14
H3541

properly, like this, i.e., by implication, (of manner) thus (or so); also (of place) here (or hither); or (of time) now

אָמַר֙2 of 14

Thus saith

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

אֲדֹנָ֣י3 of 14

the Lord

H136

the lord (used as a proper name of god only)

יְהוִ֔ה4 of 14

GOD

H3069

god

ה֖וֹי5 of 14

Woe

H1945

oh!

עַל6 of 14
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

הַנְּבִיאִ֣ים7 of 14

prophets

H5030

a prophet or (generally) inspired man

הַנְּבָלִ֑ים8 of 14

unto the foolish

H5036

stupid; wicked (especially impious)

אֲשֶׁ֥ר9 of 14
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

הֹלְכִ֛ים10 of 14

that follow

H1980

to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)

אַחַ֥ר11 of 14
H310

properly, the hind part; generally used as an adverb or conjunction, after (in various senses)

רוּחָ֖ם12 of 14

their own spirit

H7307

wind; by resemblance breath, i.e., a sensible (or even violent) exhalation; figuratively, life, anger, unsubstantiality; by extension, a region of the

וּלְבִלְתִּ֥י13 of 14
H1115

properly, a failure of, i.e., (used only as a negative particle, usually with a prepositional prefix) not, except, without, unless, besides, because n

רָאֽוּ׃14 of 14

and have seen

H7200

to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)


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 13:3 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 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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