King James Version

What Does Ezekiel 13:7 Mean?

Ezekiel 13:7 in the King James Version says “Have ye not seen a vain vision, and have ye not spoken a lying divination, whereas ye say, The LORD saith it; albeit I h...” — study this verse from Ezekiel chapter 13 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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?”

Ezekiel 13:7 · KJV

Context

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

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.

7

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?

8

Therefore thus saith the Lord GOD; Because ye have spoken vanity, and seen lies, therefore, behold, I am against you, saith the Lord GOD.

9

And mine hand shall be upon the prophets that see vanity, and that divine lies: they shall not be in the assembly of my people, neither shall they be written in the writing of the house of Israel, neither shall they enter into the land of Israel; and ye shall know that I am the Lord GOD. assembly: or, secret, or, counsel

Read Ezekiel 13 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
God addresses false prophecy related to Vision seen nothing. This verse contributes to the comprehensive exposure of false teaching that enabled Israel's apostasy. The specific practices condemned show how false prophecy mixed superstition with claims of divine authority, leading people astray from covenant faithfulness.

The Hebrew terminology indicates concrete practices that promised protection or favor through human manipulation rather than covenant obedience. These represent attempts to control or manipulate divine blessing through ritual or magical means rather than submission to God's revealed will. Such practices directly violated monotheistic faith.

From a Reformed perspective, this warns against any attempt to manipulate God through religious practices divorced from heart obedience. False visions lacked divine origin. True relationship with God requires faith in His promises and submission to His commands, not manipulative rituals or techniques.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Historical context shows various superstitious practices in pre-exilic Israel combining folk religion with claims of Yahwistic authority. Archaeological evidence includes amulets, magical texts, and fertility cult objects showing syncretism. These practices promised protection or blessing through human technique rather than covenant faithfulness, directly violating first and second commandments. False visions lacked divine origin within this cultural context of widespread religious syncretism.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does this condemnation challenge modern attempts to manipulate God through religious techniques?
  2. What does Vision seen nothing teach about the difference between faith and superstition?
  3. In what ways might contemporary Christianity compromise biblical faith with cultural superstitions?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 13 words
הֲל֤וֹא1 of 13
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

מַֽחֲזֵה2 of 13

“vision”

H4236

a vision

שָׁוְא֙3 of 13

“a vain”

H7723

evil (as destructive), literally (ruin) or morally (especially guile); figuratively idolatry (as false, subjective), uselessness (as deceptive, object

חֲזִיתֶ֔ם4 of 13

“Have ye not seen”

H2372

to gaze at; mentally to perceive, contemplate (with pleasure); specifically, to have a vision of

וּמִקְסַ֥ם5 of 13

“divination”

H4738

an augury

כָּזָ֖ב6 of 13

“a lying”

H3577

falsehood; literally (untruth) or figuratively (idol)

דִבַּֽרְתִּי׃7 of 13

“and have ye not spoken”

H1696

perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue

וְאֹֽמְרִים֙8 of 13

“it albeit I have not spoken”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

נְאֻם9 of 13

“saith”

H5002

an oracle

יְהוָ֔ה10 of 13

“The LORD”

H3068

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

וַאֲנִ֖י11 of 13
H589

i

לֹ֥א12 of 13
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

דִבַּֽרְתִּי׃13 of 13

“and have ye not spoken”

H1696

perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue

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 13:7 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 13:7 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Ezekiel 13:6Matthew 24:23-24Ezekiel 13:2-3

Test Your Knowledge

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

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