King James Version

What Does Ezekiel 13:9 Mean?

Ezekiel 13:9 in the King James Version says “And mine hand shall be upon the prophets that see vanity, and that divine lies: they shall not be in the assembly of my ... — study this verse from Ezekiel chapter 13 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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

Ezekiel 13:9 · KJV


Context

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

10

Because, even because they have seduced my people, saying, Peace; and there was no peace; and one built up a wall, and, lo, others daubed it with untempered morter: a wall: or, a slight wall

11

Say unto them which daub it with untempered morter, that it shall fall: there shall be an overflowing shower; and ye, O great hailstones , shall fall; and a stormy wind shall rend it.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
God addresses false prophecy related to Excluded from assembly. 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. Judgment removes false teachers. True relationship with God requires faith in His promises and submission to His commands, not manipulative rituals or techniques.

KJV Study — Public Domain

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. Judgment removes false teachers 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 Excluded from assembly 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 · 27 words
וְהָיְתָ֣ה1 of 27
H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

יָדִ֗י2 of 27

And mine hand

H3027

a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v

אֶֽל3 of 27
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

הַנְּבִיאִ֞ים4 of 27

shall be upon the prophets

H5030

a prophet or (generally) inspired man

הַחֹזִ֣ים5 of 27

that see

H2374

a beholder in vision; also a compact (as looked upon with approval)

שָׁוְא֮6 of 27

vanity

H7723

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

וְהַקֹּסְמִ֣ים7 of 27

and that divine

H7080

properly, to distribute, i.e., determine by lot or magical scroll; by implication, to divine

כָּזָב֒8 of 27

lies

H3577

falsehood; literally (untruth) or figuratively (idol)

בְּס֧וֹד9 of 27

they shall not be in the assembly

H5475

a session, i.e., company of persons (in close deliberation); by implication, intimacy, consultation, a secret

עַמִּ֣י10 of 27

of my people

H5971

a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock

לֹֽא11 of 27
H3808

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

יִהְי֗וּ12 of 27
H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

וּבִכְתָ֤ב13 of 27

in the writing

H3791

something written, i.e., a writing, record or book

בֵּֽית14 of 27

of the house

H1004

a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)

יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל15 of 27

of Israel

H3478

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

לֹ֣א16 of 27
H3808

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

יִכָּתֵ֔בוּ17 of 27

neither shall they be written

H3789

to grave, by implication, to write (describe, inscribe, prescribe, subscribe)

וְאֶל18 of 27
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

אַדְמַ֥ת19 of 27

into the land

H127

soil (from its general redness)

יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל20 of 27

of Israel

H3478

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

לֹ֣א21 of 27
H3808

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

יָבֹ֑אוּ22 of 27

neither shall they enter

H935

to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

וִידַעְתֶּ֕ם23 of 27

and ye shall know

H3045

to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o

כִּ֥י24 of 27
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

אֲנִ֖י25 of 27
H589

i

אֲדֹנָ֥י26 of 27

that I am the Lord

H136

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

יְהוִֽה׃27 of 27
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 13:9 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 13:9 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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