Ezekiel 13:3

Authorized King James Version

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Thus saith the Lord GOD; Woe unto the foolish prophets, that follow their own spirit, and have seen nothing!

Original Language Analysis

כֹּ֤ה H3541
כֹּ֤ה
Strong's: H3541
Word #: 1 of 14
properly, like this, i.e., by implication, (of manner) thus (or so); also (of place) here (or hither); or (of time) now
אָמַר֙ Thus saith H559
אָמַר֙ Thus saith
Strong's: H559
Word #: 2 of 14
to say (used with great latitude)
אֲדֹנָ֣י the Lord H136
אֲדֹנָ֣י the Lord
Strong's: H136
Word #: 3 of 14
the lord (used as a proper name of god only)
יְהוִ֔ה GOD H3069
יְהוִ֔ה GOD
Strong's: H3069
Word #: 4 of 14
god
ה֖וֹי Woe H1945
ה֖וֹי Woe
Strong's: H1945
Word #: 5 of 14
oh!
עַל H5921
עַל
Strong's: H5921
Word #: 6 of 14
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
הַנְּבִיאִ֣ים prophets H5030
הַנְּבִיאִ֣ים prophets
Strong's: H5030
Word #: 7 of 14
a prophet or (generally) inspired man
הַנְּבָלִ֑ים unto the foolish H5036
הַנְּבָלִ֑ים unto the foolish
Strong's: H5036
Word #: 8 of 14
stupid; wicked (especially impious)
אֲשֶׁ֥ר H834
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
Strong's: H834
Word #: 9 of 14
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
הֹלְכִ֛ים that follow H1980
הֹלְכִ֛ים that follow
Strong's: H1980
Word #: 10 of 14
to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
אַחַ֥ר H310
אַחַ֥ר
Strong's: H310
Word #: 11 of 14
properly, the hind part; generally used as an adverb or conjunction, after (in various senses)
רוּחָ֖ם their own spirit H7307
רוּחָ֖ם their own spirit
Strong's: H7307
Word #: 12 of 14
wind; by resemblance breath, i.e., a sensible (or even violent) exhalation; figuratively, life, anger, unsubstantiality; by extension, a region of the
וּלְבִלְתִּ֥י H1115
וּלְבִלְתִּ֥י
Strong's: H1115
Word #: 13 of 14
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׃ and have seen H7200
רָאֽוּ׃ and have seen
Strong's: H7200
Word #: 14 of 14
to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)

Analysis & 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.

Historical 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.

Questions for Reflection

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