Ezekiel Chapter 13 · Verse 3
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
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
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
Cross References
Lamentations 2:14Thy prophets have seen vain and foolish things for thee: and they have not discovered thine iniquity, to turn away thy captivity; but have seen for thee false burdens and causes of banishment.Hosea 9:7The days of visitation are come, the days of recompence are come; Israel shall know it: the prophet is a fool, the spiritual man is mad, for the multitude of thine iniquity, and the great hatred.Proverbs 15:14The heart of him that hath understanding seeketh knowledge: but the mouth of fools feedeth on foolishness.Jeremiah 23:1Woe be unto the pastors that destroy and scatter the sheep of my pasture! saith the LORD.Ezekiel 34:2Son of man, prophesy against the shepherds of Israel, prophesy, and say unto them, Thus saith the Lord GOD unto the shepherds; Woe be to the shepherds of Israel that do feed themselves! should not the shepherds feed the flocks?
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
- How do you distinguish between messages from God versus human speculation dressed in religious language?
- What characteristics identify false prophets who follow their own spirit?
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.