Ezekiel 13:7
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?
Original Language Analysis
הֲל֤וֹא
H3808
הֲל֤וֹא
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
1 of 13
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
שָׁוְא֙
a vain
H7723
שָׁוְא֙
a vain
Strong's:
H7723
Word #:
3 of 13
evil (as destructive), literally (ruin) or morally (especially guile); figuratively idolatry (as false, subjective), uselessness (as deceptive, object
חֲזִיתֶ֔ם
Have ye not seen
H2372
חֲזִיתֶ֔ם
Have ye not seen
Strong's:
H2372
Word #:
4 of 13
to gaze at; mentally to perceive, contemplate (with pleasure); specifically, to have a vision of
כָּזָ֖ב
a lying
H3577
כָּזָ֖ב
a lying
Strong's:
H3577
Word #:
6 of 13
falsehood; literally (untruth) or figuratively (idol)
דִבַּֽרְתִּי׃
and have ye not spoken
H1696
דִבַּֽרְתִּי׃
and have ye not spoken
Strong's:
H1696
Word #:
7 of 13
perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue
וְאֹֽמְרִים֙
it albeit I have not spoken
H559
וְאֹֽמְרִים֙
it albeit I have not spoken
Strong's:
H559
Word #:
8 of 13
to say (used with great latitude)
יְהוָ֔ה
The LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֔ה
The LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
10 of 13
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
Historical 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.
Questions for Reflection
- How does this condemnation challenge modern attempts to manipulate God through religious techniques?
- What does Vision seen nothing teach about the difference between faith and superstition?
- In what ways might contemporary Christianity compromise biblical faith with cultural superstitions?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & 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.