Ezekiel 13:8
Therefore thus saith the Lord GOD; Because ye have spoken vanity, and seen lies, therefore, behold, I am against you, saith the Lord GOD.
Original Language Analysis
לָכֵ֗ן
H3651
לָכֵ֗ן
Strong's:
H3651
Word #:
1 of 16
properly, set upright; hence (figuratively as adjective) just; but usually (as adverb or conjunction) rightly or so (in various applications to manner
כֹּ֤ה
H3541
כֹּ֤ה
Strong's:
H3541
Word #:
2 of 16
properly, like this, i.e., by implication, (of manner) thus (or so); also (of place) here (or hither); or (of time) now
יַ֚עַן
H3282
יַ֚עַן
Strong's:
H3282
Word #:
6 of 16
properly, heed; by implication, purpose (sake or account); used adverbially to indicate the reason or cause
דַּבֶּרְכֶ֣ם
Because ye have spoken
H1696
דַּבֶּרְכֶ֣ם
Because ye have spoken
Strong's:
H1696
Word #:
7 of 16
perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue
שָׁ֔וְא
vanity
H7723
שָׁ֔וְא
vanity
Strong's:
H7723
Word #:
8 of 16
evil (as destructive), literally (ruin) or morally (especially guile); figuratively idolatry (as false, subjective), uselessness (as deceptive, object
וַחֲזִיתֶ֖ם
and seen
H2372
וַחֲזִיתֶ֖ם
and seen
Strong's:
H2372
Word #:
9 of 16
to gaze at; mentally to perceive, contemplate (with pleasure); specifically, to have a vision of
לָכֵן֙
H3651
לָכֵן֙
Strong's:
H3651
Word #:
11 of 16
properly, set upright; hence (figuratively as adjective) just; but usually (as adverb or conjunction) rightly or so (in various applications to manner
Cross References
Ezekiel 5:8Therefore thus saith the Lord GOD; Behold, I, even I, am against thee, and will execute judgments in the midst of thee in the sight of the nations.Ezekiel 21:3And say to the land of Israel, Thus saith the LORD; Behold, I am against thee, and will draw forth my sword out of his sheath, and will cut off from thee the righteous and the wicked.Nahum 2:13Behold, I am against thee, saith the LORD of hosts, and I will burn her chariots in the smoke, and the sword shall devour thy young lions: and I will cut off thy prey from the earth, and the voice of thy messengers shall no more be heard.Ezekiel 26:3Therefore thus saith the Lord GOD; Behold, I am against thee, O Tyrus, and will cause many nations to come up against thee, as the sea causeth his waves to come up.Ezekiel 35:3And say unto it, Thus saith the Lord GOD; Behold, O mount Seir, I am against thee, and I will stretch out mine hand against thee, and I will make thee most desolate.Ezekiel 28:22And say, Thus saith the Lord GOD; Behold, I am against thee, O Zidon; and I will be glorified in the midst of thee: and they shall know that I am the LORD, when I shall have executed judgments in her, and shall be sanctified in her.
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. Divine opposition to lies 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 Against false prophets 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 Against false prophets. 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. Divine opposition to lies. True relationship with God requires faith in His promises and submission to His commands, not manipulative rituals or techniques.