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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Ezekiel 13:3 This is what the Lord GOD says: Woe to the foolish prophets who follow their own spirit, yet have seen nothing.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/ezekiel/13-3.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/13/26_Ezk_13_03.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Ezekiel 13:3 - The Reproof of False Prophets" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="This is what the Lord GOD says: Woe to the foolish prophets who follow their own spirit, yet have seen nothing." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; 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Woe unto the foolish prophets, that follow their own spirit, and have seen nothing!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/ezekiel/13.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />Thus says the Lord GOD: “Woe to the foolish prophets, who follow their own spirit and have seen nothing!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/ezekiel/13.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />This is what the Lord GOD says: “Woe to the foolish prophets who are following their own spirit and have seen nothing!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/ezekiel/13.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />&#8216Thus says the Lord GOD, &#8220Woe to the foolish prophets who are following their own spirit and have seen nothing.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/ezekiel/13.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />‘Thus says the Lord GOD, “Woe to the foolish prophets who are following their own spirit and have seen nothing.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/ezekiel/13.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />Thus says Lord Yahweh, “Woe to the wickedly foolish prophets who are walking after their own spirit and have seen nothing.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/ezekiel/13.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />Thus says the Lord GOD, “Woe (judgment is coming) to the foolish prophets who are following their own spirit [claiming to have seen things] but have [in fact] seen nothing.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/ezekiel/13.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />This is what the Lord GOD says: Woe to the foolish prophets who follow their own spirit and have seen nothing.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/ezekiel/13.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />This is what the Lord GOD says: Woe to the foolish prophets who follow their own spirit and have seen nothing. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/ezekiel/13.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />Thus saith the Lord Jehovah, Woe unto the foolish prophets, that follow their own spirit, and have seen nothing!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/ezekiel/13.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />I, the LORD God, say those lying prophets are doomed! They don't see visions--they make up their own messages! <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/ezekiel/13.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />Thus saith the Lord GOD: Woe unto the foolish prophets, that follow their own spirit, and have seen nothing!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/ezekiel/13.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />" 'This is what the Almighty LORD says: How horrible it will be for the foolish prophets. They follow their own ideas, and they have seen nothing.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/ezekiel/13.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />This is what the Sovereign LORD says: "These foolish prophets are doomed! They provide their own inspiration and invent their own visions. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/ezekiel/13.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />"This is what the Lord GOD says, 'How terrible it will be for the false prophets who walk according to their own wrong inclinations and see nothing. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/ezekiel/13.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />This is what the Lord GOD says: Woe to the foolish prophets who follow their own spirit yet have seen nothing.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/ezekiel/13.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />This is what the sovereign LORD says: Woe to the foolish prophets who follow their own spirit but have seen nothing!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/ezekiel/13.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />Thus says the Lord GOD, "Woe to the foolish prophets, who follow their own spirit, and have seen nothing.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/ezekiel/13.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />Thus saith the Lord GOD; Woe to the foolish prophets, that follow their own spirit, and have seen nothing!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/ezekiel/13.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />The Lord Yahweh says, “Woe to the foolish prophets, who follow their own spirit, and have seen nothing! <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/ezekiel/13.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />Thus said Lord YHWH: Woe to the prophets who are foolish, "" Who are going after their own spirit, "" And they have seen nothing.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/ezekiel/13.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> Thus said the Lord Jehovah: Woe unto the prophets who are foolish, Who are going after their own spirit, And they have seen nothing.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/ezekiel/13.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />Thus said the Lord Jehovah: Wo upon the foolish prophets which are going after their spirit, and they saw not.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/ezekiel/13.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />Thus saith the Lord God: Woe to the foolish prophets that follow their own spirit, and see nothing. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/ezekiel/13.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />Thus says the Lord God: Woe to the foolish prophets, who are following their own spirit, and who see nothing.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/ezekiel/13.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />Thus says the Lord GOD: Woe to those prophets, the fools who follow their own spirit and see nothing.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/ezekiel/13.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />Thus says the Lord GOD, Alas for the senseless prophets who follow their own spirit, and have seen nothing!<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/ezekiel/13.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />Thus says the LORD God: Woe to the foolish prophets, who follow their own pride, for they have not seen any vision!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/ezekiel/13.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />Thus says THE LORD OF LORDS: woe to the madmen Prophets who go after their spirit, who have not seen a vision<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/ezekiel/13.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />Thus saith the Lord GOD: Woe unto the vile prophets, that follow their own spirit, and things which they have not seen!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/ezekiel/13.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />Thus saith the Lord, Woe to them that prophesy out of their own heart, and who see nothing at all.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/ezekiel/13-3.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/vET3Gmwku4s?start=2827" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/ezekiel/13.htm">The Reproof of False Prophets</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">2</span>“Son of man, prophesy against the prophets of Israel who are now prophesying. Tell those who prophesy out of their own imagination: Hear the word of the LORD! <span class="reftext">3</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/3541.htm" title="3541: kōh (Adv) -- Thus, here. From the prefix k and huw'; properly, like this, i.e. By implication, thus; also here; or now.">This is what</a> <a href="/hebrew/136.htm" title="136: ’ă·ḏō·nāy (N-proper-ms) -- Lord. Am emphatic form of 'adown; the Lord.">the Lord</a> <a href="/hebrew/3069.htm" title="3069: Yah·weh (N-proper-ms) -- YHWH. A variation of Yhovah.">GOD</a> <a href="/hebrew/559.htm" title="559: ’ā·mar (V-Qal-Perf-3ms) -- To utter, say. A primitive root; to say.">says:</a> <a href="/hebrew/1945.htm" title="1945: hō·w (Interjection) -- Ah! alas! ha! A prolonged form of how; oh!">Woe</a> <a href="/hebrew/5921.htm" title="5921: ‘al- (Prep) -- Properly, the same as al used as a preposition; above, over, upon, or against in a great variety of applications.">to</a> <a href="/hebrew/5036.htm" title="5036: han·nə·ḇā·lîm (Art:: Adj-mp) -- Foolish, senseless. From nabel; stupid; wicked.">the foolish</a> <a href="/hebrew/5030.htm" title="5030: han·nə·ḇî·’îm (Art:: N-mp) -- A spokesman, speaker, prophet. From naba'; a prophet or inspired man.">prophets</a> <a href="/hebrew/834.htm" title="834: ’ă·šer (Pro-r) -- Who, which, that. A primitive relative pronoun; who, which, what, that; also when, where, how, because, in order that, etc.">who</a> <a href="/hebrew/1980.htm" title="1980: hō·lə·ḵîm (V-Qal-Prtcpl-mp) -- To go, come, walk. Akin to yalak; a primitive root; to walk.">follow</a> <a href="/hebrew/310.htm" title="310: ’a·ḥar (Adv) -- The hind or following part. From 'achar; properly, the hind part; generally used as an adverb or conjunction, after."></a> <a href="/hebrew/7307.htm" title="7307: rū·ḥām (N-csc:: 3mp) -- Breath, wind, spirit. From ruwach; wind; by resemblance breath.">their own spirit,</a> <a href="/hebrew/7200.htm" title="7200: rā·’ū (V-Qal-Perf-3cp) -- To see. A primitive root; to see, literally or figuratively.">yet have seen</a> <a href="/hebrew/1115.htm" title="1115: ū·lə·ḇil·tî (Conj-w, Prep-l) -- Constructive feminine of balah; properly, a failure of, i.e. not, except, without, unless, besides, because not, until, etc.">nothing.</a> </span><span class="reftext">4</span>Your prophets, O Israel, are like foxes among the ruins.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/jeremiah/23-16.htm">Jeremiah 23:16</a></span><br />This is what the LORD of Hosts says: “Do not listen to the words of the prophets who prophesy to you. They are filling you with false hopes. They speak visions from their own minds, not from the mouth of the LORD.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/7-15.htm">Matthew 7:15</a></span><br />Beware of false prophets. They come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_peter/2-1.htm">2 Peter 2:1</a></span><br />Now there were also false prophets among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you. They will secretly introduce destructive heresies, even denying the Master who bought them—bringing swift destruction on themselves.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/jeremiah/14-14.htm">Jeremiah 14:14</a></span><br />“The prophets are prophesying lies in My name,” replied the LORD. “I did not send them or appoint them or speak to them. They are prophesying to you a false vision, a worthless divination, the futility and delusion of their own minds.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/deuteronomy/18-20.htm">Deuteronomy 18:20</a></span><br />But if any prophet dares to speak a message in My name that I have not commanded him to speak, or to speak in the name of other gods, that prophet must be put to death.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_john/4-1.htm">1 John 4:1</a></span><br />Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God. For many false prophets have gone out into the world.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/micah/3-5.htm">Micah 3:5</a></span><br />This is what the LORD says: “As for the prophets who lead My people astray, who proclaim peace while they chew with their teeth, but declare war against one who puts nothing in their mouths:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/24-11.htm">Matthew 24:11</a></span><br />and many false prophets will arise and deceive many.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/jeremiah/23-21.htm">Jeremiah 23:21</a></span><br />I did not send these prophets, yet they have run with their message; I did not speak to them, yet they have prophesied.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_corinthians/11-13.htm">2 Corinthians 11:13-15</a></span><br />For such men are false apostles, deceitful workers, masquerading as apostles of Christ. / And no wonder, for Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light. / It is not surprising, then, if his servants masquerade as servants of righteousness. Their end will correspond to their actions.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/zechariah/10-2.htm">Zechariah 10:2</a></span><br />For idols speak deceit and diviners see illusions; they tell false dreams and offer empty comfort. Therefore the people wander like sheep, oppressed for lack of a shepherd.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/acts/20-29.htm">Acts 20:29-30</a></span><br />I know that after my departure, savage wolves will come in among you and will not spare the flock. / Even from your own number, men will rise up and distort the truth to draw away disciples after them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/jeremiah/23-25.htm">Jeremiah 23:25-26</a></span><br />“I have heard the sayings of the prophets who prophesy lies in My name: ‘I had a dream! I had a dream!’ / How long will this continue in the hearts of these prophets who prophesy falsehood, these prophets of the delusion of their own minds?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_timothy/4-1.htm">1 Timothy 4:1-2</a></span><br />Now the Spirit expressly states that in later times some will abandon the faith to follow deceitful spirits and the teachings of demons, / influenced by the hypocrisy of liars, whose consciences are seared with a hot iron.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/lamentations/2-14.htm">Lamentations 2:14</a></span><br />The visions of your prophets were empty and deceptive; they did not expose your guilt to ward off your captivity. The burdens they envisioned for you were empty and misleading.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">Thus said the Lord GOD; Woe to the foolish prophets, that follow their own spirit, and have seen nothing!</p><p class="hdg">Woe</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/ezekiel/13-18.htm">Ezekiel 13:18</a></b></br> And say, Thus saith the Lord GOD; Woe to the <i>women</i> that sew pillows to all armholes, and make kerchiefs upon the head of every stature to hunt souls! Will ye hunt the souls of my people, and will ye save the souls alive <i>that come</i> unto you?</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/ezekiel/34-2.htm">Ezekiel 34:2</a></b></br> Son of man, prophesy against the shepherds of Israel, prophesy, and say unto them, Thus saith the Lord GOD unto the shepherds; Woe <i>be</i> to the shepherds of Israel that do feed themselves! should not the shepherds feed the flocks?</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/jeremiah/23-1.htm">Jeremiah 23:1</a></b></br> Woe be unto the pastors that destroy and scatter the sheep of my pasture! saith the LORD.</p><p class="hdg">foolish</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/15-2.htm">Proverbs 15:2,14</a></b></br> The tongue of the wise useth knowledge aright: but the mouth of fools poureth out foolishness… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/lamentations/2-14.htm">Lamentations 2:14</a></b></br> Thy 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.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/hosea/9-7.htm">Hosea 9:7</a></b></br> The days of visitation are come, the days of recompence are come; Israel shall know <i>it</i>: the prophet <i>is</i> a fool, the spiritual man <i>is</i> mad, for the multitude of thine iniquity, and the great hatred.</p><p class="hdg">follow [heb] walk after </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/ezekiel/13-6.htm">Ezekiel 13:6,7</a></b></br> They have seen vanity and lying divination, saying, The LORD saith: and the LORD hath not sent them: and they have made <i>others</i> to hope that they would confirm the word… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/jeremiah/23-28.htm">Jeremiah 23:28-32</a></b></br> The prophet that hath a dream, let him tell a dream; and he that hath my word, let him speak my word faithfully. What <i>is</i> the chaff to the wheat? saith the LORD… </p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/lamentations/3-65.htm">Curse</a> <a href="/ezekiel/11-20.htm">Follow</a> <a href="/jeremiah/32-40.htm">Following</a> <a href="/lamentations/2-14.htm">Foolish</a> <a href="/ezekiel/13-2.htm">Prophets</a> <a href="/ezekiel/12-28.htm">Sovereign</a> <a href="/ezekiel/11-24.htm">Spirit</a> <a href="/ezekiel/11-21.htm">Vile</a> <a href="/ezekiel/2-10.htm">Wo</a> <a href="/ezekiel/2-10.htm">Woe</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/ezekiel/24-9.htm">Curse</a> <a href="/ezekiel/20-16.htm">Follow</a> <a href="/daniel/7-1.htm">Following</a> <a href="/ezekiel/13-23.htm">Foolish</a> <a href="/ezekiel/13-4.htm">Prophets</a> <a href="/ezekiel/13-8.htm">Sovereign</a> <a href="/ezekiel/18-31.htm">Spirit</a> <a href="/ezekiel/16-52.htm">Vile</a> <a href="/ezekiel/16-23.htm">Wo</a> <a href="/ezekiel/13-18.htm">Woe</a><div class="vheading2">Ezekiel 13</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/ezekiel/13-1.htm">The reproof of false prophets</a></span><br><span class="reftext">10. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/ezekiel/13-10.htm">and their untempered mortar</a></span><br><span class="reftext">17. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/ezekiel/13-17.htm">Of prophecies and their pillows</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/ezekiel/13.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/ezekiel/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/ezekiel/13.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>This is what the Lord GOD says:</b><br>This phrase emphasizes the authority and divine origin of the message. In the prophetic tradition, the phrase "Thus says the Lord" is a common introduction, underscoring that the message is not from the prophet's own imagination but from God Himself. This establishes the seriousness and authenticity of the prophecy. It is a reminder of the role of prophets as God's mouthpieces, as seen throughout the Old Testament, such as in <a href="/jeremiah/1-9.htm">Jeremiah 1:9</a> and <a href="/isaiah/6-8.htm">Isaiah 6:8-9</a>.<p><b>Woe to the foolish prophets:</b><br>"Woe" is a term often used in prophetic literature to pronounce judgment or lamentation. It indicates impending doom or divine displeasure. The term "foolish" here refers to those lacking wisdom and discernment, particularly in spiritual matters. In the biblical context, wisdom is often associated with the fear of the Lord (<a href="/proverbs/9-10.htm">Proverbs 9:10</a>). These prophets are contrasted with true prophets who speak God's truth. The foolishness of these prophets is highlighted in their failure to deliver God's true message, similar to the false prophets criticized in <a href="/jeremiah/23-16.htm">Jeremiah 23:16-17</a>.<p><b>who follow their own spirit:</b><br>This phrase indicates that these prophets are not led by the Spirit of God but by their own desires and imaginations. In biblical terms, following one's own spirit often leads to idolatry and falsehood, as seen in the warnings against false prophets in <a href="/deuteronomy/18-20.htm">Deuteronomy 18:20-22</a>. The true prophet is one who is led by the Holy Spirit, as exemplified by prophets like Elijah and Elisha. This self-led spirit contrasts with the guidance of the Holy Spirit, which is a key theme in both the Old and New Testaments.<p><b>yet have seen nothing:</b><br>The phrase underscores the falsehood of their claims to visions or divine revelations. In the biblical context, true prophets receive visions and messages directly from God, as seen in the experiences of Isaiah (Isaiah 6) and Daniel (Daniel 7). The false prophets' lack of true vision is a significant indictment, as it reveals their deception and the emptiness of their proclamations. This lack of true vision is a recurring theme in the critique of false prophets, as seen in <a href="/lamentations/2-14.htm">Lamentations 2:14</a>, where false visions lead people astray.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/e/ezekiel.htm">Ezekiel</a></b><br>A prophet of God during the Babylonian exile, tasked with delivering God's messages to the Israelites.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/f/foolish_prophets.htm">Foolish Prophets</a></b><br>Individuals claiming to speak for God but who are actually following their own imaginations and desires.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_lord_god.htm">The Lord GOD</a></b><br>The sovereign and ultimate authority, who speaks through Ezekiel to address the false prophets.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/i/israel.htm">Israel</a></b><br>The nation to whom Ezekiel is prophesying, currently in a state of spiritual and physical exile.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/b/babylonian_exile.htm">Babylonian Exile</a></b><br>The period during which the Israelites were taken captive by Babylon, a time of judgment and reflection for the nation.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/d/discernment_in_prophecy.htm">Discernment in Prophecy</a></b><br>Believers must exercise discernment to distinguish between true and false prophets. This involves knowing God's Word and being sensitive to the Holy Spirit.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_danger_of_self-deception.htm">The Danger of Self-Deception</a></b><br>Following one's own spirit rather than God's can lead to deception and spiritual ruin. True prophecy aligns with God's revealed truth.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/a/accountability_for_leaders.htm">Accountability for Leaders</a></b><br>Those in positions of spiritual leadership bear a significant responsibility to speak truthfully and faithfully represent God's message.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_importance_of_testing_spirits.htm">The Importance of Testing Spirits</a></b><br>As believers, we are called to test the spirits and ensure that any prophetic word aligns with Scripture and the character of God.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/g/god's_sovereignty_in_revelation.htm">God's Sovereignty in Revelation</a></b><br>God is the ultimate source of truth and revelation. We must rely on His guidance rather than human wisdom or imagination.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_ezekiel_13.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Ezekiel 13</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_does_joel_3_conflict_with_other_timelines.htm">Why does Joel 3 seem to conflict with timelines in other prophetic books regarding the final judgment and restoration, suggesting possible inconsistencies?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_to_reconcile_ezekiel_13_with_true_prophecies.htm">How do we reconcile the harsh condemnation of “false prophets” in Ezekiel 13:2–3 with claims about genuine prophecies elsewhere in the Bible? </a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_to_reconcile_ezekiel_13_with_god's_control.htm">How can we address apparent contradictions between Ezekiel 13's condemnation of false prophecy and other scriptures that emphasize God's sovereignty over all prophecy?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_supports_nehemiah's_claim_in_6_12.htm">In Nehemiah 6:12, what historical or textual basis supports Nehemiah’s claim that God revealed the prophet’s deception? </a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/ezekiel/13.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(3) <span class= "bld">Foolish prophets.</span>--They were certainly foolish who undertook to forge the name of the Omniscient, as it were, to utterances of their own devising. Folly according to the use of the word in the Old Testament, was not merely an intellectual failing, but was always associated with moral obliquity. (See <a href="/psalms/14-1.htm" title="The fool has said in his heart, There is no God. They are corrupt, they have done abominable works, there is none that does good.">Psalm 14:1</a>, and Proverbs throughout.) The last clause of the verse is better expressed in the margin: these prophets were. "seers of that which they have not seen."<p><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/ezekiel/13-3.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">This is what</span><br /><span class="heb">כֹּ֤ה</span> <span class="translit">(kōh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adverb<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3541.htm">Strong's 3541: </a> </span><span class="str2">Like this, thus, here, now</span><br /><br /><span class="word">the Lord</span><br /><span class="heb">אֲדֹנָ֣י</span> <span class="translit">(’ă·ḏō·nāy)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - proper - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_136.htm">Strong's 136: </a> </span><span class="str2">The Lord</span><br /><br /><span class="word">GOD</span><br /><span class="heb">יְהוִ֔ה</span> <span class="translit">(Yah·weh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - proper - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3069.htm">Strong's 3069: </a> </span><span class="str2">YHWH</span><br /><br /><span class="word">says:</span><br /><span class="heb">אָמַר֙</span> <span class="translit">(’ā·mar)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_559.htm">Strong's 559: </a> </span><span class="str2">To utter, say</span><br /><br /><span class="word">Woe</span><br /><span class="heb">ה֖וֹי</span> <span class="translit">(hō·w)</span><br /><span class="parse">Interjection<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1945.htm">Strong's 1945: </a> </span><span class="str2">Ah! alas! ha!</span><br /><br /><span class="word">to</span><br /><span class="heb">עַל־</span> <span class="translit">(‘al-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5921.htm">Strong's 5921: </a> </span><span class="str2">Above, over, upon, against</span><br /><br /><span class="word">the foolish</span><br /><span class="heb">הַנְּבָלִ֑ים</span> <span class="translit">(han·nə·ḇā·lîm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article | Adjective - masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5036.htm">Strong's 5036: </a> </span><span class="str2">Foolish, senseless</span><br /><br /><span class="word">prophets</span><br /><span class="heb">הַנְּבִיאִ֣ים</span> <span class="translit">(han·nə·ḇî·’îm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article | Noun - masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5030.htm">Strong's 5030: </a> </span><span class="str2">A spokesman, speaker, prophet</span><br /><br /><span class="word">who</span><br /><span class="heb">אֲשֶׁ֥ר</span> <span class="translit">(’ă·šer)</span><br /><span class="parse">Pronoun - relative<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_834.htm">Strong's 834: </a> </span><span class="str2">Who, which, what, that, when, where, how, because, in order that</span><br /><br /><span class="word">follow</span><br /><span class="heb">הֹלְכִ֛ים</span> <span class="translit">(hō·lə·ḵîm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1980.htm">Strong's 1980: </a> </span><span class="str2">To go, come, walk</span><br /><br /><span class="word">their own spirit,</span><br /><span class="heb">רוּחָ֖ם</span> <span class="translit">(rū·ḥām)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - common singular construct | third person masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7307.htm">Strong's 7307: </a> </span><span class="str2">Wind, breath, exhalation, life, anger, unsubstantiality, a region of the sky, spirit</span><br /><br /><span class="word">yet have seen</span><br /><span class="heb">רָאֽוּ׃</span> <span class="translit">(rā·’ū)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person common plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7200.htm">Strong's 7200: </a> </span><span class="str2">To see</span><br /><br /><span class="word">nothing.</span><br /><span class="heb">וּלְבִלְתִּ֥י</span> <span class="translit">(ū·lə·ḇil·tî)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw, Preposition-l<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1115.htm">Strong's 1115: </a> </span><span class="str2">A failure of, not, except, without, unless, besides, because not, until</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/ezekiel/13-3.htm">Ezekiel 13:3 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/ezekiel/13-3.htm">Ezekiel 13:3 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/ezekiel/13-3.htm">Ezekiel 13:3 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/ezekiel/13-3.htm">Ezekiel 13:3 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/ezekiel/13-3.htm">Ezekiel 13:3 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/ezekiel/13-3.htm">Ezekiel 13:3 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/ezekiel/13-3.htm">Ezekiel 13:3 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/ezekiel/13-3.htm">Ezekiel 13:3 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/ezekiel/13-3.htm">Ezekiel 13:3 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/ezekiel/13-3.htm">Ezekiel 13:3 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/ezekiel/13-3.htm">OT Prophets: Ezekiel 13:3 Thus says the Lord Yahweh Woe (Ezek. Eze Ezk) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/ezekiel/13-2.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Ezekiel 13:2"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Ezekiel 13:2" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/ezekiel/13-4.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Ezekiel 13:4"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Ezekiel 13:4" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>