And mine hand shall be upon the prophets that see vanity, and that divine lies: they shall not be in the assembly of my people, neither shall they be written in the writing of the house of Israel, neither shall they enter into the land of Israel; and ye shall know that I am the Lord GOD.

EZEKIEL 13:9KJV
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Ezekiel 13:9 (KJV)

What does Ezekiel 13:9 mean?

Ezekiel 13:9 says that God will act against prophets who falsely claim to see visions and predict things that are not true, removing them from among His people and denying them any place or recognition in Israel. These false prophets will be excluded from the community, its records, and its land, making it clear to everyone that the Lord is truly God.

In this verse, God is speaking through Ezekiel to warn about people in Israel who pretend to speak for God but actually spread lies and empty promises. The setting is during the Babylonian exile, when many were desperate for hope and some prophets took advantage by delivering false messages. God’s response is decisive: these individuals will not be counted among the true people of Israel, either in gatherings, official lists, or even in returning to the land.

The Hebrew behind Ezekiel 13:9

  • "Vanity" (שָׁוְא, shav’): This word means emptiness or worthlessness. Here, it highlights that the visions these prophets claim to see are empty and have no substance or truth.
  • "Divine" (קָסַם, qasam): This verb refers to practicing divination or fortune-telling, something God repeatedly forbids. It emphasizes that these prophets are not just mistaken but are actively using forbidden practices to mislead.
  • "Assembly" (סוֹד, sod): This word can mean a council or secret gathering. God is saying these false prophets will not be part of the inner circle or community of His people.
  • "Written" (כָּתַב, kathav) and "writing" (כְּתוּב, ketuv): These words refer to being recorded in official lists or genealogies. Being excluded from these records means being cut off from the identity and inheritance of Israel.

Why Ezekiel 13:9 matters

  • Ezekiel 13:9 clarifies that not everyone who claims to speak for God is truly His messenger, and God Himself will distinguish between true and false prophets.
  • The verse shows the seriousness of spiritual deception, especially during times of crisis, and the consequences for those who lead others astray.
  • It connects to the larger message of Ezekiel 13, where God condemns false prophets for giving people false hope and undermining trust in God’s real promises.

Where else these words appear

“writing” Hebrew H3791 · used in 16 verses

  • 1 Chronicles 28:19 All this, said David, the LORD made me understand in writing by his hand upon me, even all the works of this pattern.
  • Nehemiah 7:64 These sought their register among those that were reckoned by genealogy, but it was not found: therefore were they, as polluted, put from the priesthood.
  • Esther 8:8 Write ye also for the Jews, as it liketh you, in the king's name, and seal it with the king's ring: for the writing which is written in the king's name, and sealed with the king's ring, may no man reverse.

“divine” Hebrew H7080 · used in 20 verses

  • Deuteronomy 18:10 There shall not be found among you any one that maketh his son or his daughter to pass through the fire, or that useth divination, or an observer of times, or an enchanter, or a witch,
  • Isaiah 3:2 The mighty man, and the man of war, the judge, and the prophet, and the prudent, and the ancient,
  • Ezekiel 21:23 And it shall be unto them as a false divination in their sight, to them that have sworn oaths: but he will call to remembrance the iniquity, that they may be taken.

“assembly” Hebrew H5475 · used in 21 verses

  • Genesis 49:6 O my soul, come not thou into their secret; unto their assembly, mine honour, be not thou united: for in their anger they slew a man, and in their selfwill they digged down a wall.
  • Psalms 64:2 Hide me from the secret counsel of the wicked; from the insurrection of the workers of iniquity:
  • Proverbs 20:19 He that goeth about as a talebearer revealeth secrets: therefore meddle not with him that flattereth with his lips.

“see” Hebrew H2374 · used in 22 verses

  • 2 Samuel 24:11 For when David was up in the morning, the word of the LORD came unto the prophet Gad, David's seer, saying,
  • 2 Chronicles 19:2 And Jehu the son of Hanani the seer went out to meet him, and said to king Jehoshaphat, Shouldest thou help the ungodly, and love them that hate the LORD? therefore is wrath upon thee from before the LORD.
  • Isaiah 29:10 For the LORD hath poured out upon you the spirit of deep sleep, and hath closed your eyes: the prophets and your rulers, the seers hath he covered.