Isaiah 30:10
New International Version
They say to the seers, “See no more visions!” and to the prophets, “Give us no more visions of what is right! Tell us pleasant things, prophesy illusions.

New Living Translation
They tell the seers, “Stop seeing visions!” They tell the prophets, “Don’t tell us what is right. Tell us nice things. Tell us lies.

English Standard Version
who say to the seers, “Do not see,” and to the prophets, “Do not prophesy to us what is right; speak to us smooth things, prophesy illusions,

Berean Standard Bible
They say to the seers, “Stop seeing visions!” and to the prophets, “Do not prophesy to us the truth! Speak to us pleasant words; prophesy illusions.

King James Bible
Which say to the seers, See not; and to the prophets, Prophesy not unto us right things, speak unto us smooth things, prophesy deceits:

New King James Version
Who say to the seers, “Do not see,” And to the prophets, “Do not prophesy to us right things; Speak to us smooth things, prophesy deceits.

New American Standard Bible
Who say to the seers, “You must not see visions”; And to the prophets, “You must not prophesy the truth to us. Speak to us pleasant words, Prophesy illusions.

NASB 1995
Who say to the seers, “You must not see visions"; And to the prophets, “You must not prophesy to us what is right, Speak to us pleasant words, Prophesy illusions.

NASB 1977
Who say to the seers, “You must not see visions”; And to the prophets, “You must not prophesy to us what is right, Speak to us pleasant words, Prophesy illusions.

Legacy Standard Bible
Who say to the seers, “You must not see,” And to those who have visions, “You must not behold visions for us of what is right, Speak to us pleasant words, Behold visions of illusions.

Amplified Bible
Who say to the seers, “You must not see visions from God”; And to the prophets, “You must not prophesy to us what is right! Speak to us pleasant things and smooth words, Prophesy [deceitful] illusions [that we will enjoy].

Christian Standard Bible
They say to the seers, “Do not see,” and to the prophets, “Do not prophesy the truth to us. Tell us flattering things. Prophesy illusions.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
They say to the seers, “Do not see,” and to the prophets,” Do not prophesy the truth to us. Tell us flattering things. Prophesy illusions.

American Standard Version
that say to the seers, See not; and to the prophets, Prophesy not unto us right things, speak unto us smooth things, prophesy deceits,

Contemporary English Version
and have said to his messengers and prophets: Don't tell us what God has shown you and don't preach the truth. Just say what we want to hear, even if it's false.

English Revised Version
which say to the seers, See not; and to the prophets, Prophesy not unto us right things, speak unto us smooth things, prophesy deceits:

GOD'S WORD® Translation
They say to the seers, 'Don't see [the future].' They say to those who have visions, 'Don't have visions that tell us what is right. Tell us what we want to hear. See illusions.

Good News Translation
They tell the prophets to keep quiet. They say, "Don't talk to us about what's right. Tell us what we want to hear. Let us keep our illusions.

International Standard Version
They say to the seers, 'Don't see visions,' and to the prophets, 'Don't give us visions of what is right! Instead, tell us welcome things, prophesy illusions,

Majority Standard Bible
They say to the seers, “Stop seeing visions!” and to the prophets, “Do not prophesy to us the truth! Speak to us pleasant words; prophesy illusions.

NET Bible
They say to the visionaries, "See no more visions!" and to the seers, "Don't relate messages to us about what is right! Tell us nice things, relate deceptive messages.

New Heart English Bible
who tell the seers, "Do not see for us," and to the prophets, "Do not prophesy to us right things. Tell us pleasant things. Prophesy deceits.

Webster's Bible Translation
Who say to the seers, See not; and to the prophets, Prophesy not to us right things, speak to us smooth things, prophesy deceits:

World English Bible
who tell the seers, “Don’t see!” and the prophets, “Don’t prophesy to us right things. Tell us pleasant things. Prophesy deceits.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
Who have said to seers, “Do not see,” "" And to prophets, “Do not prophesy to us straightforward things, "" Speak to us smooth things, prophesy deceits,

Young's Literal Translation
Who have said to seers, 'Ye do not see,' And to prophets, 'Ye do not prophesy to us Straightforward things, Speak to us smooth things, prophesy deceits,

Smith's Literal Translation
Who said to the seeing, Ye shall not see, and to the perceiving, Ye shall not perceive for us right things, speak to us smooth things, perceive delusions.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
Who say to the seers: See not: and to them that behold: Behold not for us those things that are right: speak unto us pleasant things, see errors for us.

Catholic Public Domain Version
They say to the seers, “Do not see,” and to those who behold: “Do not behold for us the things that are right. Speak to us of pleasing things. See errors for us.

New American Bible
Who say to the seers, “Do not see”; to the prophets, “Do not prophesy truth for us; speak smooth things to us, see visions that deceive!

New Revised Standard Version
who say to the seers, “Do not see”; and to the prophets, “Do not prophesy to us what is right; speak to us smooth things, prophesy illusions,
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
Who have said to the seers, See not; and to the prophets, Prophesy not to us reproof; speak to us deception, prophesy lies;

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
For they said to the seers: "Do not see!”, and to the Prophets: "Do not prophesy rebuke to us! Speak deception to us, and see falsehood for us!
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
That say to the seers: 'See not', And to the prophets: 'Prophesy not unto us right things, Speak unto us smooth things, prophesy delusions;

Brenton Septuagint Translation
who say to the prophets, Report not to us; and to them that see visions, Speak them not to us, but speak and report to us another error;

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
The Worthless Treaty with Egypt
9These are rebellious people, deceitful children, children unwilling to obey the LORD’s instruction. 10They say to the seers, “Stop seeing visions!” and to the prophets, “Do not prophesy to us the truth! Speak to us pleasant words; prophesy illusions. 11Get out of the way; turn off the road. Rid us of the Holy One of Israel!”…

Cross References
2 Timothy 4:3-4
For the time will come when men will not tolerate sound doctrine, but with itching ears they will gather around themselves teachers to suit their own desires. / So they will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths.

Jeremiah 5:31
The prophets prophesy falsely, and the priests rule by their own authority. My people love it so, but what will you do in the end?

Micah 2:11
If a man of wind were to come and say falsely, “I will preach to you of wine and strong drink,” he would be just the preacher for this people!

Amos 2:12
“But you made the Nazirites drink wine and commanded the prophets not to prophesy.

Ezekiel 13:7-10
Haven’t you seen a false vision and spoken a lying divination when you proclaim, ‘Thus declares the LORD,’ even though I have not spoken? / Therefore this is what the Lord GOD says: Because you have uttered vain words and seen false visions, I am against you, declares the Lord GOD. / My hand will be against the prophets who see false visions and speak lying divinations. They will not belong to the council of My people or be recorded in the register of the house of Israel, nor will they enter the land of Israel. Then you will know that I am the Lord GOD. ...

1 Kings 22:8
The king of Israel answered, “There is still one man through whom we can inquire of the LORD, but I hate him because he never prophesies anything good for me, but only bad. He is Micaiah son of Imlah.” “The king should not say that!” Jehoshaphat replied.

2 Thessalonians 2:10-12
and with every wicked deception directed against those who are perishing, because they refused the love of the truth that would have saved them. / For this reason God will send them a powerful delusion so that they believe the lie, / in order that judgment may come upon all who have disbelieved the truth and delighted in wickedness.

Jeremiah 23:16-17
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. / They keep saying to those who despise Me, ‘The LORD says that you will have peace,’ and to everyone who walks in the stubbornness of his own heart, ‘No harm will come to you.’

Matthew 23:29-33
Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You build tombs for the prophets and decorate the monuments of the righteous. / And you say, ‘If we had lived in the days of our fathers, we would not have been partners with them in shedding the blood of the prophets.’ / So you testify against yourselves that you are the sons of those who murdered the prophets. ...

2 Peter 2:1-3
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. / Many will follow in their depravity, and because of them the way of truth will be defamed. / In their greed, these false teachers will exploit you with deceptive words. The longstanding verdict against them remains in force, and their destruction does not sleep.

Jeremiah 6:14
They dress the wound of My people with very little care, saying, ‘Peace, peace,’ when there is no peace at all.

1 Samuel 8:7-9
And the LORD said to Samuel, “Listen to the voice of the people in all that they say to you. For it is not you they have rejected, but they have rejected Me as their king. / Just as they have done from the day I brought them up out of Egypt until this day, forsaking Me and serving other gods, so they are doing to you. / Now listen to their voice; but you must solemnly warn them and show them the manner of the king who will reign over them.”

John 3:19-20
And this is the verdict: The Light has come into the world, but men loved the darkness rather than the Light because their deeds were evil. / Everyone who does evil hates the Light, and does not come into the Light for fear that his deeds will be exposed.

Ezekiel 33:30-32
As for you, son of man, your people are talking about you near the city walls and in the doorways of their houses. One speaks to another, each saying to his brother, ‘Come and hear the message that has come from the LORD!’ / So My people come to you as usual, sit before you, and hear your words; but they do not put them into practice. Although they express love with their mouths, their hearts pursue dishonest gain. / Indeed, you are to them like a singer of love songs with a beautiful voice, who skillfully plays an instrument. They hear your words but do not put them into practice.

Acts 7:51-53
You stiff-necked people with uncircumcised hearts and ears! You always resist the Holy Spirit, just as your fathers did. / Which of the prophets did your fathers fail to persecute? They even killed those who foretold the coming of the Righteous One. And now you are His betrayers and murderers— / you who received the law ordained by angels, yet have not kept it.”


Treasury of Scripture

Which say to the seers, See not; and to the prophets, Prophesy not to us right things, speak to us smooth things, prophesy deceits:

say

1 Kings 21:20
And Ahab said to Elijah, Hast thou found me, O mine enemy? And he answered, I have found thee: because thou hast sold thyself to work evil in the sight of the LORD.

2 Chronicles 16:10
Then Asa was wroth with the seer, and put him in a prison house; for he was in a rage with him because of this thing. And Asa oppressed some of the people the same time.

2 Chronicles 18:7-27
And the king of Israel said unto Jehoshaphat, There is yet one man, by whom we may inquire of the LORD: but I hate him; for he never prophesied good unto me, but always evil: the same is Micaiah the son of Imla. And Jehoshaphat said, Let not the king say so…

speak

1 Kings 22:8-13,27
And the king of Israel said unto Jehoshaphat, There is yet one man, Micaiah the son of Imlah, by whom we may inquire of the LORD: but I hate him; for he doth not prophesy good concerning me, but evil. And Jehoshaphat said, Let not the king say so…

Jeremiah 6:13,14
For from the least of them even unto the greatest of them every one is given to covetousness; and from the prophet even unto the priest every one dealeth falsely…

Jeremiah 8:10,11
Therefore will I give their wives unto others, and their fields to them that shall inherit them: for every one from the least even unto the greatest is given to covetousness, from the prophet even unto the priest every one dealeth falsely…

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Isaiah 30
1. The prophet threatens the people for their confidence in Egypt
8. And contempt of God's word
18. God's mercies toward his church
27. God's wrath and the people's joy, in the destruction of Assyria














They say to the seers
In ancient Israel, seers were individuals gifted with the ability to perceive divine visions. The Hebrew word for "seers" is "chozim," which implies those who see with spiritual insight. This phrase indicates a rejection of divine guidance, as the people preferred to silence those who could reveal God's will. Historically, seers played a crucial role in guiding the nation, yet here, the people are turning away from this guidance, reflecting a broader societal rebellion against divine authority.

No more visions!
Visions were a primary means through which God communicated with His people. The Hebrew term "chazon" refers to a divine revelation or insight. By demanding "no more visions," the people are rejecting God's communication, preferring ignorance over truth. This reflects a spiritual blindness and a desire to remain in comfort rather than face the challenging truths that visions often revealed.

and to the prophets
Prophets, or "nabi" in Hebrew, were God's messengers, tasked with delivering His word to the people. The role of a prophet was not only to foretell future events but also to call the people back to righteousness. By addressing the prophets, the people are directly rejecting those who speak on behalf of God, indicating a deep-seated resistance to divine correction and instruction.

Do not prophesy to us the truth
The Hebrew word for "truth" is "emet," which signifies firmness, faithfulness, and reliability. The people's request to avoid truth highlights their preference for comfort over conviction. This phrase underscores a willful ignorance and a desire to avoid the discomfort that often accompanies the truth. It reflects a society that values personal peace over spiritual integrity.

Speak to us pleasant words
The request for "pleasant words" reveals a desire for messages that are agreeable and comforting, rather than challenging or convicting. The Hebrew word "chalak" can mean smooth or flattering, indicating a preference for messages that soothe rather than stir the conscience. This reflects a culture that prioritizes immediate gratification and comfort over the transformative power of God's word.

prophesy illusions
The term "illusions" comes from the Hebrew "mahat," meaning deceit or falsehood. By asking for illusions, the people are requesting falsehoods that align with their desires rather than the reality of God's truth. This reflects a dangerous spiritual state where deception is preferred over divine revelation, highlighting a society that has turned away from God and embraced falsehoods that lead to spiritual ruin.

Verse 10. - Which say, etc. Not, of course, directly, in so many words. But indirectly they let it be understood that this was what they wished. Compare the advice given to Micaiah by Ahab's messenger, who, no doubt, correctly interpreted the wishes of the monarch and his nobles (1 Kings 22:13). Seers... prophets. Not two classes of persons, but two names for the same class. The" parallelism" of Hebrew poetry leads to the constant employment of synonymous clauses. Right things; i.e. the truth in all its plainness. Smooth things; i.e. soft, pleasant announcements. Deceits; or, illusions (comp. Jeremiah 9:5, "They will deceive" or "mock" - where we have the same root).

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
They
אֲשֶׁ֨ר (’ă·šer)
Pronoun - relative
Strong's 834: Who, which, what, that, when, where, how, because, in order that

say
אָמְר֤וּ (’ā·mə·rū)
Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person common plural
Strong's 559: To utter, say

to the seers,
תִרְא֔וּ (ṯir·’ū)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - second person masculine plural
Strong's 7200: To see

“No more
לֹ֣א (lō)
Adverb - Negative particle
Strong's 3808: Not, no

visions,”
לָֽרֹאִים֙ (lā·rō·’îm)
Preposition-l, Article | Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 7200: To see

and to the prophets,
וְלַ֣חֹזִ֔ים (wə·la·ḥō·zîm)
Conjunctive waw, Preposition-l, Article | Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 2374: A beholder in vision, a compact

“Do not
לֹ֥א (lō)
Adverb - Negative particle
Strong's 3808: Not, no

prophesy
תֶחֱזוּ־ (ṯe·ḥĕ·zū-)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - second person masculine plural
Strong's 2372: To gaze at, to perceive, contemplate, to have a, vision of

to us
לָ֖נוּ (lā·nū)
Preposition | first person common plural
Strong's Hebrew

the truth.
נְכֹח֑וֹת (nə·ḵō·ḥō·wṯ)
Noun - feminine plural
Strong's 5229: Straightforwardness, integrity, a truth

Speak
דַּבְּרוּ־ (dab·bə·rū-)
Verb - Piel - Imperative - masculine plural
Strong's 1696: To arrange, to speak, to subdue

to us
לָ֣נוּ (lā·nū)
Preposition | first person common plural
Strong's Hebrew

pleasant words;
חֲלָק֔וֹת (ḥă·lā·qō·wṯ)
Adjective - masculine plural
Strong's 2513: Smoothness, flattery, an allotment

prophesy
מַהֲתַלּֽוֹת׃ (ma·hă·ṯal·lō·wṯ)
Noun - feminine plural
Strong's 2372: To gaze at, to perceive, contemplate, to have a, vision of

illusions.
חֲז֖וּ (ḥă·zū)
Verb - Qal - Imperative - masculine plural
Strong's 4123: A delusion


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OT Prophets: Isaiah 30:10 Who tell the seers Don't see! (Isa Isi Is)
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