² “Son of man, prophesy against the prophets^(A) of Israel who are now prophesying. Say to those who prophesy out of their own imagination:^(B) ‘Hear the word of the Lord!^(C)

¹⁷ “Now, son of man, set your face^(A) against the daughters^(B) of your people who prophesy out of their own imagination. Prophesy against them^(C)

¹⁹ Where are your prophets^(A) who prophesied to you, ‘The king of Babylon will not attack you or this land’?

²⁸ Her prophets whitewash^(A) these deeds for them by false visions and lying divinations.^(B) They say, ‘This is what the Sovereign Lord says’—when the Lord has not spoken.^(C)

²⁵ There is a conspiracy^(A) of her princes^[a] within her like a roaring lion^(B) tearing its prey; they devour people,^(C) take treasures and precious things and make many widows^(D) within her.

False Teachers and Their Destruction

2 But there were also false prophets^(A) among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you.^(B) They will secretly introduce destructive heresies, even denying the sovereign Lord^(C) who bought them^(D)—bringing swift destruction on themselves. ² Many will follow their depraved conduct^(E) and will bring the way of truth into disrepute. ³ In their greed^(F) these teachers will exploit you^(G) with fabricated stories. Their condemnation has long been hanging over them, and their destruction has not been sleeping.