THEOSISJerome of Stridon
The Lord's word came to me, asking, What does this proverb mean among the people of Israel, claiming that the fulfillment of prophecy is a long way off and that all visions will come to nothing? Therefore, convey to them that the Sovereign Lord declares: I will bring an end to this proverb, and it will no longer be heard in Israel. Tell them that the time and the fulfillment of every vision are imminent. No longer will any prophecy go unfulfilled, nor will predictions be ambiguous among the people of Israel. For I, the Lord, will speak, and every word I declare will come to pass. It will no longer be postponed; rather, in your days, O house of scorn, I will deliver a message, and I will accomplish it, says the Sovereign Lord.
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The Lord then spoke to me, saying, Son of man, the house of Israel claims, The visions he sees will come to fruition after a long time, and he prophesies about distant events. Therefore, tell them that the Sovereign Lord says: My word will not be postponed any longer; the message I will deliver will be fulfilled, declares the Sovereign Lord.
As for the saying (proverbium) we speak of, according to Symmachus, other translators rendered it as parable (rarabolum), which is known as masal in Hebrew. In our version, where it states that the predictions shall not be ambiguous, the LXX renders it as one who foretells pleasing things (juxta gratiam); conversely, all others translate it as deceitful, which we understood as ambiguous, highlighting that the words of the prophets may lead their listeners astray. The takeaway is not merely derived from what has been stated. Previously, he prophesied against the leader in Jerusalem and warned the people of a forthcoming famine and severe thirst. In disbelief, the people resorted to the old adage: prophecy is long delayed, and every vision will fade away, as it is perceived to be futile, or, according to Symmachus, it will vanish like a breath of wind or a fleeting breeze.