Deuteronomy 18:15

Authorized King James Version

The LORD thy God will raise up unto thee a Prophet from the midst of thee, of thy brethren, like unto me; unto him ye shall hearken;

Word-by-Word Analysis

נָבִ֨יא

H5030

unto thee a Prophet

a prophet or (generally) inspired man

מִקִּרְבְּךָ֤

H7130

from the midst

properly, the nearest part, i.e., the center, whether literal, figurative or adverbial (especially with preposition)

מֵֽאַחֶ֙יךָ֙

H251

of thee of thy brethren

a brother (used in the widest sense of literal relationship and metaphorical affinity or resemblance [like h0001])

כָּמֹ֔נִי

H3644

as, thus, so

יָקִ֥ים

H6965

will raise up

to rise (in various applications, literal, figurative, intensive and causative)

לְךָ֖

יְהוָ֣ה

H3068

The LORD

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

אֱלֹהֶ֑יךָ

H430

thy God

gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of

אֵלָ֖יו

H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

#10

תִּשְׁמָעֽוּן׃

H8085

like unto me unto him ye shall hearken

to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)

Cross References

Related verses that illuminate this passage (hover to preview):

¹ Acts 3:22 Acts 3:22
For Moses truly said unto the fathers, A prophet shall the Lord your God raise up unto you of your brethren, like unto me; him shall ye hear in all things whatsoever he shall say unto you.
— A prophet like unto me
² Acts 7:37 Acts 7:37
This is that Moses, which said unto the children of Israel, A prophet shall the Lord your God raise up unto you of your brethren, like unto me; him shall ye hear.
— Him shall ye hear
³ John 1:21 John 1:21
And they asked him, What then? Art thou Elias? And he saith, I am not. Art thou that prophet? And he answered, No.
— Art thou that prophet?

Analysis

Within the broader context of Deuteronomy, this passage highlights salvation through simile or metaphorical language. The theological weight of divine sovereignty connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine sovereignty, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by building upon previous themes while advancing the overall message of Deuteronomy.

Historical Context

This passage must be understood within the political and social structures of the biblical period. The author writes to address believers seeking to understand God's will and purposes, making the emphasis on salvation particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection

What practical applications emerge from understanding salvation as presented in this verse, particularly in light of addressing questions of religious pluralism and the exclusivity of Christ?
How does this passage contribute to our understanding of from physical deliverance in the Old Testament to spiritual redemption in the New, and what implications does this have for Christian discipleship?
What systematic theological implications arise from this verse's treatment of salvation, and how does it contribute to a biblical theology of soteriology and the doctrine of salvation?

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