Deuteronomy 18:20
But the prophet, which shall presume to speak a word in my name, which I have not commanded him to speak, or that shall speak in the name of other gods, even that prophet shall die.
Original Language Analysis
אַ֣ךְ
H389
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
H834
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
3 of 20
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
יְדַבֵּ֔ר
him to speak
H1696
יְדַבֵּ֔ר
him to speak
Strong's:
H1696
Word #:
5 of 20
perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue
דָּבָ֜ר
a word
H1697
דָּבָ֜ר
a word
Strong's:
H1697
Word #:
6 of 20
a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause
בְּשֵׁ֖ם
in my name
H8034
בְּשֵׁ֖ם
in my name
Strong's:
H8034
Word #:
7 of 20
an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character
אֵ֣ת
H853
אֵ֣ת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
8 of 20
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
אֲשֶׁ֤ר
H834
אֲשֶׁ֤ר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
9 of 20
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
לֹֽא
H3808
לֹֽא
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
10 of 20
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
צִוִּיתִיו֙
which I have not commanded
H6680
צִוִּיתִיו֙
which I have not commanded
Strong's:
H6680
Word #:
11 of 20
(intensively) to constitute, enjoin
יְדַבֵּ֔ר
him to speak
H1696
יְדַבֵּ֔ר
him to speak
Strong's:
H1696
Word #:
12 of 20
perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue
וַֽאֲשֶׁ֣ר
H834
וַֽאֲשֶׁ֣ר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
13 of 20
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
יְדַבֵּ֔ר
him to speak
H1696
יְדַבֵּ֔ר
him to speak
Strong's:
H1696
Word #:
14 of 20
perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue
בְּשֵׁ֖ם
in my name
H8034
בְּשֵׁ֖ם
in my name
Strong's:
H8034
Word #:
15 of 20
an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character
אֱלֹהִ֣ים
gods
H430
אֱלֹהִ֣ים
gods
Strong's:
H430
Word #:
16 of 20
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
וּמֵ֖ת
shall die
H4191
וּמֵ֖ת
shall die
Strong's:
H4191
Word #:
18 of 20
to die (literally or figuratively); causatively, to kill
Cross References
Jeremiah 27:15For I have not sent them, saith the LORD, yet they prophesy a lie in my name; that I might drive you out, and that ye might perish, ye, and the prophets that prophesy unto you.Jeremiah 23:31Behold, I am against the prophets, saith the LORD, that use their tongues, and say, He saith.Zechariah 13:3And it shall come to pass, that when any shall yet prophesy, then his father and his mother that begat him shall say unto him, Thou shalt not live; for thou speakest lies in the name of the LORD: and his father and his mother that begat him shall thrust him through when he prophesieth.Matthew 7:15Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves.Ezekiel 13:6They have seen vanity and lying divination, saying, The LORD saith: and the LORD hath not sent them: and they have made others to hope that they would confirm the word.Jeremiah 2:8The priests said not, Where is the LORD? and they that handle the law knew me not: the pastors also transgressed against me, and the prophets prophesied by Baal, and walked after things that do not profit.1 Kings 18:27And it came to pass at noon, that Elijah mocked them, and said, Cry aloud: for he is a god; either he is talking, or he is pursuing, or he is in a journey, or peradventure he sleepeth, and must be awaked.
Historical Context
Israel struggled with false prophets throughout history. Jeremiah opposed false prophets promising peace when judgment loomed (Jeremiah 23:16-17; 28). Ezekiel condemned those prophesying from their own minds (Ezekiel 13:2-3). Micaiah spoke truth while 400 false prophets promised victory (1 Kings 22). Jesus warned of false prophets (Matthew 7:15; 24:11). Paul predicted 'grievous wolves' among elders (Acts 20:29-30). Testing prophecy by fulfillment and doctrine remains essential. Modern charismatic movements face this challenge—discerning genuine prophecy from presumption.
Questions for Reflection
- How do we test modern claims of prophetic words or divine revelation against Scripture?
- What distinguishes presumptuous prophecy (claiming God said what He didn't) from faithful proclamation?
- Why is capital punishment prescribed for false prophecy, and what does this teach about spiritual deception's gravity?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
False prophecy test: 'But the prophet, which shall presume to speak a word in my name, which I have not commanded him to speak, or that shall speak in the name of other gods, even that prophet shall die.' False prophets fall into two categories:
Both merit death. The first is subtle—claiming Yahweh's name but inventing messages. The second is blatant idolatry. Testing involves fulfillment (v.22): genuine prophecy comes to pass; false doesn't. However, chapter 13 shows even fulfilled predictions don't validate false doctrine. Truth requires both accurate prediction AND doctrinal fidelity.