Deuteronomy 18:20

Authorized King James Version

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.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
אַ֣ךְ
H389
a particle of affirmation, surely; hence (by limitation) only
#2
הַנָּבִ֥יא
H5030
But the prophet
a prophet or (generally) inspired man
#3
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
H834
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#4
יָזִיד֩
H2102
which shall presume
to seethe; figuratively, to be insolent
#5
יְדַבֵּ֔ר
H1696
him to speak
perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue
#6
דָּבָ֜ר
H1697
a word
a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause
#7
בְּשֵׁ֖ם
H8034
in my name
an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character
#8
אֵ֣ת
H853
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#9
אֲשֶׁ֤ר
H834
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#10
לֹֽא
H3808
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#11
צִוִּיתִיו֙
H6680
which I have not commanded
(intensively) to constitute, enjoin
#12
יְדַבֵּ֔ר
H1696
him to speak
perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue
#13
וַֽאֲשֶׁ֣ר
H834
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#14
יְדַבֵּ֔ר
H1696
him to speak
perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue
#15
בְּשֵׁ֖ם
H8034
in my name
an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character
#16
אֱלֹהִ֣ים
H430
gods
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
#17
אֲחֵרִ֑ים
H312
of other
properly, hinder; generally, next, other, etc
#18
וּמֵ֖ת
H4191
shall die
to die (literally or figuratively); causatively, to kill
#19
הַנָּבִ֥יא
H5030
But the prophet
a prophet or (generally) inspired man
#20
הַהֽוּא׃
H1931
he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo

Analysis

Within the broader context of Deuteronomy, this passage highlights salvation through universal language and absolute statements. 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

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