King James Version

What Does Deuteronomy 13:2 Mean?

Deuteronomy 13:2 in the King James Version says “And the sign or the wonder come to pass, whereof he spake unto thee, saying, Let us go after other gods, which thou hast... — study this verse from Deuteronomy chapter 13 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

And the sign or the wonder come to pass, whereof he spake unto thee, saying, Let us go after other gods, which thou hast not known, and let us serve them;

Deuteronomy 13:2 · KJV


Context

1

If there arise among you a prophet, or a dreamer of dreams, and giveth thee a sign or a wonder,

2

And the sign or the wonder come to pass, whereof he spake unto thee, saying, Let us go after other gods, which thou hast not known, and let us serve them;

3

Thou shalt not hearken unto the words of that prophet, or that dreamer of dreams: for the LORD your God proveth you, to know whether ye love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul.

4

Ye shall walk after the LORD your God, and fear him, and keep his commandments, and obey his voice, and ye shall serve him, and cleave unto him.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And the sign or the wonder come to pass, whereof he spake unto thee, saying, Let us go after other gods, which thou hast not known, and let us serve them. The Hebrew ot (sign) and mofet (wonder) refer to miraculous attestation—yet Deuteronomy 13:1-5 warns that fulfilled predictions and supernatural signs do not automatically validate a prophet's message. A prophet whose signs come to pass but who leads toward elohim akherim (other gods) must be rejected and executed (13:5).

This sobering passage establishes that miracle-working power can coexist with false teaching. Satan can produce counterfeit signs (Exodus 7:11-12; 2 Thessalonians 2:9; Revelation 13:13-14). The test of true prophecy isn't merely predictive accuracy or supernatural power but conformity to previous revelation and loyalty to Yahweh. Jesus warned that false prophets would perform great signs (Matthew 24:24). The ultimate criterion is covenant fidelity—does the message lead toward God or away from Him?

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Historical & Cultural Context

This law protected Israel from charismatic deceivers who might use genuine supernatural phenomena to promote apostasy. Ancient Near Eastern cultures relied heavily on omens, signs, and divination. Israel's prophets sometimes performed signs (Isaiah 7:14; 1 Kings 17-18), but signs alone never established prophetic authority—agreement with Torah and promotion of Yahweh worship were essential. The New Testament applies this test: any gospel contradicting apostolic teaching is accursed, even if preached by angels (Galatians 1:8-9).

Reflection Questions

  1. How can you discern between genuine spiritual power and counterfeit signs that lead away from biblical truth?
  2. What safeguards do you have against being misled by charismatic teachers whose miracles seem to validate their message?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 15 words
וּבָ֤א1 of 15

come to pass

H935

to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

הָאוֹת֙2 of 15

And the sign

H226

a signal (literally or figuratively), as a flag, beacon, monument, omen, prodigy, evidence, etc

וְהַמּוֹפֵ֔ת3 of 15

or the wonder

H4159

a miracle; by implication, a token or omen

אֲשֶׁר4 of 15
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

דִּבֶּ֥ר5 of 15

whereof he spake

H1696

perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue

אֵלֶ֖יךָ6 of 15
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

לֵאמֹ֑ר7 of 15

unto thee saying

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

נֵֽלְכָ֞ה8 of 15
H1980

to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)

אַֽחֲרֵ֨י9 of 15

after

H310

properly, the hind part; generally used as an adverb or conjunction, after (in various senses)

אֱלֹהִ֧ים10 of 15

gods

H430

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

אֲחֵרִ֛ים11 of 15

other

H312

properly, hinder; generally, next, other, etc

אֲשֶׁ֥ר12 of 15
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

לֹֽא13 of 15
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

יְדַעְתָּ֖ם14 of 15

which thou hast not known

H3045

to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o

וְנָֽעָבְדֵֽם׃15 of 15

and let us serve

H5647

to work (in any sense); by implication, to serve, till, (causatively) enslave, etc


Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Deuteronomy. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Deuteronomy 13:2 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Deuteronomy 13:2 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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