King James Version

What Does Deuteronomy 13:3 Mean?

Deuteronomy 13:3 in the King James Version says “Thou shalt not hearken unto the words of that prophet, or that dreamer of dreams: for the LORD your God proveth you, to ... — study this verse from Deuteronomy chapter 13 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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.

Deuteronomy 13:3 · 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.

5

And that prophet, or that dreamer of dreams, shall be put to death; because he hath spoken to turn you away from the LORD your God, which brought you out of the land of Egypt, and redeemed you out of the house of bondage, to thrust thee out of the way which the LORD thy God commanded thee to walk in. So shalt thou put the evil away from the midst of thee. to turn: Heb. revolt against the LORD


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The command after false signs: '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.' Despite impressive signs, if the prophet teaches apostasy ('let us go after other gods,' v.2), reject him. The theological explanation: God permits this to test (nasah, נָסָה, prove/try) His people. The test measures love—do you follow God because of truth or merely because of miracles? Authentic love for God maintains loyalty despite spectacular counterfeits. This elevates covenant relationship above supernatural experience. God tests to reveal what's in hearts.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

This principle applied to Jesus's generation—He performed miracles validating His claims, yet many rejected Him because they loved darkness rather than light (John 3:19). Conversely, some 'believed' superficially because of signs but lacked true faith (John 2:23-25). The standard remained: does teaching conform to Scripture? Bereans were commended for testing Paul's teaching against Scripture (Acts 17:11) despite his apostolic authority and miracles. Truth trumps experience; Scripture judges claims.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does this passage challenge experience-centered Christianity that prioritizes feelings and phenomena over doctrine?
  2. What does it mean to love God 'with all your heart and soul' rather than merely being impressed by His power?
  3. How can we cultivate discernment that tests teachings against Scripture regardless of accompanying signs?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 26 words
לֹ֣א1 of 26
H3808

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

תִשְׁמַ֗ע2 of 26

Thou shalt not hearken

H8085

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

אֶל3 of 26
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

דִּבְרֵי֙4 of 26

unto the words

H1697

a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause

הַנָּבִ֣יא5 of 26

of that prophet

H5030

a prophet or (generally) inspired man

הַה֔וּא6 of 26
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

א֛וֹ7 of 26
H176

desire (and so probably in proverbs 31:4); hence (by way of alternative) or, also if

אֶל8 of 26
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

חוֹלֵ֥ם9 of 26

or that dreamer

H2492

properly, to bind firmly, i.e., (through the figurative sense of dumbness) to dream

הַֽחֲל֖וֹם10 of 26

of dreams

H2472

a dream

הַה֑וּא11 of 26
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

כִּ֣י12 of 26
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

מְנַסֶּ֞ה13 of 26

proveth

H5254

to test; by implication, to attempt

יְהוָ֣ה14 of 26

for the LORD

H3068

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

אֱלֹֽהֵיכֶ֔ם15 of 26

your God

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

אֶתְכֶ֔ם16 of 26
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

לָדַ֗עַת17 of 26

you to know

H3045

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

הֲיִשְׁכֶ֤ם18 of 26

whether ye

H3426

there is or are (or any other form of the verb to be, as may suit the connection)

אֹֽהֲבִים֙19 of 26

love

H157

to have affection for (sexually or otherwise)

אֶת20 of 26
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

יְהוָ֣ה21 of 26

for the LORD

H3068

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

אֱלֹֽהֵיכֶ֔ם22 of 26

your God

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

בְּכָל23 of 26
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

לְבַבְכֶ֖ם24 of 26

with all your heart

H3824

the heart (as the most interior organ)

וּבְכָל25 of 26
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

נַפְשְׁכֶֽם׃26 of 26

and with all your soul

H5315

properly, a breathing creature, i.e., animal of (abstractly) vitality; used very widely in a literal, accommodated or figurative sense (bodily or ment


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 13:3 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 13:3 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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