King James Version

What Does Deuteronomy 18:15 Mean?

Deuteronomy 18:15 in the King James Version says “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 sh...” — study this verse from Deuteronomy chapter 18 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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;”

Deuteronomy 18:15 · KJV

Context

13

Thou shalt be perfect with the LORD thy God. perfect: or, upright, or, sincere

14

For these nations, which thou shalt possess, hearkened unto observers of times, and unto diviners: but as for thee, the LORD thy God hath not suffered thee so to do. possess: or, inherit

15

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;

16

According to all that thou desiredst of the LORD thy God in Horeb in the day of the assembly, saying, Let me not hear again the voice of the LORD my God, neither let me see this great fire any more, that I die not.

17

And the LORD said unto me, They have well spoken that which they have spoken.

Read Deuteronomy 18 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The Prophet to come: '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.' This promises a prophet 'like Moses'—lawgiver, mediator, deliverer. The Hebrew uses singular 'Prophet' (נָבִיא, navi), suggesting ultimate fulfillment in one person, though intermediate prophets also came. The command 'unto him ye shall hearken' establishes this Prophet's authority. Deuteronomy's close compares this Prophet to Moses himself—highest possible commendation. This Messianic prophecy finds fulfillment in Christ, the ultimate Prophet revealing God's word, mediating new covenant, and delivering from sin.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Israel asked for a mediator rather than God speaking directly (v.16, referencing Exodus 20:18-21). God granted this, promising prophetic succession culminating in the Prophet. Joshua, Samuel, Elijah, Isaiah, Jeremiah, and others partially fulfilled this, but none equaled Moses until Christ. Peter applies this prophecy to Jesus (Acts 3:22-23), as does Stephen (Acts 7:37). Hebrews 3:1-6 shows Jesus's superiority to Moses: Moses was faithful servant, Christ is faithful Son. Rejecting this Prophet brings judgment (Acts 3:23). Christ fulfills law-giving (Sermon on Mount), mediation (High Priest), and deliverance (salvation from sin).

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Jesus fulfill the role of 'Prophet like Moses' in ways that surpass all other prophets?
  2. What does the command to 'hearken unto him' mean for how we receive and respond to Christ's words?
  3. How does Moses's unique role (lawgiver, mediator, deliverer) anticipate the comprehensive work of Christ?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 10 words
נָבִ֨יא1 of 10

“unto thee a Prophet”

H5030

a prophet or (generally) inspired man

מִקִּרְבְּךָ֤2 of 10

“from the midst”

H7130

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

מֵֽאַחֶ֙יךָ֙3 of 10

“of thee of thy brethren”

H251

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

כָּמֹ֔נִי4 of 10
H3644

as, thus, so

יָקִ֥ים5 of 10

“will raise up”

H6965

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

לְךָ֖6 of 10
H0
יְהוָ֣ה7 of 10

“The LORD”

H3068

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

אֱלֹהֶ֑יךָ8 of 10

“thy 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

אֵלָ֖יו9 of 10
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

תִּשְׁמָעֽוּן׃10 of 10

“like unto me unto him ye shall hearken”

H8085

to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, 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 18:15 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 18:15 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Acts 3:22-23Acts 7:37John 1:45Deuteronomy 18:18-19Luke 9:35Hebrews 1:1-2

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