King James Version

What Does Deuteronomy 18:18 Mean?

Deuteronomy 18:18 in the King James Version says “I will raise them up a Prophet from among their brethren, like unto thee, and will put my words in his mouth; and he sha...” — study this verse from Deuteronomy chapter 18 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“I will raise them up a Prophet from among their brethren, like unto thee, and will put my words in his mouth; and he shall speak unto them all that I shall command him.”

Deuteronomy 18:18 · KJV

Context

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.

18

I will raise them up a Prophet from among their brethren, like unto thee, and will put my words in his mouth; and he shall speak unto them all that I shall command him.

19

And it shall come to pass, that whosoever will not hearken unto my words which he shall speak in my name, I will require it of him.

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.

Read Deuteronomy 18 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
I will raise them up a Prophet from among their brethren, like unto thee—The singular navi (Prophet) is messianic, pointing beyond the prophetic office generally to one ultimate Prophet. Like unto thee (Moses) indicates similarity in mediatorial function, authoritative teaching, covenant administration, and miraculous attestation. And will put my words in his mouth—absolute divine authority; the Prophet speaks not His own words but God's direct revelation.

The New Testament identifies Jesus as this Prophet (Acts 3:22-26; 7:37; John 1:21, 45; 5:46; 6:14). Jesus surpasses Moses: Moses brought the law, Jesus brings grace and truth (John 1:17); Moses was faithful in God's house as a servant, Jesus as a Son (Hebrews 3:5-6); Moses mediated the old covenant, Jesus the new (Hebrews 8-9). Yet the 'like unto thee' establishes continuity—both are covenant mediators who speak God's authoritative word and lead God's people. Rejecting this Prophet brings covenant curses (v. 19; Acts 3:23).

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Spoken by Moses circa 1406 BC, this prophecy shaped Israel's messianic expectation. First-century Jews anticipated 'the Prophet' (John 1:21; 6:14; 7:40), distinct from the Messiah and Elijah in popular expectation. Jesus's teaching ministry, miracles, and authoritative 'I say unto you' formula fulfilled the Mosaic pattern. Peter's sermon in Acts 3 applies this text to Jesus, warning that rejection brings covenantal destruction (fulfilled in AD 70). The prophecy establishes that God's final revelation comes through a Prophet, not scribes, rabbis, or human tradition—Christ alone speaks God's definitive word.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Jesus's fulfillment of this prophecy establish His authority over all other religious teachers and traditions?
  2. In what ways does understanding Jesus as the Prophet like Moses deepen your appreciation for His role as the ultimate revealer of God's will?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 15 words
נָבִ֨יא1 of 15

“a Prophet”

H5030

a prophet or (generally) inspired man

אָקִ֥ים2 of 15

“I will raise them up”

H6965

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

לָהֶ֛ם3 of 15
H1992

they (only used when emphatic)

מִקֶּ֥רֶב4 of 15

“from among”

H7130

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

אֲחֵיהֶ֖ם5 of 15

“their brethren”

H251

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

כָּמ֑וֹךָ6 of 15
H3644

as, thus, so

וְנָֽתַתִּ֤י7 of 15

“like unto thee and will put”

H5414

to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)

דְבָרַי֙8 of 15

“my words”

H1697

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

בְּפִ֔יו9 of 15

“in his mouth”

H6310

the mouth (as the means of blowing), whether literal or figurative (particularly speech); specifically edge, portion or side; adverbially (with prepos

וְדִבֶּ֣ר10 of 15

“and he shall speak”

H1696

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

אֲלֵיהֶ֔ם11 of 15
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

אֵ֖ת12 of 15
H853

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

כָּל13 of 15
H3605

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

אֲשֶׁ֥ר14 of 15
H834

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

אֲצַוֶּֽנּוּ׃15 of 15

“unto them all that I shall command”

H6680

(intensively) to constitute, enjoin

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 18:18 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 18:18 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Deuteronomy 18:15John 12:49-50John 8:28Luke 24:19John 4:25Malachi 3:1

Test Your Knowledge

Deuteronomy 18 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterDeuteronomy Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

Continue Your Study

Read Deuteronomy 18 with CommentaryAll Deuteronomy ChaptersComplete Deuteronomy QuizBible CharactersNave's Topical BibleAll Bible Quizzes