King James Version

What Does Deuteronomy 18:20 Mean?

Deuteronomy 18:20 in the King James Version says “But the prophet, which shall presume to speak a word in my name, which I have not commanded him to speak, or that shall ... — study this verse from Deuteronomy chapter 18 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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.

Deuteronomy 18:20 · KJV


Context

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.

21

And if thou say in thine heart, How shall we know the word which the LORD hath not spoken?

22

When a prophet speaketh in the name of the LORD, if the thing follow not, nor come to pass, that is the thing which the LORD hath not spoken, but the prophet hath spoken it presumptuously: thou shalt not be afraid of him.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
False prophecy test: '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.' False prophets fall into two categories: (1) presumptuous—claiming divine authority without divine commission ('which I have not commanded'), (2) idolatrous—speaking for other gods. Both merit death. The first is subtle—claiming Yahweh's name but inventing messages. The second is blatant idolatry. Testing involves fulfillment (v.22): genuine prophecy comes to pass; false doesn't. However, chapter 13 shows even fulfilled predictions don't validate false doctrine. Truth requires both accurate prediction AND doctrinal fidelity.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Israel struggled with false prophets throughout history. Jeremiah opposed false prophets promising peace when judgment loomed (Jeremiah 23:16-17; 28). Ezekiel condemned those prophesying from their own minds (Ezekiel 13:2-3). Micaiah spoke truth while 400 false prophets promised victory (1 Kings 22). Jesus warned of false prophets (Matthew 7:15; 24:11). Paul predicted 'grievous wolves' among elders (Acts 20:29-30). Testing prophecy by fulfillment and doctrine remains essential. Modern charismatic movements face this challenge—discerning genuine prophecy from presumption.

Reflection Questions

  1. How do we test modern claims of prophetic words or divine revelation against Scripture?
  2. What distinguishes presumptuous prophecy (claiming God said what He didn't) from faithful proclamation?
  3. Why is capital punishment prescribed for false prophecy, and what does this teach about spiritual deception's gravity?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 20 words
אַ֣ךְ1 of 20
H389

a particle of affirmation, surely; hence (by limitation) only

הַנָּבִ֥יא2 of 20

But the prophet

H5030

a prophet or (generally) inspired man

אֲשֶׁ֣ר3 of 20
H834

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

יָזִיד֩4 of 20

which shall presume

H2102

to seethe; figuratively, to be insolent

יְדַבֵּ֔ר5 of 20

him to speak

H1696

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

דָּבָ֜ר6 of 20

a word

H1697

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

בְּשֵׁ֖ם7 of 20

in my name

H8034

an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character

אֵ֣ת8 of 20
H853

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

אֲשֶׁ֤ר9 of 20
H834

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

לֹֽא10 of 20
H3808

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

צִוִּיתִיו֙11 of 20

which I have not commanded

H6680

(intensively) to constitute, enjoin

יְדַבֵּ֔ר12 of 20

him to speak

H1696

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

וַֽאֲשֶׁ֣ר13 of 20
H834

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

יְדַבֵּ֔ר14 of 20

him to speak

H1696

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

בְּשֵׁ֖ם15 of 20

in my name

H8034

an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character

אֱלֹהִ֣ים16 of 20

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

אֲחֵרִ֑ים17 of 20

of other

H312

properly, hinder; generally, next, other, etc

וּמֵ֖ת18 of 20

shall die

H4191

to die (literally or figuratively); causatively, to kill

הַנָּבִ֥יא19 of 20

But the prophet

H5030

a prophet or (generally) inspired man

הַהֽוּא׃20 of 20
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


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 18:20 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 18:20 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Test Your Knowledge

Continue Your Study