Deuteronomy 18:20
New International Version
But a prophet who presumes to speak in my name anything I have not commanded, or a prophet who speaks in the name of other gods, is to be put to death.”

New Living Translation
But any prophet who falsely claims to speak in my name or who speaks in the name of another god must die.’

English Standard Version
But the prophet who presumes to speak a word in my name that I have not commanded him to speak, or who speaks in the name of other gods, that same prophet shall die.’

Berean Standard Bible
But if any prophet dares to speak a message in My name that I have not commanded him to speak, or to speak in the name of other gods, that prophet must be put to death.”

King James Bible
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.

New King James Version
But the prophet who presumes to speak a word in My name, which I have not commanded him to speak, or who speaks in the name of other gods, that prophet shall die.’

New American Standard Bible
But the prophet who speaks a word presumptuously in My name, a word which I have not commanded him to speak, or which he speaks in the name of other gods, that prophet shall die.’

NASB 1995
‘But the prophet who speaks a word presumptuously in My name which I have not commanded him to speak, or which he speaks in the name of other gods, that prophet shall die.’

NASB 1977
‘But the prophet who shall speak a word presumptuously in My name which I have not commanded him to speak, or which he shall speak in the name of other gods, that prophet shall die.’

Legacy Standard Bible
But the prophet who speaks a word presumptuously in My name which I have not commanded him to speak, or which he speaks in the name of other gods, that prophet shall die.’

Amplified Bible
But the prophet who presumes to speak a word in My name which I have not commanded him to speak, or which he speaks in the name of other gods—that prophet shall die.’

Christian Standard Bible
But the prophet who presumes to speak a message in my name that I have not commanded him to speak, or who speaks in the name of other gods—that prophet must die.’

Holman Christian Standard Bible
But the prophet who dares to speak a message in My name that I have not commanded him to speak, or who speaks in the name of other gods—that prophet must die.’

American Standard Version
But the prophet, that shall speak a word presumptuously in my name, which I have not commanded him to speak, or that shall speak in the name of other gods, that same prophet shall die.

Contemporary English Version
But if I haven't spoken, and a prophet claims to have a message from me, you must kill that prophet, and you must also kill any prophet who claims to have a message from another god.

English Revised Version
But the prophet, which shall speak a word presumptuously in my name, which I have not commanded him to speak, or that shall speak in the name of other gods, that same prophet shall die.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
But any prophet who dares to say something in my name that I didn't command him to say or who speaks in the name of other gods must die."

Good News Translation
But if any prophet dares to speak a message in my name when I did not command him to do so, he must die for it, and so must any prophet who speaks in the name of other gods.'

International Standard Version
Even then, if the prophet speaks presumptuously in my name, which I didn't authorize him to speak, or if he speaks in the name of other gods, that prophet must die.'

Majority Standard Bible
But if any prophet dares to speak a message in My name that I have not commanded him to speak, or to speak in the name of other gods, that prophet must be put to death.?

NET Bible
"But if any prophet presumes to speak anything in my name that I have not authorized him to speak, or speaks in the name of other gods, that prophet must die.

New Heart English Bible
But the prophet, who shall speak a word presumptuously in my name, which I have not commanded him to speak, or who shall speak in the name of other gods, that same prophet shall die."

Webster's Bible Translation
But the prophet, who 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.

World English Bible
But the prophet who speaks a word presumptuously in my name, which I have not commanded him to speak, or who speaks in the name of other gods, that same prophet shall die.”
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
Only, the prophet who presumes to speak a word in My Name, which I have not commanded him to speak, and who speaks in the name of other gods, indeed, that prophet has died.

Young's Literal Translation
'Only, the prophet who presumeth to speak a word in My name -- that which I have not commanded him to speak -- and who speaketh in the name of other gods -- even that prophet hath died.

Smith's Literal Translation
But the prophet which shall act proudly to speak the word in my name which I commanded him not to speak, and who shall speak in the name of other gods, and that prophet died.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
But the prophet, who being corrupted with pride, shall speak in my name things that I did not command him to say, or in the name of strange gods, shall be slain.

Catholic Public Domain Version
But if a prophet, having been corrupted by arrogance, chooses to speak, in my name, things which I did not instruct him to say, or to speak in the name of foreign gods, he shall be put to death.

New American Bible
But if a prophet presumes to speak a word in my name that I have not commanded, or speaks in the name of other gods, that prophet shall die.

New Revised Standard Version
But any prophet who speaks in the name of other gods, or who presumes to speak in my name a word that I have not commanded the prophet to speak—that prophet shall die.”
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
But the prophet who shall presume to speak a word in my name which I have not commanded him to speak, or who shall speak in the name of other gods, that prophet shall be put to death.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
However, a Prophet who will dare to speak a word in my name that I have not commanded him to say, or who will speak in the name of another god, that Prophet will be killed.
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
But the prophet, that shall speak a word presumptuously in My name, which I have not commanded him to speak, or that shall speak in the name of other gods, that same prophet shall die.'

Brenton Septuagint Translation
But the prophet whosoever shall impiously speak in my name a word which I have not commanded him to speak, and whosoever shall speak in the name of other gods, that prophet shall die.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
A New Prophet
19And I will hold accountable anyone who does not listen to My words that the prophet speaks in My name. 20But if any prophet dares to speak a message in My name that I have not commanded him to speak, or to speak in the name of other gods, that prophet must be put to death.” 21You may ask in your heart, “How can we recognize a message that the LORD has not spoken?”…

Cross References
Jeremiah 14:14
“The prophets are prophesying lies in My name,” replied the LORD. “I did not send them or appoint them or speak to them. They are prophesying to you a false vision, a worthless divination, the futility and delusion of their own minds.

Ezekiel 13:3
This is what the Lord GOD says: Woe to the foolish prophets who follow their own spirit yet have seen nothing.

Matthew 7:15
Beware of false prophets. They come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves.

1 John 4:1
Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God. For many false prophets have gone out into the world.

Jeremiah 23:16
This is what the LORD of Hosts says: “Do not listen to the words of the prophets who prophesy to you. They are filling you with false hopes. They speak visions from their own minds, not from the mouth of the LORD.

2 Peter 2:1
Now there were also false prophets among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you. They will secretly introduce destructive heresies, even denying the Master who bought them—bringing swift destruction on themselves.

Matthew 24:24
For false Christs and false prophets will appear and perform great signs and wonders to deceive even the elect, if that were possible.

1 Kings 22:11-12
Now Zedekiah son of Chenaanah had made for himself iron horns and declared, “This is what the LORD says: ‘With these you shall gore the Arameans until they are finished off.’” / And all the prophets were prophesying the same, saying, “Go up to Ramoth-gilead and triumph, for the LORD will deliver it into the hand of the king.”

Acts 20:29-30
I know that after my departure, savage wolves will come in among you and will not spare the flock. / Even from your own number, men will rise up and distort the truth to draw away disciples after them.

Jeremiah 23:21
I did not send these prophets, yet they have run with their message; I did not speak to them, yet they have prophesied.

1 Timothy 4:1
Now the Spirit expressly states that in later times some will abandon the faith to follow deceitful spirits and the teachings of demons,

Ezekiel 22:28
Her prophets whitewash these deeds by false visions and lying divinations, saying, ‘This is what the Lord GOD says,’ when the LORD has not spoken.

2 Corinthians 11:13-15
For such men are false apostles, deceitful workers, masquerading as apostles of Christ. / And no wonder, for Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light. / It is not surprising, then, if his servants masquerade as servants of righteousness. Their end will correspond to their actions.

Zechariah 13:3
And if anyone still prophesies, his father and mother who bore him will say to him, ‘You shall not remain alive, because you have spoken falsely in the name of the LORD.’ When he prophesies, his father and mother who bore him will pierce him through.

Revelation 19:20
But the beast was captured along with the false prophet, who on its behalf had performed signs deceiving those who had the mark of the beast and worshiped its image. Both the beast and the false prophet were thrown alive into the fiery lake of burning sulfur.


Treasury of Scripture

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.

the prophet

Deuteronomy 13:1-5
If there arise among you a prophet, or a dreamer of dreams, and giveth thee a sign or a wonder, …

Jeremiah 14:14,15
Then the LORD said unto me, The prophets prophesy lies in my name: I sent them not, neither have I commanded them, neither spake unto them: they prophesy unto you a false vision and divination, and a thing of nought, and the deceit of their heart…

Jeremiah 23:13-15,31
And I have seen folly in the prophets of Samaria; they prophesied in Baal, and caused my people Israel to err…

in the name

Deuteronomy 13:1,2
If there arise among you a prophet, or a dreamer of dreams, and giveth thee a sign or a wonder, …

1 Kings 18:19,27,40
Now therefore send, and gather to me all Israel unto mount Carmel, and the prophets of Baal four hundred and fifty, and the prophets of the groves four hundred, which eat at Jezebel's table…

Jeremiah 2:8
The priests said not, Where is the LORD? and they that handle the law knew me not: the pastors also transgressed against me, and the prophets prophesied by Baal, and walked after things that do not profit.

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Deuteronomy 18
1. The LORD is the priests and Levites' inheritance
3. The priests' due
6. The Levites' portion
9. The abominations of the nations are to be avoided
15. Christ the Prophet is to be heard
20. The presumptuous prophet is to die














But if any prophet dares to speak a message in My name
This phrase emphasizes the seriousness of speaking on behalf of God. In the ancient Near Eastern context, prophets were seen as intermediaries between the divine and human realms. The authority to speak in God's name was not to be taken lightly, as it implied divine endorsement. The Bible consistently warns against false prophets (Jeremiah 14:14, Ezekiel 13:6). The New Testament also cautions believers to test the spirits (1 John 4:1).

that I have not commanded him to speak
This highlights the importance of divine command and authenticity. True prophecy originates from God, and any message not commanded by Him is considered false. This aligns with the biblical principle that God’s word is authoritative and unchanging (Isaiah 55:11). The role of a prophet was to convey God’s will, not personal opinions or desires.

or to speak in the name of other gods
This phrase underscores the exclusivity of worship and allegiance to Yahweh. In the historical context of Israel, surrounded by polytheistic cultures, the temptation to syncretize or adopt other deities was significant. The first commandment (Exodus 20:3) explicitly forbids the worship of other gods, reinforcing the monotheistic foundation of Israelite faith.

that prophet must be put to death.
The prescribed penalty reflects the gravity of leading people away from the true God. In ancient Israel, maintaining the purity of worship and doctrine was crucial for the community's covenant relationship with God. This severe consequence served as a deterrent against false prophecy and idolatry. The New Testament, while not prescribing physical death, warns of spiritual death and judgment for false teachers (2 Peter 2:1). This also foreshadows the ultimate judgment that Christ will execute upon His return (Revelation 19:20).

Persons / Places / Events
1. Prophet
A person who claims to speak on behalf of God. In the context of Deuteronomy, prophets were expected to deliver messages that were directly from God.

2. God (Yahweh)
The one true God of Israel, who is the source of all true prophecy and revelation.

3. False Prophecy
The act of delivering a message in God's name that He has not commanded, or speaking in the name of other gods, which is considered a grave sin.

4. Israel
The nation to whom these laws were given, emphasizing the importance of maintaining purity in worship and adherence to God's commands.

5. Death Penalty
The severe consequence prescribed for false prophets, highlighting the seriousness of misrepresenting God's word.
Teaching Points
The Seriousness of Prophecy
Prophecy is a serious matter and should not be taken lightly. Speaking on behalf of God requires true divine inspiration and alignment with His will.

Discernment and Testing
Believers are called to discern and test the messages they hear, ensuring they align with Scripture and the character of God.

Consequences of False Teaching
False teaching leads people away from God and can have severe spiritual consequences. It is crucial to guard against it in the church.

Faithfulness to God's Word
Upholding the truth of God's Word is essential. Believers must be diligent in studying Scripture to recognize and reject false teachings.

The Role of Accountability
The community of faith should hold teachers and prophets accountable, ensuring that their teachings are biblically sound.Verse 20. - If, however, a prophet should presume to speak in the Name of the Lord what the Lord had not commanded him to speak, or if he should speak in the name of other gods, not only was no regard to be paid to his words, but he was himself to be treated as a blasphemer, and to be put to death.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
But
אַ֣ךְ (’aḵ)
Adverb
Strong's 389: A particle of affirmation, surely

if any prophet
הַנָּבִ֡יא (han·nā·ḇî)
Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 5030: A spokesman, speaker, prophet

dares
יָזִיד֩ (yā·zîḏ)
Verb - Hifil - Imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 2102: To boil up, seethe, act proudly or presumptuously or rebelliously

to speak
לְדַבֵּ֨ר (lə·ḏab·bêr)
Preposition-l | Verb - Piel - Infinitive construct
Strong's 1696: To arrange, to speak, to subdue

a message
דָּבָ֜ר (dā·ḇār)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 1697: A word, a matter, thing, a cause

in My name
בִּשְׁמִ֗י (biš·mî)
Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular construct | first person common singular
Strong's 8034: A name

that
אֲשֶׁ֤ר (’ă·šer)
Pronoun - relative
Strong's 834: Who, which, what, that, when, where, how, because, in order that

I have not
לֹֽא־ (lō-)
Adverb - Negative particle
Strong's 3808: Not, no

commanded
צִוִּיתִיו֙ (ṣiw·wî·ṯîw)
Verb - Piel - Perfect - first person common singular | third person masculine singular
Strong's 6680: To lay charge (upon), give charge (to), command, order

him to speak,
לְדַבֵּ֔ר (lə·ḏab·bêr)
Preposition-l | Verb - Piel - Infinitive construct
Strong's 1696: To arrange, to speak, to subdue

[or]
וַאֲשֶׁ֣ר (wa·’ă·šer)
Conjunctive waw | Pronoun - relative
Strong's 834: Who, which, what, that, when, where, how, because, in order that

to speak
יְדַבֵּ֔ר (yə·ḏab·bêr)
Verb - Piel - Imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 1696: To arrange, to speak, to subdue

in the name
בְּשֵׁ֖ם (bə·šêm)
Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 8034: A name

of other
אֲחֵרִ֑ים (’ă·ḥê·rîm)
Adjective - masculine plural
Strong's 312: Hinder, next, other

gods,
אֱלֹהִ֣ים (’ĕ·lō·hîm)
Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 430: gods -- the supreme God, magistrates, a superlative

that
הַהֽוּא׃ (ha·hū)
Article | Pronoun - third person masculine singular
Strong's 1931: He, self, the same, this, that, as, are

prophet
הַנָּבִ֥יא (han·nā·ḇî)
Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 5030: A spokesman, speaker, prophet

must be put to death.”
וּמֵ֖ת (ū·mêṯ)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 4191: To die, to kill


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OT Law: Deuteronomy 18:20 But the prophet who shall speak (Deut. De Du)
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