Deuteronomy 18:20 web — But the prophet, who shall speak a word presumptuously in my name, which I have not commanded him to speak, or who shal…

World 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.""

— Deuteronomy 18:20, World English Bible

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Deuteronomy 18:20 in Other Translations

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Deuteronomy 18 — Context

17

Yahweh said to me, "They have well said that which they have spoken.

18

I will raise them up a prophet from among their brothers, like you; and I will put my words in his mouth, and he shall speak to them all that I shall command him.

19

It shall happen, that whoever will not listen to my words which he shall speak in my name, I will require it of him.

20

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."

21

If you say in your heart, "How shall we know the word which Yahweh has not spoken?"

22

when a prophet speaks in the name of Yahweh, if the thing doesn't follow, nor happen, that is the thing which Yahweh has not spoken: the prophet has spoken it presumptuously, you shall not be afraid of him.

Deuteronomy 18:20 — Frequently Asked Questions

7 questions
What does Deuteronomy 18:20 say?
Deuteronomy 18:20 in the World English Bible reads: “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."”
Where is Deuteronomy 18:20 in the Bible?
Deuteronomy 18:20 is found in the Old Testament, in the book of Deuteronomy, chapter 18, verse 20.
Who wrote Deuteronomy?
Deuteronomy is traditionally attributed to Moses (traditional). Largely framed as Moses' farewell speeches; the closing chapter narrating his death was likely added by Joshua or a later editor. It was written c. 1406 BC.
What is the book of Deuteronomy about?
Deuteronomy is Moses' final sermons to Israel before they enter the Promised Land — a renewed call to love and obey the LORD. It re-states the Law, rehearses Israel's history, and lays before the people blessing for obedience and curse for rebellion.
What are the major themes of Deuteronomy?
Deuteronomy explores themes including Covenant, Love, Obedience, Remembrance, Blessing & Curse. These themes shape the meaning and context of Deuteronomy 18:20.
What translation should I read Deuteronomy 18:20 in?
Deuteronomy 18:20 is available on GodsGoodBook in the King James Version (KJV), American Standard Version (ASV), World English Bible (WEB), NET Bible, Young's Literal Translation, Darby Bible, Douay-Rheims Bible, and the Bible in Basic English. Each translation reflects different translation philosophies — use the translation picker on this page to compare them, or browse our full translations directory.
How can I memorize Deuteronomy 18:20?
Deuteronomy 18:20 reads (WEB): “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."” Read it aloud, break it into short phrases, repeat each phrase three times before adding the next, then put the phrases together. Reading it in multiple translations (above) often helps the meaning settle.
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