Deuteronomy 18:21 kjva — And if thou say in thine heart, How shall we know the word which the Lord hath not spoken?

King James Version with Apocrypha

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

— Deuteronomy 18:21, King James Version with Apocrypha

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Deuteronomy 18:21 in Other Translations

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Deuteronomy 18 — 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.

Deuteronomy 18:21 — Frequently Asked Questions

7 questions
What does Deuteronomy 18:21 say?
Deuteronomy 18:21 in the King James Version with Apocrypha reads: “And if thou say in thine heart, How shall we know the word which the Lord hath not spoken?”
Where is Deuteronomy 18:21 in the Bible?
Deuteronomy 18:21 is found in the Old Testament, in the book of Deuteronomy, chapter 18, verse 21.
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 18:21.
What translation should I read Deuteronomy 18:21 in?
Deuteronomy 18:21 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 18:21?
Deuteronomy 18:21 reads (KJVA): “And if thou say in thine heart, How shall we know the word which the Lord hath not spoken?” 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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