Deuteronomy 18:20 “But if any prophet dares to speak a message in My name that I have not…”

Deuteronomy 18:20

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.”

Berean Standard Bible

Other translations

King James Version

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.

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.”

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.

Geneva Bible 1599

But the prophet that shall presume to speake a worde in my name, which I haue not commanded him to speake, or that speaketh in the name of other gods, euen the same prophet shall die.

Darby Translation

But the prophet who shall presume to speak a word in my name that I have not commanded him to speak, or that shall speak in the name of other gods, that prophet shall die.

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.

Bible in Basic English

But the prophet who takes it on himself to say words in my name which I have not given him orders to say, or who says anything in the name of other gods, will come to his death.

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Cross references

“the prophet”

Deuteronomy 13:1–5 Jeremiah 27:15 Jeremiah 23:13–15 Jeremiah 23:31 Ezekiel 13:6 Matthew 7:15

Deuteronomy 13:1–5 · BSB

If a prophet or dreamer of dreams arises among you and proclaims a sign or wonder to you,

Jeremiah 27:15 · BSB

For I have not sent them, declares the LORD, and yet they are prophesying falsely in My name; therefore I will banish you, and you will perish—you and the prophets who prophesy to you.”

Jeremiah 23:13–15 · BSB

“Among the prophets of Samaria I saw an offensive thing: They prophesied by Baal and led My people Israel astray.

Jeremiah 23:31 · BSB

“Yes,” declares the LORD, “I am against the prophets who wag their own tongues and proclaim, ‘The LORD declares it.’”

Ezekiel 13:6 · BSB

They see false visions and speak lying divinations. They claim, ‘Thus declares the LORD,’ when the LORD did not send them; yet they wait for the fulfillment of their message.

Matthew 7:15 · BSB

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

“in the name”

Jeremiah 28:15–17 Zechariah 13:3 1 Kings 18:27 Jeremiah 2:8 1 Kings 18:40 Revelation 19:20

Jeremiah 28:15–17 · BSB

Then the prophet Jeremiah said to the prophet Hananiah, “Listen, Hananiah! The LORD did not send you, but you have persuaded this people to trust in a lie.

Zechariah 13:3 · BSB

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 bor…

1 Kings 18:27 · BSB

At noon Elijah began to taunt them, saying, “Shout louder, for he is a god! Perhaps he is deep in thought, or occupied, or on a journey. Perhaps he is sleeping and must be awakened!”

Jeremiah 2:8 · BSB

The priests did not ask, ‘Where is the LORD?’ The experts in the law no longer knew Me, and the leaders rebelled against Me. The prophets prophesied by Baal and followed useless idols.

1 Kings 18:40 · BSB

Then Elijah ordered them, “Seize the prophets of Baal! Do not let a single one escape.” So they seized them, and Elijah brought them down to the Kishon Valley and slaughtered them there.

Revelation 19:20 · BSB

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…

Cross references adapted from OpenBible.info (CC BY 4.0) and the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

In context

19And I will hold accountable anyone who does not listen to My words that the prophet speaks in My name.

21You may ask in your heart, “How can we recognize a message that the LORD has not spoken?”

Read Deuteronomy 18