King James Version:
(The Lord speaking is red text)
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.
Complete Jewish Bible:
When a prophet speaks in the name of ADONAI, and the prediction does not come true -that is, the word is not fulfilled -then ADONAI did not speak that word. The prophet who said it spoke presumptuously; you have nothing to fear from him.
Berean Standard Bible:
When a prophet speaks in the name of the LORD and the message does not come to pass or come true, that is a message the LORD has not spoken. The prophet has spoken presumptuously. Do not be afraid of him.
American Standard Version:
when a prophet speaketh in the name of Jehovah, if the thing follow not, nor come to pass, that is the thing which Jehovah hath not spoken: the prophet hath spoken it presumptuously, thou shalt not be afraid of him.
KJV with Strong’s Numbers:
When a prophet{H5030} speaketh{H1696} in the name{H8034} of the LORD{H3068}, if the thing{H1697} follow not, nor come to pass{H935}, that is the thing{H1697} which the LORD{H3068} hath not spoken{H1696}, but the prophet{H5030} hath spoken{H1696} it presumptuously{H2087}: thou shalt not be afraid{H1481} of him.
Cross-References (KJV):
Deuteronomy 18:20
- 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.
2 Kings 20:1
- ¶ In those days was Hezekiah sick unto death. And the prophet Isaiah the son of Amoz came to him, and said unto him, Thus saith the LORD, Set thine house in order; for thou shalt die, and not live.
Jeremiah 28:1
- ¶ And it came to pass the same year, in the beginning of the reign of Zedekiah king of Judah, in the fourth year, [and] in the fifth month, [that] Hananiah the son of Azur the prophet, which [was] of Gibeon, spake unto me in the house of the LORD, in the presence of the priests and of all the people, saying,
Jeremiah 28:17
- So Hananiah the prophet died the same year in the seventh month.
Jonah 4:2
- And he prayed unto the LORD, and said, I pray thee, O LORD, [was] not this my saying, when I was yet in my country? Therefore I fled before unto Tarshish: for I knew that thou [art] a gracious God, and merciful, slow to anger, and of great kindness, and repentest thee of the evil.
Zechariah 1:5
- Your fathers, where [are] they? and the prophets, do they live for ever?
Zechariah 1:6
- But my words and my statutes, which I commanded my servants the prophets, did they not take hold of your fathers? and they returned and said, Like as the LORD of hosts thought to do unto us, according to our ways, and according to our doings, so hath he dealt with us.
Explore This Verse Across Other Resources:
Commentary for Deuteronomy 18:22
Deuteronomy 18:22 is part of the Old Testament, specifically the fifth book of the Pentateuch, which is traditionally attributed to Moses. This verse addresses the theme of prophecy and the criteria for discerning true prophets from false ones in ancient Israelite society.
**Historical Context:**
The book of Deuteronomy is set during the time when the Israelites are on the plains of Moab, ready to enter the Promised Land after their exodus from Egypt and 40 years of wandering in the wilderness. Moses is preparing the people for life in Canaan by reiterating the law (hence the name Deuteronomy, which means "second law"). This includes instructions on various aspects of their religious, social, and political life.
**Themes:**
1. **True vs. False Prophecy:** The primary theme of Deuteronomy 18:22 is the distinction between true and false prophets. In a culture where prophets were considered intermediaries between God and the people, it was crucial to establish criteria for authenticity. This verse provides a clear test: if a prophet's prediction does not come true, it is a sign that the prophet has spoken presumptuously, not by the authority of God.
2. **Divine Authority:** The verse underscores the principle that a true prophet speaks on behalf of the Lord. The people are instructed not to fear such a prophet because his words carry the weight of divine authority.
3. **Accountability and Discernment:** This verse also touches on the accountability of prophets and the responsibility of the community to discern divine will. It serves as a warning against blindly following leaders who claim to speak for God without evidence of their claims.
4. **Protection from Fear and Manipulation:** By providing a test for prophecy, the verse aims to protect the people from being manipulated by fear or false claims. They are not to fear a prophet whose predictions fail, as this is a clear sign that the prophet is not speaking for God.
In summary, Deuteronomy 18:22 is a part of Moses' instructions to the Israelites concerning the discernment of true prophecy. It emphasizes the importance of fulfillment of prophetic words as a marker of divine legitimacy and cautions the people against fearing or following those who falsely claim to speak for the Lord. This verse reflects the broader themes of the book, which include guidance for the Israelites as they establish their religious and social identity in the land of Canaan.
*This commentary is produced by Microsoft/WizardLM-2-8x22B AI model
Strong's Numbers and Definitions:
Note: H = Hebrew (OT), G = Greek (NT)
- Strong's Number: H5030
There are 288 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: נָבִיא
Transliteration: nâbîyʼ
Pronunciation: naw-bee'
Description: from נָבָא; a prophet or (generally) inspired man; prophecy, that prophesy, prophet. - Strong's Number: H1696
There are 1050 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: דָבַר
Transliteration: dâbar
Pronunciation: daw-bar'
Description: a primitive root; perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue; answer, appoint, bid, command, commune, declare, destroy, give, name, promise, pronounce, rehearse, say, speak, be spokesman, subdue, talk, teach, tell, think, use (entreaties), utter, [idiom] well, [idiom] work. - Strong's Number: H8034
There are 771 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: שֵׁם
Transliteration: shêm
Pronunciation: shame
Description: a primitive word (perhaps rather from through the idea of definite and conspicuous position; compare שָׁמַיִם); an appellation, as amark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character; [phrase] base, (in-) fame(-ous), named(-d), renown, report. - Strong's Number: H3068
There are 5521 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: יְהֹוָה
Transliteration: Yᵉhôvâh
Pronunciation: yeh-ho-vaw'
Description: from הָיָה; (the) self-Existent or Eternal; Jehovah, Jewish national name of God; Jehovah, the Lord. Compare יָהּ, יְהֹוִה. - Strong's Number: H1697
There are 1290 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: דָּבָר
Transliteration: dâbâr
Pronunciation: daw-baw'
Description: from דָבַר; a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause; act, advice, affair, answer, [idiom] any such (thing), because of, book, business, care, case, cause, certain rate, [phrase] chronicles, commandment, [idiom] commune(-ication), [phrase] concern(-ing), [phrase] confer, counsel, [phrase] dearth, decree, deed, [idiom] disease, due, duty, effect, [phrase] eloquent, errand, (evil favoured-) ness, [phrase] glory, [phrase] harm, hurt, [phrase] iniquity, [phrase] judgment, language, [phrase] lying, manner, matter, message, (no) thing, oracle, [idiom] ought, [idiom] parts, [phrase] pertaining, [phrase] please, portion, [phrase] power, promise, provision, purpose, question, rate, reason, report, request, [idiom] (as hast) said, sake, saying, sentence, [phrase] sign, [phrase] so, some (uncleanness), somewhat to say, [phrase] song, speech, [idiom] spoken, talk, task, [phrase] that, [idiom] there done, thing (concerning), thought, [phrase] thus, tidings, what(-soever), [phrase] wherewith, which, word, work. - Strong's Number: H935
There are 2307 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: בּוֹא
Transliteration: bôwʼ
Pronunciation: bo
Description: a primitive root; to go or come (in a wide variety of applications); abide, apply, attain, [idiom] be, befall, [phrase] besiege, bring (forth, in, into, to pass), call, carry, [idiom] certainly, (cause, let, thing for) to come (against, in, out, upon, to pass), depart, [idiom] doubtless again, [phrase] eat, [phrase] employ, (cause to) enter (in, into, -tering, -trance, -try), be fallen, fetch, [phrase] follow, get, give, go (down, in, to war), grant, [phrase] have, [idiom] indeed, (in-) vade, lead, lift (up), mention, pull in, put, resort, run (down), send, set, [idiom] (well) stricken (in age), [idiom] surely, take (in), way. - Strong's Number: H2087
There are 11 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: זָדוֹן
Transliteration: zâdôwn
Pronunciation: zaw-done'
Description: from זוּד; arrogance; presumptuously, pride, proud (man). - Strong's Number: H1481
There are 94 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: גּוּר
Transliteration: gûwr
Pronunciation: goor
Description: a primitive root; properly, to turn aside from the road (for a lodging or any other purpose), i.e. sojourn (as a guest); also to shrink, fear (as in a strange place); also to gather forhostility (as afraid); abide, assemble, be afraid, dwell, fear, gather (together), inhabitant, remain, sojourn, stand in awe, (be) stranger, [idiom] surely.