Deuteronomy 13:1

KJV

¶ If there arise among you a prophet, or a dreamer of dreams, and giveth thee a sign or a wonder,

KJV (with Strong's)

If there arise {H6965} among {H7130} you a prophet {H5030}, or a dreamer {H2492} of dreams {H2472}, and giveth {H5414} thee a sign {H226} or a wonder {H4159},

Complete Jewish Bible

"If a prophet or someone who gets messages while dreaming arises among you and he gives you a sign or wonder,

Berean Standard Bible

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

American Standard Version

If there arise in the midst of thee a prophet, or a dreamer of dreams, and he give thee a sign or a wonder,

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Deuteronomy 13:1 introduces a profound warning to ancient Israel concerning the critical need for spiritual discernment. It sets the stage for a comprehensive test of those who claim divine inspiration, whether through prophecy or dreams, even if their claims are accompanied by impressive signs or wonders. This verse underscores that the mere presence of a miraculous display is insufficient validation for a message; rather, the ultimate standard for truth is unwavering fidelity to the Lord God and His established commandments, serving as a foundational principle for maintaining the purity of Israel's covenant relationship.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse initiates a pivotal section within Moses' final discourses to the generation poised to enter the Promised Land. Deuteronomy, as a whole, serves as a covenant renewal document, reiterating the Law and emphasizing exclusive loyalty to Yahweh. Chapter 13 specifically addresses internal threats to Israel's spiritual integrity, following Moses' passionate appeals for wholehearted devotion to God and adherence to His statutes, as detailed in [Deuteronomy 6](/deuteronomy/6 "Deuteronomy 6 - Love the Lord Your God") and [Deuteronomy 10](/deuteronomy/10 "Deuteronomy 10 - Fear the Lord Your God"). This chapter provides stringent guidelines for identifying and dealing with those who would lead the people astray into idolatry, beginning with the most deceptive form: a false prophet or dreamer who appears to have supernatural backing.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Israelites stood on the plains of Moab, on the cusp of entering Canaan, a land saturated with diverse pagan religious practices. Surrounding nations engaged in various forms of divination, necromancy, and prophecy, often involving signs and omens. In this environment, it was crucial for Israel to distinguish authentic divine communication from deceptive practices. Moses, as God's primary prophet, had authenticated his own ministry through powerful signs and wonders (e.g., [Exodus 7-12](/exodus/7 "Exodus 7 - The Plagues Begin")), making the warning in [Deuteronomy 13:1](/deuteronomy/13-1 "Deuteronomy 13:1 - Warning Against False Prophets") particularly potent: even what *appears* to be a genuine miracle could be a test of their loyalty to the one true God.
* **Key Themes:** [Deuteronomy 13:1](/deuteronomy/13-1 "Deuteronomy 13:1 - Warning Against False Prophets") introduces several critical themes. First, it highlights **the challenge of discernment**, emphasizing that not every spiritual claim, even if accompanied by impressive phenomena, originates from God. Second, it establishes that **signs and wonders are not the ultimate test of truth**. While God often uses miracles to confirm His word (as seen in [Exodus 4:1-9](/exodus/4-1 "Exodus 4:1-9 - Moses' Signs")), this verse cautions that such displays can also be used by deceptive forces. The true test lies in the message's alignment with God's revealed will and its impact on the people's loyalty. Finally, the verse underscores the profound danger of **spiritual deception and apostasy**, setting the stage for strict measures against anyone who would lead Israel away from the exclusive worship of Yahweh, directly challenging the core command of [Deuteronomy 6:4-5](/deuteronomy/6-4 "Deuteronomy 6:4-5 - The Shema").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Prophet (Hebrew, _nābî'_):** This term refers to one who is called by God to speak on His behalf, acting as a mouthpiece for divine revelation. A true _nābî'_ conveys God's direct message, often with authority and predictive power. However, the context here implies that not all who claim this title are genuine, necessitating careful evaluation of their message.
* **Dreamer of dreams (Hebrew, _ḥālôm_):** Dreams were a recognized medium through which God communicated with His people (e.g., [Genesis 20:3](/genesis/20-3 "Genesis 20:3 - God Speaks to Abimelech in a Dream"), [Daniel 2:28](/daniel/2-28 "Daniel 2:28 - God Reveals Secrets Through Dreams")). The phrase "dreamer of dreams" refers to an individual who claims to receive divine messages through nocturnal visions. The inclusion of this category alongside "prophet" indicates that revelation through dreams also needed to be rigorously tested against God's established truth.
* **Sign or a wonder (Hebrew, _’ōṯ_ and _môp̄ēṯ_):** These two terms are often used together to describe miraculous events or predictive tokens that authenticate a message or messenger. An _’ōṯ_ (sign) is a distinguishing mark or a confirming event, while a _môp̄ēṯ_ (wonder) is something extraordinary that causes astonishment. Crucially, [Deuteronomy 13:1](/deuteronomy/13-1 "Deuteronomy 13:1 - Warning Against False Prophets") does not deny that such a sign or wonder might genuinely occur; rather, it implies that even if it does, the message it accompanies must be the ultimate arbiter of truth, not the phenomenon itself.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"If there arise among you":** This introductory clause indicates that the threat of deception is not merely from external pagan influences, but from within the Israelite community itself. It highlights the insidious nature of false teaching, which can emerge from seemingly legitimate sources among God's own people.
* **"a prophet, or a dreamer of dreams":** This specifies the type of individual who poses the threat: someone claiming divine inspiration, either through direct prophetic utterance or through revelatory dreams. The inclusion of both categories covers the primary modes of perceived divine communication in ancient Israel.
* **"and giveth thee a sign or a wonder":** This critical phrase describes the deceptive element. The individual not only claims divine inspiration but also performs or predicts something miraculous that appears to validate their claim. The verse acknowledges the potential for such phenomena to occur, making the ensuing test of their message all the more vital.

#### Literary Devices
Deuteronomy 13:1 employs several literary devices to convey its urgent warning. The most prominent is the **Conditional Clause** ("If there arise..."), which immediately sets up a hypothetical yet anticipated scenario, preparing the audience for the detailed instructions that follow. This structure emphasizes the reality and inevitability of such challenges to their faith. There is also a subtle **Juxtaposition** between the apparent authenticity of a "sign or a wonder" and the potential for a deceptive message. The verse highlights the tension between outward display and inner truth, forcing the listener to look beyond the superficial. Furthermore, the verse functions as a form of **Foreshadowing**, introducing the core problem that the subsequent verses and the entire chapter will address in detail, specifically outlining the severe consequences for those who heed such false counsel.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Deuteronomy 13:1 lays a crucial theological groundwork for the principle of discernment within God's covenant people. It asserts that while God does indeed reveal Himself and confirm His word through signs and wonders, such phenomena are never the ultimate test of truth. Instead, the fidelity of the message to God's established character, His revealed law, and His exclusive claim on Israel's worship is paramount. This verse teaches that God may even permit deceptive signs to occur as a test of His people's loyalty, forcing them to choose between following a compelling display and remaining steadfast in their allegiance to the known truth of His Word. This principle echoes throughout Scripture, emphasizing the supremacy of divine revelation over mere experience or power.

* [Deuteronomy 18:20-22](/deuteronomy/18-20 "Deuteronomy 18:20-22 - How to Discern a True Prophet")
* [Matthew 7:15-20](/matthew/7-15 "Matthew 7:15-20 - Beware of False Prophets")
* [1 John 4:1](/1_john/4-1 "1 John 4:1 - Test the Spirits")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Deuteronomy 13:1 offers timeless wisdom for believers navigating a world replete with diverse spiritual claims and charismatic personalities. In an age where information is abundant and spiritual experiences are often prioritized, this verse serves as a vital anchor, reminding us that discernment is not merely an optional spiritual gift but a fundamental responsibility for all who seek to follow God. We are called to be critically engaged with all teachings, testing them against the unchanging standard of God's revealed Word, rather than being swayed by impressive displays or persuasive rhetoric. Our ultimate loyalty must be to the truth of God, not to any human messenger or extraordinary phenomenon. This requires a deep grounding in Scripture, a reliance on the Holy Spirit for wisdom, and a commitment to communal accountability, ensuring that our faith is built on the solid rock of God's revelation, not on shifting sands of subjective experience.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How do we, as believers today, apply the principle of "testing the spirits" in a world filled with various spiritual claims and teachings?**
* **What is the primary standard by which we should evaluate a message or messenger claiming divine inspiration, and why is that standard more reliable than signs or wonders?**
* **In what ways might we be susceptible to deception if we prioritize miraculous experiences or charismatic personalities over the clear teaching of Scripture?**

### FAQ
**Does this mean all signs and wonders are from false prophets?**

Answer: Absolutely not. [Deuteronomy 13:1](/deuteronomy/13-1 "Deuteronomy 13:1 - Warning Against False Prophets") does not teach that all signs and wonders are inherently deceptive or from false sources. Throughout the Bible, God Himself performs and empowers His true prophets to perform signs and wonders to authenticate His message and demonstrate His power (e.g., Moses in [Exodus 4](/exodus/4 "Exodus 4 - Moses' Signs"), Elijah in [1 Kings 18](/1_kings/18 "1 Kings 18 - Elijah on Mount Carmel"), Jesus in the Gospels, and the apostles in [Acts 2](/acts/2 "Acts 2 - The Day of Pentecost")). The critical point of this verse is that the *presence* of a sign or wonder, even if it appears genuine, is not the *ultimate* test of a prophet's authenticity. The true test is whether their message leads people away from the worship of the one true God or contradicts His established commandments. If the message deviates from God's revealed truth, then the sign, regardless of its origin, is a test of loyalty, not a confirmation of truth.

**How can a "sign or wonder" not be from God if it appears supernatural?**

Answer: While God is sovereign and the ultimate source of all true power, Scripture indicates that supernatural phenomena can also originate from deceptive spiritual forces or be produced through human trickery. For instance, Pharaoh's magicians were able to replicate some of Moses' initial signs, albeit with limited power ([Exodus 7:11-12](/exodus/7-11 "Exodus 7:11-12 - Magicians Counter Moses")). The New Testament also warns of false prophets and even the "man of lawlessness" who will come with "all power, signs, and lying wonders" ([2 Thessalonians 2:9](/2_thessalonians/2-9 "2 Thessalonians 2:9 - The Lawless One's Deceptive Powers")) and perform "great signs and wonders" to deceive, if possible, even the elect ([Matthew 24:24](/matthew/24-24 "Matthew 24:24 - False Christs and Prophets")). Therefore, the origin and purpose of a sign or wonder must be carefully discerned, with the message's alignment with God's character and Word being the decisive factor.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Deuteronomy 13:1, with its stern warning against deceptive prophets and dreamers, finds its ultimate fulfillment and profound illumination in Jesus Christ. He is the Prophet par excellence, the one whom Moses himself foretold would come ([Deuteronomy 18:15-18](/deuteronomy/18-15 "Deuteronomy 18:15-18 - The Prophet Like Moses")). Unlike the false prophets warned against in Deuteronomy, Jesus performed countless signs and wonders (e.g., healing the sick in [Matthew 4:23](/matthew/4-23 "Matthew 4:23 - Jesus Teaches and Heals"), calming the storm in [Mark 4:39](/mark/4-39 "Mark 4:39 - Jesus Calms the Storm")) not to lead people astray, but to confirm His divine identity and the truth of His message, which was always perfectly aligned with the will of the Father and the spirit of the Law ([Matthew 5:17](/matthew/5-17 "Matthew 5:17 - Jesus Fulfills the Law")). His most significant "sign" was His resurrection from the dead, a wonder that definitively authenticated His claims and established Him as Lord ([John 2:18-22](/john/2-18 "John 2:18-22 - Jesus Foretells His Resurrection")). Furthermore, Jesus Himself warned His disciples about false prophets who would arise and perform "great signs and wonders" to deceive ([Matthew 24:24](/matthew/24-24 "Matthew 24:24 - False Christs and Prophets")), reinforcing the Deuteronomic principle that miraculous displays alone are not sufficient proof of divine origin. The New Covenant believer is empowered by the Holy Spirit to discern spirits ([1 Corinthians 12:10](/1_corinthians/12-10 "1 Corinthians 12:10 - Discerning of Spirits")), with Christ's life, teaching, death, and resurrection serving as the ultimate, unshakeable standard against which all claims of divine revelation must be measured.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Jeremiah 23:25

I have heard what the prophets said, that prophesy lies in my name, saying, I have dreamed, I have dreamed.

Jeremiah 23:28

The prophet that hath a dream, let him tell a dream; and he that hath my word, let him speak my word faithfully. What [is] the chaff to the wheat? saith the LORD.

1 John 4:1

¶ Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world.

Jeremiah 29:8

¶ For thus saith the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel; Let not your prophets and your diviners, that [be] in the midst of you, deceive you, neither hearken to your dreams which ye cause to be dreamed.

1 Kings 13:18

He said unto him, I [am] a prophet also as thou [art]; and an angel spake unto me by the word of the LORD, saying, Bring him back with thee into thine house, that he may eat bread and drink water. [But] he lied unto him.

Isaiah 9:15

The ancient and honourable, he [is] the head; and the prophet that teacheth lies, he [is] the tail.

Jeremiah 27:9

Therefore hearken not ye to your prophets, nor to your diviners, nor to your dreamers, nor to your enchanters, nor to your sorcerers, which speak unto you, saying, Ye shall not serve the king of Babylon: