Deuteronomy 13:2

KJV

And the sign or the wonder come to pass, whereof he spake unto thee, saying, Let us go after other gods, which thou hast not known, and let us serve them;

KJV (with Strong's)

And the sign {H226} or the wonder {H4159} come to pass {H935}, whereof he spake {H1696} unto thee, saying {H559}, Let us go {H3212} after {H310} other {H312} gods {H430}, which thou hast not known {H3045}, and let us serve {H5647} them;

Complete Jewish Bible

and the sign or wonder comes about as he predicted when he said, 'Let's follow other gods, which you have not known; and let us serve them,'

Berean Standard Bible

and if the sign or wonder he has spoken to you comes about, but he says, “Let us follow other gods (which you have not known) and let us worship them,”

American Standard Version

and the sign or the wonder come to pass, whereof he spake unto thee, saying, Let us go after other gods, which thou hast not known, and let us serve them;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Deuteronomy 13:2 presents a profound warning within Moses' final instructions to Israel before entering Canaan. It addresses the perilous scenario where a prophet or dreamer, whose predictions or miraculous acts *do* come true, uses this apparent credibility to entice the people to abandon their covenant loyalty to the Lord and instead follow "other gods." This verse highlights that even genuine supernatural occurrences are not the ultimate test of truth; rather, the message's fidelity to Yahweh's exclusive worship is the paramount criterion for discernment, serving as a critical safeguard against spiritual apostasy.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Deuteronomy 13:2 is an integral part of a larger legislative section (Deuteronomy 12-26) outlining the covenant stipulations for Israel in the Promised Land. Specifically, it falls within the immediate context of [Deuteronomy 13:1-5](/deuteronomy/13-1 "Deuteronomy 13:1-5 - Warning Against False Prophets"), which provides strict laws concerning false prophets and the severe consequences for those who lead Israel astray into idolatry. The preceding chapter, [Deuteronomy 12](/deuteronomy/12 "Deuteronomy 12 - Laws Concerning Worship"), commands the destruction of pagan altars and the centralization of worship at a single, divinely chosen sanctuary, emphasizing exclusive devotion to Yahweh. This verse, therefore, serves as a crucial warning that even seemingly legitimate spiritual manifestations must be tested against the absolute standard of exclusive worship of the one true God, forming a protective barrier around the purity of Israel's faith.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** As Israel stood on the brink of entering Canaan, they were about to encounter a land saturated with polytheistic cultures. The Canaanites worshipped a pantheon of gods (Baal, Asherah, Dagon, etc.), often associated with fertility rites, child sacrifice, and various forms of divination and magic. Prophets, diviners, and dreamers were common figures in the ancient Near East, often claiming divine revelation or performing wonders. Moses' warning in [Deuteronomy 13](/deuteronomy/13 "Deuteronomy 13 - Warnings Against Idolatry") directly addresses this pervasive cultural reality, preparing Israel for the immense spiritual temptations they would face. The danger was not merely external influence but the potential for internal subversion by individuals who might appear to possess divine authority yet subtly lead the people into the very idolatry Yahweh strictly forbade.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in Deuteronomy. Foremost is the theme of **exclusive worship and covenant fidelity**. The command to not follow "other gods, which thou hast not known" directly reinforces the [First Commandment](/exodus/20-3 "Exodus 20:3 - The First Commandment"), emphasizing that Yahweh alone is God and demands Israel's undivided loyalty. It also highlights the critical theme of **spiritual discernment**, teaching that miraculous signs alone are insufficient proof of divine origin if the message contradicts God's established truth. This principle underscores that God's people must "test the spirits," as later echoed in [1 John 4:1](/1_john/4-1 "1 John 4:1 - Testing the Spirits"). Finally, the verse introduces the **danger of false prophets**, revealing that God may even permit deceptive signs as a test of His people's love and loyalty, as explicitly stated in [Deuteronomy 13:3](/deuteronomy/13-3 "Deuteronomy 13:3 - God Tests His People's Love").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Sign (Hebrew, _ʾôṯ'_):** This term refers to a distinguishing mark, a token, or a miraculous indication. It can be a natural phenomenon or a supernatural event that serves to confirm or validate something. In this context, it denotes a predictive or validating occurrence that seemingly authenticates the prophet's words. While often used positively (e.g., the signs Moses performed in [Exodus 4](/exodus/4 "Exodus 4 - Moses' Signs")), here it is presented as potentially deceptive, indicating that even a true "sign" does not automatically equate to divine endorsement if its purpose is to lead away from God.
* **Wonder (Hebrew, _môpēṯ'_):** Often paired with _ʾôṯ_, _môpēṯ_ typically refers to a miraculous deed or a portent, something awe-inspiring that causes astonishment. It carries the connotation of a powerful, extraordinary act. Like "sign," "wonder" can be used for divine miracles (e.g., the plagues in [Exodus 7:3](/exodus/7-3 "Exodus 7:3 - God's Wonders in Egypt")), but here it highlights that even genuinely astonishing feats can be performed by those who seek to subvert true worship. The combination of "sign or wonder" emphasizes the compelling nature of the prophet's apparent power.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the sign or the wonder come to pass,"**: This clause establishes the premise of the warning. It acknowledges that the prophet's prediction or miraculous act is not a fabrication; it genuinely occurs. This makes the deception particularly insidious, as the fulfillment of the "sign" or "wonder" would naturally lend credibility to the speaker in the eyes of the people. The emphasis is on the *verifiable occurrence* of the supernatural event.
* **"whereof he spake unto thee, saying,"**: This phrase clarifies that the "sign" or "wonder" is directly linked to the prophet's preceding words or claims. The prophet has made a declaration, and then an event unfolds that appears to validate that declaration, thereby establishing his authority and making the subsequent temptation more potent.
* **"Let us go after other gods, which thou hast not known, and let us serve them;"**: This is the core of the false prophet's seductive message, the ultimate test of Israel's loyalty. Despite the apparent validation of their prophetic power, their true agenda is revealed: to divert Israel's worship from Yahweh to "other gods." The phrase "which thou hast not known" underscores the foreignness and illegitimacy of these deities, contrasting them sharply with Yahweh, whom Israel *has* known through His covenant and mighty acts. The call to "serve them" implies a complete transfer of allegiance, including worship, sacrifice, and obedience, away from the one true God.

#### Literary Devices
Deuteronomy 13:2 primarily employs **Conditional Warning** and **Juxtaposition**. The verse sets up a hypothetical but very real scenario ("And the sign or the wonder come to pass...") to deliver a critical warning. This structure prepares the audience for a specific danger and outlines the proper response. The **Juxtaposition** is stark: a seemingly authentic supernatural event is placed directly against an apostate message. This highlights the deceptive nature of the false prophet, whose power appears legitimate but whose ultimate aim is illegitimate. The passage also uses **Direct Speech** ("Let us go after other gods...") to vividly present the seductive nature of the false prophet's appeal, making the temptation immediate and personal for the Israelite audience. The very real possibility of a true sign leading to a false god creates a powerful **Paradox**, emphasizing that God's people must look beyond mere phenomena to the underlying theological truth.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Deuteronomy 13:2 serves as a foundational text for understanding spiritual discernment and the nature of divine testing. It teaches that God's truth is not validated by signs and wonders alone, but by its consistency with His revealed character and commands, particularly the absolute demand for exclusive worship. The verse highlights that God's people are called to love Him with all their heart and soul, and this love is tested by their unwavering allegiance even in the face of compelling deception. This principle is crucial for all generations, reminding believers that spiritual experiences, no matter how powerful, must always be weighed against the unchanging standard of God's Word and His singular claim to worship. The ultimate test of any spiritual claim is whether it draws one closer to the true God or away from Him.

* [Matthew 24:24](/matthew/24-24 "Matthew 24:24 - False Christs and Prophets")
* [2 Thessalonians 2:9-10](/2_thessalonians/2-9 "2 Thessalonians 2:9-10 - The Lawless One's Deceptive Power")
* [Revelation 13:13-14](/revelation/13-13 "Revelation 13:13-14 - The Beast's Deceptive Signs")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Deuteronomy 13:2 issues a timeless challenge to spiritual vigilance. In an age saturated with diverse spiritual claims, charismatic personalities, and compelling narratives, this verse reminds us that genuine spiritual power can be wielded for deceptive purposes. Our ultimate allegiance must be to the Lord Jesus Christ and the unchanging truth of His Word, not to any sign, wonder, or personal experience that contradicts biblical revelation. We are called to cultivate a deep love for God that transcends mere fascination with the supernatural, a love that is rooted in covenant faithfulness and discernment. This means rigorously testing all teachings and spiritual manifestations: Do they glorify Christ? Do they align with the entirety of Scripture? Do they lead to deeper devotion to the Triune God, or do they subtly (or overtly) divert our worship elsewhere? Our spiritual maturity is measured not by our susceptibility to impressive phenomena, but by our unwavering commitment to the one true God.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How do I discern between genuine spiritual manifestations and deceptive ones in today's world?**
* **What is the ultimate standard by which I evaluate spiritual claims and teachings?**
* **In what ways might I be tempted to prioritize signs or experiences over the clear teachings of Scripture?**
* **How does my love for God influence my discernment and commitment to exclusive worship?**

### FAQ
**Can God allow genuine signs and wonders to be performed by false prophets?**

Answer: Yes, Deuteronomy 13:2 explicitly states that the "sign or the wonder come to pass." This implies that the miraculous event itself is genuine, not a trick or illusion. The purpose of such an occurrence, when it comes from a false prophet, is not to validate their message but to serve as a test for God's people. As [Deuteronomy 13:3](/deuteronomy/13-3 "Deuteronomy 13:3 - God Tests His People's Love") explains, "For the Lord your God is testing you to find out whether you love him with all your heart and with all your soul." This demonstrates that God's ultimate concern is the loyalty and love of His people, and He may permit even compelling deceptions to reveal the true state of their hearts. The New Testament also warns that in the last days, false Christs and false prophets will arise 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 authenticity of a sign does not automatically validate the source or the message; the message's fidelity to God's revealed truth is the ultimate criterion.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Deuteronomy 13:2, with its stern warning against false prophets who perform signs to lead people astray, finds its ultimate fulfillment and resolution in Jesus Christ. He is the true Prophet, promised by Moses in [Deuteronomy 18:15](/deuteronomy/18-15 "Deuteronomy 18:15 - The Prophet Like Moses"), who performed genuine signs and wonders not to lead people away from God, but to reveal God's very nature and to draw humanity into true worship. Unlike the false prophets who entice people to "other gods," Jesus consistently pointed to the Father, declaring, "I and the Father are one" ([John 10:30](/john/10-30 "John 10:30 - Jesus and the Father Are One")). His miracles, from healing the sick to raising the dead, were not ends in themselves but served as undeniable proofs of His divine authority and His mission to redeem humanity from sin and idolatry ([John 20:30-31](/john/20-30 "John 20:30-31 - The Purpose of John's Gospel")). Furthermore, Jesus Himself warned His disciples about the coming of false prophets and false Christs who would perform "great signs and wonders" to deceive ([Matthew 24:24](/matthew/24-24 "Matthew 24:24 - Jesus Warns of Deception")), thereby confirming the enduring relevance of Deuteronomy's warning. In Christ, we find the absolute standard of truth and the ultimate object of our worship, ensuring that our faith is grounded not in deceptive phenomena but in the incarnate Word who alone is "the way, the truth, and the life" ([John 14:6](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus is the Way, Truth, Life")). He is the one who perfectly fulfills the Law, including its warnings, by providing the definitive revelation of God and the means by which we can truly serve Him.

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 28:9

The prophet which prophesieth of peace, when the word of the prophet shall come to pass, [then] shall the prophet be known, that the LORD hath truly sent him.

Deuteronomy 18:22

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.

2 Corinthians 11:13

For such [are] false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ.

2 Corinthians 11:15

Therefore [it is] no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works.

Matthew 7:22

Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works?

Matthew 7:23

And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.

Matthew 24:24

For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if [it were] possible, they shall deceive the very elect.