Deuteronomy 13:3

KJV

Thou shalt not hearken unto the words of that prophet, or that dreamer of dreams: for the LORD your God proveth you, to know whether ye love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul.

KJV (with Strong's)

Thou shalt not hearken {H8085} unto the words {H1697} of that prophet {H5030}, or that dreamer {H2492} of dreams {H2472}: for the LORD {H3068} your God {H430} proveth {H5254} you, to know {H3045} whether ye {H3426} love {H157} the LORD {H3068} your God {H430} with all your heart {H3824} and with all your soul {H5315}.

Complete Jewish Bible

you are not to listen to what that prophet or dreamer says. For ADONAI your God is testing you, in order to find out whether you really do love ADONAI your God with all your heart and being.

Berean Standard Bible

you must not listen to the words of that prophet or dreamer. For the LORD your God is testing you to find out whether you love Him with all your heart and with all your soul.

American Standard Version

thou shalt not hearken unto the words of that prophet, or unto that dreamer of dreams: for Jehovah your God proveth you, to know whether ye love Jehovah your God with all your heart and with all your soul.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Deuteronomy 13:3 presents a crucial divine directive, warning ancient Israel against heeding false prophets or dreamers, even if their signs or wonders materialize. This verse unveils God's sovereign purpose in permitting such deceptions: to test the depth and sincerity of His people's devotion, ascertaining whether their love for Him is truly wholehearted and unwavering, encompassing their entire being. It underscores that genuine allegiance to Yahweh transcends mere observation of miracles, demanding an absolute commitment to His revealed truth and a love that tolerates no rival.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is intricately woven into a significant section of Deuteronomy (chapters 12-26) that meticulously outlines specific laws and statutes for Israel's life in the Promised Land, with an overarching emphasis on the absolute prohibition of idolatry. [Deuteronomy 13](/deuteronomy/13 "Deuteronomy 13 - Warnings Against Idolatry") as a whole focuses entirely on the severe threat posed by those who would lead Israel astray from the LORD. The preceding verses, [Deuteronomy 13:1-2](/deuteronomy/13-1-2 "Deuteronomy 13:1-2 - The Deceptive Prophet's Sign"), describe a chilling, paradoxical scenario: a prophet or "dreamer of dreams" arises, performs a sign or wonder that actually comes to pass, yet their message is to "go after other gods." [Deuteronomy 13:3](/deuteronomy/13-3 "Deuteronomy 13:3 - The Test of Loyalty") then provides the profound divine rationale for rejecting such an individual, despite any apparent supernatural validation: God Himself is using this situation as a test of their loyalty. This passage is immediately followed by uncompromising instructions on how to deal with those who promote idolatry, whether individuals, family members, or entire cities, underscoring the gravity of the offense and the uncompromising nature of God's demand for exclusive worship.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** As Israel stood poised to enter Canaan, they faced a land saturated with polytheistic religions and diverse spiritual practices. Canaanite worship involved numerous deities (such as Baal and Asherah), often accompanied by fertility cults, child sacrifice, and various forms of divination and prophecy that were explicitly forbidden to Israel (e.g., [Deuteronomy 18:9-14](/deuteronomy/18-9-14 "Deuteronomy 18:9-14 - Abominable Practices")). In the ancient Near East, prophets and dreamers held significant influence, often serving as intermediaries between gods and humans, and miraculous signs were commonly associated with divine endorsement. Against this pervasive backdrop, [Deuteronomy 13:3](/deuteronomy/13-3 "Deuteronomy 13:3 - The Test of Loyalty") serves as a crucial safeguard, distinguishing true prophecy from false by its content, not merely its power. It teaches Israel that while God can work wonders, so too can deceptive forces, and the ultimate criterion for truth is unwavering fidelity to the covenant and the worship of Yahweh alone. This command was vital for maintaining Israel's distinct identity and purity amidst the pervasive paganism they were about to encounter and resist.

* **Key Themes:** The central theme underscored by [Deuteronomy 13:3](/deuteronomy/13-3 "Deuteronomy 13:3 - The Divine Test") is the **Divine Testing of Faith**. God, in His sovereignty, permits challenges and deceptive influences to arise, not to trick His people, but to reveal the true depth and sincerity of their commitment. This testing serves to expose what is truly in their hearts and whether their love for Him is genuine and undivided, echoing the foundational command to love the LORD with all their heart, soul, and might found in [Deuteronomy 6:5](/deuteronomy/6-5 "Deuteronomy 6:5 - The Greatest Commandment"). Another critical theme is **Discernment Over Signs**. The passage emphatically teaches that miraculous signs or fulfilled predictions, while impressive, are not sufficient proof of a prophet's authenticity. The ultimate test is the prophet's message: Does it align with God's established commandments and lead people to worship Him alone, or does it promote idolatry? This highlights the supremacy of God's revealed word over sensational displays. Finally, the verse powerfully reiterates the theme of **Unwavering Love for God**. The rejection of false teaching is directly linked to the command to love the LORD your God "with all your heart and with all your soul," a direct callback to the [Shema in Deuteronomy 6:4-5](/deuteronomy/6-4-5 "Deuteronomy 6:4-5 - The Shema: Hear, O Israel"). This emphasizes that allegiance to God must be absolute, undivided, and permeate every aspect of one's being, serving as the ultimate bulwark against apostasy.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Proveth (Hebrew, _nâçâh'_):** This Hebrew verb (H5254) signifies "to test," "to try," or "to prove." It implies an examination designed to determine the quality, genuineness, or loyalty of a person or thing. In this context, God is not testing Israel because He is ignorant of their hearts; rather, He is providing an opportunity for Israel to demonstrate their true allegiance, both to themselves and to the watching world. The test reveals their inner state, strengthening their faith if they pass, or exposing their idolatrous tendencies if they fail. It's a crucible designed to refine and reveal.
* **Heart (Hebrew, _lêbâb'_):** The Hebrew word (H3824) here refers to the inner core of a person—the seat of intellect, will, emotions, and moral character. It encompasses one's thoughts, intentions, and decisions. To love God with all one's heart signifies a complete intellectual and volitional commitment, where one's mind and will are fully aligned with God's commands and desires. It speaks to the inner disposition and the seat of one's choosing.
* **Soul (Hebrew, _nephesh'_):** The Hebrew word (H5315) denotes the entire breathing creature, the life-force, the vitality, and the very essence of a person. It can refer to the breath, the self, or the inner life. To love God with all one's soul means to dedicate one's entire existence, one's very life and vitality, to Him. Combined with "heart," it demands an absolute, holistic, and unreserved devotion that leaves no part of one's being untouched by love for God, encompassing one's actions and animate being.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Thou shalt not hearken unto the words of that prophet, or that dreamer of dreams:"** This opening clause issues a direct, emphatic prohibition. Despite any compelling signs or wonders performed by such an individual (as described in [Deuteronomy 13:1-2](/deuteronomy/13-1-2 "Deuteronomy 13:1-2 - The Deceptive Prophet")), the Israelites are commanded to utterly disregard their message if it deviates from the worship of Yahweh. The terms "prophet" (Hebrew: _nâbîyʼ_) and "dreamer of dreams" (Hebrew: _chălôwm_ from _châlam_) encompass those claiming divine revelation through various means, highlighting that the *source* of the message (God or another deity) is paramount, not the *method* or accompanying phenomena. This establishes a critical principle of discernment: the content of the message always trumps the perceived power of the messenger.
* **"for the LORD your God proveth you,"** This crucial phrase provides the divine explanation for the seemingly paradoxical situation of a true sign accompanying a false message. God Himself (the LORD, Hebrew: _Yᵉhôvâh_, and God, Hebrew: _ʼĕlôhîym_) is actively involved in allowing this deception to occur. The word "proveth" (Hebrew: _nâçâh'_) indicates a test or trial. It's not a trick, but a diagnostic tool. God, in His sovereignty, permits such scenarios to arise to reveal the true spiritual condition of His people. This test is designed to expose the depth of their commitment and to separate those whose loyalty is superficial from those whose devotion is genuine. It underscores God's active role in shaping His people's character and faith.
* **"to know whether ye love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul."** This final clause articulates the ultimate purpose of the divine test. The phrase "to know" (Hebrew: _yâdaʻ_) here does not imply God's ignorance, but rather His desire for Israel to *demonstrate* and *confirm* their love, both to themselves and to Him. The test is a means for their love to be made manifest and proven true. The culmination of the verse emphasizes the foundational covenant command from [Deuteronomy 6:5](/deuteronomy/6-5 "Deuteronomy 6:5 - The Greatest Commandment"), demanding total, undivided, and passionate devotion to God. This love, encompassing intellect, emotion, will, and life-force, is the ultimate safeguard against apostasy and the true measure of their covenant fidelity.

#### Literary Devices
Deuteronomy 13:3 employs several powerful literary devices to convey its urgent message. The passage is fundamentally **Didactic**, serving as direct instruction and warning to the Israelites, clearly outlining a principle of discernment and a command for obedience. The phrase "the LORD your God proveth you" utilizes **Anthropomorphism**, attributing human-like action (testing) to God, making His purpose relatable and immediate, though it emphasizes His sovereign control over circumstances. The emphasis on "all your heart and with all your soul" is a form of **Merism**, where two comprehensive parts (heart and soul) are used to represent the totality of a person's inner and outer being, demanding complete and unreserved devotion. This also functions as **Covenant Language**, echoing the central command of the Mosaic covenant, thereby reinforcing the absolute nature of Israel's commitment to Yahweh. The presence of a "prophet" who performs a true sign but promotes false gods creates a **Paradox**, forcing the audience to look beyond superficial appearances to the core message, highlighting the critical importance of theological content over miraculous display.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Deuteronomy 13:3 profoundly illustrates God's active involvement in the spiritual formation of His people, even through challenging circumstances. It reveals that God permits trials and deceptions not to ensnare, but to refine and reveal the true nature of faith. This divine testing is a recurring motif throughout scripture, designed to purify motives, strengthen resolve, and expose the depth of one's allegiance. The verse establishes a timeless principle: true spiritual authority is validated not by power or spectacle, but by unwavering fidelity to God's revealed truth and His exclusive worship. It underscores that genuine love for God is the ultimate antidote to spiritual deception, demanding a discernment that prioritizes His word above all else and recognizes that God's ultimate desire is for a people whose hearts are wholly devoted to Him.

* [Genesis 22:1](/genesis/22-1 "God Tests Abraham")
* [1 John 4:1](/1_john/4-1 "Test the Spirits")
* [Matthew 22:37](/matthew/22-37 "The Greatest Commandment")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Deuteronomy 13:3 remains profoundly relevant for believers today, serving as an enduring call to vigilant discernment in an age saturated with diverse spiritual claims and charismatic personalities. We are cautioned against being swayed by outward appearances, compelling personalities, or even apparent miracles if the message deviates from the clear, unchanging teachings of God's Word. This verse challenges us to cultivate a deep, abiding love for God that prioritizes His truth above all else, making us resilient against subtle or overt attempts to pull us away from Him. It demands that our loyalty to Christ be absolute and undivided, grounding our faith not in sensationalism, but in the steadfast truth of the Gospel. Our ultimate security lies in knowing God's Word intimately and loving Him wholeheartedly, allowing His truth to be the plumb line against which all other claims are measured, thereby protecting us from deception and strengthening our walk with Him.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life might God be "proving" my love and loyalty to Him, and how am I responding to these tests?**
* **How do I practice discernment in a world filled with competing spiritual claims, and what is my ultimate, unchanging standard for truth?**
* **Am I cultivating a love for God that is truly "with all my heart and with all my soul," or am I susceptible to influences that subtly pull me away from Him?**
* **What practical steps can I take to deepen my knowledge of God's Word and my relationship with Him, so I can better identify messages that contradict His truth?**

### FAQ

**Why would God allow false prophets to perform true signs or wonders?**

Answer: Deuteronomy 13:3 explicitly states that God allows such phenomena "for the LORD your God proveth you." This is not because God is deceptive or lacks knowledge, but because He is sovereign and uses even the actions of false prophets as a test of His people's loyalty. God already knows the heart, but the test serves to reveal the true state of the people's devotion to themselves and to others. It's a crucible designed to purify and strengthen genuine faith, exposing those whose allegiance is superficial or divided. It forces individuals to choose between the sensational and the steadfast truth of God's revealed character and commands, demonstrating whether their love for Him is truly [wholehearted and unwavering](/deuteronomy/6-5 "Love God with All Your Heart, Soul, and Might").

**How does this ancient command apply to modern-day "prophets" or spiritual leaders?**

Answer: The principle of [Deuteronomy 13:3](/deuteronomy/13-3 "The Test of Loyalty") remains timeless and universally applicable. While the immediate context was ancient Israel entering Canaan, the core message about discernment and loyalty to God's truth is vital for believers today. We encounter various spiritual claims, charismatic personalities, and even seemingly miraculous events. This verse teaches us that the ultimate test of any spiritual leader or message is its fidelity to the established Word of God. If a message, regardless of accompanying signs or popularity, deviates from biblical truth or encourages allegiance to anything other than the one true God, it must be rejected. Believers are called to be like the Bereans, who "examined the Scriptures daily to see if these things were so" ([Acts 17:11](/acts/17-11 "The Bereans' Diligence in Scripture")). Our love for God must be paramount, leading us to cling to His truth above all else.

**What is the significance of "heart and soul" in the command to love the LORD?**

Answer: The phrase "with all your heart and with all your soul" (Hebrew: _b'khol-levavkha u'v'khol-nafsh'kha_) signifies a total, holistic, and unreserved devotion to God. "Heart" (_lēbâb'_) represents the inner person—the intellect, will, emotions, and moral core. It is the seat of one's thoughts and intentions. "Soul" (_nephesh'_) refers to the entire being, the life-force, vitality, and essence of a person, encompassing one's very existence and physical life. Together, they demand that every facet of one's being—thoughts, desires, affections, choices, and very existence—be completely surrendered to and focused on God. This comprehensive love is the foundation of the covenant relationship and the ultimate safeguard against any form of idolatry or spiritual compromise. It is the measure of true loyalty and the goal of God's testing, reflecting the absolute claim God has on His people.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Deuteronomy 13:3, with its emphasis on discerning the true prophet and the test of wholehearted love for God, finds its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ. He is the **True Prophet** whom Moses foretold (as referenced in [Deuteronomy 18:15](/deuteronomy/18-15 "The Prophet Like Moses")), who came not to lead people astray, but to perfectly reveal the Father and call humanity to exclusive worship of God. Unlike the false prophets who offered signs but led to other gods, Jesus performed undeniable miracles (e.g., turning water into wine in [John 2:11](/john/2-11 "First Sign at Cana"), raising Lazarus in [John 11:43-44](/john/11-43-44 "Lazarus Raised from the Dead")), yet His message consistently pointed to the Father and called for repentance and faith in God alone ([John 14:6](/john/14-6 "Jesus is the Way, Truth, and Life")). Furthermore, allegiance to Jesus becomes the ultimate test of one's love for God. As He declared, "If you love me, you will keep my commandments" ([John 14:15](/john/14-15 "Love and Obedience")). The Holy Spirit, sent by Christ, now empowers believers with the discernment needed to "test the spirits" ([1 John 4:1](/1_john/4-1 "Test the Spirits")), guiding them into all truth and protecting them from deception ([John 16:13](/john/16-13 "The Spirit of Truth Guides into Truth")). Thus, the ancient command to love God with all heart and soul is perfectly exemplified and made possible through Christ, who enables a new covenant reality where God's law is written on hearts, fostering true, unwavering devotion to Him ([Jeremiah 31:33](/jeremiah/31-33 "The New Covenant Promise"), [Hebrews 8:10](/hebrews/8-10 "God's Law on Our Hearts")).

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

Deuteronomy 8:2

And thou shalt remember all the way which the LORD thy God led thee these forty years in the wilderness, to humble thee, [and] to prove thee, to know what [was] in thine heart, whether thou wouldest keep his commandments, or no.

Psalms 66:10

For thou, O God, hast proved us: thou hast tried us, as silver is tried.

1 Corinthians 11:19

For there must be also heresies among you, that they which are approved may be made manifest among you.

Deuteronomy 6:5

And thou shalt love the LORD thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might.

Revelation 13:14

And deceiveth them that dwell on the earth by [the means of] those miracles which he had power to do in the sight of the beast; saying to them that dwell on the earth, that they should make an image to the beast, which had the wound by a sword, and did live.

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.

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.