Deuteronomy 13:5

KJV

And that prophet, or that dreamer of dreams, shall be put to death; because he hath spoken to turn [you] away from the LORD your God, which brought you out of the land of Egypt, and redeemed you out of the house of bondage, to thrust thee out of the way which the LORD thy God commanded thee to walk in. So shalt thou put the evil away from the midst of thee.

KJV (with Strong's)

And that prophet {H5030}, or that dreamer {H2492} of dreams {H2472}, shall be put to death {H4191}; because he hath spoken {H1696} to turn {H5627} you away from the LORD {H3068} your God {H430}, which brought you out {H3318} of the land {H776} of Egypt {H4714}, and redeemed {H6299} you out of the house {H1004} of bondage {H5650}, to thrust {H5080} thee out of the way {H1870} which the LORD {H3068} thy God {H430} commanded {H6680} thee to walk in {H3212}. So shalt thou put {H1197} the evil {H7451} away {H1197} from the midst {H7130} of thee.

Complete Jewish Bible

and that prophet or dreamer is to be put to death; because he urged rebellion against ADONAI your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt and redeemed you from a life of slavery; in order to seduce you away from the path ADONAI your God ordered you to follow. This is how you are to rid your community of this wickedness.

Berean Standard Bible

Such a prophet or dreamer must be put to death, because he has advocated rebellion against the LORD your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt and redeemed you from the house of slavery; he has tried to turn you from the way in which the LORD your God has commanded you to walk. So you must purge the evil from among you.

American Standard Version

And that prophet, or that dreamer of dreams, shall be put to death, because he hath spoken rebellion against Jehovah your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, and redeemed thee out of the house of bondage, to draw thee aside out of the way which Jehovah thy God commanded thee to walk in. So shalt thou put away the evil from the midst of thee.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Deuteronomy 13:5 prescribes the death penalty for any prophet or dream-interpreter who seeks to lead the people of Israel away from their covenant loyalty to the LORD their God. This severe judgment underscores the absolute necessity of maintaining exclusive devotion to the God who delivered them from Egyptian bondage, highlighting the profound gravity of spiritual deception and the community's sacred responsibility to purge such corrupting influences from their midst to preserve their unique relationship with Yahweh and the integrity of His commands.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Deuteronomy 13:5 is situated within a crucial section of Deuteronomy (chapters 12-26) that outlines the specific laws and statutes Israel was to observe upon entering the Promised Land. This chapter, specifically, deals with the threat of idolatry and false prophecy, immediately following the command to destroy all remnants of Canaanite worship and to worship God only at the central sanctuary ([Deuteronomy 12](/deuteronomy/12 "Deuteronomy 12 - Laws of Worship")). Chapter 13 presents a series of tests for discerning true prophets from false ones, starting with individuals who propose following other gods ([Deuteronomy 13:1-5](/deuteronomy/13-1 "Deuteronomy 13:1-5 - Warning Against False Prophets")) and extending to close family members or entire towns that promote idolatry ([Deuteronomy 13:6-18](/deuteronomy/13-6 "Deuteronomy 13:6-18 - Dealing with Idolatry")). The severity of the penalty in verse 5 sets the tone for the absolute intolerance of anything that would compromise Israel's unique covenant relationship with the LORD.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Ancient Israel was poised to enter Canaan, a land saturated with polytheistic cultures where divination, dream interpretation, and prophetic utterances were common, often associated with fertility cults and abhorrent practices like child sacrifice ([Deuteronomy 12:31](/deuteronomy/12-31 "Deuteronomy 12:31 - Abominable Practices")). The LORD had delivered Israel from slavery in Egypt ([Exodus 12:51](/exodus/12-51 "Exodus 12:51 - The Exodus from Egypt")), establishing a unique covenant with them at Sinai, where He revealed Himself as the one true God and demanded exclusive worship ([Exodus 20:2-3](/exodus/20-2 "Exodus 20:2-3 - The First Commandment")). Any "prophet" or "dreamer" who sought to introduce or encourage the worship of other deities, thereby undermining this foundational covenant, was not merely committing a religious offense but an act of treason against the divine King who had redeemed them from the [house of bondage](/exodus/20-2 "Exodus 20:2 - God's Deliverance from Bondage"). The death penalty reflects the absolute necessity of maintaining religious purity and loyalty in a context where national identity was inextricably linked to covenant fidelity.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several key themes within Deuteronomy and the broader Pentateuch. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **exclusive loyalty to Yahweh**, emphasizing that Israel's identity and well-being are entirely dependent on their singular devotion to the God who delivered them from Egypt and established a covenant with them ([Deuteronomy 6:4-5](/deuteronomy/6-4 "Deuteronomy 6:4-5 - The Shema and Love for God")). Secondly, it highlights the **gravity of spiritual deception and apostasy**, portraying false prophecy as an existential threat to the nation's spiritual and social fabric, warranting the most severe punishment. Thirdly, the command to "put the evil away from the midst of thee" reinforces the theme of **community responsibility for purity and holiness**. The entire community is charged with vigilance against corrupting influences, ensuring the integrity of their covenant relationship and preventing widespread idolatry, a principle echoed later in the New Testament concerning [purging evil from the community](/1_corinthians/5-13 "1 Corinthians 5:13 - Paul's Instruction on Purging Evil").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Prophet (Hebrew, _nābî'_):** This term generally refers to one who speaks on behalf of God, acting as His mouthpiece. However, in this context, it refers to someone who claims divine inspiration but whose message leads away from the LORD. The emphasis is on the *claim* to speak for God, which is then invalidated by the *content* and *direction* of their message.
* **Dreamer of dreams (Hebrew, _ḥōlem ḥalôm_):** This phrase specifically identifies individuals who claim to receive divine revelation through nocturnal visions. While dreams were a legitimate means of divine communication in the Old Testament (e.g., [Genesis 37:5](/genesis/37-5 "Genesis 37:5 - Joseph's Dreams")), this passage warns against those whose dream-messages contradict established divine truth and promote idolatry. The issue is not the medium, but the message's source and its ultimate effect.
* **Put to death (Hebrew, _mût yûmāt_):** This is a strong legal formula, often translated as "shall surely be put to death" or "he must die." It signifies a mandatory, non-negotiable capital punishment, underscoring the extreme gravity of the offense. This penalty reflects the sacrosanct nature of Israel's covenant with Yahweh and the severe threat posed by those who would undermine it.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And that prophet, or that dreamer of dreams, shall be put to death;":** This sets the immediate and severe consequence for individuals claiming divine inspiration. The pairing of "prophet" and "dreamer" covers the primary recognized modes of receiving divine revelation in ancient Israel, ensuring that no one claiming such a role is exempt from scrutiny. The mandatory death penalty highlights the absolute seriousness of the crime.
* **"because he hath spoken to turn [you] away from the LORD your God, which brought you out of the land of Egypt, and redeemed you out of the house of bondage, ":** This clause provides the explicit justification for the capital punishment. The core offense is attempting to divert the people's allegiance from Yahweh. The repeated theological anchor, "the LORD your God, which brought you out of the land of Egypt, and redeemed you out of the house of bondage," serves as a powerful reminder of God's unparalleled faithfulness and mighty acts of salvation. It reinforces that loyalty to Him is non-negotiable because He is their deliverer and covenant partner.
* **"to thrust thee out of the way which the LORD thy God commanded thee to walk in.":** This further clarifies the nature of the "turning away." It's not just a theological deviation but a practical one – an attempt to remove the people from the prescribed path of obedience and covenant fidelity. The "way" refers to the entire body of divine commands and statutes that define Israel's life and relationship with God.
* **"So shalt thou put the evil away from the midst of thee.":** This concluding phrase serves as both a command and a theological rationale. It places the responsibility on the community to actively purge such dangerous influences. The "evil" (Hebrew, _rāʿ_) here refers not just to the individual false prophet but to the corrupting influence of their message and the potential for widespread apostasy. Removing this evil ensures the spiritual health and purity of the nation, maintaining their covenant integrity before God.

#### Literary Devices
The passage employs several potent **literary devices**. The most prominent is **Repetition**, particularly the phrase "the LORD your God, which brought you out of the land of Egypt, and redeemed you out of the house of bondage." This serves as a powerful **theological anchor** and a constant reminder of God's redemptive history with Israel, reinforcing the non-negotiable basis for their exclusive loyalty. The repetition functions as a **refrain**, emphasizing the magnitude of God's past acts and, by extension, the severity of the offense against Him. The stark contrast between the false prophet's deceptive words and God's liberating actions creates a strong **antithesis**. The phrase "put the evil away from the midst of thee" is a form of **metonymy**, where "evil" stands for the person who embodies and propagates that evil, emphasizing the need for the community's active participation in maintaining purity. The entire passage uses **legalistic language** characteristic of covenant law, employing clear stipulations and consequences to underscore the binding nature of God's commands.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Deuteronomy 13:5 establishes a foundational principle for discerning truth from error within the covenant community: the ultimate test of any prophetic claim is its fidelity to God's established revelation and its effect on the people's loyalty to Him. This passage highlights God's zealous guardianship of His covenant and His people, demonstrating that spiritual purity is not merely an ideal but a matter of life and death for the nation. It underscores the profound seriousness of leading God's people astray, equating it with an act of spiritual treason against the one true God who redeemed them. The principle of purging evil from the community, though applied with ancient Israel's specific legal framework, resonates throughout biblical theology, emphasizing the church's ongoing responsibility to uphold doctrinal truth and guard against deceptive influences that would compromise its devotion to Christ.

* [Deuteronomy 18:20](/deuteronomy/18-20 "Deuteronomy 18:20 - Punishment for a Presumptuous Prophet")
* [Jeremiah 14:14](/jeremiah/14-14 "Jeremiah 14:14 - False Prophets Speak Lies")
* [2 Peter 2:1](/2_peter/2-1 "2 Peter 2:1 - Warning Against False Teachers")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While the specific capital punishment for false prophets belongs to the unique covenant context of ancient Israel under the Mosaic Law, the enduring principles of discernment, spiritual vigilance, and guarding the truth remain profoundly relevant for believers today. This passage calls us to a deep and unwavering commitment to God's revealed Word, recognizing that any teaching or influence that seeks to diminish Christ, contradict core biblical doctrines, or encourage turning away from a life of obedience to God is dangerous and must be rejected. In a world saturated with diverse spiritual claims and competing narratives, the imperative to "test the spirits" ([1 John 4:1](/1_john/4-1 "1 John 4:1 - Test the Spirits")) becomes paramount. We are called not only to personally adhere to sound doctrine but also to participate in the collective responsibility of the church to uphold the integrity of the faith, ensuring that the community remains anchored in the truth of the Gospel and devoted exclusively to the Lord Jesus Christ. Our spiritual health, both individually and corporately, depends on our vigilance against deception and our steadfast loyalty to our Redeemer.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How do I discern between true and false spiritual messages in today's complex world?**
* **What is my personal responsibility, and the church's collective responsibility, in guarding against teachings that lead away from God's truth?**
* **How does understanding God's redemptive acts (like the Exodus) strengthen my resolve to remain loyal to Him and His commands?**
* **In what ways might I be subtly tempted to "turn away" from the way God has commanded me to walk, and how can I resist such temptations?**

### FAQ
**Does this verse mean we should execute people who teach false doctrines today?**

Answer: No, the literal application of capital punishment for false teaching was specific to ancient Israel under the Mosaic Law, a unique theocratic nation where religious and civil laws were intertwined. The New Covenant era, inaugurated by Christ, operates under different principles. While the church is called to guard doctrinal purity and discipline those who persist in destructive heresies ([Titus 3:10-11](/titus/3-10 "Titus 3:10-11 - Reject a Divisive Person")), it does not employ physical violence or capital punishment. The spiritual battle against false teaching is fought with spiritual weapons, primarily the truth of God's Word ([Ephesians 6:17](/ephesians/6-17 "Ephesians 6:17 - The Sword of the Spirit")). The underlying principle, however, remains: leading people away from God is a grave spiritual offense.

**How can we "put the evil away from the midst of thee" in a New Testament context?**

Answer: In the New Testament, "putting away evil" involves various forms of spiritual discipline and discernment within the church community. This includes rejecting false teachings ([2 Timothy 4:3-4](/2_timothy/4-3 "2 Timothy 4:3-4 - Turning Away from Truth")), confronting those who spread division or heresy ([Romans 16:17](/romans/16-17 "Romans 16:17 - Avoid Those Who Cause Divisions")), and, in severe cases, exercising church discipline, which can include excommunication for unrepentant sin or heresy ([1 Corinthians 5:13](/1_corinthians/5-13 "1 Corinthians 5:13 - Paul's Instruction on Purging Evil")). The goal is always the purity of the church and the potential repentance of the individual, not physical harm.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Deuteronomy 13:5, with its severe condemnation of false prophets, finds its ultimate fulfillment and reinterpretation in Jesus Christ and the New Covenant. Jesus Himself warned against false prophets, identifying them by their fruits ([Matthew 7:15-20](/matthew/7-15 "Matthew 7:15-20 - False Prophets Identified by Their Fruits")), and He is the ultimate true Prophet, through whom God has spoken His final word ([Hebrews 1:1-2](/hebrews/1-1 "Hebrews 1:1-2 - God Has Spoken Through His Son")). The "way which the LORD thy God commanded thee to walk in" is perfectly embodied and revealed in Christ, who declares, "I am the way, the truth, and the life" ([John 14:6](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus, the Way, the Truth, and the Life")). Any teaching that turns people away from Him, the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), is the ultimate spiritual deception. The severe penalty in Deuteronomy reflects the infinite value of the covenant relationship with God, a relationship now fully realized and made accessible through Christ's atoning sacrifice. The call to "put the evil away from the midst of thee" is now a call for the church to guard the purity of the Gospel, upholding the supremacy and sufficiency of Christ against all false teachings that would draw believers away from their [singular devotion to Him](/2_corinthians/11-3 "2 Corinthians 11:3 - Paul's Concern for the Church's Purity"). In Christ, the focus shifts from a national, physical purity to a spiritual purity of heart and doctrine, maintained by adherence to the [truth of the Gospel](/galatians/2-5 "Galatians 2:5 - The Truth of the Gospel").

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

1 Corinthians 5:13

But them that are without God judgeth. Therefore put away from among yourselves that wicked person.

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.

Deuteronomy 24:7

If a man be found stealing any of his brethren of the children of Israel, and maketh merchandise of him, or selleth him; then that thief shall die; and thou shalt put evil away from among you.

Deuteronomy 22:21

Then they shall bring out the damsel to the door of her father's house, and the men of her city shall stone her with stones that she die: because she hath wrought folly in Israel, to play the whore in her father's house: so shalt thou put evil away from among you.

Deuteronomy 19:19

Then shall ye do unto him, as he had thought to have done unto his brother: so shalt thou put the evil away from among you.

Deuteronomy 17:7

The hands of the witnesses shall be first upon him to put him to death, and afterward the hands of all the people. So thou shalt put the evil away from among you.

Deuteronomy 13:10

And thou shalt stone him with stones, that he die; because he hath sought to thrust thee away from the LORD thy God, which brought thee out of the land of Egypt, from the house of bondage.