Deuteronomy 18:19

KJV

And it shall come to pass, [that] whosoever will not hearken unto my words which he shall speak in my name, I will require [it] of him.

KJV (with Strong's)

And it shall come to pass, that whosoever {H376} will not hearken {H8085} unto my words {H1697} which he shall speak {H1696} in my name {H8034}, I will require {H1875} it of him.

Complete Jewish Bible

Whoever doesn't listen to my words, which he will speak in my name, will have to account for himself to me.

Berean Standard Bible

And I will hold accountable anyone who does not listen to My words that the prophet speaks in My name.

American Standard Version

And it shall come to pass, that whosoever will not hearken unto my words which he shall speak in my name, I will require it of him.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Deuteronomy 18:19 serves as a solemn and profound declaration of divine authority and the severe consequences for rejecting God's chosen messenger. It articulates the Lord's unwavering expectation that His people will attentively listen to and obediently respond to the words spoken by a true prophet, one who faithfully delivers God's message in His name. This verse underscores the grave spiritual accountability for such disobedience, asserting that God Himself will personally and strictly require a reckoning from individuals who fail to heed His revealed will.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Deuteronomy 18:19 is strategically positioned within Moses' final discourses to the Israelites on the plains of Moab, as they stand poised to enter the Promised Land. This chapter is dedicated to establishing the legitimate channels of divine communication and guidance for the nascent nation. Moses first outlines the provisions and roles for the Levitical priests, ensuring their sacred duties and livelihood within Israel's worship system ([Provisions for Priests and Levites](/deuteronomy/18-1-8 "Provisions for Priests and Levites")). He then sharply contrasts these divinely ordained practices with the abhorrent pagan customs prevalent among the surrounding Canaanite nations, explicitly forbidding practices like divination, sorcery, necromancy, and other forms of occultism ([Forbidden Practices](/deuteronomy/18-9-14 "Forbidden Practices")). In direct opposition to these illicit means of seeking knowledge, God promises to raise up a legitimate, divinely appointed source of guidance: "a prophet like you [Moses] from among your own brothers," who will speak God's words directly ([The Promise of a Prophet Like Moses](/deuteronomy/18-15-18 "The Promise of a Prophet Like Moses")). Verse 19 then acts as the crucial culmination of this promise, establishing the severe and certain consequences for any who refuse to listen to this divinely commissioned prophet.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** As the Israelites prepared to enter Canaan, they faced a land saturated with polytheistic religions and pagan practices. These included various forms of divination, spirit consultation, and often involved child sacrifice and other abominations. Moses' warnings in Deuteronomy 18 were therefore vital for establishing a distinct, monotheistic identity for Israel, emphasizing Yahweh as the sole, pure, and authoritative source of truth and guidance. While the concept of a "prophet" was common in the ancient Near East, Israel's prophets were unique. They claimed to speak only the word of Yahweh, their God, and were subject to strict tests of authenticity, including the fulfillment of their prophecies and consistency with God's established law. This verse powerfully reinforces the unique covenantal relationship between God and Israel, where active obedience to God's revealed will, communicated through His chosen messenger, was paramount for their well-being, prosperity, and continued favor in the land.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in Deuteronomy and the broader Old Testament. Firstly, it highlights **Divine Authority and Sovereignty**, asserting God's absolute right to command obedience and His unwavering intention to enforce His will. Disregarding the words of His authorized messenger is equated with direct rebellion against God Himself. Secondly, it defines the **Role and Authenticity of a True Prophet**, emphasizing that such an individual speaks "in my name," meaning they are God's mouthpiece, not a source of personal wisdom or opinion. This clearly distinguishes them from false prophets who speak from their own hearts or in the name of other gods ([False Prophets Speak Lies](/jeremiah/14-14 "False Prophets Speak Lies") and [Prophets Speaking from Their Own Minds](/jeremiah/23-16 "Prophets Speaking from Their Own Minds")). Finally, and most significantly for later biblical understanding, this passage introduces the theme of **Messianic Expectation**. The promise of a "prophet like Moses" in [The Prophet Like Moses](/deuteronomy/18-15 "The Prophet Like Moses") and [God Will Raise Up a Prophet](/deuteronomy/18-18 "God Will Raise Up a Prophet") has long been understood, particularly in Christian theology, as a profound foreshadowing of Jesus Christ, the ultimate Prophet whose words carry ultimate divine authority, as seen in the New Testament's application of this very passage to Him in [Peter's Sermon on the Prophet](/acts/3-22 "Peter's Sermon on the Prophet") and [Stephen's Speech on the Prophet](/acts/7-37 "Stephen's Speech on the Prophet").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **hearken (Hebrew, _shâmaʻ'_):** This Hebrew verb (H8085, שָׁמַע) is far richer than a simple English "hear." It encompasses not only the act of perceiving sound but also implies attentive listening, understanding, and, most critically, obedient response. In a covenantal context, _shâmaʻ_ is a foundational term, signifying a willing and active submission to God's commands. To "hearken" to God's words spoken through His prophet means to receive them as divine truth and to act accordingly, integrating them into one's life and conduct. Failure to _shâmaʻ_ is therefore an act of deliberate rebellion against God's authority and His revealed will.
* **require [it] of him (Hebrew, _dârash'_):** The Hebrew verb (H1875, דָּרַשׁ) means "to tread or frequent," but usually "to follow (for pursuit or search)," and by implication, "to seek or ask." When God is the subject, as here, it powerfully conveys His intent to hold individuals strictly accountable for their actions or inactions. In this context, "I will require it of him" signifies divine judgment, implying that God will actively pursue, investigate, and exact a penalty from those who disregard His prophet's words. This is not a passive observation but an active, judicial determination and enforcement of consequences for disobedience.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And it shall come to pass":** This introductory phrase (וְהָיָה, _vehayah_) is a common biblical idiom that signals the certainty and inevitability of what follows. It emphasizes that the subsequent declaration is not a mere possibility but a divine decree that will assuredly unfold. It sets a tone of solemnity and underscores the gravity of the pronouncement, indicating a fixed and unalterable consequence.
* **"whosoever will not hearken unto my words":** This clause identifies the specific subject of the divine judgment. "Whosoever" (H376, _ʼîysh_) indicates that the accountability is individual and universal within the covenant community, applying to any person. The phrase "will not hearken unto my words" directly refers to the failure to actively listen, understand, and obey. Crucially, these are "my words"—God's own words (H1697, _dâbâr_)—underscoring that the prophet is merely a conduit, and the message carries ultimate divine authority, making rejection a direct affront to God.
* **"which he shall speak in my name":** This clarifies the source and authority of the words. The prophet is not speaking his own wisdom or opinions, nor is he speaking in the name of another deity. He is speaking "in my name" (H8034, _shêm_), meaning by divine commission, with divine authority, and as God's authentic representative. This phrase validates the prophet's message as truly from God and simultaneously warns against false prophets who speak presumptuously or in other names, thus distinguishing true prophecy from all forms of deception.
* **"I will require [it] of him":** This is the direct statement of divine consequence. "I will require it" (H1875, _dârash_) signifies God's personal and active involvement in holding the disobedient accountable. As discussed in the key word analysis, this is a demand for reckoning, implying a just and certain judgment or penalty for the failure to obey. It underscores the profound seriousness of rejecting God's authentic word, as such rejection is seen as a direct affront to God Himself, warranting His direct intervention.

#### Literary Devices
Deuteronomy 18:19 employs several potent literary devices to convey its message with gravitas and clarity. The most prominent is **Divine Warning**, which is explicit in the declaration of severe consequences for disobedience. This warning serves not merely as a threat but as a protective measure, guiding Israel away from spiritual danger and towards life-giving obedience. The verse also functions as a **Prophetic Mandate**, establishing the absolute authority of the true prophet and the non-negotiable obligation of the people to receive his words as God's own. This mandate is framed within **Covenantal Language**, where obedience brings blessing and disobedience brings judgment, reinforcing the conditional nature of Israel's relationship with Yahweh. Furthermore, there is a powerful element of **Antithesis** at play when considering the broader context of Deuteronomy 18, sharply contrasting the legitimate divine communication through a true prophet with the illicit and abominable practices of pagan divination. This stark contrast highlights the purity, exclusivity, and supreme authority of God's chosen means of revelation.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Deuteronomy 18:19 is a cornerstone for understanding divine revelation and human accountability throughout Scripture. It establishes the foundational principle that God communicates His will through chosen human instruments, and that rejecting these messengers is tantamount to rejecting God Himself. This principle is foundational to the entire prophetic tradition of the Old Testament, where prophets like Isaiah, Jeremiah, and Ezekiel repeatedly called Israel to repentance and obedience, often facing rejection and persecution ([Jeremiah's Trial and Deliverance](/jeremiah/26-1-15 "Jeremiah's Trial and Deliverance")). The "requiring" of accountability by God foreshadows the ultimate judgment for those who spurn divine truth, whether delivered through prophets or, supremely, through His Son. This verse underscores the gravity of God's word and the non-negotiable demand for a hearing heart, emphasizing that God does not merely speak, but expects a response.

* [1 Samuel 15:23](/1_samuel/15-23 "Rebellion as Witchcraft")
* [Matthew 10:14-15](/matthew/10-14-15 "Rejecting the Messengers of Christ")
* [Hebrews 2:1-3](/hebrews/2-1-3 "Greater Accountability for the New Covenant")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Deuteronomy 18:19 resonates deeply with believers today, serving as a powerful reminder of the profound seriousness with which God regards His own word and our response to it. If ancient Israel was held accountable for heeding a prophet who spoke "in my name," how much more are we, who live after the full revelation of God in Jesus Christ, accountable for listening to and obeying the words of the ultimate Prophet, Teacher, and Savior? This verse calls us to cultivate a posture of humility and attentiveness, recognizing that God continues to speak through His inspired Word, the Bible, and through the Holy Spirit who illuminates its truth. Our eternal destiny hinges not merely on hearing, but on actively hearkening—that is, listening with the intent to understand and obey, and then putting that understanding into practice. It compels us to discern carefully, to reject false teachings and deceptive messages prevalent in our world, and to cling resolutely to the authentic voice of God as revealed in Scripture and supremely embodied in Christ.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what specific ways do I actively "hearken" to God's word in my daily life, beyond simply hearing or reading it?**
* **How does my consistent response to biblical truth reflect my understanding of God's absolute authority and His promise to "require it" of me?**
* **What false "prophets," deceptive ideologies, or cultural narratives in contemporary society might I be inadvertently hearkening to, rather than God's authentic voice as revealed in His Word?**

### FAQ

**What is the significance of the phrase "prophet like Moses" in the context of Deuteronomy 18:19?**

Answer: The phrase "prophet like Moses" ([The Promise of a Prophet](/deuteronomy/18-15 "The Promise of a Prophet") and [God Will Raise Up a Prophet](/deuteronomy/18-18 "God Will Raise Up a Prophet")) is profoundly significant because Moses was Israel's foundational prophet, lawgiver, and the unique mediator of the Old Covenant. He spoke directly with God "face to face" ([Moses Spoke with God](/exodus/33-11 "Moses Spoke with God")), performed mighty signs, and led the people out of bondage. The promise of a future prophet "like" him indicated that God would continue to provide authoritative revelation and leadership, implying a successor who would possess similar divine authority and intimacy with God. Deuteronomy 18:19 then underscores the absolute necessity of obeying this future prophet, implying that his words would carry the same, if not greater, divine weight as Moses' own. This promise sets the stage for a long-standing expectation in Israel for a great prophet who would bring ultimate truth and salvation, an expectation ultimately and perfectly fulfilled in Jesus Christ.

**Does this verse imply that God will punish people for not listening to every preacher or religious leader?**

Answer: No, this verse does not imply that God will punish people for not listening to every preacher or religious leader. The context specifies a singular, divinely appointed "prophet" who speaks "in my name," meaning with God's direct commission and authority, delivering God's own words (H1697, _dâbâr_). This is a very high bar, distinguishing such a prophet from ordinary human teachers. While God certainly expects us to respect and learn from faithful spiritual leaders who teach His Word ([Obey Your Leaders](/hebrews/13-17 "Obey Your Leaders")), the ultimate accountability described in [Consequences for Disobedience](/deuteronomy/18-19 "Consequences for Disobedience") applies to the rejection of God's undeniable, authoritative revelation, supremely embodied in the person and words of Jesus Christ, the ultimate Prophet. It warns against rejecting the clear, divine truth, not merely disagreeing with a human interpretation or opinion that may not carry direct divine authority.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Deuteronomy 18:19 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. He is the "Prophet like Moses" whom God raised up, not merely from among Israel, but as the Son of God incarnate, the very Word made flesh ([The Word Became Flesh](/john/1-14 "The Word Became Flesh")). Jesus perfectly embodied the criteria of the true prophet: He spoke not His own words, but the very words of His Father ([Jesus Speaks the Father's Commands](/john/12-49 "Jesus Speaks the Father's Commands")), and His teachings carried unparalleled divine authority, astounding those who heard Him ([Jesus Teaches with Authority](/mark/1-27 "Jesus Teaches with Authority")). The New Testament explicitly applies this Deuteronomic prophecy to Jesus, with Peter declaring in his sermon that Jesus is the Prophet of whom Moses spoke, and warning that "every soul who does not listen to that Prophet shall be utterly destroyed from the people" ([Peter's Sermon on the Prophet](/acts/3-22-23 "Peter's Sermon on the Prophet")). Stephen also echoes this truth in his martyrdom speech ([Stephen's Speech on the Prophet](/acts/7-37 "Stephen's Speech on the Prophet")). Therefore, the "requiring" of accountability by God in Deuteronomy 18:19 takes on its most severe and eternal dimension in the New Covenant: to reject Jesus' words is to reject God Himself, leading to eternal condemnation ([He Who Believes is Not Condemned](/john/3-18 "He Who Believes is Not Condemned")). Conversely, to "hearken" to Jesus—to believe in Him and obey His commands—is to receive eternal life and become a child of God ([Whoever Hears My Word and Believes](/john/5-24 "Whoever Hears My Word and Believes")). He is the final and complete revelation of God, and our response to Him determines our ultimate destiny.

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

Acts 3:22

For Moses truly said unto the fathers, A prophet shall the Lord your God raise up unto you of your brethren, like unto me; him shall ye hear in all things whatsoever he shall say unto you.

Acts 3:23

And it shall come to pass, [that] every soul, which will not hear that prophet, shall be destroyed from among the people.

Hebrews 2:3

How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation; which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed unto us by them that heard [him];

Hebrews 10:26

For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins,

Hebrews 12:25

See that ye refuse not him that speaketh. For if they escaped not who refused him that spake on earth, much more [shall not] we [escape], if we turn away from him that [speaketh] from heaven:

Hebrews 12:26

Whose voice then shook the earth: but now he hath promised, saying, Yet once more I shake not the earth only, but also heaven.

Mark 16:16

He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.