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Deuteronomy 18:20

Old Testament Law (Torah) ASV (1901)

What does Deuteronomy 18:20 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “But the prophet, that shall speak a word presumptuously in my name, which I have not commanded him to speak, or that shall speak in the name of other gods, that same prophet shall die.” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

But the prophet, that shall speak a word presumptuously in my name, which I have not commanded him to speak, or that shall speak in the name of other gods, that same prophet shall die.
Deuteronomy 18:20 — American Standard Version

Context — Deuteronomy 18

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
17And Jehovah said unto me, They have well said that which they have spoken.
18I will raise them up a prophet from among their brethren, like unto thee; and I will put my words in his mouth, and he shall speak unto them all that I shall command him.
19And 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.
20But the prophet, that shall speak a word presumptuously in my name, which I have not commanded him to speak, or that shall speak in the name of other gods, that same prophet shall die.
21And if thou say in thy heart, How shall we know the word which Jehovah hath not spoken?
22when a prophet speaketh in the name of Jehovah, if the thing follow not, nor come to pass, that is the thing which Jehovah hath not spoken: the prophet hath spoken it presumptuously, thou shalt not be afraid of him.
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What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“But the prophet which shall presume to speak in my name, etc.] Pretending a mission and commission from God, and yet was never sent by him, like the prophets in (<242321>Jeremiah 23:21), which I have not commanded him to speak; which though true was not to be spoken in a public manner, by assuming a public office, without a divine authority or a commission from God, and much less what was false, and never commanded to be spoken at all by any: or, that shall speak in the name of other gods; the idols of the people, as the Targum; as if any should affirm they were sent by Jove, or inspired by Apollo, as some are said to prophesy by Baal, as if they had received their orders and instructions…”
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Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“Compare the marginal references. return to 'Top of Page'”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“the prophet: Deu 13:1-5; Jer 14:14, Jer 14:15, Jer 23:13-15, Jer 23:31, Jer 27:15; Eze 13:6; Mat 7:15; Pe2 2:12 in the name: Deu 13:1, Deu 13:2; Kg1 18:19, Kg1 18:27, Kg1 18:40; Jer 2:8, Jer 28:15-17; Zac 13:3; Rev 19:20 Deuteronomy 18:21”
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Related study paths

Read Deuteronomy 18 in contextBrowse Hebrew word studiesOpen this verse in the study reader

Sources and verification