Deuteronomy 18:21
Deuteronomy 18:21 in Multiple Translations
You may ask in your heart, “How can we recognize a message that the LORD has not spoken?”
And if thou say in thine heart, How shall we know the word which the LORD hath not spoken?
And if thou say in thy heart, How shall we know the word which Jehovah hath not spoken?
And if you say in your hearts, How are we to be certain that the word does not come from the Lord?
You may be wondering, “How can we be sure that a message hasn't come from the Lord?”
And if thou thinke in thine heart, Howe shall we knowe the worde which the Lord hath not spoken?
'And when thou sayest in thy heart, How do we know the word which Jehovah hath not spoken? —
You may say in your heart, “How shall we know the word which the LORD has not spoken?”
And if thou shalt say in thy heart, How shall we know the word which the LORD hath not spoken?
And if in silent thought thou answer: How shall I know the word that the Lord hath not spoken?
But if you say to yourself, ‘How can we know if a message that someone tells us does not come from Yahweh?’
Berean Amplified Bible — Deuteronomy 18:21
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Deuteronomy 18:21 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וְ/כִ֥י
תֹאמַ֖ר
בִּ/לְבָבֶ֑/ךָ
אֵיכָה֙
נֵדַ֣ע
אֶת
הַ/דָּבָ֔ר
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
לֹא
דִבְּר֖/וֹ
יְהוָֽה
וְ/כִ֥י
kîy
H3588
for
Conj | Conj
תֹאמַ֖ר
ʼâmar
H559
to say
V-Qal-Imperf-2ms
בִּ/לְבָבֶ֑/ךָ
lêbâb
H3824
heart
Prep | N-ms | Suff
אֵיכָה֙
ʼêyk
H349
how?
Part
נֵדַ֣ע
yâdaʻ
H3045
to know
V-Qal-Imperf-1cp
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
הַ/דָּבָ֔ר
dâbâr
H1697
Chronicles
Art | N-ms
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
ʼăsher
H834
which
Rel
לֹא
lôʼ
H3808
not
Part
דִבְּר֖/וֹ
dâbar
H1696
to speak
V-Piel-Perf-3ms | Suff
יְהוָֽה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
The Lord
N-proper
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Deuteronomy 18:21
וְ/כִ֥י
kîy
H3588
"for"
Conj | Conj
A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.
Definition: 1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since 1a) that 1a1) yea, indeed 1b) when (of time) 1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force) 1c) because, since (causal connection) 1d) but (after negative) 1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if 1f) but rather, but 1g) except that 1h) only, nevertheless 1i) surely 1j) that is 1k) but if 1l) for though 1m) forasmuch as, for therefore
Usage: Occurs in 3910 OT verses. KJV: and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-) as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al-) though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 26:16; Genesis 42:15.
תֹאמַ֖ר
ʼâmar
H559
"to say"
V-Qal-Imperf-2ms
This Hebrew word means to say or speak, and it's used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to command, promise, or think, and it's translated in the KJV as 'answer', 'appoint', or 'command'.
Definition: 1) to say, speak, utter 1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend 1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called 1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly 1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)
Usage: Occurs in 4337 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet. See also: Genesis 1:3; Genesis 18:23; Genesis 25:32.
בִּ/לְבָבֶ֑/ךָ
lêbâb
H3824
"heart"
Prep | N-ms | Suff
The heart is the innermost part of a person, including their mind, will, and emotions. In the book of Psalms, David talks about his heart being heavy with sorrow, while in the book of Proverbs, it discusses the importance of guarding one's heart.
Definition: 1) inner man, mind, will, heart, soul, understanding 1a) inner part, midst 1a1) midst (of things) 1a2) heart (of man) 1a3) soul, heart (of man) 1a4) mind, knowledge, thinking, reflection, memory 1a5) inclination, resolution, determination (of will) 1a6) conscience 1a7) heart (of moral character) 1a8) as seat of appetites 1a9) as seat of emotions and passions 1a10) as seat of courage Aramaic equivalent: le.vav (לְבַב "heart" H3825)
Usage: Occurs in 230 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] bethink themselves, breast, comfortably, courage, ((faint), (tender-) heart(-ed), midst, mind, [idiom] unawares, understanding. See also: Genesis 20:5; 1 Chronicles 17:2; Psalms 4:5.
אֵיכָה֙
ʼêyk
H349
"how?"
Part
In the Bible, this word means 'how' or 'where', like in Genesis when God asks Adam 'where are you'. It's also used to express surprise or excitement.
Definition: interrog adv how?
Usage: Occurs in 74 OT verses. KJV: how, what. See also: Genesis 26:9; Ecclesiastes 2:16; Psalms 11:1.
נֵדַ֣ע
yâdaʻ
H3045
"to know"
V-Qal-Imperf-1cp
The Hebrew word for to know means to ascertain by seeing, and is used in many senses, including to learn, perceive, and recognize, as seen in various KJV translations.
Definition: 1) to know 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to know 1a1a) to know, learn to know 1a1b) to perceive 1a1c) to perceive and see, find out and discern 1a1d) to discriminate, distinguish 1a1e) to know by experience 1a1f) to recognise, admit, acknowledge, confess 1a1g) to consider 1a2) to know, be acquainted with 1a3) to know (a person carnally) 1a4) to know how, be skilful in 1a5) to have knowledge, be wise 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be made known, be or become known, be revealed 1b2) to make oneself known 1b3) to be perceived 1b4) to be instructed 1c) (Piel) to cause to know 1d) (Poal) to cause to know 1e) (Pual) 1e1) to be known 1e2) known, one known, acquaintance (participle) 1f) (Hiphil) to make known, declare 1g) (Hophal) to be made known 1h) (Hithpael) to make oneself known, reveal oneself Aramaic equivalent: ye.da (יְדַע "to know" H3046)
Usage: Occurs in 874 OT verses. KJV: acknowledge, acquaintance(-ted with), advise, answer, appoint, assuredly, be aware, (un-) awares, can(-not), certainly, comprehend, consider, [idiom] could they, cunning, declare, be diligent, (can, cause to) discern, discover, endued with, familiar friend, famous, feel, can have, be (ig-) norant, instruct, kinsfolk, kinsman, (cause to let, make) know, (come to give, have, take) knowledge, have (knowledge), (be, make, make to be, make self) known, [phrase] be learned, [phrase] lie by man, mark, perceive, privy to, [idiom] prognosticator, regard, have respect, skilful, shew, can (man of) skill, be sure, of a surety, teach, (can) tell, understand, have (understanding), [idiom] will be, wist, wit, wot. See also: Genesis 3:5; Leviticus 5:4; Judges 21:12.
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
הַ/דָּבָ֔ר
dâbâr
H1697
"Chronicles"
Art | N-ms
A word or thing, like a matter or affair, as seen in the book of Chronicles where it refers to the events and words of kings. It can also mean a cause or reason for something.
Definition: This name means word, speaking
Usage: Occurs in 1290 OT verses. KJV: act, advice, affair, answer, [idiom] any such (thing), because of, book, business, care, case, cause, certain rate, [phrase] chronicles, commandment, [idiom] commune(-ication), [phrase] concern(-ing), [phrase] confer, counsel, [phrase] dearth, decree, deed, [idiom] disease, due, duty, effect, [phrase] eloquent, errand, (evil favoured-) ness, [phrase] glory, [phrase] harm, hurt, [phrase] iniquity, [phrase] judgment, language, [phrase] lying, manner, matter, message, (no) thing, oracle, [idiom] ought, [idiom] parts, [phrase] pertaining, [phrase] please, portion, [phrase] power, promise, provision, purpose, question, rate, reason, report, request, [idiom] (as hast) said, sake, saying, sentence, [phrase] sign, [phrase] so, some (uncleanness), somewhat to say, [phrase] song, speech, [idiom] spoken, talk, task, [phrase] that, [idiom] there done, thing (concerning), thought, [phrase] thus, tidings, what(-soever), [phrase] wherewith, which, word, work. See also: Genesis 11:1; Exodus 23:8; Deuteronomy 18:21.
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
ʼăsher
H834
"which"
Rel
This Hebrew word is a conjunction that connects ideas and events in the Bible, like in the book of Genesis, where it's used to describe the relationship between God and His creation.
Definition: A: 1) (relative part.) 1a) which, who 1b) that which 2) (conj) 2a) that (in obj clause) 2b) when 2c) since 2d) as 2e) conditional if B: Beth+ 1) in (that) which 2) (adv) 2a) where 3) (conj) 3a) in that, inasmuch as 3b) on account of C: Mem+ 1) from (or than) that which 2) from (the place) where 3) from (the fact) that, since D: Kaph+ 1) (conj.), according as, as, when 1a) according to that which, according as, as 1b) with a causal force: in so far as, since 1c) with a temporal force: when
Usage: Occurs in 4440 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, [idiom] alike, as (soon as), because, [idiom] every, for, [phrase] forasmuch, [phrase] from whence, [phrase] how(-soever), [idiom] if, (so) that ((thing) which, wherein), [idiom] though, [phrase] until, [phrase] whatsoever, when, where ([phrase] -as, -in, -of, -on, -soever, -with), which, whilst, [phrase] whither(-soever), who(-m, -soever, -se). As it is indeclinable, it is often accompanied by the personal pronoun expletively, used to show the connection. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 20:9; Genesis 31:16.
לֹא
lôʼ
H3808
"not"
Part
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.
דִבְּר֖/וֹ
dâbar
H1696
"to speak"
V-Piel-Perf-3ms | Suff
To speak or communicate, like God speaking to Moses in Exodus or a king commanding his people. It can also mean to promise or warn someone.
Definition: : speak/tell/command 1) to speak, declare, converse, command, promise, warn, threaten, sing 1a) (Qal) to speak 1b) (Niphal) to speak with one another, talk 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to speak 1c2) to promise 1d) (Pual) to be spoken 1e) (Hithpael) to speak 1f) (Hiphil) to lead away, put to flight
Usage: Occurs in 1049 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, bid, command, commune, declare, destroy, give, name, promise, pronounce, rehearse, say, speak, be spokesman, subdue, talk, teach, tell, think, use (entreaties), utter, [idiom] well, [idiom] work. See also: Genesis 8:15; Exodus 12:25; Leviticus 23:9.
יְהוָֽה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
"The Lord"
N-proper
Yehovah is another name for God, often translated as 'the Lord'. It is a national name for God in the Jewish faith. This name is used throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)
Usage: Occurs in 5522 OT verses. KJV: Jehovah, the Lord. Compare H3050 (יָהּ), H3069 (יְהֹוִה). See also: Genesis 2:4; Genesis 24:42; Exodus 8:8.
Study Notes — Deuteronomy 18:21
Show Verse Quote Highlights
Context — A Prophet Like Moses
19And I will hold accountable anyone who does not listen to My words that the prophet speaks in My name.
20But if any prophet dares to speak a message in My name that I have not commanded him to speak, or to speak in the name of other gods, that prophet must be put to death.”
21You may ask in your heart, “How can we recognize a message that the LORD has not spoken?”
22When a prophet speaks in the name of the LORD and the message does not come to pass or come true, that is a message the LORD has not spoken. The prophet has spoken presumptuously. Do not be afraid of him.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 John 4:1–3 | Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God. For many false prophets have gone out into the world. By this you will know the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesses that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from God, and every spirit that does not confess Jesus is not from God. This is the spirit of the antichrist, which you have heard is coming and which is already in the world at this time. |
| 2 | 1 Thessalonians 5:24 | The One who calls you is faithful, and He will do it. |
| 3 | Revelation 2:2 | I know your deeds, your labor, and your perseverance. I know that you cannot tolerate those who are evil, and you have tested and exposed as liars those who falsely claim to be apostles. |
Deuteronomy 18:21 Summary
[This verse, Deuteronomy 18:21, shows that people were wondering how to tell if a message was really from God or not. It's a question we might still ask today, and the answer is to test the message against God's Word, as seen in Deuteronomy 18:22 and Acts 17:11. By being discerning and relying on the Bible, we can have confidence in the messages we hear and follow. We can also look to other verses, such as 1 Thessalonians 5:20-21, for guidance on how to test prophetic messages and hold on to what is good.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main concern of the people in Deuteronomy 18:21?
The people are wondering how they can distinguish between a message that comes from the Lord and one that does not, as seen in Deuteronomy 18:21. This is a crucial question because, as stated in Deuteronomy 18:20, a prophet who speaks in the name of other gods or speaks presumptuously must be put to death.
Is it normal to have doubts about the authenticity of a prophetic message?
Yes, it is normal to have doubts, and that is why the Lord provides guidance on how to discern true prophetic messages, as seen in Deuteronomy 18:22. In 1 Thessalonians 5:20-21, we are also encouraged to test all prophetic messages and hold on to what is good.
How can we apply the principles of Deuteronomy 18:21 to our lives today?
We can apply these principles by being discerning about the messages we hear, whether from pastors, prophets, or other spiritual leaders, and testing them against the Bible, as encouraged in Acts 17:11. We must also be cautious not to follow false prophets or messages that do not align with God's Word, as warned in Matthew 7:15-20.
What is the role of faith and discernment in recognizing true prophetic messages?
Faith and discernment are essential in recognizing true prophetic messages, as seen in Deuteronomy 18:21-22. We must have faith that God will guide us and give us discernment to distinguish between true and false messages, as encouraged in Hebrews 5:14 and 1 Corinthians 2:14-16.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways we can test prophetic messages to determine if they are from the Lord?
- How can we balance our desire for spiritual guidance with the need to be discerning about the sources of that guidance?
- What are some potential consequences of following a false prophetic message, and how can we protect ourselves from these consequences?
- In what ways can we cultivate a deeper understanding of God's Word and develop our discernment skills to recognize true prophetic messages?
Gill's Exposition on Deuteronomy 18:21
And if thou say in thine heart, &c] Such a thought arises in the mind, and it appears to be a difficulty, and a query is made upon it, how shall we know the word which the Lord hath not spoken?
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Deuteronomy 18:21
And if thou say in thine heart, How shall we know the word which the LORD hath not spoken? If thou say in thine heart, How shall we know the word which the Lord hath not spoken?
Cambridge Bible on Deuteronomy 18:21
21. if thou say in thine heart] Deuteronomy 8:17.
Barnes' Notes on Deuteronomy 18:21
And if thou say in thine heart, How ... - The passage evidently assumes such an occasion for consulting the prophet as was usual among the pagan, e.
Sermons on Deuteronomy 18:21
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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Spiritual Treason by A.W. Tozer | In this sermon, the speaker discusses seven tests that can help believers evaluate the impact of their faith on various aspects of their lives. These tests include examining one's |
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Beware of Good Liars by Francis Chan | This sermon challenges believers to examine their beliefs and mindset, urging them to align their thinking with biblical truths rather than cultural norms. It emphasizes the import |
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How to Tell When a Thing Is From God by A.W. Tozer | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the importance of testing whether something is from God or not. He references two Bible verses, 1 Thessalonians 5:21 and 1 John 4, which encou |
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The Love of the Truth by Art Katz | This sermon delves into the importance of discernment, the need to seek God's truth beyond mere blessings, and the danger of being deceived by false appearances of spirituality. It |
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The Deception of Christian Rock Music Clearly Defined by Zac Poonen | This sermon emphasizes the danger of replacing the Holy Spirit with worldly influences like Christian rock music, money, and psychology in churches today. It challenges the focus o |
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Self Examination by C.H. Spurgeon | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of self-examination. He compares it to a captain inspecting his soldiers on Review Day, looking closely at every detail. The |
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(Prophecy) Clarifications About Prophecy by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the importance of prophecy in warning God's people ahead of time. He encourages the audience to seek the gift of prophecy from God, so they ca |