Deuteronomy 18:22

22 When a prophet speaks in the name of ADONAI, and the prediction does not come true -that is, the word is not fulfilled -then ADONAI did not speak that word. The prophet who said it spoke presumptuously; you have nothing to fear from him.

Deuteronomy 18:22 Meaning and Commentary

Deuteronomy 18:22

When a prophet speaketh in the name of the Lord
Says he comes from God, is sent by him, and has a commission from him to say so:

if the thing follow not, nor come to pass;
as the prophecy of Hananiah, ( Jeremiah 28:3 ) that is the thing which the Lord hath not spoken; or otherwise it would have come to pass, unless when a condition is either expressed or implied, as the repentance or disobedience of a people; see ( Jeremiah 18:7-10 )

but the prophet hath spoken it presumptuously;
in a bold and daring manner, with great impiety and impudence, out of his own head and heart, being a mere device and imagination of his own, which, not having the fear of God, he delivered as coming from the Lord:

thou shall not be afraid of him;
not only to reprove him for his wickedness, but also to punish him for it; showing no regard to the high character he assumes, nor to the great pretensions he makes to sanctity, knowledge, and familiarity with God.

Deuteronomy 18:22 In-Context

20 "'But if a prophet presumptuously speaks a word in my name which I didn't order him to say, or if he speaks in the name of other gods, then that prophet must die.'
21 You may be wondering, 'How are we to know if a word has not been spoken by ADONAI?'
22 When a prophet speaks in the name of ADONAI, and the prediction does not come true -that is, the word is not fulfilled -then ADONAI did not speak that word. The prophet who said it spoke presumptuously; you have nothing to fear from him.
Complete Jewish Bible Copyright 1998 by David H. Stern. Published by Jewish New Testament Publications, Inc. All rights reserved. Used by permission.