Deuteronomy 18:20

20 However, any prophet who arrogantly speaks a word in my name that I haven't commanded him to speak, or who speaks in the name of other gods—that prophet must die.

Deuteronomy 18:20 Meaning and Commentary

Deuteronomy 18:20

But the prophet which shall presume to speak in my name
Pretending a mission and commission from God, and yet was never sent by him, like the prophets in ( 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 from him, and were inspired by him, ( Jeremiah 2:8 )

even that prophet shall die;
the Targum of Jonathan is, be killed by the sword, but the Jews ^F17 generally interpret it of strangling.

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FOOTNOTES:

F17 Misn. Sanhedrin, c. 10. sect. 1. Bartenora in ib sect. 5. and Jarchi in loc.

Deuteronomy 18:20 In-Context

18 I'll raise up a prophet for them from among their fellow Israelites—one just like you. I'll put my words in his mouth, and he will tell them everything I command him.

19 I myself will hold accountable anyone who doesn't listen to my words, which that prophet will speak in my name.

20 However, any prophet who arrogantly speaks a word in my name that I haven't commanded him to speak, or who speaks in the name of other gods—that prophet must die.

21 Now, you might be wondering, How will we know which word God hasn't spoken?

22 Here's the answer: The prophet who speaks in the LORD's name and the thing doesn't happen or come about—that's the word the LORD hasn't spoken. That prophet spoke arrogantly. Don't be afraid of him.