Deuteronomy 18:21

21 But if thou shalt say in thine heart, How shall we know the word which the Lord has not spoken?

Deuteronomy 18:21 Meaning and Commentary

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?
What marks, signs, and criterions are those by which it may be known that it is not a word that comes from the Lord?

Deuteronomy 18:21 In-Context

19 And whatever man shall not hearken to whatsoever words that prophet shall speak in my name, I will take vengeance on him.

20 But the prophet whosoever shall impiously speak in my name a word which I have not commanded him to speak, and whosoever shall speak in the name of other gods, that prophet shall die.

21 But if thou shalt say in thine heart, How shall we know the word which the Lord has not spoken?

22 Whatsoever words that prophet shall speak in the name of the Lord, and they shall not come true, and not come to pass, this the thing which the Lord has not spoken; that prophet has spoken wickedly: ye shall not spare him.