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Deuteronomy 18:20 - False prophet's fatal deception

Deuteronomy 18:20 - דברים 18:20

Hebrew Text

אַךְ הַנָּבִיא אֲשֶׁר יָזִיד לְדַבֵּר דָּבָר בִּשְׁמִי אֵת אֲשֶׁר לֹא־צִוִּיתִיו לְדַבֵּר וַאֲשֶׁר יְדַבֵּר בְּשֵׁם אֱלֹהִים אֲחֵרִים וּמֵת הַנָּבִיא הַהוּא׃

English Translation

But the prophet, who shall presume to speak a word in my name, which I have not commanded him to speak, or that shall speak in the name of other gods, that prophet shall die.

Transliteration

Akh ha-navi asher yazid le-daber davar bi-shmi et asher lo-tsivitiv le-daber va-asher yedaber be-shem elohim aherim u-met ha-navi ha-hu.

Hebrew Leining Text

אַ֣ךְ הַנָּבִ֡יא אֲשֶׁ֣ר יָזִיד֩ לְדַבֵּ֨ר דָּבָ֜ר בִּשְׁמִ֗י אֵ֣ת אֲשֶׁ֤ר לֹֽא־צִוִּיתִיו֙ לְדַבֵּ֔ר וַאֲשֶׁ֣ר יְדַבֵּ֔ר בְּשֵׁ֖ם אֱלֹהִ֣ים אֲחֵרִ֑ים וּמֵ֖ת הַנָּבִ֥יא הַהֽוּא׃
אַ֣ךְ הַנָּבִ֡יא אֲשֶׁ֣ר יָזִיד֩ לְדַבֵּ֨ר דָּבָ֜ר בִּשְׁמִ֗י אֵ֣ת אֲשֶׁ֤ר לֹֽא־צִוִּיתִיו֙ לְדַבֵּ֔ר וַאֲשֶׁ֣ר יְדַבֵּ֔ר בְּשֵׁ֖ם אֱלֹהִ֣ים אֲחֵרִ֑ים וּמֵ֖ת הַנָּבִ֥יא הַהֽוּא׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

The Severity of False Prophecy

The verse (Devarim 18:20) establishes a severe punishment for a false prophet—death—for two distinct transgressions:

  • Speaking falsely in Hashem's name without being commanded to do so ("אֲשֶׁר לֹא־צִוִּיתִיו לְדַבֵּר")
  • Speaking in the name of other gods ("בְּשֵׁם אֱלֹהִים אֲחֵרִים")

Rashi's Explanation

Rashi clarifies that the first case refers to a prophet who adds or subtracts from a divine commandment, even if he does so in Hashem's name. The second case addresses one who prophesies in the name of idolatry. Both are capital offenses because they undermine the authenticity of divine communication.

Rambam's Legal Perspective

In Hilchot Yesodei HaTorah (8:1), the Rambam rules that a false prophet is executed by strangulation (חֶנֶק) if he:

  • Claims Hashem sent him when no such command was given
  • Contradicts established prophecy (e.g., denying Torah commandments)
  • Prophesies in the name of avodah zarah (idolatry)

Talmudic Safeguards

The Gemara (Sanhedrin 89a) establishes rigorous standards before convicting a false prophet:

  • The prophet must first be established as meeting all prophetic qualifications
  • His prophecy must concern matters that could theoretically happen (not obvious falsehoods)
  • There must be clear evidence he spoke without divine command

Midrashic Insight

The Sifrei (Devarim 18:20) emphasizes that this law applies even if the false prophet performs signs and wonders—miracles alone don't validate prophecy if it contradicts Torah. This protects against deception through supernatural displays.

Contemporary Application

While we lack formal prophets today, the principle teaches us to:

  • Reject any claim of divine authority that contradicts Torah
  • Maintain strict fidelity to authentic mesorah (tradition)
  • Recognize the grave danger of spiritual deception

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Sanhedrin 90a
The verse is cited in the context of discussing the punishment for false prophets and those who lead others astray.
📖 Sanhedrin 11b
The verse is referenced in a discussion about the criteria for identifying a false prophet and the consequences they face.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Deuteronomy 18:20 mean?
A: This verse warns against false prophets who claim to speak in Hashem's name without being commanded to do so, or who speak in the name of other gods. According to Torah law, such a false prophet is liable for the death penalty. Rashi explains that this applies even if the false prophet performs signs or wonders—if his message contradicts Torah, he must not be heeded.
Q: Why is this verse about false prophets important?
A: This verse is crucial because it establishes the Torah's strict standard for prophecy. The Rambam (Hilchos Yesodei HaTorah 7-8) explains that a true prophet must never contradict Torah law or lead people away from Hashem. This protects the Jewish people from being misled by false spiritual claims.
Q: How do we apply this verse today?
A: While we no longer have formal prophets today, the principle remains relevant: we must be careful not to follow anyone who claims divine authority while contradicting Torah teachings. The Talmud (Sanhedrin 90a) emphasizes that no true prophecy can ever permit what the Torah forbids or forbid what the Torah permits.