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Deuteronomy 18:22 - False prophet's test revealed

Deuteronomy 18:22 - דברים 18:22

Hebrew Text

אֲשֶׁר יְדַבֵּר הַנָּבִיא בְּשֵׁם יְהוָה וְלֹא־יִהְיֶה הַדָּבָר וְלֹא יָבוֹא הוּא הַדָּבָר אֲשֶׁר לֹא־דִבְּרוֹ יְהוָה בְּזָדוֹן דִּבְּרוֹ הַנָּבִיא לֹא תָגוּר מִמֶּנּוּ׃

English Translation

Know that when a prophet speaks in the name of the Lord, if the thing follow not, nor come to pass, that is the thing which the Lord has not spoken, but the prophet has spoken it out of presumption; thou shalt not be afraid of him.

Transliteration

Asher yedaber hanavi beshem Adonai velo-yihyeh hadavar velo yavo hu hadavar asher lo-dibero Adonai bezadon dibero hanavi lo tagur mimenu.

Hebrew Leining Text

אֲשֶׁר֩ יְדַבֵּ֨ר הַנָּבִ֜יא בְּשֵׁ֣ם יְהֹוָ֗ה וְלֹֽא־יִהְיֶ֤ה הַדָּבָר֙ וְלֹ֣א יָבֹ֔א ה֣וּא הַדָּבָ֔ר אֲשֶׁ֥ר לֹא־דִבְּר֖וֹ יְהֹוָ֑ה בְּזָדוֹן֙ דִּבְּר֣וֹ הַנָּבִ֔יא לֹ֥א תָג֖וּר מִמֶּֽנּוּ׃ <span class="mam-spi-samekh">{ס}</span>        
אֲשֶׁר֩ יְדַבֵּ֨ר הַנָּבִ֜יא בְּשֵׁ֣ם יְהֹוָ֗ה וְלֹֽא־יִהְיֶ֤ה הַדָּבָר֙ וְלֹ֣א יָבֹ֔א ה֣וּא הַדָּבָ֔ר אֲשֶׁ֥ר לֹא־דִבְּר֖וֹ יְהֹוָ֑ה בְּזָדוֹן֙ דִּבְּר֣וֹ הַנָּבִ֔יא לֹ֥א תָג֖וּר מִמֶּֽנּוּ׃ {ס}        

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Understanding the Test of a False Prophet

The verse (Devarim 18:22) establishes a critical criterion for identifying a false prophet: if a prophet speaks in Hashem's name, but his prediction does not come to pass, it is proof that he spoke falsely. Rashi explains that this applies specifically to prophecies of good tidings (נבואת טובה), as Hashem may relent from bringing evil (as seen with Yonah and Nineveh), but a positive prophecy must be fulfilled since "Hashem does not withhold good from those who walk uprightly" (Tehillim 84:12).

The Severity of Presumptuous Prophecy

The Torah emphasizes that such a prophet spoke בְּזָדוֹן (with presumption). Rambam (Hilchos Yesodei HaTorah 10:4) rules that this applies even if the prophet performed signs and wonders—if his prediction fails, he is a false prophet. The Talmud (Sanhedrin 90a) states this is one of three sins for which one must accept martyrdom rather than transgress, highlighting the gravity of false prophecy.

Not Fearing the False Prophet

The concluding phrase לֹא תָגוּר מִמֶּנּוּ ("thou shalt not be afraid of him") is interpreted by Sifrei to mean we must not refrain from executing him due to fear. Ibn Ezra adds that this includes not hesitating to reject his words, even if he performs miracles, as the Torah provides this clear test to prevent deception.

Halachic Implications

  • Execution: A false prophet is liable for capital punishment (Sanhedrin 11:5).
  • Retraction: Rambam (ibid. 10:5) notes that if the prophet retracts before the prophecy's time passes, he is spared.
  • Conditional Prophecy: The Sefer HaChinuch (Mitzvah 516) clarifies that this applies only to unconditional predictions.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Sanhedrin 90a
The verse is discussed in the context of determining the authenticity of a prophet and the consequences for false prophecy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Deuteronomy 18:22 mean?
A: Deuteronomy 18:22 teaches us how to identify a false prophet. If someone claims to speak in Hashem's name, but their prophecy does not come true, then they were not sent by Hashem. The Torah instructs us not to fear such a person, as they spoke presumptuously without divine authority.
Q: Why is this verse about false prophets important?
A: This verse is crucial because it gives us a clear test for distinguishing true prophets from false ones. Throughout Jewish history, there have been individuals claiming prophecy, and this verse provides objective criteria to protect the Jewish people from being misled. The Rambam (Maimonides) discusses this in Hilchos Yesodei HaTorah as a fundamental principle of Judaism.
Q: How can we apply Deuteronomy 18:22 today?
A: While we don't have prophets today in the same way as biblical times, this verse teaches us to be discerning about spiritual claims. We should evaluate teachings based on whether they align with Torah truth and halacha (Jewish law). The principle reminds us that authentic divine messages will always be verifiable and consistent with Torah.
Q: What does 'thou shalt not be afraid of him' mean in this verse?
A: Rashi explains that we shouldn't hesitate to punish a false prophet or be intimidated by them. Even if they perform signs or wonders, if their prophecy doesn't come true, we must not fear opposing them. The Talmud (Sanhedrin 90a) discusses how serious it is to falsely claim prophecy.
Q: Are there exceptions where a prophecy might not come true?
A: The Talmud (Berachos 7a) explains that a prophecy of good must always come true, while a prophecy of punishment might be averted through repentance (as seen with Jonah and Nineveh). However, if neither occurs, it proves the prophecy was false. This exception shows Hashem's mercy while maintaining the test of a true prophet.