Deuteronomy 13:5
Deuteronomy 13:5 in Multiple Translations
Such a prophet or dreamer must be put to death, because he has advocated rebellion against the LORD your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt and redeemed you from the house of slavery; he has tried to turn you from the way in which the LORD your God has commanded you to walk. So you must purge the evil from among you.
And that prophet, or that dreamer of dreams, shall be put to death; because he hath spoken to turn you away from the LORD your God, which brought you out of the land of Egypt, and redeemed you out of the house of bondage, to thrust thee out of the way which the LORD thy God commanded thee to walk in. So shalt thou put the evil away from the midst of thee.
And that prophet, or that dreamer of dreams, shall be put to death, because he hath spoken rebellion against Jehovah your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, and redeemed thee out of the house of bondage, to draw thee aside out of the way which Jehovah thy God commanded thee to walk in. So shalt thou put away the evil from the midst of thee.
And that prophet or that dreamer of dreams is to be put to death; for his words were said with the purpose of turning you away from the Lord your God, who took you out of the land of Egypt and made you free from the prison-house; and of forcing you out of the way in which the Lord your God has given you orders to go. So you are to put away the evil from among you.
These kinds of prophets or dreamers must be executed, because they have promoted rebellion against the Lord your God, who led you out of Egypt and rescued you from the prison-house of slavery. They have tried to lead you from the way that the Lord your God has ordered you to follow. You must eliminate the evil among you.
But that prophet, or that dreamer of dreames, he shall be slaine, because hee hath spoken to turne you away from the Lord your God (which brought you out of the lande of Egypt, and deliuered you out of the house of bodage) to thrust thee out of the way, wherein the Lord thy God commanded thee to walke: so shalt thou take the euill away foorth of the middes of thee.
'And that prophet, or that dreamer of the dream, is put to death, for he hath spoken apostasy against Jehovah your God (who is bringing you out of the land of Egypt, and hath ransomed you out of a house of servants), to drive you out of the way in which Jehovah thy God hath commanded thee to walk, and thou hast put away the evil thing from thy midst.
That prophet, or that dreamer of dreams, shall be put to death, because he has spoken rebellion against the LORD your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt and redeemed you out of the house of bondage, to draw you aside out of the way which the LORD your God commanded you to walk in. So you shall remove the evil from among you.
And that prophet, or that dreamer of dreams, shall be put to death; because he hath spoken to turn you away from the LORD your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, and redeemed you from the house of bondage, to thrust thee out of the way which the LORD thy God commanded thee to walk in. So shalt thou remove the evil from the midst of thee.
And that prophet or forger of dreams shall be slain: because he spoke to draw you away from the Lord your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, and redeemed you from the house of bondage: to make thee go out of the way, which the Lord thy God commanded thee: and thou shalt take away the evil out of the midst of thee.
“But you must execute anyone who falsely says that he is a prophet, or someone who falsely says that he can interpret dreams, or who tells you to rebel against Yahweh our God, who rescued your ancestors from being slaves in Egypt. People like that are only wanting to cause you to stop conducting your lives as Yahweh has commanded you to do. Execute them, to get rid of this evil among you.
Berean Amplified Bible — Deuteronomy 13:5
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Deuteronomy 13:5 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
אַחֲרֵ֨י
יְהוָ֧ה
אֱלֹהֵי/כֶ֛ם
תֵּלֵ֖כוּ
וְ/אֹת֣/וֹ
תִירָ֑אוּ
וְ/אֶת
מִצְוֺתָ֤י/ו
תִּשְׁמֹ֨רוּ֙
וּ/בְ/קֹל֣/וֹ
תִשְׁמָ֔עוּ
וְ/אֹת֥/וֹ
תַעֲבֹ֖דוּ
וּ/ב֥/וֹ
תִדְבָּקֽוּ/ן
אַחֲרֵ֨י
ʼachar
H310
after
Prep
יְהוָ֧ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
The Lord
N-proper
אֱלֹהֵי/כֶ֛ם
ʼĕlôhîym
H430
God
N-mp | Suff
תֵּלֵ֖כוּ
yâlak
H3212
to walk
V-Qal-Imperf-2mp
וְ/אֹת֣/וֹ
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
Conj | DirObjM | Suff
תִירָ֑אוּ
yârêʼ
H3372
to fear
V-Qal-Imperf-2mp
וְ/אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
Conj | DirObjM
מִצְוֺתָ֤י/ו
mitsvâh
H4687
commandment
N-fp | Suff
תִּשְׁמֹ֨רוּ֙
shâmar
H8104
to keep
V-Qal-Imperf-2mp
וּ/בְ/קֹל֣/וֹ
qôwl
H6963
voice
Conj | Prep | N-ms | Suff
תִשְׁמָ֔עוּ
shâmaʻ
H8085
to hear
V-Qal-Imperf-2mp
וְ/אֹת֥/וֹ
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
Conj | DirObjM | Suff
תַעֲבֹ֖דוּ
ʻâbad
H5647
to serve
V-Qal-Imperf-2mp
וּ/ב֥/וֹ
Conj | Prep | Suff
תִדְבָּקֽוּ/ן
dâbaq
H1692
to cleave
V-Qal-Imperf-2mp | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Deuteronomy 13:5
אַחֲרֵ֨י
ʼachar
H310
"after"
Prep
Achar means backwards or after, used to describe something that happens later or in the rear. It is used in various senses in the Bible, including in 1 Kings 12:18.
Definition: 1) after the following part, behind (of place), hinder, afterwards (of time) 1a) as an adverb 1a1) behind (of place) 1a2) afterwards (of time) 1b) as a preposition 1b1) behind, after (of place) 1b2) after (of time) 1b3) besides 1c) as a conjunction 1c) after that 1d) as a substantive 1d1) hinder part 1e) with other prepositions 1e1) from behind 1e2) from following after
Usage: Occurs in 664 OT verses. KJV: after (that, -ward), again, at, away from, back (from, -side), behind, beside, by, follow (after, -ing), forasmuch, from, hereafter, hinder end, [phrase] out (over) live, [phrase] persecute, posterity, pursuing, remnant, seeing, since, thence(-forth), when, with. See also: Genesis 5:4; Exodus 18:2; Joshua 8:14.
יְהוָ֧ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
"The Lord"
N-proper
Yehovah is another name for God, often translated as 'the Lord'. It is a national name for God in the Jewish faith. This name is used throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)
Usage: Occurs in 5522 OT verses. KJV: Jehovah, the Lord. Compare H3050 (יָהּ), H3069 (יְהֹוִה). See also: Genesis 2:4; Genesis 24:42; Exodus 8:8.
אֱלֹהֵי/כֶ֛ם
ʼĕlôhîym
H430
"God"
N-mp | Suff
The Hebrew word for God, elohim, refers to the one supreme God, and is sometimes used to show respect to judges or magistrates. It is also used to describe angels or mighty beings. This word is closely related to the name of the Lord, Yahweh, and is often translated as God or gods in the Bible.
Definition: This name means "gods" (plural intensive-singular meaning), "God" Another name of ye.ho.vah (יהוה "LORD" H3068G)
Usage: Occurs in 2246 OT verses. KJV: angels, [idiom] exceeding, God (gods) (-dess, -ly), [idiom] (very) great, judges, [idiom] mighty. See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 22:12; Exodus 3:11.
תֵּלֵ֖כוּ
yâlak
H3212
"to walk"
V-Qal-Imperf-2mp
To walk or go, this verb means to move from one place to another, used literally or figuratively, as in to live or die, or to lead someone.
Definition: 1) to go, walk, come 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to go, walk, come, depart, proceed, move, go away 1a2) to die, live, manner of life (fig.) 1b) (Hiphil) to lead, bring, lead away, carry, cause to walk
Usage: Occurs in 936 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] again, away, bear, bring, carry (away), come (away), depart, flow, [phrase] follow(-ing), get (away, hence, him), (cause to, made) go (away, -ing, -ne, one's way, out), grow, lead (forth), let down, march, prosper, [phrase] pursue, cause to run, spread, take away (-journey), vanish, (cause to) walk(-ing), wax, [idiom] be weak. See also: Genesis 3:14; Exodus 5:8; Deuteronomy 28:14.
וְ/אֹת֣/וֹ
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
Conj | DirObjM | Suff
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
תִירָ֑אוּ
yârêʼ
H3372
"to fear"
V-Qal-Imperf-2mp
This Hebrew word means to fear or revere, and is used to describe being afraid or standing in awe of something, like God's power. It appears in the Bible to convey a sense of respect or reverence. In the KJV, it's translated as 'affright' or 'reverence'.
Definition: : frightening(DANGER) 1) to fear, revere, be afraid 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to fear, be afraid 1a2) to stand in awe of, be awed 1a3) to fear, reverence, honour, respect 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be fearful, be dreadful, be feared 1b2) to cause astonishment and awe, be held in awe 1b3) to inspire reverence or godly fear or awe 1c) (Piel) to make afraid, terrify 2) (TWOT) to shoot, pour
Usage: Occurs in 318 OT verses. KJV: affright, be (make) afraid, dread(-ful), (put in) fear(-ful, -fully, -ing), (be had in) reverence(-end), [idiom] see, terrible (act, -ness, thing). See also: Genesis 3:10; 1 Samuel 12:18; Psalms 3:7.
וְ/אֶת
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
Conj | DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
מִצְוֺתָ֤י/ו
mitsvâh
H4687
"commandment"
N-fp | Suff
This Hebrew word means a command or law given by God or humans, as seen in the Bible's rules and guidelines. It appears in books like Exodus and Deuteronomy. The commandments guide people's actions.
Definition: 1) commandment 1a) commandment (of man) 1b) the commandment (of God) 1c) commandment (of code of wisdom)
Usage: Occurs in 177 OT verses. KJV: (which was) commanded(-ment), law, ordinance, precept. See also: Genesis 26:5; 1 Chronicles 28:8; Psalms 19:9.
תִּשְׁמֹ֨רוּ֙
shâmar
H8104
"to keep"
V-Qal-Imperf-2mp
To keep or obey means to protect, attend to, or guard something, like keeping a promise or watching over someone, as seen in the commands to observe the Sabbath.
Definition: : obey/observe 1) to keep, guard, observe, give heed 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to keep, have charge of 1a2) to keep, guard, keep watch and ward, protect, save life 1a2a) watch, watchman (participle) 1a3) to watch for, wait for 1a4) to watch, observe 1a5) to keep, retain, treasure up (in memory) 1a6) to keep (within bounds), restrain 1a7) to observe, celebrate, keep (sabbath or covenant or commands), perform (vow) 1a8) to keep, preserve, protect 1a9) to keep, reserve 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be on one's guard, take heed, take care, beware 1b2) to keep oneself, refrain, abstain 1b3) to be kept, be guarded 1c) (Piel) to keep, pay heed 1d) (Hithpael) to keep oneself from
Usage: Occurs in 440 OT verses. KJV: beward, be circumspect, take heed (to self), keep(-er, self), mark, look narrowly, observe, preserve, regard, reserve, save (self), sure, (that lay) wait (for), watch(-man). See also: Genesis 2:15; Deuteronomy 11:1; 1 Kings 14:8.
וּ/בְ/קֹל֣/וֹ
qôwl
H6963
"voice"
Conj | Prep | N-ms | Suff
A voice or sound, it can refer to the sound of a person speaking, an animal, or a musical instrument. In the Bible, it is often used to describe God's voice or the sound of praise and worship.
Definition: : sound/noise 1) voice, sound, noise 1a) voice 1b) sound (of instrument)
Usage: Occurs in 436 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] aloud, bleating, crackling, cry ([phrase] out), fame, lightness, lowing, noise, [phrase] hold peace, (pro-) claim, proclamation, [phrase] sing, sound, [phrase] spark, thunder(-ing), voice, [phrase] yell. See also: Genesis 3:8; Judges 5:11; Job 4:10.
תִשְׁמָ֔עוּ
shâmaʻ
H8085
"to hear"
V-Qal-Imperf-2mp
To hear and listen is what this Hebrew word means, often implying attention and obedience. In Exodus and Deuteronomy, it is used when God speaks to the people, and they must listen and obey.
Definition: : hear v 1) to hear, listen to, obey 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to hear (perceive by ear) 1a2) to hear of or concerning 1a3) to hear (have power to hear) 1a4) to hear with attention or interest, listen to 1a5) to understand (language) 1a6) to hear (of judicial cases) 1a7) to listen, give heed 1a7a) to consent, agree 1a7b) to grant request 1a8) to listen to, yield to 1a9) to obey, be obedient 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be heard (of voice or sound) 1b2) to be heard of 1b3) to be regarded, be obeyed 1c) (Piel) to cause to hear, call to hear, summon 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to cause to hear, tell, proclaim, utter a sound 1d2) to sound aloud (musical term) 1d3) to make proclamation, summon 1d4) to cause to be heard n m 2) sound
Usage: Occurs in 1072 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] attentively, call (gather) together, [idiom] carefully, [idiom] certainly, consent, consider, be content, declare, [idiom] diligently, discern, give ear, (cause to, let, make to) hear(-ken, tell), [idiom] indeed, listen, make (a) noise, (be) obedient, obey, perceive, (make a) proclaim(-ation), publish, regard, report, shew (forth), (make a) sound, [idiom] surely, tell, understand, whosoever (heareth), witness. See also: Genesis 3:8; Exodus 32:18; Deuteronomy 27:9.
וְ/אֹת֥/וֹ
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
Conj | DirObjM | Suff
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
תַעֲבֹ֖דוּ
ʻâbad
H5647
"to serve"
V-Qal-Imperf-2mp
To serve or work is the meaning of this verb, which can also imply slavery or bondage, as seen in the story of the Israelites in Egypt. It is used to describe various types of work or service, including serving God or other people. The word has different forms and meanings in different contexts.
Definition: : serve[someone] 1) to work, serve 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to labour, work, do work 1a2) to work for another, serve another by labour 1a3) to serve as subjects 1a4) to serve (God) 1a5) to serve (with Levitical service) 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be worked, be tilled (of land) 1b2) to make oneself a servant 1c) (Pual) to be worked 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to compel to labour or work, cause to labour, cause to serve 1d2) to cause to serve as subjects 1e) (Hophal) to be led or enticed to serve
Usage: Occurs in 262 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] be, keep in bondage, be bondmen, bond-service, compel, do, dress, ear, execute, [phrase] husbandman, keep, labour(-ing man, bring to pass, (cause to, make to) serve(-ing, self), (be, become) servant(-s), do (use) service, till(-er), transgress (from margin), (set a) work, be wrought, worshipper, See also: Genesis 2:5; Deuteronomy 28:14; Psalms 2:11.
וּ/ב֥/וֹ
""
Conj | Prep | Suff
תִדְבָּקֽוּ/ן
dâbaq
H1692
"to cleave"
V-Qal-Imperf-2mp | Suff
To cleave means to cling or stick to something, like pursuing something closely. It's used in the Bible to describe following God or others.
Definition: 1) to cling, stick, stay close, cleave, keep close, stick to, stick with, follow closely, join to, overtake, catch 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to cling, cleave to 1a2) to stay with 1b) (Pual) to be joined together 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to cause to cleave to 1c2) to pursue closely 1c3) to overtake 1d) (Hophal) to be made to cleave Aramaic equivalent: de.vaq (דְּבֵק "to cleave" H1693)
Usage: Occurs in 52 OT verses. KJV: abide fast, cleave (fast together), follow close (hard after), be joined (together), keep (fast), overtake, pursue hard, stick, take. See also: Genesis 2:24; 2 Samuel 20:2; Psalms 22:16.
Study Notes — Deuteronomy 13:5
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Deuteronomy 13:5 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Deuteronomy 13:5
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Deuteronomy 13:5
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Deuteronomy 13:5
- Trapp's Commentary on Deuteronomy 13:5
- Cambridge Bible on Deuteronomy 13:5
- Barnes' Notes on Deuteronomy 13:5
- Whedon's Commentary on Deuteronomy 13:5
- Sermons on Deuteronomy 13:5
Context — Idolaters to Be Put to Death
3you must not listen to the words of that prophet or dreamer. For the LORD your God is testing you to find out whether you love Him with all your heart and with all your soul.
4You are to follow the LORD your God and fear Him. Keep His commandments and listen to His voice; serve Him and hold fast to Him.
5Such a prophet or dreamer must be put to death, because he has advocated rebellion against the LORD your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt and redeemed you from the house of slavery; he has tried to turn you from the way in which the LORD your God has commanded you to walk. So you must purge the evil from among you.
6If your very own brother, or your son or daughter, or the wife you embrace, or your closest friend secretly entices you, saying, “Let us go and worship other gods” (which neither you nor your fathers have known, 7the gods of the peoples around you, whether near or far, whether from one end of the earth or the other),Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 Corinthians 5:13 | God will judge those outside. “Expel the wicked man from among you.” |
| 2 | Deuteronomy 18:20 | But if any prophet dares to speak a message in My name that I have not commanded him to speak, or to speak in the name of other gods, that prophet must be put to death.” |
| 3 | Jeremiah 14:15 | Therefore this is what the LORD says about the prophets who prophesy in My name: I did not send them, yet they say, ‘No sword or famine will touch this land.’ By sword and famine these very prophets will meet their end! |
| 4 | Deuteronomy 17:7 | The hands of the witnesses shall be the first in putting him to death, and after that, the hands of all the people. So you must purge the evil from among you. |
| 5 | Deuteronomy 22:21 | she shall be brought to the door of her father’s house, and there the men of her city will stone her to death. For she has committed an outrage in Israel by being promiscuous in her father’s house. So you must purge the evil from among you. |
| 6 | Deuteronomy 24:7 | If a man is caught kidnapping one of his Israelite brothers, whether he treats him as a slave or sells him, the kidnapper must die. So you must purge the evil from among you. |
| 7 | Deuteronomy 19:19 | you must do to him as he intended to do to his brother. So you must purge the evil from among you. |
| 8 | Deuteronomy 13:10 | Stone him to death for trying to turn you away from the LORD your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery. |
| 9 | 2 Timothy 4:4–5 | So they will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths. But you, be sober in all things, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry. |
| 10 | Zechariah 13:3 | And if anyone still prophesies, his father and mother who bore him will say to him, ‘You shall not remain alive, because you have spoken falsely in the name of the LORD.’ When he prophesies, his father and mother who bore him will pierce him through. |
Deuteronomy 13:5 Summary
[This verse is saying that if someone, even a prophet or dreamer, tries to lead us away from God's commands, they are essentially leading a rebellion against God. As seen in Deuteronomy 13:5, such a person must be stopped, and we must not listen to them. We must remember that God brought us out of slavery and redeemed us, and we should only follow Him, as stated in Exodus 20:2-3. By rejecting false teachings and following God's commands, we can walk in His way and please Him, as instructed in Psalm 119:133.]
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does God command the death of a prophet who advocates rebellion against Him?
This severe punishment is because such a prophet has turned people away from the one true God, who redeemed them from slavery, as seen in Deuteronomy 13:5, and has led them into idolatry, which is a grave offense against God, as stated in Exodus 20:3-5.
How can we determine if a prophet is speaking on behalf of God or leading us astray?
We must test their words against the commandments and teachings of God, as written in Deuteronomy 13:3-4, and see if they align with Scripture, as instructed in Acts 17:11.
Is this command to put a false prophet to death still applicable today?
While the specific punishment may not be applicable in modern societies, the principle of rejecting and purging evil from among us remains, as seen in 1 Corinthians 5:13, and we must still be vigilant in guarding against false teachings and idolatry, as warned in 1 Timothy 4:1-3.
What does it mean to 'purge the evil from among you' in Deuteronomy 13:5?
It means to remove and separate ourselves from anything that is contrary to God's will and commandments, as stated in 2 Corinthians 6:14-18, and to strive for holiness and obedience, as instructed in 1 Peter 1:15-16.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways that I may be turning away from God's commanded path, and how can I correct my course?
- How can I balance love and compassion for those who are leading others astray with the need to stand firm against false teachings?
- What are some 'evils' in my own life that I need to 'purge' in order to walk more closely with God?
- In what ways can I be a positive influence on those around me, pointing them towards God's way and not away from it?
Gill's Exposition on Deuteronomy 13:5
And that prophet, or that dreamer of dreams, shall be put to death,.... Which death, according to the Targum of Jonathan, was to be killed with the sword: because he hath spoken to turn you away from
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Deuteronomy 13:5
And the sign or the wonder come to pass, whereof he spake unto thee, saying, Let us go after other gods, which thou hast not known, and let us serve them; No JFB commentary on these verses.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Deuteronomy 13:5
He hath spoken, i.e. taught or persuaded you. To turn you away from the Lord; to forsake God and his worship. He shows that the chiefest and most certain character of a true prophet, is to be taken from his doctrine rather than from his miracles. To thrust thee out of the way: this phrase denotes the great force and power of seducers to corrupt men’ s minds. Compare ,14. The evil; either 1. That evil thing, that wicked doctrine and practice. Or, 2. That wicked and scandalous man, that idolater and seducer.
Trapp's Commentary on Deuteronomy 13:5
Deuteronomy 13:5 And that prophet, or that dreamer of dreams, shall be put to death; because he hath spoken to turn [you] away from the LORD your God, which brought you out of the land of Egypt, and redeemed you out of the house of bondage, to thrust thee out of the way which the LORD thy God commanded thee to walk in. So shalt thou put the evil away from the midst of thee.Ver. 5. Shall be put to death.] This power is still in the Christian magistrate, to inflict capital punishment on gross heretics; such as was Servetus at Geneva, and Campian here, who spider-like was swept down by the hand of justice, and drew his last thread in the triangle of Tyburn, as the historian wittily phraseth it. Quid Imperatori cum ecclesia? was a question moved by the old Donatists. Libertas prophetandi, is much challenged by the Arminians, and other sectaries. But if in matter of religion every man should think what he lists, and utter what he thinks, and defend what he utters, and publish what he defends, and gather disciples to what he publisheth, this liberty, or licentiousness rather, would soon be the bane of any church. Speed’ s Hist of Eng., 1176.
Cambridge Bible on Deuteronomy 13:5
1–5 (2–6 in Heb.). Against the Prophet of Other Gods 1. If there arise in the midst of thee] So Deuteronomy 19:15-16 also Sg. Cp. the synonymous if there be found in the midst of thee Deuteronomy 17:2, Deuteronomy 18:10, Deuteronomy 21:1, Deuteronomy 22:22, Deuteronomy 24:7. Steuern takes this as characteristic of the Pl. document, but like the other it occurs with the Sg. address; and we have seen that Deuteronomy 17:2 may originally have belonged to the same section as Deuteronomy 13:1. No conclusion, therefore, can be drawn. a prophet, or a dreamer of dreams] In early Israel regarded as identical; cp. the frequency in E of dreams as revelations, e.g. Genesis 20:3 to Abimelech, Deuteronomy 28:10 ff., Deuteronomy 31:11 to Jacob, and the oracle quoted in E, Numbers 12:6 : if there be a prophet among you … I will speak to him through dreams. In later times the dream was discarded by the prophets as a professional delusion, Jeremiah 23:25; Jeremiah 23:27 and sharply distinguished from the true word of God: the prophet that hath a dream, let him tell a dream; and he that hath my word, let him speak my word faithfully. What is the straw to the wheat? (id.
Jeremiah 23:28); that prophesy lying dreams (Jeremiah 23:32); cp. Deuteronomy 27:9, Deuteronomy 29:8 f., prophets, soothsayers, sorcerers, diviners, your dreams that ye dream, they prophesy lies in my name, I have not sent them; Zechariah 10:2. These dreams of the false prophets appear to have been optimistic and unethical in contrast to the true prophet’s word that convinced of sin and predicted disaster. D also uses dreamer of a false prophet, and opposes to his dreams the commandments of Jehovah (Deuteronomy 13:4). and he give thee a sign or a wonder] or portent (see on Deuteronomy 4:34), not necessarily what we narrowly call miracle (Israel making no distinction between natural and supernatural). Nor here are they wonders wrought on the spot such as Moses received as his credentials, Exodus 4:2-9, J, and Aaron wrought before Pharaoh, Deuteronomy 7:9, P, nor like the Plagues brought upon Egypt; but (as is clear from the next verse) predictions of something that shall happen in the future like the signs foretold by Samuel to Saul (1 Samuel 10:1-9). Deuteronomy 13:2. come to pass] Hebrew come in, arrive (1 Samuel 10:7; 1 Samuel 10:9). Such a fulfilment of the sign is not to be any credential of the prophet’s teaching, if he say— Let us go after other gods] Deuteronomy 6:14 (q.v.), Deuteronomy 11:28, Deuteronomy 28:14, all Pl.; Deuteronomy 8:19, Sg.; with or without the addition and serve, i.e. worship, them as here. Cp. Jeremiah 25:6 (deuteron.?). which thou hast not known] Deuteronomy 13:6; Deuteronomy 13:13, Deuteronomy 11:28, Deuteronomy 28:64, cp. Deuteronomy 8:3.
Deuteronomy 13:3. This refusal to recognise miracle as necessarily a proof of the truth of a prophet’s doctrine is very striking. It is not in harmony with the earlier belief in Israel, expressed in JE and so characteristic of the Semitic genius (cp.
Barnes' Notes on Deuteronomy 13:5
The context and parallel passages (compare Deuteronomy 17:7; Leviticus 20:2) indicate that there was to be a regular judicial procedure, and that the manner of the execution was to be by stoning.
Whedon's Commentary on Deuteronomy 13:5
5. That prophet, or that dreamer… shall be put to death — The endeavour to turn the people from the worship of Jehovah, in the condition the nation then was, constituted one of the greatest of crimes.
Sermons on Deuteronomy 13:5
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Studies in 1 Corinthians-05 1 Cor 5:8-13 by William MacDonald | In this sermon, the preacher introduces a chorus that the congregation has previously learned and liked. The chorus emphasizes the belief in God's guidance and trust in Him during |
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Our Firm Foundation by Stephen Kaung | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the current state of believers and compares it to the time of the Apostle Paul. He emphasizes that many people claim to be pious but lack tru |
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The Elders Appointed by the Apostles by Watchman Nee | Watchman Nee discusses the biblical foundation and significance of appointing elders in the church, emphasizing that elders are chosen from among the local believers based on their |
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The Gospel a Law of Liberty by J.H. Newman | J.H. Newman preaches about the ecclesiastical system in Scripture, emphasizing that the Bible teaches matters of faith essential for salvation rather than detailed discipline. He e |
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(Reformers and Their Stepchildren) Catharer! - Part 2 by Leonard Verduin | Leonard Verduin discusses the historical conflict between two delineations of the Church: one emphasizing personal faith as the basis for a confessional Church, and the other focus |
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If a Sister Who Has Been Frequently Corrected for Some Fault by St. Benedict of Nursia | St. Benedict of Nursia emphasizes the importance of discipline and correction within the community, particularly when dealing with a sister who repeatedly fails to amend her ways. |
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Care Must Be Taken That No Monk by St. Benedict of Nursia | St. Benedict of Nursia emphasizes the importance of monks not defending or protecting each other in the monastery, even if they are related, to avoid serious scandals. He warns aga |