Deuteronomy 13:5 Meaning and Explanation
“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.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →The false prophet is executed because he seeks to overturn the covenant and rob Israel of their redemption.
The Context of Deuteronomy 13:5
The severity of the penalty reflects the severity of the crime—seeking to overturn Israel's redemptive covenant.
What Does Deuteronomy 13:5 Mean?
The penalty is capital because the crime strikes at the root of Israel's existence. To turn Israel away from the LORD is not a minor doctrinal error—it is an act of cosmic rebellion against the God who liberated them from Egypt, the God who redeemed them from bondage. The false prophet does not merely offer an alternative faith; he attempts to undo the salvation history on which Israel stands.
The command to put him to death is framed as purification: 'put the evil away from the midst of thee.' The false prophet is not portrayed as a victim of religious intolerance but as a corrupting force whose removal restores communal health. His death protects the covenant and the people's future.
Frequently Asked Questions About Deuteronomy 13:5
What does Deuteronomy 13:5 mean?
The false prophet is executed because he seeks to overturn the covenant and rob Israel of their redemption.
What is the context of Deuteronomy 13:5?
The severity of the penalty reflects the severity of the crime—seeking to overturn Israel's redemptive covenant.