Deuteronomy 18:21 Meaning and Explanation
“And if thou say in thine heart, How shall we know the word which the LORD hath not spoken?”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →The people ask: How can we distinguish true prophecy from false?
The Context of Deuteronomy 18:21
A test of prophecy is needed to distinguish true from false prophets.
What Does Deuteronomy 18:21 Mean?
This verse raises the natural question Israel would face: How would they identify a true Prophet among false ones? The problem was urgent—both true and false prophets could claim divine authority.
The question is not cynical but practical. If a prophet spoke in God's name but actually invented his message, the stakes were fatal (for him) and the deception was dangerous (for those who believed him). Israel needed a way to test.
Frequently Asked Questions About Deuteronomy 18:21
What does Deuteronomy 18:21 mean?
The people ask: How can we distinguish true prophecy from false?
What is the context of Deuteronomy 18:21?
A test of prophecy is needed to distinguish true from false prophets.