Deuteronomy 18:22 Meaning and Explanation
“When a prophet speaketh in the name of the LORD, if the thing follow not, nor come to pass, that is the thing which the LORD hath not spoken, but the prophet hath spoken it presumptuously: thou shalt not be afraid of him.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →If a prophet's prediction does not come to pass, his word is not from God, and he is a false prophet.
The Context of Deuteronomy 18:22
Fulfillment is the test of true prophecy; unfulfilled predictions mark false prophets.
What Does Deuteronomy 18:22 Mean?
The test is simple and objective: results. When a prophet spoke in God's name, his prediction should come to pass. If the thing 'follow not, nor come to pass'—if events did not align with the prophecy—then the word was not from God.
The false prophet had 'spoken presumptuously,' inventing his own message. Israel was instructed not to fear him. This test provided Israel with a concrete way to evaluate prophets and maintain the integrity of their relationship with God through true prophetic voices.
Frequently Asked Questions About Deuteronomy 18:22
What does Deuteronomy 18:22 mean?
If a prophet's prediction does not come to pass, his word is not from God, and he is a false prophet.
What is the context of Deuteronomy 18:22?
Fulfillment is the test of true prophecy; unfulfilled predictions mark false prophets.