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Bible >Deuteronomy >Chapter 13 > Verse 3

◄ Deuteronomy 13:3►

New International Version
you must not listen to the words of that prophet or dreamer. The LORD your God is testing you to find out whether you love him with all your heart and with all your soul.

New Living Translation
do not listen to them. The LORD your God is testing you to see if you truly love him with all your heart and soul.

English Standard Version
you shall not listen to the words of that prophet or that dreamer of dreams. For the LORD your God is testing you, to know whether you love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul.

Berean Standard Bible
you 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.

King James Bible
Thou shalt not hearken unto the words of that prophet, or that dreamer of dreams: for the LORD your God proveth you, to know whether ye love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul.

New King James Version
you shall not listen to the words of that prophet or that dreamer of dreams, for the LORD your God is testing you to know whether you love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul.

New American Standard Bible
you shall not listen to the words of that prophet or dreamer of dreams; for the LORD your God is testing you to find out whether you love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul.

NASB 1995
you shall not listen to the words of that prophet or that dreamer of dreams; for the LORD your God is testing you to find out if you love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul.

NASB 1977
you shall not listen to the words of that prophet or that dreamer of dreams; for the LORD your God is testing you to find out if you love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul.

Legacy Standard Bible
you shall not listen to the words of that prophet or that dreamer of dreams; for Yahweh your God is testing you to find out if you love Yahweh your God with all your heart and with all your soul.

Amplified Bible
you shall not listen to the words of that prophet or that dreamer of dreams; for the LORD your God is testing you to know whether you love the LORD your God with all your heartand mind and all your soul [your entire being].

Christian Standard Bible
do not listen to that prophet’s words or to that dreamer. For the LORD your God is testing you to know whether you love the LORD your God with all your heart and all your soul.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
do not listen to that prophet’s words or to that dreamer. For the LORD your God is testing you to know whether you love the LORD your God with all your heart and all your soul.

American Standard Version
thou shalt not hearken unto the words of that prophet, or unto that dreamer of dreams: for Jehovah your God proveth you, to know whether ye love Jehovah your God with all your heart and with all your soul.

Contemporary English Version
If the prophet says this, don't listen! The LORD your God will be watching to find out whether or not you love him with all your heart and soul.

English Revised Version
thou shalt not hearken unto the words of that prophet, or unto that dreamer of dreams: for the LORD your God proveth you, to know whether ye love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
The LORD your God is testing you to find out if you really love him with all your heart and with all your soul.

Good News Translation
do not pay any attention to them. The LORD your God is using them to test you, to see if you love the LORD with all your heart.

International Standard Version
you must not listen to the words of that prophet or that diviner of dreams. For the LORD your God is testing you, to make known whether or not you'll continue to love the LORD your God with all your heart and soul.

NET Bible
You must not listen to the words of that prophet or dreamer, for the LORD your God will be testing you to see if you love him with all your mind and being.

New Heart English Bible
you shall not listen to the words of that prophet, or to that dreamer of dreams: for the LORD your God proves you, to know whether you love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul.

Webster's Bible Translation
Thou shalt not hearken to the words of that prophet, or that dreamer of dreams: for the LORD your God proveth you, to know whether ye love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul.

Majority Text Translations

Majority Standard Bible
you 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.

World English Bible
you shall not listen to the words of that prophet, or to that dreamer of dreams; for Yahweh your God is testing you, to know whether you love Yahweh your God with all your heart and with all your soul.

Literal Translations

Literal Standard Version
you do not listen to the words of that prophet or to that dreamer of the dream, for your God YHWH is trying you to know whether you are loving your God YHWH with all your heart and with all your soul;

Young's Literal Translation
thou dost not hearken unto the words of that prophet, or unto that dreamer of the dream, for Jehovah your God is trying you, to know whether ye are loving Jehovah your God with all your heart, and with all your soul;

Smith's Literal Translation
Thou shalt not hear to the words of that prophet or to that dreamer of dreams: for Jehovah thy God tries you to know whether ye are loving Jehovah your God with all your heart and with all your soul.

Catholic Translations

Douay-Rheims Bible
Thou shalt not hear the words of that prophet or dreamer: for the Lord your God trieth you, that it may appear whether you love him with all your heart, and with all your soul, or not.

Catholic Public Domain Version
you shall not listen to the words of that prophet or dreamer. For the Lord your God is testing you, so that it may become clear whether or not you love him with all your heart and with all your soul.

New American Bible
do not listen to the words of that prophet or that dreamer; for the LORD, your God, is testing you to know whether you really love the LORD, your God, with all your heart and soul.

New Revised Standard Version
you must not heed the words of those prophets or those who divine by dreams; for the LORD your God is testing you, to know whether you indeed love the LORD your God with all your heart and soul.

Translations from Aramaic

Lamsa Bible
You shall not listen to the words of that prophet, or that dreamer of dreams; for the LORD your God is proving you, to know whether you love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
You shall not listen to the words of that Prophet or one dreaming that dream because certainly LORD JEHOVAH your God is testing you to know if you love LORD JEHOVAH your God from all your heart and from all your soul.

OT Translations

JPS Tanakh 1917
thou shalt not hearken unto the words of that prophet, or unto that dreamer of dreams; for the LORD your God putteth you to proof, to know whether ye do love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
ye shall not hearken to the words of that prophet, or the dreamer of that dream, because the Lord thy God tries you, to know whether ye love your God with all your heart and with all your soul.

Additional Translations ...

Audio Bible

Context

Idolaters to Be Put to Death
…2and if the sign or wonder he has spoken to you comes about, but he says, “Let us follow other gods (which you have not known) and let us worship them,”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.…

Berean Standard Bible ·Download

Cross References

Matthew 24:24
For false Christs and false prophets will appear and perform great signs and wonders to deceive even the elect, if that were possible.

1 John 4:1
Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God. For many false prophets have gone out into the world.

2 Thessalonians 2:9-12
The coming of the lawless one will be accompanied by the working of Satan, with every kind of power, sign, and false wonder, / and with every wicked deception directed against those who are perishing, because they refused the love of the truth that would have saved them. / For this reason God will send them a powerful delusion so that they believe the lie, ...

1 Corinthians 10:13
No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; He will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, He will also provide an escape, so that you can stand up under it.

James 1:12-14
Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love Him. / When tempted, no one should say, “God is tempting me.” For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does He tempt anyone. / But each one is tempted when by his own evil desires he is lured away and enticed.

1 Peter 1:6-7
In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in various trials / so that the proven character of your faith—more precious than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire—may result in praise, glory, and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ.

Revelation 2:10
Do not fear what you are about to suffer. Behold, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison to test you, and you will suffer tribulation for ten days. Be faithful even unto death, and I will give you the crown of life.

2 Corinthians 11:13-15
For such men are false apostles, deceitful workers, masquerading as apostles of Christ. / And no wonder, for Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light. / It is not surprising, then, if his servants masquerade as servants of righteousness. Their end will correspond to their actions.

Galatians 1:8-9
But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach a gospel contrary to the one we preached to you, let him be under a curse! / As we have said before, so now I say again: If anyone is preaching to you a gospel contrary to the one you received, let him be under a curse!

Matthew 7:15-20
Beware of false prophets. They come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves. / By their fruit you will recognize them. Are grapes gathered from thornbushes, or figs from thistles? / Likewise, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. ...

1 Timothy 4:1
Now the Spirit expressly states that in later times some will abandon the faith to follow deceitful spirits and the teachings of demons,

2 Peter 2:1-3
Now there were also false prophets among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you. They will secretly introduce destructive heresies, even denying the Master who bought them—bringing swift destruction on themselves. / Many will follow in their depravity, and because of them the way of truth will be defamed. / In their greed, these false teachers will exploit you with deceptive words. The longstanding verdict against them remains in force, and their destruction does not sleep.

Romans 16:17-18
Now I urge you, brothers, to watch out for those who create divisions and obstacles that are contrary to the teaching you have learned. Turn away from them. / For such people are not serving our Lord Christ, but their own appetites. By smooth talk and flattery they deceive the hearts of the naive.

John 10:27
My sheep listen to My voice; I know them, and they follow Me.

Hebrews 3:8-9
do not harden your hearts, as you did in the rebellion, in the day of testing in the wilderness, / where your fathers tested and tried Me, and for forty years saw My works.

Treasury of Scripture

You shall not listen to the words of that prophet, or that dreamer of dreams: for the LORD your God proves you, to know whether you love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul.

hearken

Isaiah 8:20
To the law and to the testimony: if they speak not according to this word,it is becausethere is no light in them.

Acts 17:11
These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so.

Ephesians 4:14
That wehenceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men,and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive;

proveth

Deuteronomy 8:2
And thou shalt remember all the way which the LORD thy God led thee these forty years in the wilderness, to humble thee,and to prove thee, to know whatwas in thine heart, whether thou wouldest keep his commandments, or no.

Psalm 66:10
For thou, O God, hast proved us: thou hast tried us, as silver is tried.

Psalm 81:7
Thou calledst in trouble, and I delivered thee; I answered thee in the secret place of thunder: I proved thee at the waters of Meribah. Selah.

ye love the Lord your God

Deuteronomy 6:5
And thou shalt love the LORD thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might.

2 Corinthians 8:8
I speak not by commandment, but by occasion of the forwardness of others, and to prove the sincerity of your love.

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Deuteronomy 13

1.Enticers to idolatry
6.however near to oneself
9.are to be stoned to death
12.Idolatrous cities are not to be spared

Study Bible

Book ◦ Chapter

you must not listen to the words of that prophet or dreamer
This directive is a clear command to the Israelites to reject any prophet or dreamer who advocates for worshiping other gods, even if they perform signs or wonders. In the ancient Near Eastern context, prophets and dreamers were often seen as intermediaries between the divine and human realms. However, the Israelites were warned against being swayed by miraculous signs if the message contradicted God's commandments. This reflects the importance of discernment and adherence to the covenant established at Sinai. The command underscores the primacy of God's revealed word over experiential phenomena, aligning with the broader biblical theme that true prophecy aligns with God's established revelation (Deuteronomy 18:20-22).

For the LORD your God is testing you
This phrase indicates that God allows false prophets to arise as a means of testing His people's faithfulness. The concept of divine testing is prevalent throughout Scripture, serving as a means to refine and prove the genuineness of one's faith (Genesis 22:1,James 1:2-4). In the wilderness, the Israelites faced various tests to prepare them for life in the Promised Land. This testing is not for God's benefit, as He is omniscient, but for the people to demonstrate their loyalty and commitment to Him. It also serves as a reminder of the spiritual warfare believers face, where discernment and steadfastness are crucial.

to find out whether you love Him with all your heart and with all your soul
This phrase emphasizes the centrality of love and devotion to God as the foundation of the covenant relationship. The Shema (Deuteronomy 6:4-5) similarly calls for loving God with all one's heart, soul, and strength, highlighting the comprehensive nature of this love. In biblical terms, the heart represents the center of one's will and emotions, while the soul encompasses one's entire being. This commandment is echoed by Jesus in the New Testament as the greatest commandment (Matthew 22:37-38). The testing of love for God is a recurring theme, illustrating that true devotion is demonstrated through obedience and faithfulness, even in the face of challenges or temptations.

Persons / Places / Events

1.Prophet or Dreamer
Individuals claiming to have received divine revelations or dreams, potentially leading people away from God.

2.The LORD your God
The one true God of Israel, who is testing His people's faithfulness.

3.Israelites
The chosen people of God, receiving these instructions as they prepare to enter the Promised Land.

4.Testing
A divine examination of the Israelites' loyalty and love for God.

5.Heart and Soul
Represents the totality of one's being and devotion to God.

Teaching Points

Discernment in Faith
Believers must exercise discernment when encountering teachings or revelations that claim to be from God. Not all spiritual experiences are from Him.

Testing as a Divine Tool
Understand that God may allow tests to strengthen and reveal the genuineness of our love and commitment to Him.

Wholehearted Devotion
Our love for God should encompass every aspect of our being—heart, soul, and mind. This requires intentional daily commitment.

Guarding Against Deception
Be vigilant against false teachings and influences that may lead us away from the truth of God's Word.

Love as the Foundation
Our relationship with God is founded on love, which should be the driving force behind our obedience and faithfulness.

Bible Study Questions and Answers

1.What is the meaning of Deuteronomy 13:3?

2.How does Deuteronomy 13:3 guide us in discerning false prophets today?

3.Why is testing our love for God emphasized in Deuteronomy 13:3?

4.How can we apply "love the LORD your God" in daily decisions?

5.What New Testament teachings align with Deuteronomy 13:3's warning against false teachings?

6.How can Deuteronomy 13:3 strengthen our commitment to God's commandments?

7.Why does Deuteronomy 13:3 warn against following false prophets if God tests His people?

8.How does Deuteronomy 13:3 align with the concept of free will in Christianity?

9.What historical context influenced the writing of Deuteronomy 13:3?

10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Deuteronomy 13?

11.How can we address apparent contradictions between Ezekiel 13's condemnation of false prophecy and other scriptures that emphasize God's sovereignty over all prophecy?

12.Jeremiah 23:21–22: Why would God allow false prophets to speak in His name if He disapproves of their messages?

13.How can signs and wonders performed by false prophets (Deuteronomy 13:1–2) align with the belief that only God can grant miracles?

14.In Deuteronomy 13:1–5, why would a loving God command the death of false prophets and those who follow them?

What Does Deuteronomy 13:3 Mean

You must not listen

Deuteronomy 13:3 opens with an unmistakable command: “you must not listen.” The restriction is absolute; God draws a hard line between truth and deception.

• Listening in Scripture implies agreement and obedience. When Israel “listened” to Moses, they acted (Exodus 24:7). Refusing to listen means refusing to act on error.

• Jesus repeats the same caution: “Take heed that no one deceives you” (Matthew 24:4-5).

• Paul presses the point: “Let no one deceive you with empty words” (Ephesians 5:6).

The literal sense is clear: do not grant false voices any authority in your heart or actions.

to the words of that prophet or dreamer

The danger is not merely a bad idea; it is a person claiming divine insight.

•Deuteronomy 13:1-2 warns that such a prophet may even produce a sign or wonder. The spectacular does not validate the message if it contradicts God’s revealed truth.

• Jeremiah faced “dreamers who cause My people to forget My name” (Jeremiah 23:25-27). Their influence was real, but their message was counterfeit.

• John echoes the test: “Do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits” (1 John 4:1).

God’s people measure every claim—visions, dreams, prophecies—against His already-given Word.

For the LORD your God is testing you

The prohibition is followed by the purpose. God Himself allows the counterfeit to appear.

• After the bitter waters of Marah, “there He tested them” (Exodus 15:25). Trials expose what rules the heart.

•Genesis 22:1 uses the same concept when God “tested Abraham.” The test never intends failure; it reveals faith.

• James instructs, “the testing of your faith produces perseverance” (James 1:3).

The presence of a false prophet is not proof of God’s absence; it is evidence of His active watch over His people’s loyalty.

to find out whether you love Him

Love is measurable. God’s test seeks demonstration, not information—He already knows all things.

• Jesus ties love to obedience: “If you love Me, you will keep My commandments” (John 14:15).

• Joshua called Israel to choose: “As for me and my house, we will serve the LORD” (Joshua 24:15).

• Love that withstands deception shows itself genuine, like gold refined by fire (1 Peter 1:7).

Refusal to heed false voices is a tangible expression of covenant love.

with all your heart and with all your soul

The verse ends by circling back to the Shema ofDeuteronomy 6:5: “Love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength”.

• Heart involves will and affections; soul speaks to life itself. Nothing is left unclaimed.

• Jesus affirms the scope: “This is the first and greatest commandment” (Matthew 22:37-38).

• Half-hearted loyalty cannot pass the test; God desires—and deserves—undivided devotion (Psalm 86:11).

Listening to truth and shutting out deception are simply the overflow of a heart wholly given to Him.

summary

Deuteronomy 13:3 commands God’s people to ignore seductive voices, even when clothed in spiritual authority or supernatural signs. False claims are part of God’s refining process, exposing who truly loves Him. Genuine love proves itself by clinging to God’s Word with total devotion—heart and soul—refusing any message that drifts from His revealed truth.

Parallel Commentaries ...

Hebrew

you must not
לֹ֣א(lō)
Adverb - Negative particle
Strong's 3808:Not, no

listen
תִשְׁמַ֗ע(ṯiš·ma‘)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - second person masculine singular
Strong's 8085:To hear intelligently

to
אֶל־(’el-)
Preposition
Strong's 413:Near, with, among, to

the words
דִּבְרֵי֙(diḇ·rê)
Noun - masculine plural construct
Strong's 1697:A word, a matter, thing, a cause

of that
הַה֔וּא(ha·hū)
Article | Pronoun - third person masculine singular
Strong's 1931:He, self, the same, this, that, as, are

prophet
הַנָּבִ֣יא(han·nā·ḇî)
Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 5030:A spokesman, speaker, prophet

or
א֛וֹ(’ōw)
Conjunction
Strong's 176:Desire, if

dreamer.
חוֹלֵ֥ם(ḥō·w·lêm)
Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular construct
Strong's 2492:To bind firmly, to be, plump, to dream

For
כִּ֣י(kî)
Conjunction
Strong's 3588:A relative conjunction

the LORD
יְהוָ֤ה(Yah·weh)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3068:LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel

your God
אֱלֹֽהֵיכֶם֙(’ĕ·lō·hê·ḵem)
Noun - masculine plural construct | second person masculine plural
Strong's 430:gods -- the supreme God, magistrates, a superlative

is testing you
מְנַסֶּ֞ה(mə·nas·seh)
Verb - Piel - Participle - masculine singular
Strong's 5254:To test, to attempt

to find out
לָדַ֗עַת(lā·ḏa·‘aṯ)
Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct
Strong's 3045:To know

whether
הֲיִשְׁכֶ֤ם(hă·yiš·ḵem)
Adverb | second person masculine plural
Strong's 3426:Being, substance, existence, is

you love
אֹֽהֲבִים֙(’ō·hă·ḇîm)
Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine plural
Strong's 157:To have affection f

[Him]
יְהוָ֣ה(Yah·weh)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3068:LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel

with all
בְּכָל־(bə·ḵāl)
Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 3605:The whole, all, any, every

your heart
לְבַבְכֶ֖ם(lə·ḇaḇ·ḵem)
Noun - masculine singular construct | second person masculine plural
Strong's 3824:Inner man, mind, will, heart

and with all
וּבְכָל־(ū·ḇə·ḵāl)
Conjunctive waw, Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 3605:The whole, all, any, every

your soul.
נַפְשְׁכֶֽם׃(nap̄·šə·ḵem)
Noun - feminine singular construct | second person masculine plural
Strong's 5315:A soul, living being, life, self, person, desire, passion, appetite, emotion

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OT Law: Deuteronomy 13:3 You shall not listen to the words (Deut. De Du)