If there arise among you a prophet, or a dreamer of dreams, and giveth thee a sign or a wonder,

DEUTERONOMY 13:1KJV
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Deuteronomy 13:1 (KJV)

What does Deuteronomy 13:1 mean?

Deuteronomy 13:1 warns the Israelites that if someone among them claims to be a prophet or a dreamer and presents a sign or wonder, they should pay attention to what follows. The verse sets up a situation where someone appears to have spiritual authority or supernatural power.

In this verse, Moses is speaking to the people of Israel as they prepare to enter the Promised Land. He cautions them to be discerning, even when someone performs impressive signs, because not every sign comes from God. The verse introduces a test for true and false spiritual leaders, which is explained more fully in the following verses.

The Hebrew behind Deuteronomy 13:1

  • "arise" (קוּם, qum): This word means to stand up or appear. It emphasizes that the prophet or dreamer is emerging from within the community, not from outside.
  • "prophet" (נָבִיא, navi’): This is the standard Hebrew word for a spokesperson or messenger believed to speak for God. The verse does not assume that everyone called a prophet truly represents God.
  • "dreamer" (חֹלֵם, cholem) and "dreams" (חֲלוֹם, chalom): These words refer to someone who claims to receive messages or revelations through dreams, which were often considered a way God communicated but could also be misused.
  • "sign" (אוֹת, ot) and "wonder" (מוֹפֵת, mopheth): Both words refer to miraculous or extraordinary events. "ot" often means a sign with meaning or purpose, while "mopheth" points to something marvelous or astonishing. The verse warns that even real miracles are not always proof of true divine authority.

Why Deuteronomy 13:1 matters

  • Deuteronomy 13:1 clarifies that miraculous signs alone are not enough to prove someone speaks for God; their message and loyalty to God must also be tested.
  • The verse highlights the need for discernment within the community, especially when spiritual claims are made by insiders rather than outsiders.
  • This warning sets the stage for the following verses, which explain how to respond when a prophet or dreamer tries to lead people away from God, showing that faithfulness is more important than impressive signs.

Where else these words appear

“dreamer” Hebrew H2492 · used in 25 verses

  • Genesis 28:12 And he dreamed, and behold a ladder set up on the earth, and the top of it reached to heaven: and behold the angels of God ascending and descending on it.
  • Genesis 41:5 And he slept and dreamed the second time: and, behold, seven ears of corn came up upon one stalk, rank and good.
  • Psalms 126:1 A Song of degrees. When the LORD turned again the captivity of Zion, we were like them that dream.

“wonder” Hebrew H4159 · used in 35 verses

  • Exodus 4:21 And the LORD said unto Moses, When thou goest to return into Egypt, see that thou do all those wonders before Pharaoh, which I have put in thine hand: but I will harden his heart, that he shall not let the people go.
  • Deuteronomy 29:3 The great temptations which thine eyes have seen, the signs, and those great miracles:
  • Psalms 105:27 They shewed his signs among them, and wonders in the land of Ham.

“dreams” Hebrew H2472 · used in 55 verses

  • Genesis 20:3 But God came to Abimelech in a dream by night, and said to him, Behold, thou art but a dead man, for the woman which thou hast taken; for she is a man's wife.
  • Genesis 41:11 And we dreamed a dream in one night, I and he; we dreamed each man according to the interpretation of his dream.
  • Job 7:14 Then thou scarest me with dreams, and terrifiest me through visions:

“sign” Hebrew H226 · used in 77 verses

  • Genesis 1:14 And God said, Let there be lights in the firmament of the heaven to divide the day from the night; and let them be for signs, and for seasons, and for days, and years:
  • Numbers 17:10 And the LORD said unto Moses, Bring Aaron's rod again before the testimony, to be kept for a token against the rebels; and thou shalt quite take away their murmurings from me, that they die not.
  • Psalms 65:8 They also that dwell in the uttermost parts are afraid at thy tokens: thou makest the outgoings of the morning and evening to rejoice.