Deuteronomy 18:19
And whoever will not listen to my words that he shall speak in my name, I myself will require it of him.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This page isn't yet indexed by search engines.
This verse isn't just about ignoring a prophet; it's about refusing to listen to God's own words being spoken through that prophet. The consequence isn't just personal failure, but a direct, divine reckoning where God Himself will hold you accountable.
Moses is explaining that the people of Israel should not seek guidance from mediums or sorcerers, but rather listen to the prophets God will raise up. This specific verse is the consequence for ignoring the authoritative word of God spoken through His chosen messenger, a promise that would later be applied to the rejection of Jesus Christ.
When Moses speaks, who is really speaking? This verse drops a bombshell about divine authority. It's not just advice; it's a command from the Almighty.
Moses is introducing a new covenant in Deuteronomy, laying out the terms for Israel’s life in the Promised Land. He promises that God will raise up another prophet, like Moses, who will speak God's words.
God's Authority Delegated
Ignoring a prophet might seem minor, but the consequences here are anything but. God's warning is clear and severe.
The final phrase, "I myself will require it of him," carries immense weight. It’s a declaration of accountability and impending judgment.
Divine Reckoning
Understand the original words
shama' · Hebrew Verb
To pay attention with the intent to obey; in a biblical context, it implies hearing God’s voice and responding with submission and action.
shem · Hebrew Noun
The revealed authority or character of God; to speak in His name is to claim divine authorization and accuracy in delivering His message.
darash · Hebrew Verb
To hold someone accountable or to demand an accounting for an action; in this context, it signifies divine judgment or legal reckoning for disobedience.
This passage directly references Deuteronomy 18:19, stating that Jesus himself will judge and reject those who refuse to hear His words, highlighting the personal accountability of rejecting God's final Prophet.
Acts 3:22-23Peter explicitly identifies Jesus as the Prophet promised in Deuteronomy 18, and quotes this verse to warn the crowd that anyone refusing to listen to Jesus will be utterly cut off, showing the fulfillment of God's requirement.
Hebrews 2:1-4This passage strongly echoes the warning in Deuteronomy 18:19, emphasizing that escaping the consequences of neglecting salvation through Jesus, God's ultimate messenger, is impossible because God will hold us accountable.
Luke 19:27Jesus' parable of the nobleman makes a chilling parallel to Deuteronomy 18:19, where the servants who refuse to let the nobleman rule are judged and punished, illustrating the severe consequence of rejecting God's appointed King and Prophet.
gillDeuteronomy 18:19: "And it shall come to pass, that whosoever will not hearken unto my words which he shall speak in my name, I will require it of him."
And it shall come to pass, that whosoever will not hearken unto my words,.... To the doctrines of the Gospel, but slight and despise them: which he shall speak in my name; in whose name he came, and whose words or doctrines he declared them to be; not as his own, but his Father's, John 5:43. I will require it of him; or, as the Targums of Onkel…
wesleyDeuteronomy 18:19: "And it shall come to pass, that whosoever will not hearken unto my words which he shall speak in my name, I will require it of him."
18:19 I will require it - I will punish him severely for it. The sad effect of this threatning the Jews have felt for above sixteen hundred years together.
This verse isn't just about ignoring a prophet; it's about refusing to listen to God's own words being spoken through that prophet. The consequence isn't just personal failure, but a direct, divine reckoning where God Himself will hold you accountable.
Moses is explaining that the people of Israel should not seek guidance from mediums or sorcerers, but rather listen to the prophets God will raise up. This specific verse is the consequence for ignoring the authoritative word of God spoken through His chosen messenger, a promise that would later be applied to the rejection of Jesus Christ.
Moses is explaining that the people of Israel should not seek guidance from mediums or sorcerers, but rather listen to the prophets God will raise up. This specific verse is the consequence for ignoring the authoritative word of God spoken through His chosen messenger, a promise that would later be applied to the rejection of Jesus Christ.
Get the original Greek and Hebrew, verse-by-verse context, and related passages inside the app.
Ask a follow-up
Ask Sola things like:
Live chat about Deuteronomy 18:19 is available in the Sola app.
"And whoever will not listen to my words that he shall speak in my name, I myself will require it of him." — This verse isn't just about ignoring a prophet; it's about refusing to listen to God's own words being spoken through that prophet. The consequence isn't just personal failure, but a direct, divi…
