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)
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Deuteronomy 18:19
What does Deuteronomy 18:19 mean?
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Deuteronomy 18:19
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The most striking part here isn't just a warning of punishment, but the intimate connection between God and the prophet. When the prophet speaks, it's God saying "my words," and the consequence of ignoring them is that God Himself will hold the disobedient accountable.
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)
Following a warning against consulting mediums and sorcerers, Moses declares that God will raise up a Prophet, like himself, from among the Israelites, and that the people must listen to whatever this Prophet says in God's name. This verse, therefore, issues a direct command to obey this promised messenger, with a severe consequence promised for any disobedience or rejection.
God promised a special messenger, someone uniquely qualified to speak for Him. But who was this prophet, and why was listening to him so crucial?
In Deuteronomy 18, God tells Moses that He will raise up a prophet "like unto me." This isn't just any prophet; it's a Messianic promise pointing to Jesus Christ.
The Unmistakable Fulfillment
This wasn't just another voice in the crowd; it was God's definitive Word spoken through His Son.
What happens when people ignore God's most important message? The consequence here isn't a gentle warning; it's a divine reckoning.
The second half of Deuteronomy 18:19 delivers a stern warning: 'and whoever will not listen to my words that he shall speak in my name, I myself will require it of him.'
God's Personal Demand
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This isn't just about a historical event; it's about the gravity of rejecting God's Son and His message of salvation.
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 New Testament passage directly echoes Deuteronomy 18:19, stating that Jesus himself will judge and hold accountable those who reject His words, reinforcing the ultimate authority and consequence of ignoring God's spoken message.
Acts 3:23Peter explicitly quotes Deuteronomy 18:19 in his sermon, applying the prophecy to Jesus Christ and warning that 'every soul that will not listen to that Prophet shall be utterly destroyed from among the people,' highlighting the fulfillment and critical importance of hearing Christ.
Hebrews 2:1-4This passage urges believers to pay closer attention to the message of salvation delivered by Jesus, warning that just as disobedience to the law given through Moses had its consequences, neglecting such a great salvation will lead to severe punishment.
Jeremiah 23:21This verse speaks of prophets who 'did not send' themselves yet 'ran,' and God declares He 'did not speak to them,' showing a similar theme of accountability for those who speak without divine authority, contrasting with the prophet God *will* send.
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.
The most striking part here isn't just a warning of punishment, but the intimate connection between God and the prophet. When the prophet speaks, it's God saying "my words," and the consequence of ignoring them is that God Himself will hold the disobedient accountable.
Following a warning against consulting mediums and sorcerers, Moses declares that God will raise up a Prophet, like himself, from among the Israelites, and that the people must listen to whatever this Prophet says in God's name. This verse, therefore, issues a direct command to obey this promised messenger, with a severe consequence promised for any disobedience or rejection.
Following a warning against consulting mediums and sorcerers, Moses declares that God will raise up a Prophet, like himself, from among the Israelites, and that the people must listen to whatever this Prophet says in God's name. This verse, therefore, issues a direct command to obey this promised messenger, with a severe consequence promised for any disobedience or rejection.
"And whoever will not listen to my words that he shall speak in my name, I myself will require it of him." — The most striking part here isn't just a warning of punishment, but the intimate connection between God and the prophet. When the prophet speaks, it's God saying "my words," and the consequence of ig…
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Last reviewed October 2026