Deuteronomy 13 14

Deuteronomy 13:14 kjv

Then shalt thou inquire, and make search, and ask diligently; and, behold, if it be truth, and the thing certain, that such abomination is wrought among you;

Deuteronomy 13:14 nkjv

then you shall inquire, search out, and ask diligently. And if it is indeed true and certain that such an abomination was committed among you,

Deuteronomy 13:14 niv

then you must inquire, probe and investigate it thoroughly. And if it is true and it has been proved that this detestable thing has been done among you,

Deuteronomy 13:14 esv

then you shall inquire and make search and ask diligently. And behold, if it be true and certain that such an abomination has been done among you,

Deuteronomy 13:14 nlt

In such cases, you must examine the facts carefully. If you find that the report is true and such a detestable act has been committed among you,

Deuteronomy 13 verses

Deuteronomy 13 14 Meaning

Deuteronomy 13:14 emphasizes the imperative for the Israelite judicial authorities to conduct an extraordinarily thorough, multi-faceted, and diligent investigation when an accusation of communal idolatry arises within one of their cities. Before any drastic action is taken against a city suspected of having served other gods, the evidence must be verified to be absolutely true and unequivocally certain. This strict demand for proof ensures divine justice, preventing arbitrary condemnation and upholding the integrity of the covenant community against the profound threat of apostasy.

Deuteronomy 13 14 Context

Deuteronomy chapter 13, titled "Warnings Against Idolatry," is a crucial section within Moses' farewell addresses to Israel as they stand on the brink of entering the Promised Land. The preceding verses (13:1-5) address the danger posed by false prophets or dreamers who might lure the people to serve other gods. Following this, verses 13:6-11 warn against family members or close friends who attempt to seduce individuals into idolatry, emphasizing that loyalty to God must supersede even familial bonds. Verse 13 directly precedes 13:14 and states, "If you hear in one of your cities, which the LORD your God is giving you to dwell in, that wicked men have gone out from among you and enticed the inhabitants of their city, saying, 'Let us go and serve other gods' (whom you have not known)."

Thus, Dt 13:14 specifically lays out the protocol for investigating such a severe charge against an entire Israelite city. The gravity of leading a community astray to idolatry is paramount, as it represents a direct violation of the foundational covenant between YHWH and Israel, threatening their very identity and existence as a holy nation. The historical context reflects a desert nomadic people about to establish a theocratic society in a land surrounded by polytheistic cultures. The stringent judicial process mandated in Dt 13:14 serves as a strong safeguard against both internal spiritual corruption and false accusations, underscoring the value of justice and truth in God's covenant law.

Deuteronomy 13 14 Word analysis

• Then (וְאַחַר – ve'achar): Connects this verse to the preceding condition (hearing of wicked men enticing a city). It denotes a consequential or procedural next step.

• you shall (תִּדְרֹשׁ – tidrosh): The second person masculine singular, imperative verb, addressed to the judge or community elders/authorities. It is a direct command.

• inquire (תִּדְרֹשׁ – tidrosh – from דָּרַשׁ - darash): To seek, investigate, consult, inquire. This term implies an active seeking of information and understanding. It's the first step of investigation, a thorough examination.

• and make search (וְחָקַרְתָּ – vechakarta – from חָקַר - chaqar): To search, probe, explore, examine thoroughly. Stronger than darash, suggesting a deeper, more rigorous, and exhaustive investigation, a sifting through facts.

• and ask diligently (וְשָׁאַלְתָּ – vesha'alta – from שָׁאַל - sha'al): To ask, question. While sha'al simply means to ask, its placement in this triplicate emphatic structure and the gravity of the subject matter imply intense, persistent, and precise questioning. The "diligently" comes from the accumulation and force of the three verbs.

• And if it is (וְהִנֵּה – vehinneh): Introducing a condition based on the outcome of the investigation. It signals that what follows is the result or finding.

• true (אֱמֶת – emet): Truth, faithfulness, firmness. Denotes objective reality and verifiable fact.

• and certain (נָכוֹן – nakhon): Firm, established, confirmed, proved. Implies something that has been securely ascertained and cannot be disputed. The combination stresses irrefutable verification.

• that such an abominable thing (הַתּוֹעֵבָה הַזֹּאת – hato'evah hazot): "The abomination, this." To'evah refers to something detestable or abhorrent to God, frequently used for idolatrous practices (e.g., child sacrifice, specific pagan rituals, spiritual apostasy). Here, it specifically refers to the enticing to serve other gods described in the preceding verse (Dt 13:13). It is the ultimate offense against YHWH's holiness and covenant.

• has been committed (נֶעֶשְׂתָה – ne'esta): "Has been done," or "brought about." Passive voice indicates that the act was carried out by the instigators.

• among you (בְּקִרְבֶּךָ – beqirbeka): Within your midst, among your people/community. This emphasizes that the offense affects the entire social and spiritual fabric of Israel.

Words-group by words-group analysis:

• "you shall inquire and make search and ask diligently": This powerful triplet of verbs (darash, chaqar, sha'al) underscores the extraordinary requirement for judicial due diligence. It is a demand for a comprehensive, exhaustive, and meticulous investigation. This is not about rumor or quick judgment, but a forensic examination from multiple angles to ensure the truth is fully uncovered. It represents the highest standard of proof, reflecting the sanctity of justice under God's law. This methodical inquiry is paramount before a grave accusation leading to severe consequences can be acted upon.
• "it is true and certain": The dual expression (emet ve'nakhon) signifies an absolute, incontrovertible verification of the facts. There must be no lingering doubt; the evidence must be firm, established, and irrefutable. This phrase highlights the divine demand for complete certainty and solid proof before the severe penalty described in Dt 13:15-18 can be implemented. It speaks to God's standard of perfect justice, which protects the innocent while punishing the truly guilty.
• "such an abominable thing": This refers specifically to the act of apostasy and enticing the people to serve other gods, which is the gravest offense against God's covenant in Israel. The term to'evah denotes extreme detestation in God's eyes, emphasizing the spiritual heinousness of idolatry. This highlights the severity of the crime that warrants such a rigorous investigative process and the potential for a catastrophic response if confirmed. It's a fundamental betrayal of YHWH's exclusive claim on Israel's worship.

Deuteronomy 13 14 Bonus section

This verse serves as a crucial check against vigilante justice or emotional retaliation. Despite the profound spiritual danger posed by widespread apostasy, the Mosaic Law deliberately places the onus on legitimate authorities to conduct an exhaustive investigation. This strict procedural safeguard showcases the ethical depth of the covenant law, preventing arbitrary execution of justice even when the stakes are immensely high (the spiritual purity and survival of the nation). The thoroughness commanded here, even for such a heinous religious crime, distinguishes Israelite justice from the often-capricious legal systems of its pagan neighbors. Furthermore, it subtly teaches Israel the seriousness with which God views truth and the establishment of facts, linking earthly judicial diligence with divine righteousness. It sets a pattern for careful discernment that transcends mere legal application, extending to spiritual testing and ethical conduct for all who follow the Lord.

Deuteronomy 13 14 Commentary

Deuteronomy 13:14 provides a pivotal legal mandate in Israel's covenant life, demanding an exceptional level of investigative rigor before an accusation of widespread idolatry in a city could result in its complete destruction. The triple injunction to "inquire and make search and ask diligently" sets an unparalleled standard for due process in the ancient world, demonstrating that God's justice is never hasty or based on mere suspicion. Even in the face of such a grievous and existential threat as corporate apostasy, absolute certainty and verifiable truth are non-negotiable prerequisites. This not only safeguards innocent individuals from false charges but also upholds the integrity of God's holy law. The phrase "true and certain" reinforces the requirement for undeniable evidence, underscoring that while idolatry is an abominable sin deserving the severest penalty, judgment is only executed when facts are firmly established. It exemplifies the balance between God's holiness (demanding purity in His people) and His righteousness (demanding precise justice).

Examples:

• In a modern context, this verse underlines the principle of "innocent until proven guilty" and the need for thorough investigations in judicial systems.
• For a church body, it speaks to the meticulous discernment and investigation required before making severe judgments or accusations against members or leaders (e.g., as echoed in 1 Tim 5:19).
• On a personal level, it encourages believers to not spread or believe rumors, but to diligently seek out the truth before drawing conclusions or passing judgment.