Deuteronomy 13 8

Deuteronomy 13:8 kjv

Thou shalt not consent unto him, nor hearken unto him; neither shall thine eye pity him, neither shalt thou spare, neither shalt thou conceal him:

Deuteronomy 13:8 nkjv

you shall not consent to him or listen to him, nor shall your eye pity him, nor shall you spare him or conceal him;

Deuteronomy 13:8 niv

do not yield to them or listen to them. Show them no pity. Do not spare them or shield them.

Deuteronomy 13:8 esv

you shall not yield to him or listen to him, nor shall your eye pity him, nor shall you spare him, nor shall you conceal him.

Deuteronomy 13:8 nlt

But do not give in or listen. Have no pity, and do not spare or protect them.

Deuteronomy 13 verses

Deuteronomy 13 8 Meaning

Deuteronomy 13:8 mandates an unwavering commitment to God's covenant and law, overriding all natural human affections and loyalties. If a close family member (such as a brother, son, daughter, wife, or even a cherished friend) secretly attempts to entice another person to idolatry—serving other gods unknown to Israel—the recipient of this temptation must completely reject their proposal. This rejection involves refusing consent, declining to listen, suppressing all natural pity or compassion, withholding protection, and avoiding any concealment of their sin. Instead, the individual is commanded to play an active role in bringing the idolater to justice, ultimately leading to their execution. This radical directive underscores the supreme importance of monotheism and the absolute purity of worship within the covenant community.

Deuteronomy 13 8 Context

Deuteronomy 13 serves as a pivotal chapter within Moses' address to Israel on the plains of Moab, prior to their entry into the Promised Land. This chapter falls under the larger section of covenant renewal and the exposition of the specific laws designed to govern Israel as God's unique people. The overarching theme is the absolute prohibition of idolatry and the rigorous measures to be taken to maintain the purity of Yahweh worship within the community.

The chapter begins by warning against three categories of threats to monotheism: false prophets or dreamers (vv. 1-5), close family members (vv. 6-11), and entire towns (vv. 12-18). Verse 8 specifically addresses the second category, detailing the radical response required when an immediate family member or trusted friend secretly attempts to lure an Israelite to idolatry. The historical and cultural context is crucial: Israel was about to enter Canaan, a land saturated with diverse polytheistic cults involving fertility rites, child sacrifice, and numerous deities. The instruction here serves as a powerful polemic against the pervasive syncretism and religious pluralism of the surrounding nations. It teaches that allegiance to God transcends all societal, cultural, and familial bonds, establishing the unique nature of Israel's covenant with Yahweh as supreme. This radical policy was designed to inoculate the community against spiritual contagion, ensuring the preservation of the nation's spiritual integrity.

Deuteronomy 13 8 Word analysis

• But you shall not consent to him (וְלֹא תֹאבֶה לוֹ, wə-lō ṯō-ḇeh lō):
  • וְלֹא (wə-lō): "And not," a strong negation.
  • תֹאבֶה (ṯō-ḇeh): From the root אָבָה (ʾāḇāh), meaning "to be willing," "to consent," "to desire." This refers to an internal, dispositional refusal. It prohibits the inward yielding or even considering the idea favorably. This is not merely an external act but a refusal to align one's will or desire with the proposal.
  • לוֹ (lō): "To him," referring to the enticer.
  This phrase emphasizes guarding the heart and mind first, rejecting the very thought or inclination to apostasy.
• or listen to him (וְלֹא תִשְׁמַע אֵלָיו, wə-lō ṯiš-ma‘ ’ê-lāw):
  • תִשְׁמַע (ṯiš-ma‘): From שָׁמַע (šāma‘), meaning "to hear," "to listen," but also "to obey," "to heed."
  • אֵלָיו (’ê-lāw): "To him."
  This phrase moves from internal disposition to external action: a refusal to heed or act upon the enticing words. It implies a firm rejection of their advice or counsel, preventing the temptation from taking root through external influence.
• nor shall your eye pity him (וְלֹא תָחוֹס עֵינְךָ עָלָיו, wə-lō ṯā-ḥōs ‘ê-nəḵā ‘ālāw):
  • תָחוֹס (ṯā-ḥōs): From חָסַס (ḥāsas) or חוּס (ḥûs), meaning "to pity," "to show compassion," "to spare." It signifies an emotional inclination towards leniency or mercy.
  • עֵינְךָ (‘ê-nəḵā): "Your eye." The "eye" often represents inward perception, feeling, or observation leading to action. It speaks of the emotion or sympathy evoked by the sight of someone.
  • עָלָיו (‘ālāw): "Upon him."
  This is a profound command that runs contrary to natural human affection. It explicitly forbids allowing natural empathy or familial love to override the divine command for justice against idolatry. The sight of the loved one, typically evoking tenderness, must instead trigger resolve for justice.
• nor shall you spare him (וְלֹא תַחְמֹל, wə-lō ṯaḥ-mōl):
  • תַחְמֹל (ṯaḥ-mōl): From חָמַל (ḥāmal), meaning "to pity," "to spare," "to have compassion," "to withhold." It strongly reinforces the previous phrase about not pitying, focusing on the act of not holding back the due punishment. This word implies a proactive refusal to spare consequences.
  This repeats the concept of withholding mercy, emphasizing the resolve required to execute justice without emotional compromise.
• nor shall you conceal him (וְלֹא תְכַסֶּה עָלָיו, wə-lō ṯə-ḵas-seh ‘ālāw):
  • תְכַסֶּה (ṯə-ḵas-seh): From כָּסָה (kāsāh), meaning "to cover," "to conceal," "to hide."
  • עָלָיו (‘ālāw): "Upon him" or "concerning him."
  This refers to a direct action: not protecting the idolater, not hiding their actions from the authorities, and not suppressing evidence. It implies an active cooperation with justice, preventing any attempt to protect the perpetrator from the consequences of their actions.

Words-Group analysis:

• "You shall not consent...or listen...nor shall your eye pity...nor shall you spare...nor shall you conceal...": This sequence illustrates a progression of resistance to apostasy. It moves from internal will (consent) to outward hearing (listen), then to emotional suppression (pity), active non-sparing (spare), and finally preventing concealment of guilt. This demonstrates the comprehensiveness of the divine demand, requiring absolute commitment in thought, word, and deed against the sin of idolatry, even when committed by those closest to oneself. It eradicates any loophole based on emotional attachment or protection.

Deuteronomy 13 8 Bonus section

The severity of Deuteronomy 13:8 can be understood as a pedagogical tool in a newly forming theocratic nation. In a highly interconnected tribal society, familial bonds were exceptionally strong, forming the primary unit of identity and protection. The command to transcend these bonds for the sake of God underscores the revolutionary nature of the monotheistic covenant. It implicitly communicates that God’s holiness and covenant purity are of infinitely greater value than human relationships, even the most cherished. This was necessary to forge a unique nation utterly devoted to Yahweh amidst a polytheistic world. The principles underpinning this passage – uncompromising truth, the spiritual danger of false teachings, and prioritizing loyalty to God above all else – remain eternally relevant for believers. While capital punishment for idolatry is a specific application within ancient Israel's theocracy, the call for believers today to not yield to, entertain, or tolerate spiritual compromise, especially when it comes from beloved figures, resonates strongly in the spiritual battle against anything that diverts devotion from the one true God. This requires discerning and contending for truth, separating from practices that are contrary to God’s Word, and a willingness to stand for righteousness even if it causes personal pain or social division.

Deuteronomy 13 8 Commentary

Deuteronomy 13:8 issues one of the most severe commands in the Torah, emphasizing the ultimate priority of Israel's covenant with God over all earthly ties. This directive demands a radical purity of worship, teaching that idolatry is an existential threat to the nation's spiritual life. It is not merely a moral offense but an act of high treason against the divine King. The instruction to withhold consent, attention, pity, sparing, and concealment reflects the absolute incompatibility of polytheistic practices with the covenant. This passage is fundamentally about covenant loyalty; God had delivered Israel, and their undivided devotion was required in return. For ancient Israel, idolatry was a contagious disease, capable of corrupting the entire community and inviting divine judgment. The family, often a haven of unconditional love and protection, is here called upon to become an instrument of divine justice, severing even the deepest natural bonds for the sake of the spiritual integrity of the entire community and the honor of God. This does not endorse personal vigilantism, but rather demands non-participation and cooperation with the judicial process that must ultimately deal with apostasy.