Deuteronomy 13:12

KJV

¶ If thou shalt hear [say] in one of thy cities, which the LORD thy God hath given thee to dwell there, saying,

KJV (with Strong's)

If thou shalt hear {H8085} say in one {H259} of thy cities {H5892}, which the LORD {H3068} thy God {H430} hath given {H5414} thee to dwell {H3427} there, saying {H559},

Complete Jewish Bible

"If you hear it told that in one of your cities which ADONAI your God is giving you to live in,

Berean Standard Bible

If, regarding one of the cities the LORD your God is giving you to inhabit, you hear it said

American Standard Version

If thou shalt hear tell concerning one of thy cities, which Jehovah thy God giveth thee to dwell there, saying,

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Deuteronomy 13:12 introduces a pivotal legal and theological scenario within the Mosaic covenant, initiating the prescribed process for addressing a report of widespread apostasy within one of Israel's cities. This verse establishes the foundational requirement for a thorough investigation into any community suspected of turning away from exclusive devotion to the Lord, thereby underscoring the profound importance of maintaining covenant fidelity and the purity of worship within the land graciously provided by God. It highlights the collective responsibility of the nation to actively guard against spiritual corruption that could undermine their unique relationship with Yahweh and jeopardize their communal well-being.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Deuteronomy 13:12 functions as the opening statement of a specific legal case (Deuteronomy 13:12-18) detailing the severe consequences for an entire city that falls into apostasy. This section is strategically positioned within a larger corpus of covenant stipulations (Deuteronomy 12-26) that Moses delivers to the new generation of Israelites on the plains of Moab, just before their entry into the Promised Land. Chapters 12 and 13 are particularly focused on the absolute prohibition of idolatry and the demand for exclusive worship of Yahweh, immediately following the command to utterly destroy all pagan altars and practices in the land [Deuteronomy 12:2-3](/deuteronomy/12-2-3 "Deuteronomy 12:2-3 - Destroying Idolatry in the Land"). The preceding verses in [Deuteronomy 13:1-11](/deuteronomy/13-1-11 "Deuteronomy 13:1-11 - Warning Against False Prophets and Inciters to Idolatry") address the dangers posed by individual false prophets or secret inciters to idolatry. Verse 12 marks a critical transition from dealing with individual seducers to confronting the far more severe and pervasive threat of an entire city's defection, thereby necessitating a rigorous, communal, and decisive response to preserve the nation's spiritual integrity.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Ancient Israel was structured as a unique theocracy, where Yahweh was not merely their deity but their sovereign King. The covenant established at Sinai inextricably linked religious fidelity with national well-being, land tenure, and divine blessing. The concept of "holy war" and the *herem* (devotion to destruction) against idolatrous peoples or objects were integral components of this distinctive covenantal framework, designed to protect Israel from the pervasive polytheism and abhorrent practices of the surrounding Canaanite cultures. Cities in the ancient Near East often had their own patron deities, and the temptation for Israelite cities to adopt such syncretistic practices was significant. The law in [Deuteronomy 13](/deuteronomy/13 "Deuteronomy 13 - Warning Against Idolatry") reflects a profound and urgent concern for the purity of worship in a land teeming with pagan influences, emphasizing that any deviation from Yahweh worship was not merely a religious offense but an act of high treason against their divine King, threatening the very existence of their covenant community and their right to dwell in the land God had graciously given them [Deuteronomy 11:8-17](/deuteronomy/11-8-17 "Deuteronomy 11:8-17 - Blessings and Curses for Obedience and Disobedience").
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several overarching themes prominent throughout Deuteronomy. Foremost, it powerfully underscores the theme of **exclusive loyalty to Yahweh**, which constitutes the absolute bedrock of the Mosaic covenant, famously encapsulated in the [Shema](/deuteronomy/6-4-5 "Deuteronomy 6:4-5 - The Shema: Hear, O Israel"). Any act of worshipping "other gods" is presented as a direct and egregious violation of the [First Commandment](/exodus/20-3 "Exodus 20:3 - The First Commandment"). Secondly, it highlights the crucial theme of **communal responsibility and vigilance**. The phrase "If thou shalt hear" implies that the entire community, not solely its leaders, bears the responsibility for being alert to and proactively addressing spiritual threats. A city's apostasy is not a private transgression but a public danger that could rapidly spread and defile the entire nation, thereby jeopardizing their covenant relationship and the blessings associated with it [Deuteronomy 28:15-68](/deuteronomy/28-15-68 "Deuteronomy 28:15-68 - Curses for Disobedience"). Thirdly, the verse introduces the theme of **divine justice and purity**. The Lord's gift of the land comes with the non-negotiable expectation of holiness, and severe measures are prescribed to purge evil from their midst, ensuring the land remains a dwelling place fitting for God's holy people.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Hear (Hebrew, _šāmaʿ_):** This verb (H8085) carries a much deeper and more active meaning than merely perceiving sound. In the context of covenant, _šāmaʿ_ implies not just to hear, but to listen attentively, to understand, and, most importantly, to obey. Here, it signifies the reception of a report or rumor that demands a serious, active, and diligent response. The KJV's bracketed "[say]" indicates an implied verb, meaning "if you hear *it being said*," emphasizing the verbal nature of the report, likely a rumor or accusation from within or outside the city, which must not be ignored.
* **Cities (Hebrew, _ʻîyr_):** This noun (H5892) refers to the fortified settlements or towns within the Promised Land. The fact that the apostasy could occur within one of "thy cities" highlights the internal and insidious nature of the threat to Israel's spiritual integrity. These are not foreign settlements but integral parts of the Israelite community, making the potential defection all the more grievous and dangerous as it strikes at the heart of the covenant nation.
* **Given (Hebrew, _nāthan_):** This verb (H5414) emphasizes God's gracious and sovereign act of bestowing the land upon Israel as an unmerited gift. The phrase "which the LORD thy God hath given thee to dwell there" serves as a powerful and constant reminder of divine benevolence and covenant faithfulness. Any turning away from the Lord within this divinely granted territory is therefore an act of profound ingratitude and rebellion against the very Giver of their existence, prosperity, and national identity.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"¶ If thou shalt hear [say]":** This opening clause introduces a hypothetical, yet critically important, scenario. The use of "if" (Hebrew _kî_) indicates a condition that, if met, triggers a specific and severe legal process. The act of "hearing" a report, even a rumor or accusation, about a city's apostasy is sufficient to initiate a thorough investigation, underscoring the extreme vigilance required of the Israelite community to maintain their spiritual purity.
* **"in one of thy cities":** This specifies the precise location of the potential transgression. It clarifies that this is not an external threat from a foreign nation, but an internal corruption originating within the very fabric of Israelite society. This internal threat is particularly dangerous as it undermines the covenant from within, jeopardizing the entire nation's standing before God.
* **"which the LORD thy God hath given thee to dwell there":** This phrase serves as a powerful theological qualifier and a profound reminder. It grounds Israel's very presence in the land as a divine gift, a direct fulfillment of God's covenant promises to their ancestors. To turn away from the Lord in a place He graciously provided is an act of profound betrayal and ingratitude, making the offense against Him all the more heinous and deserving of severe judgment.
* **"saying,":** This final word sets up the specific content of the report that is heard. The subsequent verses (Deuteronomy 13:13) clarify that what is "said" is an incitement to "go and serve other gods, which thou hast not known." This highlights the verbal and persuasive nature of the sedition and the profound danger of deceptive words leading to widespread spiritual deviation and corporate apostasy.

#### Literary Devices
Deuteronomy 13:12 primarily employs **Conditional Legal Language**, opening with the "If... then..." structure characteristic of casuistic law found throughout the Pentateuch. This format presents a hypothetical situation and then outlines the precise prescribed response, emphasizing the rule of law within the covenant. The verse also utilizes **Repetition** of the phrase "the LORD thy God," which is a hallmark of Deuteronomy, serving to constantly remind Israel of their unique covenant relationship and the singular, sovereign identity of their divine King. Furthermore, there is subtle **Irony** in the phrase "which the LORD thy God hath given thee to dwell there," as it starkly contrasts God's gracious and benevolent provision of the land with the potential for profound rebellion and ingratitude within that very gift, thereby highlighting the heinous nature of the apostate city's sin. The verse functions as an **Anacrusis**, effectively setting the thematic and narrative stage for the detailed legal procedure and severe consequences that follow in the remainder of [Deuteronomy 13](/deuteronomy/13 "Deuteronomy 13 - Warning Against Idolatry").

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Deuteronomy 13:12 serves as a stark and uncompromising reminder of the absolute demand for exclusive devotion to Yahweh within the Old Covenant. It underscores that spiritual purity was not merely an individual concern but a communal imperative, vital for the nation's continued existence, blessing, and flourishing in the Promised Land. The potential for an entire city to fall into apostasy highlights the insidious nature of spiritual deception and the critical necessity for the community to be perpetually vigilant in guarding the truth and upholding God's commands. This law profoundly reflects God's inherent holiness and His utter intolerance for idolatry, which fundamentally breaks the covenant relationship and defiles the land He has consecrated for His people. The principle is clear: unaddressed spiritual corruption, like a cancerous growth, threatens the entire body of the covenant community.

* [Deuteronomy 17:2-7](/deuteronomy/17-2-7 "Punishment for Idolatry")
* [Joshua 7:1-26](/joshua/7-1-26 "Achan's Sin and Punishment")
* [1 Corinthians 5:6](/1_corinthians/5-6 "A Little Leaven")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While the specific judicial application of Deuteronomy 13:12 belongs to ancient Israel's unique theocratic context, the underlying spiritual principles remain profoundly relevant and transformative for believers and the church today. This verse calls us to a posture of unwavering spiritual vigilance and discerning attentiveness, recognizing that threats to our faith and the purity of our communities can arise not only from external pressures but often from within. It challenges us to be acutely aware of teachings, philosophies, or subtle influences, even seemingly benign ones, that might draw us or others away from wholehearted, exclusive devotion to Christ. Just as Israel was called to protect the integrity of their covenant with Yahweh, so too are we, as the New Covenant people of God, called to guard the truth of the Gospel and the spiritual health of the church, which is the very body of Christ. This demands that we do not ignore signs of spiritual compromise or false teaching, but rather engage with them thoughtfully, prayerfully, and biblically, always seeking to uphold the glory of God and the unblemished purity of His Word. It serves as a powerful reminder that our individual spiritual choices have profound communal implications, and that a healthy, vibrant, and impactful faith community requires a collective commitment to truth, righteousness, and unwavering fidelity to Christ.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways might "rumors" or subtle, persuasive influences today draw individuals or Christian communities away from exclusive devotion to Christ and His truth?**
* **How can individual believers cultivate and exercise spiritual discernment in their daily lives to identify and resist teachings or cultural currents that subtly contradict biblical truth?**
* **What is the collective responsibility of the church, as the body of Christ, in upholding the purity of the Gospel message and addressing spiritual compromise or false teaching within its midst?**
* **How does the concept of God "giving" us our spiritual dwelling place (our salvation, our place in the church) heighten our responsibility to remain faithful and grateful to Him?**

### FAQ
**Why did God command such a harsh response to apostasy, even for an entire city?**

Answer: The severity of the command in [Deuteronomy 13](/deuteronomy/13 "Warning Against Idolatry") must be understood within the unique and unrepeatable context of ancient Israel's theocratic covenant. For Israel, Yahweh was not only their God but also their King and sovereign ruler. Apostasy was therefore not merely a religious error but an act of high treason against their divine sovereign, threatening the very foundation of their national existence and their unique relationship with God. God had chosen Israel to be a holy nation, a distinct people set apart to be a light to the Gentiles, and the exclusive vessel for His redemptive plan. Allowing widespread idolatry to fester within their borders would have corrupted their identity, jeopardized their covenant blessings, and ultimately undermined their sacred mission. The "harshness" was a divinely ordained measure to purge evil from their midst, preserve the absolute purity of their worship, and ensure the survival of the covenant community, protecting them from the spiritual contagion of surrounding paganism. It served as a stark and unequivocal warning that fidelity to God was paramount for their continued existence and flourishing in the land He had graciously given them [Deuteronomy 11:16-17](/deuteronomy/11-16-17 "Consequences of Disobedience").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Deuteronomy 13:12 addresses the physical purity of Israel's cities under the Old Covenant, its profound spiritual principles find their ultimate fulfillment and radical transformation in Christ and His New Covenant people. The Old Testament law, with its severe penalties for corporate apostasy, powerfully foreshadowed the absolute purity required by God and the ultimate, eternal consequences of spiritual rebellion. In the New Covenant, the "city" is no longer a physical geographical location, but the spiritual community of believers—the church, the [new Jerusalem](/revelation/21-2 "The New Jerusalem"). Jesus Christ, as the [true Lamb of God](/john/1-29 "Jesus, the Lamb of God"), bore the full, righteous wrath of God against all sin, including the spiritual idolatry that Deuteronomy condemned. He perfectly fulfilled the law's demands, and through His singular, atoning sacrifice, He purifies His people, making them a [holy temple](/1_corinthians/3-16 "You Are God's Temple") and a [royal priesthood](/1_peter/2-9 "A Chosen Race"). The Old Testament vigilance against "other gods" transforms into a New Testament call for exclusive and undivided devotion to Christ, guarding against false teachings and spiritual deceptions that would draw believers away from the [truth of the Gospel](/galatians/1-6-9 "A Different Gospel"). The "hearing" of a report of apostasy now translates to spiritual discernment within the church, where believers are called to [test the spirits](/1_john/4-1 "Test the Spirits") and [contend earnestly for the faith](/jude/1-3 "Contend for the Faith"), ensuring the purity of Christ's bride. Ultimately, Christ Himself is the one who will perfectly [purge all evil](/matthew/13-41-42 "The Son of Man Will Send Out His Angels") and establish His perfectly pure, eternal city, where no idolatry, defilement, or falsehood can ever enter [Revelation 21:27](/revelation/21-27 "Nothing Unclean Will Enter").

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Joshua 22:11

And the children of Israel heard say, Behold, the children of Reuben and the children of Gad and the half tribe of Manasseh have built an altar over against the land of Canaan, in the borders of Jordan, at the passage of the children of Israel.

Joshua 22:34

And the children of Reuben and the children of Gad called the altar [Ed]: for it [shall be] a witness between us that the LORD [is] God.

Judges 20:1

¶ Then all the children of Israel went out, and the congregation was gathered together as one man, from Dan even to Beersheba, with the land of Gilead, unto the LORD in Mizpeh.

Judges 20:17

And the men of Israel, beside Benjamin, were numbered four hundred thousand men that drew sword: all these [were] men of war.