Deuteronomy 13:14

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

Then shalt thou enquire {H1875}, and make search {H2713}, and ask {H7592} diligently {H3190}; and, behold, if it be truth {H571}, and the thing {H1697} certain {H3559}, that such {H2063} abomination {H8441} is wrought {H6213} among {H7130} you;

Complete Jewish Bible

then you are to investigate the matter, inquiring and searching diligently. If the rumor is true, if it is confirmed that such detestable things are being done among you,

Berean Standard Bible

then you must inquire, investigate, and interrogate thoroughly. And if it is established with certainty that this abomination has been committed among you,

American Standard Version

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 in the midst of thee,

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Deuteronomy 13:14 stands as a critical injunction within Israel's covenant law, mandating an exceptionally thorough and diligent investigation before severe punitive measures could be taken against a city accused of apostasy. This verse underscores God's demand for absolute certainty and verified truth in judicial proceedings, particularly when the accusation involves the grave sin of idolatry, which was considered an "abomination" threatening the very fabric of the nation's relationship with Yahweh. It highlights the divine commitment to righteous judgment and the protection of the innocent, even amidst the zeal for covenant purity.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Deuteronomy 13:14 is situated within a broader legal section (Deuteronomy 13:1-18) that addresses the profound threat of apostasy and idolatry to Israel's unique covenant with God. The chapter begins by warning against false prophets and dreamers who might entice the people to worship other gods, prescribing capital punishment for such individuals ([Deuteronomy 13:1-5](/deuteronomy/13-1 "Deuteronomy 13:1 - Warning Against False Prophets")). It then extends this warning to include even close family members or friends who secretly tempt others to idolatry, demanding their immediate denunciation and execution ([Deuteronomy 13:6-11](/deuteronomy/13-6 "Deuteronomy 13:6 - Dealing with Secret Idolaters")). Verse 12 introduces the chilling scenario of an entire city whose inhabitants have been corrupted by false gods. Deuteronomy 13:14, therefore, serves as the crucial procedural safeguard, stipulating the rigorous investigative process required before the extreme, divinely sanctioned measures described in subsequent verses (e.g., utter destruction of the city) are enacted, ensuring that such drastic actions are based solely on undeniable truth.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Ancient Israel existed as a theocracy, where Yahweh was not only their God but also their King, and the covenant at Sinai formed the constitution of their national life. Idolatry was not merely a spiritual offense but an act of treason against the divine sovereign, threatening the very existence and purity of the nation. In the ancient Near East, religious syncretism was common, and Israel was constantly exposed to the polytheistic practices of surrounding nations. The laws in Deuteronomy 13 served to emphatically distinguish Israel from these cultures, reinforcing their exclusive allegiance to Yahweh. The demand for meticulous investigation in capital cases, though seemingly harsh by modern standards, was a form of due process, designed to prevent arbitrary judgments and false accusations in a society where judicial power was often decentralized and severe penalties were common for religious and social transgressions. This emphasis on certainty was a divine safeguard for justice within their unique covenantal framework.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several key themes woven throughout Deuteronomy and the Pentateuch. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Thorough Investigation and Due Process**, emphasizing that divine justice demands irrefutable proof before severe judgment. The repetition of verbs for inquiry highlights God's commitment to righteousness and His abhorrence of hasty or unfounded accusations, even in the face of grave sin. Secondly, it reinforces the **Gravity of Idolatry** as the ultimate "abomination" ([Deuteronomy 18:9](/deuteronomy/18-9 "Deuteronomy 18:9 - Abominations of the Nations")), a detestable act that directly violates the first commandment and threatens Israel's unique covenant relationship with Yahweh ([Exodus 20:3](/exodus/20-3 "Exodus 20:3 - No Other Gods")). Finally, it speaks to the theme of **Community Purity and Covenant Fidelity**. The strictness of the law, balanced by the demand for certainty, aimed to purge evil from the community, maintaining the holiness and distinctiveness of Israel as God's chosen people, ensuring their continued blessing and presence in the Promised Land ([Deuteronomy 4:1-8](/deuteronomy/4 "Deuteronomy 4 - Warnings Against Idolatry")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Enquire (Hebrew, _darash'_):** This verb signifies to "seek," "inquire," "investigate," or "consult." It implies a careful, deliberate seeking out of information, often with a spiritual or judicial connotation. In this context, it denotes the initial, active pursuit of facts regarding the alleged apostasy.
* **Make search (Hebrew, _chaqar'_):** This word means to "search out," "examine thoroughly," "explore," or "probe deeply." It suggests a more intensive and penetrating investigation than `darash`, implying a meticulous scrutiny of all available evidence and circumstances to uncover hidden truths.
* **Ask diligently (Hebrew, _sha'al heitev'_):** `Sha'al` means "to ask" or "to inquire." The adverb `heitev` means "well," "thoroughly," "diligently," or "properly." Combined, it emphasizes the exhaustive and painstaking nature of the questioning process, leaving no stone unturned and ensuring that all relevant testimonies are heard and evaluated with the utmost care. This phrase underscores the imperative for a complete and satisfactory inquiry.
* **Abomination (Hebrew, _to'evah'_):** This term refers to something "detestable," "abhorrent," or "repugnant," especially in a moral or religious sense. In Deuteronomy, `to'evah` is frequently used for practices utterly offensive to God, such as idolatry, child sacrifice, sexual perversions, and unjust dealings. Its use here highlights the extreme gravity of the offense, signaling that the act of turning to other gods is not merely an error but an act of profound spiritual and moral defilement.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Then shalt thou enquire, and make search, and ask diligently;":** This opening clause lays down the absolute prerequisite for any action against an accused city. The threefold repetition of verbs—"enquire," "make search," and "ask diligently"—culminating with the intensifier "diligently," emphasizes an exhaustive, meticulous, and persistent investigative process. It is a command for the judicial authorities to leave no stone unturned, to probe every aspect of the accusation, and to gather all possible evidence before proceeding. This is not a superficial check but a deep dive into the facts.
* **"and, behold, [if it be] truth, [and] the thing certain,":** This conditional phrase introduces the crucial standard of proof: absolute certainty. The investigation must yield "truth" (Hebrew: `emet`, meaning firm, reliable, faithful) and the "thing certain" (Hebrew: `nakhon`, meaning established, confirmed, right). This demands undeniable, corroborated evidence, removing all doubt as to the veracity of the accusation. It is a divine safeguard against false accusations, malicious intent, or mistaken identity, ensuring that severe judgment is only rendered when the facts are indisputable.
* **"[that] such abomination is wrought among you;":** This final clause specifies the nature of the crime being investigated: "such abomination." In the context of Deuteronomy 13, this refers specifically to the turning away from Yahweh to worship other gods—idolatry. This act is deemed an "abomination" because it is a direct violation of the foundational covenant between God and Israel, an act of spiritual betrayal that defiles the community and provokes divine wrath. The phrase "wrought among you" highlights the communal nature of the sin, indicating that it has taken root within the Israelite society, necessitating a communal response to purge the evil.

#### Literary Devices
Deuteronomy 13:14 employs several potent **Literary Devices** to convey its message. The most prominent is **Repetition and Intensification**, seen in the triple verbal phrase "enquire, and make search, and ask diligently." This cumulative effect, further amplified by the adverb "diligently" (`heitev`), creates a sense of urgency and absolute thoroughness, underscoring the non-negotiable requirement for a meticulous investigation. This is a form of **Legal Language**, characteristic of the Deuteronomic code, which is prescriptive and precise, leaving no room for ambiguity regarding the judicial process. The verse also utilizes a clear **Conditional Clause** ("if it be truth, and the thing certain"), which establishes a strict prerequisite for action, highlighting the divine demand for verified facts before judgment. This conditional structure emphasizes the principle of **Due Process**, ensuring that justice is not arbitrary but founded on demonstrable truth.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Deuteronomy 13:14 profoundly articulates God's character as a righteous judge who demands justice and truth, even in the face of grave sin. It reveals that while God is zealous for His covenant and the purity of His people, He is equally committed to due process and the protection against false witness. The meticulous investigative standard set forth here reflects a divine abhorrence of arbitrary power and a deep concern for the innocent, ensuring that the severe consequences for apostasy are only enacted upon irrefutable evidence. This principle transcends the specific context of ancient Israel's legal system, establishing a timeless theological truth about the importance of truth, discernment, and careful judgment within any community that seeks to live righteously before God. It underscores that zeal for purity must always be tempered by a rigorous commitment to truth and fairness.

* [Proverbs 18:17](/proverbs/18-17 "Proverbs 18:17 - The First to Plead His Case Seems Right")
* [1 Timothy 5:19](/1_timothy/5-19 "1 Timothy 5:19 - Do Not Admit an Accusation Against an Elder")
* [John 7:24](/john/7-24 "John 7:24 - Judge Not According to the Appearance")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Deuteronomy 13:14, though rooted in ancient Israel's unique legal framework, offers profound and enduring principles for contemporary believers. It serves as a powerful reminder of the paramount importance of truth, thoroughness, and discernment in all our dealings, whether personal, communal, or ecclesiastical. In an age saturated with information, often unverified and sensationalized, this verse calls us to resist the temptation to make hasty judgments, spread unconfirmed reports, or act on mere suspicion. Instead, it urges us to "enquire, and make search, and ask diligently" for the truth, verifying facts with diligence and integrity before forming opinions or taking action. This applies to how we engage with news, how we handle accusations within the church, and how we approach disagreements in relationships. It challenges us to cultivate a spirit of patient inquiry and righteous judgment, reflecting God's own character, rather than succumbing to gossip, prejudice, or emotional reactions. Our zeal for righteousness must always be balanced by a commitment to truth and fairness, ensuring that our actions are rooted in certainty and love, not speculation or malice.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does this verse challenge our natural tendency to make quick judgments or to accept and spread unverified information in our daily lives?**
* **In what specific areas—whether in personal relationships, church matters, or public discourse—do you need to apply more diligence in seeking truth before forming opinions or taking action?**
* **What does the emphasis on "abomination" in this context teach us about the gravity of spiritual compromise and the importance of maintaining purity in our own lives and communities today?**

### FAQ
**Why is such a thorough investigation required for idolatry, given its severity in the Old Testament?**

Answer: The requirement for a "diligent" and "certain" investigation, even for an offense as severe as idolatry, highlights God's unwavering commitment to justice and due process. In ancient Israel, idolatry was not merely a spiritual error but an act of treason against Yahweh, their divine King, threatening the entire nation's covenant relationship and purity. The prescribed punishment was often extreme (e.g., the utter destruction of a city). Therefore, to prevent false accusations, malicious intent, or mistaken identity from leading to such devastating consequences, God Himself mandated an exceptionally high standard of proof. It underscored that even divine justice is not arbitrary but founded on irrefutable facts, protecting the innocent and ensuring that judgment is righteous. This principle reflects God's character as a God of truth and justice, who desires that even the most severe judgments be carried out with integrity and certainty, as seen in other legal contexts requiring multiple witnesses ([Deuteronomy 19:15](/deuteronomy/19-15 "Deuteronomy 19:15 - Requirement of Two or Three Witnesses")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Deuteronomy 13:14, with its rigorous demand for truth and certainty before judgment, finds its ultimate fulfillment and transformation in Jesus Christ. While the Old Covenant law prescribed a meticulous investigation to purge physical idolatry from the community, Christ embodies the perfect fulfillment of this principle in both His person and His work. He is the very embodiment of "truth" ([John 14:6](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Life")), and His judgments are always righteous because He "knows what is in man" ([John 2:25](/john/2-25 "John 2:25 - Jesus Knows All People")), discerning the heart with perfect knowledge, far beyond any human investigation. Under the New Covenant, the focus shifts from the physical eradication of idolatrous cities to the spiritual purification of the human heart. The "abomination" that needs to be "wrought out" is now the spiritual idolatry of the heart—anything that takes God's rightful place ([Colossians 3:5](/colossians/3-5 "Colossians 3:5 - Put to Death Earthly Things")). Christ's atoning sacrifice on the cross is the ultimate act that purges this spiritual defilement, offering forgiveness and cleansing ([1 John 1:7](/1_john/1-7 "1 John 1:7 - Cleansing by Christ's Blood")). Believers are called to exercise spiritual discernment, not through legalistic inquiry and punitive action, but through the Holy Spirit's guidance, to "test the spirits" ([1 John 4:1](/1_john/4-1 "1 John 4:1 - Test the Spirits")) and to live lives of purity, knowing that our ultimate judge is Christ, who judges with perfect righteousness and grace ([John 5:22](/john/5-22 "John 5:22 - The Father Judges No One, But Has Entrusted All Judgment to the Son")). The law's demand for certainty in judgment points to the absolute certainty of Christ's perfect righteousness and His finished work, which alone can purify us and establish us in truth.

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

Deuteronomy 17:4

And it be told thee, and thou hast heard [of it], and enquired diligently, and, behold, [it be] true, [and] the thing certain, [that] such abomination is wrought in Israel:

John 7:24

Judge not according to the appearance, but judge righteous judgment.

Isaiah 11:3

And shall make him of quick understanding in the fear of the LORD: and he shall not judge after the sight of his eyes, neither reprove after the hearing of his ears:

Isaiah 11:4

But with righteousness shall he judge the poor, and reprove with equity for the meek of the earth: and he shall smite the earth with the rod of his mouth, and with the breath of his lips shall he slay the wicked.

1 Timothy 5:19

Against an elder receive not an accusation, but before two or three witnesses.

Deuteronomy 10:18

He doth execute the judgment of the fatherless and widow, and loveth the stranger, in giving him food and raiment.

Numbers 35:30

Whoso killeth any person, the murderer shall be put to death by the mouth of witnesses: but one witness shall not testify against any person [to cause him] to die.