Deuteronomy 13:14

Translation
King James Version
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;
Ask
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;
Ask
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,
Ask
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,
Ask
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,
Ask
World English Bible Messianic
then you shall inquire, and make search, and ask diligently. Behold, if it is true, and the thing certain, that such abomination was done in your midst,
Ask
Geneva Bible (1599)
Then thou shalt seeke, and make searche and enquire diligently: and if it be true, and the thing certaine, that such abomination is wrought among you,
Ask
Young's Literal Translation
and thou hast enquired, and searched, and asked diligently, and lo, truth; the thing is established; this abomination hath been done in thy midst:
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See also
Deuteronomy 17:4John 7:24Isaiah 11:3Isaiah 11:41 Timothy 5:19Deuteronomy 10:18Numbers 35:30
In the KJVVerse 5,287 of 31,102

Study This Verse

SUMMARY

Deuteronomy 13:14 presents a foundational legal mandate within Israel's covenant framework, requiring an exceptionally rigorous and exhaustive investigation before any punitive action could be taken against a city accused of apostasy. This verse underscores the divine demand for absolute certainty and verified truth in judicial proceedings, particularly when the accusation involves the grave sin of idolatry, which was deemed an "abomination" that threatened the very essence of the nation's unique relationship with Yahweh. It highlights God's commitment to righteous judgment, due process, and the protection of the innocent, even amidst the fervent zeal for covenant purity.

CONTEXT

  • Literary Context: Deuteronomy 13:14 is strategically placed within a comprehensive legal section (Deuteronomy 13:1-18) that addresses the existential threat of apostasy and idolatry to Israel's exclusive covenant with God. The chapter initiates with a stern warning against false prophets and dreamers who might entice the people to worship other gods, prescribing capital punishment for such individuals, as detailed in Deuteronomy 13:1-5. The scope of this warning then expands to encompass even close family members or friends who secretly tempt others to idolatry, demanding their immediate denunciation and execution, as outlined in Deuteronomy 13:6-11. Verse 12 introduces the chilling hypothetical scenario of an entire city whose inhabitants have been corrupted by false gods. Consequently, Deuteronomy 13:14 serves as the critical procedural safeguard, stipulating the meticulous investigative process required before the extreme, divinely sanctioned measures described in subsequent verses (e.g., the utter destruction of the city) are enacted, thereby ensuring that such drastic actions are founded solely on undeniable truth and not on mere rumor or suspicion.

  • Historical & Cultural Context: Ancient Israel functioned as a theocracy, where Yahweh was not only their God but also their sovereign King, and the covenant established at Sinai constituted the very foundation of their national identity and legal system. Within this framework, idolatry was far more than a spiritual transgression; it was an act of high treason against the divine monarch, posing an existential threat to the nation's purity and continued existence. In the broader ancient Near East, religious syncretism was a pervasive practice, and Israel was continually exposed to the polytheistic customs and cults of surrounding nations. The laws articulated 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, while appearing severe by modern judicial standards, represented a crucial form of divine due process. It was designed to prevent arbitrary judgments and false accusations in a society where judicial power was often decentralized, and severe penalties were common for both religious and social transgressions. This emphasis on absolute certainty was a unique divine safeguard for justice within their distinct covenantal framework, ensuring that the punishment fit the crime and was based on verifiable truth.

  • Key Themes: This verse powerfully contributes to several profound themes woven throughout the book of Deuteronomy and the broader Pentateuch. Firstly, it underscores the theme of Thorough Investigation and Due Process, emphasizing that divine justice demands irrefutable proof before severe judgment can be rendered. The emphatic repetition of verbs for inquiry highlights God's unwavering 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," a detestable act that directly violates the first commandment and profoundly threatens Israel's unique covenant relationship with Yahweh, as seen in Exodus 20:3. The term "abomination" (to'evah) is frequently used in Deuteronomy for practices utterly offensive to God, such as those mentioned in Deuteronomy 18:9. Finally, it speaks to the crucial theme of Community Purity and Covenant Fidelity. The strictness of the law, meticulously balanced by the demand for certainty, aimed to purge evil from the community, thereby maintaining the holiness and distinctiveness of Israel as God's chosen people. This purity was essential for ensuring their continued blessing and presence in the Promised Land, as exhorted in passages like Deuteronomy 4:1-8.

EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

Key Word Analysis

  • Enquire (Hebrew, dârash', H1875): This verb, stemming from a primitive root meaning "to tread or frequent," signifies to "seek," "inquire," "investigate," or "consult." In a judicial context, it implies an active, deliberate pursuit of information, often with a spiritual or legal connotation. Here, it denotes the initial, diligent seeking out of facts regarding the alleged apostasy, implying a methodical approach to uncovering truth.
  • Make search (Hebrew, châqar', H2713): From a primitive root meaning "to penetrate," this word conveys the sense of "to search out," "to examine thoroughly," "to explore," or "to probe deeply." It suggests a more intensive and penetrating investigation than dârash, implying a meticulous scrutiny of all available evidence and circumstances to uncover hidden or obscure truths, leaving no stone unturned.
  • Abomination (Hebrew, tôwʻêbah', H8441): This feminine active participle refers to something "disgusting" or "abhorrent," especially in a moral or religious sense. In Deuteronomy, tôwʻêbah is consistently 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 that provokes divine wrath.

Verse Breakdown

  • "Then shalt thou enquire, and make search, and ask diligently;": This opening clause establishes the absolute prerequisite for any judicial action against an accused city. The threefold repetition of verbs—"enquire," "make search," and "ask"—culminating with the intensifier "diligently" (from yâṭab, meaning "well" or "thoroughly"), 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, comprehensive 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 and reliability. The investigation must yield "truth" (Hebrew: ʼemeth, meaning stability, certainty, trustworthiness) and the "thing certain" (Hebrew: kûwn, meaning established, confirmed, fixed). This demands undeniable, corroborated evidence, removing all doubt as to the veracity of the accusation. It serves as a divine safeguard against false accusations, malicious intent, or mistaken identity, ensuring that severe judgment is only rendered when the facts are indisputable and firmly established.
  • "[that] such abomination is wrought among you;": This final clause specifies the nature of the crime being investigated: "such abomination." In the immediate 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" (from ʻâsâh and qereb) 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 and restore covenant purity.

Literary Devices

Deuteronomy 13:14 masterfully employs several potent Literary Devices to convey its profound message and reinforce its legal imperative. The most prominent is Repetition and Intensification, vividly demonstrated in the triple verbal phrase "enquire, and make search, and ask diligently." This cumulative effect, further amplified by the adverb "diligently" (yâṭab), creates a powerful sense of urgency and absolute thoroughness, underscoring the non-negotiable requirement for a meticulous investigation. This is a quintessential example of Legal Language, characteristic of the Deuteronomic code, which is prescriptive, precise, and leaves no room for ambiguity regarding the required judicial process. The verse also utilizes a clear Conditional Clause ("if it be truth, and the thing certain"), which establishes a strict prerequisite for any action. This conditional structure highlights the divine demand for verified facts before judgment, emphasizing the principle of Due Process and ensuring that justice is not arbitrary but founded on demonstrable and irrefutable 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 fiercely 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, reflecting the very nature of God.

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 and social media, how we handle accusations or conflicts 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, emotional reactions, or the allure of unverified narratives. Our zeal for righteousness and purity must always be balanced by a rigorous commitment to truth and fairness, ensuring that our actions are rooted in certainty, love, and integrity, 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, particularly in the digital age?
  • 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, such as in Deuteronomy 19:15.

CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT

Deuteronomy 13:14, with its rigorous demand for truth and certainty before judgment, finds its ultimate fulfillment and transformation in the person and work of 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," declaring, "I am the way, and the truth, and the life" in John 14:6. His judgments are always righteous and perfectly just because He possesses divine omniscience, knowing "what was in man" and discerning the heart with perfect knowledge, far beyond any human investigation, as affirmed in John 2:25. 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, which the Apostle Paul identifies as covetousness in Colossians 3:5. Christ's atoning sacrifice on the cross is the ultimate act that purges this spiritual defilement, offering forgiveness and cleansing through His blood, as declared in 1 John 1:7. 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" whether they are from God, as exhorted in 1 John 4:1. We live in light of the certainty that our ultimate judge is Christ, who judges with perfect righteousness and grace, for the Father "has entrusted all judgment to the Son," as revealed in John 5:22. The law's demand for certainty in judgment thus points to the absolute certainty of Christ's perfect righteousness and His finished work, which alone can purify us and establish us in truth.

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Commentary on Deuteronomy 13 verses 12–18

Here the case is put of a city revolting from its allegiance to the God of Israel, and serving other gods.

I. The crime is supposed to be committed, 1. By one of the cities of Israel, that lay within the jurisdiction of their courts. The church then judged those only that were within, Co1 5:12, Co1 5:13. And, even when they were ordered to preserve their religion in the first principles of it by fire and sword to propagate it. Those that are born within the allegiance of a prince, if they take up arms against him, are dealt with as traitors, but foreign invaders are not so. The city that is here supposed to have become idolatrous is one that formerly worshipped the true God, but had now withdrawn to other gods, which intimates how great the crime is, and how sore the punishment will be, of those that, after they have known the way of righteousness, turn aside from it, Pe2 2:21. 2. It is supposed to be committed by the generality of the inhabitants of the city, for we may conclude that, if a considerable number did retain their integrity, those only that were guilty were to be destroyed, and the city was to be spared for the sake of the righteous in it; for will not the Judge of all the earth do right? No doubt he will. 3. They are supposed to be drawn to idolatry by certain men, the children of Belial, men that would endure no yoke (so it signifies), that neither fear God nor regard man, but shake off all restraints of law and conscience, and are perfectly lost to all manner of virtue; these are those that say, "Let us serve other gods," that will not only allow, but will countenance and encourage, our immoralities. Belial is put for the devil (Co2 6:15), and the children of Belial are his children. These withdraw the inhabitants of the city; for a little of this old leaven, when it is entertained, soon leavens the whole lump.

II. The cause is ordered to be tried with a great deal of care (Deu 13:14): Thou shalt enquire and make search. They must not proceed upon common fame, or take the information by hearsay, but must examine the proofs, and not give judgment against them unless the evidence was clear and the charge fully made out. God himself, before he destroyed Sodom, is said to have come down to see whether its crimes were according to the clamour, Gen 18:21. In judicial processes it is requisite that time, and care, and pains, be taken to find out the truth, and that search be made without any passion, prejudice, or partiality. The Jewish writers say that, though particular persons who were idolaters might be judged by the inferior courts, the defection of a city was to be tried by the great Sanhedrim; and, if it appeared that they were thrust away to idolatry, two learned men were sent to them to admonish and reclaim them. If they repented, all would be well; if not, then all Israel must go up to war against them, to testify their indignation against idolatry and to stop the spreading of the contagion.

III. If the crime were proved, and the criminals were incorrigible, the city was to be wholly destroyed. If there were a few righteous men in it, no doubt they would remove themselves and their families out of such a dangerous place, and then all the inhabitants, men, women, and children, must be put to the sword (Deu 13:15), all the spoil of the city, both shop-goods and the furniture of houses, must be brought into the marketplace and burned, and the city itself must be laid in ashes and never built again, Deu 13:16. The soldiers are forbidden, upon pain of death, to convert any of the plunder to their own use, Deu 13:17. It was a devoted thing, and dangerous to meddle with, as we find in the case of Achan. Now, 1. God enjoins this severity of show what a jealous God he is in the matters of his worship, and how great a crime it is to serve other gods. Let men know that God will not give his glory to another, nor his praise to graven images. 2. He expects that magistrates, having their honour and power from him, should be concerned for his honour, and use their power for terror to evil doers, else they bear the sword in vain. 3. The faithful worshippers of the true God must take all occasions to show their just indignation against idolatry, much more against atheism, infidelity, and irreligion. 4. It is here intimated that the best expedient for the turning away of God's anger from a land is to execute justice upon the wicked of the land (Deu 13:17), that the Lord may turn from the fierceness of his anger, which was ready to break out against the whole nation, for the wickedness of that one apostate city. It is promised that, if they would thus root wickedness out of their land, God would multiply them. They might think it impolitic, and against the interest of their nation, to ruin a whole city for a crime relating purely to religion, and that they should be more sparing of the blood of Israelites: "Fear not the" (says Moses), "God will multiply you the more; the body of your nation will lose nothing by the letting out of this corrupt blood." Lastly, Though we do not find this law put in execution in all the history of the Jewish church (Gibeah was destroyed, not for idolatry, but immorality), yet for the neglect of the execution of it upon the inferior cities that served idols God himself, by the army of the Chaldeans, put it in execution upon Jerusalem, the head city, which, for is apostasy from God, was utterly destroyed and laid waste, and lay in ruins seventy years. Though idolaters may escape punishment from men (nor is this law in the letter of it binding now, under the gospel), yet the Lord our God will not suffer them to escape his righteous judgements. The New Testament speaks of communion with idolaters as a sin which, above any other, provokes the Lord to jealousy, and dares him as if we were stronger than he, Co1 10:21, Co1 10:22.

Matthew Henry (1662–1714) — Commentary on the Whole Bible. This section covers verses 12–18. Public domain.
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Source: Quotations drawn from early Church Fathers and historical Christian theologians (AD 100–1500). Some quotes address the surrounding passage context rather than this verse alone.
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