Deuteronomy 13:6

KJV

¶ If thy brother, the son of thy mother, or thy son, or thy daughter, or the wife of thy bosom, or thy friend, which [is] as thine own soul, entice thee secretly, saying, Let us go and serve other gods, which thou hast not known, thou, nor thy fathers;

KJV (with Strong's)

If thy brother {H251}, the son {H1121} of thy mother {H517}, or thy son {H1121}, or thy daughter {H1323}, or the wife {H802} of thy bosom {H2436}, or thy friend {H7453}, which is as thine own soul {H5315}, entice {H5496} thee secretly {H5643}, saying {H559}, Let us go {H3212} and serve {H5647} other {H312} gods {H430}, which thou hast not known {H3045}, thou, nor thy fathers {H1};

Complete Jewish Bible

"If your brother the son of your mother, or your son, or your daughter, or your wife whom you love, or your friend who means as much to you as yourself, secretly tries to entice you to go and serve other gods, which you haven't known, neither you nor your ancestors -

Berean Standard Bible

If your very own brother, or your son or daughter, or the wife you embrace, or your closest friend secretly entices you, saying, “Let us go and worship other gods” (which neither you nor your fathers have known,

American Standard Version

If thy brother, the son of thy mother, or thy son, or thy daughter, or the wife of thy bosom, or thy friend, that is as thine own soul, entice thee secretly, saying, Let us go and serve other gods, which thou hast not known, thou, nor thy fathers;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Deuteronomy 13:6 presents a stark and challenging command, underscoring the absolute priority of exclusive devotion to Yahweh within the covenant community of Israel. It addresses the insidious danger of spiritual temptation originating from the most intimate and trusted relationships—family members or closest friends—who might secretly attempt to entice an individual to abandon the true God and serve foreign deities unknown to their heritage. This verse reveals the extreme measures required to preserve the spiritual purity and covenant fidelity of the nation, demanding that loyalty to God supersede even the deepest human bonds.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Deuteronomy 13 is a pivotal chapter within Moses' final discourses to Israel, delivered on the plains of Moab just before their entry into the Promised Land. This chapter specifically details the severe penalties for those who would lead Israel astray from the Lord, whether through false prophecy (Deuteronomy 13:1-5) or, as in this verse, through the intimate influence of family and friends (Deuteronomy 13:6-11). It immediately follows the call to centralized worship in [Deuteronomy 12](/deuteronomy/12 "Deuteronomy 12 - Centralized Worship") and precedes laws concerning clean and unclean animals in [Deuteronomy 14](/deuteronomy/14 "Deuteronomy 14 - Clean and Unclean Animals"), emphasizing the importance of maintaining distinctiveness and purity in all aspects of life, especially worship. The passage reinforces the overarching theme of covenant faithfulness, where the relationship with Yahweh demands absolute and unwavering loyalty above all else.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Israelites stood on the threshold of Canaan, a land saturated with polytheistic cultures and practices. The surrounding nations, such as the Canaanites, worshipped a pantheon of gods (e.g., Baal, Asherah, Molech), often involving fertility cults, child sacrifice, and syncretistic practices. The Mosaic Law, particularly in Deuteronomy, consistently warns against adopting these idolatrous customs, which were seen as a direct affront to Yahweh's sovereignty and a betrayal of the unique covenant established at Sinai. This verse highlights the profound challenge of maintaining monotheistic purity in a polytheistic environment, recognizing that the most potent threats to spiritual integrity might not come from external enemies but from within one's own trusted circle, making the command a radical counter-cultural imperative for Israel's survival as God's distinct people.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several foundational themes in Deuteronomy. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Absolute Loyalty to God**, emphasizing that fidelity to Yahweh must transcend all human relationships, no matter how cherished. This is the ultimate test of the command to love the Lord with all one's heart, soul, and might, as articulated in the [Shema in Deuteronomy 6:4-5](/deuteronomy/6-4 "Deuteronomy 6:4-5 - The Shema: Love the Lord Your God"). Secondly, it highlights **The Insidiousness of Temptation**, revealing that spiritual danger can arise subtly and persuasively from those we love and trust, making it particularly difficult to discern and resist. The phrase "entice thee secretly" (KJV) captures this clandestine nature. Lastly, the passage champions **Spiritual Purity and Covenant Fidelity**, directly addressing the core issue of worshipping "other gods, which thou hast not known." This directly violates the [First Commandment in Exodus 20:3](/exodus/20-3 "Exodus 20:3 - The First Commandment: No Other Gods"), serving as a potent reminder of Israel's unique and exclusive covenant relationship with Yahweh.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **entice (Hebrew, _suth'_):** This verb carries the meaning of to incite, persuade, seduce, or lead astray. In biblical contexts, it often implies a malicious or deceptive intent to draw someone away from the right path, particularly in a spiritual sense. Here, it denotes a deliberate act of spiritual seduction, aiming to corrupt one's allegiance to God.
* **secretly (Hebrew, _basseter'_):** This adverb emphasizes the clandestine and private nature of the enticement. It suggests that the temptation is not an open challenge or public debate, but a whispered, manipulative, and often persuasive appeal made in confidence, making it more difficult to detect and resist openly. It highlights the insidious character of the spiritual danger.
* **other gods (Hebrew, _elohim acherim'_):** This phrase refers to foreign deities, distinct from Yahweh, the God of Israel. It is a recurring term in Deuteronomy and throughout the Old Testament to denote the pagan gods of the surrounding nations. The worship of "other gods" constitutes the gravest sin against the covenant, representing a direct violation of the First Commandment and a complete abandonment of Israel's unique identity and purpose.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"If thy brother, the son of thy mother, or thy son, or thy daughter, or the wife of thy bosom, or thy friend, which [is] as thine own soul,"**: This extensive list meticulously covers the most intimate and cherished relationships within Israelite society. "Brother, the son of thy mother" specifies a full brother, emphasizing the closest familial bond. "Son or daughter" represents one's direct descendants. "Wife of thy bosom" signifies the deepest marital intimacy. "Friend, which is as thine own soul" denotes a bond of profound camaraderie and trust, almost an extension of oneself. The cumulative effect of this enumeration is to highlight that the spiritual threat is not external or distant, but originates from the very heart of one's closest social and familial circle, making the temptation exceptionally potent and the required response agonizingly difficult.
* **"entice thee secretly,"**: This clause describes the method of temptation. The enticement is not overt or confrontational but covert and insidious. The term "secretly" implies a private, perhaps manipulative, whisper or suggestion designed to bypass public scrutiny and exploit the trust inherent in the relationship. This makes the temptation particularly dangerous, as it preys on emotional bonds and personal vulnerability rather than logical argument.
* **"saying, Let us go and serve other gods, which thou hast not known, thou, nor thy fathers;"**: This clause reveals the content and nature of the enticement: a direct call to apostasy. The suggestion is to "go and serve" (a phrase denoting active worship and allegiance) deities that are "other gods," meaning foreign, pagan idols. The phrase "which thou hast not known, thou, nor thy fathers" underscores the historical and covenantal break this would represent. It's a rejection of Yahweh, who revealed Himself to their ancestors and delivered them from Egypt, in favor of unknown, unproven, and ultimately false deities. This is a call to abandon their unique identity as God's chosen people and embrace the idolatry of the nations.

#### Literary Devices
Deuteronomy 13:6 employs several powerful literary devices to convey its urgent message. The most prominent is **Enumeration**, where a detailed list of intimate relationships (brother, son, daughter, wife, friend) is provided. This comprehensive list emphasizes the pervasive and deeply personal nature of the potential threat, highlighting that no relationship, no matter how close, is exempt from the possibility of becoming a source of spiritual temptation. This device also serves as a form of **Climax**, as the list progresses from general family members to the "wife of thy bosom" and "friend, which is as thine own soul," suggesting an increasing degree of intimacy and, consequently, a greater challenge to resist. The phrase "entice thee secretly" uses **Adverbial Emphasis** to underscore the insidious and covert nature of the temptation, contrasting it with open, external threats. Finally, the verse creates a stark **Contrast** between the deep human affection and trust inherent in these relationships and the profound spiritual betrayal involved in the proposed action (serving "other gods"), thereby amplifying the gravity of the choice presented to the individual.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Deuteronomy 13:6 stands as a profound theological statement on the absolute sovereignty and exclusivity of God, demanding singular and undivided allegiance from His covenant people. It articulates a radical monotheism that permits no rivals, even when the challenge comes from the most beloved sources. This command reveals that true worship of Yahweh necessitates a willingness to prioritize Him above all earthly relationships, a principle that echoes throughout scripture concerning the cost of discipleship and the nature of genuine faith. It teaches that idolatry is not merely the worship of statues, but anything—including human relationships—that usurps God's rightful place as the ultimate object of devotion and trust. The severity of the command underscores the catastrophic spiritual consequences of apostasy, which threatens not only the individual but the purity and existence of the entire covenant community.

* [Deuteronomy 6:5](/deuteronomy/6-5 "Deuteronomy 6:5 - Love the Lord Your God")
* [Matthew 10:37](/matthew/10-37 "Matthew 10:37 - Prioritizing Christ Over Family")
* [1 Corinthians 10:14](/1_corinthians/10-14 "1 Corinthians 10:14 - Flee from Idolatry")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Deuteronomy 13:6, though ancient, speaks with striking relevance to the modern believer. While we may not face literal enticement to worship Baal or Asherah, the principle of prioritizing God above all, even over cherished human relationships, remains profoundly challenging. Modern "gods" can be subtle: the pursuit of wealth, career success, social acceptance, personal comfort, or even the desires and opinions of loved ones, when these take precedence over God's will and truth. This verse calls us to a radical self-examination, asking where our ultimate loyalty truly lies. It demands spiritual discernment to recognize insidious temptations that come not from obvious enemies, but from those we trust and love, who might unknowingly or subtly draw us away from Christ. Cultivating a deep, personal conviction rooted in God's Word and a steadfast commitment to His will is essential to stand firm when our closest relationships present a spiritual test. This may involve painful choices, but it is a call to integrity and unwavering faithfulness to the One who deserves our absolute devotion.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "gods" or priorities in my life might subtly compete for ultimate allegiance, even from within my closest relationships?**
* **How can I cultivate a spiritual discernment that recognizes insidious temptations, even when they come from trusted sources?**
* **What does it truly mean to love God with all my heart, soul, and might when faced with difficult choices concerning family or friends?**

### FAQ

**Does this verse advocate for breaking family ties or being unloving towards family members?**

Answer: No, this verse does not advocate for general unloving behavior or the breaking of family ties. Instead, it highlights the absolute priority of loyalty to God in the face of spiritual compromise. The command is specifically directed at resisting enticement to *idolatry*—a direct violation of God's covenant. It emphasizes that one's ultimate allegiance belongs to Yahweh, even when that means making difficult choices to protect spiritual integrity. The passage is a warning against spiritual seduction, not a blanket command to sever all relationships. In the New Testament, while Jesus calls for ultimate devotion to Himself (e.g., [Matthew 10:37](/matthew/10-37 "Matthew 10:37 - Prioritizing Christ Over Family")), He also commands love for family and neighbors ([Ephesians 5:25](/ephesians/5-25 "Ephesians 5:25 - Husbands, Love Your Wives")). The tension is resolved by understanding that God's demand for exclusive worship means that no human relationship, no matter how cherished, can lead one to abandon the true God.

**How does "secretly" (KJV) or "privately" (NIV) impact the nature of the temptation described here?**

Answer: The emphasis on "secretly" (Hebrew: _basseter_) is crucial because it highlights the insidious and manipulative nature of the temptation. This is not an open theological debate or a public challenge to one's faith, but a subtle, private, and often persuasive appeal made in confidence. Because the enticement comes from someone deeply trusted and loved, it can bypass one's usual defenses and critical thinking, preying on emotional bonds and personal vulnerability. This clandestine approach makes the temptation particularly dangerous and difficult to detect or resist, as it seeks to undermine one's spiritual allegiance without immediate public scrutiny or accountability. It underscores the need for constant vigilance and a deep, personal conviction in one's faith, independent of external pressures, even from the closest sources.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Deuteronomy 13:6, with its radical demand for exclusive devotion to Yahweh, finds its ultimate fulfillment and deepest meaning in Jesus Christ. The Old Testament command to serve no "other gods" foreshadows the New Covenant's call for singular allegiance to Christ, who is God incarnate and the sole object of saving faith. Just as Israel was to prioritize Yahweh above all, so too does Christ demand absolute loyalty, even when it means challenging the most intimate human relationships. Jesus' own words, "He that loveth father or mother more than me is not worthy of me" in [Matthew 10:37](/matthew/10-37 "Matthew 10:37 - Prioritizing Christ Over Family") (and similarly in [Luke 14:26](/luke/14-26 "Luke 14:26 - The Cost of Discipleship")), echo the Deuteronomic principle, not as a call to literal hatred, but to a comparative love that places Him, the ultimate truth and life ([John 14:6](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus, the Way, Truth, and Life")), above all earthly ties. In Christ, the "other gods" are no longer just pagan idols but anything that usurps His rightful place as Lord—be it materialism, self-interest, or even the well-intentioned but misguided influence of loved ones. Through the power of the Holy Spirit, believers are now empowered to resist such insidious temptations, enabling a fidelity to God that Israel often struggled to maintain. Christ Himself is the ultimate safeguard against deception, and His Lordship demands and enables the unwavering devotion that Deuteronomy 13:6 so powerfully commanded.

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 17:2

If there be found among you, within any of thy gates which the LORD thy God giveth thee, man or woman, that hath wrought wickedness in the sight of the LORD thy God, in transgressing his covenant,

Deuteronomy 17:7

The hands of the witnesses shall be first upon him to put him to death, and afterward the hands of all the people. So thou shalt put the evil away from among you.

1 John 2:26

These [things] have I written unto you concerning them that seduce you.

1 John 2:27

But the anointing which ye have received of him abideth in you, and ye need not that any man teach you: but as the same anointing teacheth you of all things, and is truth, and is no lie, and even as it hath taught you, ye shall abide in him.

Ephesians 4:14

That we [henceforth] be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, [and] cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive;

2 Peter 2:1

¶ But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction.

Micah 7:5

Trust ye not in a friend, put ye not confidence in a guide: keep the doors of thy mouth from her that lieth in thy bosom.