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:

KJV (with Strong's)

Thou shalt not consent {H14} unto him, nor hearken {H8085} unto him; neither shall thine eye {H5869} pity {H2347} him, neither shalt thou spare {H2550}, neither shalt thou conceal {H3680} him:

Complete Jewish Bible

you are not to consent, and you are not to listen to him; and you must not pity him or spare him; and you may not conceal him.

Berean Standard Bible

you must not yield to him or listen to him. Show him no pity, and do not spare him or shield him.

American Standard Version

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:

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Deuteronomy 13:8 delivers a powerful and uncompromising command within the Mosaic Law, instructing the Israelites on the absolute necessity of rejecting and exposing any individual, even a close family member or friend, who attempts to entice them into idolatry. It mandates an unyielding stance, forbidding any form of consent, listening, pity, sparing, or concealment of the offender. This verse profoundly underscores the paramount importance of exclusive and unwavering loyalty to Yahweh, highlighting the severe spiritual and communal consequences of any deviation from monotheistic worship for ancient Israel.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Deuteronomy 13:8 is strategically placed within a critical legislative block spanning [Deuteronomy 13:1-18](/deuteronomy/13 "Deuteronomy 13 - Warnings Against Idolatry"), which meticulously addresses the existential threat of spiritual deception and apostasy to the nascent nation of Israel. The chapter begins by outlining rigorous protocols for dealing with false prophets or dreamers (e.g., [Deuteronomy 13:1-5](/deuteronomy/13-1-5 "Deuteronomy 13:1-5 - False Prophets")), who, despite performing signs or wonders, seek to divert the people from exclusive worship of Yahweh, mandating their swift execution. Our focal verse then falls within the more insidious scenario of verses 6-11, which confront the danger posed by intimate relationships—a brother, son, daughter, wife, or closest friend—who might secretly attempt to lure an individual into idolatry. The passage culminates in verses 12-18, providing detailed instructions for handling an entire city that has collectively succumbed to idolatry, emphasizing its complete eradication to preserve the nation's spiritual purity and avert divine wrath. The escalating severity of these commands underscores the profound and pervasive threat idolatry posed to Israel's unique covenant relationship with God.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Moses delivered these urgent exhortations to the Israelites on the plains of Moab, on the precipice of their entry into the Promised Land. Having witnessed firsthand the entrenched and pervasive idolatry of the surrounding Canaanite nations, God's commands were meticulously designed to fortify Israel's distinct identity as His chosen people, set apart to worship Him alone. In the broader ancient Near East, loyalty to one's national deity was a fundamental aspect of identity, and religious syncretism—the blending of different religious beliefs—was common practice. However, for Israel, Yahweh was not merely a national god but the one true God, the sovereign King of the universe. Consequently, any deviation from His exclusive worship was not merely a religious error but an act of high treason against the divine King and a direct breach of the covenant established at Sinai. The stringent commands to show no pity or to spare the idolater, even if they were family, reflect the deeply communal nature of ancient Israelite society, where the spiritual health and covenant fidelity of the entire nation were inextricably linked to the unwavering obedience of each individual member. The very possession of the holy land was contingent upon their steadfast adherence to the covenant, rendering idolatry an existential threat to their continued dwelling in the land.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching and foundational themes woven throughout Deuteronomy and the broader Pentateuch. Firstly, it emphatically reinforces the theme of **unwavering loyalty to God**, echoing the profound declaration of God's oneness found in the [Shema (Deuteronomy 6:4)](/deuteronomy/6-4 "Deuteronomy 6:4 - The Shema") and the explicit prohibitions against other gods and idolatry articulated in the first two commandments of the Decalogue (e.g., [Exodus 20:3-6](/exodus/20-3-6 "Exodus 20:3-6 - The First and Second Commandments")). Secondly, it starkly highlights the **severity of apostasy**, presenting idolatry not as a minor religious transgression but as a capital offense, a direct affront to God's covenant with Israel and a profound betrayal of their national identity. The absolute prohibitions against pity or concealment underscore the non-negotiable nature of this offense. Finally, the verse speaks directly to the theme of **community purity and justice**. It articulates that the individual's solemn responsibility to uphold the spiritual integrity of the entire community takes absolute precedence over personal relationships or emotional ties. This reflects the deep understanding that spiritual corruption, if left unchecked, could proliferate like leaven, endangering the entire nation and inevitably leading to divine judgment, as warned in the comprehensive blessings and curses outlined in [Deuteronomy 28](/deuteronomy/28 "Deuteronomy 28 - Blessings and Curses").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Consent (Hebrew, _ʼâbâh'_):** A primitive root meaning "to breathe after," which figuratively translates to "to be acquiescent," "consent," "rest content," or "be willing." In the context of Deuteronomy 13:8, "Thou shalt not consent unto him" prohibits not merely a passive acceptance but an active inclination or desire to agree with the enticement. It targets the very first stirrings of mental or emotional inclination towards the proposed idolatry, demanding an immediate and firm rejection of the suggestion itself, before it takes root.
* **Pity (Hebrew, _chûwç'_):** A primitive root meaning "to cover," which figuratively means "to compassionate," "pity," "regard," or "spare." The phrase "neither shall thine eye pity him" explicitly forbids allowing natural human empathy, compassion, or familial affection to override the divine command. It is a stark and difficult instruction to set aside personal feelings when confronted with spiritual treason, emphasizing that loyalty to God must unequivocally supersede all other loyalties, even those to the closest family members.
* **Conceal (Hebrew, _kâçâh'_):** A primitive root meaning "to plump," "fill up hollows," or by implication, "to cover (for clothing or secrecy)." "Neither shalt thou conceal him" demands that the offense not be hidden, protected, or excused in any way. It requires the individual to expose the idolatrous enticement and the enticer, ensuring that the sin is brought to light and dealt with according to the law, thereby preventing its spread and upholding communal justice and purity.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Thou shalt not consent unto him":** This foundational clause establishes the initial, internal prohibition. It strictly forbids any agreement, willingness, or inclination to entertain the suggestion of worshiping other gods. It targets the very first stirrings of compromise in the heart and mind, demanding an immediate internal rejection.
* **"nor hearken unto him":** Building upon the internal prohibition, this clause extends the command to external action, forbidding the act of giving an attentive ear to the enticer's words. It means not listening with an open mind or considering the validity of their arguments, but rather shutting down the conversation and refusing to be swayed by their persuasive attempts.
* **"neither shall thine eye pity him":** This is a profoundly challenging command, instructing the Israelite to suppress natural human emotions such as compassion or sympathy towards the enticer. It demands that divine justice and the purity of the covenant be prioritized above personal feelings, even when the enticer is a cherished loved one.
* **"neither shalt thou spare":** This clause reinforces the preceding one, meaning "do not hold back" or "do not refrain from acting" with the full weight of the law. It implies that the prescribed legal consequences must be applied without reservation, leniency, or mitigation due to personal ties.
* **"neither shalt thou conceal him":** This final and crucial prohibition demands that the offense and the offender not be hidden, protected, or shielded from the community's judgment. It requires active disclosure and participation in the legal process to ensure that the idolatry is exposed, purged from Israel, and justice is served.

#### Literary Devices
Deuteronomy 13:8 employs several potent literary devices to convey its message with striking force and unequivocal clarity. The most prominent is **Anaphora**, the deliberate repetition of the negative phrase "nor" or "neither shall" at the beginning of successive clauses ("nor hearken," "neither shall thine eye pity," "neither shalt thou spare," "neither shalt thou conceal"). This repetition creates a rhythmic, emphatic cadence that powerfully drives home the absolute, comprehensive, and non-negotiable nature of the prohibition, underscoring that there are no exceptions or loopholes in dealing with idolatrous enticement. The verse also utilizes **Hyperbole** in the intensity of its commands ("no pity," "no spare," "no conceal"). While not suggesting literal cruelty, this exaggerated language emphasizes the extreme gravity of the sin of idolatry and the uncompromising loyalty demanded by Yahweh. Furthermore, a subtle form of **Metonymy** is evident in the phrase "thine eye pity him," where "eye" stands for the entire person's emotional capacity for compassion or sympathy. This highlights the internal struggle and the profound necessity of overriding natural human sentiment for the sake of upholding divine law and covenant fidelity.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Deuteronomy 13:8 profoundly expresses the radical monotheism at the very heart of Israel's covenant with Yahweh, demanding an exclusive and uncompromising devotion that tolerates no rivals. It powerfully reveals God's zealous nature, who shares His glory with no other, and His absolute intolerance for anything that would diminish His unique position as the sole object of worship and allegiance. The severity of the command underscores the catastrophic spiritual and communal consequences of idolatry, which threatened to sever Israel's covenant relationship with God and inevitably lead to their destruction. While the New Covenant reinterprets the application of such legal sanctions, the underlying principle of unwavering loyalty to the one true God and the absolute rejection of spiritual compromise remains eternally relevant and binding for believers across all generations.

* [Exodus 20:3](/exodus/20-3 "Exodus 20:3 - No Other Gods Before Me")
* [Joshua 24:15](/joshua/24-15 "Joshua 24:15 - Choose Whom You Will Serve")
* [1 John 4:1](/1_john/4-1 "1 John 4:1 - Test the Spirits")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While the specific legal penalties and the theocratic context of Deuteronomy 13:8 belong uniquely to ancient Israel under the Old Covenant, the profound spiritual principles embedded within this verse resonate deeply and powerfully with believers today. This passage calls us to cultivate a radical, uncompromising loyalty to God above all else, even above our most cherished human relationships and personal comforts. It challenges us to develop profound spiritual discernment, enabling us to swiftly recognize and decisively reject any teaching, philosophy, or cultural influence that subtly or overtly attempts to draw our hearts and minds away from the truth of God's Word and the exclusive worship of Jesus Christ. Our commitment to Christ must be absolute, demanding that we prioritize His truth and His kingdom above personal comfort, social popularity, or emotional ties. This means actively resisting the urge to "consent," "hearken," "pity," "spare," or "conceal" spiritual error, but rather standing firm for biblical truth, even when it is difficult, unpopular, or requires confronting those we love, thereby protecting the purity and integrity of the church community from false doctrine and spiritual compromise.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What are the contemporary "enticements to idolatry" in my life or culture that might subtly or overtly draw my ultimate loyalty away from God?**
* **How does my commitment to biblical truth and Christ's supremacy compare to my desire for social harmony, personal acceptance, or emotional comfort?**
* **In what specific ways might I be "consenting," "hearkening," "pitying," "sparing," or "concealing" spiritual compromise or false teaching in my own life, my family, or my community?**
* **How can I cultivate greater spiritual discernment and courage to identify and reject false teachings, even when they come from trusted sources or are cloaked in seemingly good intentions?**

### FAQ
**Does this verse command Christians to kill people who believe differently or promote false teachings?**

Answer: No, this verse does not command Christians to kill people who believe differently or promote false teachings. Deuteronomy 13:8 is an integral part of the Mosaic Law, which was given specifically to ancient Israel as a unique theocratic nation. In that context, religious and civil laws were inextricably intertwined, and idolatry was considered an act of high treason against their divine King, Yahweh, posing a direct and existential threat to the nation's covenant existence in the Promised Land. Under the New Covenant, the church is not a political state with the authority to execute civil or capital penalties. Instead, the New Testament emphasizes spiritual discipline, robust discernment, and a clear separation from false teaching (e.g., [2 Thessalonians 3:6](/2_thermonians/3-6 "2 Thessalonians 3:6 - Withdraw from the Disorderly"); [Titus 3:10](/titus/3-10 "Titus 3:10 - Reject a Divisive Person")). While the underlying principles of unwavering loyalty to God and the absolute rejection of spiritual compromise remain, their application is transformed from physical execution to spiritual vigilance, the upholding of sound doctrine, and the loving, yet firm, confrontation of error within the body of Christ.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Deuteronomy 13:8 outlines a severe legal response to the pervasive threat of idolatry in Old Testament Israel, its underlying demand for absolute, uncompromising loyalty to God finds its ultimate fulfillment and reinterpretation in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Jesus Himself declared, "[He who loves father or mother more than Me is not worthy of Me](/matthew/10-37 "Matthew 10:37 - Jesus' Demands on Discipleship"), and he who loves son or daughter more than Me is not worthy of Me," echoing the Old Testament command to prioritize God above all human relationships, even familial ones, but shifting the focus from physical punishment to radical spiritual allegiance and discipleship. The "no pity, no sparing, no concealing" aspect of the Deuteronomic law is transformed into the New Testament call for believers to have [no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness](/ephesians/5-11 "Ephesians 5:11 - No Fellowship with Darkness") and to diligently [test the spirits](/1_john/4-1 "1 John 4:1 - Test the Spirits") to discern whether they are from God. Christ, as the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), bore the ultimate judgment for all sin, including idolatry, on the cross. Therefore, our response to spiritual deception and false teaching is not to execute physical judgment, but to stand firm in the truth of the Gospel, to [contend earnestly for the faith](/jude/1-3 "Jude 1:3 - Contend for the Faith"), and to lovingly, yet firmly, confront error, always pointing to Christ as the sole object of our worship, the only source of truth, and the exclusive way to salvation, for [there is salvation in no one else](/acts/4-12 "Acts 4:12 - Salvation Through Christ Alone").

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

Proverbs 1:10

¶ My son, if sinners entice thee, consent thou not.

Deuteronomy 19:13

Thine eye shall not pity him, but thou shalt put away [the guilt of] innocent blood from Israel, that it may go well with thee.

Deuteronomy 7:16

And thou shalt consume all the people which the LORD thy God shall deliver thee; thine eye shall have no pity upon them: neither shalt thou serve their gods; for that [will be] a snare unto thee.

Ezekiel 9:5

¶ And to the others he said in mine hearing, Go ye after him through the city, and smite: let not your eye spare, neither have ye pity:

Ezekiel 9:6

Slay utterly old [and] young, both maids, and little children, and women: but come not near any man upon whom [is] the mark; and begin at my sanctuary. Then they began at the ancient men which [were] before the house.

Galatians 1:8

But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed.

Galatians 1:9

As we said before, so say I now again, If any [man] preach any other gospel unto you than that ye have received, let him be accursed.