Deuteronomy 17:4

KJV

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:

KJV (with Strong's)

And it be told {H5046} thee, and thou hast heard {H8085} of it, and enquired {H1875} diligently {H3190}, and, behold, it be true {H571}, and the thing {H1697} certain {H3559}, that such abomination {H8441} is wrought {H6213} in Israel {H3478}:

Complete Jewish Bible

and it is told to you, or you hear about it; then you are to investigate the matter diligently. If it is true, if it is confirmed that such detestable things are being done in Isra'el;

Berean Standard Bible

and if it is reported and you hear about it, you must investigate it thoroughly. If the report is true and such an abomination has happened in Israel,

American Standard Version

and it be told thee, and thou hast heard of it; then shalt thou inquire diligently; and, behold, if it be true, and the thing certain, that such abomination is wrought in Israel,

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Deuteronomy 17:4 is a critical component of Israel's judicial laws, mandating an exceptionally thorough and verified investigation before any punitive action is taken against an individual accused of a capital offense, particularly idolatry. This verse underscores the foundational importance of truth, due process, and the meticulous pursuit of certainty in the administration of justice, ensuring that righteous judgment is rendered and communal evil is purged only when unequivocally proven.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Deuteronomy 17:4 is situated within a broader section of laws (Deuteronomy 16:18-18:22) that establish the framework for Israel's leadership and judicial system once they enter the promised land. Specifically, it follows the general prohibition against idolatry and the command to appoint judges and officers in all towns [Deuteronomy 16:18](/deuteronomy/16-18 "Deuteronomy 16:18 - Appointment of Judges"). Verses [Deuteronomy 17:2-7](/deuteronomy/17-2 "Deuteronomy 17:2-7 - Procedure for Idolatry Cases") provide the detailed procedure for handling cases of idolatry, a capital offense. This verse, [Deuteronomy 17:4](/deuteronomy/17-4 "Deuteronomy 17:4 - Requirement for Diligent Inquiry"), is the crucial step outlining the investigative process, immediately preceding the requirement for multiple witnesses [Deuteronomy 17:6](/deuteronomy/17-6 "Deuteronomy 17:6 - Requirement of Multiple Witnesses") and the execution of the guilty party. The meticulousness demanded here contrasts sharply with the swift, often summary justice of surrounding cultures, highlighting God's commitment to justice and truth even in severe cases.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Ancient Israel was a covenant nation, distinct from its pagan neighbors. The worship of Yahweh alone was the cornerstone of their national identity and their covenant relationship. Idolatry, therefore, was not merely a religious transgression but an act of treason against their divine King, threatening the very fabric of their society and inviting divine judgment. The surrounding Canaanite cultures were rife with polytheism, syncretism, and abhorrent practices like child sacrifice, making the prohibition against idolatry and the meticulous judicial process for dealing with it a stark demarcation of Israel’s unique calling. The judicial system, often involving elders at the city gate, was responsible for upholding the covenant laws and maintaining the purity of the community, reflecting God's holiness. The emphasis on diligent inquiry was vital in a society without modern forensic tools, relying heavily on testimony and careful investigation to prevent false accusations and maintain communal trust.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several key themes within [Deuteronomy](/deuteronomy "The Book of Deuteronomy") and the broader Pentateuch. Foremost is the theme of **Justice and Righteousness**, emphasizing that God's people must reflect His character in their legal proceedings, demanding truth and due process even in the most serious accusations. It underscores the **Sanctity of the Covenant**, as idolatry is the ultimate breach, necessitating its eradication from the community to maintain the nation's unique relationship with Yahweh. The theme of **Holiness and Purity** is also prominent, as the "abomination" of idolatry defiles the land and the people, requiring its removal to preserve the nation's consecrated status. Finally, it highlights **God's Sovereignty and Exclusivity**, reinforcing the first commandment that Yahweh alone is God and tolerates no rivals, demanding absolute loyalty from His people. The meticulousness required in the judicial process reflects the gravity of breaking this foundational command.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Enquired diligently (Hebrew, _darash darash'_):** This phrase is a powerful example of a Hebrew infinitive absolute used for emphasis, effectively meaning "to inquire, inquiringly" or "to diligently inquire." The root *darash* (דרש) means to seek, search, or investigate. Its repetition intensifies the command, demanding a thorough, painstaking, and exhaustive investigation, leaving no stone unturned. It implies a deep, persistent, and careful search for facts, not a superficial inquiry. This legal standard underscores the gravity of the accusation and the immense value placed on truth and justice in Israelite jurisprudence.
* **Abomination (Hebrew, _to'evah'_):** This term (תועבה) refers to something detestable, abhorrent, or morally repugnant, particularly in the sight of God. It is frequently used in the Old Testament to describe practices that are utterly contrary to God's holy character and commands, especially idolatry, pagan rituals (e.g., child sacrifice, cultic prostitution), and certain sexual sins. In [Deuteronomy](/deuteronomy "The Book of Deuteronomy"), *to'evah* often signifies practices that defile the land and break the covenant, necessitating their removal to maintain the nation's purity and avoid divine judgment. Its use here highlights the severe theological and social consequences of idolatry.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And it be told thee, and thou hast heard [of it]":** This opening clause indicates the initial stage of a judicial process: a report or accusation of a serious offense has reached the appropriate authorities (elders, judges). It implies that the community, or specific individuals within it, are aware of a potential transgression, setting in motion the need for official inquiry.
* **"and enquired diligently":** This is the pivotal command of the verse. It mandates a rigorous, exhaustive investigation into the report. It is not enough to simply hear an accusation; the authorities are obligated to actively and meticulously seek out the truth, examining all available evidence and testimonies. This phrase establishes a high standard of proof and due process, protecting against hasty judgments and false accusations.
* **"and, behold, [it be] true, [and] the thing certain":** This clause specifies the desired outcome and prerequisite for action: the investigation must unequivocally establish the truth and certainty of the accusation. "Behold, it be true" emphasizes the discovery and affirmation of factual accuracy, while "the thing certain" (literally, "the word is established") speaks to the undeniable, incontrovertible nature of the evidence. Only when the facts are beyond doubt is further action permissible.
* **"that such abomination is wrought in Israel":** This final clause identifies the nature of the proven offense. The "abomination" refers specifically to idolatry, as established in the preceding verses [Deuteronomy 17:2-3](/deuteronomy/17-2 "Deuteronomy 17:2-3 - Idolatry as an Abomination"). The phrase "wrought in Israel" underscores the communal impact and defiling nature of such a sin, necessitating its removal to maintain the nation's covenant fidelity and purity before God.

#### Literary Devices
Deuteronomy 17:4 employs several literary devices to emphasize its critical message. The most prominent is **Repetition**, particularly in the Hebrew phrase "enquired diligently" (*darash darash*), which uses the infinitive absolute to intensify the verb, underscoring the absolute necessity and thoroughness of the investigation. This **Emphasis** through repetition highlights the non-negotiable nature of due process. The verse also utilizes **Legal Formulary Language**, characteristic of covenant law, with its conditional structure ("And it be told thee... and... and... and, behold, it be true...") outlining the procedural steps. The term "abomination" functions as a powerful **Loaded Term** or **Theological Keyword**, immediately signaling the gravity of the sin of idolatry and its detestable nature in God's eyes, evoking strong negative connotations and the need for decisive action. The overall tone is one of **Solemnity** and **Authority**, reflecting the divine origin of these laws and their critical importance for the well-being of the covenant community.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Deuteronomy 17:4 stands as a testament to God's character as a God of truth and justice, demanding that His people reflect these attributes in their communal life. It establishes a profound theological principle: divine judgment, though severe, is never arbitrary or hasty. Instead, it is predicated on meticulous investigation and undeniable truth. This verse reveals God's concern for both the purity of His covenant people and the protection of the innocent, ensuring that even capital punishment is executed only after rigorous due process. It underscores that true righteousness in a community is built upon a foundation of verifiable facts and unwavering commitment to discerning truth from falsehood, thereby maintaining the integrity of the nation's relationship with a holy God.

* [Exodus 23:7](/exodus/23-7 "Exodus 23:7 - Do Not Condemn the Innocent")
* [Proverbs 18:17](/proverbs/18-17 "Proverbs 18:17 - The First to Plead His Case Seems Right")
* [Matthew 18:16](/matthew/18-16 "Matthew 18:16 - Requirement of Two or Three Witnesses")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The principles embedded in Deuteronomy 17:4 transcend the ancient Israelite judicial system, offering timeless wisdom for personal and communal life in any age. In a world often characterized by the rapid spread of unverified information, rumor, and hasty judgments, this verse serves as a profound call to intellectual and spiritual discipline. It compels us to cultivate a posture of diligent inquiry, demanding that we "enquire diligently" before forming opinions, spreading information, or making decisions that impact others. This applies not only to formal legal settings but also to our daily interactions, social media engagement, and even our internal thought processes. It challenges us to resist the temptation of confirmation bias and to genuinely seek truth, even when it is inconvenient or challenging to find. Furthermore, it reminds us of the immense value God places on justice and the protection of the innocent, urging us to advocate for fair processes and to be slow to condemn, ensuring that our judgments are rooted in verified facts and not mere speculation or prejudice.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the command to "enquire diligently" challenge our modern tendencies to spread information without verification, especially in the age of social media?**
* **In what areas of your life (e.g., relationships, work, ministry) might you need to apply a more "diligent inquiry" before drawing conclusions or taking action?**
* **What is the spiritual significance of pursuing truth and certainty in our interactions, reflecting God's character?**
* **How can communities of faith embody the principles of due process and careful investigation when addressing serious accusations among their members?**

### FAQ
**Why is "diligent inquiry" so heavily emphasized for a capital offense like idolatry?**

Answer: The emphasis on "diligent inquiry" (Hebrew: *darash darash*) for capital offenses, especially idolatry, underscores several critical principles. First, it reflects God's profound commitment to justice and the sanctity of human life. Capital punishment, being irreversible, demanded the highest standard of proof to prevent the execution of an innocent person. Second, idolatry was considered an act of treason against Yahweh, the divine King of Israel, and a direct violation of the covenant. Such a severe breach, which could bring divine judgment upon the entire nation, required absolute certainty before action was taken to "purge the evil" from Israel [Deuteronomy 13:5](/deuteronomy/13-5 "Deuteronomy 13:5 - Purging Evil from Israel"). Third, it established a legal precedent for due process, ensuring that judicial decisions were based on verifiable truth rather than rumor, personal bias, or mob mentality, thereby upholding the integrity of Israel's unique legal system and its reflection of God's righteous character.

**How does this verse relate to the requirement of multiple witnesses in Israelite law?**

Answer: Deuteronomy 17:4, with its emphasis on diligent inquiry and certainty, lays the foundational investigative groundwork that directly precedes and complements the requirement of multiple witnesses. While [Deuteronomy 17:4](/deuteronomy/17-4 "Deuteronomy 17:4 - Requirement for Diligent Inquiry") mandates a thorough investigation to establish the *truth* of the matter, [Deuteronomy 17:6](/deuteronomy/17-6 "Deuteronomy 17:6 - Requirement of Two or Three Witnesses") specifies *how* that truth is to be legally established in capital cases: "On the evidence of two or three witnesses a person is to be put to death, but no one is to be put to death on the evidence of only one witness." The diligent inquiry would gather all available evidence, including initial reports and testimonies, and then the requirement for multiple witnesses would serve as the final, legal verification of the "certainty" established by that inquiry. Both provisions worked in tandem to safeguard against false accusations and ensure righteous judgment in the most serious of cases.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Deuteronomy 17:4, with its rigorous demand for diligent inquiry and the establishment of certain truth before judgment, finds its ultimate and paradoxical fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. While the Old Testament law meticulously sought to prove guilt to execute justice, Christ's coming reveals a divine "inquiry" that exposes the universal "abomination" of sin, not to condemn the righteous, but to offer redemption to the guilty. The "abomination wrought in Israel" (idolatry) foreshadows humanity's pervasive rebellion against God, a truth that the Holy Spirit "will convict the world concerning sin and righteousness and judgment" [John 16:8](/john/16-8 "John 16:8 - The Work of the Holy Spirit"). Yet, Christ, the ultimate innocent Lamb, was subjected to a human "inquiry" that was anything but diligent or certain, culminating in His unjust condemnation [Matthew 27:24](/matthew/27-24 "Matthew 27:24 - Pilate Washes His Hands"). In His perfect life, Christ fulfilled the law's demand for righteousness, and in His substitutionary death, He bore the judgment for the "abomination" of our sin, establishing a "certain truth" of salvation for all who believe [Romans 3:21-26](/romans/3-21 "Romans 3:21-26 - Righteousness Through Faith"). Thus, the meticulous pursuit of truth in Deuteronomy points to the divine truth of the Gospel: that God, in His perfect justice and mercy, has provided the means to purge the ultimate "abomination" of sin through the sacrifice of His Son, allowing us to be declared righteous not by our own diligent inquiry, but by faith in the One who was diligently inquired against and found innocent, yet bore our guilt [2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ Became Sin for Us").

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 19:18

And the judges shall make diligent inquisition: and, behold, [if] the witness [be] a false witness, [and] hath testified falsely against his brother;

John 7:51

Doth our law judge [any] man, before it hear him, and know what he doeth?

Deuteronomy 13:12

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

Deuteronomy 13:14

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;

Proverbs 25:2

¶ [It is] the glory of God to conceal a thing: but the honour of kings [is] to search out a matter.