Deuteronomy 21:21

KJV

And all the men of his city shall stone him with stones, that he die: so shalt thou put evil away from among you; and all Israel shall hear, and fear.

KJV (with Strong's)

And all the men {H582} of his city {H5892} shall stone {H7275} him with stones {H68}, that he die {H4191}: so shalt thou put {H1197} evil {H7451} away {H1197} from among {H7130} you; and all Israel {H3478} shall hear {H8085}, and fear {H3372}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Then all the men of his town are to stone him to death; in this way you will put an end to such wickedness among you, and all Isra'el will hear about it and be afraid.

Berean Standard Bible

Then all the men of his city will stone him to death. So you must purge the evil from among you, and all Israel will hear and be afraid.

American Standard Version

And all the men of his city shall stone him to death with stones: so shalt thou put away the evil from the midst of thee; and all Israel shall hear, and fear.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Deuteronomy 21:21 presents a severe legal provision for a "stubborn and rebellious son," mandating his communal execution by stoning. This drastic measure was not merely punitive but served as a critical act of communal purification, designed to eradicate deep-seated evil from the Israelite community. Its primary objective was to uphold the sanctity of parental and divine authority, ensuring that "all Israel shall hear, and fear," thereby preserving the moral integrity and covenant faithfulness essential for a people set apart by God.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Deuteronomy 21:21 concludes a unique and stringent legal case concerning a "stubborn and rebellious son," detailed in [Deuteronomy 21:18-20](/deuteronomy/21-18-20 "Deuteronomy 21:18-20 - The Law of the Rebellious Son"). This specific law is embedded within a larger corpus of Deuteronomic legislation (chapters 12-26), which outlines various civil, criminal, and cultic statutes intended to govern Israel's life in the Promised Land. The preceding verses paint a picture of a son who is not merely disobedient but persistently defiant, characterized by gluttony and drunkenness, and who utterly disregards the authority of both his father and mother. The parents, having exhausted all disciplinary avenues, are instructed to present their son to the elders at the city gate for public judgment. The extreme severity of the punishment in verse 21 underscores the profound gravity of unrepentant rebellion against foundational societal structures, particularly the family unit, which was considered the bedrock of the covenant community. This law, like many others in Deuteronomy, emphasizes the corporate responsibility of Israel to maintain holiness, justice, and order within its midst.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israel, the family served as the fundamental unit of society, and parental authority was deeply revered, divinely sanctioned, and intrinsically linked to the [Fifth Commandment to honor one's parents](/exodus/20-12 "Exodus 20:12 - Honor Your Father and Mother"). A son's persistent and defiant rebellion, especially one marked by self-indulgence and public disgrace, was not perceived as a private family issue but as a direct affront to the established moral and social order. Such behavior was viewed as a dangerous threat to the community's covenant relationship with God, capable of introducing corruption and defilement that could potentially incur divine judgment upon the entire nation. The city gate functioned as the primary public forum for legal proceedings, where the elders, acting as judicial authorities, administered justice. Stoning was a common and highly symbolic method of capital punishment for offenses deemed to be against the community or God, signifying a communal act of purging evil and restoring purity. The public nature of the execution was crucial for its deterrent effect, serving as a powerful warning to others, reinforcing societal norms and divine expectations.
* **Key Themes:** The law concerning the rebellious son and its prescribed punishment in [Deuteronomy 21:21](/deuteronomy/21-21 "Deuteronomy 21:21 - Punishment for the Rebellious Son") contributes significantly to several overarching themes pervasive throughout Deuteronomy. Firstly, **Communal Purity and Justice** is paramount; the recurring phrase "so shalt thou put evil away from among you" (also found in [Deuteronomy 13:5](/deuteronomy/13-5 "Deuteronomy 13:5 - Purging Evil from the Community") and [Deuteronomy 17:7](/deuteronomy/17-7 "Deuteronomy 17:7 - Removing Evil from Israel") among others) highlights the absolute necessity of maintaining the moral and spiritual integrity of the Israelite community. This act was seen as purging wickedness that, if left unchecked, could corrupt the entire nation and jeopardize its covenant standing before a holy God. Secondly, **Deterrence and Social Order** are central; the explicit statement "and all Israel shall hear, and fear" underscores the didactic and preventative purpose of public justice. The severe penalty served as a powerful deterrent, instilling a healthy fear and profound respect for God's laws and the serious consequences of rebellion. It reinforced the importance of order and obedience within the family and the broader society, ensuring stability and adherence to the covenant. Thirdly, the **Severity of Sin** is profoundly emphasized; the extreme penalty for persistent rebellion against parental and divine authority reveals the profound gravity of such defiance in God's eyes. Such behavior threatened the very fabric of the covenant community and its unique relationship with a holy God.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Stone (Hebrew, _râgam'_):** This primitive root denotes the act of pelting with stones, a common and highly symbolic method of capital punishment in ancient Israel. It was reserved for offenses considered particularly egregious, defiling, or directly against God's covenant, such as blasphemy, idolatry, or severe moral infractions. The use of stoning was significant because it was a communal act, involving "all the men of his city," emphasizing that the offense was not merely against the parents but against the entire community and, ultimately, against God's established covenant order. It represented a collective purging of defilement and a corporate affirmation of divine justice.
* **Put away (Hebrew, _bâʻar'_):** This verb signifies "to kindle," "to consume (by fire or by eating)," or "to utterly remove" or "eradicate." In the context of "put evil away," it conveys a forceful and complete removal, a purging or burning out of something undesirable. It is a recurring motif in Deuteronomy, signifying a divine imperative for holiness and purity within Israel, ensuring that the nation remains distinct and undefiled before God. The act of "putting evil away" was seen as a necessary measure to prevent the spread of corruption and to maintain the integrity of the covenant community.
* **Evil (Hebrew, _raʻ'_):** This noun encompasses a broad range of meanings, including "bad," "wicked," "calamity," "mischief," "adversity," or "moral wrong." In this verse, it refers to the moral corruption embodied by the rebellious son, whose persistent defiance and destructive behavior are deemed a source of defilement within the community. The command to "put evil away" underscores the profound threat that such wickedness posed to Israel's covenant relationship with God and its corporate well-being. It highlights God's intolerance for sin and His demand for moral purity among His people.
* **Fear (Hebrew, _yârêʼ'_):** While this root can imply terror or fright, in this theological context, _yârêʼ_ primarily conveys a profound reverence, awe, and respect for God's justice, His holiness, and the sanctity of His laws. This "fear" is not merely dread of punishment but a deep, reverential awe that is meant to lead to obedience, conformity to the covenant, and righteous living. It fosters a healthy moral environment within the community, compelling individuals to honor God and His commands, thereby safeguarding the nation's covenant faithfulness.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And all the men of his city shall stone him with stones, that he die":** This clause precisely details the agents of execution ("all the men of his city"), the method ("stone him with stones"), and the absolute finality of the outcome ("that he die"). The involvement of "all the men" underscores the communal nature of justice in Israel. This was not a private family matter or a decision left to a few officials; it was a public act of corporate responsibility, demonstrating that the community as a whole was committed to upholding God's law and removing the profound threat posed by such persistent rebellion. The finality of death highlights the extreme gravity of the offense.
* **"so shalt thou put evil away from among you":** This is the explicit theological rationale for the severe punishment. The "thou" here refers to the collective Israel. The act of stoning the rebellious son is presented as a necessary step to "put evil away," to purge moral and spiritual defilement from the midst of the covenant community. This reflects the pervasive Deuteronomic emphasis on Israel's corporate holiness and the belief that unpunished sin could bring defilement and divine judgment upon the entire nation. It is an act of communal purification, essential for maintaining Israel's distinct identity and its unique relationship with a holy God.
* **"and all Israel shall hear, and fear":** This final clause articulates the didactic and deterrent purpose of the execution. The public nature of the judgment ensures that the news will spread throughout "all Israel." The intended response is "fear"—not just terror of punishment, but a reverential awe for God's justice and the seriousness of His commands. This fear is meant to motivate obedience and prevent similar acts of rebellion, thereby safeguarding the moral fabric and covenant faithfulness of the nation. It highlights the educational function of public justice in ancient Israel, designed to instill a deep respect for divine law.

#### Literary Devices
Deuteronomy 21:21 employs several impactful literary devices that amplify its message and underscore its significance. The most prominent is **Legal Language**, characteristic of the Deuteronomic code, which provides clear, prescriptive instructions for judicial action. This precise, declarative style emphasizes the divine authority behind the law and its non-negotiable nature, leaving no room for ambiguity regarding the required response. There is also an element of **Hyperbole** or **Exaggeration for Emphasis** in the perceived severity of the punishment for what might seem, to a modern reader, like mere juvenile delinquency. However, this hyperbole serves to underscore the profound threat that persistent, defiant rebellion against parental and divine authority posed to the very foundations of the covenant community. The phrase "put evil away from among you" functions as a powerful **Metaphor** for spiritual cleansing and purification, equating the physical removal of the rebellious individual with the eradication of moral and spiritual corruption from the collective body of Israel. Finally, the verse employs explicit **Didacticism**, stating the intended outcome ("all Israel shall hear, and fear"), revealing the law's purpose as a teaching tool designed to instill reverence for God's justice and promote widespread obedience and holiness.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Deuteronomy 21:21, while rooted in a specific ancient legal context, powerfully underscores enduring theological truths about God's character, the pervasive nature of sin, and the absolute necessity of holiness within His people. It reveals a God who is utterly righteous, just, and holy, and who demands purity from His covenant community, viewing unrepentant and defiant rebellion as a grave threat to that sacred relationship. The principle of "putting evil away" reflects God's intolerance for sin and His fervent desire for His people to be distinct, undefiled, and wholly consecrated to Him. This communal act of judgment highlights the corporate responsibility of Israel for its moral health and the serious consequences of allowing sin to fester unaddressed. While the specific judicial practice is tied to the Old Covenant and its unique societal structure, the underlying principles of divine justice, the gravity of rebellion against God-ordained authority, and the call to communal holiness and purity remain profoundly relevant for believers today, albeit applied through New Covenant lenses.

* [Deuteronomy 13:5](/deuteronomy/13-5 "Deuteronomy 13:5 - Purging Evil from the Community")
* [1 Corinthians 5:7](/1_corinthians/5-7 "1 Corinthians 5:7 - Purge the Old Leaven")
* [Romans 13:1](/romans/13-1 "Romans 13:1 - Submission to Governing Authorities")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While the specific judicial practice of stoning a rebellious son is part of the Old Covenant law and is not directly applied in contemporary society, the underlying principles of Deuteronomy 21:21 remain profoundly significant for believers. This passage serves as a stark reminder that God takes rebellion against authority, particularly moral and spiritual authority, with utmost seriousness. It compels us to reflect on the deep spiritual roots of disobedience and the profound impact of individual sin on the wider community. For us, "putting evil away" involves a commitment to personal holiness, resisting temptation, actively pursuing righteousness, and engaging in appropriate spiritual discipline within the church community, recognizing that unaddressed sin can grieve the Holy Spirit, hinder corporate witness, and damage the body of Christ. It also reinforces the importance of respecting God-ordained authorities, whether in the family, church, or state, understanding that such respect flows from our reverence for God Himself, who establishes all authority. Ultimately, this verse draws our attention to the absolute holiness of God and the depth of our own sin, pointing us to our desperate need for a Savior who can truly purge evil from our hearts and grant us new life and the power to obey.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does this passage challenge our modern understanding of sin and its consequences, particularly within a community context?**
* **In what ways can we, as individuals and as a church community, "put evil away from among us" in a New Covenant context, reflecting God's call to holiness?**
* **What does "fear" mean in a Christian context, and how does this reverential awe lead to obedience and deeper worship of God today?**
* **How does this ancient law highlight the enduring importance of parental authority and the family unit in God's design for society?**

### FAQ
**Why was the punishment for a "stubborn and rebellious son" so extreme in ancient Israel?**

Answer: The severity of the punishment for the "stubborn and rebellious son" (Deuteronomy 21:18-21) must be understood within the unique historical, cultural, and theological context of ancient Israel. Firstly, the family was the foundational unit of Israelite society, and parental authority was divinely ordained and absolutely critical for maintaining social order and transmitting covenant values. Persistent, defiant rebellion against parents was seen not merely as a private domestic issue but as a direct assault on the very fabric of the community and, ultimately, on God's established order. Secondly, the son described was not just disobedient but a "glutton and a drunkard," indicating a pattern of destructive, self-indulgent behavior that threatened to corrupt the community's moral and spiritual purity. In a covenant nation, unpunished sin was believed to bring corporate defilement and divine judgment upon the entire people. Therefore, the public execution, carried out by the community, was a communal act of "putting evil away" to purge the defilement and restore purity. It also served as a powerful deterrent, ensuring "all Israel shall hear, and fear," thereby reinforcing the sanctity of God's laws and the importance of covenant obedience. It was less about punishing a single act of disobedience and more about eradicating a persistent, destructive pattern of rebellion that jeopardized the entire nation's relationship with God.

**Is the law of the rebellious son still applicable to believers today?**

Answer: No, the specific judicial practice of stoning a rebellious son from [Deuteronomy 21:21](/deuteronomy/21-21 "Deuteronomy 21:21 - The Rebellious Son") is part of the Old Covenant's civil and judicial law, which is not directly binding on New Covenant believers. The New Testament teaches that Christ has fulfilled the law, bringing a new covenant of grace and a new means of dealing with sin (e.g., [Romans 10:4](/romans/10-4 "Romans 10:4 - Christ is the End of the Law")). However, the underlying theological and moral principles embedded in this law remain profoundly relevant. These include the seriousness of rebellion against authority (especially parental and spiritual authority), the importance of personal and communal holiness, the destructive nature of persistent sin, and God's unwavering demand for righteousness. While the means of discipline and purification have changed from communal stoning to spiritual discipline and personal repentance, the call to "put evil away" from our lives and communities (e.g., [1 Corinthians 5:7](/1_corinthians/5-7 "1 Corinthians 5:7 - Purge the Old Leaven")) remains. Believers are called to respect authority ([Romans 13:1](/romans/13-1 "Romans 13:1 - Submission to Authorities")), pursue holiness ([Hebrews 12:14](/hebrews/12-14 "Hebrews 12:14 - Pursue Peace and Holiness")), and understand the grave consequences of unrepentant sin, which ultimately points us to the need for Christ's atoning sacrifice.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Deuteronomy 21:21, with its stark command to "put evil away from among you" through the death of the rebellious son, finds its ultimate and profound Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and redemptive work of Jesus Christ. The law highlights God's absolute holiness and His unwavering demand for purity, demonstrating that sin, particularly persistent rebellion against divine and parental authority, cannot coexist within His covenant community without severe consequences. Humanity, by nature, is the truly "stubborn and rebellious son," constantly defying God's authority and bringing defilement into the world. Yet, instead of humanity being justly condemned and "stoned" for its rebellion, God, in His infinite love and justice, sent His own Son, Jesus Christ. Jesus perfectly honored His Father in every way and never rebelled ([John 8:29](/john/8-29 "John 8:29 - Jesus Always Does What Pleases the Father")). It was Jesus, the innocent Lamb of God, who bore the curse of our rebellion and was "stoned" in a spiritual and physical sense, suffering the full weight of God's righteous judgment for sin on the cross ([Galatians 3:13](/galatians/3-13 "Galatians 3:13 - Christ Redeemed Us from the Curse of the Law")). Through His sacrificial death, Christ truly "put evil away" – not just from a physical community, but from the very heart and record of those who believe in Him, cleansing them from all unrighteousness ([1 John 1:7](/1_john/1-7 "1 John 1:7 - Cleansing from Sin")). His glorious resurrection demonstrates that the penalty for sin has been fully paid, allowing us to approach a holy God not in fear of judgment, but with reverent awe and filial love, empowered by the Holy Spirit to live lives of true obedience and holiness under a new covenant ([Hebrews 10:19-22](/hebrews/10-19-22 "Hebrews 10:19-22 - Access to God Through Christ")). Thus, the terrifying justice of Deuteronomy 21:21 foreshadows the glorious grace by which God's righteous demand for the removal of evil is perfectly met in Christ, making a way for rebellious humanity to be reconciled, transformed, and brought into genuine fellowship with a holy God.

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 19:19

Then shall ye do unto him, as he had thought to have done unto his brother: so shalt thou put the evil away from among you.

Deuteronomy 19:20

And those which remain shall hear, and fear, and shall henceforth commit no more any such evil among you.

Leviticus 24:16

And he that blasphemeth the name of the LORD, he shall surely be put to death, [and] all the congregation shall certainly stone him: as well the stranger, as he that is born in the land, when he blasphemeth the name [of the LORD], shall be put to death.

Deuteronomy 13:5

And that prophet, or that dreamer of dreams, shall be put to death; because he hath spoken to turn [you] away from the LORD your God, which brought you out of the land of Egypt, and redeemed you out of the house of bondage, to thrust thee out of the way which the LORD thy God commanded thee to walk in. So shalt thou put the evil away from the midst of thee.

Deuteronomy 13:10

And thou shalt stone him with stones, that he die; because he hath sought to thrust thee away from the LORD thy God, which brought thee out of the land of Egypt, from the house of bondage.

Deuteronomy 13:11

And all Israel shall hear, and fear, and shall do no more any such wickedness as this is among you.

Deuteronomy 22:24

Then ye shall bring them both out unto the gate of that city, and ye shall stone them with stones that they die; the damsel, because she cried not, [being] in the city; and the man, because he hath humbled his neighbour's wife: so thou shalt put away evil from among you.