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Deuteronomy 17:4

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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:

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}:

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;

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,

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

Context of Deuteronomy 17:4

Deuteronomy 17:4 is part of a series of laws given to ancient Israel concerning judicial processes and the maintenance of purity within the nation, specifically addressing the grave sin of idolatry. This section (Deuteronomy 17:2-7) outlines the procedure for dealing with individuals accused of worshipping other gods, a direct violation of the first commandment and the covenant with Yahweh. The verse emphasizes the critical need for meticulous investigation before any judgment or action is taken against an accused person.

Meaning and Key Themes

Deuteronomy 17:4 highlights the foundational principles of justice and truth in Israelite law. It describes the necessary steps when a report of a serious spiritual offense, such as idolatry, surfaces within the community:

  • Hearing the Report: The verse begins with "And it be told thee, and thou hast heard [of it]," indicating that a report of wrongdoing has reached the authorities or the community elders.
  • Diligent Inquiry: The phrase "and enquired diligently" is crucial. In Hebrew, this is a doubled verb, *darash darash* (דרש דרש), emphasizing the absolute necessity of a thorough, painstaking, and exhaustive investigation. It means to search, seek, or inquire with utmost care and persistence. This was not a casual hearing but a deep dive into the facts.
  • Verification of Truth: The goal of this diligent inquiry is to establish certainty: "and, behold, [it be] true, [and] the thing certain." Only when the facts are undeniable and fully verified can the accusation be acted upon. This commitment to truth was paramount to prevent false accusations and ensure righteous judgment.
  • The Nature of the Offense: The verse specifies "such abomination is wrought in Israel." The term "abomination" (*to'evah*) often refers to practices detestable to God, particularly idolatry and associated pagan rituals. Such acts were seen as defiling the land and breaking the covenant, necessitating strict measures to purge the evil from the community (Deuteronomy 13:5).

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew term for "enquired diligently" (דרש דרש - *darash darash*) signifies a deep and exhaustive investigation, leaving no stone unturned. It underscores the high standard of proof required in capital cases. The word "abomination" (תועבה - *to'evah*) is used throughout the Old Testament to describe actions or practices that are morally repugnant and utterly contrary to God's holy character and commands, especially in the context of idolatry and pagan practices.

Practical Application and Reflection

The principles embedded in Deuteronomy 17:4 remain highly relevant today, transcending the specific context of ancient Israelite law:

  • Importance of Due Process: This verse underscores the timeless principle of due process and the right to a fair hearing. It teaches that serious accusations, especially those with severe consequences, must never be acted upon lightly or based on mere rumor.
  • Pursuit of Truth: It calls for a relentless pursuit of truth and certainty before making judgments or taking action. In a world often characterized by misinformation and hasty conclusions, the command to "enquire diligently" is a powerful reminder to verify facts.
  • Spiritual Vigilance: While the specific "abomination" was idolatry, the principle extends to any significant spiritual or moral compromise within a community or individual's life. It encourages vigilance against spiritual impurity and the need to address it firmly once verified.
  • Personal Responsibility: Before we spread rumors or judge others, this verse reminds us of the ethical imperative to thoroughly investigate and confirm the truth of a matter. This aligns with later biblical teachings on exercising caution and love in our interactions (Proverbs 18:13).

This verse lays the groundwork for a just society, emphasizing that truth and diligent inquiry are non-negotiable foundations for righteous judgment, a concept further reinforced by the requirement of multiple witnesses for capital cases.

Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash (May 20, 2025) using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Deuteronomy 19:18 (3 votes)

    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 (3 votes)

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

  • Deuteronomy 13:12 (3 votes)

    ¶ 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 (3 votes)

    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 (2 votes)

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