King James Version

What Does Deuteronomy 13:10 Mean?

Deuteronomy 13:10 in the King James Version says “And thou shalt stone him with stones, that he die; because he hath sought to thrust thee away from the LORD thy God, whi...” — study this verse from Deuteronomy chapter 13 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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. bondage: Heb. bondmen”

Deuteronomy 13:10 · KJV

Context

8

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:

9

But thou shalt surely kill him; thine hand shall be first upon him to put him to death, and afterwards the hand of all the people.

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. bondage: Heb. bondmen

11

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

12

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

Read Deuteronomy 13 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The execution method: '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.' Stoning was community execution, requiring multiple participants. The crime: 'sought to thrust thee away' (nadach, נָדַח, drive away, seduce) from Yahweh. This active seduction, not mere personal apostasy, merits death. The reminder of redemption—'brought thee out of Egypt, from the house of bondage'—emphasizes ingratitude's enormity. God delivered you from slavery; leading you back to spiritual slavery (idolatry) is ultimate betrayal. Covenant faithfulness demands capital response to covenant violation.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Stoning executed many Old Testament judgments: blasphemy (Leviticus 24:14-16), Sabbath-breaking (Numbers 15:32-36), adultery (Deuteronomy 22:21-24), idolatry (Deuteronomy 17:2-7). The method ensured community participation and made death certain. Stephen's martyrdom by stoning (Acts 7:58-60) ironically fulfilled this law illegally—mob violence, not proper trial. Jesus prevented an adulteress's stoning (John 8:3-11), not abolishing law but exposing accusers' hypocrisy and offering grace. His sacrifice satisfies law's demands, enabling mercy for repentant sinners.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does remembering God's redemption (salvation from sin) motivate faithfulness and expose apostasy's ingratitude?
  2. What does it mean that Christ was 'stoned' (crucified) bearing the penalty for our spiritual adultery (idolatry)?
  3. How should gratitude for salvation affect our resolve against compromise with false teaching?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 14 words
וּסְקַלְתּ֥וֹ1 of 14

“And thou shalt stone”

H5619

properly, to be weighty; but used only in the sense of lapidation or its contrary (as if a delapidation)

בָֽאֲבָנִ֖ים2 of 14

“him with stones”

H68

a stone

וָמֵ֑ת3 of 14

“that he die”

H4191

to die (literally or figuratively); causatively, to kill

כִּ֣י4 of 14
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

בִקֵּ֗שׁ5 of 14

“because he hath sought”

H1245

to search out (by any method, specifically in worship or prayer); by implication, to strive after

לְהַדִּֽיחֲךָ֙6 of 14

“to thrust thee away”

H5080

to push off; used in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively (to expel, mislead, strike, inflict, etc.)

מֵעַל֙7 of 14
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

יְהוָ֣ה8 of 14

“from the LORD”

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

אֱלֹהֶ֔יךָ9 of 14

“thy God”

H430

gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of

הַמּוֹצִֽיאֲךָ֛10 of 14

“which brought thee out”

H3318

to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim

מֵאֶ֥רֶץ11 of 14

“of the land”

H776

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

מִצְרַ֖יִם12 of 14

“of Egypt”

H4714

mitsrajim, i.e., upper and lower egypt

מִבֵּ֥ית13 of 14

“from the house”

H1004

a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)

עֲבָדִֽים׃14 of 14

“of bondage”

H5650

a servant

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Deuteronomy. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Deuteronomy 13:10 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Deuteronomy 13:10 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Joshua 7:25Leviticus 24:23Leviticus 20:2Deuteronomy 21:212 Chronicles 24:21Numbers 15:35-36

Places in This Verse

EgyptRegion · Modern: Ain Shams · 30.13°N, 31.31°E658 verses across 33 books
View all places in Deuteronomy 13 →

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