King James Version

What Does Deuteronomy 13:14 Mean?

Deuteronomy 13:14 in the King James Version says “Then shalt thou enquire, and make search, and ask diligently; and, behold, if it be truth, and the thing certain, that s...” — study this verse from Deuteronomy chapter 13 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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;”

Deuteronomy 13:14 · KJV

Truth

Context

12

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

13

Certain men, the children of Belial, are gone out from among you, and have withdrawn the inhabitants of their city, saying, Let us go and serve other gods, which ye have not known; the children: or, naughty men

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;

15

Thou shalt surely smite the inhabitants of that city with the edge of the sword, destroying it utterly, and all that is therein, and the cattle thereof, with the edge of the sword.

16

And thou shalt gather all the spoil of it into the midst of the street thereof, and shalt burn with fire the city, and all the spoil thereof every whit, for the LORD thy God: and it shall be an heap for ever; it shall not be built again.

Read Deuteronomy 13 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The investigation: '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.' The threefold command—'enquire' (darash, דָּרַשׁ, investigate), 'make search' (chaqar, חָקַר, examine), 'ask diligently' (sha'al heytev, שָׁאַל הֵיטֵב, inquire carefully)—demands thorough investigation before judgment. The standards: 'truth' (emet, אֱמֶת, factual accuracy) and 'certain' (nakon, נָכוֹן, established, verified). Rumor alone doesn't justify action—facts must be established. This protects against false accusations and mob justice. Due process precedes execution, showing God values justice and truth even in addressing covenant violation. The phrase 'such abomination' reiterates apostasy's heinousness.

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Historical & Cultural Context

This investigative requirement appears elsewhere: 'at the mouth of two witnesses, or three witnesses' capital cases require (Deuteronomy 17:6; 19:15). Jesus and Paul apply this to church discipline (Matthew 18:16; 2 Corinthians 13:1; 1 Timothy 5:19). Premature judgment without facts violates justice. Proverbs warns: 'He that answereth a matter before he heareth it, it is folly and shame unto him' (Proverbs 18:13). Modern cancel culture often violates this principle, condemning based on accusation without investigation. God's justice requires truth-seeking before judgment.

Reflection Questions

  1. How do we balance urgency to address sin with requirement for careful investigation of facts?
  2. What does this passage teach about presumption of innocence versus immediate condemnation based on accusation?
  3. How can churches implement fair investigative processes for serious accusations while protecting both accusers and accused?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 12 words
וְדָֽרַשְׁתָּ֧1 of 12

“Then shalt thou enquire”

H1875

properly, to tread or frequent; usually to follow (for pursuit or search); by implication, to seek or ask; specifically to worship

וְחָֽקַרְתָּ֛2 of 12

“and make search”

H2713

properly, to penetrate; hence, to examine intimately

וְשָֽׁאַלְתָּ֖3 of 12

“and ask”

H7592

to inquire; by implication, to request; by extension, to demand

הֵיטֵ֑ב4 of 12

“diligently”

H3190

to be (causative) make well, literally (sound, beautiful) or figuratively (happy, successful, right)

וְהִנֵּ֤ה5 of 12
H2009

lo!

אֱמֶת֙6 of 12

“and behold if it be truth”

H571

stability; (figuratively) certainty, truth, trustworthiness

נָכ֣וֹן7 of 12

“certain”

H3559

properly, to be erect (i.e., stand perpendicular); hence (causatively) to set up, in a great variety of applications, whether literal (establish, fix,

הַדָּבָ֔ר8 of 12

“and the thing”

H1697

a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause

נֶֽעֶשְׂתָ֛ה9 of 12

“is wrought”

H6213

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

הַתּֽוֹעֵבָ֥ה10 of 12

“abomination”

H8441

properly, something disgusting (morally), i.e., (as noun) an abhorrence; especially idolatry or (concretely) an idol

הַזֹּ֖את11 of 12

“that such”

H2063

this (often used adverb)

בְּקִרְבֶּֽךָ׃12 of 12

“among”

H7130

properly, the nearest part, i.e., the center, whether literal, figurative or adverbial (especially with preposition)

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 13:14 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 13:14 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Deuteronomy 17:41 Timothy 5:19Isaiah 11:3-4John 7:24Deuteronomy 10:18Numbers 35:30

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