King James Version

What Does Deuteronomy 13:15 Mean?

Deuteronomy 13:15 in the King James Version says “Thou shalt surely smite the inhabitants of that city with the edge of the sword, destroying it utterly, and all that is ...” — study this verse from Deuteronomy chapter 13 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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.”

Deuteronomy 13:15 · KJV

Context

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Certain men, the children of Belial, are gone out from among you, and have withdrawn the inhabitants of their city, saying, Let us go and serve other gods, which ye have not known; the children: or, naughty men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

17

And there shall cleave nought of the cursed thing to thine hand: that the LORD may turn from the fierceness of his anger, and shew thee mercy, and have compassion upon thee, and multiply thee, as he hath sworn unto thy fathers; cursed: or, devoted

Read Deuteronomy 13 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The judgment: '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.' This is cherem (חֵרֶם, devoted to destruction)—complete annihilation reserved for Canaanite cities. The phrase 'destroying it utterly' (הַחֲרֵם תַּחֲרִים, hacharem tacharim, intensive absolute + verb) means total consecration to God through destruction—no survivors, no spoil. Even livestock dies. This equals treating apostate Israelite city as Canaanite enemy, showing apostasy forfeits covenant protection. The severity demonstrates idolatry's gravity and corruption's contagious nature. Radical surgery prevents gangrene's spread.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Jericho received cherem judgment (Joshua 6:17-21). Achan's violation brought divine discipline (Joshua 7). This total destruction never applied to apostate Israelite cities in recorded history, possibly because wholesale civic apostasy didn't occur (or wasn't prosecuted). Theocratic law operated differently than modern civil law—covenant community under direct divine rule enforced God's exclusive worship. Church age lacks civil authority for such judgment, but Revelation 2-3 shows Christ judges apostate churches, 'removing lampstands' and bringing spiritual death.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does treating apostate covenant people as pagan enemies illuminate New Testament warnings about falling away?
  2. What does total destruction teach about sin's contagious nature requiring radical removal?
  3. How should churches respond when entire congregations abandon core biblical doctrines?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 18 words
תַכֶּ֗ה1 of 18

“Thou shalt surely”

H5221

to strike (lightly or severely, literally or figuratively)

תַכֶּ֗ה2 of 18

“Thou shalt surely”

H5221

to strike (lightly or severely, literally or figuratively)

אֶת3 of 18
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

יֹֽשְׁבֵ֛י4 of 18

“the inhabitants”

H3427

properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry

הָעִ֥יר5 of 18

“of that city”

H5892

a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)

הַהִ֖וא6 of 18
H1931

he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo

לְפִי7 of 18

“thereof with the edge”

H6310

the mouth (as the means of blowing), whether literal or figurative (particularly speech); specifically edge, portion or side; adverbially (with prepos

חָֽרֶב׃8 of 18

“of the sword”

H2719

drought; also a cutting instrument (from its destructive effect), as a knife, sword, or other sharp implement

הַֽחֲרֵ֨ם9 of 18

“destroying it utterly”

H2763

to seclude; specifically (by a ban) to devote to religious uses (especially destruction); physical and reflexive, to be blunt as to the nose

אֹתָ֧הּ10 of 18
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

וְאֶת11 of 18
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

כָּל12 of 18
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

אֲשֶׁר13 of 18
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

בָּ֛הּ14 of 18
H0
וְאֶת15 of 18
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

בְּהֶמְתָּ֖הּ16 of 18

“and all that is therein and the cattle”

H929

properly, a dumb beast; especially any large quadruped or animal (often collective)

לְפִי17 of 18

“thereof with the edge”

H6310

the mouth (as the means of blowing), whether literal or figurative (particularly speech); specifically edge, portion or side; adverbially (with prepos

חָֽרֶב׃18 of 18

“of the sword”

H2719

drought; also a cutting instrument (from its destructive effect), as a knife, sword, or other sharp implement

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 13:15 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 13:15 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Exodus 22:20Deuteronomy 7:2Leviticus 27:28Deuteronomy 7:16Joshua 6:17-21Joshua 6:24

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