King James Version

What Does Deuteronomy 13:8 Mean?

Deuteronomy 13:8 in the King James Version says “Thou shalt not consent unto him, nor hearken unto him; neither shall thine eye pity him, neither shalt thou spare, neith...” — study this verse from Deuteronomy chapter 13 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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:”

Deuteronomy 13:8 · KJV

Context

6

If thy brother, the son of thy mother, or thy son, or thy daughter, or the wife of thy bosom, or thy friend, which is as thine own soul, entice thee secretly, saying, Let us go and serve other gods, which thou hast not known, thou, nor thy fathers;

7

Namely, of the gods of the people which are round about you, nigh unto thee, or far off from thee, from the one end of the earth even unto the other end of the earth;

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

Read Deuteronomy 13 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The command: '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.' This forbids complicity at every level: don't consent (agree), don't listen (entertain), don't pity (feel sympathy), don't spare (protect from consequences), don't conceal (hide the crime). The comprehensive prohibition prevents emotional attachment from overriding covenant duty. Even natural affection for family must not prevent reporting apostasy. This extreme demand underscores idolatry's gravity—it's spiritual treason meriting death. Love for God must exceed all human loves.

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Historical & Cultural Context

This law created radical covenant community where spiritual fidelity superseded family loyalty. New Testament parallels: Jesus said He came 'to set a man at variance against his father' (Matthew 10:34-36) when faith divides families. Early Christians faced this—parents disowned believing children, children reported Christian parents to authorities. The first commandment's exclusivity makes covenant loyalty ultimate, relativizing all other bonds. This doesn't mean hating family but prioritizing God above all.

Reflection Questions

  1. How do we love family members in practical ways while refusing to enable or conceal their sin?
  2. What is the difference between appropriate family loyalty and sinful enablement of apostasy?
  3. How does understanding that God's glory matters most help navigate conflicts between faith and family?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 15 words
לֹֽא1 of 15
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

תֹאבֶ֣ה2 of 15

“Thou shalt not consent”

H14

to breathe after, i.e., (figuratively) to be acquiescent

ל֔וֹ3 of 15
H0
וְלֹ֥א4 of 15
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

תִשְׁמַ֖ע5 of 15

“unto him nor hearken”

H8085

to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)

אֵלָ֑יו6 of 15
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

וְלֹֽא7 of 15
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

תָח֤וֹס8 of 15

“pity”

H2347

properly, to cover, i.e., (figuratively) to compassionate

עֵֽינְךָ֙9 of 15

“unto him neither shall thine eye”

H5869

an eye (literally or figuratively); by analogy, a fountain (as the eye of the landscape)

עָלָ֔יו10 of 15
H5921

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

וְלֹֽא11 of 15
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

תַחְמֹ֥ל12 of 15

“him neither shalt thou spare”

H2550

to commiserate; by implication, to spare

וְלֹֽא13 of 15
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

תְכַסֶּ֖ה14 of 15

“neither shalt thou conceal”

H3680

properly, to plump, i.e., fill up hollows; by implication, to cover (for clothing or secrecy)

עָלָֽיו׃15 of 15
H5921

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

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 13:8 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 13:8 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Deuteronomy 19:13Proverbs 1:10Deuteronomy 7:16Ezekiel 9:5-61 John 5:21Ezekiel 5:11

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