King James Version

What Does Deuteronomy 17:4 Mean?

Deuteronomy 17:4 in the King James Version says “And it be told thee, and thou hast heard of it, and enquired diligently, and, behold, it be true, and the thing certain,...” — study this verse from Deuteronomy chapter 17 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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:”

Deuteronomy 17:4 · KJV

Context

2

If there be found among you, within any of thy gates which the LORD thy God giveth thee, man or woman, that hath wrought wickedness in the sight of the LORD thy God, in transgressing his covenant,

3

And hath gone and served other gods, and worshipped them, either the sun, or moon, or any of the host of heaven, which I have not commanded;

4

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:

5

Then shalt thou bring forth that man or that woman, which have committed that wicked thing, unto thy gates, even that man or that woman, and shalt stone them with stones, till they die.

6

At the mouth of two witnesses, or three witnesses, shall he that is worthy of death be put to death; but at the mouth of one witness he shall not be put to death.

Read Deuteronomy 17 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Due process requirements: it be told thee (formal accusation), thou hast heard of it (leadership awareness), enquired diligently (דָּרַשׁ הֵיטֵב, darash hetev—'searched thoroughly'). No rushed judgment—investigation must establish facts.

Behold, it be true, and the thing certain (אֱמֶת נָכוֹן הַדָּבָר, emet nakhon hadavar)—'truth, established, the matter.' Two confirmatory terms emphasize evidentiary certainty. Such abomination is wrought in Israel—only after thorough investigation proving guilt beyond doubt. This protects against false accusations while maintaining covenant purity. Proverbs 18:17 embodies this: 'The first to state his case seems right, until another comes and examines him.'

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Ancient Near Eastern law codes (Hammurabi, Hittite) required investigation, but Israel's law uniquely emphasized thorough inquiry before capital punishment. This balanced community protection with individual justice. Later rabbinic law made capital punishment nearly impossible to carry out (requiring specific warnings, multiple witnesses to each element, etc.), showing Judaism's movement toward protecting accused.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does this passage challenge 'trial by social media' or rushing to judgment based on accusations alone?
  2. What does 'enquire diligently' require before confronting sin in the church (Matthew 18:15-17)?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 13 words
וְהֻֽגַּד1 of 13

“And it be told”

H5046

properly, to front, i.e., stand boldly out opposite; by implication (causatively), to manifest; figuratively, to announce (always by word of mouth to

לְךָ֖2 of 13
H0
וְשָׁמָ֑עְתָּ3 of 13

“thee and thou hast heard”

H8085

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

וְדָֽרַשְׁתָּ֣4 of 13

“of it and enquired”

H1875

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

הֵיטֵ֔ב5 of 13

“diligently”

H3190

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

וְהִנֵּ֤ה6 of 13
H2009

lo!

אֱמֶת֙7 of 13

“and behold it be true”

H571

stability; (figuratively) certainty, truth, trustworthiness

נָכ֣וֹן8 of 13

“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,

הַדָּבָ֔ר9 of 13

“and the thing”

H1697

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

נֶֽעֶשְׂתָ֛ה10 of 13

“is wrought”

H6213

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

הַתּֽוֹעֵבָ֥ה11 of 13

“that such abomination”

H8441

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

הַזֹּ֖את12 of 13
H2063

this (often used adverb)

בְּיִשְׂרָאֵֽל׃13 of 13

“in Israel”

H3478

he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity

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 17:4 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 17:4 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

John 7:51Deuteronomy 19:18Deuteronomy 13:12-14Proverbs 25:2

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