Deuteronomy 13:11
And all Israel shall hear, and fear, and shall do no more any such wickedness as this is among you.
Original Language Analysis
וְכָל
H3605
וְכָל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
1 of 11
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל
And all Israel
H3478
יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל
And all Israel
Strong's:
H3478
Word #:
2 of 11
he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity
יִשְׁמְע֖וּ
shall hear
H8085
יִשְׁמְע֖וּ
shall hear
Strong's:
H8085
Word #:
3 of 11
to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)
וְיִֽרָא֑וּן
and fear
H3372
וְיִֽרָא֑וּן
and fear
Strong's:
H3372
Word #:
4 of 11
to fear; morally to revere; causatively to frighten
וְלֹֽא
H3808
וְלֹֽא
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
5 of 11
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
יוֹסִ֣פוּ
no more
H3254
יוֹסִ֣פוּ
no more
Strong's:
H3254
Word #:
6 of 11
to add or augment (often adverbial, to continue to do a thing)
לַֽעֲשׂ֗וֹת
and shall do
H6213
לַֽעֲשׂ֗וֹת
and shall do
Strong's:
H6213
Word #:
7 of 11
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
כַּדָּבָ֥ר
any
H1697
כַּדָּבָ֥ר
any
Strong's:
H1697
Word #:
8 of 11
a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause
הַזֶּ֖ה
H2088
Historical Context
This principle appears throughout Old Testament: Achan's punishment deterred covenant violation (Joshua 7:25-26); Ananias and Sapphira's deaths created holy fear (Acts 5:11); Paul instructs Timothy to rebuke sinning elders publicly 'that others also may fear' (1 Timothy 5:20). While New Testament church lacks civil authority for capital punishment, public church discipline still functions to warn others (1 Corinthians 5:6-7; 2 Thessalonians 3:14-15). Sin's contagious nature requires decisive action to prevent spread.
Questions for Reflection
- How does public confrontation of sin serve both justice and deterrence in church communities?
- What is the balance between grace toward repentant sinners and firmness toward unrepentant false teachers?
- How can healthy fear of sin's consequences coexist with confidence in God's grace?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
The purpose: 'And all Israel shall hear, and fear, and shall do no more any such wickedness as this is among you.' Public execution serves deterrent function—'all Israel shall hear' disseminates warning; 'fear' (yare, יָרֵא, reverence/dread) creates healthy dread of covenant violation; 'shall do no more any such wickedness' prevents repetition. Capital punishment isn't merely retributive but preventative—protecting community from spiritual corruption. The phrase 'such wickedness' (ra'ah, רָעָה, evil) classifies apostasy as moral evil, not merely religious error. Public judgment maintains covenant holiness and deters imitators. Fear of consequences reinforces right behavior.