Deuteronomy Chapter 13 · Verse 14

Authorized King James Version

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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;

Original Language Analysis

וְדָֽרַשְׁתָּ֧ Then shalt thou enquire H1875
וְדָֽרַשְׁתָּ֧ Then shalt thou enquire
Strong's: H1875
Word #: 1 of 12
properly, to tread or frequent; usually to follow (for pursuit or search); by implication, to seek or ask; specifically to worship
וְחָֽקַרְתָּ֛ and make search H2713
וְחָֽקַרְתָּ֛ and make search
Strong's: H2713
Word #: 2 of 12
properly, to penetrate; hence, to examine intimately
וְשָֽׁאַלְתָּ֖ and ask H7592
וְשָֽׁאַלְתָּ֖ and ask
Strong's: H7592
Word #: 3 of 12
to inquire; by implication, to request; by extension, to demand
הֵיטֵ֑ב diligently H3190
הֵיטֵ֑ב diligently
Strong's: H3190
Word #: 4 of 12
to be (causative) make well, literally (sound, beautiful) or figuratively (happy, successful, right)
וְהִנֵּ֤ה H2009
וְהִנֵּ֤ה
Strong's: H2009
Word #: 5 of 12
lo!
אֱמֶת֙ and behold if it be truth H571
אֱמֶת֙ and behold if it be truth
Strong's: H571
Word #: 6 of 12
stability; (figuratively) certainty, truth, trustworthiness
נָכ֣וֹן certain H3559
נָכ֣וֹן certain
Strong's: H3559
Word #: 7 of 12
properly, to be erect (i.e., stand perpendicular); hence (causatively) to set up, in a great variety of applications, whether literal (establish, fix,
הַדָּבָ֔ר and the thing H1697
הַדָּבָ֔ר and the thing
Strong's: H1697
Word #: 8 of 12
a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause
נֶֽעֶשְׂתָ֛ה is wrought H6213
נֶֽעֶשְׂתָ֛ה is wrought
Strong's: H6213
Word #: 9 of 12
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
הַתּֽוֹעֵבָ֥ה abomination H8441
הַתּֽוֹעֵבָ֥ה abomination
Strong's: H8441
Word #: 10 of 12
properly, something disgusting (morally), i.e., (as noun) an abhorrence; especially idolatry or (concretely) an idol
הַזֹּ֖את that such H2063
הַזֹּ֖את that such
Strong's: H2063
Word #: 11 of 12
this (often used adverb)
בְּקִרְבֶּֽךָ׃ among H7130
בְּקִרְבֶּֽךָ׃ among
Strong's: H7130
Word #: 12 of 12
properly, the nearest part, i.e., the center, whether literal, figurative or adverbial (especially with preposition)

Analysis & 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.

Historical 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.

Questions for Reflection