Deuteronomy 13:14

Authorized King James Version

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;

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

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Deuteronomy. The concept of truth reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The literary structure and word choice here contribute to biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness, advancing the author's theological argument. The original language emphasizes careful word choice that would have carried specific theological weight for the original audience, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

Historical Context

This passage must be understood within the political and social structures of the biblical period. The author writes to address believers seeking to understand God's will and purposes, making the emphasis on salvation particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection

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