Deuteronomy 17:4
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:
Original Language Analysis
וְהֻֽגַּד
And it be told
H5046
וְהֻֽגַּד
And it be told
Strong's:
H5046
Word #:
1 of 13
properly, to front, i.e., stand boldly out opposite; by implication (causatively), to manifest; figuratively, to announce (always by word of mouth to
וְשָׁמָ֑עְתָּ
thee and thou hast heard
H8085
וְשָׁמָ֑עְתָּ
thee and thou hast heard
Strong's:
H8085
Word #:
3 of 13
to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)
וְדָֽרַשְׁתָּ֣
of it and enquired
H1875
וְדָֽרַשְׁתָּ֣
of it and enquired
Strong's:
H1875
Word #:
4 of 13
properly, to tread or frequent; usually to follow (for pursuit or search); by implication, to seek or ask; specifically to worship
הֵיטֵ֔ב
diligently
H3190
הֵיטֵ֔ב
diligently
Strong's:
H3190
Word #:
5 of 13
to be (causative) make well, literally (sound, beautiful) or figuratively (happy, successful, right)
אֱמֶת֙
and behold it be true
H571
אֱמֶת֙
and behold it be true
Strong's:
H571
Word #:
7 of 13
stability; (figuratively) certainty, truth, trustworthiness
נָכ֣וֹן
certain
H3559
נָכ֣וֹן
certain
Strong's:
H3559
Word #:
8 of 13
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 #:
9 of 13
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 #:
10 of 13
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
Historical 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.
Questions for Reflection
- How does this passage challenge 'trial by social media' or rushing to judgment based on accusations alone?
- What does 'enquire diligently' require before confronting sin in the church (Matthew 18:15-17)?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & 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.'