Deuteronomy 13:14

Verse

then you must inquire, investigate, and interrogate thoroughly. And if it is established with certainty that this abomination has been committed among you,

American Standard Version (1901)

then shalt thou inquire, and make search, and ask diligently; and, behold, if it be truth, and the thing certain, that such abomination is wrought in the midst of thee,

Bible in Basic English

Then let a full search be made, and let questions be put with care; and if it is true and certain that such a disgusting thing has been done among you;

Douay-Rheims 1899

Inquire carefully and diligently, the truth of the thing by looking well into it, and if thou find that which is said to be certain, and that this abomination hath been really committed,

Free Bible Version

If this does happen you need to make a full investigation, inquiring about the facts and interrogating witnesses. If it's proved beyond doubt that this awful sin has actually been committed among you,

Geneva Bible 1599

Then thou shalt seeke, and make searche and enquire diligently: and if it be true, and the thing certaine, that such abomination is wrought among you,

King James (Authorized) 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;

One Unity Resource Bible

then you shall inquire, and make search, and ask diligently. Behold, if it is true, and the thing certain, that such detestable things are being done among you,

Translation for Translators

Investigate it thoroughly/carefully. If you find out that it is true that such a disgraceful thing has happened,

Unlocked Literal Bible

Then you will examine the evidence, make search, and investigate it thoroughly. When you discover that it is true and certain that such an abominable thing has been done among you, then you will take action.

Noah Webster Bible

Then shalt thou inquire, and make search, and ask diligently; and behold, if it is truth, and the thing certain, that such abomination is wrought among you;

World English Bible

then you shall inquire, investigate, and ask diligently. Behold, if it is true, and the thing certain, that such abomination was done among you,

Young's Literal Translation

and thou hast enquired, and searched, and asked diligently, and lo, truth; the thing is established; this abomination hath been done in thy midst:

Context

Idolatrous Cities to Be Destroyed

¹³that wicked men have arisen from among you and have led the people of their city astray, saying, “Let us go and serve other gods” (which you have not known),¹⁴then you must inquire, investigate, and interrogate thoroughly. And if it is established with certainty that this abomination has been committed among you, ¹⁵you must surely put the inhabitants of that city to the sword. Devote to destruction all its people and livestock.

Summary

In this verse, Moses instructs the Israelites on how to respond to individuals who entice others to follow foreign gods. The directive is to thoroughly investigate the matter, and if found true, to punish the offenders by stoning them to death. This severe consequence underscores the seriousness of idolatry and the importance of remaining faithful to the one true God. The passage serves as a reminder of the Israelites' covenant with God and the consequences of turning away from Him to worship false deities. It emphasizes the need for discernment and loyalty in matters of faith and worship.

Commentary

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
John Gill
Tyndale

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

Then shalt thou inquire--that is, the magistrate, to whom it officially belonged to make the necessary investigation. In the event of the report proving true, the most summary proceedings were to be commenced against the apostate inhabitants. The law in this chapter has been represented as stern and sanguinary, but it was in accordance with the national constitution of Israel. God being their King, idolatry was treason, and a city turned to idols put itself into a state, and incurred the punishment, of rebellion.

Deuteronomy 13:14

Idolatrous Cities to Be Destroyed

Scripture
Sermons
Commentary

Berean Standard Bible

then you must inquire, investigate, and interrogate thoroughly. And if it is established with certainty that this abomination has been committed among you,

American Standard Version (1901)

then shalt thou inquire, and make search, and ask diligently; and, behold, if it be truth, and the thing certain, that such abomination is wrought in the midst of thee,

Bible in Basic English

Then let a full search be made, and let questions be put with care; and if it is true and certain that such a disgusting thing has been done among you;

Douay-Rheims 1899

Inquire carefully and diligently, the truth of the thing by looking well into it, and if thou find that which is said to be certain, and that this abomination hath been really committed,

Free Bible Version

Geneva Bible 1599

Then thou shalt seeke, and make searche and enquire diligently: and if it be true, and the thing certaine, that such abomination is wrought among you,

King James (Authorized) 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;

One Unity Resource Bible

then you shall inquire, and make search, and ask diligently. Behold, if it is true, and the thing certain, that such detestable things are being done among you,

Translation for Translators

Investigate it thoroughly/carefully. If you find out that it is true that such a disgraceful thing has happened,

Unlocked Literal Bible

Noah Webster Bible

Then shalt thou inquire, and make search, and ask diligently; and behold, if it is truth, and the thing certain, that such abomination is wrought among you;

World English Bible

then you shall inquire, investigate, and ask diligently. Behold, if it is true, and the thing certain, that such abomination was done among you,

Young's Literal Translation

and thou hast enquired, and searched, and asked diligently, and lo, truth; the thing is established; this abomination hath been done in thy midst:

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
John Gill
Tyndale

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

Deuteronomy 13:14

Verse

Context

Idolatrous Cities to Be Destroyed

Summary

Commentary

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

John Gill Bible Commentary

Tyndale Open Study Notes

Deuteronomy 13:14

Idolatrous Cities to Be Destroyed

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

John Gill Bible Commentary

Tyndale Open Study Notes