Deuteronomy 13:8

Verse

you must not yield to him or listen to him. Show him no pity, and do not spare him or shield him.

American Standard Version (1901)

thou shalt not consent unto him, nor hearken unto him; neither shall thine eye pity him, neither shalt thou spare, neither shalt thou conceal him:

Bible in Basic English

Do not be guided by him or give attention to him; have no pity on him or mercy, and give him no cover;

Douay-Rheims 1899

Consent not to him, hear him not, neither let thy eye spare him to pity and conceal him,

Free Bible Version

don't give into them or listen to them. Show them no mercy. Don't spare them or protect them.

Geneva Bible 1599

Thou shalt not cosent vnto him, nor heare him, neither shall thine eye pitie him, nor shewe mercie, nor keepe him secret:

King James (Authorized) Version

Thou shalt not consent unto him, nor hearken unto him; neither shall thine eye pity him, neither shalt thou spare, neither shalt thou conceal him:

One Unity Resource Bible

you shall not consent to him, nor sh'ma ·hear obey· him; you must not pity him or spare him, neither shall you conceal him;

Translation for Translators

Do not [SYN] do what they suggest. Do not even listen to them. Do not even be merciful to them, and do not keep secret what they have done.

Unlocked Literal Bible

You must not give in to him or listen to him, and you must not permit your eye to pity him, and you must not spare him or conceal him.

Noah Webster Bible

Thou shalt not consent to him, nor hearken to him; neither shall thy eye pity him, neither shalt thou spare, neither shalt thou conceal him:

World English Bible

you shall not consent to him nor listen to him; neither shall your eye pity him, neither shall you spare, neither shall you conceal him;

Young's Literal Translation

thou dost not consent to him, nor hearken unto him, nor doth thine eye have pity on him, nor dost thou spare, nor dost thou cover him over.

Context

Idolaters to Be Put to Death

⁷the gods of the peoples around you, whether near or far, whether from one end of the earth or the other),⁸you must not yield to him or listen to him. Show him no pity, and do not spare him or shield him.

Summary

In this verse, Moses instructs the Israelites to not yield to or show pity or compassion to anyone, even if it is a close family member or friend, who tries to entice them to follow other gods. This stern command underscores the seriousness of idolatry and the importance of remaining faithful to the one true God. It serves as a reminder of the Israelites' covenant relationship with God and the consequences of turning away from Him to worship false gods. The verse emphasizes the need for unwavering loyalty and commitment to God, even in the face of persuasive influences from those closest to them.

Commentary

John Gill

John Gill Bible Commentary

Thou shall not consent unto him,.... To commit the idolatry enticed unto, or join with him in it: nor hearken to him; not so much as patiently to hear him, but at once express an abhorrence of and indignation at what he recommends: neither shall thine eye pity him; pitied he might be for his ignorance, stupidity, and wickedness, and on account of the miserable estate and condition he was in, and of those dreadful consequences which would follow upon it, if not converted from it; but no mercy was to be shown him on account of nearness of relation: neither shall thou spare; to reprove him sharply and to expose him to public vengeance: neither shall thou conceal him; neither him nor his sin, but make both public, acquaint others with it, and endeavour to bring him before the civil magistrate to be examined, tried, and judged; so far should they be from hiding his offence from others, or excusing and extenuating it, or from harbouring his person privately when sought for upon information.