Deuteronomy 17:4
Deuteronomy 17:4 in Multiple Translations
and if it is reported and you hear about it, you must investigate it thoroughly. If the report is true and such an abomination has happened in Israel,
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:
and it be told thee, and thou hast heard of it; then shalt thou inquire diligently; and, behold, if it be true, and the thing certain, that such abomination is wrought in Israel,
If word of this comes to your ears, then let this thing be looked into with care, and if there is no doubt that it is true, and such evil has been done in Israel;
If you hear such a report, you need to make a full investigation. If you find out that the report is true, and that such an awful sin has been committed in Israel,
And it be tolde vnto thee, and thou hast heard it, then shalt thou inquire diligently: and if it be true, and the thing certaine, that such abomination is wrought in Israel,
and it hath been declared to thee, and thou hast heard, and hast searched diligently, and lo, truth; the thing is established; this abomination hath been done in Israel —
and you are told, and you have heard of it, then you shall inquire diligently. Behold, if it is true, and the thing certain, that such abomination is done in Israel,
And it shall be told thee, and thou hast heard of it , and inquired diligently, and behold, it is true, and the thing certain, that such abomination is wrought in Israel:
And this is told thee, and hearing it thou hast inquired diligently, and found it to be true, and that the abomination is committed in Israel:
If you hear that some person has been doing that, you must investigate it thoroughly. If you find out that it is true that this detestable thing has happened in Israel,
Berean Amplified Bible — Deuteronomy 17:4
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Deuteronomy 17:4 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וְ/הֻֽגַּד
לְ/ךָ֖
וְ/שָׁמָ֑עְתָּ
וְ/דָרַשְׁתָּ֣
הֵיטֵ֔ב
וְ/הִנֵּ֤ה
אֱמֶת֙
נָכ֣וֹן
הַ/דָּבָ֔ר
נֶעֶשְׂתָ֛ה
הַ/תּוֹעֵבָ֥ה
הַ/זֹּ֖את
בְּ/יִשְׂרָאֵֽל
וְ/הֻֽגַּד
nâgad
H5046
to tell
Conj | V-Hophal-3ms
לְ/ךָ֖
Prep | Suff
וְ/שָׁמָ֑עְתָּ
shâmaʻ
H8085
to hear
Conj | V-Qal-2ms
וְ/דָרַשְׁתָּ֣
dârash
H1875
to seek
Conj | V-Qal-2ms
הֵיטֵ֔ב
yâṭab
H3190
be good
V-Hiphil-Ptc
וְ/הִנֵּ֤ה
hinnêh
H2009
behold
Conj | Part
אֱמֶת֙
ʼemeth
H571
truth
N-fs
נָכ֣וֹן
kûwn
H3559
to establish
V-Niphal
הַ/דָּבָ֔ר
dâbâr
H1697
Chronicles
Art | N-ms
נֶעֶשְׂתָ֛ה
ʻâsâh
H6213
to make
V-Niphal-Perf-3fs
הַ/תּוֹעֵבָ֥ה
tôwʻêbah
H8441
abomination
Art | N-fs
הַ/זֹּ֖את
zôʼth
H2063
this
Art | Pron
בְּ/יִשְׂרָאֵֽל
Yisrâʼêl
H3478
Israel
Prep | N-proper
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Deuteronomy 17:4
וְ/הֻֽגַּד
nâgad
H5046
"to tell"
Conj | V-Hophal-3ms
To tell or declare something openly, as in Genesis 3:11 where God asks Adam to tell the truth. It means to stand boldly and announce something to someone present. In Exodus 32:27, Moses tells the Levites to declare their actions to the people.
Definition: 1) to be conspicuous, tell, make known 1a) (Hiphil) to tell, declare 1a1) to tell, announce, report 1a2) to declare, make known, expound 1a3) to inform of 1a4) to publish, declare, proclaim 1a5) to avow, acknowledge, confess 1a5a) messenger (participle) 1b) (Hophal) to be told, be announced, be reported
Usage: Occurs in 344 OT verses. KJV: bewray, [idiom] certainly, certify, declare(-ing), denounce, expound, [idiom] fully, messenger, plainly, profess, rehearse, report, shew (forth), speak, [idiom] surely, tell, utter. See also: Genesis 3:11; 1 Samuel 14:33; 2 Kings 9:15.
לְ/ךָ֖
""
Prep | Suff
וְ/שָׁמָ֑עְתָּ
shâmaʻ
H8085
"to hear"
Conj | V-Qal-2ms
To hear and listen is what this Hebrew word means, often implying attention and obedience. In Exodus and Deuteronomy, it is used when God speaks to the people, and they must listen and obey.
Definition: : hear v 1) to hear, listen to, obey 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to hear (perceive by ear) 1a2) to hear of or concerning 1a3) to hear (have power to hear) 1a4) to hear with attention or interest, listen to 1a5) to understand (language) 1a6) to hear (of judicial cases) 1a7) to listen, give heed 1a7a) to consent, agree 1a7b) to grant request 1a8) to listen to, yield to 1a9) to obey, be obedient 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be heard (of voice or sound) 1b2) to be heard of 1b3) to be regarded, be obeyed 1c) (Piel) to cause to hear, call to hear, summon 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to cause to hear, tell, proclaim, utter a sound 1d2) to sound aloud (musical term) 1d3) to make proclamation, summon 1d4) to cause to be heard n m 2) sound
Usage: Occurs in 1072 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] attentively, call (gather) together, [idiom] carefully, [idiom] certainly, consent, consider, be content, declare, [idiom] diligently, discern, give ear, (cause to, let, make to) hear(-ken, tell), [idiom] indeed, listen, make (a) noise, (be) obedient, obey, perceive, (make a) proclaim(-ation), publish, regard, report, shew (forth), (make a) sound, [idiom] surely, tell, understand, whosoever (heareth), witness. See also: Genesis 3:8; Exodus 32:18; Deuteronomy 27:9.
וְ/דָרַשְׁתָּ֣
dârash
H1875
"to seek"
Conj | V-Qal-2ms
To seek or ask is the meaning of this Hebrew word, often used to describe seeking God or worshiping him. It can also mean to investigate or enquire about something.
Definition: 1) to resort to, seek, seek with care, enquire, require 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to resort to, frequent (a place), (tread a place) 1a2) to consult, enquire of, seek 1a2a) of God 1a2b) of heathen gods, necromancers 1a3) to seek deity in prayer and worship 1a3a) God 1a3b) heathen deities 1a4) to seek (with a demand), demand, require 1a5) to investigate, enquire 1a6) to ask for, require, demand 1a7) to practice, study, follow, seek with application 1a8) to seek with care, care for 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to allow oneself to be enquired of, consulted (only of God) 1b2) to be sought, be sought out 1b3) to be required (of blood)
Usage: Occurs in 152 OT verses. KJV: ask, [idiom] at all, care for, [idiom] diligently, inquire, make inquisition, (necro-) mancer, question, require, search, seek (for, out), [idiom] surely. See also: Genesis 9:5; Ezra 10:16; Psalms 9:11.
הֵיטֵ֔ב
yâṭab
H3190
"be good"
V-Hiphil-Ptc
To be good means to be pleasing or joyful, making something or someone sound, beautiful, or happy. It is used in various forms, including being glad, doing well, or being content. It appears in many books, including Psalms and Proverbs.
Definition: 1) to be good, be pleasing, be well, be glad 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to be glad, be joyful 1a2) to be well placed 1a3) to be well for, be well with, go well with 1a4) to be pleasing, be pleasing to 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to make glad, rejoice 1b2) to do good to, deal well with 1b3) to do well, do thoroughly 1b4) to make a thing good or right or beautiful 1b5) to do well, do right
Usage: Occurs in 105 OT verses. KJV: be accepted, amend, use aright, benefit, be (make) better, seem best, make cheerful, be comely, [phrase] be content, diligent(-ly), dress, earnestly, find favour, give, be glad, do (be, make) good(-ness), be (make) merry, please ([phrase] well), shew more (kindness), skilfully, [idiom] very small, surely, make sweet, thoroughly, tire, trim, very, be (can, deal, entreat, go, have) well (said, seen). See also: Genesis 4:7; 2 Samuel 3:36; Psalms 33:3.
וְ/הִנֵּ֤ה
hinnêh
H2009
"behold"
Conj | Part
This Hebrew word is an expression that means 'behold' or 'look', often used to draw attention to something. It appears in Genesis and Isaiah, and is translated as 'behold' or 'lo' in the KJV.
Definition: behold, lo, see, if
Usage: Occurs in 799 OT verses. KJV: behold, lo, see. See also: Genesis 1:29; Genesis 42:35; Deuteronomy 19:18.
אֱמֶת֙
ʼemeth
H571
"truth"
N-fs
This Hebrew word means truth, faithfulness, or stability, and is often used to describe God's character and promises. In Psalm 100:5, it says God's truth endures forever, and in Proverbs 12:17, it emphasizes the importance of truthful speech.
Definition: : faithful 1) firmness, faithfulness, truth 1a) sureness, reliability 1b) stability, continuance 1c) faithfulness, reliableness 1d) truth 1d1) as spoken 1d2) of testimony and judgment 1d3) of divine instruction 1d4) truth as a body of ethical or religious knowledge 1d5) true doctrine adv 2) in truth, truly
Usage: Occurs in 125 OT verses. KJV: assured(-ly), establishment, faithful, right, sure, true (-ly, -th), verity. See also: Genesis 24:27; Psalms 111:7; Psalms 15:2.
נָכ֣וֹן
kûwn
H3559
"to establish"
V-Niphal
This verb means to set something up or establish it, like setting up a tent or appointing someone to a position, as seen in Isaiah 7:14.
Definition: : prepare/direct 1) to be firm, be stable, be established 1a) (Niphal) 1a1) to be set up, be established, be fixed 1a1a) to be firmly established 1a1b) to be established, be stable, be secure, be enduring 1a1c) to be fixed, be securely determined 1a2) to be directed aright, be fixed aright, be steadfast (moral sense) 1a3) to prepare, be ready 1a4) to be prepared, be arranged, be settled 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to establish, set up, accomplish, do, make firm 1b2) to fix, make ready, prepare, provide, provide for, furnish 1b3) to direct toward (moral sense) 1b4) to arrange, order 1c) (Hophal) 1c1) to be established, be fastened 1c2) to be prepared, be ready 1d) (Polel) 1d1) to set up, establish 1d2) to constitute, make 1d3) to fix 1d4) to direct 1e) (Pulal) to be established, be prepared 1f) (Hithpolel) to be established, be restored
Usage: Occurs in 211 OT verses. KJV: certain(-ty), confirm, direct, faithfulness, fashion, fasten, firm, be fitted, be fixed, frame, be meet, ordain, order, perfect, (make) preparation, prepare (self), provide, make provision, (be, make) ready, right, set (aright, fast, forth), be stable, (e-) stablish, stand, tarry, [idiom] very deed. See also: Genesis 41:32; Job 18:12; Psalms 5:10.
הַ/דָּבָ֔ר
dâbâr
H1697
"Chronicles"
Art | N-ms
A word or thing, like a matter or affair, as seen in the book of Chronicles where it refers to the events and words of kings. It can also mean a cause or reason for something.
Definition: This name means word, speaking
Usage: Occurs in 1290 OT verses. KJV: act, advice, affair, answer, [idiom] any such (thing), because of, book, business, care, case, cause, certain rate, [phrase] chronicles, commandment, [idiom] commune(-ication), [phrase] concern(-ing), [phrase] confer, counsel, [phrase] dearth, decree, deed, [idiom] disease, due, duty, effect, [phrase] eloquent, errand, (evil favoured-) ness, [phrase] glory, [phrase] harm, hurt, [phrase] iniquity, [phrase] judgment, language, [phrase] lying, manner, matter, message, (no) thing, oracle, [idiom] ought, [idiom] parts, [phrase] pertaining, [phrase] please, portion, [phrase] power, promise, provision, purpose, question, rate, reason, report, request, [idiom] (as hast) said, sake, saying, sentence, [phrase] sign, [phrase] so, some (uncleanness), somewhat to say, [phrase] song, speech, [idiom] spoken, talk, task, [phrase] that, [idiom] there done, thing (concerning), thought, [phrase] thus, tidings, what(-soever), [phrase] wherewith, which, word, work. See also: Genesis 11:1; Exodus 23:8; Deuteronomy 18:21.
נֶעֶשְׂתָ֛ה
ʻâsâh
H6213
"to make"
V-Niphal-Perf-3fs
This verb means to make or do something, and is used over 2,600 times in the Bible. It is first used in Genesis 1:7 to describe God's creation of the world and is also used in Exodus 31:5 to describe the work of skilled craftsmen.
Definition: : make(OBJECT) 1) to do, fashion, accomplish, make 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to do, work, make, produce 1a1a) to do 1a1b) to work 1a1c) to deal (with) 1a1d) to act, act with effect, effect 1a2) to make 1a2a) to make 1a2b) to produce 1a2c) to prepare 1a2d) to make (an offering) 1a2e) to attend to, put in order 1a2f) to observe, celebrate 1a2g) to acquire (property) 1a2h) to appoint, ordain, institute 1a2i) to bring about 1a2j) to use 1a2k) to spend, pass 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be done 1b2) to be made 1b3) to be produced 1b4) to be offered 1b5) to be observed 1b6) to be used 1c) (Pual) to be made
Usage: Occurs in 2286 OT verses. KJV: accomplish, advance, appoint, apt, be at, become, bear, bestow, bring forth, bruise, be busy, [idiom] certainly, have the charge of, commit, deal (with), deck, [phrase] displease, do, (ready) dress(-ed), (put in) execute(-ion), exercise, fashion, [phrase] feast, (fight-) ing man, [phrase] finish, fit, fly, follow, fulfill, furnish, gather, get, go about, govern, grant, great, [phrase] hinder, hold (a feast), [idiom] indeed, [phrase] be industrious, [phrase] journey, keep, labour, maintain, make, be meet, observe, be occupied, offer, [phrase] officer, pare, bring (come) to pass, perform, pracise, prepare, procure, provide, put, requite, [idiom] sacrifice, serve, set, shew, [idiom] sin, spend, [idiom] surely, take, [idiom] thoroughly, trim, [idiom] very, [phrase] vex, be (warr-) ior, work(-man), yield, use. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 34:19; Exodus 18:24.
הַ/תּוֹעֵבָ֥ה
tôwʻêbah
H8441
"abomination"
Art | N-fs
The Hebrew word for abomination refers to something disgusting, like idolatry or unclean food, and is often used to describe wickedness in the Bible.
Definition: 1) a disgusting thing, abomination, abominable 1a) in ritual sense (of unclean food, idols, mixed marriages) 1b) in ethical sense (of wickedness etc)
Usage: Occurs in 112 OT verses. KJV: abominable (custom, thing), abomination. See also: Genesis 43:32; Proverbs 26:25; Psalms 88:9.
הַ/זֹּ֖את
zôʼth
H2063
"this"
Art | Pron
This Hebrew word means this or that, often used to point out something specific. It appears in various forms throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: 1) this, this one, here, which, this...that, the one...the other, such 1a) (alone) 1a1) this one 1a2) this...that, the one...the other, another 1b) (appos to subst) 1b1) this 1c) (as predicate) 1c1) this, such 1d) (enclitically) 1d1) then 1d2) who, whom 1d3) how now, what now 1d4) what now 1d5) wherefore now 1d6) behold here 1d7) just now 1d8) now, now already 1e) (poetry) 1e1) wherein, which, those who 1f) (with prefixes) 1f1) in this (place) here, then 1f2) on these conditions, herewith, thus provided, by, through this, for this cause, in this matter 1f3) thus and thus 1f4) as follows, things such as these, accordingly, to that effect, in like manner, thus and thus 1f5) from here, hence, on one side...on the other side 1f6) on this account 1f7) in spite of this, which, whence, how
Usage: Occurs in 570 OT verses. KJV: hereby (-in, -with), it, likewise, the one (other, same), she, so (much), such (deed), that, therefore, these, this (thing), thus. See also: Genesis 2:23; Numbers 7:88; Judges 1:27.
בְּ/יִשְׂרָאֵֽל
Yisrâʼêl
H3478
"Israel"
Prep | N-proper
Israel is the symbolic name of Jacob, also referring to his descendants. Jacob, son of Isaac and Rebekah, had 12 sons who became the tribes of Israel, as told in Genesis 25:26. His story is crucial to the Bible's narrative.
Definition: A man living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.25.26; son of: Isaac (H3327) and Rebekah (H7259); brother of: Esau (H6215); married to Rachel (H7354), Leah (H3812), Zilpah (H2153) and Bilhah (H1090A); father of: Reuben (H7205), Simeon (H8095), Levi (H3878), Judah (H3063), Dan (H1835H), Naphtali (H5321), Gad (H1410), Asher (H0836), Issachar (H3485), Zebulun (H2074), Dinah (H1783), Joseph (H3130) and Benjamin (H1144); also called Jacob frequently § Israel = "God prevails" 1) the second name for Jacob given to him by God after his wrestling with the angel at Peniel 2) the name of the descendants and the nation of the descendants of Jacob 2a) the name of the nation until the death of Solomon and the split 2b) the name used and given to the northern kingdom consisting of the 10 tribes under Jeroboam; the southern kingdom was known as Judah 2c) the name of the nation after the return from exile
Usage: Occurs in 2231 OT verses. KJV: Israel. See also: Genesis 32:29; Exodus 13:18; Exodus 40:38.
Study Notes — Deuteronomy 17:4
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Deuteronomy 17:4 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Deuteronomy 17:4
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Deuteronomy 17:4
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Deuteronomy 17:4
- Trapp's Commentary on Deuteronomy 17:4
- Ellicott's Commentary on Deuteronomy 17:4
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Deuteronomy 17:4
- Cambridge Bible on Deuteronomy 17:4
- Sermons on Deuteronomy 17:4
Context — Purge the Idolater
2If a man or woman among you in one of the towns that the LORD your God gives you is found doing evil in the sight of the LORD your God by transgressing His covenant
3and going to worship other gods, bowing down to them or to the sun or moon or any of the host of heaven—which I have forbidden—
4and if it is reported and you hear about it, you must investigate it thoroughly. If the report is true and such an abomination has happened in Israel,
5you must bring out to your gates the man or woman who has done this evil thing, and you must stone that person to death. 6On the testimony of two or three witnesses a man shall be put to death, but he shall not be executed on the testimony of a lone witness.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | John 7:51 | “Does our law convict a man without first hearing from him to determine what he has done?” |
| 2 | Deuteronomy 13:12–14 | If, regarding one of the cities the LORD your God is giving you to inhabit, you hear it said that 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), then you must inquire, investigate, and interrogate thoroughly. And if it is established with certainty that this abomination has been committed among you, |
| 3 | Deuteronomy 19:18 | The judges shall investigate thoroughly, and if the witness is proven to be a liar who has falsely accused his brother, |
| 4 | Proverbs 25:2 | It is the glory of God to conceal a matter and the glory of kings to search it out. |
Deuteronomy 17:4 Summary
This verse teaches us that when we hear a report about someone doing something wrong, we need to investigate it carefully to find out if it's true, as seen in Deuteronomy 17:4. This is important because it helps us to make sure that justice is served and that the right person is punished, as seen in Deuteronomy 17:5 and Exodus 23:7. It's also a reminder that we need to be careful and thorough in all of our decision-making, whether it's in our personal lives or in our communities, as seen in Proverbs 18:13 and 1 Corinthians 4:2. By following this principle, we can help to create a more just and fair society, where everyone is treated with respect and dignity, as seen in Leviticus 19:15 and Matthew 7:12.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the importance of investigating a report thoroughly before taking action?
Investigating a report thoroughly is crucial to ensure that the truth is revealed and justice is served, as seen in Deuteronomy 17:4, and it also helps to prevent false accusations and wrongful punishments, as warned against in Deuteronomy 19:18 and Exodus 23:1-3.
How does this verse relate to the concept of justice in the Bible?
This verse highlights the importance of fairness and accuracy in the administration of justice, which is a central theme in the Bible, as seen in Deuteronomy 16:20 and Leviticus 19:15, where God commands the Israelites to pursue justice and righteousness.
What role do witnesses play in the investigation process?
Witnesses play a crucial role in the investigation process, as they provide testimony and evidence to support or refute the report, and their testimony is essential in determining the truth, as seen in Deuteronomy 17:6 and Numbers 35:30, where the Bible emphasizes the importance of multiple witnesses in establishing guilt or innocence.
How does this verse apply to our lives today?
This verse reminds us of the importance of seeking truth and justice in all aspects of life, and it encourages us to be thorough and diligent in our investigations and decision-making processes, as seen in Proverbs 18:13 and 1 Corinthians 4:2, where the Bible teaches us to be careful and responsible in our actions and decisions.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways that I can apply the principle of thorough investigation to my own life and decision-making processes?
- How can I balance the need for justice and punishment with the need for mercy and compassion, as seen in Deuteronomy 17:5 and Matthew 5:7?
- What are some potential consequences of not investigating reports thoroughly, and how can I avoid these consequences in my own life?
- How can I cultivate a heart of justice and righteousness, as commanded in Deuteronomy 16:20 and Micah 6:8, and what role does this verse play in that process?
Gill's Exposition on Deuteronomy 17:4
And it be told thee, and thou hast heard of it, and inquired diligently,.... A report of this kind was not to be neglected; though it was not to be concluded upon as certain by hearsay, it was to be
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Deuteronomy 17:4
And hath gone and served other gods, and worshipped them, either the sun, or moon, or any of the host of heaven, which I have not commanded; No JFB commentary on these verses.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Deuteronomy 17:4
Told thee by any person, thou shalt not slight so much as a rumour or flying report of so gross a crime. Inquired diligently, by sending messengers, examining witnesses, &c.
Trapp's Commentary on Deuteronomy 17:4
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:Ver. 4. And it be told thee.] And inquired diligently.] Men must be "swift to hear, slow to speak," that is, to censure, or pass sentence. Amongst the Athenians an indictment of any crime was but αιτια: the evidence and conviction made it ελεγχος: the sentence αδικημα. Athanasius passeth for a sacrilegious person, a profane wretch, a bloody persecutor, a blasphemer of God, &c., and was so condemned before he was heard by fourscore bishops in that Pseudosynodus Sardicensis. Sunt quidem in Ecclesia Catholica plurimi mali; sed ex haereticis, nullus est bonus, says Bellarmine: There be many bad men Papists, but not one good to be found among Protestants. The Catholics follow the Bible, saith Hill in his "Quartern of Reasons," but the Protestants force the Bible to follow them; yea, their condemnation is so expressly set down in their own Bibles, saith another Popeling, and is so clear to all the world, that nothing more needs hereto, than that they know to read, and have their eyes in their heads at the opening of their Bible. By the shooting of which bolt, you may easily guess at the archer. Reas. viii. p. 41. Gagge, Of the New Gospel: Pref. to Reader.
Ellicott's Commentary on Deuteronomy 17:4
Deuteronomy 17:2-7. EVERY TO BE STONED.(2) If there be found . . . man or woman.—This section differs slightly from the third section of Deuteronomy 13. The penalty there is directed against the teachers of idolatry, whether prophets, private individuals, or communities in Israel. Here the penalty of death is enacted for every individual, man or woman, found guilty of worshipping any other god but Jehovah. We find traces of this law in the covenant made in the reign of Asa (2 Chronicles 15:13), “that whosoever would not seek the Lord God of Israel should be put to death, whether small or great, whether man or woman.(3) Either the sun, or moon, or any of the host of heaven.—The oldest and simplest, and apparently most innocent form of idolatry. If this was punishable with death, obviously no grosser form of idolatry could be spared. The Book of Job, which knows no other idolatry, admits this to be a denial “of the God that is above” (Job 31:26-28). (6) He that is worthy of death.—Literally, he that dieth.(7) The hands of the witnesses . . . first.—A great safeguard against false testimony. Put . . . away.—Literally, consume. The primary meaning of the word is “burn.” Taberah, “burning,” is a derivative.
The evil.—The Greek version renders this “the wicked man,” and the sentence is taken up in this form in 1 Corinthians 5:13, “and ye shall put away from among you that wicked person.” The phrase is of frequent occurrence in Deuteronomy, and if we are to understand that in all places where it occurs “the evil” is to be under. stood of an individual, and to be taken in the masculine gender, the fact seems to deserve notice in considering the phrase “deliver us from evil” in the Lord’s Prayer. There is really no such thing as wickedness in the world apart from some wicked being or person. We are also reminded of the famous argument of St. Augustine, that evil has no existence except as a corruption of good, or a creature’s perverted will.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Deuteronomy 17:4
Verse 4. If it be told thee] In a private way by any confidential person. And thou hast heard of it; so that it appears to be notorious, very likely to be true, and publicly scandalous. And hast inquired diligently - sought to find out the truth of the report by the most careful examination of persons reporting, circumstances of the case, &c. And, behold, it be true - the report is not founded on vague rumour, hearsay, or malice. And the thing certain - substantiated by the fullest evidence. Then shalt thou bring forth that man, Deuteronomy 17:5. As the charge of idolatry was the most solemn and awful that could be brought against an Israelite, because it affected his life, therefore God required that the charge should be substantiated by the most unequivocal facts, and the most competent witnesses. Hence all the precautions mentioned in the fourth verse must be carefully used, in order to arrive at so affecting and so awful a truth.
Cambridge Bible on Deuteronomy 17:4
4. and it be told thee, and thou hast heard] Similarly Deuteronomy 13:12 (13). shalt thou inquire, etc.] So, but with additions, Deuteronomy 13:14 (15), q.v.
Sermons on Deuteronomy 17:4
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John 7:45-8:19 by St. John Chrysostom | John Chrysostom preaches about the profound impact of Christ's teachings on the officers sent to arrest Him, contrasting their openness to His words with the Pharisees' hardened he |
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Satan Must Find Nothing in Us by Zac Poonen | This sermon emphasizes the importance of understanding Satan's tactics and the need to be a testimony to Satan by living a life free from pride, rebellion, discontent, lying, and m |
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Without Fault Before the Throne of God by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, Pastor Dave encourages the congregation to seek cleansing and purity in their hearts. He emphasizes the importance of being able to stand before God and give an acc |
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Laws of the Spiritual Life #4 - the Law of Reaping by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of taking the preaching of the word of God seriously. He believes that every sermon he has ever preached will be revealed on |
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Through the Bible - Exodus - Part 2 by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the tabernacle described in the book of Exodus. He explains that the tabernacle is a picture of the body of Christ, with believers closely hel |
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Locks & Keys by Dr. A.E. Wilder-Smith | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the concept of the Logos in biology and how it relates to the teaching of biology in schools. He encourages the audience, particularly those i |
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Revelation Necessary to Build the Church by Zac Poonen | This sermon emphasizes the importance of seeking revelation from God to understand the mysteries of the kingdom, live a godly life, and build a new covenant church. It highlights t |