What does Deuteronomy 13:14 mean?
"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;" - Deuteronomy 13:14

Deuteronomy 13:14 from the King James Version (KJV) of the Bible reads, "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."
This verse is part of a larger passage in the book of Deuteronomy that deals with the importance of staying loyal to God and not being swayed by false prophets or idols. The passage specifically addresses the issue of false prophets who lead people away from the worship of the true God and towards the worship of false gods. The consequences for following false prophets are dire, as the people are commanded to stone the false prophet to death.
The verse in question speaks to the necessity of thoroughly investigating any claims of idolatry or false prophecy. It outlines a process for determining the truth of the matter, emphasizing the seriousness of the accusation and the need for careful and diligent inquiry.
One of the key themes in this passage is the importance of remaining faithful to God and not being led astray by false teachings. Throughout the Bible, the Israelites are repeatedly warned against worshiping false gods and are commanded to remain loyal to the God who led them out of Egypt and established a covenant with them. The passage in Deuteronomy 13 underscores the severity of turning away from God and the need for discernment in identifying and rooting out false prophets and idolatry.
The context of this verse is the broader theological and moral framework of the book of Deuteronomy. The book is structured as a series of speeches that Moses delivers to the Israelites as they prepare to enter the Promised Land. In these speeches, Moses reiterates the laws and commandments that God has given to the Israelites and emphasizes the importance of obedience and faithfulness. The passage in chapter 13 specifically addresses the danger of false prophets and the grave consequences of turning away from the worship of the true God.
The symbolism in this verse lies in the emphasis on truth and certainty. The process outlined for investigating claims of idolatry or false prophecy underscores the importance of discerning the truth and ensuring that accusations are not made lightly. The emphasis on making diligent inquiries and seeking out the truth reflects the broader theme of discernment and faithfulness to God's commandments.
In a broader sense, this verse also speaks to the importance of critical thinking and discernment in matters of faith. The Israelites are called to carefully investigate any claims of idolatry or false prophecy, and in doing so, they demonstrate the importance of critically evaluating religious claims and not being swayed by false teachings.
In summary, Deuteronomy 13:14 highlights the importance of remaining faithful to God and not being led astray by false prophets or idols. The verse emphasizes the gravity of accusations of idolatry and the need for careful and diligent inquiry to determine the truth of the matter. It is a reminder of the importance of discernment and critical thinking in matters of faith and the consequences of turning away from the worship of the true God.
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Deuteronomy 13:14 Artwork
Deuteronomy 13:14 - "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;"
"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;" - Deuteronomy 13:14
Deuteronomy 14:13 - "And the glede, and the kite, and the vulture after his kind,"
"And the glede, and the kite, and the vulture after his kind," - Deuteronomy 14:13
Deuteronomy 14:14 - "And every raven after his kind,"
Deuteronomy 14:17 - "And the pelican, and the gier eagle, and the cormorant,"
"And every raven after his kind," - Deuteronomy 14:14
Deuteronomy 14:16 - "The little owl, and the great owl, and the swan,"
Deuteronomy 14:3 - "¶ Thou shalt not eat any abominable thing."
Deuteronomy 14:11 - "¶ Of all clean birds ye shall eat."
Deuteronomy 14:20 - "But of all clean fowls ye may eat."
Deuteronomy 18:13 - "Thou shalt be perfect with the LORD thy God."
Deuteronomy 14:18 - "And the stork, and the heron after her kind, and the lapwing, and the bat."
Deuteronomy 14:12 - "But these are they of which ye shall not eat: the eagle, and the ossifrage, and the ospray,"
Deuteronomy 14:15 - "And the owl, and the night hawk, and the cuckow, and the hawk after his kind,"
Deuteronomy 29:14 - "Neither with you only do I make this covenant and this oath;"
Deuteronomy 17:13 - "And all the people shall hear, and fear, and do no more presumptuously."
Deuteronomy 14:4 - "These are the beasts which ye shall eat: the ox, the sheep, and the goat,"
Deuteronomy 25:13 - "¶ Thou shalt not have in thy bag divers weights, a great and a small."
Deuteronomy 5:13 - "Six days thou shalt labour, and do all thy work:"
Deuteronomy 22:13 - "¶ If any man take a wife, and go in unto her, and hate her,"
Deuteronomy 14:19 - "And every creeping thing that flieth is unclean unto you: they shall not be eaten."
Deuteronomy 25:14 - "Thou shalt not have in thine house divers measures, a great and a small."
"And the pelican, and the gier eagle, and the cormorant," - Deuteronomy 14:17
Deuteronomy 27:14 - "¶ And the Levites shall speak, and say unto all the men of Israel with a loud voice,"
Deuteronomy 14:10 - "And whatsoever hath not fins and scales ye may not eat; it is unclean unto you."
Deuteronomy 14:5 - "The hart, and the roebuck, and the fallow deer, and the wild goat, and the pygarg, and the wild ox, and the chamois."
Matthew 7:13-14
Matthew 7:13-14
Matthew 7:13-14