then you shall inquire, and make search, and ask diligently. Behold, if it is true, and the thing certain, that such abomination was done among you,
Parallel translations
- KJV 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;
- BSB then you must inquire, investigate, and interrogate thoroughly. And if it is established with certainty that this abomination has been committed among you,
- NKJV then you shall inquire, search out, and ask diligently. And if it is indeed true and certain that such an abomination was committed among you,
- NASB then you shall investigate, search out, and inquire thoroughly. And if it is true and the matter is certain that this abomination has been committed among you,
- NLT In such cases, you must examine the facts carefully. If you find that the report is true and such a detestable act has been committed among you,
Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Scripture quotations taken from the (NASB®) New American Standard Bible®, Copyright © 1960, 1971, 1977, 1995, 2020 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission. All rights reserved. lockman.org
Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
Quick answer
Before acting, Israel must investigate carefully and confirm the charge is true. Justice requires diligent inquiry, not hasty judgment.
Overview
Moses insists on thorough investigation before any action against a city, requiring that the abomination be established as certain. This safeguard against rumor and false accusation reflects God's concern for justice and truth. The demand for careful inquiry models the fairness God requires of his people in every age.
Cross-references & the web
Cross-references · 6
- Deut 17:4and 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,
- John 7:24Don’t judge according to appearance, but judge righteous judgment.”
- Isa 11:3–4His delight will be in the fear of Yahweh. He will not judge by the sight of his eyes, neither decide by the hearing of his ears;
- 1 Tim 5:19Don’t receive an accusation against an elder, except at the word of two or three witnesses.
- Deut 10:18He does execute justice for the fatherless and widow, and loves the foreigner, in giving him food and clothing.
- Num 35:30“‘Whoever kills any person, the murderer shall be slain at the mouth of witnesses; but one witness shall not testify against any person that he die.
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Christ at the center
Moses promised a Prophet like himself to whom Israel must listen (18:15); Jesus is that Prophet, the one who keeps the covenant we broke and becomes the curse for us by hanging on a tree (Gal 3:13).
How Deuteronomy 13:14 points to him is part of the one story that runs through all Scripture — meet Jesus at the heart of the web, or follow a trail that traces him from Genesis to Revelation.
Original language
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