And all Israel shall hear and fear and never again do any such wickedness as this among you.
English Standard Version (ESV)
All verses
Deuteronomy 13:11
What does Deuteronomy 13:11 mean?
This page isn't yet indexed by search engines.
Deuteronomy 13:11
This page isn't yet indexed by search engines.
This verse reveals that the ultimate goal of such a severe punishment wasn't just retribution, but fostering a profound, community-wide reverence that would prevent the same "wickedness" from ever surfacing again. It highlights that the public knowledge and fear surrounding the event were intentionally designed to create a lasting deterrent, deeply embedding the seriousness of idolatry into the fabric of their society.
And all Israel shall hear and fear and never again do any such wickedness as this among you.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This passage is about the severe consequences for anyone who tries to lead Israel astray into worshipping other gods, even if it's a close family member. The laws demand that the entire community witnesses and participates in the punishment of such an offender, ensuring that this exemplary execution serves as a stark warning. This public act is intended to instill fear and prevent any recurrence of such a dangerous spiritual rebellion within the people.
Imagine the entire nation of Israel hearing about a drastic punishment. What's the purpose behind such a public display?
This verse highlights the intended impact of executing the severe punishment for enticing others to idolatry. It wasn't just about dealing with one individual's sin; it was about shaping the entire community.
A Living Lesson
The news of this judgment was meant to spread throughout all of Israel. The idea was that the hearing of this event would lead to fear. This fear wasn't a paralyzing dread, but a healthy reverence and awe for God and His commands, leading them to shun such wickedness.
Preventing the Spread
The ultimate goal was to prevent the recurrence of such a 'wickedness.' Idolatry was an existential threat to Israel's covenant relationship with God. By making an example, God aimed to create a collective resolve against straying from Him, ensuring their spiritual health and integrity as a people.
Why was enticement to 'other gods' considered such a profound 'wickedness' that it demanded such a severe, community-shaping response?
This verse, set within the context of Deuteronomy 13, addresses the gravest offense a person could commit against God in ancient Israel: leading others astray from worshipping the one true God.
The Covenantal Bond
Ask a follow-up
Israel's relationship with God was a covenant, a solemn agreement. Idolatry was not just a religious mistake; it was a betrayal of this sacred covenant. It was turning away from the God who had miraculously delivered them from slavery in Egypt.
Threat to Identity
Serving 'other gods' threatened to unravel their entire identity as God's chosen people. The surrounding nations were steeped in idolatry, and any blending of these practices would dilute Israel's distinctiveness and compromise their faithfulness to the LORD. This wasn't a minor infraction but a root-and-branch destruction of their spiritual foundation.
Understand the original words
ra'ah · Hebrew Noun
A strong moral evil, depravity, or scandalous sin that violates God's law and threatens the covenant community's relationship with Him.
yare' · Hebrew Verb
A reverential awe or fear of God's power and judgment, leading to obedience and the avoidance of sin.
This passage echoes the fear and caution described in Deuteronomy 13:11, as the tribes on the other side of the Jordan justify their altar to assure Israel that they are not turning away from the Lord.
1 Kings 18:18Elijah confronts Israel with their sin of turning away from the Lord, demonstrating the ongoing struggle against idolatry and the need for Israel to 'hear' and choose whom they will serve.
Jeremiah 7:29The prophet laments Israel's rejection of God, a theme that resonates with Deuteronomy's call for fear and an end to wickedness to avoid God's judgment.
Romans 11:20Paul warns the Gentiles not to become arrogant, reminding them that Israel's temporary stumbling is a consequence of unbelief, reinforcing the serious repercussions of straying from God, as highlighted in Deuteronomy.
1 Corinthians 10:11This verse directly reflects on the experiences of ancient Israel, urging believers not to fall into similar sins and warning them as examples for our time, aligning with the 'fear' and 'do no more' aspect of Deuteronomy 13:11.
calvinDeuteronomy 13:6-11: "If thy brother, the son of thy mother, or thy son, or thy daughter, or the wife of thy bosom, or thy friend, which is as thine own soul, entice thee secretly, saying, Let us go and serve other gods, which thou hast not known, thou, nor thy fathers;"
- If thy brother, the son of thy mother, or thy son, or thy daughter, or the wife of thy bosom, or thy friend, which is as thine own soul, entice thee secretly, saying, Let us go and serve other gods, which thou hast not known…
gillDeuteronomy 13:11: "And all Israel shall hear, and fear, and shall do no more any such wickedness as this is among you."
And all Israel shall hear, and fear,.... Shall hear of the death the enticer was put unto, and shall fear to act such a part he did, and be upon their guard against any such person, and be cautious that they are not drawn into sin by him: and shall do no more any such wickedness as this is among you; either to entice unto idolatry or commit it; which is a piece of wickedness…
This verse reveals that the ultimate goal of such a severe punishment wasn't just retribution, but fostering a profound, community-wide reverence that would prevent the same "wickedness" from ever surfacing again. It highlights that the public knowledge and fear surrounding the event were intentionally designed to create a lasting deterrent, deeply embedding the seriousness of idolatry into the fabric of their society.
This passage is about the severe consequences for anyone who tries to lead Israel astray into worshipping other gods, even if it's a close family member. The laws demand that the entire community witnesses and participates in the punishment of such an offender, ensuring that this exemplary execution serves as a stark warning. This public act is intended to instill fear and prevent any recurrence of such a dangerous spiritual rebellion within the people.
This passage is about the severe consequences for anyone who tries to lead Israel astray into worshipping other gods, even if it's a close family member. The laws demand that the entire community witnesses and participates in the punishment of such an offender, ensuring that this exemplary execution serves as a stark warning. This public act is intended to instill fear and prevent any recurrence of such a dangerous spiritual rebellion within the people.
"And all Israel shall hear and fear and never again do any such wickedness as this among you." — This verse reveals that the ultimate goal of such a severe punishment wasn't just retribution, but fostering a profound, community-wide reverence that would prevent the same "wickedness" from ever su…
Get the original Greek and Hebrew, verse-by-verse context, and related passages inside the app.
Last reviewed October 2026