Deuteronomy 13:14then you shall inquire, and make search, and ask diligently; and, behold, if it be truth, and the thing certain, that such abomination is done in the midst of you,
The setting
Wilderness east of Jordan River, ~1400 BC. Moses addresses 2 million Israelites about to enter Canaan. Modern-day Jordan/Israel border region.
The emotion here: urgent concern for justice and protecting innocent
The original word
darash (דָּרַשׁ) — to seek diligently, investigate thoroughly with determination
Why it matters
This law required multiple witnesses and thorough investigation before any judgment
Read with care
What most readers miss in Deuteronomy 13:14
This verse PROTECTS the accused - it demands proof before punishment
Common misconceptionPeople think this is about being suspicious of others, but it's actually about protecting people from false accusations and mob justice.
The thread continues
Verses that echo Deuteronomy 13:14
Bible Genome reading
Deuteronomy 13:14 — Bible Genome reading
Emotional genome
Deuteronomy 13:14 comes from the book of Deuteronomy, written during the exodus period. These words are attributed to Moses. The dominant emotion in this verse is seeking, with a comfort power of 40% and a tone that is commanding. It belongs to the law genre of biblical literature. Key themes include careful investigation, truth seeking, justice. Notable phrases: inquire and make search; ask diligently. This verse contains a command.
Emotionally similar
Verses that meet the same seeking
“Pray without ceasing.”
— 1 Thessalonians 5:17
“But let justice roll on like rivers, and righteousness like a mighty stream.”
— Amos 5:24
“Be it far from you to do things like that, to kill the righteous with the wicked, so that the righteous should be like the wicked. May that …”
— Genesis 18:25
“Call to me, and I will answer you, and will show you great things, and difficult, which you don't know.”
— Jeremiah 33:3
“Forgive us our sins, for we ourselves also forgive everyone who is indebted to us. Bring us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evi…”
— Luke 11:4
Your reflection
What does Deuteronomy 13:14 mean to you, today?
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