Deuteronomy 13:10 Meaning and Explanation
“And thou shalt stone him with stones, that he die; because he hath sought to thrust thee away from the LORD thy God, which brought thee out of the land of Egypt, from the house of bondage.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Death by stoning is the prescribed method, executed because the tempter sought to sever Israel from their redeemed relationship with God.
The Context of Deuteronomy 13:10
Stoning as communal judgment emphasizes that rejection of the seducer is a covenant responsibility shared by all.
What Does Deuteronomy 13:10 Mean?
Stoning was a form of communal execution in ancient Israel—all members participated in the act of judgment. This method emphasizes collective responsibility and public witness. It is not a hidden death carried out by an official but a visible community action that declares the sentence and the reason for it to all Israel.
The justification is reiterated: the tempter sought to thrust Israel away from the God who liberated them from Egypt. The crime is framed in terms of redemptive history. To turn Israel from this God is to deny the Exodus, to reject the liberation that defines Israel's national identity.
Frequently Asked Questions About Deuteronomy 13:10
What does Deuteronomy 13:10 mean?
Death by stoning is the prescribed method, executed because the tempter sought to sever Israel from their redeemed relationship with God.
What is the context of Deuteronomy 13:10?
Stoning as communal judgment emphasizes that rejection of the seducer is a covenant responsibility shared by all.