Deuteronomy 13:12 Meaning and Explanation
“If thou shalt hear say in one of thy cities, which the LORD thy God hath given thee to dwell there, saying,”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →The next test case involves a report of idolatry spreading within an entire city, not just from individuals.
The Context of Deuteronomy 13:12
A scenario emerges of city-wide apostasy, raising the question of how Israel judges communal covenant betrayal.
What Does Deuteronomy 13:12 Mean?
The focus shifts from personal seduction to civic-scale apostasy. A rumor circulates: in one of Israel's cities, something unthinkable has occurred. The city is one the LORD gave them—their possession by covenant gift. Yet within this divinely given settlement, idolatry is alleged to have taken root.
This case differs from the personal test by its scale and institutional nature. Whereas individuals might be swayed by beloved family, an entire city's defection suggests organized rebellion—collective abandonment of the covenant. The response will therefore be commensurate.
Frequently Asked Questions About Deuteronomy 13:12
What does Deuteronomy 13:12 mean?
The next test case involves a report of idolatry spreading within an entire city, not just from individuals.
What is the context of Deuteronomy 13:12?
A scenario emerges of city-wide apostasy, raising the question of how Israel judges communal covenant betrayal.