Deuteronomy 13:9 Meaning and Explanation
“But thou shalt surely kill him; thine hand shall be first upon him to put him to death, and afterwards the hand of all the people.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →The one tempted must personally execute the death sentence, then the community confirms and completes the judgment.
The Context of Deuteronomy 13:9
The person tempted must take the lead in execution, demonstrating that covenant loyalty supersedes personal bonds.
What Does Deuteronomy 13:9 Mean?
The person tempted is commanded to be the first to carry out execution. Their hand strikes the first blow. This removes any ambiguity about reluctance or distance. The person closest to the tempter—the one most capable of feeling conflicted sympathy—must act with their own hand, thereby demonstrating uncompromised fidelity.
Afterward, the community participates, confirming the judgment through collective action. This transformation from private temptation to public judgment makes clear that apostasy is not merely an individual matter but a community covenant violation that all Israel must repudiate.
Frequently Asked Questions About Deuteronomy 13:9
What does Deuteronomy 13:9 mean?
The one tempted must personally execute the death sentence, then the community confirms and completes the judgment.
What is the context of Deuteronomy 13:9?
The person tempted must take the lead in execution, demonstrating that covenant loyalty supersedes personal bonds.