Deuteronomy 17:4
New International Version
and this has been brought to your attention, then you must investigate it thoroughly. If it is true and it has been proved that this detestable thing has been done in Israel,

New Living Translation
When you hear about it, investigate the matter thoroughly. If it is true that this detestable thing has been done in Israel,

English Standard Version
and it is told you and you hear of it, then you shall inquire diligently, and if it is true and certain that such an abomination has been done in Israel,

Berean Standard Bible
and if it is reported and you hear about it, you must investigate it thoroughly. If the report is true and such an abomination has happened in Israel,

King James Bible
And it be told thee, and thou hast heard of it, and inquired diligently, and, behold, it be true, and the thing certain, that such abomination is wrought in Israel:

New King James Version
and it is told you, and you hear of it, then you shall inquire diligently. And if it is indeed true and certain that such an abomination has been committed in Israel,

New American Standard Bible
and if it is reported to you and you have heard about it, then you shall investigate thoroughly. And if it is true and the report is trustworthy that this detestable thing has been done in Israel,

NASB 1995
and if it is told you and you have heard of it, then you shall inquire thoroughly. Behold, if it is true and the thing certain that this detestable thing has been done in Israel,

NASB 1977
and if it is told you and you have heard of it, then you shall inquire thoroughly. And behold, if it is true and the thing certain that this detestable thing has been done in Israel,

Legacy Standard Bible
and if it is told to you and you have heard of it, then you shall inquire thoroughly. Behold, if it is true and the matter is confirmed that this abomination has been done in Israel,

Amplified Bible
and if it is told to you and you hear about it, then you shall investigate thoroughly [all the charges]. If it is confirmed beyond doubt that this detestable thing has been done in Israel,

Christian Standard Bible
and if you are told or hear about it, then investigate it thoroughly. If the report turns out to be true that this detestable act has been done in Israel,

Holman Christian Standard Bible
and if you are told or hear about it, you must investigate it thoroughly. If the report turns out to be true that this detestable thing has happened in Israel,

American Standard Version
and it be told thee, and thou hast heard of it; then shalt thou inquire diligently; and, behold, if it be true, and the thing certain, that such abomination is wrought in Israel,

Contemporary English Version
So when you hear that someone in your town is committing this disgusting sin, you must carefully find out if that person really is guilty.

English Revised Version
and it be told thee, and thou hast heard of it, then shalt thou inquire diligently, and, behold, if it be true, and the thing certain, that such abomination is wrought in Israel;

GOD'S WORD® Translation
When you are told about it, investigate it thoroughly. If it's true and it can be proven that this disgusting thing has been done in Israel,

Good News Translation
If you hear such a report, then investigate it thoroughly. If it is true that this evil thing has happened in Israel,

International Standard Version
When it is reported to you or you hear of it, then investigate it thoroughly. When the truth has been established that this detestable thing has been done in Israel,

Majority Standard Bible
and if it is reported and you hear about it, you must investigate it thoroughly. If the report is true and such an abomination has happened in Israel,

NET Bible
When it is reported to you and you hear about it, you must investigate carefully. If it is indeed true that such a disgraceful thing is being done in Israel,

New Heart English Bible
and it be told you, and you have heard of it, then you shall inquire diligently; and look, if it be true, and the thing certain, that such abomination is done in Israel,

Webster's Bible Translation
And it shall be told thee, and thou hast heard of it, and inquired diligently, and behold, it is true, and the thing certain, that such abomination is wrought in Israel:

World English Bible
and you are told, and you have heard of it, then you shall inquire diligently. Behold, if it is true, and the thing certain, that such abomination is done in Israel,
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
and it has been declared to you, and you have heard, and have searched diligently, and behold, [if] truth, the thing is established; this abomination has been done in Israel—

Young's Literal Translation
and it hath been declared to thee, and thou hast heard, and hast searched diligently, and lo, truth; the thing is established; this abomination hath been done in Israel --

Smith's Literal Translation
And it was announced to thee, and thou heardest and sought out, doing well; and behold, the truth and the word certain this abomination being done in Israel.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
And this is told thee, and hearing it thou hast inquired diligently, and found it to be true, and that the abomination is committed in Israel:

Catholic Public Domain Version
and when this will have been reported to you, and, upon hearing it, if you have inquired diligently and have found it to be true, that the abomination is being done in Israel:

New American Bible
and if you are told or hear of it, you must investigate it thoroughly. If the truth of the matter is established that this abomination has been committed in Israel,

New Revised Standard Version
and if it is reported to you or you hear of it, and you make a thorough inquiry, and the charge is proved true that such an abhorrent thing has occurred in Israel,
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
And it is told you, and you shall hear of it, you shall inquire diligently, and if it is true that such an abomination has been committed in Israel;

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And they tell you and you hear and you shall investigate well if the account is true and this detestable thing has been committed in Israel:
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
and it be told thee, and thou hear it, then shalt thou inquire diligently, and, behold, if it be true, and the thing certain, that such abomination is wrought in Israel;

Brenton Septuagint Translation
and it be told thee, and thou shalt have enquired diligently, and, behold, the thing really took place, this abomination has been done in Israel;

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Purge the Idolater
3and going to worship other gods, bowing down to them or to the sun or moon or any of the host of heaven—which I have forbidden— 4and if it is reported and you hear about it, you must investigate it thoroughly. If the report is TRUE and such an abomination has happened in Israel, 5you must bring out to your gates the man or woman who has done this evil thing, and you must stone that person to death.…

Cross References
Leviticus 19:15
You must not pervert justice; you must not show partiality to the poor or favoritism to the rich; you are to judge your neighbor fairly.

Numbers 35:30
If anyone kills a person, the murderer is to be put to death on the testimony of the witnesses. But no one is to be put to death based on the testimony of a lone witness.

Deuteronomy 19:15-19
A lone witness is not sufficient to establish any wrongdoing or sin against a man, regardless of what offense he may have committed. A matter must be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses. / If a false witness testifies against someone, accusing him of a crime, / both parties to the dispute must stand in the presence of the LORD, before the priests and judges who are in office at that time. ...

1 Kings 21:10-13
But seat two scoundrels opposite him and have them testify, ‘You have cursed both God and the king!’ Then take him out and stone him to death.” / So the elders and nobles who lived in Naboth’s city did as Jezebel had instructed in the letters she had written to them. / They proclaimed a fast and gave Naboth a seat of honor among the people. ...

Proverbs 18:17
The first to state his case seems right until another comes and cross-examines him.

Matthew 18:16
But if he will not listen, take one or two others along, so that ‘every matter may be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses.’

John 7:51
“Does our law convict a man without first hearing from him to determine what he has done?”

Acts 24:8
By examining him yourself, you will be able to learn the truth about all our charges against him.”

1 Timothy 5:19
Do not entertain an accusation against an elder, except on the testimony of two or three witnesses.

Hebrews 10:28
Anyone who rejected the law of Moses died without mercy on the testimony of two or three witnesses.

Exodus 23:1
“You shall not spread a false report. Do not join the wicked by being a malicious witness.

Deuteronomy 13:14
then you must inquire, investigate, and interrogate thoroughly. And if it is established with certainty that this abomination has been committed among you,

Joshua 7:14-15
In the morning you must present yourselves tribe by tribe. The tribe that the LORD selects shall come forward clan by clan, and the clan that the LORD selects shall come forward family by family, and the family that the LORD selects shall come forward man by man. / The one who is caught with the things devoted to destruction must be burned, along with all that belongs to him, because he has transgressed the covenant of the LORD and committed an outrage in Israel.’”

2 Samuel 1:16
For David had said to the Amalekite, “Your blood be on your own head because your own mouth has testified against you, saying, ‘I killed the LORD’s anointed.’”

1 Kings 2:32
The LORD will bring his bloodshed back upon his own head, for without the knowledge of my father David he struck down two men more righteous and better than he when he put to the sword Abner son of Ner, commander of Israel’s army, and Amasa son of Jether, commander of Judah’s army.


Treasury of Scripture

And it be told you, and you have heard of it, and inquired diligently, and, behold, it be true, and the thing certain, that such abomination is worked in Israel:

enquired

Deuteronomy 13:12-14
If thou shalt hear say in one of thy cities, which the LORD thy God hath given thee to dwell there, saying, …

Deuteronomy 19:18
And the judges shall make diligent inquisition: and, behold, if the witness be a false witness, and hath testified falsely against his brother;

Proverbs 25:2
It is the glory of God to conceal a thing: but the honour of kings is to search out a matter.

Jump to Previous
Abominable Abomination Attention Care Detestable Diligently Doubt Ears Hear Heard Hearest Inquire Inquired Inquiry Investigate Israel Proved Thorough Thoroughly True. Truth Word Wrought
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Abominable Abomination Attention Care Detestable Diligently Doubt Ears Hear Heard Hearest Inquire Inquired Inquiry Investigate Israel Proved Thorough Thoroughly True. Truth Word Wrought
Deuteronomy 17
1. The things sacrificed must be sound
2. Idolaters must be slain
8. Hard controversies are to be determined by the priests and judges
12. The one who shows contempt for the judge must die
14. The election
16. and duty of a king














and if it is reported and you hear about it,
This phrase emphasizes the importance of community vigilance and accountability. In ancient Israel, the community played a crucial role in maintaining the covenant relationship with God. Reports of wrongdoing were not to be ignored, reflecting the communal responsibility to uphold God's laws. This principle is echoed in the New Testament, where believers are encouraged to address sin within the church (Matthew 18:15-17).

you must investigate it thoroughly.
The requirement for a thorough investigation underscores the need for justice and due process. This reflects God's character as just and fair, ensuring that accusations are not taken lightly or acted upon without evidence. The process of investigation is akin to the judicial procedures seen in other parts of the Old Testament, such as the need for multiple witnesses (Deuteronomy 19:15). This principle is mirrored in the New Testament, where Paul advises Timothy not to entertain accusations against an elder without proper evidence (1 Timothy 5:19).

If the report is true
This condition highlights the necessity of establishing truth before taking action. It reflects the biblical principle that truth is foundational to justice. The pursuit of truth is a recurring theme in Scripture, as seen in Jesus' declaration that He is "the way, the truth, and the life" (John 14:6). The emphasis on truth also points to the integrity required of God's people, who are called to reflect His nature.

and such an abomination has happened in Israel,
The term "abomination" refers to actions that are detestable to God, often associated with idolatry or moral corruption. In the context of Deuteronomy, it likely refers to idolatrous practices that violate the first commandment. The use of "in Israel" signifies the covenant community's unique relationship with God, where such acts are not only legal violations but spiritual betrayals. This concept is echoed in the prophetic literature, where Israel's unfaithfulness is often depicted as spiritual adultery (Jeremiah 3:6-10). The call to address abominations is a call to maintain holiness, a theme that finds its ultimate fulfillment in Christ, who cleanses and sanctifies His church (Ephesians 5:25-27).

Persons / Places / Events
1. Israel
The nation chosen by God, consisting of the descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. In this context, Israel is the community responsible for upholding God's laws and standards.

2. Judges and Leaders
Although not explicitly mentioned in this verse, the context involves the leaders and judges of Israel who are responsible for investigating and adjudicating matters of law and justice.

3. Detestable Thing
Refers to acts of idolatry or other serious sins that violate God's commandments, which are considered abominations in the sight of God.
Teaching Points
The Importance of Thorough Investigation
God commands His people to seek truth and justice diligently. This requires careful examination and discernment to ensure that accusations are valid and not based on hearsay or falsehood.

Community Responsibility
The community of believers is responsible for maintaining holiness and purity. This involves addressing sin and wrongdoing in a manner that aligns with God's standards.

The Seriousness of Sin
Sin, especially idolatry, is a serious offense against God. It must be addressed with the gravity it deserves, recognizing its potential to lead others astray and damage the community's relationship with God.

The Role of Leadership
Leaders and judges have a critical role in upholding justice and righteousness. They must act with integrity and impartiality, ensuring that God's laws are applied fairly and consistently.

Restoration and Reconciliation
While addressing sin is necessary, the ultimate goal should be restoration and reconciliation. This reflects God's desire for His people to live in harmony and obedience to His will.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
and if it is reported
וְהֻֽגַּד־ (wə·hug·gaḏ-)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hofal - Conjunctive perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 5046: To be conspicuous

and you hear about it,
וְשָׁמָ֑עְתָּ (wə·šā·mā·‘ə·tā)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - second person masculine singular
Strong's 8085: To hear intelligently

you must investigate it
וְדָרַשְׁתָּ֣ (wə·ḏā·raš·tā)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - second person masculine singular
Strong's 1875: To tread, frequent, to follow, to seek, ask, to worship

thoroughly.
הֵיטֵ֔ב (hê·ṭêḇ)
Verb - Hifil - Infinitive absolute
Strong's 3190: To be good, well, glad, or pleasing

If
וְהִנֵּ֤ה (wə·hin·nêh)
Conjunctive waw | Interjection
Strong's 2009: Lo! behold!

the report
הַדָּבָ֔ר (had·dā·ḇār)
Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 1697: A word, a matter, thing, a cause

is
נֶעֶשְׂתָ֛ה (ne·‘eś·ṯāh)
Verb - Nifal - Perfect - third person feminine singular
Strong's 6213: To do, make

TRUE
אֱמֶת֙ (’ĕ·meṯ)
Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 571: Stability, certainty, truth, trustworthiness

and such
הַזֹּ֖את (haz·zōṯ)
Article | Pronoun - feminine singular
Strong's 2063: Hereby in it, likewise, the one other, same, she, so much, such deed, that,

an abomination
הַתּוֹעֵבָ֥ה (hat·tō·w·‘ê·ḇāh)
Article | Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 8441: Something disgusting, an abhorrence, idolatry, an idol

has happened in Israel,
בְּיִשְׂרָאֵֽל׃ (bə·yiś·rā·’êl)
Preposition-b | Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3478: Israel -- 'God strives', another name of Jacob and his desc


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OT Law: Deuteronomy 17:4 And it be told you and you (Deut. De Du)
Deuteronomy 17:3
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