share torah logo

Deuteronomy 13:15 - Verify idolatry's truth rigorously?

Deuteronomy 13:15 - דברים 13:15

Hebrew Text

וְדָרַשְׁתָּ וְחָקַרְתָּ וְשָׁאַלְתָּ הֵיטֵב וְהִנֵּה אֱמֶת נָכוֹן הַדָּבָר נֶעֶשְׂתָה הַתּוֹעֵבָה הַזֹּאת בְּקִרְבֶּךָ׃

English Translation

then shalt thou inquire, and make search, and ask diligently; and, behold, if it be truth, and the thing certain, that such abomination was done among you;

Transliteration

Vedarashta vekhakarta veshalta heitev vehine emet nakhon hadavar ne'esta hato'eva hazot bekirbekha.

Hebrew Leining Text

וְדָרַשְׁתָּ֧ וְחָקַרְתָּ֛ וְשָׁאַלְתָּ֖ הֵיטֵ֑ב וְהִנֵּ֤ה אֱמֶת֙ נָכ֣וֹן הַדָּבָ֔ר נֶעֶשְׂתָ֛ה הַתּוֹעֵבָ֥ה הַזֹּ֖את בְּקִרְבֶּֽךָ׃
וְדָרַשְׁתָּ֧ וְחָקַרְתָּ֛ וְשָׁאַלְתָּ֖ הֵיטֵ֑ב וְהִנֵּ֤ה אֱמֶת֙ נָכ֣וֹן הַדָּבָ֔ר נֶעֶשְׂתָ֛ה הַתּוֹעֵבָ֥ה הַזֹּ֖את בְּקִרְבֶּֽךָ׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Context in Sefer Devarim

This verse (Devarim 13:15) appears in the context of dealing with an ir hanidachat (a city led astray into idolatry). The Torah commands a rigorous investigative process before taking action against such a city, emphasizing the gravity of the situation and the need for absolute certainty.

Four Levels of Investigation

Rashi explains that the four verbs (v'darashta, v'chakarta, v'shalta heiteiv) represent progressively deeper levels of inquiry:

  • V'darashta - Initial questioning of witnesses
  • V'chakarta - Careful cross-examination
  • V'shalta - Further interrogation
  • Heiteiv - Thorough investigation until the matter is clarified beyond doubt

Legal Principles from the Talmud

The Talmud (Sanhedrin 40a) derives from this verse fundamental principles of Jewish jurisprudence:

  • The requirement for hachra'ah (warning) to offenders must be established through rigorous examination
  • Courts must employ bedikah v'chakirah (inquiry and investigation) in capital cases
  • The standard of proof must reach v'hinneh emet nachon hadavar (clear and certain truth)

Moral and Ethical Dimensions

Rambam (Hilchos Avodah Zarah 4:6) emphasizes that this verse teaches:

  • The severity of idolatry as hato'eva hazot (this abomination)
  • The communal responsibility to root out spiritual corruption
  • The necessity of due process even when dealing with severe sins

Contemporary Application

The Sforno notes that this investigative model applies to all areas of Jewish life where serious accusations are made - we must:

  • Avoid rash judgments
  • Seek complete verification
  • Only act when the matter is nachon hadavar (certain beyond doubt)

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Deuteronomy 13:15 mean?
A: Deuteronomy 13:15 instructs the Jewish people to thoroughly investigate any claim of idolatry or serious wrongdoing within their community. The verse emphasizes the importance of diligent inquiry ('inquire, search, ask diligently') to confirm the truth before taking action. This teaches us the Torah's value of justice and careful judgment.
Q: Why is Deuteronomy 13:15 important in Judaism?
A: This verse is important because it establishes the Torah's strict standards for justice. The Talmud (Sanhedrin 32a) derives from this verse that courts must conduct thorough investigations before ruling on serious matters. Rambam (Hilchot Sanhedrin 24:1) explains this prevents wrongful punishment and maintains societal justice.
Q: What can we learn from Deuteronomy 13:15 today?
A: We learn the importance of verifying facts before making judgments about others. Rashi explains the repetition of investigative terms ('inquire, search, ask') teaches we must examine matters from all angles. This applies today in how we approach rumors or accusations - we must seek truth with diligence and fairness.
Q: How does Deuteronomy 13:15 apply to Jewish law?
A: This verse forms the basis for many halachic procedures in Jewish courts. The Sifrei (Devarim 94) explains it requires multiple witnesses and thorough cross-examination. The principle extends beyond courts - we learn to carefully verify information in business, personal relationships, and communal matters before acting.
Q: What does 'abomination' refer to in Deuteronomy 13:15?
A: In context, 'abomination' primarily refers to idolatry, which the Torah considers the gravest sin. Rashi explains it can also include other severe violations that corrupt society. The term teaches that certain behaviors are spiritually destructive and require communal response - but only after proper verification as the verse commands.