Deuteronomy 13 Chapter Introduction

Structure and Formatting

This chapter continues Moses’ second speech, which began in chapter five.

1. Instructions regarding Israelite prophets and dreamers of dreams who try to entice fellow Israelites to worship false gods (1–5)
2. Instructions regarding Israelite family members who try to entice an Israelite family member to worship false gods (6–11)
3. Instructions regarding the worship of false gods in Israelite cities (12–18)

Religious and Cultural Concepts in This Chapter

False prophecy

Verses 1–11 discuss false prophets and people who practice divination. These are people would encourage people to worship idols instead of Yahweh and therefore Yahweh commanded that they must be put to death. (See: falseprophet and divination)

Abominations

Anything that is sinful or ceremonially impure according to the law is called an “abomination” in this chapter. The sinful things include people who worship idols, items used for idol worship, and anything associated with idolatry. (See: abomination)

Translation Issues in This Chapter

Hypothetical conditions

Moses is addressing situations that could occur in the future and giving instructions for the Israelites to follow if those situations occur. In your translation, be sure to use phrases that show that Moses is talking about hypothetical situations, not promising that something will happen in the future. (See: grammar-connect-condition-hypothetical)