If thy brother, the son of thy mother, or thy son, or thy daughter, or the wife of thy bosom, or thy friend, which is as thine own soul, entice thee secretly, saying, Let us go and serve other gods, which thou hast not known, thou, nor thy fathers;

DEUTERONOMY 13:6KJV
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Deuteronomy 13:6 (KJV)

What does Deuteronomy 13:6 mean?

Deuteronomy 13:6 warns that if someone very close to you—such as a sibling, child, spouse, or dear friend—tries to secretly persuade you to worship other gods unfamiliar to you or your ancestors, you should recognize this as a serious threat to your faithfulness. The verse highlights that even the strongest personal bonds do not excuse turning away from the worship of the one God.

Moses is speaking to the Israelites, preparing them for life in the promised land where they will encounter other religions. The verse lists specific relationships—brother (from the same mother), son, daughter, beloved wife, or a friend as close as one’s own soul—to stress how tempting it could be to listen to someone you deeply trust. The warning is about the danger of being secretly enticed to follow other gods, which was a major concern for Israel’s identity and faithfulness.

The Hebrew behind Deuteronomy 13:6

  • "Entice" (סוּת, sûth): This word means to secretly persuade or seduce. The verse uses it to show that the danger is not always open or obvious; it can come quietly from those closest to you.
  • "Secretly" (סֵתֶר, sēther): This word emphasizes that the persuasion happens in private, highlighting the hidden nature of the temptation and the seriousness of even private disloyalty.
  • "Friend" (רֵעַ, rēa‘): This is not just any acquaintance but someone considered as close as one’s own soul (נֶפֶשׁ, nephesh). The verse stresses the emotional pull and trust involved, making the warning even stronger.

Why Deuteronomy 13:6 matters

  • Deuteronomy 13:6 clarifies that loyalty to God is expected even when pressured by those you love most, countering the idea that family or close friends could justify disobedience.
  • The verse shows the seriousness with which ancient Israel was to treat the temptation to idolatry, especially when it comes from trusted relationships.
  • This verse connects to the wider passage, which deals with protecting the community’s faith and identity by resisting all forms of secret or subtle persuasion to abandon God.

Where else these words appear

“entice” Hebrew H5496 · used in 18 verses

  • Joshua 15:18 And it came to pass, as she came unto him, that she moved him to ask of her father a field: and she lighted off her ass; and Caleb said unto her, What wouldest thou?
  • 2 Kings 18:32 Until I come and take you away to a land like your own land, a land of corn and wine, a land of bread and vineyards, a land of oil olive and of honey, that ye may live, and not die: and hearken not unto Hezekiah, when he persuadeth you, saying, The LORD will deliver us.
  • Job 2:3 And the LORD said unto Satan, Hast thou considered my servant Job, that there is none like him in the earth, a perfect and an upright man, one that feareth God, and escheweth evil? and still he holdeth fast his integrity, although thou movedst me against him, to destroy him without cause.

“bosom” Hebrew H2436 · used in 34 verses

  • Genesis 16:5 And Sarai said unto Abram, My wrong be upon thee: I have given my maid into thy bosom; and when she saw that she had conceived, I was despised in her eyes: the LORD judge between me and thee.
  • 1 Kings 17:19 And he said unto her, Give me thy son. And he took him out of her bosom, and carried him up into a loft, where he abode, and laid him upon his own bed.
  • Proverbs 21:14 A gift in secret pacifieth anger: and a reward in the bosom strong wrath.

“secretly” Hebrew H5643 · used in 36 verses

  • Deuteronomy 27:15 Cursed be the man that maketh any graven or molten image, an abomination unto the LORD, the work of the hands of the craftsman, and putteth it in a secret place. And all the people shall answer and say, Amen.
  • Job 31:27 And my heart hath been secretly enticed, or my mouth hath kissed my hand:
  • Proverbs 9:17 Stolen waters are sweet, and bread eaten in secret is pleasant.