Thou shalt not consent unto him, nor hearken unto him; neither shall thine eye pity him, neither shalt thou spare, neither shalt thou conceal him:

DEUTERONOMY 13:8KJV
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Deuteronomy 13:8 (KJV)

What does Deuteronomy 13:8 mean?

Deuteronomy 13:8 commands the Israelites not to agree with, listen to, feel sorry for, spare, or hide anyone who tries to lead them to worship other gods. The verse stresses a complete refusal to support or protect someone—even a close family member—who encourages turning away from God.

In this passage, Moses is speaking to the people of Israel as they prepare to enter the Promised Land. The situation described is when someone, even a loved one, secretly tries to persuade another to serve other gods. The verse uses strong language to show that loyalty to God must come before even the closest human relationships.

The Hebrew behind Deuteronomy 13:8

  • consent (אָבָה, avah): This word means to be willing or to agree. The command is not just about actions, but also about not giving inward approval to the wrongdoer’s request.
  • hearken (שָׁמַע, shama): This means to listen or pay attention. The verse warns against even entertaining or considering the suggestion, not just acting on it.
  • eye (עַיִן, ayin) + pity (חָמַל, chamal): The phrase about the "eye pitying" refers to feeling compassion or being moved to mercy. The verse insists that emotional attachment or sympathy should not override faithfulness to God.
  • spare (חָסָה, chasah): This word means to let someone go or to refrain from punishment. The command is not to hold back from the required response out of personal feelings.
  • conceal (כָּסָה, kasah): This means to cover up or hide. The verse prohibits hiding the offender to protect them from the consequences.

Why Deuteronomy 13:8 matters

  • Deuteronomy 13:8 clarifies that loyalty to God is to be absolute, even above family ties or personal feelings, which was a radical idea in a culture where family was central.
  • The verse emphasizes that faithfulness involves both inner attitude and outward action—refusing to listen, feel pity, or protect someone who leads others astray.
  • This instruction fits into a larger section warning against idolatry and shows how seriously the community was to take the danger of being led away from God.

Where else these words appear

“pity” Hebrew H2347 · used in 24 verses

  • Genesis 45:20 Also regard not your stuff; for the good of all the land of Egypt is yours.
  • Psalms 72:13 He shall spare the poor and needy, and shall save the souls of the needy.
  • Ezekiel 9:5 And to the others he said in mine hearing, Go ye after him through the city, and smite: let not your eye spare, neither have ye pity:

“spare” Hebrew H2550 · used in 40 verses

  • Exodus 2:6 And when she had opened it, she saw the child: and, behold, the babe wept. And she had compassion on him, and said, This is one of the Hebrews' children.
  • Job 27:22 For God shall cast upon him, and not spare: he would fain flee out of his hand.
  • Ezekiel 5:11 Wherefore, as I live, saith the Lord GOD; Surely, because thou hast defiled my sanctuary with all thy detestable things, and with all thine abominations, therefore will I also diminish thee; neither shall mine eye spare, neither will I have any pity.

“consent” Hebrew H14 · used in 52 verses

  • Genesis 24:5 And the servant said unto him, Peradventure the woman will not be willing to follow me unto this land: must I needs bring thy son again unto the land from whence thou camest?
  • 1 Samuel 26:23 The LORD render to every man his righteousness and his faithfulness: for the LORD delivered thee into my hand to day, but I would not stretch forth mine hand against the LORD'S anointed.
  • 1 Chronicles 11:18 And the three brake through the host of the Philistines, and drew water out of the well of Bethlehem, that was by the gate, and took it, and brought it to David: but David would not drink of it, but poured it out to the LORD,

“conceal” Hebrew H3680 · used in 149 verses

  • Genesis 7:19 And the waters prevailed exceedingly upon the earth; and all the high hills, that were under the whole heaven, were covered.
  • 1 Samuel 19:13 And Michal took an image, and laid it in the bed, and put a pillow of goats' hair for his bolster, and covered it with a cloth.
  • Proverbs 24:31 And, lo, it was all grown over with thorns, and nettles had covered the face thereof, and the stone wall thereof was broken down.