Old Testament
Deuteronomy 13:6
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If someone close to you — your own brother, your son, your daughter, the wife you love, or a friend as dear to you as your own soul — secretly tries to persuade you, saying, "Let's go worship other gods" — gods that neither you nor your ancestors have ever known —
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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;
What Deuteronomy 13:6 means
Plain-English insight for readers
This verse warns us about the danger of being influenced by those we love. It highlights that even close family members or dear friends can lead us away from our beliefs. The message is clear: if someone you trust encourages you to follow other beliefs or practices, it’s crucial to recognize this as a serious temptation. The verse emphasizes the importance of staying true to what you know and believe, even when faced with pressure from those closest to you. It reminds us that loyalty to our faith should come before any personal relationships. This is not just about rejecting false gods; it’s about maintaining integrity in our convictions. The challenge is to discern when love for others might lead us astray from our core values. Ultimately, it’s a call to prioritize our spiritual commitments over personal attachments, ensuring that our faith remains unshaken by external influences. This verse serves as a powerful reminder to evaluate the motivations behind those who seek to sway us.
How to apply Deuteronomy 13:6 to your life
Consider the people in your life who may challenge your beliefs. Reflect on how you can maintain your values while still loving and respecting them. It’s important to set boundaries that protect your faith and integrity. Stay grounded in what you believe, even when faced with pressure from loved ones. Seek support from others who share your convictions to strengthen your resolve.
Curated for this public verse page. Deuteronomy Summary
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Photo: U.S. Army photo by Spc. Samantha R. Ciaramitaro, via DVIDS and Wikimedia Commons. License: Public domain in the United States — U.S. federal-government work. Source. Location: Great Ziggurat, Ur Archaeological City (Tell el-Mukayyar), Dhi Qar Governorate, Iraq. Resized for the web.
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The city Abram's family left to travel toward Canaan.
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At a Glance — the Book of Deuteronomy
- Author
- Traditionally attributed to Moses
- Written
- Around 1400 BC
- Genre
- Law (Pentateuch)
- Original Audience
- The Israelites about to enter the Promised Land
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Deuteronomy 13:6 mean?
Deuteronomy 13:6 warns against being led astray by loved ones who may encourage you to worship other gods. It emphasizes the importance of staying true to your faith, even when faced with pressure from those closest to you.
What is the significance of 'brother' in Deuteronomy 13:6?
In Deuteronomy 13:6, 'brother' symbolizes close relationships, highlighting that even those we love dearly can influence us negatively. The verse serves as a reminder to prioritize our spiritual beliefs over personal attachments.
How does Deuteronomy 13:6 relate to temptation?
Deuteronomy 13:6 illustrates the concept of temptation by showing how trusted individuals can lead us away from our beliefs. It encourages vigilance in recognizing these influences and maintaining integrity in our convictions.
What should I do if a loved one tries to sway my beliefs according to Deuteronomy 13:6?
If a loved one tries to sway your beliefs, Deuteronomy 13:6 advises you to remain firm in your faith. It's important to set boundaries that protect your values while still showing love and respect to those individuals.
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