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False Prophets in the Family

Suppose your own full brother,[a] your son, your daughter, your beloved wife, or your closest friend should seduce you secretly and encourage you to go and serve other gods[b] that neither you nor your ancestors[c] have previously known,[d] the gods of the surrounding people (whether near you or far from you, from one end of the earth[e] to the other). You must not give in to him or even listen to him; do not feel sympathy for him or spare him or cover up for him.

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Footnotes

  1. Deuteronomy 13:6 tn Heb “your brother, the son of your mother.” In a polygamous society it was not rare to have half brothers and sisters by way of a common father and different mothers.
  2. Deuteronomy 13:6 tn In the Hebrew text these words are in the form of a brief quotation: “entice you secretly saying, ‘Let us go and serve other gods.’”
  3. Deuteronomy 13:6 tn Heb “fathers” (also in v. 17).
  4. Deuteronomy 13:6 tn Heb “which you have not known, you or your fathers.” (cf. KJV, ASV; on “fathers” cf. v. 18).
  5. Deuteronomy 13:7 tn Or “land” (so NIV, NCV); the same Hebrew word can be translated “land” or “earth.”