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;
If thy brother. This term being applied very loosely in all Eastern countries (Genesis 20:13), other expressions are added to intimate that no degree of kindred, however intimate, should be allowed to screen an enticer to idolatry-which was a breach of the national covenant-to conceal his crime or protect his person. Piety and duty must overcome affection or compassion, and an accusation must be lodged before a magistrate.