Inquisition
The Biblical Meaning
The word "inquisition" in the Bible carries none of the later historical associations with the medieval Catholic institution of that name. In its biblical usage, it simply means a thorough investigation or careful inquiry into the truth of a matter. The term translates two Hebrew words: darash, meaning to seek, inquire, or search diligently, and baqash, meaning to search out or investigate. Both convey the idea of pursuing truth with persistence and care.
Judicial Inquiry in Deuteronomy
The most significant legal use of inquisition appears in Deuteronomy 19:18, within the laws governing witnesses in court. When a malicious witness came forward to accuse someone falsely, the judges were required to "make diligent inquisition" (KJV) or "investigate thoroughly" (modern translations). The Hebrew verb darash here emphasizes that surface-level examination was insufficient; the judges had to probe deeply into the testimony to determine whether the accusation was true or false.
If the investigation revealed that the witness had testified falsely, the false witness was to receive the punishment that would have been imposed on the accused (Deuteronomy 19:19). This law both protected the innocent from false accusations and deterred perjury through the threat of reciprocal punishment.
God's Inquisition of Blood
Psalm 9:12 presents a profound theological use of the concept: "For He who avenges blood remembers them; He does not forget the cry of the afflicted." The KJV renders part of this verse as "when he maketh inquisition for blood." Here, God Himself is depicted as conducting a thorough investigation into acts of violence against the innocent. Unlike human courts that may fail to uncover the truth, God's inquisition is perfect and complete. No act of bloodshed escapes His notice or His justice.
This passage offers comfort to the oppressed: even when human justice systems fail, God actively searches out injustice and holds perpetrators accountable.
Investigation in the Book of Esther
In Esther 2:23, the word appears in connection with the investigation of a conspiracy against King Ahasuerus. When Mordecai reported that the eunuchs Bigthana and Teresh had plotted to assassinate the king, "the matter was investigated and found to be so" (KJV: "inquisition was made"). The investigation confirmed the conspiracy, the plotters were executed, and the event was recorded in the royal chronicles, a detail that later proved crucial for the deliverance of the Jewish people (Esther 6:1-2).
The Principle of Thorough Investigation
The biblical concept of inquisition teaches that justice requires careful examination rather than hasty judgment. Moses instructed Israel that when a serious accusation was brought, they must "inquire, and make search, and ask diligently" (Deuteronomy 13:14). This threefold emphasis on investigation reflects the gravity with which truth-finding was treated in Israelite law. Proverbs reinforces this principle: "The first to plead his case seems right, until another comes and examines him" (Proverbs 18:17).
Biblical Context
Inquisition appears in Deuteronomy 19:18 in the context of judicial investigation of witnesses, in Psalm 9:12 describing God's search for justice regarding bloodshed, and in Esther 2:23 regarding the investigation of a plot against King Ahasuerus. The concept of thorough inquiry also appears in Deuteronomy 13:14.
Theological Significance
The biblical concept of inquisition reveals that both human and divine justice require thorough investigation. God's own 'inquisition' for blood assures the oppressed that no injustice escapes His notice. The legal requirement for diligent inquiry protects the innocent and reflects God's character as a God of truth who demands honest judgment.
Historical Background
Ancient Israelite judicial proceedings took place at the city gate, where elders served as judges. The requirement for multiple witnesses (Deuteronomy 17:6; 19:15) and thorough investigation protected against miscarriages of justice. Similar principles of judicial inquiry are found in other ancient Near Eastern law codes, though Israel's system was distinctive in its theological grounding of justice in the character of God.