King James Version
Deuteronomy 11:16 in the King James Version says “Take heed to yourselves, that your heart be not deceived, and ye turn aside, and serve other gods, and worship them;” — study this verse from Deuteronomy chapter 11 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.
“Take heed to yourselves, that your heart be not deceived, and ye turn aside, and serve other gods, and worship them;”
Deuteronomy 11:16 · KJV
That I will give you the rain of your land in his due season, the first rain and the latter rain, that thou mayest gather in thy corn, and thy wine, and thine oil.
And I will send grass in thy fields for thy cattle, that thou mayest eat and be full. send: Heb. give
Take heed to yourselves, that your heart be not deceived, and ye turn aside, and serve other gods, and worship them;
And then the LORD'S wrath be kindled against you, and he shut up the heaven, that there be no rain, and that the land yield not her fruit; and lest ye perish quickly from off the good land which the LORD giveth you.
Therefore shall ye lay up these my words in your heart and in your soul, and bind them for a sign upon your hand, that they may be as frontlets between your eyes.
KJV Study — Public Domain
“Take heed”
H8104properly, to hedge about (as with thorns), i.e., guard; generally, to protect, attend to, etc
“be not deceived”
H6601to open, i.e., be (causatively, make) roomy; usually figuratively (in a mental or moral sense) to be (causatively, make) simple or (in a sinister way)
“and serve”
H5647to work (in any sense); by implication, to serve, till, (causatively) enslave, etc
“gods”
H430gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of
“and worship”
H7812to depress, i.e., prostrate (especially reflexive, in homage to royalty or god)
This verse is found in the book of Deuteronomy. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.
Deuteronomy 11:16 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.
Verses related to Deuteronomy 11:16 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge