King James Version

What Does Deuteronomy 12:3 Mean?

Deuteronomy 12:3 in the King James Version says “And ye shall overthrow their altars, and break their pillars, and burn their groves with fire; and ye shall hew down the...” — study this verse from Deuteronomy chapter 12 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And ye shall overthrow their altars, and break their pillars, and burn their groves with fire; and ye shall hew down the graven images of their gods, and destroy the names of them out of that place. overthrow: Heb. break down”

Deuteronomy 12:3 · KJV

Context

1

These are the statutes and judgments, which ye shall observe to do in the land, which the LORD God of thy fathers giveth thee to possess it, all the days that ye live upon the earth.

2

Ye shall utterly destroy all the places, wherein the nations which ye shall possess served their gods, upon the high mountains, and upon the hills, and under every green tree: possess: or, inherit

3

And ye shall overthrow their altars, and break their pillars, and burn their groves with fire; and ye shall hew down the graven images of their gods, and destroy the names of them out of that place. overthrow: Heb. break down

4

Ye shall not do so unto the LORD your God.

5

But unto the place which the LORD your God shall choose out of all your tribes to put his name there, even unto his habitation shall ye seek, and thither thou shalt come:

Read Deuteronomy 12 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The destruction must be thorough: 'ye shall overthrow their altars, and break their pillars, and burn their groves with fire; and ye shall hew down the graven images of their gods, and destroy the names of them out of that place.' This specifies complete eradication of idolatrous infrastructure. The Hebrew verbs are violent: natats (נָתַץ, overthrow/break down), shabar (שָׁבַר, shatter), saraph (שָׂרַף, burn), gada (גָּדַע, cut down), abad (אָבַד, destroy). Even the 'names' must be destroyed—eliminating all memory and association. This reflects ancient concept that names carry power and presence. Destroying the name means obliterating the deity's cultural influence.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The 'pillars' (matsevot, מַצֵּבוֹת) were standing stones marking sacred sites. 'Groves' (asherim, אֲשֵׁרִים) were wooden poles or living trees sacred to Asherah. 'Graven images' (pesilim, פְּסִילִים) were carved idols. Archaeological excavations at Canaanite sites (Hazor, Megiddo, Gezer) have uncovered such cultic installations. Israel's partial obedience left high places that repeatedly ensnared them (Judges 2:1-3; 1 Kings 14:23). Josiah's reform (2 Kings 23) finally attempted comprehensive purging, but too late to prevent exile.

Reflection Questions

  1. How thorough must Christians be in removing spiritual influences that could lead to compromise?
  2. What does destroying even the 'names' of false gods teach about completely rejecting false ideologies?
  3. How do we balance preservation of historical and cultural artifacts with dangers of glorifying false religions?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 18 words
וְנִתַּצְתֶּ֣ם1 of 18

“And ye shall overthrow”

H5422

to tear down

אֶת2 of 18
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

מִזְבּחֹתָ֗ם3 of 18

“their altars”

H4196

an altar

וְשִׁבַּרְתֶּם֙4 of 18

“and break”

H7665

to burst (literally or figuratively)

אֶת5 of 18
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

מַצֵּ֣בֹתָ֔ם6 of 18

“their pillars”

H4676

something stationed, i.e., a column or (memorial stone); by analogy, an idol

וַאֲשֵֽׁרֵיהֶם֙7 of 18

“their groves”

H842

asherah (or astarte) a phoenician goddess; also an image of the same

תִּשְׂרְפ֣וּן8 of 18

“and burn”

H8313

to be (causatively, set) on fire

בָּאֵ֔שׁ9 of 18

“with fire”

H784

fire (literally or figuratively)

וּפְסִילֵ֥י10 of 18

“the graven images”

H6456

an idol

אֱלֹֽהֵיהֶ֖ם11 of 18

“of their gods”

H430

gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of

תְּגַדֵּע֑וּן12 of 18

“and ye shall hew down”

H1438

to fell a tree; generally, to destroy anything

וְאִבַּדְתֶּ֣ם13 of 18

“and destroy”

H6

properly, to wander away, i.e., lose oneself; by implication to perish (causative, destroy)

אֶת14 of 18
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

שְׁמָ֔ם15 of 18

“the names”

H8034

an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character

מִן16 of 18
H4480

properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses

הַמָּק֖וֹם17 of 18

“of them out of that place”

H4725

properly, a standing, i.e., a spot; but used widely of a locality (general or specific); also (figuratively) of a condition (of body or mind)

הַהֽוּא׃18 of 18
H1931

he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo

Study Guide

Historical Context

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.

Theological Significance

Deuteronomy 12:3 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Deuteronomy 12:3 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Judges 2:2Numbers 33:52Zechariah 13:2Psalms 16:4Exodus 23:13Deuteronomy 7:5

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