King James Version

What Does Deuteronomy 12:30 Mean?

Deuteronomy 12:30 in the King James Version says “Take heed to thyself that thou be not snared by following them, after that they be destroyed from before thee; and that ...” — study this verse from Deuteronomy chapter 12 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Take heed to thyself that thou be not snared by following them, after that they be destroyed from before thee; and that thou enquire not after their gods, saying, How did these nations serve their gods? even so will I do likewise. by: Heb. after them”

Deuteronomy 12:30 · KJV

Context

28

Observe and hear all these words which I command thee, that it may go well with thee, and with thy children after thee for ever, when thou doest that which is good and right in the sight of the LORD thy God.

29

When the LORD thy God shall cut off the nations from before thee, whither thou goest to possess them, and thou succeedest them, and dwellest in their land; succeedest: Heb. inheritest, or, possessest them

30

Take heed to thyself that thou be not snared by following them, after that they be destroyed from before thee; and that thou enquire not after their gods, saying, How did these nations serve their gods? even so will I do likewise. by: Heb. after them

31

Thou shalt not do so unto the LORD thy God: for every abomination to the LORD, which he hateth, have they done unto their gods; for even their sons and their daughters they have burnt in the fire to their gods. to the: Heb. of the

32

What thing soever I command you, observe to do it: thou shalt not add thereto, nor diminish from it.

Read Deuteronomy 12 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The specific warning: 'Take heed to thyself that thou be not snared by following them, after that they be destroyed from before thee; and that thou enquire not after their gods, saying, How did these nations serve their gods? even so will I do likewise.' The Hebrew hishamer (הִשָּׁמֶר, 'guard yourself') demands vigilance. The danger: being 'snared' (naqash, נָקַשׁ, trapped/ensnared) by studying enemy religion. Even curiosity about pagan worship risks contamination. The phrase 'even so will I do likewise' expresses the slippery slope: investigation → interest → imitation. Religious syncretism begins with innocent inquiry but ends in apostasy. God prohibits even studying false worship to prevent seduction.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

This warning proved prescient. Solomon's foreign wives 'turned away his heart after other gods' (1 Kings 11:4). Ahab married Jezebel and established Baal worship (1 Kings 16:31-33). Manasseh practiced Canaanite abominations including child sacrifice (2 Kings 21:1-9). Israel's curiosity about Canaanite fertility religion led to adopting its practices. The command protects against tolerant curiosity becoming corrupting acceptance. Paul later warns: 'evil communications corrupt good manners' (1 Corinthians 15:33).

Reflection Questions

  1. How does curiosity about false religions or ideologies create vulnerability to their influence?
  2. What is the difference between understanding false beliefs to refute them versus entertaining them sympathetically?
  3. How do Christians balance cultural awareness with guarding against spiritual compromise?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 22 words
הִשָּׁ֣מֶר1 of 22

“Take heed”

H8104

properly, to hedge about (as with thorns), i.e., guard; generally, to protect, attend to, etc

לְךָ֗2 of 22
H0
פֶּן3 of 22
H6435

properly, removal; used only (in the construction) adverb as conjunction, lest

תִּנָּקֵשׁ֙4 of 22

“to thyself that thou be not snared”

H5367

to entrap (with a noose), literally or figuratively

אַֽחֲרֵ֖י5 of 22

“by following”

H310

properly, the hind part; generally used as an adverb or conjunction, after (in various senses)

אַֽחֲרֵ֖י6 of 22

“by following”

H310

properly, the hind part; generally used as an adverb or conjunction, after (in various senses)

הִשָּֽׁמְדָ֣ם7 of 22

“that they be destroyed”

H8045

to desolate

מִפָּנֶ֑יךָ8 of 22

“from before”

H6440

the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi

וּפֶן9 of 22
H6435

properly, removal; used only (in the construction) adverb as conjunction, lest

תִּדְרֹ֨שׁ10 of 22

“thee and that thou enquire”

H1875

properly, to tread or frequent; usually to follow (for pursuit or search); by implication, to seek or ask; specifically to worship

אֱלֹ֣הֵיהֶ֔ם11 of 22

“not after 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

לֵאמֹ֨ר12 of 22

“saying”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

אֵיכָ֨ה13 of 22
H349

how? or how!; also where

יַֽעַבְד֜וּ14 of 22

“serve”

H5647

to work (in any sense); by implication, to serve, till, (causatively) enslave, etc

הַגּוֹיִ֤ם15 of 22

“How did these nations”

H1471

a foreign nation; hence, a gentile; also (figuratively) a troop of animals, or a flight of locusts

הָאֵ֙לֶּה֙16 of 22
H428

these or those

אֶת17 of 22
H853

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

אֱלֹ֣הֵיהֶ֔ם18 of 22

“not after 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

וְאֶֽעֱשֶׂה19 of 22

“even so will I do”

H6213

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

כֵּ֖ן20 of 22
H3651

properly, set upright; hence (figuratively as adjective) just; but usually (as adverb or conjunction) rightly or so (in various applications to manner

גַּם21 of 22

“likewise”

H1571

properly, assemblage; used only adverbially also, even, yea, though; often repeated as correl. both...and

אָֽנִי׃22 of 22
H589

i

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 12:30 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 12:30 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Jeremiah 10:2Ezekiel 20:32Exodus 23:31-33Deuteronomy 7:16Ezekiel 20:28Psalms 106:34-38

Test Your Knowledge

Deuteronomy 12 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterDeuteronomy Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

Continue Your Study

Read Deuteronomy 12 with CommentaryAll Deuteronomy ChaptersComplete Deuteronomy QuizBible CharactersNave's Topical BibleAll Bible Quizzes