King James Version

What Does Deuteronomy 12:31 Mean?

Deuteronomy 12:31 in the King James Version says “Thou shalt not do so unto the LORD thy God: for every abomination to the LORD, which he hateth, have they done unto thei... — study this verse from Deuteronomy chapter 12 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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

Deuteronomy 12:31 · King James Version


Context

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.


Commentaries2 scholars

KJV Study CommentaryPublic Domain
The reason for prohibition: '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.' Canaanite worship included 'abominations' (to'evah, תּוֹעֵבָה, detestable things)—practices God 'hates' (שָׂנֵא, sane). Specifically mentioned: child sacrifice—burning sons and daughters as offerings. This horrific practice honored Molech/Moloch, attested archaeologically at Carthage (Phoenician colony) and biblical texts (Leviticus 18:21; 2 Kings 23:10; Jeremiah 7:31). God absolutely forbids syncretizing His worship with such practices. What pagans do 'unto their gods' must never be done 'unto the LORD.'

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Archaeological evidence confirms child sacrifice in Canaanite/Phoenician religion. Tophet sites (ritual burial grounds for sacrificed children) have been excavated. Despite prohibition, some Israelites adopted this practice—Ahaz and Manasseh sacrificed their sons (2 Kings 16:3; 21:6). Jeremiah condemns the Valley of Hinnom (Gehenna) where children were burned to Molech (Jeremiah 19:5). Josiah's reform desecrated these sites (2 Kings 23:10). This abomination exemplifies pagan religion's depravity, justifying God's command for complete destruction.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does child sacrifice illustrate the depths of human depravity when worshiping false gods?
  2. What modern practices might parallel ancient child sacrifice in devaluing human life for selfish ends (abortion, exploitation)?
  3. Why is syncretism (mixing true worship with false practices) so dangerous rather than merely neutral or misguided?

Compare 2 commentaries from different scholars and time periods for a richer understanding.


Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 22 words
לֹֽא1 of 22
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

עָשׂוּ֙2 of 22

Thou shalt not do

H6213

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

כֵ֔ן3 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

יְהוָ֜ה4 of 22

so unto the LORD

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

לֵֽאלֹהֵיהֶֽם׃5 of 22

thy God

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

כִּי֩6 of 22
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

כָל7 of 22
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

תּֽוֹעֲבַ֨ת8 of 22

for every abomination

H8441

properly, something disgusting (morally), i.e., (as noun) an abhorrence; especially idolatry or (concretely) an idol

יְהוָ֜ה9 of 22

so unto the LORD

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

אֲשֶׁ֣ר10 of 22
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

שָׂנֵ֗א11 of 22

which he hateth

H8130

to hate (personally)

עָשׂוּ֙12 of 22

Thou shalt not do

H6213

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

לֵֽאלֹהֵיהֶֽם׃13 of 22

thy God

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

כִּ֣י14 of 22
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

גַ֤ם15 of 22
H1571

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

אֶת16 of 22
H853

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

בְּנֵיהֶם֙17 of 22

for even their sons

H1121

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

וְאֶת18 of 22
H853

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

בְּנֹ֣תֵיהֶ֔ם19 of 22

and their daughters

H1323

a daughter (used in the same wide sense as other terms of relationship, literally and figuratively)

יִשְׂרְפ֥וּ20 of 22

they have burnt

H8313

to be (causatively, set) on fire

בָאֵ֖שׁ21 of 22

in the fire

H784

fire (literally or figuratively)

לֵֽאלֹהֵיהֶֽם׃22 of 22

thy God

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


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 12:31 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 12:31 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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