King James Version

What Does Deuteronomy 18:12 Mean?

Deuteronomy 18:12 in the King James Version says “For all that do these things are an abomination unto the LORD: and because of these abominations the LORD thy God doth d...” — study this verse from Deuteronomy chapter 18 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“For all that do these things are an abomination unto the LORD: and because of these abominations the LORD thy God doth drive them out from before thee.”

Deuteronomy 18:12 · KJV

Context

10

There shall not be found among you any one that maketh his son or his daughter to pass through the fire, or that useth divination, or an observer of times, or an enchanter, or a witch,

11

Or a charmer , or a consulter with familiar spirits, or a wizard, or a necromancer .

12

For all that do these things are an abomination unto the LORD: and because of these abominations the LORD thy God doth drive them out from before thee.

13

Thou shalt be perfect with the LORD thy God. perfect: or, upright, or, sincere

14

For these nations, which thou shalt possess, hearkened unto observers of times, and unto diviners: but as for thee, the LORD thy God hath not suffered thee so to do. possess: or, inherit

Read Deuteronomy 18 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
For all that do these things are an abomination unto the LORD—The Hebrew to'evah (abomination) denotes something utterly detestable and morally repugnant to God's holy nature. This term appears throughout the Mosaic law for practices that fundamentally violate covenant relationship with YHWH. The phrase all that do these things refers back to the catalogue of occult practices in verses 10-11: child sacrifice, divination, soothsaying, enchantment, witchcraft, charming, consulting spirits, wizardry, and necromancy.

Because of these abominations the LORD thy God doth drive them out from before thee—The Canaanite nations' expulsion was divine judgment for their occult practices. God's holiness demands separation from such practices; Israel's conquest of Canaan was not arbitrary imperialism but theocratic judgment. This establishes a crucial principle: God judges nations for moral corruption, and His people must remain distinct. The verse connects cultic purity with covenant blessing—compromising with occultism forfeits God's protection and presence.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Moses delivered this warning circa 1406 BC on the plains of Moab, preparing Israel for entry into Canaan where occult practices were deeply embedded in religious culture. Archaeological evidence confirms widespread divination, necromancy, and child sacrifice among Canaanite peoples. The Molech cult (child sacrifice) is attested in Phoenician inscriptions and excavations at Carthage. Israel's temptation would be to syncretize these practices with YHWH worship—precisely what later occurred and provoked prophetic condemnation (2 Kings 21:6; Jeremiah 7:31).

Reflection Questions

  1. How does God's unchanging holiness demand separation from occult practices in contemporary culture (horoscopes, mediums, spiritualism)?
  2. What does the severity of God's judgment on Canaanite occultism teach about the spiritual danger of dabbling in 'harmless' supernatural practices?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 14 words
כִּֽי1 of 14
H3588

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

הַתּֽוֹעֵבֹ֣ת2 of 14

“of these abominations”

H8441

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

יְהוָ֣ה3 of 14

“the LORD”

H3068

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

כָּל4 of 14
H3605

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

עֹ֣שֵׂה5 of 14

“For all that do”

H6213

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

אֵ֑לֶּה6 of 14
H428

these or those

וּבִגְלַל֙7 of 14

“and because”

H1558

a circumstance (as rolled around); only used adverbially, on account of

הַתּֽוֹעֵבֹ֣ת8 of 14

“of these abominations”

H8441

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

הָאֵ֔לֶּה9 of 14
H428

these or those

יְהוָ֣ה10 of 14

“the LORD”

H3068

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

אֱלֹהֶ֔יךָ11 of 14

“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

מוֹרִ֥ישׁ12 of 14

“doth drive them out”

H3423

to occupy (by driving out previous tenants, and possessing in their place); by implication, to seize, to rob, to inherit; also to expel, to impoverish

אוֹתָ֖ם13 of 14
H853

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

מִפָּנֶֽיךָ׃14 of 14

“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

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 18:12 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 18:12 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Leviticus 18:24Deuteronomy 9:4Leviticus 18:27

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