King James Version

What Does Deuteronomy 18:14 Mean?

Deuteronomy 18:14 in the King James Version says “For these nations, which thou shalt possess, hearkened unto observers of times, and unto diviners: but as for thee, the ... — study this verse from Deuteronomy chapter 18 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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

Deuteronomy 18:14 · KJV


Context

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

15

The LORD thy God will raise up unto thee a Prophet from the midst of thee, of thy brethren, like unto me; unto him ye shall hearken;

16

According to all that thou desiredst of the LORD thy God in Horeb in the day of the assembly, saying, Let me not hear again the voice of the LORD my God, neither let me see this great fire any more, that I die not.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
For these nations, which thou shalt possess, hearkened unto observers of times, and unto divinersMe'onenim (observers of times) likely refers to those who interpreted omens from clouds or practiced astrology. Qosemim (diviners) encompasses various techniques for discerning the future or the will of deities—examining animal entrails, casting lots, observing bird flight patterns. These practices assumed that hidden knowledge could be obtained through manipulation of supernatural forces.

But as for thee, the LORD thy God hath not suffered thee so to do—The Hebrew natan (suffered/permitted) indicates God's sovereign prohibition. Israel's distinctiveness wasn't cultural preference but divine command. Why? Because occultism represents humanity's attempt to control the future and manipulate divine will rather than submitting in faith to God's revealed word. It's the epistemological arrogance of the Fall—seeking forbidden knowledge apart from God. Israel's alternative: trust the prophetic word God provides (vv. 15-22).

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Canaanite religion was profoundly divinatory. Clay liver models for haruspicy (divination by examining animal organs), astral observation texts, and dream interpretation manuals have been discovered throughout the ancient Near East. Israel entered a culture saturated with these practices. Later biblical history shows Israel's chronic failure—Saul consulting the witch of Endor (1 Samuel 28), Manasseh practicing divination (2 Kings 21:6), and the prophets condemning Israel's reliance on diviners rather than God's word (Isaiah 8:19-20; Jeremiah 27:9-10).

Reflection Questions

  1. How do modern forms of seeking control over the future (fortune-telling, astrology, manifestation techniques) parallel ancient divination?
  2. What does your reaction to uncertainty reveal about whether you trust God's sovereign provision or seek to manipulate outcomes through spiritual techniques?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 19 words
כִּ֣י׀1 of 19
H3588

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

הַגּוֹיִ֣ם2 of 19

For these nations

H1471

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

הָאֵ֗לֶּה3 of 19
H428

these or those

אֲשֶׁ֤ר4 of 19
H834

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

אַתָּה֙5 of 19
H859

thou and thee, or (plural) ye and you

יוֹרֵ֣שׁ6 of 19

which thou shalt possess

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

אוֹתָ֔ם7 of 19
H853

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

אֶל8 of 19
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

מְעֹֽנְנִ֥ים9 of 19

unto observers of times

H6049

figuratively, to act covertly, i.e., practise magic

וְאֶל10 of 19
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

קֹֽסְמִ֖ים11 of 19

and unto diviners

H7080

properly, to distribute, i.e., determine by lot or magical scroll; by implication, to divine

יִשְׁמָ֑עוּ12 of 19

hearkened

H8085

to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)

וְאַתָּ֕ה13 of 19
H859

thou and thee, or (plural) ye and you

לֹ֣א14 of 19
H3808

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

כֵ֔ן15 of 19
H3651

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

נָ֥תַן16 of 19

hath not suffered

H5414

to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)

לְךָ֖17 of 19
H0
יְהוָ֥ה18 of 19

but as for thee the LORD

H3068

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

אֱלֹהֶֽיךָ׃19 of 19

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 18:14 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 18:14 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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