King James Version

What Does Deuteronomy 32:17 Mean?

Deuteronomy 32:17 in the King James Version says “They sacrificed unto devils, not to God; to gods whom they knew not, to new gods that came newly up, whom your fathers f...” — study this verse from Deuteronomy chapter 32 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“They sacrificed unto devils, not to God; to gods whom they knew not, to new gods that came newly up, whom your fathers feared not. not to: or, which were not God”

Deuteronomy 32:17 · KJV

Context

15

But Jeshurun waxed fat, and kicked: thou art waxen fat, thou art grown thick, thou art covered with fatness; then he forsook God which made him, and lightly esteemed the Rock of his salvation.

16

They provoked him to jealousy with strange gods, with abominations provoked they him to anger.

17

They sacrificed unto devils, not to God; to gods whom they knew not, to new gods that came newly up, whom your fathers feared not. not to: or, which were not God

18

Of the Rock that begat thee thou art unmindful, and hast forgotten God that formed thee.

19

And when the LORD saw it, he abhorred them, because of the provoking of his sons, and of his daughters. abhorred: or, despised

Read Deuteronomy 32 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
They sacrificed unto devils, not to God—the Hebrew shedhîm (שֵׁדִים) appears only here and Psalm 106:37, referring to demonic powers behind idols. Paul explicitly connects this verse to New Testament theology: 'the things which the Gentiles sacrifice, they sacrifice to devils' (1 Corinthians 10:20). Idolatry is never merely superstition—it involves real demonic deception.

To new gods that came newly up (חֲדָשִׁים מִקָּרֹב בָּאוּ)—the irony is devastating: Israel abandoned the eternal God (הַצּוּר, the Rock, v.18) for fashionable novelties. Whom your fathers feared not emphasizes these deities had no historical claim, no proven faithfulness, no covenant history—pure innovation divorced from revelation. This critiques religious pluralism and theological novelty.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Written before Canaanite conquest, this verse prophetically describes Israel's syncretism. Archaeological evidence confirms widespread demon worship in ancient Near Eastern religion, including Mesopotamian šēdu (protective demons) and Canaanite underworld deities. The practice of child sacrifice to Molech in the Valley of Hinnom (2 Kings 23:10, Jeremiah 7:31) exemplifies the demonic horror Israel embraced.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does recognizing demonic reality behind false religion affect your understanding of spiritual warfare (Ephesians 6:12)?
  2. Why are 'new' religious ideas particularly dangerous when they lack roots in historical biblical revelation?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 13 words
יִזְבְּח֗וּ1 of 13

“They sacrificed”

H2076

to slaughter an animal (usually in sacrifice)

לַשֵּׁדִים֙2 of 13

“unto devils”

H7700

a dmon (as malignant)

לֹ֣א3 of 13
H3808

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

אֱלֹ֔הַ4 of 13

“not to God”

H433

a deity or the deity

אֱלֹהִ֖ים5 of 13

“to 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

לֹ֣א6 of 13
H3808

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

יְדָע֑וּם7 of 13

“whom they knew”

H3045

to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o

חֲדָשִׁים֙8 of 13

“not to new”

H2319

new

מִקָּרֹ֣ב9 of 13

“newly”

H7138

near (in place, kindred or time)

בָּ֔אוּ10 of 13

“gods that came”

H935

to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

לֹ֥א11 of 13
H3808

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

שְׂעָר֖וּם12 of 13

“feared”

H8175

to storm; by implication, to shiver, i.e., fear

אֲבֹֽתֵיכֶֽם׃13 of 13

“whom your fathers”

H1

father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application

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 32:17 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 32:17 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Judges 5:8Deuteronomy 28:64Leviticus 17:7Psalms 106:37-38Deuteronomy 32:21Isaiah 44:8

Test Your Knowledge

Deuteronomy 32 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterDeuteronomy Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

Continue Your Study

Read Deuteronomy 32 with CommentaryAll Deuteronomy ChaptersComplete Deuteronomy QuizBible CharactersNave's Topical BibleAll Bible Quizzes