King James Version

What Does Deuteronomy 7:2 Mean?

Deuteronomy 7:2 in the King James Version says “And when the LORD thy God shall deliver them before thee; thou shalt smite them, and utterly destroy them; thou shalt ma...” — study this verse from Deuteronomy chapter 7 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And when the LORD thy God shall deliver them before thee; thou shalt smite them, and utterly destroy them; thou shalt make no covenant with them, nor shew mercy unto them:”

Deuteronomy 7:2 · KJV

Context

1

When the LORD thy God shall bring thee into the land whither thou goest to possess it, and hath cast out many nations before thee, the Hittites, and the Girgashites, and the Amorites, and the Canaanites, and the Perizzites, and the Hivites, and the Jebusites, seven nations greater and mightier than thou;

2

And when the LORD thy God shall deliver them before thee; thou shalt smite them, and utterly destroy them; thou shalt make no covenant with them, nor shew mercy unto them:

3

Neither shalt thou make marriages with them; thy daughter thou shalt not give unto his son, nor his daughter shalt thou take unto thy son.

4

For they will turn away thy son from following me, that they may serve other gods: so will the anger of the LORD be kindled against you, and destroy thee suddenly.

Read Deuteronomy 7 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The command to 'utterly destroy' (herem) and 'make no covenant' establishes absolute separation from idolatry. This wasn't ethnic hatred but theological necessity—compromise with wickedness inevitably leads to corruption. The prohibition against showing mercy (lo techonnem) doesn't contradict God's merciful character but reflects the severity required when confronting systemic evil. Reformed theology recognizes that God's love and wrath are not contradictory but complementary aspects of His holiness. The New Testament parallel is the believer's complete separation from sin (Romans 6:1-2) and worldly systems opposed to Christ (2 Corinthians 6:14-17). Spiritual compromise is always more dangerous than physical opposition.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Ancient Near Eastern treaty-making involved elaborate covenants that created legal obligations and religious syncretism. Israel's covenant with Yahweh was exclusive—tolerating no rival claims. The Canaanite religious system wasn't merely different but actively opposed to truth, involving practices that dehumanized and degraded (child sacrifice to Molech, ritual prostitution). God's command protected Israel from cultural assimilation that would destroy their covenant identity and mission to be a light to nations.

Reflection Questions

  1. What 'covenants' or compromises with worldly values tempt you to dilute your Christian witness?
  2. How does understanding the severity of sin's corruption affect your approach to personal holiness?
  3. In what ways should Christians maintain separation from evil while still engaging culture redemptively?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 14 words
וּנְתָנָ֞ם1 of 14

“shall deliver”

H5414

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

יְהוָ֧ה2 of 14

“And when the LORD”

H3068

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

אֱלֹהֶ֛יךָ3 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

לְפָנֶ֖יךָ4 of 14

“them 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

וְהִכִּיתָ֑ם5 of 14

“thee thou shalt smite”

H5221

to strike (lightly or severely, literally or figuratively)

תַּֽחֲרִים֙6 of 14

“destroy”

H2763

to seclude; specifically (by a ban) to devote to religious uses (especially destruction); physical and reflexive, to be blunt as to the nose

תַּֽחֲרִים֙7 of 14

“destroy”

H2763

to seclude; specifically (by a ban) to devote to religious uses (especially destruction); physical and reflexive, to be blunt as to the nose

אֹתָ֔ם8 of 14
H853

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

לֹֽא9 of 14
H3808

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

תִכְרֹ֥ת10 of 14

“them thou shalt make”

H3772

to cut (off, down or asunder); by implication, to destroy or consume; specifically, to covenant (i.e., make an alliance or bargain, originally by cutt

לָהֶ֛ם11 of 14
H0
בְּרִ֖ית12 of 14

“no covenant”

H1285

a compact (because made by passing between pieces of flesh)

וְלֹ֥א13 of 14
H3808

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

תְחָנֵּֽם׃14 of 14

“with them nor shew mercy”

H2603

properly, to bend or stoop in kindness to an inferior; to favor, bestow; causatively to implore (i.e., move to favor by petition)

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 7:2 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 7:2 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Judges 2:2Exodus 23:32-33Deuteronomy 20:16-17Joshua 11:11-12Deuteronomy 23:14Leviticus 27:28-29

Test Your Knowledge

Deuteronomy 7 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterDeuteronomy Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

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